Well, it has been a while and the only one to blame is me. So, I apologize. Between having too much fun on the weekends traveling Europe and these past two weeks in school being super busy, I haven’t posted.
Anyways, two weekends ago I traveled to Tuscany… I think you have probably heard about it. This was one of those trips where everthing went wrong. First my friend Jeff and I decided to go at about four in the afternoon on friday (already a bad start). Our plan was to go to Siena for the weekend, but after all things were said and done we didn’t arrive in Florence until 10 (probably didn’t help that my friend was in Venice when we decided to go). So, we contacted some friends in Florence and stayed with them for the night. First impression of Florence. Great city, beautiful things to see AND the most english I have heard since being in Italy, which wasn’t a surprise because there are so many American students who study in Florence. The aspect of Florence that I really enjoyed was talking with the Italians in Italian… Sounds a little strange, but because there are so many American students studying there who don’t speak they were really grateful when someone made an effort to speak in Italian.
So, the plan for saturday was to go on a wine tour in Siena with a friend that is studying there. Something like five hours for 30 euros. Anyways, long story made short. Her phone wasn’t working, therefore I never met up with her and never went on the wine tour. Awesome! Instead, we gave ourselves a little wine tour, going to every enoteca (wine store) in Siena. Needless to say it was really fun. In one of the enoteca’s a man approached us and asked if we needed any help… in english, which is totally fine. I know there is a lot of tourism in Siena and even though it is hard for me to admit it, I don’t exactly look Italian. It might be the pale skin, or the blonde hair, or the height. Just maybe one of those. Anyways, back to the story… I responded to him in Italian and then proceeded to taste, talk, be wine all in Italian… and buy 4 bottles… oops. This was an awesome experience for me and really tested my progress in the language. Yes of course there were things I didn’t understand, but overall I did, which felt great. After 12 hours in Florence and 2 full days in Siena the weekend was over and I am now in love with Tuscany. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. Plus the cities, the food and the wine are just ok. It also helped that weather was in the mid 70’s all weekend and I got a little tan… HA!
My classes are continuing to be challenging. There is something about taking Italian classes for a proficient speaker when you are at the speaking level of a 10 year old that makes it challenging. I don’t know though. Midterms are now over. I am obviously excited, but we will see how I did.
What else? I am continuing to bike a minimum of one hour a day, more or less. It has been awesome and frustrating at times because I forget I have to give myself time to get to my class, but whatever Italians are late. I might as well truly live the culture. Last week I got my first hair cut in a different language. Awesome experience. I entered a little nervous but 35 minutes later it turned out to be awkward and funny experience. Plus, I don’t look to bad…
Coming up… Paris! Crepes, pastries, EIFEL! Les Rollers! Swat! and one very sweet MUSTACHE!
1 Comment
October 22, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Jman, thanks for the post! You now have truffle season coming up, November is Italian truffles not the Japanese truffles in October. Go to a Truffle festival, try to find a Polenta festival and whenever you see Sagre(festival of) stop and participate. There is alot more of Tuscany to see! Keep up the good work!