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.
Monday, February 25, 2013
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.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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!!
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.
In a few hours we should reach Pompeii.
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.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
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.
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. 
Friday, February 8, 2013
Where Ever I Rome, You May Follow
On my second week in Italy, we took a train to Rome where we met our Italian Culture and History Professor Marco. From the train station we took the metro to the Colosseum. The moment we walked out of the station and across the street, we were smacked in the face with the Colosseum. At this moment we were still in a dream. Not until exploring Rome with Marco did I truly believe I was in Italy. I still felt like I needed a pinch though.
As I posted on Facebook, Rome was like walking into a history book and jumping pages as we walked from the place to place. The piece of architecture that struck me the most was probably the Pantheon. We rounded the corner and there … sat the Pantheon. There was something about walking through the colonnade through the large doors and into the Pantheon. Looking up, I was taken aback. I was almost struck speech less, partly because the architecture but also because a loud speaker kept asking people to be quite.
I spent two days in Rome before returning to Orvieto.
Our First Day
The first half of the day was Led By Marco:
I’ve decided just to add photos, later I’ll go back and label them.
Interactive Blog- what is it?
- This is a great moment in time for you to test yourself. Can you identify all the places I visited in Rome?
After dispersing for lunch, we were free to explore the city. We (Me, Gretchen, Casey, Brandon, Leland, Ellie, Chelsea, and Robert) had lunch at a restaurant near the Pantheon. I had my first Italian Fanta (I’ve only seen orange Fanta) and I had a Cannolo. I also had pizza but the Fanta and Cannolo were the highlight of my meal.
Around 5 pm we started to walk towards our hostel (Hotel Lodi) I think we finally got there close to 6 because we kept stopping for pictures. The guy at the front desk was very polite. Robert accidently only registered 7 of us, so instead of having to get a 3rd room, they just gave us extra mattresses for the two rooms we already had. The manager also sent us up stairs before settling the bill ( I guess we all looked exhausted). He brought us all a cup of coffee. For breakfast I had a cappuccino, blood orange juices, and two pastries. Overall It was a great stay and I would go back.
Our Second Day
We left after breakfast, with all of our belongings. We split up because some wanted to store their bags in the lockers at the train station.
First Stop for my group was the Vatican City. We started out at the Piazza del Saint Pietro. I spent the day with Gretchen, Ellie, and Chelsea. I happened to have my Swiss army knife in my book bag thus I skipped out on going in to the basilica. So I took more photos and sketched while I waited. Getting ready to sketch I plopped myself down between the obelisk and the basilica. I got a few funny looks because I was sitting in the middle of a piazza.
After examining the ceiling in St. Pietro, we made our way to the Vatican Museum. We spent the majority of our time making our way around the Vatican museum. Even though there was a security check point, I was able to keep my pocket knife because there was a book bag check room.
The ceilings and are were phenomenal, they are really something you just have to see. There is so much detail I could go back 20 + times and I’d still miss a lot. I got separated from the girls in the museum and so it’s a good thing I got an Italian cell phone.
We met back up and looked for lunch. I wasn’t very hungry(I ate dried fruit and nuts), but the girls were craving American french fries. So we were off to McDonalds.
While we ate it poured. Then it rained some more while we found our way to the metro station…I got pretty wet. I still haven’t bought an umbrella. I think I’ve just gotten to the point where I’m determined not to get one.
By the time we reached the Spanish Step the sun was out and the clouds broke.
The weather held long enough for us to visit the Trevi Fountain. We were tired after visiting the fountain, we found ourselves booking (Leg power-didn’t take the subway this time) it back to the train station to make the earlier train. We made it…with 8 minutes to spare. There was a little bit of running involved just to make sure we go on.
We climbed in to a car and we happened to find Casey, Leland, Brandon. Robert went on a walk and because his watch was wrong he missed the train (he caught the later one). Ashley and Brendan were in another car.
Another Conversation
I got stuck sitting by myself. I put my headphones in and was eating my dried fruit, but then this guy leans over and starts to talk to me. He asks if I am American. He speaks decent English, so between him and the girl across him we have a conversation. At one point he asks what kind of music I like – Country of course- So he starts singing a song by Elvis. Mostly this is funny because I happen to have a lot of Elvis on my phone. Even though I was tired and was ready to take a nap, I tried to answer the questions he kept asking me. We’ll just say It made for an interesting train ride.
Walk the What? The Rupe
The Rupe is a trail that goes around the base of the cliff of Orvieto. One Morning Maggie, Gretchen, and I decided to take a jaunt around it. We made it 1/3 of the way before we were too tired and had enough. Rick Steves said it was going to be a flat trail….its not. Haha. There are defiantly places where the trail isn’t ADA by American standards, but as we are finding out not much of Italy would be ADA.
Our biggest issue was figuring out which path was the Rupe and which were the entrances/exits to the Rupe. We walked up two hills that turned out to take us back to the city and the third was suppose to be a panoramic view. The only issue was the tall brush that prevented the view.
Over all it was a pretty good workout.
I’ve currently only walked the Rupe in segments, mostly from our project tours. My goal is to get out their and at least walk the whole Rupe, then start making hiking trips further out in to the valley. My hiking trips are more like photographical explorations.
Caught Between Clouds
When the Grey Beard rolls in, I am caught between clouds. Above me and below.
When the valley is cloud filled and I stand near the cliff wall in Orvieto, I feel as though I’m living on a cloud. These moments often reinforce the feeling of living in a dream state.
My life in Orvieto moves at a relaxed pace. I often wake up at 8 am and make it to bed by midnight or 1 am. I could get use to this.
*For those who don’t know my normal semester sleep habits: I go to bed between 2-3 am and get up at 7-9 am.
A day in Orvieto:
Wake up at 8am, leave for Centro Studi by 8:45 and still arrive 10 minutes before class. Class from 9am- 1pm. Break for lunch until 2:30. 2nd class 2:30 to 4:00 pm. The sun sets between 5pm and 6pm during this time I often try to walk the city and sketch. Occasionally I stay at the Centro Studi until 5:45; it Closes at 6pm. Somewhere between 5-7 Gretchen and I finally decide what to make for dinner. After washing dishes, the question become what to do until bed time. The answer is often visiting other apartments where we play cards for a couple hours, doing homework, meeting classmates at the bars, or Skyping with family.
Exploring Orvieto?
This can also be called a derive. I don’t really ever set out with a destination in mind. I just wander around taking a closer look at the buildings and piazzas. When I find something that fascinates me I either stop to take pictures or I find a spot to sit and sketch. The result is often questioning looks from resident Orvietans. Occasionally some will stop to ask me who I am and where I am from. Others have gotten use to seeing me around and assume that I am American. A few times my wandering has lead to conversations of 1/3 English, 2/3 Italian and Between lots of hand gestures….we have a conversation.
Conversational Examples:
While admiring the Duomo with binoculars, I have talked to a Fireman, who explained generally about the frescos on the front of the Duomo. (This one was primarily English).
While looking at a cookbook in front of a store, an elderly man walks up to me and starts talking about himself. He is a Professor of Philosophy. The professor told me his life story. I think I understood most of it but only because he used big hand gestures, a little English, and showed me news articles. (He joked about how he felt very comical using all these hand gestures)
I had some wonderful conversations with them. Now when I walk the streets, I recognize them and wish them a good morning.
When the valley is cloud filled and I stand near the cliff wall in Orvieto, I feel as though I’m living on a cloud. These moments often reinforce the feeling of living in a dream state.
My life in Orvieto moves at a relaxed pace. I often wake up at 8 am and make it to bed by midnight or 1 am. I could get use to this.
*For those who don’t know my normal semester sleep habits: I go to bed between 2-3 am and get up at 7-9 am.
A day in Orvieto:
Wake up at 8am, leave for Centro Studi by 8:45 and still arrive 10 minutes before class. Class from 9am- 1pm. Break for lunch until 2:30. 2nd class 2:30 to 4:00 pm. The sun sets between 5pm and 6pm during this time I often try to walk the city and sketch. Occasionally I stay at the Centro Studi until 5:45; it Closes at 6pm. Somewhere between 5-7 Gretchen and I finally decide what to make for dinner. After washing dishes, the question become what to do until bed time. The answer is often visiting other apartments where we play cards for a couple hours, doing homework, meeting classmates at the bars, or Skyping with family.
Exploring Orvieto?
This can also be called a derive. I don’t really ever set out with a destination in mind. I just wander around taking a closer look at the buildings and piazzas. When I find something that fascinates me I either stop to take pictures or I find a spot to sit and sketch. The result is often questioning looks from resident Orvietans. Occasionally some will stop to ask me who I am and where I am from. Others have gotten use to seeing me around and assume that I am American. A few times my wandering has lead to conversations of 1/3 English, 2/3 Italian and Between lots of hand gestures….we have a conversation.
Conversational Examples:
While admiring the Duomo with binoculars, I have talked to a Fireman, who explained generally about the frescos on the front of the Duomo. (This one was primarily English).
While looking at a cookbook in front of a store, an elderly man walks up to me and starts talking about himself. He is a Professor of Philosophy. The professor told me his life story. I think I understood most of it but only because he used big hand gestures, a little English, and showed me news articles. (He joked about how he felt very comical using all these hand gestures)
I had some wonderful conversations with them. Now when I walk the streets, I recognize them and wish them a good morning.
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