We found our place and showered and got ready for dinner. We went to a delicious place (not microwaved food) and had a long Italian-style dinner. The bruscetta there was a-maz-ing.
After that we made our way to the discoteca, Gallery. You have to pay a cover but the cover is the price of a drink and you get a drink voucher. Thus when going to a discoteca, you are obligated to have a drink. I like their style. Throughout the night American music raged through the building, much to our enjoyment. A personal favorite was to see hoards of Italians doing the YMCA.
The next morning we got up and prepared for the day. We had a great lunch of pizza that was really unique (I ordered pepperoni pizza...but by pepperoni they meant pepper. It was delicious regardless). We then walked around Siena and found a great spot that overlooked the town. Then we went to two churches. One was really beautiful but was under construction. Like the one in Lucca, there was a preserved person, but this time just the head. Sick. Despite the coaxing from my fellow travelers, I never ventured anywhere near the head. After that we made our way to the Duomo, which was truly breathtaking. There was a woman outside playing a violin which only made the experience more magical. My favorite room was the library. The entire ceiling was so beautiful and along the walls were paintings depicting the life of Pope Pius __. Also in there were the songbooks from the 1400s (I think) that were HUGE. Each page had a beautiful drawing and there were tons of pages and tons of books. I can't even imagine how long that must have taken. If you ever go to Siena, the Duomo is a must.
After our exploring we went to the hostel to regroup (yeah, Barb!) and then went to eat at a place in Piazza del Campo. Again, the food was amazing. After dinner we found a few neat bars and ended the night at the Gallery. While wandering from bar to bar to hostel, we would just pass groups of young people sitting around with bottles of wine. They were so chill and laid back...it was pretty cool to see.
The next day we ate breakfast and then sat in Piazzo del Campo again. I love how Italians can just eat lunch, have a drink, or just be in these big open areas. No one is on their cell phones or computers...they just enjoy their surroundings and each other. We then went back to the train station to begin our 10 hour train adventure back to Verona. At one point we believed that we were at the correct stop. Half the group got out but as I was about to step off the train the door slammed shut. On the inside we pounded on the door and pressed button and on the outside they pounded on the door and pressed buttons. The surrounding Italians watched and laughed. As the train pulled away from the station Cameron ran beside the train like a scene in a movie. We weren't sure how we would get back but then realized they were at the wrong place and we were right...oh how the tables have turned. We finally figured out the whole fiasco and continued on home.
After my first trip I learned several things:
1. At some churches, there are bodies/body parts in clear coffins. Not for the sensitive souls.
2. Train travel can be very confusing, and the train doors won't reopen.
3. Don't put your feet on the seats in the train. They can fine you.
4. There are not open containers laws in Italy. Want to tote a bottle of wine around town on your tour? Go right ahead.
5. The John Wall/Paul Wall/John Paul dance as well as "Cranking the Roosevelt"
6. Hostels aren't as scary as you expect (but maybe thats becaue we pay extra for private rooms/baths)
7. Just because a restuarant is in Italy does not make it homemade.
8. American music is everywhere (as I was writing this I went through the lobby where "Freebird" was blasting. Made me feel like I was back in Bama)
9. Italians are not loud at restaurants. And they don't like it when a pack of rowdy American college kids are loud.
10. Tuscany is even more beautiful than I expected!
What a wonderful weekend! Can't wait for Paris!
The ceiling in the library at the Duomo. Pictures don't do justice.
The outside of the Duomo.
A courtyard we wandered into.
A few gals overlooking Siena.
A sidewalk artist. It was amazing to pass this throughout the weekend and see the progress.
View from Piazza del Campo.
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