in a land called fiesole.

on friday i ventured to a small town on the outskirts of firenzie. it was only about 20 minutes away but the ride there was quite an experience. this day trip was organized through my program and was previously paid for. we met at piazza san marco to catch a bus. i was mistakenly under the impression we would have a private bus since we are such a large group. cramming 50 american college students onto a city bus that also provided public transportation, with barely enough room to breathe, on the warmest day we have encountered in florence so far was quite an experience! although it may not have been the ideal means of transportation i would not have done it any other way. with the frequent and sometimes abrupt stops we were colliding into each other and other forentine passengers. i felt more sorry for the local passengers probably trying to catch the bus for work, than i did for a group of american tourists making their way to a lovely quaint town for a day trip.

when we arrived in fiesole, i was relieved to get off the crowded bus and excited for the adventures ahead. fiesole is much less city like than florence, and it was a nice change of pace from walking through the busy streets and crowded sidewalks. the vast countryside and stunning sunshine drew me into a place of peace immersed in thankfulness, happiness, and beauty.  we went to il musei di fiesole and explored the archaeological area of the museum. this part of the tour consisted of ancient temples, baths, and a theatre. when touring the theatre i learned that it is still used today for high school graduations, concerts and plays. i could not even fathom having the privilege of graduating within the walls of an ancient monument. it is astounding  to me to comprehend the thought that i was viewing the remnants of a temple that someone  once, long ago was attending church in. it makes me wonder about the lifestyle they lived, and how so long ago before Christ a community was formed. while studying the baths i imagined a mother taking her young children to the baths and experiencing the daily obstacles any mother would when trying to get her children to behave in a cooperative manner. as the tour came to a close i was just absorbing as much sunshine as i could. the weather was absolutely beautiful. we walked a couple of miles along the streets and down the hills of fiesole to where we were scheduled to have brunch.

brunch, ha. so we thought. it had a much greater resemblance to a feast! i am pretty positive i ate more than the past two year's thanksgivings combined! the food was so delicious it was difficult to even put my fork down. we were served dishes of lasagna, salad, proscuttio and roast beef, cheeses, eggs, spinach and mushroom pies, bruschetta, and a dessert consisting of tiramisu cheesecake and fresh fruit. needless to say i took full advantage of this superb meal that was so generously put before me. i was surrounded by delicious food, great people, a beautiful city, and amazing opportunities just within my reach. i feel so blessed and fortunate to be exposed to so many wonderful prospects.