Some Firsts

After class Friday we gathered together in Piazza Gramsci for the bus ride to San Gimignano. Known as the "City of Towers" or "Medieval Manhattan," this small town somehow maintained a number of the towers that were used to protect it. Although the number of towers is now a small fraction of what it used to be, this small village was a free comune that didn't intimidate the constantly shifting powers enough to destroy them all. I couldn't wait to get there, because while you can stand in awe of the surrounding panorama and speculate how the fortresses were created, they have world class gelato. I hadn't bought any gelato in anticipation of the euphoria-inducing sweet.

On the 90 minute bus ride I day-dreamed about becoming reacquainted with the sweet treat, but was pulled out of a few dreams for some interactions with "countrymen." The first were 4 boys about 9-11 years old who sat just behind me in the last row and were VERY loud. My favorite point in the ride was when they were singing "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry, which I'm not sure they understood. My next exchange was with a guy about my age. He threw down some pick-up lines which my host father retains are a way some ragazzi simply say to establish some contact. There wasn't much said between us, but nonetheless he threw me a very public kiss from the street.

Finally, we arrived in San Gimignano and I led the group at a very fast pace to the place that sits so well in my memory. Those that know me well enough may recall that I have very little memory for directions or location, but this was clearly a place important enough to be ingrained. I enter the small, yet charming Piazza della Cisterna, beeline to the gelaterria of heaven ... and discover that it's closed! YES, it's closed. Why? For vacation until the end of February. When I read the sign, I had this impulse to fall on my knees, shake my fists at the heavens and cry out in agony, but thankfully I ignored that one.

Instead, I explored the views that the city had to offer with a friend of mine named LeAnn. There was no way I couldn't get over my disappointment with some good company and a gorgeous place to explore. We made sure to get some gelato which ended up being an adventure in itself. Without knowing it, LeAnn got "caldo gelato" which really just tasted like flavored whip cream. It sounds good at first, but I would suggest you stay away from that stuff if you're not looking for a sugar coma.

After the trip home, we all took some rest and met again in the ever stunning Piazza del Campo. We hung out there for a while and then hit the town, coming to a pub called La Bella Vista, which looks like it might become our "stomping ground." I ordered the house drink which is semi-sweet and made with ginger. Hanging out with my friends, we chatted amongst ourselves and later with a few locals studying for the Italian version of the BAR exam (practicing our Italian, of course). After a while, part of the group left to explore the nearby discoteca. I stayed behind and soon called it a night. With so many new things going on, I find that I need a lot of sleep.

L'inizio

So school has started which has been keeping me quite busy! Not to mention exhausted. I start my walk to school around 8:45 and get there with just enough time to get myself situated before class at 9. Then grammar with Roberto fino alle 10:45 where we do exercises and occasionally play games (where the real point is to have the best team name!) which is followed by a 15 minute break. After is conversation class with Claudia until lunch al mezzagiorno. I just finished writing new words to an old Italian song from the 60s for homework. Both classes are challenging but the atmosphere is still really fun.

The length of lunch depends on what else we have left for the day which ends up being anywhere from 45 minutes (an extreme case) to 2 hours (which is the average). Then comes language lab where both levels of Italian meet with one of the professors for an activity. Sometimes we play games like Categories, while other times we watch movies. Two days ago we went on a Treasure Hunt and had to ask the Sianese questions about the city; we were all a bit nervous at first, but my group had lots of fun!

So I'm getting settled in as much as I can, but things continue to be unsure. I have accepted it as a reality of studying abroad that I cannot count on my emotions to be consistent from one hour to the next. Lucky for me, there is still great support from the staff and other students of Siena School.

But I'm still having fun. I've been going on walks everyday around the city just to see what I can find. Secondo me, the views from everywhere are simply stunning. I've also had some entertaining experiences. For instance, my host parents asked me if I wanted to come with them to the countryside to babysit their grandkids. Of course I did and was greatly rewarded.

First, I saw 2 wild boar (a speciality of Siena) nella campagna. But then, I met 3 beautiful girls who I was able to spend time with and get to know. The oldest is pre-adolescent aged, around 11 or 12. We practiced a little English together and I found it nice that other people have as much anxiety about another language as me. The youngest is 1 and was simply joyful. She is almost ready to walk but is so cute that you always wanted to squeeze her close. And the middle child is 4 and turned out to be a perfect companion for me. She taught me new words and corrected some of my grammar. I taught her some English words ... although she couldn't care less. We sat at the kitchen table and spent hours together drawing pictures, counting, and practicing the alphabet. And of course there were lots of tickles. I've discovered that laughing sounds the same even in Italy.

But now I have to get some sleep. No matter how much I get, it's never enough! A dopo, tutti!

Today I went to the hospital...

but not until after church. I'm fine, I'm fine. Don't worry. Let me just get along with the story and we'll get to the hospital visit in time.

So I woke up a bit confused about where I was. It hasn't settled yet that I'm here and on top of that, my already skewed concept of time has worsened. So much has happened over the last few days that the days feel more like weeks. Today is the end of day #4! Non lo credo! Anyway, when I was finally oriented and ready for the day, my host mother and I left for a walk. She showed me how to get to school first. It's so close I can hardly believe it. I didn't time it, but I'll get back to you, maybe tomorrow when I start my first day of classes (EEEK!).

Then we went to San Domenico and attended mass. It was almost a surreal experience of jumping back into time, pre-Vatican II. For those of you that don't know Church history, Vatican II, among other things, brought vernacular tongue into the church. Previously, everything was in Latin. Although I've been to church enough to know what to expect and have quite a bit to attribute to Mrs. McDonald's Ecclesiology class in high school, I couldn't participate in prayers because I only know them in English! One of my missions for the semester is to learn them in Italian. But still what an interesting experience!

After church, Tina took me to La Piazza Del Campo. My loyal readers, I will admit to having misty eyes when they met Piazza Del Campo. This place is truly stunning and holds so much history. It is literally and figuratively the heart of the city. My words are far too limited to express my veneration for this place. It is with my highest suggestion that I tell you to see it for yourself.

The walk home was quick and easy. After lunch, a nap, and dinner (no wonder I feel like all I do is eat and relax), Tina asked me if I'd like to go with her to visit a friend. Where? At the hospital. (Told you it was coming.) Of course I said yes since I'd never been there before. I told her that and she reminded me that it was a good thing. I guess I should be a bit more aware about my eagerness to experience everything. Ennio joined us and off we went.

Like everything in Siena, it's not very far. It's quite similar to those in America I've been to, complete with a gift shop and a sketchy cafeteria, which probably still has better food than America, although I did notice some differences. Maybe I was off tonight or really know nothing about medicine, but the organization seemed a bit strange. Everything was color coded and yet somehow neurology was down the hall from dermatology. Hmmm. But also, the hospital was without private rooms. Not much of a surprise with Italy being on a socialist health care system, but occasionally it slips my mind.

Tina's friend was in great health and on her way out of the hospital soon. She had some other visitors and it was interesting to watch them all interact. It was hard to keep up with their rapid conversation but I'm pretty sure the Palio came up at some point. Maybe I'm biased to want to hear it, but the Sianese really like their Palio. But now I've gotta catch some zzz's because tomorrow I start classes. Buona notte!

Casa Dolce Casa

It’s been another miserable day weather wise but besides il tempo, today has been pretty fantastic. The only other thing is that I believe that I’ve quickly gotten over the time difference…and was unhappily awoken by the crowing del gallo at around 3 a.m. Quite usually I’m a heavy sleeper as my gracious, yet occasionally clumsy roommate Chelsea has learned. And yet I just couldn’t find any solace last night—which can be attributed to the anxiety I had for today’s events. Perche’? Well today we met our host family!

But first we made a quick trip back in the direction of Lucca and took a tour of La Fortezza di Montecarlo. It continues to amaze me that I can visit places that were built centuries before the modern world dared to think of the Americas. La Fortezza was built in parts starting around 1100 for the purpose of, what else?, security and communication. Paired with Lucca, La Fortezza was used during the constant state of war with Pisa and Florence, (UGH!) the eventual victors. Here are a few pictures from Il Cosimo Torre (as in the Cosimo of the Medici Family), which has recently been renamed “the Wow Tower” for obvious reasons. For more pictures of the group, our tour, and our hilarious guide don’t forget to look at “Le Fotografie” link!






















When we were pulling up to Siena, my excitement was manifested in my unstoppable movements which were only calmed to meet the family. They picked us up in a parking lot and it was as if a party had erupted suddenly. The director Miriam ushered me to a charming elderly couple. Right away, my host mother Tina told me that she doesn’t speak English, so there was no speculating on my part. I am one of few in the city walls and based on a map I’ve seen I should have about a 15-20 minute walk to school. I’m really excited about that since I’m being fed so well. Too well, in fact. We had dinner several hours ago and the debilitating heaviness that comes with the practice of eating too much has not left my mid-section.

My host father Ennio was quite excited that I only had due valigie while he watched the other students with 3-4 bags each! I’ve had a laugh or two watching these beautiful women juggle suitcases. But I’ve come to find out that Ennio is a bit of a “computer whiz.” We’d been warned that Internet isn’t something that many Italians have, but when I was welcomed here I found out that not only is there wireless internet, but the phones are hooked to the internet and therefore all calls are free. What a set up, huh? For another surprise, Ennio speaks wonderful English, but is a great Italian teacher. We speak in Italian until I get caught up and then he helps me with my vocabulary and grammar. And let me tell you, I need lots of help! I tried telling him about Cornhuskin' (Sbuchatura della Granturco) and learned quite a bit in only five minutes. Needless to say, I couldn’t be more pleased with my home-stay and am so excited to get to know them better.

On a "Schedule"

I guess I can say that the itinerary has been a bit open. It literally reads: “We’ll be doing a little sightseeing, but mostly time will be spent getting to know each other and talking about the semester.” And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing. While I’m enjoying the time to relax and get to know each other, it makes me realize how used I am to American “busy-ness.” I have caught myself four or five times over the past two days saying that I need something to do. That makes me a bit frustrated with myself, but I’m sure it’s just going to take some time to adjust. Not to mention that I’m still a bit jet lagged, so I’ll just blame that for now.

Today we went to Lucca which ended up being kind of miserable. I imagine that it’s normally a beautiful place, but there were a handful of things that weren’t so great: 1) it was cold; 2) it was raining…torrentially; 3) we were walking around lost in the down pour for about 45 minutes; 4) the bus driver was a speed-demon and talking on the phone while playing chicken with tiny Italian cars. Some of us really felt like we were flying while others got used to the feeling of our stomachs in our throats. Bonus: I learned the Italian word for roller coaster (le montagne russe, aka the Russian mountains).

But we going back to our time in Lucca, I really enjoyed sitting al bar drinking tea and coffee with everyone and simply talking. I also found it very entertaining to watch people watching us. Not only are we a sizable group of Americans, but by chance we are all women. You can just imagine the range of looks from confusion to awe. After the bar, we went to the Duomo in Lucca and Lucia, a really awesome woman who works at the school, gave us a lecture about the Church, numbers, and self-development. It was mind-boggling to me to hear her speak about how an individual has to find balance between the good and the bad of life, much like the theories I’ve learned about in Buddhism and traditional Chinese religions. It just goes to show you how people are people no matter where they are. Below are a few pictures from the church. The one on the bottom is a labyrinth showing that one must start “in the hearth” and move outward in personal growth and that sometimes you have to change your path. Truly inspiring.

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Arrivo!

Buon giorno tutti! I’m here and everything’s great. The trip really wasn’t so bad, and if I’m going to be honest, I’d have to say that I enjoyed it. My wonderful, gracious family took time from work and school to join me at the airport for my final hours in America. I went through security swiftly, through a few air kisses back to the ‘rents and fratellino, and hung out at the gate for a while. At first, I was a little upset to find out that my seat was the last row on an aisle, but boy was I surprised. This wasn’t any plane, but an “air bus” with personal touch screen televisions with our choices of movies, TV shows, and music. Not to mention I had the window and aisle all to myself and the best airplane food I’ve ever had. Che fortuna!

I met a guy from Bulgaria across the aisle who was so intriguing that neither of us slept on the entire 8 hours! We would come to regret this decision as the plane landed in Munich, but I enjoyed the company and how the time seemed to slip by. I rushed off to my next gate for the final leg to Pisa to find nothing but the usual Italian way: waiting. When we boarded the toy plane as I like to think of it, I should’ve known that the ride was going to be a bumpy one. I’ve never been scared of flying before but this particular pilot gave my nerves a run for their money. The flight was only 1.5 hours but with George Clooney’s look-alike sitting across the aisle who would expect me to fall asleep. I must say how utterly wonderful it was to be surrounded by Italian again. And already I’ve been mistaken for an Italian, but couldn’t keep up with the conversation and had to confess myself.

Once in the airport, I was met by a terrific group of women. Crazy as it may seem, but my ENTIRE program is other ladies from around the nation. We’ve been spending a lot of time getting to know each other and it really feels like we have a complimentary fit. I can’t wait to see what unfolds for us over these four months. But now, I’m getting ready to sleep after this long journey. They’ve put us up at questo agriturismo which is quite comfortable. I learned how to play a few Italian card games like Scopa, which was quite entertaining to say the least. And of course the food was good, although I almost fell asleep in my 4 course meal. So now vado a letto. Ciao ciao!