Sweet Treats

So, I am fully aware that I literally just blogged about some things I've been enjoying lately in Siena. But the subject matter of this post deserves a little extra attention. Why's that? It's about a chocolate festival. apparently these things actually do exist, so now all of my dreams have come true (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little..but still, pretty exciting).

As I headed off to take my last midterm, I noticed little huts being set up in the middle of Campo.
By the time I had returned from my test about an hour later, the chocolate festival and all its glory was up and running. I spent the next few days enjoying what was taking place right in my "backyard" (or a few steps outside of my apartment) by enjoying all things chocolate. And trust me, it was glorious. I spent quite a few minutes hours accepting free samples, finding the cutest chocolate shapes, and scoping out the tastiest truffles. There might have been some chocolate covered fruit consumption thrown into the midst somewhere.

While I'm sure it wouldn't surprise anyone that I've devoted an entire post to chocolate..there actually is a little more of a point to this (okay, maybe not that much more). But being able to finish my exams and come back to enjoy a small festival reminded me of why I love Siena and its quaintness.

Chocolate galore. Can I have it all, please

Finally found the perfect truffles

The best crepe I've ever eaten in my life

Taking Advantage

For the past few weeks, I've been taking advantage of the fact that for once, I'm not traveling on the weekends. It's amazing how easy it's been settle into a place so far away from my "real" home. Every time I step off the bus after getting back from a trip, I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief because I'm finally back in Siena.

There are three things in particular that I've loved taking advantage of recently:

-IES sponsored trips and events. For anyone interested in using IES as a study abroad program (which I would definitely recommend) make sure you take advantage of the activities and trips they plan! I can't tell you how much fun it was going to Milan with the IES group..not to mention the fact that it was wonderful not having to plan the trip myself. Not only was it a great trip in general (and by that I mean, I saw the Last Supper and had the world's best gelato), but it was fun getting to know the other IES students and staff. I also loved taking advantage of the IES cooking class. While I'm always up for anything food-related, I've really been wanting to take a cooking class while I'm in Italy, so I was excited that IES put together a class for us.

-Warm weather. I'm sure I speak for many people when I say that warm weather just makes me happier. How could it not? And how could anyone not love laying out on the Piazza del Campo in the warm sun with a nice cup of gelato.

too busy eating for pictures

-And lastly, hidden gems in Siena. While, in my humble opinion, I think the city of Siena itself is a hidden gem, there are still plenty of fun places to discover in the city. And, luckily, we have some great staff to help us find said places. ;) A few weeks ago, one of our RAs, Giusi, and Chia took us to a small park in Siena. After getting sandwiches (at a place I sadly cannot remember the name of) we spent the day making flower crowns and laying in the grass enjoying some beautiful Tuscan scenery.