Italy, you are much more beautiful than I thought...

We finally made it to Castiglion Fiorentino! The rode from Rome to the study center is three hours. The first hour and a half I slept (completely jet lagged) but when I finally woke up I was greeted by the lovely Italian countryside. The rolling hills of Italy seem to be endless, broken up only by small farmhouses here and there. The rusty, tin barns of Texas are replaced by crumbling, stone cottages. Villas perhaps. They lined the interstate, most looking vacant as if the interstate's presence had taken their life. I could image what the scenery would have looked like without the large highway and all it's smart cars. The abandoned crops were replaced with wild red flowers, and the fruitful crops with sweet grapes. Every once in a while we would pass a field of lambs, only adding to this picturesque scenery.

The cities were the most amazing though. All the buildings and people crowded at the top of hilltops, squeezing in as much as possible. It was as if the buildings stood with their heels to the edge of the cliff, protecting its people, and hoping not to fall off. The less graceful of cities had a few homes scattered down the edge of the hill, but those that were more graceful stood firmly and reached toward the heavens.

The tuscan sun bounced its rays off bright colored villas, the hills, and church steeples all the way to Castiglion where it finally went down. The lovely town of Castiglion Fiorentino was a blessing to a bus of jet lagged Americans. We were quickly fed our first meal of fresh pasta, Italian meat and potatoes, and chocolate bruschetta. I haven't seen much of this town, but I know I will fall in love with it quickly.

Italy, you are much more beautiful than I thought.