Four Short Months

In four short months, I will be flown across the Atlantic Ocean and in Italy! I decided to post some pictures to get everyone in the Italy mindset!

Travel

Deposit. Check. Plane Tickets. Check!

I'm so ready! Germany and Italy? Yes!

And for $1350! All the other flights were $1500-$1600.

Packing List

Here is a list of items that I think I should bring to Italy after reviewing several articles.

Packing List

*Keep an inventory list in case luggage is lost

**Keep money, important documents, valuables [laptops, etc.], medications, a change of clothing & some toiletries in carry on bag in case luggage is lost.

Clothing & Shoes

□       Jeans – 2 to 3 pairs

□       Shorts – 4 to 5 pairs

□       T-shirts – 5 to 7

□       Tanks – 5 to 7

□       Underwear and Bras – 10 to 12 pairs

□       Socks – 2 to 5 pairs

□       Pajama pants – 2 pairs

□       Swimsuits – 2

□       Sundresses – 5 to 6

□       Walking shoes – 1 pair

□       Flip Flops

□       Sandals

Toiletries  [Possibly bought in Italy]

(Tape shut the bottle and place in Ziplocs for cleaner travel)

□       Shampoo&Conditioner

□       Soap (Bar)

□       Razor

□       Pads

□       Contacts and Solution [with eye glasses]

□       Toothbrush and Toothpaste

□       Tylenol

□       Brush

□       Straightener & Blow Dryer [can be shared within the apt]

□       Make-up [optional]

□       Deodorant

Misc.

□       Important Documents [Passport, tickets, etc.]

□       Sunscreen

□       Laptop and Cord

□       Camera, Batteries and Charger

□       iPod and Cord

□       Alarm Clock [battery operated]

□       Backpack [for day trips and as carry on]

□       Refillable Water Bottle

□       Paper, Pens, and Textbooks

□       Small Kleenex package [in case there is no toilet paper]

□       Hat and sunglasses

□       Electricity Converter

□       Immunization Records

Lingua italiana

My great friend Jonathan got me a copy of Rosetta Stone Italiano.

I can start to converse in Italian, even though I will be taking an intensive Italian language class while I am in Italy. Sooner or later, I will be writing blog post in Italian! :]

This weekend, we have been trying to look at flights.  I am incredibly excited and I have a group meeting on Monday to discuss the trip with the advisors and other students going...

Siena, Italy

Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, whilst the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. Famed for the "Palio", the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.

Few geographical areas in the world can boast of the variety of environment that surrounds Siena. To the north, we have the richness of the Chianti landscape, woven with vines and olive-trees throughout the hills. Here also are beautiful towns like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni with old walls, winding streets and incredible views. South of Siena, the Arbia valley leads to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine. And the area La Crete stretches out, amazing visitors with its harsh rock formations and unique landscape. Westwards we head towards the coast, to captivitating coastline towns like Castiglione della Pescaia, and nature reserves like the area called Maremma. With such natural beauty within easy reach by car or public transport, Siena is a good place to base yourself for a Tuscan experience. The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area   

The Cathedral of Siena (Duomo)

Palio 

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