As most of you can tell from my previous posts I have kept myself pretty busy over the last couple of weeks. Staying in Certaldo for a long length of time has given me a chance to breathe and slow down a bit before finishing this trip, and then heading back home.

The last couple of days I have just stayed around the hostel, read a book (or two), and explored this cute little town. I have eaten copious amounts of gelato, and eaten some really wonderful tiramisu as well. The reviews for this lovely hostel have everyone extending their trip multiple days, and I am definitely no exception. I was scheduled to leave today, but then decided to stay till tomorrow (Monday). I am now leaving Tuesday. The reason for the extended stay is because they offer a cooking class and their wont be enough people until tomorrow, and it is something i really want to do. So, I once again find myself being flexible and rearranging the rest of my trip to accommodate this activity.

Yesterday, I took a 3 hour train ride to Verona, Italy, to see Juliet’s quarter. While I was slightly disappointed, the city itself was still lovely and I had some wonderful wine, more tiramisu, and of course more gelato. I also had some absolutely fantastic homemade pasta. When I made it back to the hostel last night there were new people here and we spent the evening drinking more wine, playing cards, and laughing. This place really is magical and I am so lucky that i stumbled upon it.

As my trip is coming to a close I find reality is starting to sink in and the responsibilities at home are on my mind more than they aren’t. I am also starting to get a cold, which is no fun. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for my last week in Italy.