It-Alli-a

"All You Non-Smokers Will Have the Last Laugh"

2010-08-15T22:19:00.026+02:00

Civita
Martedi, Maggio 4, 5.5 miles

Our bus ("or is it a van?", class discussion on the ride up to Civita/Bagnoregio). The sunflowers (the symbol for Tuscany) reminds me a little of home in Kansas. I'm not entirely sure what I was thinking (I probably wasn't actually) but I didn't bring a jacket that day (which honestly wasn't so bad) however, I didn't bother to bring my umbrella either on one of the most dreary/rainy days of the week. I really should have known, it was a field trip day afterall! But much to my surprise, and appreciation, the bus driver offered to let some of us borrow an umbrella. I was thinking he had maybe two, but no, he kept pulling out giant umbrellas and passing them out! (I think we ended up with 5/6 overall).

Here it is! Civita. An island city. What is left of it's crumbling edges anyway... Extremely fascinating!

A diagram illustrating Civita today and how it relates to Bagnoregio with layers of lava and tufa rock supporting the cities above.

A lone ranger. Civita is so isolated that the only way to reach it is across this footbridge. (This very steep footbridge mind you!) Surprisingly, there are only 14 residents of this town, yes 14, and that is only when KSU professors Don and Carol Watts are living there during the semesters teaching abroad and during some summers. Here, there are no grocery stores. The residents go to the nearby town of Bagnoregio to buy food and other daily necessities. There are a few restaurants, though, for the thousands of visitors to Civita.

Here past the top of the modern footbridge is the last remnant of the original street that connected Civita to Bagnoregio.

After hiking all the way up the windy, rainy, steep bridge, the class took shelter under the arched gateway to the city and waited for our fearless leader Tony 'the Doge' Chelz to arrive. As he turns the corner from the bridge he's chuckling to himself and shouts to us, "All you non-smokers will have the last laugh!" as he wheezes a bit recovering from the long, steep climb.

Don and Carol Watts (professors of the KSU group that studied in Orvieto) invited us in and showed us their very own Italian Villa D'Watts! Their villa includes the main house and this garden house. There are two levels of gardens (the upper part directly attached to the house shown here) stepping down to a lower part with arched caves under the house. Truly spectacular views (even through all the clouds)!

After our tour of the houses we had some lunch at this bruschetteria. Some the most delicious food I've ever had!

"According to Rick Steves"......Look, even Rick Steves approves!

My empty plate ready to be filled!

The owners fixing and preparing our bruschetta over hot coals in this cozy restaurant. Talk about made to order!

Round 1: some onions and peppers ( I tried, but I couldn't finish all of the onions and peppers, I had to take a few off...but I did try...)

Round 2: They even had me, a notorious picky eater to my friends and family, eating a seemingly simple slice of bread with some truffle spread on it! I mean truffle as in mushrooms and I hate mushrooms!

Round 3: sausage

After lunch, we took a walk around the surrounding town where I came upon this cat.

Even some cloudy skies can't keep these spring blossoms down.

Some of the tunnels under/through the city.

Here is our class at the lower level of Villa D'Watts.

Lunch time for these kittens. Owners of some of the local restaurants take care of the neighborhood cats.

At the end of our visit we pass these three old men looking over the valley.

As we were leaving the sun began to break through the clouds and open up the sky. Goodbye Civita, I will miss you!

On the way back down the bridge, Don and Carol walked back with the group to drive Tony back to where our bus waited a couple miles away. The two were a running commentary all day. Here's a few of them:

"Carol's mom is having trouble climbing stairs....'let's go to Civita!'..." Don
"Rick Steves' doesn't mean squat!" (apparently Don carries quite some annimosity towards Rick Steves...)
"Those weeds weren't cleared in with a capital 'C'!!!" Don referring to plants and weeds growing in abundance in Italy

Perhaps the funniest of them all:

"What's for dinner?" Don
"Risotto...the kind you don't like...the zucka kind!" Carol
"I'm gonna have to treat myself to some gelato if Carol's going to feed me that pre-fab zucka for dinner....and when she asks me why I'm not eating I'll say 'I'm on a diet dear'. " Don

"Anyone Tired Yet? Whew!....Nah, Not Me. Not This Kid!"

2010-08-13T19:20:00.048+02:00

Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa:
Mercoledi, Aprile 28, 9.5 miles

Villa D'Este

Our first stop was Villa D'Este in Tivoli. Walking through the town we passed through this vibrant plaza. It was surrounded on three sides by streets. I found this bit of landscape architecture quite pleasant, weaving these benches through the edge of the plaza. The environment was fairly comfortable although, I did find the distinction between the plaza and the street a little difficult as they were treated with the same type of paving (not uncommon I've noticed in many of these Italian towns). Nonetheless, I welcome this environment and enjoy the differences in design as compared with many plazas in the United States.

Groupings of old men chatting the morning away.

Check out this paving, and the drainage channels!

View out to the valley and the town from the upper balcony of the villa

I LOVE spiral staircases!

Looking down at the lower courtyard and gardens below.

Lower plaza; the garden areas are down and to the right; the villa is on the left, the part under the wisteria has been transformed into a gift shop and cafe

varying levels of ramps and stairs that wind down the villa/gardens; in traditional Italian Renaissance style, this is all very symmetrical (which I happen to like in many ways)

Fontana del Bicchierone

Nice trees!

View of the water organ fountain. Twice a day it opens up and plays a tune, we got there just in time to hear it, along with all the neon dressed school children!

Looking down at Neptune's Fountain and the three rectangular ponds that sit on axis with it.

enjoying some of the spring blossoms and an ancient tree

Here I am in front of Neptune's fountain. (one level below the water organ)

Le Cento Fontane (the Hundred Fountains)

Villa D'Este

Our next stop, Villa Adriana (Hadrian's Villa). This villa, or should I say city, covers an immense amount of land (I knew it was going to be a good mileage day!). The scale model above shows a bit of how spread out it was which just adds to the impressiveness of the accomplishment in building it all. It was built as the private summer retreat for Emperor Hadrian between AD 118-134. The architecture of the villa was full scale replicas of the emperor's favorite sites in Greece and Egypt.

To reach the main part of the villa we hiked up a long incline. All along the way I kept expecting to find animals roaming around as I felt like I was in a zoo. About halfway up Tony asked, "Anyone tired yet? Whew!....Nah, not me. Not this kid!" (as he was huffing and puffing up the hill)

Teatro Maritimo

A soldier standing guard over the Canopus (a sanctuary of the God Serapis near Alexandria).

And here we came across some statuesque Goddesses....I particularly like the one in the middle right raising her hand gracefully towards the Heavens. There's just something so lovely, so elegant about her.

The Canopus

Yeah, I see you ladies....go ahead, don't be ashamed, fondle his 'buns of steel' (or should I say 'stone') You're on vacation!

a friend roaming the grounds

here's another one who loved all the attention he got, not to mention posing for a few shots

Nice tree!

some ducks in the pond

turtle turtle......turtle turtle

impressive presence of trees

I found this juxtaposition of old olive grove in the villa next to the new car interesting, seen all over Italy, old and new thrust into life together.

"Have I Told You About the Time My Wife and I Camped In East St. Louis?..."

2010-08-13T03:35:00.035+02:00

Villa Lante and Bomarzo:
Mercoledi, Aprile 21, 3.25 miles

Villa Lante

The bus waiting to take us to Villa Lante in Bagnaia. The Great Moretti Bus Company. Let me tell you, these bus drivers can maneuver with the best of them, weaving through narrow medieval streets, around winding country hill roads, and parallel parking. Yes, I said parallel parking, they can parallel park these buses like none other.

Entry to Villa Lante

Fontana Del Pegaso

a fly on some shrubbery

Look at that drainage running right along the bottom step.

Looking down at the Quadrato and the Fountain of the Moors

some blooming Azaleas

Catena D'Acqua/Cordonata Del Gambero

Catena D'Acqua/Cordonata Del Gambero looking out towards the town of Bagnaia

Laura and I with Professor Tony (the only LA's of our group) at the Fontana Del Diluvio

Laura and I tree-huggin'

in between some shrubs; I would love to play hide and seek in these shrubberies

Fountain of the Moors

I spy a black cat...

railroad across the bridge

That's a tight fit! Running right next to our bus.

Bomarzo

After Villa Lante we went to Bomarzo: the Park of Monsters. Here we ate lunch in a very school- cefeteria-like setting. I had a panini and some Wacko's chips! While we're all eating it was pretty quiet, unusually quiet for our group. So Tony asked if any of us had any stories to tell. Someone then asked Tony if he had any stories we should know about. His response, "Have I told you about the time my wife and I camped in East St. Louis?...". (Our collective reply was "WHAT!?") Then he proceeded to tell us a story involving a drive through liquor store and camping in East St. Louis.... I'm not sure any of us could stop laughing for a good five minutes!

Here is the cat that roamed around the park enjoying all the attention that he gets from all the visitors.

a nice entry experience through the row of trees

gate to the main area of the 'monster' park

The struggle between Giants; with an inscription that reads " if Rhodes is proud of its Colossus, I also can take great pride in my wood, and no one will ever do better than I did". This park dates back to 1552 (which is absolutely mind boggling to me!).

A close up, he seems to have taped his broken fingers together. I hope it helps.

Pegasus

Turtle, Woman, Whale

The Teatre

Neptune

The Ogre

The Leaning House, a very interesting experience walking inside

The Temple Prince Orsini dedicated to his wife when she died.

Caught Tony sketching the Ogre.

"With Pecorino In Hand I'm Off to the Countryside"

2010-08-10T21:33:00.041+02:00

Montepulciano and Pienza:
Mercoledi, Aprile 14, 3.75 miles

Now that I've actually been back stateside for a couple months, I believe it's time I finish my blogging. I know it seems a little late, but let's just call it my Italian side; enjoying life and taking it slow......

Montepulciano
We started the day in Montepulciano for a couple of hours to visit San Biagio. It was extremely foggy so there's not much we could actually see. The cool fog gave an odd combination of eerie yet peaceful.

San Biagio

Inside San Biagio

outside, looking up between one of the side chapels and the main church

intricately detailed moldings

a closeup of some algae

an old man contemplating the world

old man looking for four leaf clovers (or something...)

a neighborhood cat

taking time to enjoy some plants

Pienza

Check out that paving detail (or not if you don't want. But it's just what I do, what can I say, I'm a landscape architecture student!)

Looking over Val D'Orcia

Heidi, Laura, and I

Walking along the overlook we came across a beautiful row of trees.

Old man on a bike

some flowers

Entry to Pienza

A gathering of old men while their wives shop (I assume...)

Street of Pienza

The courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini

Palazzo Piccolomini built in 1459 was the summer residence of Enea Silvio Piccolomini and Pope Pius II. It's one the first examples of Renaissance architecture.

In the formal garden of the Palazzo looking out to the valley.

In the garden looking back up at the Palazzo.

Looking down at the garden from one of the balconies.

The balcony

And now it's lunch time at the very best restaurant in Italy!
Trattoria Bar- La Buca Della Fate

Ready to feast!

The wine. Oh, the wine!

Course 1: Bruschetta with various spreads

Course 2: Lasagna (this alone was worth the trip!)

Course 3: Salad, Roast Beef, Roast Chicken, and Sausage

Course 4: Dessert! Tiramisu (which I don't typically like, but I loved this!)

The end of the meal. Look at all those empty wine glasses. Eight of us finished about 10 bottles of wine. But we weren't ready to leave yet and the professors still had a couple pitchers left.

Soooo, Josh D. went and asked if we could finish theirs:
"I think Tony intended for you to have a productive afternoon." Norma
"I know...but I hate to waste good wine." Josh
"Oh, they've been working hard, they deserve it." Mark

Ohhhh, we were VERY happy the rest of the day!

"I'll Be Sure to Put My Camera Away for this One"

2010-04-23T21:40:00.018+02:00

Perugia: The capitol city of Umbria and famous for its Chocolate!
Mercoledi, Aprile 7-6 miles

Some of the immense underground of Perugia. This was the original medieval town until it was taken over by the "naughty Pope" (as Maura our tour guide explained). This area now serves as a transition and a museum as it links visitors through a series of escalators to what is Perugia today.

A park outside the palace. We found that Perugia has many green spaces and parks like this one. I found these parks one of the best features of Perugia and for this reason it is one of my favorite places we have visited. All the parks offered plentiful shade and seating.

an old man and his dog looking over to the valley

an old lady washing her hands in one of the fountains in the park

a cafe that has views of the valley

Along the corso we found this dog patiently waiting his owner as he stopped for a pastry and cafe. Here we found out our tour guide Maura worked as a translator for National Geographic guiding one of its journalists through Italy.

a shaggy, solemn looking dog watching passers-by on the corso

a civic building flanking the main piazza that terminates on the corso; it served as a town hall and was used for various town and government meetings, weddings, and events

A grand switchback stairway along the Via Prome. It was located on a city edge and had vast views of the valley.

the class admiring the views and aqueduct below

A view of the aqueduct with stairs that run along in the street beside it. This aqueduct is no longer used to transport water but has been adapted to a pedestrian bridge.

some of the spring blossoms

another park space, Piazza Italia

Nearing the end of the day we rode the Mini-Metro to our bus stop. Here is a nice lighting effect at one of the stops.

The Mini-Metro was some of the most fun we had of the day. I found every one of us had smiles on our faces illustrating our fascination and excitement for something so new.

We (unfortunately) got off at one of the stops so we could see some more "famous architecture" by yet another "famous architect" (Aldo Rossi). This fits into the post-modernist category. I find it (criticizing both the architecture and outdoor space) to be too massive, over-scaled to humans, and just uncomfortable (unfortunate as this is a residential area...). It has a large piazza and as you can see on this gorgeously sunny day in the 70's there is no one there. A day when other piazzas and parks in Perugia were filled with people enjoying the warm day, yet no one desires to use this one. That to me is a testament to its failure.

The title of this post is a comment Heidi made as we climbed the stairs to this atrociousness.

The fountain that sits in the center of the piazza. It is the only part of this space that I find somewhat interesting (perhaps because it is the only element actually IN the space...). I do however, think it would be more fitting were it placed in an office park rather than a residential location.

Quickly the pigeons diverted my attention and I found them to be, quite frankly, more interesting than anything surrounding me.

Here Laura and I sigh as we experience the massive (lack of) design for this outdoor...space?.... This...space?....consists of a continuous brick paving pattern that is too small and monotonous for the courtyard.

Here is one of Perugia's famous Bacio or 'kiss' chocolates. Hershey's has nothing on Perugina chocolate! Each chocolate came with a fortune/proverb in it. My first one was something along the lines of polygamists having too many wives but monogamy also having one too many wives....well, I couldn't just end my trip on that soooo.....naturally I had to get another one. My second chocolate said 'Given the right chance, a woman can do anything'. Awesome! I'll end here.

"If You're Trying to Pull Off Being Catholic, It's Probably Best If You Don't Smirk When You Take Communion"

2010-04-19T00:00:00.013+02:00

Easter Weekend in Castiglion Fiorentino: Buona Pasqua!
Venerdi, Aprile 2-5 miles
Domenica, Aprile 4-1 mile

While many of the students from Santa Chiara decided to leave for a four day weekend, I decided to stay in town and experience the Easter Festivities that go on throughout the week. Castiglion Fiorentino has continued their Easter and Holy Week traditions since the 13th century. The weeks activities included three processions; one scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Good Friday with the Passion Play enacted against a cliff backdrop on Thursday. Thunderstorms and rain canceled Tuesday's procession and Thursdays play.

The procession on Friday began at Piazza Della Collegiata right outside our home of Santa Chiara and were scheduled to begin at 9 pm, but as Paolo Barucchieri (the man who started the Santa Chiara study center over 20 years ago) explains: "

"Of course it will be later, you know, we are in Italy..." (the procession started around 9:35)

A look inside Chiesa del Gesu

The ceiling was beautifully decorated in gold and blue

crosses waiting to be carried

The processions include three brotherhoods (more existed in the past that have since been abolished). The brotherhoods are not a religious order were founded to serve the church and a social purpose. Each brotherhood leads one of the 3 processions. The brotherhoods carry 3 crosses each and members carry wax torches along the procession through the town.

The Campania di Mezziricorde wears black robes and is affiliated with the Chiesa di San Francesco. They were originally formed in Florence during the Plague and served to assist the sick and prepare them for dying.

The Campania di Gesu wears blue robes and is affiliated with Chiesa del Gesu.

Many in each brotherhood proceeded through the procession barefoot. The weight of this gesture coupled with the torches and the large heavy crosses was extremely moving.

The Campania di Sant'Anthony is affiliated with the Chiesa di San Francesco and wears white robes. This brotherhood has no ties to the KKK despite their resemblance to the sect.

At the end of the procession it is part of the tradition for community members to follow at the end as the brotherhoods pass. Lydia, Laura, Jen, and I followed as well as the procession made its return along Via San Giuliano back to the Piazza Della Collegiata.

flower centerpieces at our table for Easter dinner

Lydia came down from Orvieto for the weekend and shared in the experience. Here Lydia, Me and Heidi are at Easter dinner.

wine we had with dinner

Easter Feast! Ham, roast beef, salad, peas, and scalloped potatoes

Dessert platter!

We also went to a midnight mass at the Chiesa Della Collegiata. We arrived about 45 minutes early to be sure to get seats, although we didn't get seats in the main nave. Mass was very interesting (of course I could only follow some) as I am not Catholic, nor can I understand Italian. Right at midnight was the most exciting as men burst through the massive wooden double doors carrying a statue of Jesus. At the same time trumpets exalted and symbols crashed up in the balcony ringing throughout the church along with bursts of firecrackers lighting up the piazza outside! The joyous event brought a smile to everyone's face. Soon after members flooded the risen Jesus to kiss his feet in rejoice. (To fully partake in the experience Laura and I took communion during mass. The title of this post is what I whispered to Laura after she took communion!)

The whole celebration of Easter weekend was unforgettable to say the least. I felt a certain honor to have experienced a place so rich in tradition as both a member of the community and a foreigner. Much of the experience and emotions felt throughout can not be put into words but one could tell that we all shared in these moments.

"Uhhhh.....I Just Missed My Train"

2010-04-18T21:32:00.016+02:00

Orvieto:
Mercoledi, Marzo 31-10.5 miles

This day we traveled to Orvieto, the home of KSU's other Italian Studies Program and we were all especially excited to see our friends. We are only about 1.5 hours away by train but this was the first time we've actually seen some of our friends since before we left for Italy. After riding the funiculare (I love that word! funiculare, funiculare, funiculare...pronounced foo-nik-you-lar-ay) up the steep 50% slope to the walled city we met up with our tour guide Maura and stopped first at the park that was once the Papal Fortress.

Part of the park with beautiful views of the surrounding valley

One of the first things that caught my eye. An interesting modern park and amphitheater. This is an example to how strong of a statement geometry can make, especially in a situation like this where it can be viewed from high up in the distance.

Here is a picture of Saint Joseph's well. It was designed to sustain the city in case of attack. The design was revolutionary with its double helix stairway, one for going down, one for coming up to prevent collisions of the donkeys who carried loads of water.

More of the park edge...notice the old man

Here we met the old man. His name is Giovanni. He was in his 80's and as cheerful as could be. He kept telling Maura (our tour guide) how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. He also joked with Tony saying he was a lucky man that he had trouble hearing so he wouldn't hear his wife nagging Tony all the time. We found out he was a sculptor who did two of the original restorations in the Duomo. People like this and days like this are what makes Italy great.

The Duomo of Orvieto

Bronze door looking in

Inside the Duomo. The sunlight was fabulous today.

Walking along the main corso we came upon this pleasant courtyard tucked off to the side. It served as an outdoor patio for a cafe and felt very comfortable in scale with the lone Magnolia tree offering shade.

Lydia took us on the Rupe route that follows along the cliffs of the city

here is the Necropolis, an Etruscan burial ground

We came across an interesting driving situation, one that occurs all over Italy in its tight medieval towns. If you have ever wondered why Europeans drive small cars, here is your answer.

A woodworking shop/store of a local artisan family.

Our Orvieto friends hosted us for 'snackies' for us early so we could make our 8:04 train. An assortment of bruschetta and cheeses and of course wine!

Laura, Becky, and I. Laura and I planned on taking the last train (8:04) back to Castiglion Fiorentino. We hung around as long as we could. After only an hour with friends (not nearly enough time) Laura and I said our 'goodbyes' and Lydia walked us to the funiculare by 7:45 (plenty of time, right?...). We waited for the funiculare to run and after what seemed like forever it finally made it down the hill. Laura and I run across the street, validate our tickets, check the departure board (it said binario 2) and run under the sottopassaggio (underpass)....Only to find out the board changes to binario 1. We see our train coming from the opposite direction and not wanting to cross 'the bloody tracks' we sprint back down under the sottopassaggio, up the escalator (because there were some very slow people on the stairs), out to the train, slam the button to open the door...doesn't open. Slam the second button as the train begins to pull away....

Well, I guess were staying the night in Orvieto...good thing we know people!

We check the schedule for the morning, buy our tickets for the train back, buy some more funiculare tickets and head back up to the city. We take a bus back to the Duomo and make our way back to Becky's apartment.

Me, Laura, and Lydia enjoying our extra time together.

'According to Rick Steves...'

2010-04-02T14:49:00.031+02:00

Cinque Terre:
Lunedi, Marzo 15-4.3 miles
Martedi, Marzo 16-5 miles
Mercoledi, Marzo 17-4.25 miles

After Venice and a couple hectic days traveling through Vicenza, Verona, and Milan we finally made it to Cinque Terre. The girls and I stayed in an apartment we rented in Riomaggiore. Because we looked like 'good girls' the people we rented from gave us a free upgrade to an apartment that had 1.5 bathrooms and two balconies, one of which was seaside!

Before coming to Italy, Laura and I watched Rick Steves' (the travelin' man) episodes on Italy. He traveled to Cinque Terre and talked extensively about the food and the hiking trails. So, all of us girls equipped with our Rick Steves' knowledge and guide books headed to Riomaggiore. Every time we partook in something we read in our guide book or saw on the show we would quote, "According to Rick Steves'...."

Here are some of the highlights

Monday we ate lunch at Il Grottino. Notice the reflection of the buildings through the wine glass on the tablecloth.

The alley to our apartment

Hanging out in our apartment on Day 1. I am out on the balcony looking in.

The girls taking the path outside our apartment down to the marina.

Looking up at our apartment, the left middle building, top balcony

Every night we loved watching sunsets from our balcony. This is sunset day 1

Cooking dinner; we cooked 2 of the 3 nights we were there. Rick Steves suggests travelers take time to cook their own meals with food they buy at the local markets.

Dinner the first night: red pesto and green beans. Pesto is originally from this region (Cique Terre) of Italy so Rick Steves' would be doubly proud!

The pedestrian tunnel we took from the train station into town. The whole length of the tunnel had this mural of seascape made with various stones and seashells. During WW2, this tunnel used to serve as a bunker.

Along the trail (suggested hiking by Rick Steves!) on Day 2. Cinque Terre is a national park that include hiking trails connecting each of the five cities.

I found myself taking a lot of pictures of plants

Some of the trail that follows the cliff side

Emily, Amy, Laura, and I peeking through the windows of the covered walkway

and then I found this rock resting ever so lightly on the edge of the cliff contemplating life....

then we saw ships off in the distance and pretended they were pirates!

and crossed a bridge

All along the trail there were these red and white trail markers. Laura and I pretended we were on the Amazing Race...

stopping to take a picture: Emily, Amanda, Me, Laura, and Amy

and then I found a friend, or he found me; he followed us awhile and enjoyed the attention we gave him

Sunset Day 2

Dinner the second night at La Lampara

Continuing my Pesto theme for the break, I enjoyed my Pesto Pizza. The crust was light and buttery and flaky full of deliciousness!

Because we deserved it, we all decided to get dessert that night. I had a walnut/caramel pie

Day 3 (St. Patty's Day) we go to Monterroso and check out the beach. Here the nicely designed boardwalk along the coast.

and we come across another friend

A well thought out plaza that includes plenty of seating, a giant chess board, and a sundial. It was about 12pm.

Sunset Day 3

Dinner Day 3; Pesto (green for St. Patty's Day), a cheese wrap, and toasted bread

"See You On the Lido"

2010-03-24T21:30:00.034+01:00

Venice:
Martedi, Febbraio 9-4.7 miles
Mercoledi, Febbraio 10-6 miles
Giovedi, Febbraio 11-5.6 miles
Venerdi, Febbraio 12-9 miles

So, we went to Venice.... When we arrived we all loaded onto a chartered boat to take us to the Lido (a separate island from Venice but still considered part of the city). This boat had around 100 people on it plus all of our luggage (which would have been enough for twice as many people for twice as long if you consider how much the Texas girls brought.....) As we were moseying our way down the Grand Canal, Tony said to his wife Carol "If this thing springs a leak, were done for..." to which Carol responded, "Thanks Tony" with a roll of her eyes. When we got to the Lido, we checked into Hotel Cristallo and headed off in search of some lunch because it was "Panino-O'CLock" as Tony would say. Then, we went back to the main island of Venice for our guided tour.

Here is a bit of everything from the week:

The domes of San Marco's Basillica

Here I am staring down a lion at Piazza San Marco

The Doge's Palace (I think I am going to start calling Tony 'The Doge'. It seems fitting); The palace is very large and you need a good 3 hours to see it all. Laura and I went on Friday but only had an hour to see it. If I ever make it back to Venice this will be the first thing I do.

The courtyard in the Doge's Palace

A narrow passage in the prison of the palace

A typical cell in the prison. One such as this, possibly even this one is where the infamous Cassanova was held (and made his escape from)!

A food display at a restaurant

A canal

Some masks. The long beak kind were worn by doctors. They used to fill them with scents and spices such as juniper and ginger to block the smell of all the dead bodies/victims of the Plague.

Another canal. The pink house on the right was owned by Cassanova's caretaker.

A courtyard. One of these surrounding buildings is where Marco Polo lived. Marco......

Polo.....This is Mauricio. He was our tour guide on Tuesday. He is a very proud Venetian and told us the population is down to only 50,000. (at it's peak the population was around 100,000). I'm pretty sure the whole week, I saw more Americans, let alone all the other tourists than I did Venetians. Along the narrow alleys he kept saying, "Step aside, step aside for the Venetians!"

After our tour Carol shouted all chipper like "See you on the Lidooooo!"

This was dinner Tuesday night. We had Chinese food. Fried noodles...

Sweet and Sour Chicken.....

and....the craziest Fried Ice Cream i've ever had! It was a ball of ice cream with Nutella and dough swirled together completely surrounded by a ball of fried dough.

And then Wednesday came.....
I woke up early to get a hot shower only to find out the Venetians on the Lido don't always believe in hot water. I just couldn't force myself to jump off the Titanic into that shower! (ok, maybe that is a bit harsh, but.....)

And then I look outside my window only to find out it a blizzard! In Venice!

A look at what Venice is like during High Tide (or blizzards). Platform sidewalks are set up all over the city while the ground is flooded.

Snowy gondolas

Snowy gondola with seagull prints

Tony and Carol crossing a bridge.

Carol, "Tony, pay attention so you don't fall!"
Tony, "Take your own advice Carol!"

Carol gets further along and Tony says, "Carol...Carol...CAROL! If you let me fall, I'll never forgive you!"

Prayer candles in one of the churches. Due to the blizzard outside and our lack of preparedness we were FREEZING so we all huddled around the prayer candles (much like hobos) and warmed our faces and hands. (Is that sacrilegious?....)

More snow....

More snow at night in Piazza San Marco

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe! Ahhhhhhh.....

My BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. Just what I needed. Don't get me wrong, I love Italian food but sometimes you just need all your food in one course.

Heidi, Laura, and I at Hard Rock

The sun came out on Thursday

I figured I include another old man picture. I haven't put one in in awhile.

Sunshine on a canal!

A look at some chimneys

A Calatrava. One of the 440 bridges in Venice.

Cemetery Island

One of the new burial sites. An entirely hideous and depressing structure (by British architect Chipperfield) if you ask me. It is large and oppressive. The first thought I had was that it reminded me of what a concentration camp would look like. I'm just saying....

The inside isn't much better. There are small, uninviting grass courtyards but no seating. There should always be seating. The graves are all regulated with no room for personal expression of the deceased by family members.

When we walked around the corner and saw this (the guys had been all excited and talked this up so much) Emily says, "This is it? A concrete box!?" to which Tony responded, "I believe they call it minimalism..."

Later, after being here for 45 minutes too long, Tony comes up to us girls and asks, "So tell me, what is it I'm supposed to get, what am I missing here?...." (Who knows Tony, who knows....) His sarcasm was as obvious as I know the look of distaste I had on my face was....

Emily expressing our sentiments....

A glass blowing demonstration in Murano

A beautiful sunset on the ride back to the Lido

Pesto dinner at Osteria

Chasing the Tide

2010-03-08T18:26:00.011+01:00

Viareggio: Sabato, Febbraio 27
Day's Mileage: 8 miles

Look at all those palm trees! I love palm trees!

Lunch at Ristorante Da Aldo

I had a Prosciutto e Mozzarella Calzone

Some dogs playing at the beach. They were as excited as we were to be out there!

Laura and I running from the waves

Emily, Amy, Me, and Laura posing for a picture on the beach....

...then the waves came and caught us off guard!

Running around. We were like kids that day

Sinking our toes in the sand

Back in Lucca we saw some guys playing polo on bikes. An interesting use for the piazza.

Back in Lucca we had dinner at Trattoria Da Leo. I had a pasta (of some sort) with a red wine sauce and roast beef.

Piiiiiiiisssaa

2010-03-08T17:55:00.015+01:00

Pisa: Sabato, Febbraio 27

All the buildings; the Baptistry, Cathedral, and the Tower. Interestingly enough, all the buildings are leaning a bit, not just the Tower, but the others just aren't as noticeable.

You can't really go to the Pisa and not take some touristy 'Holding up the Leaning Tower' pics...

Emily with everyone's cameras. She's quite the tourist...

Just catching some reflection

A timeline of the construction history. It started sinking before they even finished it. It seems they could have used some structural engineers on this one (or at least done some soil testing!).

A dome

Some sculpture in the Cathedral

Looking through the rows of benches at Cattedrale.

We stopped for a pastry snack at Salza, in business since 1898. The one on the left is a thick chocolaty pudding type and the right is a lemony doughnut.

I'm pretty sure God painted this one.

"Move Into My Frame"

2010-03-08T13:49:00.011+01:00

Lucca: Venerdi, Febbraio 26
Day's Mileage: 2 miles walking, 5 miles biking

Arriving in Lucca. Look at that beautiful blue sky!

The famous composer Giacomo Puccini grew up in Lucca. The building on the corner was his childhood home.

Puccini is Tony's idol. On our very short tour he took us to this statue and said "I would like you to take my picture as I pose with my idol". And so he posed.

As part of the tour he informed us; "Ironically, he (Puccini) died a tragic death at a young age from cancer of the Larynx....hmm, I'll quit sometime" (Such a funny comment coming from Tony, a frequent, heavy smoker)

Tony 'conducting' the class in the Piazza Anfiteatro. As the name hints, this space used to be an amphitheater and now it exists with shops, restaurants, and apartments.

Our hostel 'Alla Dolce Vita' ('the Sweet Life'). It was more like a bed and breakfast minus the breakfast (so I guess that just leaves the bed...). It was a really quaint place with a big bathroom, decently comfy beds with down comforters, and an great location right off the corso.

Us girls riding bikes on top of the walls of Lucca. The trail is 4km. We went around twice!Technically we weren't supposed to ride bikes since they count as a vehicle and our insurance wouldn't cover it, but as Tony said "It's only illegal if you crash!..."

Emily and Amy riding bikes. I was taking the picture as I was riding/trying to balance (it's been awhile since I've actually rode a bike). I shouted to Emily and Amy to "Move into my fraameeee..." and then I almost (I said almost) crashed.

More bike riding shots

Amanda, Me, Laura, and Amy eating some afternoon Gelato. Straciatella e yogurt, pronounced yogoort (Chocolate chip and yogurt)

Dinner at Barallo's. I had linguine with a light cream sauce and artichokes.

"I Just Ate a Bathsalt"

2010-03-06T23:42:00.023+01:00

Assisi: Mercoledi, Febbraio 24:
Day's Mileage: 3.5

A look up at the city with the smoke from burning olive branches in the front

Bus parking with a good example of permeable paving

Such a nice crosswalk detail, don't you think?

Gateway into the city

Tony and Paolo chatting in the Piazza of San Francesco D'Assisi

The cloister courtyard at San Francesco

The garden outside the upper church of San Francesco. The word 'PAX" (or peace) spelled out in shrubbery. 'Bring me a shrubbery!'

Piazza of San Francesco D'Assisi with the valley in the background

A pedestrian street. Doesn't that look like fun!?

The bell tower

The Church of Santa Chiara

Old man walking up hill

Old woman walking up hill

Our secondi piatti at Ristorante La Rocca; potatoes and a chicken.

Emily, Amy, Me, and Heidi on the patio after lunch

A pastry shop. Just take a look at all those pastries....is your mouth watering yet?

Amy and Emily with some pastries. Emily got a meringue type pastry. After biting into it she said:
"I just ate a bath salt" as it crumbled all over the ground and the pigeons flocked to share
"What does it taste like?" Amy asked
"Like cotton candy.....no....stale cotton candy" Emily replied

Tony sketching at the Basilica Santa Chiara

A look back at Assisi through the trees on the bus ride back

Under the Tuscan.....Clouds?

2010-02-28T23:32:00.010+01:00

A trip to Cortona: Sabato, Febbraio 20:
Day's Mileage: 4.25

So we went to Cortona, the city that Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed. There were posters of the movie everywhere in town. The movie really helped the economy and encouraged many people to move to Cortona. I was excited and loved the city, except being under the Tuscan Clouds.

A look at the hillside

A stairway alley. There are a lot of these in Italy. They are oh so fun to climb up......

A look over the valley. Mid-way down there is a walled in cemetery.

The cemetery resting on the hillside

A cat. This cat followed us almost the full length of the corso, kept its distance but wanted to see what was up with these new faces in town.

The theater in Cortona. So beautiful and it had 5 rows of balcony seating. I sure would love to watch a show, any show, in there!

The ceiling of the theater.

Tony waiting for the Etruscan Museum to open

A look at the clock tower

Here are more pictures of old men, so cute just chatting the morning away. Always in groups of 3-4.

Lunch at a bruschetteria on the corso. I had Pizze Salsicia e Spinaci and it was quite possibly the best pizza I have ever had!

"Vorrei....Chicken McNuggets"

2010-02-28T19:12:00.020+01:00

Rome Day 5: Sabato, Febbraio 13:
Day's Mileage: 14 (that is a record!)

Inside the Colosseum! Can you believe it only took 8 years to complete? (and it took KSU 1/4 of the time to finish that parking garage...)

Some detail in the brickwork

Testing out sepia mode again. Looking into the Colosseum. The light was wonderful this day.

Some of the original iron ties

A close up of the upper 2 levels. You can see where the stairway once was.

Looking into the Colosseum

A cat at the Colosseum, with a column laying in the background

Another Colosseum picture. I just loved this place....

The courtyard of the Vatican Museum

At Museo Vaticani. This is one of the many long hallways. This one is the map room with large floor to ceiling hand illustrated maps. We literally walked 2 miles in the museum winding our way through to get to the Sistine Chapel.

Stairway exiting the Vatican Museum

Walking through the columnade at San Pietro.

We stopped by the Pantheon during the day and caught a bit of sunlight.

The group resting on a column outside the Pantheon. (Amy, Amanda, Josh D, Laura)

Plaza outside the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) museum. A nice example of modern landscape architecture. It does look a lot better lit up at night though. Since it's all white stone, the stone shows the city pollution easily.

A look at the lighting effect in a shallow pool of water. There were fountains coming out in a grid from each of these lights but they weren't on either of the times we walked by this plaza.

Yeah.....we went to McDonald's in Italy. Just to say we did. Plus we were really tired that day and just wanted something quick (although, I must say, Italians don't really know the meaning of fast-food. I mean, the food was good, but they were slow getting it to us). Funny story, we try to practice our Italian everywhere we go but it was pretty hard in Rome, most Italians would just speak to us in English. I'm not sure why we thought McDonald's of all places would be any different...

Amy walks up to the clerk and orders: "Vorrei....Chicken McNuggets..."
The clerk just laughs at her: "haha....do you want the meal?"
Amy: "ya"

Then I go up and order a Crispy McBacon (in English).
The clerk asks "medio o grande?"
I respond "si!" (having only heard 'grande' and thinking 'well ya I want a large! I'm really thirsty and we can't get free refills in Italy'

Well I'm sure the Americans gave him quite a laugh that night.....

I must say though, it was one of the nicest McDonald's I have ever been to. The interior details of hardware, furnishings, and decoration was sleek. It was a three level restaurant with the uppermost an outdoor patio on the roof.

Would You Like to Taste Some Fish Sauce?

2010-02-28T18:11:00.024+01:00

Day 4 Pompeii: Venerdi, Febbraio 12:
Day's Mileage: 6

Our professor for our History of Science and Technology class, Giovanni D'Pasquale, took us behind the scenes into the laboratories at Pompeii. He also got us into Pompeii for free! Here he was showing us samples of marble from buildings. We also saw human bones and skulls (which made me think of one of my favorite TV shows 'Bones'. I know Dr. Brennan, aka Bones, and the other Squints could have solved the lives of these people!), a bread loaf that looked like burnt dark chocolate, a vine woven basket, textiles, assorted fruits (dates, pomegranate), seashells (the flatter ones were used for paints), and ingredients for 'Garum', a fish sauce. The archaeologists remade the fish sauce and ever so kindly offered to give us a taste (no thank you, but have you remade that bread yet!?)....no one took them up on the offer, however, we did smell it and it smelled like a pungeant soy sauce. Whew!

A Pompeii kitchen, the 'sinks' were separated for hot and cold coals. You can tell this home belonged to a wealthier family because the counter was made from marble. The average person had counters made with brick.

A look at Mount Vesuvius down a Pompeii street

A cool paving pattern in the palace.

A tiled floor in the palace. It took 1 million tiles to make it. Each tile was about the size of a fingernail.

One of the Pompeii dogs in the baths. Professor D'Pasquale told us that there are about 60 dogs who permanently live on the ruins of Pompeii.

In the baths. These men have been holding up this structure for thousands of years now...

Another Pompeii dog, they are all so friendly and used to humans coming around. This one posed patiently while I took my picture.

A petrified Pompeiian body

The city's sundial

An interesting array of brick styles

Some ruins with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background...

The arena where gladiators trained

The loggia surrounding the training arena. The sun came out just for a few minutes that day, enough time for me to take this photo.

A garden owned by a wealthy Eqyptian, here he would recreate the River Nile Flood every year

Another Pompeii dog. Funny, his fur coloring matches the architectural materials in the background...

Heidi, Laura, and I doing a K-S-U across one of Pompeii's sidewalks

" I Guess We Have to Expect 1 Good Scalp in a Big City Like This"

2010-02-28T17:34:00.020+01:00

Rome Day 3: Giovedi, Febbraio 11:
Day's Mileage: 11.25

Castel Sant'Angelo

Sculpture on the bridge to Castel Sant'Angelo

A look at the Basilica of San Pietro from down the street

Some sculpture at San Pietro

Two Polizia walking through the columnade at Saint Peter's

Outside Saint Peter's; a look at the Vatican's Swiss Guard

A glimpse of the Baldichino at Saint Peters.

The Pope, I saw the Pope. We couldn't get up close to the altar that day because there was a service going on. We knew it had to be something special because there were so many people there. It turns out this day was honoring the 18th Annual Day of the Sick. We were lucky to get in that day; shortly after we got in they stopped letting people in.

Inside the Church of San Pietro. After visiting San Pietro we went to lunch at 'Universal Bar' Cafe. All of our sandwiches cost 6 euro each (a little pricey). Some people also ordered cokes which were 6 euro as well. After which Tony commented to us "I guess we have to expect one good scalp in a big city like this."

The Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, built on the former Baths of Diocletian

One of the doors of the Basilica

The dome inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli

This is the University of Rome's equivalent to Durland Hall at K-State, where all the engineers hang out (this one is for you Mum!)

Michaelangelo's Moses

Walking back to our hostel that night there were some fire twirlers in the Piazza Navona (I stopped to watch hoping they would be fire throwers....but they never did)

Another gelato, this one in Vaniglia. Can you tell the historic landmark I was sculpting?

"I Had to Throw the Architects a Huge Bone"

2010-02-28T17:12:00.014+01:00

Rome Day 2: Mercoledi, Febbraio 10:
Day's Mileage: 11.5

A really interesting permanent art exhibit inside Parque Musica. The phrases were spelled out in different languages and different colors of lights.

An outdoor amphitheater at Parque Musica.

Inside one of the theaters at Parque Musica. The ceiling looks like a giant tortoise shell.

Some modern landscape architecture outside of the MAAXI, Museo Nazionale Delle Arti. The architects were of course looking at the building. I, however was looking at the landscape. After seeing all these modern architectural landmarks, Tony tells me (as one of the only two LA's here) that I'm going to like the space we were going to see next. He tells me he figured "I had to throw the architects a huge bone" after seeing all the piazzas and amphitheaters.

This pretty much sums up our day....

The Spanish Steps

The Trevi Fountain in the daylight. I was testing out some sepia tone pictures.

The Trevi Fountain at Night. I like it much better lit up at night than during the day.

'Ombrelli, Ombrelli, Ombrelli'

2010-02-28T16:44:00.010+01:00

Rome Day 1: Martedi, Febbraio 9:
Day's Mileage: 7.6

Some Gelato from 'Blu Ice' (Italy's equivalent to Baskin Robbins 31 flavors)

Amanda, Amy, and I eating our first gelato. I had mint chocolate chip.

Area Sacra ruins, they have been taken over by cat lovers and turned into a cat sanctuary.

The Taruga Fountain in the Jewish Ghetto

Steps up to the Camidoglio, they were long and shallow, scaled for horses

The Ancient Roman Forum

Laura, Amanda, and I at the Roman Forum

Check out some sweet permeable paving found all over Rome. As a landscape architecture student I often find myself looking at paving patterns.....plus it was raining all day and I didn't have an umbrella.

Amy losing her umbrella outside the Colosseum. Instead of helping her, we all just stood there, watched, and laughed; I immediately grabbed my camera.

Nice umbrella Amy. Perhaps you should buy one from those ridiculous 'Ombrelli' salesman?...

We made a stop at the Pantheon in the evening, but of course there was no sunshine that day so we couldn't catch a beam of light.

Willie's Whereabouts

2010-02-18T18:54:00.014+01:00

Through my travels in the past couple weeks I've spotted a friendly face. Some of you might recognize him. He goes by the name of Willie (as in, the Wildcat).

Here Willie can be seen around our quaint little hilltown of Castiglion Fiorentino. He is in front of the Piazza Garibaldi.

Willie at the Antique Market in Arezzo. Yeah, he's excited and ready for some haggling.

At the steps in front of the Duomo of Arezzo. He's preparing himself for the Spanish steps in Rome next week.

Willie having a breadstick midday. He's a big cat and has to eat.

Willie on the bus to Carnivale in Foiano

At Carnivale. He got confettied.

On the bus ride to Pompeii. It was snowing and reminded him of being back at K-State.

At Pompeii, thinking he could take on Mount Vesuvious

Snack time again. The 5 miles walked at pompeii made him hungry.

Back in Rome, Willie spotted the Colosseum from a distance and got excited. He let out a roar so the Gladiators would know he was coming.

At the Colosseum

Looking down at the Colosseum, mentally preparing himself for his upcoming battle.

Catching a glimpse of his competition: beast vs beast. Win the crowd, win your freedom Willie. Win the crowd....

Willie won the crowd, with a K-S-U-WILDCATS! K-S-U-WILDCATS! K.......-S.........U........WILDCATS!!!!

After his battle he made a triumphal march through the Constantine Gate.

Willie at the ruins of the Ancient Forum

In front of a temple at the Ancient Forum

Willie conquering the Spanish Steps (all 140 of them, the original Stair Master) preparing himself for next years football season (Willie, you might need a few more trips...).

Looking up at the Pantheon Dome.

Making a wish at the Trevi Fountain

Second wish

Eating Gelato. You can't go to Italy without getting some Gelato. (go run some more steps Willie)

Willie at the Bocca della Verita (the Mouth of Truth). He still has his hand so he must have been telling the truth.

Willie in front of the Basilica of San Pietro. He saw the Pope that day, good 'ol Benny the 16th.

"I'm Sure You've All Heard about Italian Drivers,.....Professional Killers."

2010-02-05T14:36:00.011+01:00

Mercoledi, Febbraio 3:

Today was our second field trip, to Florence! The train ride was about 1.5 hours. Florence is such a neat city. It is a lot flatter than our little medieval hilltown of Castiglion Fiorentino. Our tour guide, Natale "just call me Nat" was pretty good; very knowledgeable. He threw in a few fun comments during the morning like, "Be careful crossing the street, I'm sure you've all heard by now, Italian drivers, professional killers". The day was long; we tracked 7 miles total (the most so far!) It would have been a lot better if the sun had come out some.

We ate lunch as a whole group (all 80 of us from 3 different schools) at Trattoria del Panello. It was really good. Lunch was rigatoni with red sauce, tortellini with ricotta and spinach for the first course, second course was fried pork and fries (zucchini and potato), and ice cream with fudge for dessert.

After lunch we went to our history of science class with professor Giovanni D'Pasquale. He gave us a tour of Florence's science museum (soon to be Museo Galileo) where we saw a room of books dating back to the 16th century, the library that overlooks Ponte Vecchio, and Galileo Galilei's right middle finger!

Walking back to the train station we saw the Duomo of Florence. We just turned the corner and there it was! I was in awe and a bit of shock at first, and when I finally found some words the only thing I could say was WOW! We made it back in plenty of time for dinner of cavatapi, roast beef, mashed potatoes, and a dried fruit tort.

(Santa Maria Novella)

(Sculpture outside of Santa Croce)

(Inside Santa Croce)

(Some wood detailing in the ceiling of Santa Croce)

(the original Statue of Liberty, 'Liberty Enlightening the World'; it represents liberty of peotry and freedom of art in general)

(Outside the Pazzi Chapel)

(Inside the Pazzi Chapel)

(A nice bit of modern landscape architecture (minus the trashcan!))

(an astrology/time clock at Galileo Museo)

(some books from the historic archives at the museum, these are from 1721)

(historic world map; made with the Garden of Eden at the center)

(Galieo Galilei's right middle finger)

(a glimpse of the Duomo of Florence)

(our professor, Tony in front of the church that fronts the Duomo)

(A little bit of irony. I shouldn't have to explain this one....)

What! Did I Just Eat Fish!?

2010-02-05T14:25:00.002+01:00

Martedi, Febbraio 2:

Today was our first real studio class. We practiced some sketching (wow, it's been awhile since I've done free hand sketching!) It felt good though, to relax and sketch for awhile. Lunch was bean and chickpea soup, breaded perch (yes, I actually ate some fish), green beans, and fruit. We had seminar in the afternoon and then a group of us walked to Enzo's and got pastries. I had Cioccolata Calda (it's so thick and delicious it tastes like chocolate pudding!) Dinner was pasta with red sauce (I picked out the onions and mushrooms), turkey with gravy and broccoli, and fruit again.

AND!....we got an update on the 'Bachelor' from Emily's friend.

Hot Dogs! In Italy

2010-02-05T14:14:00.002+01:00

Lunedi, Febbraio 1:

Lunch today was vegetable soup, carrot and ham quiche (interesting....), hotdogs and fruit (still no pears for almost a week. I miss my pears). After lunch I had an afternoon siesta (ahhhhh, I'm really getting a hang on this Italian lifestyle!) Took a walk around town (1.25 miles). For dinner we had Pesto (soooo delicious!), roast chicken with red sauce, peas, and fruit. We tried the Rosato Wine (best I've tasted so far, it didn't burn after).

"Mama Mia!"

2010-02-05T13:56:00.001+01:00

Domenica, Gennaio 31:

Today I slept in (till noon!) I know, I know, you're thinking, why would I waste my time sleeping in so late when I'm in Italy? Well, the thing is...sleeping is not really wasting time. It felt so good! When I got up I went to lunch at Cafe Rogge with Laura and Heidi. I ate Pizze Salomino. It had a thin, flaky crust with a red sauce and pepperoni. After lunch, a bunch of of us walked down to a local football game (about 2 miles total). We thought we had to pay (it cost 10 euro) to get in so we started to walk away. Then the ticket man came running up to us and asked "Santa Chiara?" and waved us in for free! Yes! It was an intense game. The crowd was so loud even though there weren't too many people there. We recognized a few words: one coach kept yelling "Francesco!", and a fan behind me kept yelling "Mama Mia!" at the refs, at the players (quite possible with a few choice words thrown in). Laura also heard a "Rocco" out there too. For dinner we had macaroni, meatballs, veggies, and apple tort for dessert!

(View of the stadium from above, within the city walls)

(Josh, Emily, and Amy walking to the game)

(the trail down to the stadium)

(the Medieval part of Castiglion Fiorentino provides a nice backdrop for the stadium)

"1 is a Womanizer, 1 Needs a Ouija Board, and 1 Uses a Phychic"

2010-02-02T17:45:00.012+01:00

Sabato, Gennaio 30:

This day was our first field trip to Arezzo! Our tour guide, Giovanni was hilarious! He had so many fun anecdotes, I wish I could bottle him up and take him along all my trips! The first part of the trip was nice, then the rain came! (I wouldn't have minded as much if I had remembered my umbrella! I guess I will need another trip to the market). We ate lunch at Il Chioschetto (it was one of the only restaurant open at siesta time in the afternoon and we were all soooo hungry! There we had our first Italian Pizze! (Oh, my goodness, we all had been craving pizza for sooo long!) The waiter even spoke English, but we all still tried out some of our Itlalian. I think we were entertaining to some local diners as they sat patiently watching us and smiling at our broken Italian. I tried to order some Iced Tea, but was informed this is only a summer drink (ahhhh, so sad!!!) After a long lunch we made our way back to the train station so we could prepare for our 1.5ish mile hike back up to Santa Chiara. All in all, we walked 5.5 miles that day.

Anecdotes of the Day (courtesy of Giovanni):

-His wife is from Dallas, and taught him English so we should be able to understand him (saying it with a Texan accent and throwing a Y'all in there)

-"The worst thing the Italian government did was save the Fiat! They are taking over, they're everywhere. (and they're ruining buildings with all their pollution!)"

-mocking the Italian government and the people running for office, he jokes that "one is a womanizer, one needs a Ouija Board, and one uses a psychic"

-He warned the guys not to date women from Arezzo because they have such high taste and will expect the guys to buy them everything.

-"Italian women may be beautiful, but once you take off their purse, coat, and clothes there is nothing left!, Their purse is all the weight they have!" He went on to say, "My wife is beautiful and has a nice smile, and when you get rid of her purse and clothes, she is STILL THERE!"

-He bashed on the pope too: "Unhappy pope. Always makes faces when he hugs little children", "he makes announcements [with hands together in a bow], that he [the pope] is going on vacation. While the little man is here working. Why don't you work for once and give all of us a vacation!"

-His mom said he used to talk so fast as a kid, being a tour guide is perfect for him.

-He gets so excited about facts, he starts to tell his wife something and "she says I know, I know Giovanni, you told me before!...I heard it before! But it gets really bad when she just asks to stay in the car. Then I get sad!"

(window detail on a hotel)

(Ruins of a Roman Amphitheater in Arezzo)

(Medieval storefront)

(Clock tower in Piazza Grande, Arezzo)

(Store fronts facing the Piazza Grande. These were shown in the movie "Life is Beautiful". The middle creme one is from the scene where the lady drops the key to the man below.)

(the loggia adjacent to the Piazza Grande)

(Wealthy families' coats of arms. The large one on the right is from the Medici Family.)

(Old Man. I've noticed I like to take pictures of unsuspecting old people. They just make such great scale figures!)

(Old Couple. More unsuspecting old people. This couple was so patient as they waited for me to take a picture of the fort wall that surrounds Arezzo, but they didn't realize I really wanted them in my picture.)

(Il Chioschotto, one of the only restaurants that was open during 'Siesta' and It was a lucky find!)

(My Quattro Formaggio Pizze! Oh, so delicious! It had a creamy white cheese sauce instead of traditional red tomato sauce.)

(My Aqua Naturale, and Emily's 'Coca-Cola Light')

(our group at lunch)

"The Communists Live Upstairs"

2010-01-31T18:28:00.027+01:00

Venerdi, Gennaio 29:

This morning I went to my first Italian market. It was like many markets I've seen in the States (except for the 1/2 pig heads displayed for purchase....) There were so many scarves, I could have gone crazy. I couldn't resist my need to shop so I bought one (I am a sucker for teal colors), besides the fact it was cold and I needed it to keep warm! There were so many charming elderly men there chatting away (probably while their wives shopped, I see this universal human nature!) There were also a lot of people with dogs.

(Clips of the Market. It happens every
Friday in our charming little hill town.)

We went on a morning tour (walked about 2 miles). We went by a church and the ladies there just invited us in (this seems to happen a lot in Italy, people are so friendly).

(a crucifix and sculpture of San Michele Arcangelo)

Next on our tour was visiting a old (old in Italy is circa 1500's or earlier!) house with brick barrel vaulted ceilings. The man who owned it invited us in. Outside his house was a garden with a view of the Collegiata and the valley. (And....his garden has grass! That is a rare occurrence in many Italian hill fort towns). The old man described the surrounding buildings and different additions. He explained that some of the editions are "not that old, only 150-200 years old" all non-chalantly. (In the US that is amazing to see buildings that old). The old man also explained, (my favorite part of his tour!) that "the Communists live upstairs". He just slipped that in and continued talking. Oh, funny Italian!

(View of the Collegiata overlooking
the valley. It was a cloudy, rainy day.
When the sun is out, the colors are so
impressive)

(View out over the valley from the man's front garden)

(the old man's house)

(The barrel vault of storage
under the old man's house.
It's hard to see but in the back
you can see the building coming
right out of the bed rock)

(the old man and an image from inside his garage)

(inside the house)

After our tour, we came back for lunch which was Polenta (with sausage and cornbread), Then a group of us went on a walk down to the train station about 2.25 miles. Dinner was pasta and chickpea soup, pork roast, and fries (can you believe it!) and fruit. Then a bunch of us played cards. And, that was my night!

Afternoon Siesta and Studio Raid

2010-01-31T17:55:00.007+01:00

Giovedi, Gennaio 28:

I slept in this day till 9:30. After a morning travel meeting and guest lecturer about Italian history we had lunch. Lunch was leek/potato or cauliflower (that's the conclusion our table came up with) soup, more veggie assortments of peppers (which I didn't eat), a sliced meat/cheese tray, and fruit. In the afternoon, our class went on a walk through the city (1.75miles). After the walk I whole heartedly embraced the Italian culture and took an afternoon siesta (I think Americans would be much happier, less stressed folk if they did the same!) I got up in time for dinner, rigatoni with a red sauce, cauliflower (im not sure what the theme is here...), but the roasted chicken with rosemary was delicious!, and of course fruit. After dinner, we re-arranged studio and raided the closet of goodies (architecture supplies) left by previous years (it was like Christmas all over again!)

(Willie the Wildcat holding up all
my charging adapters.He might be
making more appearances around town)

Ciao!

2010-01-29T17:59:00.023+01:00

Now that I've been here almost a week It is time to update the world on my travels!

Lunedi, Gennaio 25:

The day I left for Italy! I had to be at the airport in Kansas City by 6am for our 8:05 flight to Washington D.C. The morning had a few snow flurries but mostly fog, so unfortunately no aerial pics from the plane. In D.C. we had a 5 hour wait for our fight to Roma. Laura, Amanda, Heidi and I rode a 'Mars Rover/Star Wars' looking shuttle to the main terminal and had lunch at Fuddrucker's (what an American name!) where I, of course had chicken strips, a farewell to my favorite meal for the next 4 months...)
The flight to Roma was turbulent for the first 4 hours (kinda fun actually! like rollercoasters!) I kept myself busy with some in flight movies like the 'Informant' and Michael Jackson's 'It Is Time' and my favorite pass-time, NAPPING!

(the 'Mars Rover' Shuttle)

Martedi, Gennaio 26:

The day we arrived in Roma!...After a 9 hour flight. It was chilly and rainy. We all made it through customs in Rome's Fiumicino Airport. It went so quick and without a word, it hardly seemed legit! We waited in the airport for an hour or so for our bus to arrive to take us to Castiglion Fiorentino. While there I made an interesting discovery! (apparently in restroom stalls, I guess green means occupied, not open like in the US! That could have ended badly for some unsuspecting Americans, but luckily no one else was in the bathroom!)
When the bus arrived, we had about a 3.5 hour ride to Castiglion Fiorentino. Most of the class (including me) slept the whole way. I guess the beautiful Italian countryside isn't enough to keep tired travelers awake. In CF it was still cold and raining (we heard some the townspeople were upset that it was such a bad day to welcome us to Italy. Aren't they charming!). A truck met us at the bus stop in CF to take our luggage. After the 3 block walk to Santa Chiara we had a quick lunch, got checked in, unpacked, and went on a short walking tour. On the tour we stopped at Hermes Cafe, where Enzo the owner gave all of us free pastries! His cafe is a little taste (no I don't mean the food) of home decorated in K-State (and other universities) flags and memorabilia.After the tour we made our way back for dinner. 'Cena' was spaghetti, pork roast, salad, and fruit.

(Hermes Cafe aka: Enzo's)

Mercoledi, Gennaio 27:

Wednesday was more orientation in the morning. I was able to get online to update the world a little on facebook during my free time before lunch. For lunch we had bean/lentil soup, fried zucchini, potato and egg casserole/kiesh, and fruit of course. After lunch we had a short studio meeting and then walked around town for a couple of hours. I walked a total of 2.3 miles, saw some cute cats (which made me miss my Milo and Smokie), some interesting driving situations, olive groves everywhere we walked, and intricate, detailed doorways. I also said 'Ciao' to a nice old man walking his dog and he said 'Ciao' back. It was all very nice until he started talking more Italian that I couldn't understand. (I felt bad) I wish I could understand him though!
Before 'cena' we watched a terribly cheesy video (we've all seen these videos in school, no need to waste more time talking about this). For cena we had penne pasta, roast (of some sort), salad, and fruit. After dinner, we all went to a local bar called the Velvet Underground (our group has dubbed the 'VU' for short) and had Limoncello's. A lemony drink that came in a shot glass. We then proceed to take the 'shot' which we find out after wasn't a shot at all! It is meant to be sipped.....Ooops! I guess we gave the Italian bar tenders a funny story to take home!

(13th Century Etruscan Tower, CF's
Fortress at the highest point in the city)

(the view from the fort walls)

(a dog overlooking the valley)

(Italians have Gnomes too!)

(a cat watching us pass by)

(the 'VU')