Thurday January 20, 2011
Picture of the Day
6 tons of glass
Exactly how I pictured it. I though Diane Lane might actually come out and greet us. After winding roads of vineyards, we arrived at Chianti Sculpture Park with a beautiful view below and amazing art ahead. We froze on the tour and after, we came upon ‘la galleria,’ which also serves as, oh ya know… just the tour guides’ home! The house was full of even more breathtaking art, not to mention how every functioning thing in the home was a work of art itself. Even the speaker was one of the coolest looking things I’d ever seen. We were served only the freshest food and wine, straight from their own backyard, which of course was the sculpture park, complete with the most intricately beautiful pool. The olives were from, literally, right outside the door of this amazing home full of so much culture and history that doubled as a gallery. I felt honored that this simple, yet sophisticated couple was so willing to open up their home to us and let us into their world. They were absolutely adorable and clearly enjoy sharing their love of art and culture for everyone to see.
Now tonight…
Superhero Party!!!
Siena Day 5
Friday January 21, 2011
Picture of the Day.
Moulin Rouge Crepes & Nutella Crepes
As the gentle quiet snow falls (yes.. it’s snowing. Not a real snow though, it melts as soon as it hits the ground) I feel that it’s tranquility is desperately needed after a rough night. A ’superhero party’ was to be held at a local pub last night and an unspoken agreement to not only go, but to flat out rage seemed to have been made between the 165 students here. Some (including myself) bought masks at the local 99 cent store. While out, my sweet, gentle roommate with only the best intentions seemed to have found herself pretty toasty after a night of free drinks. I had already been passed out in our room for sometime when I awoke to the sound of the strong, yet friendly voice of our protective friend George attempting to put a belligerently reluctant little Bailey to sleep for the night. Next, I heard a loud boom, some apologies and then forgiving. Unable to even open my eyes let alone comprehend the situation occurring right next to me, my body drifted back into a deep slumber. Next, I was abruptly awoken by a frantic friend searching hectically for Bailey’s passport and money. Somehow I managed to relay the safe’s code to her, yet was not capable of staying awake to figure out what on earth was happening right in front of me and I uncontrollably fell back into my coma. At 7:00 I awoke to the sound of Bailey’s phone alarm signaling it was time to get up for class, yet Bailey was nowhere to be found. After a groggy panic, I was able to find George who informed me that Bailey had hit her head really hard on the marble shelf behind our beds which caused slight bleeding and a passed out Bailey. George and three others had informed the hotel concierge, called an ambulance, and paid 50 Euro for a taxi ride to the hospital where they waited for 4 ½ hours yet were not allowed to see Bailey who had a concussion and needed a few stitches as well. Upon learning that I had no way of seeing or speaking to my poor, injured, scared roommate who had no friends or family present, my heart ached for her. Not knowing when I’ll see her, how she is, or what sort of trouble this means for her is extremely unsettling. During and after class (which probably held only half the student population today), I heard many other crazy stories of a night gone wrong, including peeing in the street, making an expensive international phone call, and throwing up. As the snow began to fall, I felt it was, in some way, washing away the night’s sins, cleansing the streets of the mess we left. It was there to settle the air, to calm the storm, to keep us inside for rest and warmth, in order to clear our heads, to quiet the left over tension and pause all the gossip. Snow was not expected on this trip, but it was definitely needed…
Siena Day 6
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Picture of the Day.
San Gimigniano- View from the Tower
Siena Day 7
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Picture of the Day.
Exploring Siena on a lazy sunday.. the sun finally showed it's face :)
Siena Day 8
Monday, January 24, 2011
Picture of the Day.
The view on my walk to school every morning.
Siena Day 9
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Picture of the Day.
The perfect Tuesday afternoon: crackers, cheese, wine, fruit, & a good book.
