The second half of the trip was what gave me a more fuller image of Italy. Siena and Assisi are both impossibly picturesque towns. This is something I had expected but was still in awe of, but what surprised me more was how much they are still living cities. I had figured there were mere tourist villages stuck in time. Instead, I found activity and culture all around me.
Siena was first. A medieval city set in Tuscany, it was rivaled florence but was almost completely wiped out by the plague. Siena is famous for the il palio horse race, which occurred a few months before my visit. Still, the city celebrates the winners of the race well into august. On a random tuesday night we walked through the city and came upon two huge competing parades and celebrations of the two winners of the il palio. Young and old Sienese beat drums, sang, and marched through town and closed in the piazza. However it wasen't a big spectacle, there were few people in town except locals and those participating in the parade.
The perfect contrast of Italy and the U.S. was found that night. Me and my friends spent the first half of the night doing as italians do: talking, people watching and having a few drinks at a bar in the main piazza along with many locals. Then we proceeded to go to the 'club' that all the other JFRC kids were heading off to. This club turned out to be a tacky pub complete with soldier boy-like american music, 8 euro Heineken carafes and a makeshift dancefloor. There were few italians in sight, just american tourists and sketchy men standing in the corner offering rooffied beverages. What I have come to realize, and the JFRC staff has helped me confirm, is that Italians don't drink the way American students do. They don't go to pubs, they don't think getting drunk is cool, and they would never offer going out for drinks as a first date option. And yet alcohol is incredibly commonplace here. It is served with every meal and sold at every coffee shop, gelateria, and grocery store. I think because it is always there, it is not a big deal, it is not something to get excited about or take advantage of. In that way, I think Italians are way more mature than us in the US.
Anways, the last leg of the trip was a relaxing time in Assisi, set right on an umbrian hill. The hotel we stayed at was unbelievable--old buildings scattered throughout town. My view overlooked the entire valley and was absolutely stunning. The town was a perfect place to get lost and explore. I was schocked by how easy it was to find yourself alone wandering quiet alleys while elderly italians went about the daily routines. Because Assisi is best known for touristy--yet awe inspiring sights--like the basilica of saint francis, i did not expect to find the local life that i did.
I highly recommend Siena and Assisi for anyone currently studying in Italy or planning a visit soon.
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