Yesterday for our cultural activity we went to Fiesole, a small hill town outside of Florence. I knew it was going to be pretty, but nothing that pretty. The air was cleaner, the smells were fresher, and the views were incredible.
Our tour guide lives in Fiesole and then comes to the city each day for work. I had to ask if it was hard to get up each day and take the bus down to the city--- it would be just to hard to leave! Don't get me wrong Florence is a very pretty city, but after a while the chaotic streets, smoggy air, and sea of concrete gets a little old.
Fiesole (accent on the e, not the o--- our guide told us) is filled with olive and cyprus trees, with the mountains and hills rolling in the background. It is also not a flat town--- at all. Our tour around was much more like a hike; it was nice though (and so worth it). We visited a church in the center of town where they had old ruins of roman buildings. And towards the end of the tour we made it up to a monastery---actually met a few monks from America! We got to see where monks had stayed in the past: small rooms with no more than a 1 x 2 1/2 foot window. It was beautiful.... have I said that enough? There was a great view of Florence a little down from the monastery, so of course everyone stayed there for a while to take pictures and point out the well known buildings of Florence from afar. Unfortunately there was a sunny (and smoggy?) haze over the city, so it was difficult to capture the beauty of it--- I did attempt it though (multiple times)! Before heading back to the city, we went and got pastries at one of the bakeries. I didn't get anything but was lucy enough to try some--- it was definitely the best sweet I have tasted since I've gotten here. 
I honestly didn't want to leave after the tour. We are planning on going back this weekend for a little to maybe have a picnic or just to watch the sunset. I will say that won't be the only time I go back!
That night, almost the whole group of UNC students got together to celebrate one of the girl's birthdays. There was homemade pizza dough and everyone brought their own topping. I'm still in disbelief of how good the dough was--- made by one of the program participants. It was really fun but I unfortunately was tired (notice the fact I'm posting this today) and headed back to the apartment to finish up some homework and relax. It was a great afternoon and night to say the least!
Side Note: Mr. Morrill--- Max was there too: he told me to tell you is having a good time and enjoyed Fiesole. See? He's blogging too!
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