Tuscany Day One: Siena

Ciao!

I've decided that Tuscany was too amazing to post just one entry about it so I'm going to split it into three, Day One - Siena!!   ...also I turned 20 :)

The day began at approximately 7am when we all got up and ready for a prompt departure from our dorm at 8am sharp. The bus ride was about 3 hours to Siena - with most of us spending the time either catching up on lost sleep or watching the multitude of sheep. That rhymed...sorry. 

Sheep as far as the eye can see.

In Siena we got to visit the Church of San Domenico, the Museo Civico, the Duomo, and the House of Catherine of Siena! The Church of San Domenico held St. Catherine's head. Literally. Like her head (which of course is now a relic) was preserved in a golden box and put in a side chapel. It was slightly disconcerting but awesome at the same time - no pictures were allowed though so I guess you all get spared that sight. The Museo Civico, the town hall of the 13th century which now contains a great collection of artwork, was also a no picture zone. But I promise I can make up for that with the next posts.

but at least I can show the outside of the Museo Civico, taken from Palazzo Pubblico

Then we get to the Duomo (the Cathedral) of Siena. The front of it was unimaginably gorgeous, decorated with a pinkish stone and some gold paintings. VERY pretty. And the inside had some amazing statues, an engraved floor, and papal busts on the ceiling which stare down at you and judge as you walk around.

the popes lined the entire inside perimeter

Last stop for the day was Catherine of Siena's house, where she grew up. Many of the rooms were converted into chapels, but it was still possible to see the preserved fire place in what was the kitchen. There were also a bunch of paintings that lined the wall in her 'bedroom' (in quotes because Catherine preferred to sleep on a rock most nights as an act of humility) that showed some of the big moments of her life. My favorite was the picture of her levitating up some stairs in prayer...it was kinda sci-fi ish. Very cool. Once again though, no pictures allowed inside :(

After this very long day we went to the hotel ca. 7pm to check in and grab dinner in the restaurant downstairs. They served us wine, lots of pasta, potatoes, and some slabs of meat - and I love how the copious amounts of really good food are now just expected here. Afterwards they gave us dessert. Our program director called everyone to sing Happy Birthday for me which was as fun/embarrassing as always, but then I got served a double portion of ice cream. All in all, a fantastic day!!

me being all happy with ice cream :)