Siena & San Gimignano

 I may be in Paris now, but here are some of the photos from Siena and San Gimignano I promised!  Siena was a bit of a let down, but that may have something to do with our entire bus getting car sick on the way in...

Siena is smaller than Florence, and also unlike Florence, is situated on a hill.  The steep winding roads were picturesque but left many of us wondering how they manage in the winter if there is ever an ice storm! Snow is not as common in Florence, but is in other parts of Italy so it is possible they may sled their way around town!

The Duomo at Siena was spectacular.  I was really excited to see the pulpit by Nicola Pisano and his son because we had studied this in art history! The carving is so intricate! There is another pulpit like this one in Pisa which was made just before the one here in Siena.

Wine & Stuffed Shells

Since the visit to Siena and San Gimignano and loving the wine there (my post on this visit is still in draft form -- there is so much to talk about and so little time to sit down and write since I don't have my laptop here -- so look for the post soon!), I picked up this bottle at the grocery just down the block from my apartment. Only 4 euros for the bottle and well worth it! San Gimignano is known for their white wines and I too am now a fan!

Here is a photo of my pasta creation: Stuffed shells.  Although my roommate, the chief chef, helped me do most of it, I felt rather proud of learning how to make the dish. We used large shell noodles, mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, one egg and some basil, mixed into a paste.  We then stuffed the shells with the cheesy goop and laid them in a pan with red sauce to simmer over the stove.  We added a little more red sauce and let them cook for maybe 15 minutes.

*Note: I made this dish again on my own for my friend a few days ago and she said it was delicious! So "HA" to all of my friends and family who still believe I am incapable of making anything... just wait until I make my stuffed shells for you! ;)