Italia, here we come!!

So it has been a LONG while since I have blogged. But life has been busy and I just haven't had much to say. But since Stephanie and I are studying abroad this summer in Siena, Italy I figured this would be a good place to keep people up to date and post some pictures along the way (in addition to my instagram, follow me @mgibbs5190)

Alps out the window

It has been a long day of traveling with very little sleep. We left around 1pm Savannah time and arrived in Siena two planes, a bus and a lot of walking later!! The bus ride from Milan was absolutely beautiful. Just as you would picture the Italian country side, except prettier. Little towns on hilltops, villas surrounded by trees, lots and lots of green, mountains in the distance,  and lots of tunnels, bridges and winding roads through the Tuscan hills.

When we arrived in Siena, because of the nature of the city (i.e. it's medieval layout and narrow roads) our bus could not takes us into the city. So our whole group of 20ish people piled out of the bus grabbed our bags and paraded into the city. After we dropped the first group at their residenza, the rest of our group pulled our bags through the winding roads of Siena, dodging Palio parades and police cars along the way!

Our place is nice and it is right in the city center and will be great for experiencing life as an Italian in Siena. Within 30 minutes of our arrival we had a Palio parade right outside our window (The whole city is divided up into contradas or neighborhoods. Each has a mascot of sorts that is represented in the Palio every year. We are in Leocorno or the Unicorns). Watch a clip here.  After we got cleaned up, Stephanie and I, went out to explore our contrada and the main plaza in the city before dinner.

Leocorno Fountain

We met back up with the group and headed to a delicious pizzeria down the street. Nothing like real Italian pizza! And then to top it off we walked to the Campo for some gelato and then to see the Duomo (and the almost super moon)!!

All I know is after all that I am tired so I'm out for tonight. Tomorrow is a new day of adventures!! :D