Catching Up: Niente, Bottini, and the Beach

Sunday, June 8th

I haven't blogged in a few days, mostly because I didn't have anything to talk about. I know I know, how could I not have something to share? I'm in Italy!

Well, at my internship we haven't had anything to do besides read novels and play tic-tac-toe. Still, it's exciting to go to work every day in a centuries-old building that is now a museum and interact with Italians.

one exit of the Bottini

So on that front, Thursday and Friday included nothing significant to report. However, yesterday (Saturday) I had a pretty great day! In the morning our group went to the Bottini, the underground aqueducts spread out beneath Siena. Way cool. Warning to claustrophobic tourists: do not attempt this adventure.

Most of the way, the tunnels are so narrow that you must walk single-file while also sidestepping the little river carrying water throughout the tunnels. At some points, you have to bend in half to avoid meeting the ceiling with your head—or if you are tall, you pretty much have to stay bent the whole time. Luckily, I did not experience that problem. Seems uncomfortable.

(not my photo)
This is what the Bottini look like.
Except darker, since I didn't have
a floodlight on hand

We had a guide showing us the way, but as he was Italian and spoke rather quickly—and also because we were in a single-file line down a tunnel and therefore could not hear him very well—I didn't actually learn anything about the Bottini. Some of us had to ask returned missionaries who are fluent to give us a brief summary of the tour once it was over, but I still didn't learn very much. It was definitely a cool experience though. Very Indiana Jones. Also, we each had a little flashlight because it is pitch black in there without one, and guess whose light slowly dimmed as we walked further into the deep darkness? That's right, it was mine. It just added to the excitement.

Castiglione

After the Bottini, a group of us decided to make the one and a half hour trip to the beach! We went to Castiglione della Pescaia, which is absolutely beautiful. Plus, not many tourists! Huzzah! I know it's wrong to hate tourists since I technically am one, but really. They are pretty annoying sometimes. Anyway, we spent several hours there—and I have the burn to prove it—enjoying the gorgeous sunny day.  Overall it was a great day with great friends . . . and for the second time in a week I was at a beach in Italy. It still amazes me.

Me and Shauna

So, that was about all for yesterday. It was a lovely day to relax and enjoy our last weekend in Siena. Next weekend we go to Venice (!!!) and the weekend after that a few girls and I are headed to Rome to fly home! It's seriously crazy how quickly and slowly this trip has gone. It feels like a dream and a new life all at once. I am excited for what the next couple of weeks bring!



A domani (or when I write next),
Ciao!

some very kind Italian graffiti