Villanova Barberino Val d'Elsa

... headed into the cemetery. It was actually very ornate, the headstones were huge (I remember one being a life size statue of 2 people dancing), and some were in rooms/buildings, I’m sure there is a proper word for them. We each broke off and strolled around separately, then convened together and started walking further up the road. We made it to the Piazza we had wanted to go to, took tons of pictures, and goofed off (I can’t express enough how ...

... Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Potatoes, and Mixed Vegetables. For dessert pumpkin pie, ice cream, and apple cider! It was nice to spend the night with classmates and a few professors.

Friday night, we had yet another Thanksgiving with all of my friends. Everyone prepared their favorite dish and we spent the night telling stories of our families Thanksgivings.

I'll update you soon,

Siara

Siena photos here:
http://www.facebook.com/album. php?aid=164853&id=613699523&l=d 7d2db6b42

Thursday caught a bus to Siena with Nonie and Kerrin.
The Duomo there is one of the best and most beautiful churches I've seen inside and out - and I've seen more than enough churches to last ...

Hi Everyone!

After an exhausting weekend in Brussels, I was in for yet another treat with cooking classes in Florence. Organized by my school, a group of us met with a chef for some lessons.

We were taught how to prepare typical Tuscan cuisine including Ribollita and Stuffed zucchini-flowers.

Everything was delicious & I look forward to trying these recipes at home!

I'll update you soon,

Siara

... of the the omniprescent and enigmatic Ivana, a local property owner in her sixties who was everywhere on her bicycle and so laid back she seemed almost unconcerned with her rent. Just as we were thinking, 'life doesn't get better than this', it did. This was just the beginning. Karen had big plans for us. First we dined at a lovely laid back seaside caf , where we enjoyed the sun, local fare and refreshing regional white wine. Then we were ...

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We were let go from the tour at the Duomo and look around on our own then left to souvenir shop. We ran into the Orrs and Jim wanted to stop at McDonalds for dinner so we stopped and watched him eat. The two couples then moved onto the Piazza Campos were we found a restaurant to have dinner at. Kathie had soup and I had pasta while we watched the tourist go by in the piazza. While our meal was being prepared she told me that she saw our neighbors from home go by. I ran out ...

... way different and sizing is different and i know i am toning and gaining muscle so i don't care!!! i have cooler clothes and more room in my pack to buy things!!!) so then i find this pizzeria and get myself a capresi pizza, 1/4 liter red wine and a mixed salad and enjoy the outdoor scenery! fantastic...yummy pizza too. so then i catch the next route on the site seeing bus and end up taking it back a round a second time back up to the plaza i had seen where there is a copy of ...

We awoke early today to catch the train to Florence. We took an express train. Cos is still amazed with trains. He just wanted to stand and watch them arrive and depart. We arrived at noon in Florence in the rain. We have checked into a lovely bed & breakfast that was recommended by the DeGenovas. It is walking distance to everything you could want to see here. We hit the streets right away and went to ...

... and the other side moving back two. This way we're supposed to get acquainted with everyone and no one can claim the prime front seats. We really are a diverse group. There is one family of 6 from arizona, headed by Grandma Mimi, her son and daughter in law, and their 3 teenagers. Mimi rules the roost, and she and her son are always the last to rejoin the bus-their kids are well behaved and lots of fun, and daughter in law has had way too much together time with ...

... of many amazing options followed by desserts of all kinds. This was followed by a few minutes atop this amazing hotel on the terrace which led yet another flight to a small gazebo-like level. The view overlooked the entire city, with the Duomo just in front of us. Unfortunately, I only have only a few moments to write tonight but in the next few days ...