Exiting the washroom felt like stepping through a time warp into Renaissance Italy. The lobby and the main entrance was filled with jovial people in c (...)

This troupe of Sbandieratori seemed very at ease in their respective roles and exuded the confidence that comes with professionalism. The Flag Thrower (...)

The Maid Of Italy made flesh before my eyes. Yet, I could see her bending forward to pour me some vino in a Tuscan taverna. (Bad Jean - SLAP!)

A mighty blast of the horn caused all and sundry to assemble in front of the Chateau Laurier. There was to be a procession up Wellington Street to Par (...)

With everyone in place the trumpeters sounded the start of the procession. The notes resounded and were amplified by the nearby stonework. A thrill ra (...)

The sudden silence of the trumpets was replaced by the visceral beating of drums calling out the marching step. BOOM BOOM BOOM, BADA BOOM, BOOM BOOM B (...)

Many troupes consist only of the Flag Throwers and the band. Carpineto Romano also includes a cross-section of the classes of people representing the (...)

Oh Bella, some wag shouted. It might even had been me trying to get a reaction from this serious lass - a smile, a heaving bosom. The Lords & Ladies w (...)

A view of the those gorgeous dresses as the procession flowed ever upwards.

She walked up the street looking very much high born. Her hair shone like gold on that hot sunny morn. This woman tempted me and felled me at first si (...)

As was the custom of the day the peasantry brought up the rear of the procession. I love the hairy trousers and the muslin shirt. If he had horns he'd (...)

The buildings of Parliament always induce in me a sense of time travel back to an earlier time. This was further compounded by the sight of this blue (...)

Marching in formation through the gates leading to Parliament. A large crowd had gathered and gave the troupe a rousing welcome. There were grins ever (...)

The drummers followed suit with the Flag Throwers behind them. What a colorful sight!

Then it was the turn of the Lords with their ladies to pass by. A mighty fine sight it was indeed.

A typical Renaissance married couple. He's checking out the young lasses in the crowd and she's pissed off because that other woman wore an outfit sim (...)

He's thinking, "I sure could use a beer right about now." She's thinking, "That Flag Thrower sure has a nice butt." Some things never change.

The troupe finally made it to the Hill and assembled in preparation for the show. In my twisted mind, the fellow on the left is asking the Lord for hi (...)

Already, a rival has appeared for the hand of the Lord's daughter. Their flags at the ready, they will fight for her honour as she watches demurely in (...)

Others join in the melée. Arranged in formation, synchronised to the beat of the drums, each man rocks back on his heel to draw the furled flag and t (...)