Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Note to self: when planning a trip in Europe, check for hostel availability far in advance. I had no idea that finding a place to sleep that’s not infested with bed bugs would be so difficult. Regardless, after a stressful afternoon of several failed attempts to understand the Italian train schedules, we made reservations for a two day trip to Venice. This weekend, Sarah and I will make good on our pact to ride a gondola, no matter what the cost.
Today I also experienced the first Sienese open market. Every Wednesday, merchants from all over come to Siena to sell their goods at wonderfully low prices. While I didn't make any purchases, I guarantee that this is going to be a dangerous, money-sucking habit of mine in the months to come.
In only one week, I have learned that the frustrations wrought by an inability to communicate and the feeling that you are once again a 3 year old child attempting to perform the most basic of functions of life can all be wiped away with a trip to the Gelateria. Our apartment agreed that tonight was a night for sweet elixir and I indulged myself with fondente (dark chocolate) and canolo (cannoli) gelato. We wandered to the Piazza del Campo where we made friends with some Americans and also a few Italians, eventually making our way to a bar where I finally got the opportunity to dance. We all have class tomorrow so we headed back early, but the bar was just filling up as we were leaving. I’ve learned that Italians adore coffee because they simply never sleep…but I do. Goodnight.
Note to self: when planning a trip in Europe, check for hostel availability far in advance. I had no idea that finding a place to sleep that’s not infested with bed bugs would be so difficult. Regardless, after a stressful afternoon of several failed attempts to understand the Italian train schedules, we made reservations for a two day trip to Venice. This weekend, Sarah and I will make good on our pact to ride a gondola, no matter what the cost.
Today I also experienced the first Sienese open market. Every Wednesday, merchants from all over come to Siena to sell their goods at wonderfully low prices. While I didn't make any purchases, I guarantee that this is going to be a dangerous, money-sucking habit of mine in the months to come.
In only one week, I have learned that the frustrations wrought by an inability to communicate and the feeling that you are once again a 3 year old child attempting to perform the most basic of functions of life can all be wiped away with a trip to the Gelateria. Our apartment agreed that tonight was a night for sweet elixir and I indulged myself with fondente (dark chocolate) and canolo (cannoli) gelato. We wandered to the Piazza del Campo where we made friends with some Americans and also a few Italians, eventually making our way to a bar where I finally got the opportunity to dance. We all have class tomorrow so we headed back early, but the bar was just filling up as we were leaving. I’ve learned that Italians adore coffee because they simply never sleep…but I do. Goodnight.
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