Written by Aaditya Kotadia (University of Virginia), Student Correspondent for CET Siena, Spring 2026
Wandering in Venice
During the annual Carnival, me and 8 other CET students explored Venice during the beginning of February. Although this wasn’t a CET-led excursion, there were around 20 of us CET students in Venice at the same time! We took part in Carnival festivities (by wearing our masks), scenic gondola rides, and some of the best gelato we’ve had at Suso! I got some chocolate and pistachio, while others got stracciatella, coffee, and more (and we all shared).
This trip reminded me how close-knit our CET group is and how supportive and fun everyone is to be around. This was really an incredible, bucket-list trip and reminded us how much rich history and culture there is to explore and live in Italy (including the Carnival, which I learned isn’t specific to just Venice!)
Cooking with CET
As the weather started to slightly warm up in early February, CET took us students to a cooking class, where we cooked for two hours (and gladly ate) pasta that we made from scratch. Starting with just flour, eggs, and other various ingredients, we made some of the best gnocchi, cacio e pepe , and tortelli that we’ve had in Siena!
While I’m still probably going to buy my pasta from Conad City (near the CET center), this experience gave me a much deeper love for Italian cuisine and allowed me to see the love, care, and attention to detail behind every item I eat at restaurantes and trattorias (local, family-run restaurants). This was my first time making pasta from scratch, but I am sure this won’t be the last while I’m in Siena, especially as I get more into cooking and customizing flavor-profiles.
Contrada Cooking
Living in Siena is one thing, but being welcomed into a contrada is another. CET took us to a traditional dinner in the territory of tartuca (turtle)—which just so happens to be the neighborhood I call home! Here, they fed us what seemed like unlimited courses of different kinds of pasta and pizza which they cooked just for us while we were seated.
For those who don’t know, a contrada isn’t just a district; it’s a tiny city-state with its own flag, church, and soul. The sense of community and closeness here is something I’ve never seen anywhere else and really wish we had something similar back in America. I’m so grateful to experience this level of hospitality by the tartuca contrada with my Italian roommate (Amadeo, drinking the juice box) and CET friends by my side all while living in some of the most interesting parts of Sienese culture.