Written by Maya Lambdin (University of Virginia), Student Correspondent for CET Siena, Fall 2026
First CET excursion. Cortona, a beautiful hilltop town in Tuscany. We spent the day eating Tuscan food, drinking espresso, and, of course, stopping for gelato. It was the perfect introduction to the region and to the people I’d be spending the semester with.
First friends in Siena. Because CET Siena is a small program, I met everyone within the first couple of days, and I love that small community feel. Most of our free time ends up in the Piazza del Campo, where this photo is taken, which has basically become our group’s living room. This photo is from one of our very first hangouts.
First Italian roommate. This was my first dinner at home with my Italian roommate, Valentina. She is so sweet and has been a huge support since day one. It was the first time I got to hear from an Italian what everyday life here is really like, and we bonded fast over universal jokes and really good food.
First olive oil mill tour. The olive oil mill was part of our Cortona excursion, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences so far. We learned where olive oil gets its bitterness and tanginess, then tried panzanella, a Tuscan salad made with bread. It was also where I started embarrassing myself in Italian by asking the guides question after question and making up sentences as I went. I definitely sounded goofy, but I walked out speaking more Italian than ever, and it taught me that languages get easier once you stop worrying about sounding silly.
First time walking streets with no sidewalks. What made Cortona so beautiful to me was the color of the buildings and how narrow the streets were. Even with tall buildings on both sides, it felt wide and open because we walked right down the middle of the road. Unlike in America, there’s no curb or sidewalk here, and I actually loved it because it felt like there was more space to wander.
First time learning about the Palio. One of my favorite traditions to learn about is the Palio, a horse race held in Piazza del Campo every July 2 and August 16. Siena is split into 17 neighborhoods called contrade, each with its own flag, colors, and fierce loyalty. Ten of them compete in each race, and winning means bragging rights for the whole neighborhood until the next one. The race itself lasts only about 90 seconds: three laps around the piazza, with jockeys riding bareback.
First lesson in coffee culture. Coffee here isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual. A typical Italian breakfast is a cappuccino and a sweet pastry, usually enjoyed standing at the bar. My favorite pairing is ricciarelli, a Sienese almond cookie that’s crackly on the outside and soft and chewy inside, almost like marzipan. In the U.S. we think of sweets like these as dessert, but in Italy they’ve been a breakfast staple for generations, and I’ve happily made them part of my own mornings.
First view of the Siena skyline. The best thing about Siena is that it’s a maze, full of curved streets and hidden spots that suddenly open up to a view of the skyline. This was our view while we waited in line for our visa paperwork. Having a pastry and chatting made the time go by a lot easier, which was good, because we waited three hours.
First time eating like an Italian. The Italian diet has been an adjustment: meals here are mostly straight carbs and protein. I’ve also picked up a daily biscotto habit, and gelato every day has somehow become completely normal. I’m still getting used to it, but my taste buds are thriving.
First favorite café. Bonucci, just a two-minute walk from my house. My go-to treat is their Nutellotti, a thumbprint cookie covered in chocolate sprinkles with a big swirl of Nutella right in the middle. I love how many kinds of biscotti and sweets there are to try here, and I’ve also become a cappuccino expert. Every day after class, my friends and I make our sweet trip to Bonucci.