FA CALDO

Buon Giorno!

Well, the heat has become another member of our trip. At least, that's how it seems - it sticks to you everywhere! Being in the shade does give a little reprieve, and time at the beach (or in another smaller town) helps.

On Tuesday, after class, we met up at the Palazzo Pubblico. It's the palace which you see whenever you view pictures of Siena's Campo (main piazza in town). The front has a large sun with "IHS" on it - the symbol of one of Siena's two patron saints, San Bernardino, who brought Christianity to Siena (I think . . . but post a correction if I'm wrong). Of course, the other patron saint is Catherine, about whom we learned on Monday. The Palazzo Pubblico contains two entrances. We entered the palace itself to view the various pieces of art, collected over the centuries, as well as the infamous frescoes of the place. In one room, Becky was amazed by the art commemorating the historical events surrounding Vittorio Emanuele II, Ian thought the sleeping child sculpture was pretty cool. Brenna and Stephen absolutely soaked up all the old frescoes, which had images of the church fathers with the prophets, or the Maesta, or the Allegories of Good and Bad Government. Bravo to Trevor, who, after our artsy tour, chose to climb the Torre del Mangia, the iconic tower of Siena which is attached to the Palazzo.

After our tour, normal life came calling, and several of us went to find lavanderie where we could wash our clothes. There was a pleasant break from the sun with a few minutes of couldy skies, but, let's face it, we're all ready to have a good night's sleep in an air-conditioned room (which we'll get on Saturday). The heat is getting to the point where we're not sleeping well . . .

Today, we had a normal day of class, then, for everyone, a giorno libero. Some people chose to watch the movie of the week, which is shown in the library (Biblioteca) of the school. Some are taking care of themselves and staying out of the heat (and hiding in their homestays). And some chose to take advantage of the season which starts today in Italy - SALDI. Beginning on July 7, all stores put their stuff on"sale", hoping to sell all their summer lines out, before they close up to go off for vacation in August, and return in September to restock their stores with the winter lines. It's the day to buy!!! (Thus a free day)

Tomorrow, we're going on a fun excursion together. Through this trip, many of us have been on the noble pursuit of the best gelato experience. Fortunately, SPI gave me some funny money to spend with the group (on Siena excursions), which, so far, has given us all our entry fees. Tomorrow, immediately after class, we're going to catch a bus to a nearby town, San Gimignano. Of course, this spot has important religious significance, and the saint, Santa Fina, is a good example for youth (she actually died in her teenage years). We will visit a church with beautiful frescoes depicting the stories of the Old and New Testament, and may even attend a little bit of a Vivaldi concert, which is being held in nearby church. But, just as important, is that this town has the best gelateria NEL MONDO. At least, they have the sign to prove it. We'll see if the kiddos agree.

Friday will be our last day in class and in Siena, and the kids will get a free afternoon to have their last experiences in town. Me, I'm running off to the Fortezza to find a fresher breeze. Then, on Saturday, we will meet early (at 7 AM) for the bus to Rome, where we'll check in to our hotel and meet up with my husband, Jay. From there, we're going to do a tour of a nearby ancient, deserted town, Ostia (far nicer experience than Pompeii - not eating dust, and it's near the ocean). What a great way to end this awesome experience together, before we all return home on Sunday!

And that's exactly what this has been - a great experience for the whole group. Your kiddos have been so open-minded and adventurous, easy-going and resilient . . . I've already written a personal note to each of them (which they'll get when I give them their passports), but, parents, please know that they've been an absolute pleasure to lead this summer!!!

a dopo,
Laura :)