Amongst the many memorable, roller coaster ride events of the previous few days, some more blog-worthy than others, I’ve got a lot to share. We planned on going to the beach Friday, but due to unforeseen events on Thursday into Friday, it had to be postponed until Sunday. However, Saturday went 100%, entirely and totally as planned, and I had one of the best days I can remember.

Set scene in the hills of the Chianti wine region, just a 50 minute bus ride outside of Florence. Cue four male and three female characters, and 4 fast scooters basically just handed over to them no questions asked. You can see where this is going. For the low price of 40 euro each, we were able to rent Italian motor bike/scooter/mopeds all afternoon and cruise. I don’t think there is any manlier feeling in the world than flying through the Italian countryside on a motorcycle with a cute girl on your back that actually trusts you won’t kill her.. and that’s what I learned on Saturday. We started in Greve in Chianti and rode all the way out to Siena and back. It was a beautiful day, and there was no traffic. In my opinion, a day doesn’t get much more flawless. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling.

Sunday, we got up and took a train to a beach called Viareggio. It was about an hour and a half train ride, and I learned first hand that I do not like the Italian train system. After having the auto ticket issuer machine refuse to take my debit card, I had to wait in a long line and then race onto the train about 2 minutes before departure, just to learn that I had to “validate” my ticket in a special machine. I thought the fact that I clearly just purchased it from the stand made it valid, and I don’t mean to rant, but I then had to sprint around the station and just made the train in time. I don’t even want to go into the issues I encountered at the station on the way back. However, the beach was very nice. We paid about 5 euro each to rent out an umbrella and a few chairs for the day. The weather was fairly nice as well. As far as the water goes, I think it was a great escape from the beating sun and all it accompanied at my towel. We got back around 8, and I spent the night in pain from sunburn for one of the first times in my life. I guess you don’t realize how bad you can get burnt until you don’t put on lotion. But that’s certainly my fault.. and that’s what I learned on Sunday. 

It’s Monday now, and I’ve got a week of class ahead of me, and then headed to the Amalfi Coast. I’m really excited about it, it should be incredible. 

Location: Greve, Italy