Siena snaps...

Scotland!

Last weekend Jake and I headed to Edinburgh so that I could get a stamp in my passport (before my 90-day visa expired). When we arrived it was cold, rainy and dreary - perfect weather for a ghost tour of the underground crypts! By Saturday the weather had greatly improved, so we took the opportunity to go hiking at Calton Hill.

Overall we had a great trip, and really enjoyed ourselves. The historic architecture of the city is simply breathtaking. However, we realized that Edinburgh is THE weekend party destination for college kids, backpackers, "hen parties" and "stag do's." We struggled to find the locals' Edinburgh, but once we got away from the tourist traps and student bars, we had an amazing time. Jake and I both had great memories of Edinburgh from previous visits, so it was really fun to experience it together.

Here are some pics from around town and from our hike:

Edinburgh Castle

Scotland!

View from the bridge as we arrived.

don't ask.

Bagpipes!

Gorgeous surroundings.

On the way back to our flat.

The name of our cross street was Cowgate.

Overlooking the castle.

Craggy!

Someone was playing the bagpipes somewhere just out of view while we were hiking... a gorgeous addition to the already amazing atmosphere. 

fridge / space pod

Tuscany pics

Finally getting around to uploading some photos! Here are some pics that I took while visiting Kelly & Klaus in Radda-in-Chianti.

Kelly & Klaus :)

Chianti, Italy

I'm spending the week in the Tuscan countryside at Kelly Patterson's house. She and her boyfriend Klaus have lived here for 3+ years, and have created an ideal artist's haven. While Kelly spends her days writing her novel, Klaus is busy in his workshop creating gorgeous wood and leather pieces for private commissions and galleries. Before I came, Kelly warned me that I might get bored, since really the only things to do here are to take long hikes in the forest, or head into town (Radda-in-Chianti) for gelato. I have NOT gotten bored - in fact, I feel like I am at some kind of exclusive Italian-Zen retreat; so far the experience has been serene, relaxing and rejuvenating. Bliss.