The photos I have added are from outside the windows of the Siena School. It is near the edge of the city, so you can see the landscape in the distance. It is very very very beautiful in real life. I cannot believe my eyes. So today was the first day of classes/orientation. The bus system and finding the ways through the many streets in the city makes it so confusing and frustrating. I've tried to distinguish which way to go by different monuments. So far, so good. Finding the bus to come home was very difficult. But in the end it worked out. Today we learned how to introduce ourselves and say where we were from. In addition, we learned the alphebet and how to pronounce the letters. It is very fast paced, so I hope I can keep up with a lot of memorization at home. We then had a lunch break, where I learned pesto is amazing here; was born here. For breakfast I had yogurt with carrot/lime/grapefruit juice(which was not so yummy). I was also given lots of cake and cookies because their breakfast is usually something sweet. Furthermore, I had my first gelato experience today! It was so good, and cheap! I got 2 flavors, strawberry and strawberry cheesecake. It was so fresh tasting and I will probably not like ice cream anymore haha. Michelle, the other student who I came with from NAU, got chocolate chip and some wierd flavor which we could not decide what it was. But probably will never get again, haha it was very odd, maybe some type of nut flavor? For dinner Tiziana and her boyfriend Lorenzo (Yes, his name really is Lorenzo!) made me ziti with tuna and tomatos. SO GOOD. followed by baked eggplant with cheese and marinera sauce on top. AMAZING. Then they offered bread, fruit and coffee. When I said no I was full, they were amazed and said I do not eat a lot. I then explained how back home we do not have 3 course meals. With each course they fill their plates, I do not know how they can handle all of that food. But food here is a big part of their culture. Everyone enjoys eating and can never get enough.

First Day!

Today I arrived in Siena and met my host family. I'm staying outside the city with two sisters, Rita (18) and Tiziana (24). Right away they informed me they did not know a lot of English (and I do not know a lot of Italian). But after trying to communicate, I realized it is not too difficult to understand. I gave them chocolates and soaps which they adored. Also, I brought with me a photo album of my family and friends. After awhile of talking and translating (thanks to google) we took Rita's boyfriend to the train station and then went into the city. Walking around, the streets are very crowded and dirty. A lot of people were eating gelato or sitting at an outside cafe. Almost immediately I noticed how different our cultures were. They dress very modest, yet fashionable here. Although, they do smell quite bad at the same time. The streets were full of little shops and wine tasting. Because the Palio is coming up there were parties in the streets with loud drums and people wearing flags. I canNOT understand a word anyone was saying. The architecture and scenery is absolutely beautiful. I feel myself wanting to take pictures every 5 feet. Tonight Rita and Tiziana made me dinner. It was something along the lines of french fries, vegetables (which tasted like no vegetable I have ever eaten before) and some sort of meat on a stick. They say it was chicken/white meat, but it most definately was not. And I decided it was probably best I did not ask what type of meat they used. I have orientation followed by class tomorrow so hopefully I will be learning Italian quickly and be able to have a conversation with my host family!

Counting Down

I can't believe it is finally here. I leave for Siena this Saturday and I could not be more excited, nervous, scared, and happy; all at the same time! I have absolutely no idea what to expect when I arrive. I have heard many stories, read a lot of information and seen beautiful pictures of Italy. Packing and getting everything ready takes a lot more time than I thought it would. Such a process! It is so surreal to me that I am actually studying abroad. It has always been a dream of mine since I can remember and it is finally here! And the fact that I will be in Italy makes it all the better. I have not heard anything about my home stay family, but I did do a home stay a few years ago in England and it was an amazing experience. I just can't wait to get to Siena and get in the groove of taking classes and doing as much traveling as possible. Oh, and of course eat the food and meet all the Lorenzos!