Date: July 17, 2024
Location: Castiglion Fiorentino
Blogger: Chesney Gaines ‘28
Hometown: Bulverde, Texas
Ciaowdy!
We began our morning bright and early at Hotel Park for a nice breakfast consisting of assorted fruit, scrambled eggs, and croissants. After our meal, we had some ‘unannounced free time’ where the majority chose to snooze for an additional hour.
The clock struck 9:30AM, and it was time to head on our walk with the tour guide. During this time, many of us needed a way to preoccupy ourselves, so Josh and Obi played rock paper scissors while many other groups prepped for their Pecha Kucha presentations.
Throughout our brief stroll, we learned how the Etruscans taught the Romans specifically how to build temples. We had the opportunity to see the Church of St. Francis, and when he passed, many more St. Francis churches were built in his honor. Unfortunately, there is only one priest in Castiglion Fiorentino, so the church is closed.
After we reached our second destination, there was always somebody doing something. A piece of the informational sign in one of the museums broke off onto the floor when Chloe barely touched it, Bryan climbed a wall of rocks on the side of a cliff, and Addie and I played Italian checkers in the museum (I won).
Once we captured a legendary photo on an Italian bench, we made our way to Museo Di Arte Sacra. Hiking up the hill, we ate at Garden Bistrot for lunch. According to Nic, ‘Crusty’ will soon become the new word for a sandwich, so you heard it here first. Many of us didn’t branch out and stuck with the traditional Italian cuisine while a few tested their tastebuds’ limitations.
There was an additional hour of free time announced for everyone compared to the original schedule… all took advantage of it. While some took the extra time to work on necessary laundry, others napped, shopped, and swam. The free time was very much needed after a long day.
Eventually, we had to report back to Hotel Park for presentations. Josh, Joshua, and Obi presented on the history & culture of Arezzo. Caitlin informed us of the opportunities available at A&M including how there are over 1300 student organizations at A&M, and Pat gave us a lecture on the different communities within the MSC and beyond. Barrett continued his bet with us that if we could get to level 10 of the 7’s game by the end of the trip, he would buy all of us gelato (we are currently on level 2).
After presentations were complete, we were given free time until dinner. While some chose to explore the town, many escaped to the rooftop pool for a swim and light tan. I chose to jump in with my clothes on, but it might have been a mistake since my clothes are still drying on the hotel balcony & we leave for Florence soon. Later, we made our way to dinner where those of us who didn’t eat much for lunch regretted our choices. We were served the usual pasta for an appetizer along with a cheeseburger & fries for the main course.
Following dinner, we submitted our daily journals and continued with our typical ‘Italy shenanigans’ until the 10:30 curfew. We reflected on the day and the friendships we have made along with the amount of gelato stops we have had along the way.
Arrivederci!
Chesney Gaines ‘28