Wednesday, March 14th
Today we woke up early and packed our bags and headed with a smaller group to the Colosseum to actually go inside today. It was awesome! So cool to see the inside and learn about the history! We also got pretty cheap tickets away from the Colosseum (we should do this when we go back, Mom), so I felt pretty good about just walking through, but not having to spend too much time in it. We then walked across the street to the Roman Forum and walked around inside of there for a little bit. After walking around for a little while we decided to go to Paul’s prison. We walked around in circles for a little while since none of us knew where we were going and were pretty stupid because we did not pay attention to signs. However, we decided to look at a map, HA!, and then found it. The prison was amazing! It brought our whole group to tears because it was so crazy to see where Paul was actually held and wrote letters! It was a very small place but surreal to all of us. (Mom, we have to go back here! It was completely worth it to me!)
We finished touring and then went walking around for lunch and ended up stopping at this cute little restaurant and all ordered pizza. Again, it was delicious! I am going to be such a snob when I come back! After lunch we walked our bags through the town a bit more, which is not easy and frankly already getting old. I am so ready to be settled. We then loaded our bags and things on the bus and have been driving for about an hour so far! We are headed to La Pievuccuia, for a few days and I am super excited about it!
Saturday, March 17th
So La Pievuccia was amazing! It was one of the quaintest and most peaceful places I’ve ever been too. It is hard to describe in words exactly how all of us felt being there. The cities have been so much fun, but La Pievuccia is in the country and is a local vineyard where they grow all their own food, wine, and olive oil. The food was all organic and amazing (and gourmet)! We had at least 3 courses for every meal, but dinner was generally 4 or 5 courses! A little overwhelming but the food was all so good we didn’t mind eating it all! I wish you could all try the food we had; you would never want to eat anywhere else.
At La Pievuccia we had a workshop where we went over all our lesson plans and planned everything out! It was a little stressful but also exciting! We also got lots of breaks to go have quiet time, take a nap, read, or go for walks. I have started the first Hunger Games book and am already addicted! It was super peaceful and so relaxing! So much fun!
Funny story from here: Caroline and I were exploring when we first arrived and came upon some chicken and geese. We weren’t too worried seeing as how one of the chickens came right up to us lke he was posing for a picture. However, before we knew it the king goose was squawking and full on sprinting after us! So naturally we bolted, but I was sure one of us was going to get bit in the butt! I mean it was literally inches away from us! Needless to day, we are in good enough shape to out run a goose, thank goodness! It was a pretty hilarious sight and all the other girls were cracking up at us! Lesson learned: Stay away from geese…they are very territorial!
Sunday, March 18th
So after La Pievuccia, we took turns riding in a car to drop our bags off in the hotel in Castiglion Fiorentino, which was about 7 minutes away. Then we walked to the train station and headed to Florence! It was about an hour and fifteen-minute ride into the city, which was not bad at all! Once we got into the city we met a tour guide who took us all around the city telling us interesting facts. Honestly, I was not paying much attention to this part because I couldn’t hear her very well and was too distracted by the gypsies (they totally freaked me out!) and I was starving! Eventually we were done with our tour and it was lunchtime then after we were free to do whatever in the city, so we went to the markets and I bought a purse and will be going back for scarves! So excited! It was one of my favorite places to go so far! I also really enjoyed eating gelato (Italian ice cream…but way better) and people watching! The Italian boys are really living up to their reputation! But it is pretty funny and I haven’t been too bothered by it so far! (not that I enjoy it either). We are now about to be living in our true city and tomorrow is exploration day, and I couldn’t be more excited! From the little I have seen of it so far it is amazing!
Look below for pictures on Facebook! The internet is too slow to upload them on here! So sorry!
You are just getting started and already so many great stories. I was quite concerned about you missing out on "March Madness" back here in the US. But you appear to be coping. Somehow.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures were awesome (they're worth a thousand words, you know). I especially enjoyed the ones from Rome and seeing so many familiar places again - Colosseum, Forum, Trevi, Spanish Steps, the huge white memorial building on the hill, etc.
I was about to say, "Have a great time!", but I don't think that will be necessary.