We arrived in Siena in the early afternoon, and saw San Domenico church. Inside were the relics of St. Catherine (her right thumb and head, to be exact). It was a little morbid, to be honest!
Afterwards, we had a walking tour of the city, during which our tour guide described the different neighborhoods and the 'wars' between them (the neighborhoods are named after animals; "Owl," "Goose," "Porcupine," etc.). The horse races, which happen twice a year, are the city's largest event. We learned about how the horses are drawn by lottery, kept under careful watch, and blessed prior to the race in the churches. The winning neighborhood receives bragging rights, and that is reason enough to spend ample money on each race and the festivities that accompany it.
Following the tour, I eagerly made my way with Renne to a gluten free restaurant I had read about. One review said it was the best gluten free pizza in all of Italy. After circling the same half of the village for 15 minutes, I finally discovered that the restaurant was closed indefinitely. I sat with Renme and watched as she ate pizza and french fries. I walked across the street to a small candy shop and bought 3 dry gluten free cookies. Afterwards, Renne and I wandered to a bakery the tour guide (who pitied me when I told her I was Celiac) recommended I go for the typical Siena cookie, made of almond flour and naturally gluten free. I ate cookies all that day, and loved it. They were some of the most delicious cookies I had ever had; moist on the inside and coated on the crispy outside with delicious powdered sugar!
We arrived at the thermal baths shortly after, and I spent the afternoon soaking in the sulfur-filled water as my colleagues complained about the rotten egg smell and splashed obnoxiously in the hot tub. As I watched them splashing the Europeans who were sharing the spa with us, I became so embarrassed at their lack of attention to the fact that they were being disrespectful. I finally gingerly swam over to a very annoyed-looking elderly couple, and said: "Dispiace; loro sono studente Americani, et loro sono pazzo" (I'm sorry; they are American students and they are crazy!). At this, the couple (and every other Italian within earshot) burst into laughter and welcomed my words warmly.
At the hotel, we were treated to a dinner of pasta (rice in tasteless tomato sauce for me; it tasted strikingly similar to Spaghetti-O's!), roasted chicken and potatoes, and chocolate cake for dessert (they finally brought me a very rough pear after the rest of the dining hall had been emptied, forgetting about my dessert). I went to bed feeling dissatisfied with a lack of a decent Tuscan meal, but was determined to have one the next day in Arezzo!
We toured Arezzo (with the most humorous tour guide ever), and I met up with Sarah (another Celiac on the trip). We wandered around until we found a promising restaurant I had read about that offered an entire gluten free menu. We split a pasta and pizza, both of which unfortunately tasted like they were from a frozen dinner. However, we were hopeful as we made our way towards a gluten free bakery (I do my research!). We arrived to find the "gate of doom" over it, as it was...of course...closed.
We loaded into the bus and made our way to the wine tasting at Castello Varazzano. The winery was beautiful, and I attempted to enjoy the rolling Tuscan hills despite the fact that a majority of my colleagues had "pre gamed" for the wine tasting and were acting, once again, obnoxious.
I could not even understand how something could be so beautiful. The rolling hills with the olive trees and groves, the grape vines, and an endless stretch of green and pine trees. I was so amazed, and so at peace as I prayed for a loving and patient heart.
We were seated for the wine tasting, and tried two red wines: a Classico and Riserva. Never before had I had a wine with such a drying effect! We had sheep cheese, bread, salami, prosciutto, and beans with our wine. Afterwards, we were brought gluten free biscotti to swirl in an orange dessert wine. I recognized the wine from my other wine tasting (see embarrassing 21st birthday story), and I immediately knew not to sip it in fear of getting sick; it is strong stuff! However, I enjoyed munching on the biscotti; it was delicious! I was so excited to have some of my own! Sarah and I dug in and even asked for seconds of our bread!
As I arrived home, I came to a monumental realization: I do not like people.
The people I do like, of course, I dedicate my whole heart to. I love them dearly, and would give my life for them.
But I do not like people. I don't like them. They are loud, obnoxious, stupid, and disrespectful. I don't want to talk to them, to associate with them, to hear them. I don't want to hear them laugh, chew, etc.
I pray that God may heal me from this and give me an open heart. I cannot be a choosy person when it comes to being an ambassador for the Lord. Being a disciple means talking to and loving all. While I am glad I was finally able to admit that I am an impatient and generally intolerant person, I pray that God can guide me to a different outlook.
It was a beautiful overcast weekend in the rolling hills of Tuscany!
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