A trip to South Italy

Because this blog is a couple weeks late, I might just be posting albums. I will say it was beautiful even though mother nature was bound and determine so soak us to the bone. Two days the weather was slightly uncooperative.  I felt privileged to see something that not every tourist seeks to see, a foggy rainy Almafi coast. My time in the south has convinced me to buy an umbrella, I just keep putting it off until the next rain.

The South bound trip lead to the exploration of Pompeii,  Capri, Ana Capri, Almafi, Ravello, and Sorrento. We Road in our Trusty Pink Bus.

Pompeii - An Ancient City of Ruins VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Capri and the Other Capri- Ana who? VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

An Umbrella, I Might Get One of Those. VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A Morning in Sorrento VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A beautiful weekend in the South filled with rain, wind, and wonderful views.

Meandering in Florence

A second trip to Florence rewarded us with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery by our Professor Marco. Under Marco’s guidance we examined the change of art at the during the time of Renaissance.  One thing we didn’t spend much time looking at were the statues.  I would have looked closer but I had trouble keeping my eyes of the ceilings.
In case you are surprised at the '”Lack” of photos in this album, it is the result of  the Uffizi prohibiting the use of cameras. I did have my camera, however, I forgot the SD card in my checked bag.
After the tour was finished and we efficiently walked through a few of the rooms not included in our tour. I intended to walk with a few classmates and wander Florence, but due to their alternative plans of going to their hostel, I had a new decision to make.  Left with the choice to explore on my own or find another group, I began walking towards the river. I walked across both bridges on either side of Ponte Vecchio to get a view of the facades facing outward. I also walked across Ponte Vecchio its self, I had a lot of fun looking at the jewelry displays.
After meandering the city a little longer, I made my way back to the train station to catch the 5:09pm train to Orvieto.
It was a quite relaxing trip to Florence. I’ve found that I don’t mind wandering by myself, because I don’t have to feel rushed to get a photo nor do I have to worry about keeping up. Sometimes it is nice to roam at a pace of my own.

Florence VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Florence Photos

A forewarning: These photos are from over a week ago. This is just the beginning of a series of posts that will primarily be of photos. Photos to follow will include those from the trip south to Capri, Almafi Coast, Pompeii, and Sorento.

Chocolate and Florence VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Exploring Churches and Tempted by Chocolate

 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Firenze Tour with Marco

It was another early morning to catch the train. This time the only train available to get us to Florence on time was a Regionale. This meant it took approximately 30 minutes longer. The longer ride really isn’t too bad, especially when you are good at falling asleep just about anywhere. I tried to use my internet stick on the train; however, each tunnel we traveled through would kick me off.  Giving up on the internet angle, I slept for at least an hour if not longer.

Upon arrival to Florence, we took a coffee and snack break. I had a cappuccino and a large apple (From the Orvieto Farmers Market), while others ventured over to the McDonald’s to get a taste of home. Professor Chelz led us to Piazza della Republica to meet up with Marco. On our way to the Piazza dell Republica, we walked through Piazza Santa Maria Novella. We happened upon a happy surprise- Lots and Lots of Chocolate Vendors. Sadly we couldn’t stay and explore chocolate all day because we we’re due to meet up with Marco.

According to Marco Florence is considered “Modern” with historical roots. One area of the city there is remnants of the Roman Empire(you can see this in the gridded streets surrounding Piazza della Republica). It is interesting how the city plan has been preserved in Orvieto vs Florence where many buildings in the historical district were taken down  or remodel in order to fit the restructuring the city plan.

For example many of the buildings around Piazza della Republica were torn down and rebuilt in the 1900’s with the intention of preparing to be the capitol of Italy.

We visited Palazzo Vecchio, It is another example of a building that has been remodeled. While the outside remains how the architect designed it the inside has been remodeled over the years approximately pre-renaissance.

Our tour ended in the Duomo. When I go back with Liz over Spring Break, perhaps we will climb the dome.

Free Time in Florence

Shortly after 1pm we left to roam another city. We found a decent meal for 10 euro (included an antipasto, our choice of pasta and a sauce, and a glass of wine).  It was pretty decent.

We circled the Duomo approximately 3-4 times…

We searched for an ATM, then wandered up to San Lorenzo. After paying the 3.50 admission ticket, we watched as a group of men moved a piece of art into the church and prepare to hang it in the empty spot on the wall.  

Next exploration began from the steps of San Lorenzo to the expansive number of vendors lined up along several roads surrounding the Large indoor Fruit and Vegetable Market. The Vendors Perked up as people walked by…if we even glanced at something in their cart, we were called after as people tried to reel us in for a sale. They would say something along the lines of “ Ooo, I’ve just the ___ (jacket, purse,etc.)for you. I make you a good deal.” 

After finding our way back to the Duomo, we precede back to the art store our professor suggested we check out. It was packed wall to wall floor almost to ceiling with painting supplies(paper, paints, brushes, and more). I found it surprising how many people were able to fit in the shop.

Last stop before the train was back to a piazza, where  we spotted chocolate upon chocolaty goodness.

Who’s up for Chocolate?

Tents of Chocolate in Piazza Santa Maria Novella

Yes, believe it or not each one of these yellow tents housed vendors with their own special chocolate. Some had truffles, others chocolates in the molds of wrenches and gears, Chocolate covered strawberries, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Fountains in which waffles on a stick were doused in the chocolate of your choice, the list goes on and on.  I ended up getting an assortment of chocolate truffles and a cup of hot chocolate.

The decision was a very tough one. The four of us girls, circled the piazza approximately 3 times before coming to a decision. On the 2nd circle we ran into our professors. One commented on our inability to make a decision “You don’t happen to be a Libra do you?”. Turns out three of the four of us were.

With our treats we returned to the train station and waited for the departures board to direct us to the correct platform.

Blogging from my mobile

We are headed south. We just left Orvieto for Pompeii. I'm at a stand still with the question which always plagues my trips...to sleep or not to sleep. I have a project I need to work on, well make that seminar and studio.

Solution sleep a little then work on homework. Blogging mobile is not so bad although it is difficult to stay focused on the tiny button..I this would go so much faster if I could use all of my fingers. A huge plus  to blogging with my phone is it was less than my netbook and it backs much easier.

Another's plus is the ability to snap a picture with my phone and  upload it to the blog. :)

Google drive is brilliant, if I felt so inclined to  work on my paper it would be possible. Sure apps like these have existed for a while but before now I've never need to use them.

We stopped at a rest stop, i bought a apolni sandwich, gum, and a mars bar. The apolni had meat, cream cheese, and mushrooms  stuffed between foccacia bread. It was really was delicious.


In a few hours we should reach Pompeii.

Our driver and pink bug delivered us safely to Pompeii, where explored shortly and then received a tour of the ancient roman city. I can't wait to see what is in store for our dinner provided by our program!!

The Extreme Workout

Couple weeks ago, my intention was to walk the Rupe and jump rope a little, maybe take a few photos. To clarify the Rupe is a trail that circles the base of the Orvieto cliff.

Yes, I said jump rope. I've only used it once because I feel awkward if I try to use it in my apartment. Why is it awkward? Because it has the potential to annoy and up set our neighbors.

Back to the Rupe. I left at 12:30 in my workout outfit. After hiking and exploring some random paths near the Rupe, i run into a couple classmates and they're headed to the  monastery's castle. Today it is a hotel.

Joining their hike we wander along some road we think will logically lead us to the monastery. Good news, we made it.
Every thing was closed, after all it was sosta(the Italian version of siesta). Almost all shops are closed 1-4:30.

We decided to hike further up the hill following the road. We were in search  of the perfect view of which we could see the entire cliff of Orvieto

We did took an excursion off the roading into an olive grove. As we made our way to the edge of the cliff we saw a breath taking view of Orvieto.

We wanted a group photo but there wasn't a place to set the camera down nor did we have a tripod  so Casey hung his bag over a tree branch and use my jump rope to secure it. It was sturdy enough for a few pictures but we didn't trust it for long. So we got our pictures and trekked our way back down one hill and back up the cliff of Orvieto. On our way up we encountered several steep roads. We walked up some that were a 20-30% incline

When i finally got home it was five minutes after four. I was cold, sore, and tired. I soaked in a hot bath and felt like new.

Assisi, Italy

The home town of our Italian Culture and History Professor. It is another hill town. It is widely know for its religious connections to St. Francis.

Assisi, Italy VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Basilica di S. Francis

Made of three major parts, the crypt, lower church, and upper church. The crypt protects the body of St. Francis and four of his close companions. The lower church and the upper churches have wonderful frescos. Sadly no pictures were allowed in the church. Fun fact: most churches are covered in frescos with the primary reason of writing down stories in a way the commoners could understand, because the written language was in Latin and was only known by the aristocrats and the clergyman. The more I look at churches the more I like this idea, its like having stationary cartoons. I always liked picture books.

Piazza del Comune

I decided to mention this piazza, primarily because this is were we stopped our tour with Marco. It is also the location of the store I bought my new cookbook. My new cookbook is all about pasta. It has recipes for meat and pasta, baked pasta, sauces to go on pasta, and how to make fresh pasta. I plan to eat lots of pasta! Gretchen and I have found a mutual love of pasta, so we’ve been cooking most of our meals together.

Rocca Maggiore

I walked into a restraunt for lunch and had a flat bread sandwhich. It had cheese and salamie; it was delicious. While I was in there I ran into some classmates, so I got my sandwich to go and joined their group. On the way to the Rocca Maggiore (pretty much a castle), we came across a bakery. I bought a cannolo and a carmele. The cannolo was delicious it was white chocolate with coconut. (I should really learn how to make cannoli!) The carmele was kind of like laffy taffy..the outside was tough; good thing I carried my pocket knife with me that day.

While Ellie choked on her meringue puff, we climbed the hill to the Rocca Maggiore. It was splendid. Its one of the high points  in the Assisi hill town. We looked down at the valley, where you could see the roads bisecting land. The sky was blue with big cotton ball clouds. I took some cloud pictures for future montages and renderings; I’m always short on sky images. I can’t ever seem to get on that is at the right angle.

One thing we noticed while exploring Assisi was all the stairs. The stairs alone had and interesting design. The stairs were in the middle of the path then along the sides it was a paved slope. Either this was so water would run along the edge of the stairs or it could be used by people pulling little roller baskets. I must say I enjoyed running down the slope until I almost slipped on a patch of moss.

Basilica di S. Chiara

This was our meeting place before walking down to the bus. I spent time taking more pictures, when I should have been sketching instead. Oops, I’m still working on convincing myself to sketch but its so much easier just to pick up my camera and snap a photo. Pros to sketching- you notice details you might miss in a photo. You can express mood and manipulte how others will see the scene. Cons- there isn’t anywhere to sit and if there is it is usually on a cold piece of stone.

HaHa…I really am a creature of comfort. I like to be comfortable in all that I do. Shoot right now I am writing this blog in my pjs on a couch with a pillow and blanket. It’s a wonder I haven’t fallen asleep.

So Sad news…the morning of our trip to Assisi, I accidently killed my battery charger. All I did was plug it in and it popped and the fan spazzed out. So I might be taking few pictures and be forced to sketch, but I’ll try to post some of my sketches.