January 6th, 2007.
On ‘Befana’, we went to Citta della Pieve. It was a beautiful Wintery day, very cold but with bright golden sunshine and, at three o’clock, a small crowd began to gather in the main square and along the street leading to one of the churches.
We walked along with the crowd, wondering what was going to happen. Everyone was very friendly and when they saw the children they told us to go and wait by the church where we found lots of other excited children.
In the distance, slowly riding towards the church through the old stone streets, came the Three Kings on their horses. They were magnificently dressed and the horses were decorated with gold and silver bridles. Each King held his gift and they rode past us and right inside the church. We all followed them in and watched while the Kings dismounted and solemnly gave their gifts to a real life Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
After this the local priest (I think) came round giving all the children a glow-in-the-dark baby Jesus (which the small one loves) and bags of sweets (which the tall one loves).
It was fantastic.
Citta della Pieve
Best thing I ate today;
Zuppa di Ceci - (Chick Pea soup) - This mellow, grainy soup, fragrant with Rosemary and slick with olive oil is like eating a bowl full of Tuscany!
Where to get it;
'La Solita Zuppa' - a very 'proper' Italian Osteria, in Chiusi, specialising in traditional Tuscan Cuisine. It has a small delicious menu using local produce. The atmosphere is always lively and you can tell that the owners are passionate about their food.
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