This past Saturday, we FINALLY went to Siena!!!!!
I think I can count Siena as my favorite city thus far. I consider it a mix between Florence and Certaldo; not too busy city-like and not as small townie.
We basically hung around, ate lunch, and toured the Duomo. Favorite aspect number one: there was this giant, amazing piazza that was the perfect afternoon relaxation spot in the gorgeous sunny Spring weather.
I could sit there for hours (and almost did) just people watching and basking in the afternoon sun.
Favorite aspect number two: I experienced THE BEST (I know I say that alot, but this was THE BEST) gelato I've ever tasted. It was about time. I was disappointed about all of the other gelato I'd had previously...not bad, but not impressive. I learned that if any gelato shop has stacked flavors of gelato (like a mountain) then its shipped in and not fresh (non buon). As soon as I walked in, I could tell that this shop was going to have amazing gelato.
SO MANY FLAVORS! It took be a good 5 minutes to decide. Dark chocolate and strawberry with panna (cream or whipped cream).
Now that I've spent a few minutes talking about amazing gelato...
Siena was great and I definitely want to make a trip back there at some point to hang out in the Piazza del Campo and eat some delicious gelato.
Sunday we FINALLY had last weekend's intended walk/picnic/photoshoot. It was nice and breezy...until it got cold and windy.
But we trucked along up the hill and to the park, made it to a few benches, enjoyed some cookies and wine, and took pictures along the way.
Then it got freezing and windy so we headed back only to be rushed by a rain storm! Needless to say, it was an eventful afternoon and still fun and adventurous.
Monday we were supposed to go to Florence again to visit a metalsmithing factory, but that was postponed until next Monday. This whole week, to my recollection, has been delightful (except the numerous troubles I ran into while making my brooch series) and I finished one brooch in my series and started another! YAYY!!
Yesterday was a fantastic day! I finished my first brooch, it was beautiful and sunny outside, and I went on a run through the hillside! What better running scenery could you ask for? Then, we ate dinner at Bar Boccaccio (always a favorite) and they served us wurstel (fancy hot dogs) and french fries! French fries. All of us Americans were like whaatttt? They did it for us :) In addition to modified American favorites, we head delicious steamed spinach, salad, scrumptious mushroom lasagna, and probably the best soup I've ever had in my life. It's full of vegetables (including potatoes) so it's super chunky but still soupy and you're supposed to eat it with a piece of toasted bread at the bottom of the bowl so it soaks up the juices. Mm Mm Mm. Throw a little meat in there and I would eat that 24/7.
On my run yesterday I entirely confirmed that Italians are the nicest coolest people ever! I walked down Via Boccaccio (the street in Certaldo Alto) to the opening of the road that leads to the hills and passed a group of old people. Whenever they're congregated outside the building they always give a friendly, "Ciao!". Then, while I was running I passed someone who was walking the opposite direction and after I waved at them they said, "Ciao," and started cheering me on for my run! Then ANOTHER person, who I'd seen running in front of me at one point, passed me after I finished and gave me a thumbs up! Thank you walking person and running dude! Your encouragement means a lot!!
Hopefully the smiles and sunny days continue!
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