Twelve drummers drumming

Our trip to Siena to see the Palio seemed blessed; we found a great parking space, the parade went right past the restaurant where we went for lunch, and - after thinking we'd missed our chance - we got into the square to see the race.

The parade was fantastic - and what really struck us was how seriously it's taken. This is reinforced when people are openly weeping after the race, and a drunk takes exception to us wearing the wrong scarves. Being crushed into the square was pretty scary at moments, but overall a brilliant experience.