Siena Italy

 Italy Day ONE

A few more things from London: they do have really nice loos (bathrooms) maybe even the best in the world (very clean, floor to ceiling walls and doors & most of the time free)  some restrooms did charge up to .50 pounds to use the restroom.  They also have a different power system than we do here, it charges things faster but never try and plug an American blow dryer in. 

So today was a little uneventful.  Maybe I am just getting used to the fact that I am really doing this :)  Or it could be the jet lag, time change, or little sleep that I have had (but still loving it).  Traveling with 120 other American students can be very difficult.  Most girls brought 2 checked bags and 2 carry on bags.  Thats a lot people and luggage to get to the airport and get on the plane, BUT we made it Pisa Italy.

Once we arrived in the Airport we took a charter bus to Siena.  I badly wanted to stay awake but I just couldn't do it.  I woke up and was in BEAUTIFUL Siena.  I am now checked into the hotel (will be here for 2 weeks).  Getting ready for dinner and a night out on the town... I am now in Italy :) YAY x 100!

So I just had to post after dinner too.  We walked through the city...WOW! It is better than I ever imagined.  The streets are smaller than ally ways back in the U.S.  The houses are centuries old and have so much character...WOW again!  We walked for about 10 mins then the street just opened up to the most magnificent courtyard I have ever seen.  It all lead down to a huge church and clock tower.  We all ooooohhhed and ahhhhed.  We then went to dinner.  Italy had started a slow food movement.  We experienced that this evening.  We arrived at the restaurant, Medioevo, at 8:00 P.M. and didn’t leave until 10:30.  Our tables were set with wine glass and bottled water. 

First we started of with Mixed Bruschettas.  Wonderful bread with olive oil and a mix of tomatoes and garlic on top.  Best I have ever had.  After about 20 mins we then were served Pici with ragui and wild fennel.  This was a typical Sienese pasta with a touch of meat sauce.  Not anything like in America where we have tons of sauce and meat.  The Pici was a thinker spaghetti, almost chewy with a touch of meat and sauce.  The wIne was served along side our Pici.  A very amazing red wine, about half warm.   Another 20 mins later we had Cacciatroa,  a chicken stew along side spinach and potatoes mashed into what looked like a piece off a loaf of bread.  To finish off the meal we were served apple cake..YUM. 

Let’s just say I am now ready for a long nights sleep.