San Gimignano

San Gimignano boasts the world's first skyscrapers. These towers along with the city wall served as a great defense system against enemies, specifically the Florentines. The structures were in abundance until the early 14th century when the Black Plague weakened the local army and Florence was finally able to take over. While the town was left in destitute for hundreds of years it also led to the great preservation of the remaining towers and wall. Today many tourists stroll down its quaint streets and alleyways.  

One day after class Maria invited a group of us to join her on a trip to this little town. We hopped on a bus and two transfers later we arrived on a cloudy afternoon. We had just enough time to walk around a bit, shop for some souvenirs, and eat a delicious dinner. I probably consumed the best lasagna I've ever had in my life that day. 

The town is so small that one is able to walk the entire length in about 10 minutes.  This was great because we were able to walk down most of the alleyways, talk to locals, pet cute dogs, and take in dramatic panoramic views.  There isn't a whole lot to do, but considering how close it is to Siena I would highly suggest going on an afternoon after class if you get the chance.  Walk, eat a lasagna, and breath in the fresh Tuscan air.

senese cemetery

Luca gave us a tour of the local cemetery.  Italian cemeteries are usually on the outskirts of town, which meant that Siena's case it had some of the best views around. When we first walked in it looked as if the entire grounds were relatively small, but as we continued to explore we discovered a whole other section that expanded down the hill.  Every citizen is guaranteed a proper burial by the city so after 100 years of being buried, the bodies are exhumed and cremated in order to make room for the more recently deceased.  

During our impromptu tour, Luca told us a few anecdotes about the cemetery.  One in particular stood out as characteristically Senese.   He said that a woman was once buried on the northern end of the cemetery to the dismay of her daughter.  She did not want her mother placed in that specific spot and petitioned for the city to move her.  Upon this request she was required to give an explanation.  She explained that since her mother was from the Tower contrada, she would not want to live in eternity overlooking the Duck contrada (the Tower's archenemy). After hearing this explanation the city decided that this was a very good reason and granted the daughter's request.  The mother was moved to a spot that was out of the Duck's sight. 

While story made us chuckle it also gave us a good idea of the relationship between this particular city and its citizens.  While there is definitely a cohesiveness in Siena amongst its citizens, rivalries and deep histories are maintained and honored by almost everyone.

Next Stop: Siena

 We made a couple of stops on our way to Siena.  First was a recently discovered Etruscan tomb named Tomb of the Quadriga Infernale.  This tomb was discovered on an annual excavation of the surrounding area and is one of the most significant discoveries of Estrucology in decades.

It was one of those experiences that could have only happened on a trip like this.  And I don’t think it would have had the same effect as it did had I taken the time to research and find such an amazing side trip.  And even if I had taken the time to try to find such a gem I probably wouldn't have been successful.  Even thought the frescoes in this tomb are the most significant archeological Etruscan find in the last 10 years, they haven't made it to mainstream tourism.

None of us were as excited as we should have been on our way there, but as we walked back to the bus through the Tuscan fields, it was all we could talk about.  We had already visited the roman monuments that we had been dreaming about for months, but so far this was the coolest thing we had seen. 

The second stop was a small Tuscan town called Sarteano.

It was all very quaint and small and charming and it made me so grateful to be out of the big city and on to our next adventure.

friendliest waiter in Sarteano.

Cat, Gerasimos, Dan

Megan, Alison, & Gaby

   

St. Peter's Square.

night time around the Pantheon.

Field Trip in Rome

This weekend was a whirlwind.  In two and a half days we managed to explore the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Piazza Novona, Piazza Campo da Fiori, Vatican City and the Vatican Museums, Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto (again), and climbed to the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.  Phew!

The whole weekend was so packed with activities that I barely had any time to miss home.  My group got along really well and four of us were able to break away from our larger group of 17 to explore on our own.  Since I had so much fun in Trastevere and the Ghetto we decided to go there so I could “show them around”.

                                                  

Two highlights from our free afternoon were in these neighborhoods.  First, we ate a café that I gone to a couple days before and had great panini and wine.  It was located just far enough from the Colosseum so that it wasn’t a tourists trap.  When we arrived we were actually the only tourists there. 

The waiter was very friendly and offered us free sparkling water, dolce, and cappuccino.  We couldn’t have started our trek through the city on a better note.  I think my classmates had the type of moment I had on the bus a few days prior while we were sitting in that little café.  I had it all over again too.  I love the simple pleasure of enjoying a nice coffee, strolling from place to place and letting it all soak in.  

The second highlight took place in the center of the Jewish Ghetto.  Just beyond the “Bah-Ghetto” restaurant we noticed that some children were running around covered in shaving cream.  Naturally we all flocked to the scene and after speaking to one of the moms we found out that it was the last day of school and the kids just decided to celebrate by having a little fun.  Their smiles and laughter were contagious and we were on cloud nine for the rest of the afternoon.  We spent the rest of the afternoon happily exhausting..  My feet were in so much pain and they still are.  But I don’t care and I am not putting on my disgusting tourists shoes if it’s the last thing I do. 

Here are some other photo highlights of all of our field trips. 

Now we are off to Siena, but first we will visit an Etruscan tomb.  I think I’m going like it..  How about you?

It was all very exhausting and I am so happy to leave Rome and get to my new home.

Piazza Navona

Maria and Luca.  i heart them.

Pantheon

Vatican Museum

St. Peter's Basilica

Atop the St. Peter's Basilica Dome

Coloseo

the best tour guide ever.

kiddies.

First Roman dinner at Orso Ottanto

group pic.

love Rome but happy leave.