Siena

Throughout the semester, we have a few trips built into the program. Yesterday (Friday), we all went to Siena.

We took a bus out to the Tuscan hill town in the morning. It was very foggy out during the bus ride and it remained that way for a little while before the sun decided to grace us with its presence. It was chilly out (high of 54 degrees) but I love that weather.

Once in Siena, we got cappuccinos and then headed into town. Throughout the day, we checked out the Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, and the Cathedral of Siena. While in the Piazza del Campo, Sue (program director) told us about the famous horse race that is held twice a year. It was neat to see Lorenzetti's frescoes of good government and bad government after learning about it in Art History class (back in Tallahassee).

I can't recall the name of the restaurant at which we ate lunch but it was really a delightful meal. It was in a heated covered area outside so it was nice and warm but we still could enjoy a view of Siena. We drank Chianti. The first course was a delicious pici pasta. The waiter served the steaming pasta onto each of our plates. My second course (which was different that everyone else's because of my vegetarianism) was cooked vegetables (carrots, zucchini, potatoes, etc...) and spinach. We had an almond pastry dessert. It was nice and light and followed by a lovely little shot of espresso (with sugar, of course). Oh...and there was a liquor served with the dessert but I only tried it...I didn't really drink it. It was too sweet and strong for my taste.

After lunch and wine and espresso, we were all in a really happy mood. We took a bunch of pictures of each other in the Piazza del Campo.

We left Siena as it was getting dark. We were all exhausted and slept during most of the bus ride. The Siena day trip was definitely my favorite day so far. Siena is SO beautiful.