Striped Shirts and Straw Hats

Last weekend we went to Venice for four days. Sadly, it wasn't as impressive as I expected. It was cold and raining (but I can't hold that against it). What really disappointed me was all the graffiti and trash in the streets. The history there, however, is incredible. The program arranged three different tours for us through churches, fraternities, and art museums. I saw a few Picassos and other more impressive artists that I can't remember now... 

I'm glad that I got to see Venice but also glad that I'm not spending my whole time there. (my pocketbook is also grateful for this)

On Friday our time in Siena is over and we move to Florence. I am so excited!! Siena has been so amazing but I hear great things about Florence. And the nerd in me is really excited for my painting and history classes!!!

Miss you all!

CA

The Honeymoon Stage

Hey!!! So I have been battling with the internet since I have been here and tried to post the same thing multiple times. So I will try once more. This is a posting from more than weeks ago so don't get confused:

The honeymoon bliss has yet to wear off... It has now been a week that I've been in Siena. Since it is such a small town I have been able to walk the boundary of the city and through most of the streets by now. I also recognize many of the locals. But those I remember are because of their dogs or children.

On Wednesday I went on a tour of a local Statue Park. On a hill outside of Siena a man has organized a nature walk with sporadic sculptures throughout. He invited artists from around the world to come stay at his house while choosing a plot of land and doing their work. The inspiration for each piece comes from the agriculture in the ares they chose. Some of the works were absolutely incredible. After the tour the owner invited us into his HOME and his wife served us Tuscan appetizers and wine. His house was even more stunning than the park. Everything was art!!!!

Yesterday I went on a walking tour of Siena. SO the parts of Siena I hadn't seen I now have. Cool tidbit: Siena is divided into 17 neighborhoods. As you come into and leave each neighborhood the buildings are marked with the neighborhood's symbol (eagle, goose, panther, giraffe, etc.). Each neighborhood also has its own church. This is amazing when you see how small Siena is!!! During the summer there are two horse races in the square and ten of the 17 neighborhoods compete. Before the race , the horses are taken into their respective churches and blessed by the priest. The race is run bareback BUT the horse can still win the race even if the rider falls off. They say about 40,000 people come to the race. I would love to come back this summer and see it!!!

I had my first Italian exam today and it went very well! Phew. I studied for a while but I do believe this us much easier than French. (so to those of you who have not chosen a language yet, I suggest italian). However, knowing a foreign language at all helps a lot. Italian just seems to be more consistent with less exceptions. 

Ciao a presto!! (bye until later)

Siena

Ciao!!!! I have made it to Siena, Italy! Everything that you have ever seen, or heard, or read or thought about Italy is true! The info books say not to expect this romantic village with yellow buildings, people singing in the streets, or flowers on the walls but they are WRONG. I have found such a place. Today was our first day of Italian class. We go to school for three hours every day for three weeks before we move to Florence for our regular courses. I am trying so hard to learn the language and the people here have been so helpful. 

Everything is more wonderful than I ever imagined. My room is very quaint and comfortable and the gelato is to die for. We met the fruit shop man today. His name is Mosimo. He was very excited to teach us the names of each fruit and now waves at us everytime we pass. Earlier tonight we walked to the Duomo (the large cathedral) and just stared in awe. 

So far, an amazing beginning.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

It is 5 A.M. and I am (predictably) still packing. I leave in a few hours for the Idaho Falls airport and will make it to London Thursday morning. I have read through my pre-departure handbook and completed all of my lists so now I can only hope I haven't forgotten anything. I had alloted three days for packing but "the plague" hit our household this New Years and so my three days turned into today. But maybe the all-nighter will help me with jet lag. I have a few more Fiber One bars to squeeze into my bag and then I am off!