arezzo e cortona e cioccolato

Cortona views

Sick, but not sick enough to deny 2 cappuccinos

Sophie, Steph, me and Rachel

 Tuscan Countryside

  Roommate Sophie and I in Arezzo

  Roommate Marissa and I at Red Garter, a place we discovered with chips, salsa and margaritas.

Arezzo Cathedral

The square where part of La Vita e Bella was filmed

Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale

The inevitable has finally happened: I am sick. My throat has hurt for a few days, I’ve had a ringing headache, I look and feel exhausted, and I have some terrible cold symptoms. I woke up Saturday morning and was considering resting in the apartment instead of going on my already-planned day trip, but I’m so glad I didn’t. I would much rather not feel well while looking at beautiful scenery than not feel well while alone in my apartment.

My roommate Sophie and I left at 8:30 am for the train station, and boarded the ISA bus for the two towns in Tuscany at 8:45.

Arezzo is the town that both “Life is Beautiful” and “Under the Tuscan Sun” were filmed. I am going to have to watch those movies soon to put them into context! This town had the most beautiful gothic cathedral (Arezzo Cathedral) with stained glass everywhere inside. We had a tour guide who showed us the history of the city, but unfortunately the earpieces weren’t working well and I was more concerned with my photos than trying to listen to her talking, so I didn’t get too much of it. In our free time after the tour, a few friends and I spent most of our time in a café drinking one-euro cappuccinos to warm up and relax with. At 2:45, the group boarded the bus and we left for Cortona.

To get to Cortona, we had to drive forever up a tall, windy mountain. I thought I was going to be sick…I really need to invest in some Dramamine for my next travel excursion. When we finally got to the top, there was the most beautiful view—I could see for miles. There were beautiful Italian homes, a lake in the background, smoke over the mountains, groves…it was surreal. We only stayed in this town for an hour because it’s so small that there aren’t any real attractions besides the breath-taking scenery. After we were done there, we boarded the bus to head back to Florence. I slept the entire way and we made it back around 7 pm.

Both towns were significantly colder than Florence—I’m convinced that my massive jacket is the best purchase I’ve made so far! Saturday was long but in the best way.

Sunday I woke up without an alarm and had nothing I had to get done—the best kind of freedom. My roommates and I went to Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale, a 10-day chocolate festival here in Florence.

The first thing I got was a cup of hot chocolate. I’ve been wanting to try it here so yesterday seemed like the perfect opportunity! Italian hot chocolate is not milk mixed with powder, but rather a thick, liquid, melted-down chocolate. The first tent we saw had that mixed with your choice of rum or Bailey’s.

We passed so many tents with so many different treats! I had to stop myself from buying/eating everything I saw. My roommates both got sugar doughnut with chocolate on top and I resisted the temptation to join, but when I saw a cup of fresh strawberries covered in chocolate fondue and topped with homemade whipped cream, I couldn’t. It was heaven. The festival will be here all week, but I’m only letting myself go back one more time for the chocolate-covered coffee beans!

Now it’s back to reality. I’m going to The Old Stove for tea and to get homework done for classes that I love. I’d take this reality any day of the week.

xoxo SL