Castiglione della Pescaia

Saturday we went on a wonderful day trip, planned by Anna, an Australian lady who stayed with us this past week. It was wonderful to have a "mom" around, planning and making sure we all got there safely. (She's 49 and has two children, lives in Australia but is very much Italian- she has family peppered throughout Italy. We miss her dearly.)

The port in Castiglione della Pescaia.

So happy to be in Italy. Layne is my saving grace here. We even eat at the same pace.

As usual, a castle on the top of a hill. I still am amazed every time I see one though.

If you want to be a mermaid, eat here! And, our friend from Senegal. I bought a beautiful woven bag from him, and Layne bought a cloth purse. Then he gave us free bracelets.

Yeah, we're pretty cool with our friendship bracelets.

Living here is pretty surreal. Despite the challenges, this is a pretty good description of how I feel when I realize how blessed I am to be here.

Preparing for...

...Il palio!

I thought I had a basic comprehension of how big of an event this was for Siena. But, I had no idea. There are 17 contrade in Siena, but only 10 compete in the palio. Whatever contrada your parents are a part of, you inherit. No matter where you move, you don't change contrade. The contrade is who you are. You live to support it.

This particular contrade, la onda, are displaying their colors here in la piazza del campo.

Perks of living in the center: Layne and I woke up today to the sound of drums echoing through the city streets. The people in la onda were having a procession around the center of Siena, dressed up in these traditional costumes. It's one of the highest honors to be a drummer in these processions. It was really quite beautiful.

This is la chiesa di San Domenico. It's what you see when you step out of our front door. Well, usually you see tourists first.

I used to think church bells rang every hour, at the very most. Living in Siena has taught me otherwise. Apparently, they ring on the hour...12 till the hour...34 past the hour...oh and whenever a contrada is having a celebration. The other night (literally- 10 pm), they rang for 15 minutes. I promise- I timed it.

At least it makes you feel like you're living inside a Disney film.

Taking time to breath.

On our trip this past weekend, I had the opportunity to meet Anna. She's the only person Layne cried about leaving from her mission. She's spunky but unbelievably kind. She's dedicated to her husband of over 50 years. She's lived through poverty, sickness and other unimaginable hardships. She can barely see, yet walks everywhere she needs to go and keeps a beautiful, clean house.

She made me feel home, loved. When surrounded by so much that is unfamiliar, it's a beautiful thing to feel like you belong. In fact, it's what I have craved the most. People always talk about how they miss peanut butter when they are outside of the states, but I just want a good jar of love. And maybe some Nutella.

Friday the 17th is an unlucky day for Italians. And it was the most unlucky lucky day I've had in a while. We traveled to Lucca, then Pisa. Saturday was another day that was the epitome of having to go with the flow. We traveled to Cinque Terre and got split up. Layne spent most of her day in train stations while I was able to hike Cinque Terre. All's well that ends well, and our night ended with clean sheets, a luxurious shower, the best Italian food I've eaten and unbelievably kind people. What more could you want?

Below is a somewhat disorderly account of my trip in photos:

These are a few of my favorite things: the pizza, the man dressed up in fresh grape vines as a tree, graffiti and my new basil plant.

Italia

Yesterday was, for many reasons, a particularly hard day. I arrived in Siena, and while sitting with Layne she reminded me that Italy was not a fairy tale place like so many people envision.

There are many poor people. There is a lot of corruption. There is a lot of disunity.

Despite this, Italy is still a truly enchanting place. I am so grateful I have been able to come here. I'm especially grateful that I have been able to spend time traveling with my Mom and Dad.

A few pictures from our trip:

This medallion is from Ercolano. This town, called Herculaneum, was destroyed, like Pompeii, from Mt. Vesuvius. But, instead of being covered in ashes, it was covered in mud so everything is preserved much better. It was really beautiful. It always amazes me how humans have been creating the most beautiful art for thousands of years, and I, in such a drastically different world, am able to appreciate their work.

Some bugainvillea- it is so beautiful, and everywhere in Italy, especially southern Italy.

Stopping for a break while driving the Amalfi Coast.

Thank you, Dad, for being such an amazing driver. I know I complained some but... bravo.

In Vietri Sul mare. I was hoping to take this back on the plane...

The artist himself at work. Mom and I had a wonderful talk with him. His father is the one who made my music box, and they are one of, if not the last, shop open that specializes in this intricate woodwork.

This is the Tomb del Radentore. It's a beautiful hike that meanders through the hills. There were lots of sheep and cows joining us on the hike.

Finally met Anna, who I was named after.

Daring the imposing precipices of rock.

Mom and Dad in Itri. It was such a quaint town. And, getting in touch with my inner Roman.

Messing with my exposure. I thought it came out pretty beautiful. Ancona is truly a beautiful city, despite what Lonely Planet says.

In Ercolano. If I'm not mistaken, I do believe this is a 2,000 year old toilette.

What a wonderful family. Christiana, Chiara, Lucia and Sergio. I'm so grateful that I now know people in Italy that I could go to if I never needed anything.

Sunsets are one of my favorite things, and this topped most I've seen. Italy is a wonderful place with so much to offer, truly, la vita e' bella.

It's appalling how far behind I am with my blog. Alas, I have been busy going to Pisa, Cinque Terre, Luca and Pistoia! Oh and Siena, of course. Due to these excursions, this blog was completed over a period of days, hence the disorderly order of comments.