Ciao! Sorry for the double posts. I forgot to post the blog I wrote yesterday before I left for San Gimeano in the afternoon! So now you have a lot to catch up on! Typical for a Monday anyways!
So what is new since yesterday!?
Well I ate lunch on my balcony before I got the call from Amy to meet at the train station at 12:45 to catch the train to San Gimeano, which is on the Tuscan countryside!
So we got on the train and had to take a bus once we got off the train to get to San Gimeano. The city is known to have the shop that has won “World’s Best Gelato” a few years in a row, so we were on a hunt to find that!
We got into town and began to walk into the area with all the shops. Ainsley and Briana hadn’t really eaten much, so we were on a hunt to find them food!
Basically right when we walked into the main area, a fight pretty much broke out. Me being me, had to go investigate. 2 Americans were in the shop when the argument began. The owner of the store had practically grabbed this man who was with his wife probably and brought him back into the store, kicked everyone out, and locked the door. So much yelling and screaming was going on so everyone was coming up to see what was going on. Of course this is Italy, so where are the cops when you need them….. Ya, they never came. The 2 Americans that had to race out of the store basically explained to me that apparently the wife must have special ordered a ring, didn’t like it, and walked out. So we’re pretty sure the owner was just really mad since he probs worked on it for a while and they weren’t going to pay for it. The one lady got it on video so she was joking about putting it on the internet. Haha!
So then after all that, we just left and looked around at the shops and then Ainsley and I stumbled upon a bakery that had a ton of pastries and sandwiches as well! All the pastries looked so delicious! So Ainsley picked up a sandwich and then we caught up with Amy, Hal, and Briana to tell them to go there. I took plenty of photos of everything of course. It was so neat though because basically everything on the bottom shelf—I was like I made that in baking, that too, and that too to like 4 or 5 different things! It’s so cool to be able to walk into bakeries and say that!
So then we headed out to explore some more and finally came into the square area where we had been told has the shop with the world’s best gelato. Of course the place was pretty crowded, especially since they had a sign saying that had won whatever years they did. They had SO MANY flavors, but only a few looked pretty good. I like gelato/ice cream with a ton of stuff in it, just like I like my cheesecakes too, I don’t like plain flavors that much and if I do I only eat a little bit. So I ended up getting the nutella and Italian version of chocolate chip. Most of them seemed to be fruity flavors too and I don’t necessarily like fruit with my ice cream either! I was shocked that I kind of liked the banana flavor we made in baking. But I also knew I took the risk of getting the nutella flavor because here, it is usually made with yogurt and doesn’t taste very good even though I LOVE nutella these days. Both the chocolate chip and nutella were pretty good, but I still think the place where I get the cheesecake and cookie gelato is SO much better. Everyone else enjoyed the flavors they got too!
It was quite chilly and Ainsley, Haleigh, and I were basically in shorts. Weathermen here don’t tell the weather here any better than they do in the states! Even though Briana is from Texas, she still carries a jacket with her everywhere so she was prepared! She let me use her jacket for a bit, which was so nice, but I had to give it back eventually because it was cold!! Haha
So then we got the ticket to go see their Duomo. I mean it’s an honest fact; there will never be a Duomo that compares to the Duomo here. I mean the size of ours is breathtaking. Both Nikki and Tricia, and everyone here too are like OMG when they finally see the Duomo here. I mean the inside of the Duomo here doesn’t compare to the Vatican (St. Peter’s Basilica), but it’s still really pretty! But their Duomo was nice on the inside, but we were trying to figure out what the stories were behind some of the paintings because some of them were kind of graphic and weird. I went to Catholic school for 12 years and still couldn’t figure some of them out! But their Duomo was either very old or they just have not been doing much to preserve the paintings because most of them had faded or there was a fire or some sort of thing that ruined some of the paintings and walls. All in all, it was neat to see!
So then it was time to get over being cold and climb one the towers that is still left there. Apparently I think they said there are 14 left in the city? Maybe. But one in particular Amy’s book said to climb. So we went and bought our tickets and climbed the tower. There was like a little museum every once in a while climbing it that we could walk into but I don’t necessarily know the relevance to some of the things that were in there. Ainsley isn’t afraid of heights really, she’s just not too much of a fan with steps that don’t have backs to them.. But she faced her fear and we all climbed the steps to the top! It was insanely breathtaking! We think the reason Amy’s book said to climb that tower was because it seemed to be the tallest. However we were having trouble finding the other towers that were climbable. So we stood up there for a bit, took plenty of photos of course! We got to see basically the whole countryside- tons of green and vineyards, pretty houses, and all of San Gimeano. It was SO neat and so cool to see all the villas and vineyards! We all kept joking about how we want to own one of the villas one day, not really joking though.. cause we meant it!! Haha! Plus we all were saying how we want a garden on top of our apartment like some of the apartments there do! However, I would rather have a pool and a hot tub! Haha!
So then we climbed back down the tower and walked around a bit more, looking in some shops and what not. Then we took a random turn I had wanted to take earlier, but everyone wanted to keep going straight! We walked around the corner and everyone was like OMG at the sites and I was like I TOLD YOU we should have gone this way!! Haha! The scenery was gorgeous, once again tons green and vineyards just a little closer this time! There was this insanely good smell coming from somewhere and we were all pretty hungry, but it wasn’t coming from a restaurant we figured. One of the apartments above a restaurant had its door open and whatever they were cooking smelled DELICIOUS!! We figured hey the doors open, that means come in!! So we were all joking about climbing up the wall and seeing what they were cooking!! So then we all just stood/sat around that apartment for a bit enjoying the smell and chatting about random stuff. Mainly whether or not we’re ready to come home since the 28 days thing got brought up! SO sad!
So then we decided it was time to catch the bus and train to go back and eat some dinner! We decided to stop first back at the bakery/café from earlier and get some pastries! They had like the biggest pieces of biscotti ever which Ainsley got, Haleigh got these chocolate covered shortbread cookies, and I got the GREATEST cookie I have probs ever had in my life. I got this powdered sugar almond cookie that was pretty good but then I got this short dough I think cookie covered in pine nuts. Weird combo, but GEEZ it was DIVINE!! I wanted to buy like 50 more! Def. took a photo of both of the names of the cookies so I can do some research and find the recipes for both and make them when I get home!!
So then we went and sat at the bus stop for a bit, just guessing we read the time for the buses right. This clown was entertaining a bunch of people out front with balloons, juggling, etc.—so we kind of watched that to keep us entertained since we were all so cold. Then OMG this cutest little child all bundled up in his jacket and pants came walking towards us. He looked like a baby version of the kid in A Christmas Story that is so bundled up he can barely walk. OMG he was so precious and then we came up to us, he plopped down right on the ground. He was precious!!
So then the bus finally came and we took it back into town to go catch the train! We had to wait quite a bit because the train wasn’t coming for a while and we had already bought our tickets, so we didn’t want to go take the bus back. So we sat in the café and looked around for a bit! I miss Easter eggs and miss how I won’t be getting a basket full of candy this year! They had these huge chocolate Easter eggs all wrapped up that had a gift inside so those were neat to look at!
So then the train came and Haleigh and I already validated our tickets (Here, if you don’t validate your ticket esp. on trains, when the guy/girl comes around to check, if you haven’t validated yet, you can get fined up to like 50 euros or something ridiculous like that!)…….But Briana, Ainsley, and Amy all hadn’t. The train wasn’t going to stay around for long, but they ran to go try and validate their tickets. Haleigh and I were already on the train, but when we went to try and get off, the doors closed. So we were stuck on the train and had to go back. So Briana, Amy, and Ainsley all had to wait another hour to come back! So they sat around and played cards while they waited and me and Haleigh chatted and came back to Florence to get dinner.
Haleigh and I are both on the kick of being done with the same old restaurants-- time to try new ones since we don’t have much time left : (!! There is this restaurant down my street that Bess, Sam, and Alexa have all said is good, so we were all going to go there. However, Haleigh and I had to go alone! Their menu is pretty good and filled with tons of different stuff. Some things were pretty pricey, but Haleigh ended up getting this 4 cheese penne with bacon, so like Bacon Mac n Cheese and I ended up getting this large penne pasta with Tuscan meat sauce! Both dishes were very good and we will def. return to try something different next time! I am hoping to take everyone this weekend when everyone comes to visit!
So then we sat and enjoyed our dinners and then each went home. I have been so drained these past few days that I decided not to go out like I had planned. I was just too tired and needed to catch up on my life! Haha So I came home, checked facebook, and took advantage of the gmail calling thing and called Krobbie and Hogan and caught up with them for a bit, discussing my homecoming soon too! And then I called my mother and father and my friend from work! SO good to hear all their voices and catch up with them for a bit! I have been slacking I know!!
So then I went to bed and woke up this morning and went back to bed till 11 am. Yes, 11am—Shelley sleep till 11am? I told you I was exhausted! So then I decided it was time to do something with my life and take advantage of the pretty weather instead of staying in all day!
So I got up did my laundry, showered, and got ready to go for a walk. My headphones broke a few days ago, so I was down to 1 headphone and I def. can’t make it the next month and the whole flight home without some legit headphones! Tricia and I found these ones when we walked up to Piazza Michaelangelo the other day and I didn’t buy them like I should have! So I decided to walk all the way there and climb the steps again to go find those headphones! Haha! I was walking there and I was like OMG I am seriously walking all the way there just for headphones like it was NBD. Haha! Too funny! So I got up there looked around since it is like my favorite place in all of Florence and bought the headphones. I decided to walk the other way passed the actual Piazza and explore what was back there. Nothing really-- I just got to see some hotels, homes, pretty sites, and other stuff. So then I decided to walk back down and go to Billa to buy some chicken since I started my new diet plan today!
So I went there and then I wanted to try and find those cookies from yesterday. So I went to my friend Val’s bakery, but they didn’t have them. I felt bad not getting anything and then I felt bad for getting canoli since I promised Val I would go with her, but I had to get something and dude, canoli sitting in front of me……I had to get it. It was SO good of course. The pastry part was crunchy and perfectly made and the inside was delicious! I prefer them with chocolate chips inside, but this one didn’t have any, but it was still amazing! Def. will go back with Val soon to get some more and try other stuff too! Her bakery is so cute!
So then I walked over to the train station to pick up my money the machine didn’t give me yesterday. (If the ticket machines are out of change, they issue you a ticket that says how much they owe you and you have to go get your change at the ticket office, but I didn’t have time yesterday before we got on the train and I forgot when I got back last night!) And then I went to the other grocery store to pick up some pasta for tonight too!
So then I had to walk around forever to find an ATM before I came home to do my budget! Finally found one and hopefully this money lasts me longer than last weeks ATM visit! Haha
So then I came home and Alexa had just gotten back earlier from Cinque Terre with her friends, which I am going to next Friday with school, so I caught up with her for a bit!
Then I went up to my balcony and sat up there for a bit and did my budget and planned out all my souvenirs for people and myself. I can’t believe how much I added up for that. Whoopsies. But luckily my budget seems to be pretty good for the rest of the time I hope while I am here! Glad I should be coming home with money…… if I don’t then shoot I have problems.
I have been trying to get ahold of my papa lately, but it seems I always miss him! So I finally got ahold of him today and talked to him for a bit! SO HAPPY to hear his voice! Then I called my mom and dad again and then my other Grandma and Grandpa! SO glad to be able to talk to them again! Then I tried to wake up my cousin but she didn’t answer! I knew it was 9 am, so I gave her leniency and left her a nice voicemail! Haha! But then I finally got to talk to my twin Kaitlan and catch up with her for a bit, which was awesome! (Miss you twin, like I said- you miss the Monday Bar night when I come home, there will be problems : ) !! )
So after all that, I came back downstairs to cook dinner. I finally cooked some PROTEIN (Chicken) and cooked some whole grain pasta and peas and red pepper and chickpeas in the best tomato sauce. Weird combo maybe, but turned out so good and boy was that chicken delicious!! (Still want some KC Masterpiece though of course.)
So then I cleaned our apartment cause it needed a good cleaning for sure and now I am finishing this up! Next I am going to do my homework, add photos, and try and skype some people! Esp. Stacey since she is coming here next semester! SO much to chat about when it comes to that!
Tomorrow is back to class and prep for this weekend! Julie, Debbie, Chelsea, Lindsey, Kate, Kate, Lana, Sarah, and Jessica ALL coming to visit!! Chelsea and Lindsey staying longer than I thought! SO I cannot wait for all of them to arrive and show them all the sights and eat our way throughout Florence!
I need to start writing the 2 papers I have due before finals………………key word need to.
Other than all this, 27 days left folks. 27 freeking days! WTH! I hate this! I have no idea how I am going to say goodbye to this place! Esp. with Stacey coming here next semester! I am so jealous!
I remember in the beginning when I got here I was like omg I can’t live here the rest of my life and wondering if I was ever going to get the feeling everyone warned/thought I’d get of OMG I don’t ever want to leave…….Well I have that feeling!! AHH……and now I am wondering if I will get the feeling back of I want to go home!
Okay yes I miss home, yes I do! There are SO many things I miss it’s not even funny. Ask Tricia or Nikki, they both know how long my list could get…..But I will miss so much about Italy it won’t even be funny! It’s so sad to think I will barely get to see all these people I have become such good friends with since most of them live on the east and west coasts! I know I am planning on going to Texas to visit Amy, Hal, and B this summer and then going to meet up hopefully with Ainsley, Chris, and Sam when I go to New York in November with school, but still! Going from seeing them everyday to barely at all!! SO SAD, I hate it!! At least we will have better communication abilities when we get home though, aka TEXTING! Haha!
Anyways, I decided yesterday it’s PASTRY time! 27 days as of today, so it’s time to explore all the bakeries, try something new a lot and get the recipes for all the good stuff and definitely try every canoli from everywhere possible! Then at the end I will vote who has the best canoli………Oh wait, sorry Sicily won already for that. I don’t think any bakery could beat the FRESH FILLED canoli Sam and I had in Sicily!!!!!!!!!
The Hill and Valenti’s better have good canoli ready for me when I come home!! However, I will probs go on a no Italian food hiatus when I get home and go on a MEAT MEAT MEAT MEAT kick for a few weeks since I miss my protein so much. I hope my mom has our fridge stocked with KC Masterpiece and pounds of lunchmeat when I get home!! Haha (Hope you’re taking note Mom! HAHA!)
Anyways, I will leave it at this for now since I do need to do my homework! Haha
Be sure to look out for like SO many albums to come up on my facebook tomorrow because I have SO many to add!!
L8R!
Love and Miss!
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