Surrounded by Italy, San Marino is a country that spreads a
mere 61 square kilometers (that is about 23.5 miles) P.S. throughout my travels
I am constantly annoyed by our lack of ability to go metric. Didn’t we all learn it in 3rd
grade? Come on already!!! San Marino is
the oldest surviving Republic.
It’s 3 steep peaks and rugged slopes were a big reason it was a safe
haven that folks left alone back in the day; it was just too difficult a
terrain and too small a territory to fight over.
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Hotel is at the top of this peak in San Ramino |
Today,
the 3 steep peaks with castles atop and the 360-degree breathtaking view make
it a destination for many travelers. Throughout
it’s 1,700 year history, there have been many unique reasons San Marino has
been able to keep its independence amidst all the political and powerful
turmoil that Europe has faced. Dating
back from the days of the Roman empire to now, San Marino has always been a place
of peace. Abraham Lincoln became an
honorary citizen during his tenure due to the fact he sent a personalized hand
written note thanking San Marino for their support and congratulatory message
when the 13
th Amendment was passed.
San Marino has 8 political parties, elects 2 presidents
every 6 months.
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One of these things is not like the other..... |
With 32,000 citizens
there is a solid chance you will get to be president of San Marino at some
point. Would you like to become a
citizen?
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On guard |
If so, you need to reside in San Marino for 40 years or marry a
citizen and stay married for a minimum of 15 years.
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Lorengo government building |
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Atop the Prima Torre Castle |
After crunching the numbers, Brendan and Jack decided they
should begin their residency now as their window of opportunity was closing to
make an Olympic Team.
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Jack & Brendan in preparation for the San Marino tryouts |
Jack was thinking
he would try his hand at the luge and Brendan was hoping for representing San
Marino in World Cup qualifications.
San Marino is known for perfume, lotions and stamps; but our
team will remember the castles, Karaoke and their first attempt (meaning there
will be more this Fall) at a Dutch Auction.
Teams of 5 are asked to perform impromptu which the staff gives points
to. Skits that earn the highest bid end
up winning the Auction. Highlights were
Jammer’s impersonation of our bus driver and the team’s take on our pre-game meetings.
Huskies replicate our daily bus ride
Hillary's goal in the Final Four
One skit:, “A sports
broadcast after the Huskies play a match in the College Cup.” I am embarrassed to say that one member of
our team asked, “Wait! Do we win or lose the game?" Hence, one of the main reasons we are loving
this trip away from the daily grind. It
is clear our team knows how to work, compete and succeed when a specific task
is set before them. But, in the
pandemonium of life we forget how healing it is to take a breath, slow down and
yes, even dream. Winning the College Cup
needs to be so clear in all of our heads, we can feel the excitement,
see WASHINGTON painted on the field and know we have it within our reach; it
begins with a dream that we meld into a goal; together.
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Ready! Aim! Fire! |
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Sunset sisters |
Glad you are all having fun and success in Italy! I've enjoyed reading your adventures. And I'm really glad Jack is there to make sure you don't leave your camera behind. Travel safe!
ReplyDeleteElysia from Si Boards, Inc
Everyone has noticed that Jack is not bad to have around!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading!