Mount St Marys At Siena: Jackson

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Mount St. Mary's at Siena: Jackson - My Totally Unexpected Adventure

Okay, so, picture this: me, a total history buff, planning a meticulously researched trip to Italy. Rome, Florence, the usual suspects. But then, bam, my friend Sarah throws a curveball: "You HAVE to check out Mount St. Mary's in Siena, specifically the Jackson wing." I'd never even heard of it. Turns out, it was a total game-changer. This blog post is gonna tell you why.

My Initial Confusion: What IS Mount St. Mary's at Siena, Anyway?

Honestly? I was clueless. All I knew was Siena was gorgeous, known for its Palio horse race and medieval architecture. I pictured some fancy, modern addition to a centuries-old monastery. My initial Google searches weren't super helpful, either. I got a lot of information about Siena itself, but pinpointing precisely what Mount St. Mary's was proved surprisingly difficult. Turns out, the information online isn't always super comprehensive. Go figure.

It's a college, duh! A small, American liberal arts college with a study-abroad program in Siena. More specifically, the Jackson wing houses a significant part of this program. So, yeah, my expectations were WAY off. This wasn't some dusty relic, but a vibrant, active hub for international students!

My first Impression: A Beautiful Surprise

It's stunning. Seriously. The Jackson wing is beautifully integrated with its surroundings. It blends modern design with the historic character of Siena, resulting in something truly special. The building itself isn't some ancient ruin, mind you, but the location, near the walls and within easy walking distance of the historic center, is pretty prime. Think cobblestone streets, breathtaking views, and the energy of a bustling, historic city.

Navigating Siena: Tips for First-Timers

Siena is amazing, but navigating it can be a bit tricky. Here’s my advice:

• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a LOT of walking on cobblestone streets. Trust me on this one. I learned that the hard way, blisters and all.
• Get lost (on purpose!): Siena's beauty lies in its labyrinthine streets. Embrace the unexpected turns and discover hidden gems. You’ll thank me later.
• Learn basic Italian phrases: While many people speak English, knowing a few basic phrases will enhance your experience. "Buongiorno," "Grazie," and "Prego" go a long way.

My Biggest Mistake (and How You Can Avoid It)

Here's where I messed up. I didn't book my accommodations near Mount St. Mary's ahead of time. Big mistake, huge. Siena is a popular tourist destination. I ended up scrambling to find a room a bit farther from the college, which meant longer walks and less spontaneous visits. Learn from my mistakes, people! Book ahead!

Unexpected Joys: Beyond the Walls

Beyond the academic side, my experience at Mount St. Mary's opened a world of unexpected joy. I connected with students from all over the world—it fostered some amazing conversations and friendships that lasted well after my trip ended.

The location was incredible. You're just steps away from the Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena. You have easy access to amazing restaurants, art galleries, and of course, the Duomo.

Mount St. Mary's in Siena wasn't exactly what I expected, but that's what made it so memorable. It was an unexpected adventure, a lesson in letting go of preconceived notions, and a reminder that sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones you never saw coming. So yeah, check it out! You won't regret it.