Yesterday was a rest day at the 2026 World Youth Chess Championship. So I took advantage of this to go and visit a country I have always wanted to see. San Marino. Even since I was a child, I found the idea of a country inside another country fascinating. But when I got older I developed another connection to the country, through chess.
Since I started representing PNG at chess Olympiads, way back in 2000, PNG have played San Marion a 6 times, and another 2 times prior to that. Over the course of 8 matches PNG holds a narrow 4.5-3.5 lead. My contribution has been less than stellar, with 3 draws and a loss.
The country, completely surrounded by Italy, was founded in 301CE and is considered the oldest republic still in existence. After a 3.5 hour bus round to get there, we had a guided tour of the castles located at the top of the mountain, before heading of to do our own exploring. Despite the heat, and the steep climbs, it matched my expectations, especially the idea I had of it from my childhood. Located on the top of a mountain peak, it certainly looked to be an ideal defensive position against medieval armies. Lots of walls, fortresses, cliffs and cobblestones to traverse or observe, left me exhausted by the end of the day.
Another 3.5 hours back in the bus, before getting ready for the 2nd half of the tournament.
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