Plan?... What's A Plan?

This weekend was so busy I did not have time to write until now!

Let's see if I remember everything I did. (I will have to reference my budget book for assistance)

Friday:

I decided that I wanted to go to the bus station, close my eyes, point, and travel to any town I land on. My friends said they were all for this idea, however, I still sensed some hesitation in their voices. I am pretty sure I was the only one who was 100% "gun ho" to carry out this plan. When morning came, Alex, Caitlin, and I blindly traveled to the station. We arrived at the train station, and quickly realized we had no idea where the bus station was, nor did we have any clue as to how to find it. 

Right when I was losing hope of my idea of having an adventure filled non-planned out day, we finally found it. It was across the street and around the corner. Duh. Perhaps a sign would be a good investment for future adventurous American students. 

Anyway, we got there and I picked! Saltino it was! 3.00 euro and 5 minutes later we were on the bus and on our way to... some place called Saltino. We were excited and iffy at the same time.

After about an hour of Caitlin thinking we should get off at every stop the bus made, we finally arrived. Except we made it to the small small town of Pontessieve. Hm. 

Everything happens for a reason right?

We accepted it and decided to explore. 

It was a cute little town, hidden in the hills of Tuscany. It was so small, no one spoke English. This would have been a major problem for me if Alex was not with us, seeing that she speaks Italian very well and I can only read and write it as of now. 

The three of us shopped and ate some amazing food. We got weird looks because this is not really a place for tourists. 

The town itself comes off a bit rough looking. I guess I did not notice as much until I just edited my photos, but I am partially blaming that on the rainy weather and winter cold. This is just suburbia Tuscany, regular people living every day in as if it is normal to see mountains in the background or be surrounded by 

vineyards. 

After walking around in the drizzle for a few hours, we decided it was time to go back home. 

A nice lady directed us to the right bus stop. When we started to run after what we thought was our bus, she in a very stern manner told us to NOT get on that one, and proceeded to guide us until we were safely tucked onto the right transportation path. I was so gracious, but I am pretty convinced that she thinks we are idiots. 

That is fine with me.

Saturday:

We thought it might be best to plan a little bit before the next trip. This time, we were going to Siena!

I was so excited because all I heard about was how beautiful it was. I mapped out the city, and planned some activities according to those recommended by the traveler guide my sister got me for Christmas. Before I realized, we were back on the bus again- this time I was a pro at finding our stop and right bus to get on. Alex, Caitlin, and I showed Tiara and Adriana how it's done. 

We actually got off at the right stop this time =]

We arrive and it was slushy, rainy, snowy, and cold.All at the same time. It was gross and I was unhappy about it.

The city was gorgeous- but I felt like I could not really enjoy it because we were all so cold, and the pictures did not even turn out that good. 

I had planned on us going to an art gallery and to St. Catherine's house where her and her 24 siblings lived. Each room has been turned into a little chapel, filled with paintings by local artists back in the 1800's. It sounded beautiful, but by the time we got there, there were prayer services in those rooms so it was closed. I was disappointed to say the least.

The Piazza Del Campo (pictured below) was really cool though.

We ate at the cutest little restaurant tucked into  a small alleyway leading to the Piazza. It was adorable and delicious.  

During the summer, people fill the middle of the square and there are horse races here. Apparently, it is very intense. From the pictures I saw of the event, it looks like such a cool thing to go to. 

I loved the city, and my friends and I already planned on coming back to see the monasteries which are outside the city walls, about a half hour into the hills of Tuscany by foot. I guess now we just have an excuse to come back twice!

Sunday:

I went to San Lorenzo. I am addicted to that place I swear. I finally got my journals. 

Only two of them are mine- the bottom two. One I carry everywhere, the other I will use as an actual journal. The leather is SO soft on these it is crazy. I am in love =]

I did not go any place BIG over the weekend, but I think overall, it was a success. I will make a point on going SOMEWHERE every weekend. Even just day trips.

There are a lot of trips up and coming, I will not ruin the surprises, but they are very exciting I can assure you!

Ciao!