day to day

Jasen, I walked past another kebab place yesterday too, so there's more than one in Siena. And I'll let you know when I have one this week whether or not they become an almost daily thing for me. I'm excited to try one. And that girl is one of my German friends. She went up to the shop, and came back with a smile; said it smelled like home. I can't wait to try one!

Good morning sunshine!!

I love sunny days, especially in the morning. It always makes me happy.

Neal! I think of you in the mornings, because every time I pass this spot, just this one spot (doesn't look like much, I know), it smells like maple frosting.

Mmm. Eat a maple frosted donut for me, k?

The streets are lined with little shops.

Thus, every day brings some new little discovery.

Reminds me of home; I love those little mannequins.

One: I'm so lucky. My host family rocks. I don't have tote my stuff to a

laundromat in the city center, no. Stefania does it. Wow, I could get used to that.

Two: no dryers. Line-dry. Love it. Picturesque, no?

hehe, slightly more picturesque is when you see the laundry on little strings, like so.

Jasen and Dad, yes, I'm in Italy, gelato is available everywhere, the food is awesome, and my host family always wants me to eat more, but I'll have you know, I have at least 50 minutes of walking hills each day. Take that, I will still fit in my wedding dress when I get back! And tomorrow I start running in the mornings with my roommate and another girl from BYU. Ryan, I'm giving you a run for your money in this competition; hope you're ready!

this hill, that tall striped tower? yeah, I go up there every day :)

uphill both ways.

For your convenience... risalita meccanizzata.

Seeing as how the center of Siena is a pretty big tourist attraction, they've made getting up the hill easier, with these:

6 sets of escalators

so, the pluses of observing others: I didn't know that sometimes these escalators aren't running and start up only after you step onto them, until I saw someone else step on. I may or may not have taken the stairs several times because of my previous ignorance...

San Gimignano

Small medieval city, towers still up, it'd be quite dead without tourists around, but the view from here, il panorama, is wonderful!

Neal, how would you like to work on this roof?

the green just kept going and going, pictures don't do it justice!

some details

Not particularly special items or places in Siena, but I liked them just the same.

hodgepodge of brick

Bright and sunny day, but in rolled the gray storm clouds.

(and yes, the picture below is near the apt, same place I took a picture before)

I saw a group of kids with some adults in this little street on my way home one day. The next day I saw what they had been up to.

Paper chains of the colors of the Contrada della Selva (I believe).

on my way home

I don't think I see depictions of porcupines very often.

if my translation is correct:

Only for defense do I sting.

I thought it was neat.

Siena a prima vista

First view of the beautifulness that is Siena.

I had decided that walking to the city center to go find where my school was for the next morning was a wise decision. I was rewarded with this:

periferie di Siena

Walking down the hill so I can then walk up the hill to the city center. Quite an impressive sight for the first time. There's a big difference between seeing a place in pictures, and then finally seeing it in front of you.

tallest point there is part of the Duomo

First sight of the Piazza del Campo on my way to finding my school. Once again, very neat to finally see it in person.

Ryan, a picture of the Duomo that I promised. I haven't been inside yet. Not to worry; I'm excited to see the inside of this building, especially after reading all about it, and I have three months in which to get there.

you know? I really do like the black and white stripes. Kinda strange, but I really like it for this cathedral.

Venezia

Part of my time in Milano, I took a day trip to Venezia (Venice). I went by train, and I have to say, train seats are so not comfortable, especially not for sleeping. But, that is beside the point. Venezia, interesting city, fun day (at least when I wasn't lost!).

I kinda went picture crazy, not that I didn't take just as many photos of the other places, I just didn't decide to post as many. Enjoy.

as you can see, not all the streets are water...

Ryan, I saw these and thought of your set from Mexico. What do you think, we could start collecting!! No worries, I didn't buy one ;)

Loren and Russell, and probably Neal: chainmail gloves. How cool is that?! I think the tag said something about for using with clams and whatnot; they're pretty nifty, eh? Remember Neal, your bleeding knuckles? "what's that red stuff on the sand?" If we had had these uncomfortable suckers you may have bled from other causes, hehe...

San Marco! I was scolded a little by Cristina's mom for not going inside. There was a huge line! And I didn't know I should have waited anyway. Oops. But the outside, and the square was fun.

Ryan, we could get a clock like this, then we never have to wonder if it's 4 am or pm. ;)

uh, that's a lot. a lot a lot. (I think the Italians behind me though I was strange for taking a picture, but I figured it'd be worth a few stares)

Una bella citta'.

red geraniums, just for you Mom!

(I can't get this silly underlining to go away! I don't know how I accidentally put in on in the first place!)

there's graffiti everywhere, but I liked this one. Ryan, amore mio, ti amo!!

genna, I thought it was a neat doorknob and I thought of you.

This sign still confuses me.

Milano

Milano was good to me. And by that I mean, Cristina's family was great!

Really, I mean it Cristina, they were so good. Granted, I don't speak very well, and there are culture differences, so I wouldn't say I was the most comfortable I've ever been, but they took good care of me (and prepared me better for living with my host family here in Siena).

I was also very glad to be with people. After having tackled Rome alone, I was more than ready to have someone to talk to. Many thanks to Cristina and her family!

Forgive me, I may spell the names of some of these places wrong (or not remember their names correctly, I didn't really write anything down...can't blame me too much, my mind's been in overdrive since I got here).

Sant'Amrogio

-a nice little (can I say little? maybe that's only in comparison!) church, the first one Cristina's dad took me to see. I liked it. I actually enjoyed the brick (I think it was red brick) very much.

Cannot remember the name of this place. Right next to the Duomo.

Dad, they were playing Pachebel's Canon in D. I thought of you; it made me smile.

Neal, it's a castle!! A real one; just for you.

I always love the contrast between the old and the modern. Strange to me.

Neal, it's the moat, I think. Or was, once upon a time.

I must say, the Duomo is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL. I can't get over how much detail is everywhere. I was glad I took the stairs up, to walk around up higher. Very cool view. Highly recommend it if anyone goes!

Not the greatest picture, but the stained glass is very pretty as well. And the inside of this church is massive!

Detail everywhere. Look at all the little spires, carvings, statues, etc! The pink marble is great.

Chiesa di Bernardino delle Ossa (or something along those lines, I'm going to be really sad that I didn't write these down when I was there. I may have to do some research when I get back).

Oh yes, those are real skulls and bones. Interesting, no? That was an unforgettable room, all walls covered with those.

Chiaravalle. Beautiful. Quite tranquil.

I must say though, five days without internet was killing me!! Separate me from all things familiar and you get quite the stressed-out Janene. Missed communication with my loved ones, missed it a lot.