The tour ended tomorrow. After spending the morning in Siena, we had a few hours to ourselves, and then a farewell party at a local family vineyard. In the morning, everyone would fly back home, and we’d be left with our pictures, memories, and a Facebook page to share.

Enzo motioned for us to follow, and I shook off my thoughts. We stopped at the edge of the Piazza del Campo, a simple square surrounded by buildings and offset by a clock tower. “This is the piazza where the famous Palio horse race is run. It happens twice in the summer months—once in July and once in August. Seventeen contrade—city neighborhoods—compete for the prize.”

“Money?” Dan asked.

Enzo shook his head. “More important than money. A painted banner bearing the image of the Virgin Mother. This banner is the pride and joy of the city and is fought over bitterly by all the contrade. The winner must ride his horse three times around the square.”

“Doesn’t seem too difficult,” Dana shouted out.

Enzo laughed. “Oh, signora, it is most difficult. There are no rules, so it is quite dangerous. Many jockeys have gotten hurt. Horses have died. Blood has been shed. It is widely known that jockeys can be kidnapped, bribed, or blackmailed to either win or lose. We do not take this race lightly.”

I looked at the simple square and shivered. There was so much violence hidden underneath civilized society. Sure, I knew bad things happened. I struggled with my own crap. But I’d been mostly protected. The world was a much bigger place than I thought, because I chose ignorance.

It was easier, wasn’t it? Pretending nothing affected me or I had no hope to change things. I thought of the conversations I’d had with Ian about his dream to help people and animals. To be a gentle ear and make a difference here. He had a bigger purpose and wasn’t afraid of the work.

Maybe it was time I did the same.

“I’ll bring you to the cathedral and you may climb the steps to see a beautiful view of the city. Then I’ll give you some time to explore on your own, grab lunch, and we will head to the hotel for our final night. Dinner is at a family vineyard, where we shall celebrate the end of a perfect trip, no?”

Groans rumbled from everyone, and an excited buzz of chatter rose in the air. People had bonded over the last few weeks. Relationships had formed from not only witnessing great moments of history, but being together through all the boring details of travel. Bus trips, gas station stops, restroom requests. Long lines and long walks in stifling heat. Lost items, including Cherry’s passport, which had thankfully been found. And many questions all posed to Enzo, which he’d answered happily, seeming never to get pissed off.