Here are just a few snapshots from around Castiglion Fiorentino:

Castiglion Fiorentino began as a walled city fortress. Each hilltop town had two entrances: the Porta Romana and the Porta Firenze. This is just outside the Porta Romana.

This alcove is near the Porta Firenze.

Since Castiglion Fiorentino is a hilltop town, the streets are very steep. This climb is one we make at least once a day!

There are several churches, or chiesas, in CF. This is a lunette above San Francesco.

This is the school's courtyard. Some parts of the building date back to the 1500's. It used to be an orphanage and convent during the 1920's.

This is the view of the Tuscan hillside from our courtyard.

Sta. Chiara is located next to a piazza and a church called Sta. Collegiata. This is a view from the portico of Sta. Collegiata looking down Via S. Guiliano, the street where Sta. Chiara is located.

Outside of the city walls is a flower shop. I was amazed that the flowers were still blooming and fresh, but it doesn't really get below freezing here.

Even though it doesn't get below freezing, it can be very windy and cold. After traipsing around CF one afternoon, we stopped in a bar and had a 'cioccolata calda.' It is like a hot chocolate, but it is so rich and creamy you have to eat it with a spoon!

My two roommates, Amy and Emily, and I at the Bar delle Mura.

The city was begun by the Etruscans and they started the fortification by building a tower and high walls. This is the highest point in town and gives a good view of the Val Di Chiana or Valley of Chiana.

The tower as it stands today.

View of Sta Collegiata standing at the front doors of Sta. Chiara.

We made it safely to Castiglion Fiorentino without any delays or disruptions. More to follow...

I found out today that the airlines charge for a second bag on an international flight. However, both of my checked bags are under 40 pounds, so no oversized baggage fees bogged down this traveler. I guess this picture could be considered my first day of school picture taken with the new backpack.
I am sitting at the Kansas City Airport and so far so good. We had a few snow flurries last night, but this morning is looking pretty clear. There is supposed to be rain in D.C. so we may have a bit of a bumpy ride. Everyone in our group was here on time and most were 15 minutes early.

The 4:15 wakeup call definitely woke me and my roommate Laura up. We stayed at the Hyatt Place near the airport. Thanks Dad for the rewards points that got us a 42" flat screen and a very spacious room! I kept thinking how 'American' the hotel was and how it will compare to upcoming hotel stays. I took a really hot shower, as it may be the last time I can fully control the shower temp for the next few months. Well, I had better get all of my technology packed up so I can prepare for boarding. Ciao!

Well, I have begun to pack and make lists...and more lists...lists of lists even. I can't believe that this semester has finally come! I have been thinking about and planning this trip for four years now. I think I have a pretty good idea of what to expect, but I am expecting a few curveballs. For those just joining my adventure, I will give a back story:

I am in my 4th year as an Interior Architecture and Product Design student at Kansas State University. It is a five year Masters program, so I will have one full year left after I return from this semester abroad. I will be going abroad through a program conducted by Kansas State and in conjunction with Italart. The school that I will be attending is called Santa Chiara and is located in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy. It is just a short train ride from Florence. I will be going over to Italy with 12 other K-State students and a K-State professor. I will be taking classes from the K-State professor, an Italian professor at the school, and from a local watercolor artist.

Each Wednesday is a field trip day, so I will have many opportunities to see different sites. There are also a couple of extended trips (4-5 days) that are included in the program. Also included in the program are meals that are cooked by local Italian ladies and a laundry service. The dining hall, classrooms and dormitory are conveniently all located in the same building. I will have two roommates from K-State and we will share a room and private bath.

Well, I had better get back to packing. I am going to do a trial run of my backpack and other luggage to make sure it is not overweight! I'll let you know how that goes.