First two days of classes

I haven't posted in two days, but that's because the REAL reason I'm in Siena actually began.

Subsequently, from 9 - 12 every morning, 4 days a week, I am taking FAH392Y with Dr. Wollesen, called "The Dawn of the Renaissance". We get to look at architecture, panel and wall paintings, and (so far anyways) legit history, because Dr. Wollesen seems to believe that art history needs to be complimented with a firm understanding of the historical period we're talking about - something I fully believe.

Bit boring, skip if you dont want to read. But so far, I'd like to think I'm doing well. I sit in the front and he picks on me for the readings. Dr. Wollesen is an amazing, engaging professor who (its obvious) really REALLY Cares about his area (Late Medieval Italian art). As such, his introduction to the course, and subsequent history lessons before all the art, are absolutely phenomenal.

Anyways, the class stuff is over. My midterm is next monday, so... I really should start reading over my notes already.

However, class is only 3 hours a day - so for the other more-than-half-of-the-day, I'm up and about in Siena with good friends! Last night, we went to yet another Contrada party (this time the Civetta contrada, or the Owl) and with the free wine, free food, and amazing company of both friends and the professor, well... it was yet again, an amazing night.

There are literally no words. The view from my STUDENT RESIDENCE is freaking incredible, and being here is probably the best trip of my life - no offense to anyone I've been on trips with before.

Not much else to say, though, despite the fact that it's been two days. I did a crash Italian course (and learned how to be polite in Italian, what NOT to say, and how to go "Do you speak English" - apparently, asking before just rattling off in my own native tongue is more polite, and according to the guides here, Sienese people are very.... big on politeness), got two posters which are grand, and... well, I'm just living. Florence on Thursday!!!

Pictures are below

Arrivederci!

Barry

The snails that are everywhere in my contrada. Literally. I've only been on one street in this Contrada (the one my residence is on) and there are 20.

The 7:00 view from my window. HOW THE FUCK IS THIS REAAAAAL!?!?!?!??!

The Psychiatric Hospital. FUN FACT: The University Campus most of the classes are in, are on the grounds of this hospital.

Two of the MANY palio's (painted cloth) that the Owl contrada has in their Contrada Museum; they opened the doors for us, for free - as we were invited by their contrada for dinner.

The Owl Contrada's themed tablecloth. Casey designed and took this photo - it's a great one

Holly (an amazing friend from Laurier) is having WAY too much fun at the Contrada Dinner!

Holly, Busi, and Aminata (left to right) sharing a gelato in the Campo later that night. Oh, Italy...