Oh the Places You'll Go...

Oh, the Places You'll Go! 

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

The past two weekends, I have been able to explore the hillsides of Italy in Cortona and Arrezo, the lovely town of Siena, have the "World's Best Gelato" in San Gimignano and visit one of the most historic church's in Assisi.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Our day began at 8:45 A.M at the train station. There, we met our group and loaded up the busses. Our first stop of the day was Arezzo, which was only an hour or so bus ride. Once we arrived, we began our walking tour through the lovely city, full of historic buildings and beautiful architecture. We dined at one of the oldest restaurants there where I indulged in a chocolate croissant and even got one for the road!

(You don't see many places like this anymore..)

(The main Piazza--We spent a hour or so just laying down and enjoying the beautiful weather)

(Love the alleyways)

We then boarded the bus and headed to our final destination, and my personal favorite, Cortona. Because we spent majority of our day in Arezzo, we only had an hour and a half to wander through the hilly town. During our free time, I splurged and bought a black onyx wrap bracelet while my roommates enjoyed Tequila Sunrises for "Apertivo--" This is the more polite way for Italians to say "Happy Hour" but, you didn't heard that from me!

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures that I took in Cortona. I could not have asked for a more beautiful day!

(I'm convinced that there is no "bad view" in Italy)

(I could live here)

(Me and Teenie)

...

An excellent way to end a great day!

.....................

Saturday, March 3, 2012

After a short bus ride, (it was just under an hour) we finally arrived in Siena. With my Rick Steves book in hand, my roommates and I were determined to eat at a delicious cafe seeing that more times than not we have okay lunches with not okay prices. After a short tour with the group, hitting all the major hot spots

(The most gorgeous exterior of a Church that I have ever seen..)

(The inside of the Chapel--not even in the Church yet...)

We decided to follow Rick Steves advice and ate at a "bar" called Bar Paninotecca San Paolo. This bar was not only located in the main Piazza but, the view was amazing and the prices were unbeatable. It was by far the best meal I've had thus far on our many day trips. I should refer to Rick more often!

(Chicken, tomato, cheese and hot sauce)

(Yep, that was our view of the main square from the bar. Not bad for 4 Euro.)

After lunch, we shopped around for souvenirs and boarded the bus and began our drive to our final destination of the day, San Gimignano. There, we ate the "World's best Gelato."* Naturally I got chocolate, menta** and chocolate chip.

(World's Best Gelato)

(Gelato)

Sunday, March 4, 2012

While I did absolutely fall in love with Cortona, Assisi was incredible and might be my new favorite, at least for now. It's quaint alleyways and amazing architecture make touring the city that much more enjoyable. Due to the city's small size, every side street eventually brought you back to where you started. So, lucky for me, there was no way I could get lost. 

By far the prettiest sight I saw here was The Basilica of St. Francis. It was the most serene and peaceful church and the view from it was incredible. Here, we also followed Rick's advice and dined at one of the restaurants listed in his book. While my pasta was "not the best," the Bruschetta was amazing!

(Hello Assisi!)

(Yeah, I could live here)

(Antique"ed" photo-- thank you iPhoto)

(Almost there...)

(Getting closer..)

(Hello St. Francis!)

...

(View looking away from St. Francis)

I would say, I've had two pretty amazing weekends! With midterms the only thing standing in between me and my spring break, I can't help but think of all the other places I will be visiting in the coming weeks!

You'll get mixed up, of course, 

as you already know.

You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

XOXO,

Meggie

*For 3 Euro you could get 3 different flavors of gelato in a cone or cup. 

**Menta is actually "mint" flavored while After Eight is mint chocolate chip.