Straniero: Regatta

Today must be my favorite celebration. Again a celebration surrounding the river (very primal), regatta happens in the day. Four port cities compete in a medieval style rowing race. First I regretted my decision to stay in town instead of travel. Now I love it. This race only happens once every four years in one of the port cities (Pisa, Amalfi, Genova, e Venezia) I got lucky being here this year.

I decided to walk to town today. I was told it would take an hour but only took a half. I immediately liked my decision.

My favorite view in all of Pisa

The day is beautiful. I walked by my favorite view in all of Pisa. The sky is blue. The wind is calm.
I arrive at the river, find a spot on the wall, and sit to read. A small bambina...probably two, cries to see the bella l'acqua. Instead of making me wish to never have children, I enjoy the fact that I can understand. Both her language and the reason why. The water is beautiful.

A car show proceeds through town. Old European cars that would make my dad' s heart twitter. I sit and enjoy. It's my weekly Sunday Funday.

During the parade straight men in tights threw flags. I love ancient traditions!

The parade helps pride grow. In ways I am reminded of game days in Morgantown. The city united for a common goal. Yet here people cheer without the influence of alcohol and all teams are celebrated. Respect was given to every city represented.

Amalfi

Venice

Genova

Pisa

The costume from many years past puts this city in the proper place. You can feel what is must have been like then. It wasn't one country but rival cities. So...who will have the best row team?

The event is the first time I feel Italian culture. Really get to know the people. Also makes me slightly thrilled for calcio season. Soccer for Americans and football to the rest of the world.

The procession is like a mini olympics. A parade a competition and a celebration. Better than March madness because of weather and elaborate festivities.

The river races start. It's rowing, which I find to be thrilling. First a small modern boat race takes place. Pisa wins! The crowd goes wild. Next is the main event. Long medieval boats line up. They start from much further back than the small modern boats did. I am near the finish line, so I must watch the screen to the see the start. It's starts off very close. Amalfi and Pisa are neck and neck. Stern in stern...Then Pisa takes the lead, and keeps it. The crowd begins to shout, Pisa, Pisa, Pisa. I join in, because this is my city too. Near the finish Venice comes to the lead. Then Pisa. Then Venice. In the end Venice wins. This really does not come as a surprise to me. Venice is a city of water, they should be pretty good a navigating it.