Howdy!
This morning we went to the market to visit and practice our Italian with the local vendors. We were able to try prosciutto crudo and pecorino staggionato, a staple of Castiglion Fiorentino. We also were able to try some delicious fresh fruit and stroll through the racks of clothing. We said a sad arrivederci to our beloved Italian teacher Rossella Faralli. Grazie Rossella!
After our adventures in the marketplace, we hiked up to Santa Chiara for our first tour of the amazing study center. With its amazing view and history, this complex really made us feel immersed in the Tuscan countryside. We were met by a friendly E Lee Walker, author of A Talk in Tuscany, and had an enlightening conversation about his life and the lessons we can learn from it. Our conversations amongst the beautiful building and its roaming tortoises will resonate with us always. We were officially welcomed to Castiglion Fiorentino by the city’s tourism manager.
Our afternoon was spent experiencing local cuisine at one of the town’s most well-known restaurants. Afterwards, we listened to informative sessions on academics and personal safety at A&M. We also had time to relax and reflect on our days through thought provoking journaling. We had a traditional Italian dinner, completed by a trip to our favorite gelataria. Today was such a great learning experience, and we are super excited to visit Florence again tomorrow!
Arrivederci!
Hannah Borland ’22 & Jordan Puig ‘22
