Next Stop, Italy

Hannah and I going out for "aperitivo"

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Hannah and I in front of the San Lorenzo markets

Although my spring break was half way over, Hannah and Arielle were just about to begin theirs. While Arielle finished up her midterms, Hannah and I explored the city. We saw the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and tons of stores and markets. For the one day we were together, Hannah made me have an authentic Italian eating experience. Dinner was aperitivo which is a kind of bar where appetizers and nibblers are served buffet style for free with the purchase of one drink. Breakfast the next morning was espresso and a croissant for breakfast, standing at the bar like everyone else. Lunch we ate at this amazing panini shop that is famous at least among all the kids studying abroad.

In the afternoon, I met Arielle at the train station as she had asked me to go to her grandparents house for two days with her. Her grandparents have a house outside of Palaia, a little little town in Tuscany country. 

front of the house

Arielle and I at the back of the house

Palaia and the surrounding areas are famous for their grape and olive vineyards and Arielle's grandparents are lucky enough to have their own olive trees from which they make delicious olive oil, as well as other fruit and vegetables growing on their land. I loved being able to see a different part of Italy other than the cities. No one spoke a word of English and I was able to peer into the lives of a different culture away from the prying eyes of the tourists. Between their exuberant hand motions and my fleeting (lets face it, almost nonexistent) Spanish, I was surprised that I could understand most of what the people were saying. The country was relaxing and gorgeous and an opportunity that I was very lucky to have.

Back in Florence, I met back up with Hannah and her parents who were visiting for Hannah's spring break. We got a tour of the Jewish Synagogue and then while Hannah's parents toured the city, Hannah and I did what we do best--grabbed a book, a bottle of wine, and a sunny spot to sit down and enjoy ourselves.

Mark, Melinda, Hannah and I in front of the Synagogue