SIENA

The forecast called for thunderstorms & lightening here in Roma on Thursday (and the convent is closed to volunteers each Thursday), so I decided to take the train up to Siena for a fun little getaway. I sure was not disappointed as Siena is absolutely spectacular! It is a Tuscan town that is known for its medieval brick buildings and the Palio di Siena, a traditional horse race around the town square which happens every summer. I am already planning my return visit!! 

La Dominica 

View of Il Campo 

St. Catherine 

Il Campo, where they have the famous horse race each summer

The view right before you walk into the medieval part of the city 

Overlooking the town. Take me back! 

The flag of Siena

St. Catherines House 

Siena Cathedral 

Spritz, an Italian speciality! (Prosecco with ginger beer) I am a fan of drinking my meals while in Italy ; ) 

ROMA

I have arrived! I landed in Roma about a week ago, and honestly, I was so busy this summer that it didn't even truly hit me that I was coming until I walked off the plane. Literally, I got off the plane & said, 'well, I guess I better get myself to my apartmento' lol. 

I am living in the Gabratella neighborhood, south of the city centre and about 20 minutes by bus from San Pietro. The lady I am living with, Mariateresa is fantastic. Very warm, welcoming, super helpful &  speaks perfect english as well as Italian. I don't remember the jet lag hitting me this hard last time....I am absolutely exhausted and my body clock is still off, even a week later. I also managed to catch a pretty bad cold on the flight over, but that hasn't stopped me from spending all my free time walking around the city and exploring. 

Not much has changed here in Roma & I have picked up right where I left off two years ago....I still don't speak Italian : ( I take the metro & bus everywhere, I go to a lot of the same restaurants & cafes (and the same people still work there!! Although I am on the lookout for new spots to eat & drink) and I still spend a lot of time with Katherine & Anita. It has been so fantastic catching up with them. 

I am still waiting for my orientation schedule with Caritas, so in the meantime I am back working at the Sisters of Charity. Only one of the Sisters I worked with is still there, Sister Teresa Claire, but all of the volunteers are the same & I am still on vegetable chopping/cleaning/cooking/kitchen duty. The Seesters are just as fiesty as ever, in fact, today (Wednesday, my third day back at the convent) Sister Claire said to me, "Sarah, you look fatter than last time." UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM she must have noticed the look of horror that came over my face, as she immediately tried to backpedal & tell me I looked "happier & healthier" hahahahaha ok, thanks Seester! I am going to chalk that one up to the language barrier! This is the same Sister that also told me two years ago that at age 29 I had no hope of finding a husband- I haven't yet told her I am now 31 & still without any prospects, lol. 

It is supposed to rain on tomorrow & the Seesters are closed on Thursdays, so I booked a trip to Siena, which I am super excited about as I have never been! It is a little town about three hours away by train. 

I have yet to run here in Roma- I am entirely too tired & am probably walking on average 7-9 miles a day with all the exploring I am doing, but I hope to get back to it this weekend as I am running the Athens Marathon with my cousin Ryan in November. Only two months to get back in marathon shape, EEEEKKKKK!!! 

Above are some photos I took while out & about in Roma, I will post photos of my Siena trip soon. I am missing all of my family & friends back in the States! Love you all. 

Sarah 

Sweet Seattle Summer

I absolutely LOVED my very unexpected, but oh so meaningful and fantastic Seattle summer. I am incredibly grateful to Jane, John & Connor for opening their home to me & inviting me to live and work with their family. It is off to ROMA on Wednesday 9/7 and now that the stupid  GRE is behind me, I am one happy & relaxed girl. Below are a few highlights of two months in my hometown ☀️❤️

Its true!! Rudy does love Sissy! 

Ice cream with my bestie and my other bestie : ) 

CJ loves Rudy too!! : ) 

I REALLY love him : ) 

Best girls in the whole wide world! 

Ruth- one of my greatest blessings 

My gorgeous & FAST running partner & best friend! 

Post half laughs with m'ladies 

Iron Horse Half Marathon finisher! 

We love running (and we will run for WINE ; ) 

Mia & Pam!! Love you gorgeous ladies 

Picnic in the park selfie 

My hometown

Connor!! He is so funny 

Thank you for the ferry ride, Mark! 

My heart is so grateful 

Arizona, I LOVE YOU

After two absolutely incredible years of laughs, hard work, joy and fun in Phoenix, I am packing my bags & saying hello to another adventure: Seattle for the summer & Roma this September to complete more charity work (exactly two years to the day I arrived for the first time). I leave Arizona with some of the best friends I could have ever asked for, a Masters degree (with a clear path towards my PhD) 🎓 two speeding tickets, two more 26.2 runs (Phoenix Rock & Roll and Sedona), a killer year-round tan 😉 ☀️ and a very grateful heart. I truly feel a piece of my soul will always remain in the desert (cheesy, but true). Below are a few photos from my Arizona journey 🌵✌🏽❤️