Europe, Italy, Siena and even Allentown, Pennsylvania's patron saint is Catherine of Siena. She was born in Siena in 1347, was the 23rd of 25 children in her family, and she died in Rome some 33 short years later. Catherine's head is on display in San Dominica church here in Siena.
I saw it last week. It is displayed as nicely as a 600-year-old dead head can be. Just as I was reflecting that I wasn't as creeped-out as I thought I would be, the light in the box turned off. I looked at the others near me--my friend and a young Italian couple--and my look was reflected in their faces. A moment of silence passed as we looked back to the glass head box. Just then, a man who seemed to be the church's keeper came up behind us and informed that the church was closed.
The least he could've done is flick the head box light on-and-off a few times to warn us that it was closing time like some stores are kind enough to do.
Anyway, the photo above is the spot where the devil apparently pushed Catherine down the many steps at the back end of the Duomo. She, I mean, the Devil broke her front teeth and an arm. Poor woman! Imagine how she felt when she explained to people why she'd fallen. "The Devil pushed me!" That Devil is such a bastard.
I couldn't resist and tried to tempt the Devil to push me, too. The guy couldn't be tempted. We Bond Girls* are too intimidating, I guess, to tempt even the Devil.
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*Bond Girl update: There is none! After a couple of phone conversations (in Italian, nonetheless) with the Bond people, I've heard nothing since about being an extra in the new Bond film. I waited a whole morning for instructions the morning of the supposed filming--in a nearby village. However, the morning wasn't a complete waste. I wandered down to my favorite café and did what any Bond Girl would do; I had a cappuccino and a Nutella-filled croissant (truly the invention of the Devil).
I guess I'm a Bond Girl in name only and not deed. So, when you go to see Quantum IForgetTheName movie this fall, you can say, "I know somebody who is not in this movie." Boy, won't your friends be impressed! I know I am.
*** Oooo... weird! Look at the number of this post. Triple sevens. There's a slight connection, don't you think? The Devil's number and Bond's number? Hm.
3 comments:
Sorry to hear about your Bond film role.
But the croissant sounds awesome!
Sigh....another Janelle food to add to the 'must try' list.
:)
Rock on Bond Girl!!
~Scot
Too bad about the movie, but you don't need to prove yourself by appearing alongside Daniel Craig. We KNOW you're a Bond girl.
Scot: Thanks! It's the best thing EVER, that croissant.
Neel: Thanks, Neel! It's because I always manage to find myself in danger, isn't it?
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