Everyday Adventures

I've been told that I need to update my blog so that's why I've started this post, but I must admit that I don't know of much to tell you. Sure, my days have been busy, but I had been thinking about any spectacular event I found necessary to recall and couldn't think of anything right off the bat. So I need to apologize because I'm a brat.

I've been here 3 weeks and I've just realized that I'm already taking things for granted. Not in the traditional sense; I'm still going on my walks and trying to practice my Italian. I'm una monella because experiencing the exceptional has become an everyday activity. So much so that I occasionally forget that it's not normal to go on scavenger hunts and to walk into ornate churches by chance, but I'll get those stories in time.


First off, I spent my weekend in Florence. The city's only 45 minutes away in autobus. It's okay, you can be jealous (but I have to admit that Siena is still better). A group of us made the trip up there and met some amici I have kept up with since last summer that live in Florence. They only speak in Italian, so it was really nice to have a fun way to practice with no pressure. I decided to stay the night and ended up being really happy with that decision. My friends and I saw a huge group of people and tons of polizia and when we went to investigate found an anti-facist group. Interesting, to say the least.

But continuing, I was just chilling at the Ponte Vecchio, having a grand old time when I see my friend from Meredith College Sheryl 2 passi da me. I couldn't even believe it! I wasn't even able to form words I was so shocked. I took 2 steps and wrapped my arms around her without giving her any kind of warning. Like any normal person, she screamed. EVERYONE turned to look at us and out of complete incredibility of the situation we spent the entirety of the next 2 minutes laughing so hard we couldn't breathe. I knew she'd be in the city, but the city is ginormous and we happened to be in the same place. The more experience I have, the smaller this world gets and I love it!





















There are some really great places in Florence that I got to see (like the Church of Santa Croce pictured below), but there is far too much even for a weekend. I guess I'll just have to go back. Darn! But no worries because I have been having more adventures here in Siena since I returned. I'm not sure if you know, but I am enthralled by all things Siena including le contrade, le fontane, e il Palio. (For more general information, click on this great video I found or look at my post from this summer.) Some people call my passion obession, but whatever. I've been using my daily walks to find the baptismal fonts of each contrada.

Tuesday I went looking for the Oca (Goose) fountain but instead found the House of St. Catherine. I got there 5 minutes before mass, took the timely arrival as fate, and walked into a totally different atmosphere. So much so that my jaw dropped. This little church was gorgeous! The colorful paintings and the gold embellishments--I was shocked! There's nothing like that in the States. Un prioprio italiano laughed at me and reminded me that the Renaissance happened here in Italy before the United States existed. Gee, thanks!

But still no Oca fountain, yet the search continues. Today I found 2 new ones I'd never seen before along with a few others I already knew of, but I'm still lacking 8 of the 17. Eventually I will take pictures but for now I'm using the fountains as landmarks to learn the city streets. When I know how to get back to them on my own, then I'll take a picture. Until then, aspettate!