The Vatican & Tuscany

It’s been a busy week! Monday, I had classes in the morning and studied for an exam the rest of the day. It’s so hard to sit inside and study when Italy’s just asking to be explored.

On Tuesday, I had classes and my exam in the morning, then a tour of the Vatican in the afternoon! It was absolutely beautiful, but we had the worst tour guide ever. She kept taking us the wrong way and repeatedly yelled “Follow Lyla. Follow Lyla.” The Vatican really was beautiful though. Saint Peter’s Basilica was breathtaking. Tuesday evening, we had our weekly group dinner at a delicious little restaurant near my apartment. I’m getting way too spoiled by all of these 4-course meals. So. Much. Food.

Wednesday: classes in the morning, then back to the apartment to pack for the next three nights. We hopped on a bus and drove through the countryside to Tuscany. We arrived at our Agriturismo, Hotel Relais Santa Genoveffa. It was a huge villa with a pool, acres and acres of land, and a swing set of course. We were in the middle of no where, and we never wanted to leave. We ate (another) huge dinner overlooking a vineyard, watched the sunset, and stargazed from the rooftop terrace. Another perfect day.

Yesterday, we visited OLMA, the company that supplies olive oil to Costco. We got to see their automated bottling assembly line, meet their president, and sample all of their different olive oils at a lunch that they prepared for us. They were the best hosts! I had no idea how much work goes into making a bottle of olive oil. From their plant in Tuscany, we took the train to Florence, where our whole group is spending two nights. Last night, we walked around the beautiful city of Florence and had the most incredible pizza.

I spent almost the entire day today shopping. Tons of street vendors and an unlimited supply of Italian leather. This trip is going by so fast, and I’m loving every second of it.