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.