Week Two
Day 8, June 5: Thankful for yesterdays day of rest because we had a few hours of lecture and a tour of the local markets. Starting with Sant'Ambrogio, they had us try some fried dough and a chickpea dessert. I didn't like either. Then we walked to Mercato Centrale where we tried some cheese and a traditional florentine sandwich (sorry, no photo).
the fried snacks
CHEESE!
Day 9, June 6: We had a long day trip to a sheep farm and an olive oil farm. The Bacciotti sheep farm was in Scarperia and our guide, Sandra, took us around to show us how an organic farm in Italy works. We had the chance to see her brother herd some sheep from one pasture to the next and tried some cheese they make there. Then stopped at the olive oil farm which was in Fiesole and was called Fattoria Poggio di Fiesole. Pietro told us that you could easily get to the farm by taking bus #7 from the Florence city center.
Sheep Sheep
Catherine loves sheep!
Olive Oil farm is also an agritourism so you can stay here!
The Tuscan Countryside
Trying the cheese. They let us try a French style cheese and told us we could eat the mold.... we did not.
This ricotta was made the day prior and was served with apricot jam.
Slices of bread with olive oil, we also had some bread and honey.
Day 10-11, June 7/8: Our only overnight trip happened today and our first stop was truffle hunting near San Gimignano. We had 3 dogs and 2 guides that helped us find some good truffles, then we had the chance to sample them afterwards. This is how I learned that I am not a fan of truffles, but the other students seemed to enjoy them. After that, the bus took us to a medieval town, San Gimignano where we stopped for pizza and ice cream (I got raspberry rosemary and it was DELISH). Then we checked into our hotel in Orbetello, I was able to pet this adorable kitten, and swim in the sea. Our teacher and TA recommended that we visit the small town of Talamone which was a 10 minute walk from our hotel. I loved the picturesque walk!
For dinner, we had some appetizers and pizza. Mine was called Mortazza and had mortadella, pistacchio pesto, and burrata cheese. After waking up the next day, we stopped at a fish hatchery and saw the process of growing and selling fish before going on a boat lunch and trying some of the local fish. I tried everything (and am very proud of myself). After returning to Florence, I had the chance to go on another boat along the Arno river and hear about some of it's history and see the Ponte Vecchio from a new angle!
Day 12, June 9: Today we had class and I ended up going to the doctors. Thanks to the miles we've walked and sensitive skin, I had to have a cyst drained and received some antibiotics. The system here was easy and the doctor was lovely.
The doctor's office was located out of the city center. Walking there wasn't great, but I enjoyed seeing the outskirts of Florence. It was quite lovely and I am doing well! :)
Day 13, June 10: I tried to rest today. We have been going non-stop and with my cyst, my body needed some down time. I did laundry, watched a movie for class, and then grabbed dinner at The Lion's Fountain hoping it would help my homesickness. Jury is still out on if it helped.
Note: Florence serves all beef medium-rare. Just a disclaimer if you like your beef any other way.
Day 14, June 11: My roommate Sarah and I went to the Uffizi museum for an assignment today! The building is gorgeous and the top floor has great views of the Arno River. On the Arno boat tour, I learned how the Uffizzi was the main offices of the Medici's and they built a secret passage from the Uffizzi to the Pitti Palace since there was many people who were trying ti kill them for power.
After the museum, Sarah and I stopped at a leather shop and picked up a purse for my Gma. He had an incredibly soothing voice and was adorable. Someone had gifted him a self portrait that he had on his wall.
Visited the Uffizi.
Bought a purse from an adorable Italian man.
Continue to week three.