This is my second week studying abroad in Florence, Italy. This weekend, my roommate from home, Mary Louise (Weezie), and our new friend, Elizabeth, and I decided to take a spontaneous day trip to this fairytale in the hills of Tuscany's countryside, Cortona.

Cortona is a quaint town in the province of Arezzo, in Tuscany, Italy. After a quick train and bus ride, we arrived at the top of a hill and were greeted by a chocolate show and view overlooking the countryside.

We spent the day wandering up and down the streets of Cortona: weaving in and out of shops, chasing cats, petting dogs, soaking up views and just enjoying being present.

Biggest obstacles of the day: missing two of our trains and realizing we never wanted to leave.

This weekend I went back to my roots and visited my Irish heritage. The night consisted of food, music, laughter, dancing, puppies, and great conversation. I talked with Paul from Guam who was accompanied by his high school friend of 35 years. And Von and Clayton showed me pictures from their glamorous Labyrinth/goth themed wedding. I met Cookie, the corgi puppy. When I asked to photograph him, Christopher quickly whipped out a comb to groom his macho stache. As he told me in his Irish accent about his short film he was a part of, I asked him if he was Irish and he replied with "aren't we all a little?" (Figuring out later on he is from Fort Worth, I loved his commitment to Irish atmosphere of the night).

Every single person I met was so charming, interesting, and genuine. It was so wonderful hearing every person's stories and just getting to have a fun, light-hearted evening. I encourage everyone to step outside of their comfort zones and go out and talk to people!! You never know who you'll meet; sometimes at the end of the night conversation is the true pot of gold.