What A Rough Life

Who would have thought that a trip to Southern Tuscany has more to offer than just wine and cheese... I just got back and our group went to Marina Grossetto. Since it was only 3 hours away we were able to spend the evening on the beach and exploring the small town. A group of us went to the super market and just got a few things for dinner then walked down to the beach to have dinner and watch the sunset. After finishing dinner we decided that it would be a fun idea to go in the water. So clothed and all we swam in the Mediterranean "Under the Tuscan Sun"... no punt intended :)
The next day we did a canoing trip down the river and then headed toward the beach. The weather was sunny with no cloud, probably in between 90-95 degrees, which means by the end of the day we were lobsters. But the beach was nice and sandy, the water was refreshing and it was worth getting burnt. And again when returning back to the town where we were staying at I watched the sunset on the beach.
Saturday we went to the winery, La Parrina, which was gorgeous and I was able to see how wine is made!! After the tour of the winery we did a wine and cheese tasting. Everything was so delicious and I wanted more! And again after wine tasting we headed to the beach :) Where most of us stayed under an umbrella since we were burnt from the day before. I guess that's what happens when you don't wear SPF 70!! There was a lot of routine to this weekend, but again went to the beach for sunset and dinner. What's better than take away pizza and wine on the beach?!?! Everything was basically beach centered this weekend but so worth it.
So to continue with the beach theme.. After checking out of the cabins a group went down to the beach to have Mass. That was very interesting. We were all sweating having Mass and vendors trying to sell us things, and pretty much every Italian trying to figure out if we were a cult.
The whole weekend we all kept saying "I love Italy" or "What a rough life we have". It was just all so relaxing and we are all so grateful for the opportunity we have of being in Italy. I cannot believe I have less than 2 weeks left... it's bittersweet. I am so excited to be back and see family and friends, but also I have grown so close to the people here and who wouldn't want to leave Italy?!
This week will be about doing as much as I can before I have to go home. So last night the roomies and I had a dinner at Il Gatto e La Volpe and just enjoyed each others company. But on or way back we found two of my friends from school wondering down the streets of Florence. They are backpacking all over Europe!! So tonight I will hear all their adventures over dinner. Anyways... I will update on my week or else after this next weekend!!