Well, so far this week has been a very trying one. Adjusting to life in a new country is much more difficult that I anticipated. Very few people here speak English so it can be very lonely at times. Hopefully things will get better since school starts next week.
Today my housemate, Ada, and I went to San Gimignano in the hill country. The views were breathtaking. We were told by many people and my guide book that the finest white wine in Tuscany comes from this area, so we bought some for our dinner tomorrow night with all the Guilford students and our professor's family.
Living in Siena is like taking a giant leap backwards through time. Internet is a rarity and is only accessible through internet cafes which charge a hefty price. According to my professor the internet company here is a monopoly and therefore internet is too expensive for many households, and free wifi is non-existent.
As a class the other night we discovered this great little place inside a 12th century fort called Enotecca Italiana. It's sole purpose is to provide a nice place for people to gather and talk over a glass of
wine. The inside is beautiful and the walls are exposed brick.
Every night at 8 p.m we eat dinner as a "family" the food is always wonderful and always more than I am ever able to eat. I'm not really sure how everyone stays so skinny here when all they eat are carbs and tons and tons of cheese!
Well Ciao for now!
San GimignanoA few of the once 60 towers, many of which were built in the 10th century.
Italy's Flag
Map of Italy