Ancient History? I think not....

Whenever I was in a class that discussed Ancient Roman history, I was always fascinated by the landscape. I adored hearing about the soldiers trek through the mountainous terrain to conquer another enemy. I envisioned endless valleys densely covered in trees and dotted with vineyards. I could smell the wild fruit trees and feel the arid soil beneath my feet. And today, dear readers, I was fully immersed in the iconic Italian countryside.

Castello del Trebbio was originally owned by the Pazzi family, known best for the Renaissance-era conspiracy against the Medici family.

Our school organized a lovely trip to Chianti, a region of Tuscany renowned for its vino rossi (red wine - in order for a wine to be considered Chianti, it must be produced with a minimum of 80% of the Sangiovesi grape, a native Italian grape that originates in this region). We spent the late morning touring the 900-year old castle and enjoying a traditional tuscan lunch of antipasti, cheeses, bread and olive oil, and wine. Much to my excitement, we were also treated to a wine tasting of a lighter, 2011 Chianti and a 2008, 3-year reserve Chianti. Though I'm not particularly prone to red wine, I must admit that it was delicious.

The Tuscan countryside is just as beautiful as I'd imagined. That Debra Messing movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" just doesn't do it justice....

Following our lunch, we walked through the countryside, taking in the natural world around us. As we walked, or should I say, trekked, I couldn't help but feel very scholarly. As I wound my way through the fruit trees and olive groves, I found myself thinking that these were the same hills that had been traversed for thousands of years, that these were the same fruits eaten by those who lived here centuries ago. And as I spiraled deeper into my thoughts, I felt as though Thoreau would be proud of me and my Walden-esque experience in the valley on this particularly hazy September afternoon.

Not only does Castello del Trebbio have a few vineyards, but it also produces extra virgin olive oil. YUM.

Tomorrow, my roommates and I head to Cinque Terre to hike through the 5 towns. Hopefully I'll have fantastic adventures to discuss soon thereafter! Ciao gli amici!