Nipozzano Castle

This week was just another normal week of school and this weekend was fairly normal as well.  On Thursday after class, we took a group trip to two different castles owned by the Frescobaldi family.  We are lucky because one of the teachers in our program (unfortunately I am not in her class) is Diletta Frescobaldi, the 32nd generation of the family.  The Frescobaldi family has been in the wine-making business for over 700 years, and the castles we visited are just two of their many locations throughout Tuscany.  The first castle, Pomino, was up on top of a very large hill where it was much colder than in Florence.  At Pomino, they grow a type of grape that can only be grown in colder temperatures, hence the reason for the high altitude.  We got a short tour of the estate before hopping on the bus and going down the hill to Nipozzano, the second castle.  Fortunately is was much warmer at Nipozzano and after the tour, we got to taste some wines that were produced by the Frescobaldi's.  Overall it was a fun day!

On top of one of the towers in San Gimignano

Gelato World Champion 2006-2007/2008-2009

On Saturday a group of us traveled to San Gimignano, a town about an hour away that is known for its many (still standing) towers.  When we arrived, we immediately noticed the difference in temperature from Florence.  It was freezing!!! But, despite the weather, we decided to make the most of our trip and we climbed one of the 13 towers, ate "World Champion" gelato, got some pizzas, and walked around the market.  By 4 o'clock, however, we were all very cold and ready to go home, so we got on the bus and headed back to Florence. 

This week is another normal week followed by a very exciting weekend--ROME! I can't wait to visit Italy's capital and the Vatican and see all of the things I've read so much about.  In addition to the trip to Rome, my grandma also arrives in Florence this weekend and I can't wait!  I can't believe it's been 2 months already, but I am definitely ready to see a familiar face and tell her all about my experience and hopefully have many more cool experiences with her while she's here.  Well, today is a very cold, rainy day so it's a great day to do homework! Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers and I hope everyone is doing well back home! :)