How is everyone doing? I am sad and excited about coming home soon. To be honest, not working at all is a little boring, I don't care where you are. I am having a blast, though.
Yesterday was so great. Alex and I went to San Gimignano (Jim een ya no), a hill town outside of Florence. It was beautiful weather. San G is a Medieval city that was quite wealthy. Many nobles lived there and it was self sufficient and powerful. San G is refered to as Tuscany's Manhatten because of all the towers. There are 7 now, but in its heyday, there were many more. During the Plague, many of the rich nobles died, sending San G into a state of decline. The city was forced to "sell" itself to Florence for protection. This was quite sad because the power of the remaining nobles was underminded (sp?) never allowing the city to get back on its feet. Maybe that is somewhat for the good, as San G is still a small, beautiful, Medieval town. You can walk across it in minutes and there are countless vistas and breathtaking photo stops. We went NUTS with the camera.
We got there around 1:00 due to a little bus mixup. We walked a bit and had a glass of Vernacci wine overlooking the view of the Tuscan hills in front of us. Vernacci wine is a white wine grown only in San G, thus is the city's claim to fame, as well as their coveted wild boar salame. For lunch, we ducked into a little place with great atmosphere and ok food. The owner was really nice and we even got to sign a guest book! We spent the rest of the time mostly just walking around and taking pics. It was a beautiful and relaxing day.
So, it does not matter that I killed the big mosquito. They are everywhere and in the past 72 hours I have gotten about 12 more bites, three on my wrist. Last night I realize I had just gotten two on my chin. My chin, dudes. I swear, I do not know where they come from and you do not feel them bite. Rachel was unfortunate enough to battle with them too, getting about 6 or 7 while she was here. They suck... literally and figuratively.
Last night I went to dinner. Guess where...... you got it, at Acqua Al' Due. I was sat next to these Americans and I had to listen to a 15 minute converstion about someone trying to order more sauce for their Jumbalaya. It was really riveting. They also went on about how dirty it is here, how rude people are, blah blah. Sometimes I just wish that people could come to a new place and try to blend in with it. Things here are different because you are in another country. No they don't have Ranch dressing, yes peanut butter is 9 Euro for a tiny jar, yes most people drink their coffee standing up. Didn't you come for that reason? If it was like home, then what would be the point of coming to visit? Am I right? Who knows, maybe I am just a snob. Still love me?
I keep forgetting to tell everyone about the orange pants. Do they have these at home now? Apparently, orange pants for men are totally the thing. Not bright bright orange, but pumpkiny orange. And, headbands are so in for guys. I mean it, plastic ones, cloth ones, whatever. Boys wearing girl headbands! Things are so different here as far as style and self esteem go. I see kids getting out of Liceo (high school) and they are dressed so crazy, but in a really fun way. They all hold hands and walk together. They really do not seem to have the self esteem issues and cliques you see in the US. It is really great. Overall, everyone seems so happy and laid back. Another thing is that couples are waiting longer and longer to have kids. It is like this in the States too. Here, it seems people are having children into their forties. Or, should I say, child. Having more than one kid in Italy is no longer common. In fact, the birth rate is negative. By law, a parent is required to raise their child, pay for their education if they go to school after liceo, and then support them until the child finds a job in their field. On top of this, a parent is required to provide housing by way of house or apartment. That is why it is hard to buy apartments and houses in Italy. They are most likely saved for a child. The apartment I am renting now is one that is being saved for my landlord' daughter. When she is ready it is all hers. That is why he cannot sell it, nor wants to rent it out to anyone long term. Crazy!
Currently I am dowloading music from itunes. I have decided to make a mix of all the songs that are popular here now and that I have been listening to all month. If anyone wants a copy, let me know. I love itunes! Today I will be doing the Dome, finally. I tried the other day, but it got rainy! I think I will do a long walk too. Also, the mystery of the Mars bars has been solved. Leave it to my mom to send me a press releas, or report found on the internet, as well as to be in contact witht CA Mars bar representative. Yes mom, you can work for my tour company as a researcher. They do not have them in the US, so I will bring some home. You can all start thinking what you can do for me for a cany bar! Good luck. I hope you are all well and enjoy the pics. I know they have been lacking lately.
Amore e Tanti Baci
Our Trip to San Gimignano
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