Sunday, October 27th

Having endured the “forced march” of yesterday, it was a welcome respite to enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast ‘al fresco’ while listening to the friendly whinnying of our neighboring horses.

Making our way into town, we parked in a muddied field below the walls.  Antoinette, Marie and I began making our way up to town.  We couldn’t understand what was keeping the boys from joining us.  From what we could see, they were in the van, on the side of the van, around the van – what were they doing?!?! When finally they joined us – they said the van’s sliding door FELL OFF!  Holy cow – not much we could do about it so into town we went!

So the feast is called, Sagra del Tordo (Feast of the Thrush).  Every last weekend in October, there is a medieval archery competition.  This tradition originated as a series of events between the four “rival” quartieri (families) of the town.  The residents dress in the corresponding quartieri colors.
There were tents and food vendors set up throughout the piazza, and people abounded!  There was fried polenta and chingali and all foods typical to the region.

We made our way into the castle keep,

where we experienced what seemed to be the presentation of the families.

They paraded out and the crowds lessened.  A wine bar was set up in the back shaded corner of the “keep” so we grabbed a table and feasted on light fare.  The antipasto was fabulous.  Crostini typical – (a pate of sorts), a selection of cheeses, bread, and wine, of course.
We ambled through town, found the church, shopped a little, then headed home.  Unfortunately, when we tried to get some of that fried polenta, it was SOLD OUT! Very disappointing!
Anyhow, we went back home, being very careful to slide that door, marveling at our luck of experiencing the feast.
When it was time for dinner, no one felt like moving so Bob put platters together of whatever we had in the fridge.  It was a veritable feast!
Another perfect day!