Day 72: GoodBye

It is a bitter Sweet morning... I got awaken once again very early by snoring... so I couldn't go back to sleep so I went into the computer lab cleaned off memory cards and updated the blog before I leave the Villa for the last time in just a few hours. I leave for Cinque Terre at 2:30 and will eat dinner there with the group before going on to the Hostel. Hope everyone is doing well and I'll be home soon enough. I'm not sure what exactly I'll end up doing or where I will go, but I'll fill it in and add pictures to many of these days before when I get home! Everyone Have a great and marvelous 2 weeks and I'll see you soon!

Day 71: Last Full Day

sadly one of my longest days and also my last full day in the villa and Florence. :( SO we got up did homework I painted for a few hours early in the morning because I couldn't sleep before finish studying for my Italian Final. WE had shipping that morning and I shipped some stuff home through various people. I ate a wonderful lunch before taking my Italian Final and then working on Free travel and packing and the mural. I stayed up really late working on these three things... I finished th emural and left for the next day. One last final tomorrow, only 2 days of free travel really planned, and and unpacked bag.... but I guess I'll be ok!

Day 70: Cobblestones

So this morning I woke up (not knowing my phone alarmed hadn't changed ahead an hour)and luckily didnt miss it, but got to go on a bike tour of Florence. Me and kendra went into town (no one else wanted to go cause they were working on papers and things) and met this lady to go on a bike tour with some other Americans (and I think they were all students as well... but not studying here). They all had just gotten here in the last 24 hours hours and were leaving shortly. So we did the 2 hour tour which was a nice recap of all the sites of Florence we've done and seen. after the strenuous ride up the hills and across the cobblestones, we got back adn we went to the upstairs museum in the Orsanmichele and sat some of the org. pieces that were on the outside of the church. After that we did some shopping and ate at a small Italian place downtown that wasn't very good... but pretty cheap... we went across to the church Santo Spirito and had to walk around the Ponte Vecchino waiting for it to open. But it was cool and had really amazing architecture. After that we went across the bridge we stopped in another small church Santa Trinita which was cool before I picked up something for Sara before heading back to the train and to the villa for dinner. then I studied for the Italian final worked on finals and painted a little on the mural.

Day 69: Multi-Colored Eggs

Sunday church classes... AND EASTER!

we had our pre-Easter week celebration because we will be free traveling over the real time. So for Easter we began the day with classes then church. after a few more classes we had lunch and then the scavenger hunt. A few of the families from the Italian church brought there kids and we hid eggs and helped them find them. Whoever got the most got to break the egg. The egg is like this 3 foot tall hollow egg of chocolate! It is the largest piece of chocolate I may have ever seen! But it was fun to see all the kids and run around on such a beautiful day! after the east egg hunt Kyle read us a story that was a awesome kids book that I'd like to buy, but I cant remember what its called now... I'll have to look at the pictures when I get home!

after the kids left me and Sara took pictures of each other for Easter before we left for the Shackelfords house for dinner. Which they fed us left overs which consisted of the lamb and brisket (only with bbq sauce now). It was a lot of fun and they had a very fun apartment with a beautiful view of the mountains!

Day 68: Plan

Sat.

we had classes like normal... I went into town and got a few last things and enjoyed the city life for maybe the last time before i leave... (I finally got a Wallet!) then came back worked on the Mural some before working on free travel plans and a little homework. Also went to bed a little late oh and of course lost an hour of sleep because of daylight savings time.

and the basketball games were on tv as well... so I actually saw a few glimpses of the Butler game (saw the ending) but it was late and on a tiny tv... but It was fun... just hope everything comes together in time!

but it looks like we are going to:
Cinque Terre, Paris, Brussels, Dublin, London (maybe Scotland as well....) but We will get to spend a good amount of time in each place and hopefully get to spend a lot of time just enjoy Europe for the last few days we are here.

Day 67: Hoedown

Friday

Today was a free day in the sense that we had no classes. I woke up a little later and started work on the mural that is located in the stairwell on the right. So far I have the drawing completed after a long hard days work! Now its time for paint and the finishing touches!

Because we didn't have classes we had sack lunch today...

that night we had an amazing meal at the End of the Semester Banquet (Hoedown!) We decorated up the classroom. Had a talent show, a slide show, and of course an amazing meal. WE had ribs, steaks, and sausage! now granite its not like BBQ at home... didn't had BBQ sauce on it... but it was still good non the less!

after dinner we had a bonfire outside in the back in which the flames got a little ridiculous... but it was still fun and a great way to spend the last days under the Tuscan Sun.

Day 66: Reach to the Sky

THUS

Got up early and went to two castles in Porciano.

It was an amazing day. WE got to walk around and see both castles. The second castle was m ore like a tower... but Robbie knew the owner. So we got to go inside the refurbished building. We explored, ate dinner in the great hall before going to the top floor and looking out of the countryside. after that some of us walked into town saw the beginning of the Arno, before going to an Old mill that use to make bread. They showed us how it worked and made us a little meal before we headed back to the Villa after a wonderful and beautiful day in Tuscany.

Day 65

breakfast... a little extra time to relax... poor randy (our teacher) is sick...

Day 64: Bacon!

after waking up early and finally getting out of bed and trying to get caught up on journal entries I finally got caught up that night.

today we began our last few days in Florence with a Bang. The teachers made us a huge breakfast consisting of Bacon, Eggs, Pancakes, Blueberries, and even Syrup!

we had a few classes... got a progress report in Italian... got a group picture for the records... I thought about my devo for tomorrow and tried to plan a mural for the villa basement stairwell! got some stuff done and turned in ate a good meal (even had cheesey pasta finally for lunch!) after dinner and cleaning we enjoyed a small dance party with music in the laudry room while doing dishes and with monica who came to visit from the Greece program for a few days. Then we watched a movie The man from Snowy River... it was alright... then I finished up Italian homework and caught up my journal entries! so its been a good day we will see what tomorrow brings!

Day 63: Covered

mon
Bus to Pompeii from our hotel.

we got a guided tour of Pompeii and got to see a lot of cool things including the famous casts, frescoes, bakeries and ect. after we ate we had some free time and we went with Robbie through the villa of mysteries and then to the Brothel.... which was interesting.... then after that we got on a Bus to Naples and then the long train ride to Florence... On which I got to see an Italian couple play cards (learned a new card game... though not sure how exactly to keep score..).

then we got to Florence headed back up the hill and ate a small dinner... I didn't eat much because I had a really bad headache and didn't feel the best so I ended up going to bed really early! like 9pm... def. the earliest I've gone to bed in possibly years.... but it was very refreshing when I woke up early this morning and finally got out of bed at like 6:30 and took a shower

Day 62: Leather, Beaches, Oranges, and Lemons

Sun

Optional day:

can visit island of Capri, Almalfi Coast, Herculaneum, or stay in Sorrento

I decided to get up early and go with a group to Capri early and without Sara. She came a few hours later.... anyway We went to the island of Capri Via a hydro boat that was pretty sweet!! then we took a bus up to annacapri to see the famous sandal maker. I couldnt decided if I wanted any so I headed down the street some and looked in a church that had the creation seen on the tile floor. It was pretty cool and I got some pictures. after that IO walked around the town some before meeting up with Sara and once again going to the Sandal shop and finally buying my own hand made leather sandals! very nice! then picked up a wonderful caprese pizza at a little place down the street. It was really good but not what I expected when I ordered it. The Caprese pizza consisted of pieces of tomatos (I think halves of cherry tomatoes), cubes of mozzarella cheese and basil and I think also some olive oil and maybe a little oregano. after a little more shopping we headed to this beautiful villa up on the hill that was built on one of Tiberius's villas. It had wonderful views of the coast along with a wonderful garden that I would love to have... though maybe change a few things like the bird conservatory.... but Kelsey would enjoy the piano room that was a converted 12th c. Church.

after that we headed down the island back to the beach and relaxed for a bit. Then me and Sara decided to take a walk to spend the last few hours. We started on what we thought was a short walk up to Caapri from the port... turns out to be a approx 20 min hike up stairs to the town. We got there in time to get an amazing drink the called the special drink. It was a fresh lemon Slush with a fresh juiced orange and blood orange!!!!! It was amazing and worth the walk... and had another wonderful view from the piazza! After that we stopped by the bathroom before running back down and catching or boat back to the island in time for dinner with consisted of once again amazing pasta and also fried chicken and a piece of this apple pie stuff that was a little weird but I kinda liked it... O and we had dinner entertainment of Robbie and the Owner (who just turned 92) singing a few songs! after that we had a devo before heading to bed after another wonderful day in Italy!

Day 61: I Fought the Giant and Won

sat.
We arrived in Naples (really early int he morning) we then bused to bar Gambrinus for pastry and cappuccino (one of most elite bars in Naples) it was excellent!
WE then received a bus tour of Naples before stopping to visit Naples National Archeological Museum. This museum was really cool! It contained many frescoes and objects from Pompeii as well as many recovered bronze statues. It is one of the most amazing collections of Bronze statues in the world!

we then bused up part of Mt. Vesuvius. And climbed the last 30 min or so walk up the mountain. We got an excellent view of the surrounding mountains and cities from way up above before climbing down to the bus.

bused to Pompeii and got on a train to Sorrento.
At Sorrento me and Sara and Kendra walked down the hill from out hotel after we got checked in and went window shopping before finding a excellent pizza place to eat at in the city center. (I think it was ranked like Number 6 for pizza or something like that...) then we headed back to the hotel for an excellent night and a few rounds of spades before bed.

Day 60: Walk Amoung the Dead

FRi
We packed up our stuff and traveled to Monreale where we visited the cathedral and cloister of Benedictine Monastery. (very cool mosaics!)

WE then bused to Palermo visit Cathedral, Cappucin Crypt, Teatre Massino, and Market Area.

THe Cappucin Crypt was very creepy. It contains many dead bodies laid out to see. It was done this way so loved ones could go back and visit there parents or grandparents or who ever. It became very prestigious to be embalmed and placed here over the years. But this is no longer practiced. after our time here and visit down the market area (which I purchased some herbs to mix in with sauce to make variuos Italian sauces.)

we then Bused to Palermo Port to get on our ship.
Ship departs - "Tirrenea Lines" for Naples
we ate on the ship... wasn't the greatest but wasn't terrible. (and a little pricey...)
but then we finished out phase 10 game on the ship before heading to bed on our way to Naples.

Day 59: Sand in my Toes... and Shoes... and Hair...

thurs.

visit Agrigento Archeological site which houses a huge collection of ancient Greek and Etruscan objects, Mostly vases. T Hey had many fantastic pieces some I've seen before in books... but over all it was not the most exciting museum or tour we have been on. But it was interesting.

After that visit we all decided to head to the BEACH! this time we went to a sandy beach and I got in and wet and enjoyed myself! Even built a sand Castle! (which I'm not sure if I have a picture of...) We then headed back tot the hotel got changed and cleaned up before heading to the valley of the temples. WE got to walk around many fabulous temples and ruins of temples before stopping at the temple of Concordia. It is the best preserved temple and looks amazing for how long it has stood on that spot. The interesting thing however is that we actually got to go inside of it because of a modern art exhibit being placed around it to help pay for some restoration of other temples. This is only the 2nd time people have been able to go up into the temple and it was fantastic to be able to real see and be in the temple itself... though the pieces of art inside of it were a bit strange and out of place... but over all it was a great day! one of my best most memorable days!

after that and seeing the sunset again on these beautiful structures we went back to the hotel for dinner. This time we had very good pasta. And then for the second course we had fish. And I have no idea what kind it was but it was a full fish with skin and head all in place. So I skinned it and took meat off around the bones... it was alright... once again not my favorite meal... but not terrible. We also had fun conversations and ended up telling how me and Sara met like a zillion times... but it was fun! And continued the Phase 10 game we started the night before before heading to bed!

Day 58: Sight of the Scene

Wed

after a wonderful meal and going to bed a bit early, I got up in time for sunrise across the bay. I got up at like 5:30 (people at home would have been getting ready to go to bed) and headed down to the beach. I climbed up on some rocks and took some pictures of the sunrise and just relaxed as the day began.

after a wonderful and early breakfast at the hotel and some relaxing on the balcony the group headed up the hill.

we went to visit a Greco-Roman Theater at Taormina with a beautiful view of Mt. Etna (which only had a little steam coming off of it) and a beautiful view of the sea behind it. It does have to be the best placed amphitheaters in the world, It was Gorgeous!

after a little more exploring we got back on the bus and headed for Agrigento. We pasted some amazing green hills (because of the ridiculous amount of rain they have gotten here lately... more than they have ever gotten in like 60 years!) and also got to see the sunset on the beautiful hills as we were traveling through the green hills! but after a couple hour bur ride we arrived to our hotel! we then got some information about our next day and went to eat at the hotel.

they served us some amazing pasta and a meat of some sort with this very strange almost sandy like texture breading. It was a little weird (and not my favorite) but it wast terrible either.

Day 57: Make a Splash!

Tues

8:30-9:30 arrive Villa San Giovanni... (bright an early not sure if that time is right...)
we then took a bus to Reggio Calabria
and went to a Bar for Brioche (I think I just had a Pastry) and Cappuccino

we then we going to go to the: Reggio Calabria National Archeological Museum to see the: "Riace Bronzes"... but it was closed... but we found out it is in another building and the bronzes were under restoration. we we were able to go in and see some of the exhibit and the bronzes laid flat on the ground. we also got to see some of there equipment and it was kinda interesting to see these pieces in that position.

we were then given sack lunches and we got on the bus and went back to the train station area only to the port. and we got on a Ferry to Sicily through the "straights of Messina" and we ate our lunches quickly on the deck.

After we got off we got back on the b us and traveled to Taormina and checked into our hotel Baia Azzua.

My room was lucky enough to include a balcony that overlooked the bay and shared with two other rooms which was fun though we didn't use it a whole lot.

after exploring the rooms a bunch of us got our swimsuits on and walked down to the beach. I took lots of pictures and just got my feet wet.. tho some were jumping off the cliff... after that a few of us went up to Taromina to get dinner. I looked at some of the cool shop saw this ridiculously small street (that I barely could get through with out turning sideways). after that I went out to eat with Sara, The McClouds, The Shakelfords, Britney. and we all had a fantastic dinner. and I surprised myself and ordered Swordfish.. because it is one of those dishes the area commonly eats. It actually was really good. kind of like a mix between chicken, salmon and tuna I think... but a nice light fish that they finished perfectly!

Day 56: 360 View

mon



Classes... Packing

Had some free time and went to the Duomo. Finally Climbed the dome on the most beautiful day we have had! It was amazing weather! no coat! so i have plenty of pictures but I will have to upload those when i get back... because we are leaving for Southern Italy in approx 40 min. YAY! anyway I will have so much to show and tell when I get back! and then a week of classes and then free travel again... and then back home.:(

anyway I have to finish some stuff up so I will talk to you all soon!



Charter bus to Southern Italy departs for Campo Di Marte train Station at 20:30
Night Train for Southern Italy to Calabria

and yes we slept on the train... a new experience... and one that I did not thoroughly enjoy!

Day 55: Get a Clue

Sunday....

Classes and homework all day long

nonverbal lecture from Italians and an interpreter.

we had a man come that has his degrees in nonverbal communication and shred with us a lot of information about such things. WE learned about something that point out how someone might feel about you or if they are lying... but of course its never always right, just generally the case because you have to know all the nonverbal cue to really make an accurate observation.

but anyway today is the day when we get some stuff done. Its beautiful outside but I had a Italian quiz, some journal entries to finish up and many other loose ends to try and finish tying up before we leave tomorrow evening!

I also realized today that if you look at the number of posts for February it says 22... I guess I missed some days... might have to adjust that later if I can even figure it out now... o well...

Sadly my semester is getting closer and closer to the end... and yet I cant wait to get home to see everyone and do some things like paint for one. Hopefully with this extended summer I'll get everything done and get to see everyone!

well besides that sad note I'm leaving for Southern Italy in a little over 24 hours. I'm so excited to see the coast and relax some... yet we will of course be busy, but we'll get to see a bunch of amazing sights! so this time I decided to put up the rough outline of what our plans are at the moment for our one week southern Italy trip. So when I get back or if i have internet while I'm there I'll update you on everything and get some pictures up before too long hopefully! then another week or two and back off for final free travel and then home. So I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Day 54: Aye

Free morning... classes at night...

Watched Water Horse

well I slept in today. Then did some homework and relaxed before watching Water Horse (which Jay Russell left for the Villa). After that pretty good movie I ate dinner and went to class all day. and pretty much just did homework, went to class and relaxed for a change.

Day 53: Paint My Life

FREE DAY! in FLORENCE!

Today was a great day. I sort of got to sleep in... I didn't get up until 9:15 thou I got woken up many times from everyone's alarms. After a nice long quiet shower, I ate a little bit for breakfast before sitting down on the computer to find out where things were on the map. Me and Sara decided to first go towards the Ospadale that we have learned a lot about in Art history class. We got there and it was a little crowded with students and some guy screaming at the top of his lungs and 3 cop cars. so we decided to just take a few photos of the outside architecture of Brunellechi (that is the most important thing anyway as far as art history goes!). after that we walked a ways down the street and went into the Da Vinci Museum. We saw many of Leonardo's amazing drawings come to life well before anything like it had ever even been thought of. We saw ball bearings, wings, helicopters, water pumps, swinging bridges, cranks, cannons, bicycle, and so on and so on. It was cool to first see his drawing and then a quick explanation and then see the object in front of you. And then be able to pick it up and see how it works and what it does... and that it actually works exactly how he thought it would is amazing. After that museum we decided to eat a wonderful and amazing meal. Since we had the time we decided to go to a small place out of the way. We each got a pasta dish, I got spaghetti Picanti and then we both got a meat (I got chicken in some sort of lemon sauce that was excellent!)

after an amazing and filling meal we decided to go to the Palazzo Medici-Ricardi. It was once the residence of the Medici Family and is richely decorated with frescoes,, tapestries, and many other things. It was a very cool building. In another room they had a virtual display of one of the famous chapels in the Medici-Ricardi. the cool thing about this was that you stood on this square on the floor in front of a projector and pointed at what you wanted explained. a sensor picked up what you did and would then proceed to talk about what you pointed at. It was very cool and sci-fi! also in the downstairs was an exhibition about science and art or something like that. It was really cool and they had some very interesting things to see. After that wonderful experience we decided to walk to a book store and see if we could find a good pasta book for Sara (in English) unfortunately we were not lucky and had no such luck...

so it was starting to get to the time of the day when things were closing up and the town starts to die... so we decided to get on the tram and head by the Coop and pick up a few treats for later. After stopping by the huge store ( kinda like a mall/Wal-Mart) we stopped in Scandicci and went back to La Bottega and picked up some padinas... man they just hit the spot! then we headed back to the villa for a relaxing evening before the villa fills back up completely and gets loud again. So all in All it was an excellent day even if we were a bit tired! Tomorrow classes start late so we will probably go into town and do a bit more before class as well, but what we will just have to wait and see!

Day 52: Announce

Bargello, Santa Croce and more!

this morning we began by getting up and heading to Florence for the day. We arrived in the train station and got together with the film crew. after we were all there we walked to the Bargello to look at all the magnificent sculptures in this once prison for important criminals. We got to see many of Donatello's sculptures including St. George and two of his Davids( though one may in fact not be David...). We also saw the original competition plaques of 1401, Michelangelo's Bacchus, and much more. It was a very interesting and cool experience to see all of these sculptures right here next to each other and in a kind of out of the way place.

after the Bargello we went to Del Panello for Lunch. We ate an amazing 4 course meal with 2 types of pastas, some meat (think pork in some lemon sauce), salad, gelato, and bread. Very good meal! after lunch we had 30 min or so to wonder around, before going to the Palazzo Vechio. this is Florence Town hall. It has been for many years and is still used as such. WE got to walk through many of the rooms after hours with the president of the board. We got to see the old room before heading to what they currently use to decide matters. After that we got to go through a side door tot he announcement perch that overlooks the large piazza where David use to stand and with the Uffizi to your left and the Dome to your right. We got to go out and look off the Balcony and pretend like we had something to announce to the people of Florence like they did 700 years ago. (something that even Robbie and our Tour guide have never seen or done!)

after this once in a lifetime experience we headed for Santa Croce to see one of the most revered churches in all of Italy. We saw many tombs of famous individuals along with commemorative plaques for those that were great Florentines but are buried somewhere else. We also saw a wooden crucifix from teh challenge of Donatello and Brunelleschi that you can read about in Vasari's Lives of the Artists. We then entered the Potzi Chapel. We got to see Brunelleschi's architecture and simplicity of design. We walked around saw Chimabue's crucifix through a window near the chapel before turning around to take pictures of the Greek facade looking structure for the Potzi Chapel.

after our day out me and Sara walked through the streets some. we went into a small paper store that was really cool. It has prints, journals, books, signets stamps, calligraphy sets, among other very interesting things. but after that we headed back to the villa for the evening festivities.

That night we had a wonderful meal of chili, chips and salsa, birthday cake, and gelato! Then we had a concert from the Scandicci Jazz band. They were very good and a fun experience. After that we had Mission Impossible Awards. Congratulations to Ferarra (1st), Lucca (3rd), and I think Assisi (2nd). anyway It was a fun evening!

but tomorrow is a free day. I'm planning on spending it in Florence to try and get something things done that I've been wanted to do and see, but don't have much time for after classes (since stuff closes at like 4:30 or 5)

Day 51: Attainable

(these are images of what I woke up to this morning when I sat up... my window was open and this is vaguely what it looked like... I fell asleep woek up late clouds had covered it up and a few hours later after classes I look again and it looked like this again so I took some pictures!) and I also learned we have horse outside our window as well as olive trees!)

Today was back to a somewhat normal routine... which is Ironic because I have decided we don't really ever really have a routine... just something that is more likely to happen... anyway we had classes, well Italian, which consisted of a test that we didn't really know was actually going to be today... but I guess I did alright... then we had a "Class" which was basically an interview and life Story of Jay Russell. He is a Film Director from a small town in Arkansas and grew up with Dr. Shock. His movies are: End of the Line, My Dog Skip, Tuck Everlasting, Latter 49, Water Horse. so we got to enjoy learning about his story and learning just how possible it is to succeed at something you want to do if you just put everything out there and don't give up! yes he did have some luck and lots of skill, but he also didn't give up and even if he was naive in thinking he had a shot at things he still went worth with a purpose, with a goal, and with a passion that nothing would stop. It was very encouraging and very insightful and gave me more courage to really focus this summer on getting things where they need to be. getting a portfolio together and start putting stuff out there to see where it goes. To take my shot, starting putting everything out there until someone finally says Yes!

day 50: The Impossible

The day of crazy excitement!

Today was Mission Impossible. The villa inhabitants were split up into 8 groups (5 in each) and then sent to a various town not too far from Florence. The mission was to capture on digital film various subjects, themes, iconic imagery of our various towns in an artistic and beautiful way. We were given a list of 12 categories and a total of 80 sub points. Our mission was to capture 50 of these different sub points and then submit our 12 best images (one from each category) un-altered to a distinguished panel of judges to decide the winner. The result have still not been posted, but I decided to alter some of my best images slightly to enhance them. While these are not exactly the same size or shape as the originals it gives you a good idea of some of the various scenes we captured in our one day mission.

Our town was Orvieto which is approx half way between Florence and Rome, I believe. It is a town built on a plateau of Tufa which is a Volcanic Rock left from an eruption many many years ago. this plateau became a wonderful fortress for the papacy for many various reasons. The main one being the rock face with an extended wall on top to keep unwanted visitors out. It also comprised thousands of tunnels and rooms carved into the soft rock of the plateau. These areas were used to do one work included pressing olives with mules which we saw remnants of in the caverns we visited. The other interesting and unique aspect of this town are the wells The caverns hold many wells that are all 120 feet deep and just wide enough for an individual to climb down collect water and come back up using the foot holds on the sides and without ropes. (they are still unsure how they were able to carve these and be able to breathe thousands of years ago when the Etruscan built them.) The other important defensive measure of this city is that they all bread pidgins for food. We learned that they are very fast breeders and very easy to breed. So in siege and as a main course the city relied on this plentiful source of meat and never ending water supply that even under a 2 year Rome siege could not stop.

We learned that this town has a great history and is very beautiful in the snow, despite it sitting on a foundation comprised of many tunnels (that is estimated that only 1 third of the ground still remains below the structures above). While we were there we were followed by two reporters of the link that later wrote stories and posted some videos on "thelink.harding.edu" also you can see and read about much that is happening here lately from a different perspective. but during our 5 plus hour snow fall we got to wonder this amazing city and explore much of its grounds with little interference with travelors, inhabitants, or really much of anyone, so in that aspect it was the perfect day. It also was a very interesting day and fun day to experience an Italian city and also really focus on Photography in a difficult environment that I am not accustomed too! So many good pictures and a wonderful day I am glad I got to enjoy with a wonderful group of EXPLORERS
!

Day 49: Culture

Today was once again filled with classes and a concert. We had Italian Due, and a Italian test to fill out due on wed. It was a long day after staying up late and getting up early to study for a test we ended up not having... but it was an enjoyable relaxing day that I spent mostly inside looking at applications, homework, and getting stuff ready for Mission impossible. That night however we had a small party. Robbie invited an Italian band that played for us here in the Villa for us and the film crew. They sang and put on an excellent show (some in English some in Italian) it was a fun and relaxing night that ended at a fairly early hour to ensure a well rested day of picture extravaganza in Orvieto!

Day 48: Below the Dome, one last time

Day began as any other Sunday. We got up, got cleaned up and dressed and headed down the hill for church. We went through our routine of two buses and approx. 1.5 hours of of waiting, bus riding and walking to get to church. WE finally arrived to a crazy amount of people. between us, the film crew, and the church little room was left for comfort. We filled the church, The cameras were rolling, but no one was concentrated now on the film crew hiding behind lenses. We had a wonderful final service at the Italian church. I will miss it greatly. We sand a n umber of songs in Italian, we listened to sermons and prayers and even laughter in Italians, with Italians, and felt like Italians. I will greatly miss the times I've had here with these fellow Christians that I will remember frequently from now on. And it gives me a new meaning to a day of rest. For the day of rest for some does not begin at 7 am at home; but 7 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours before that. I think sometimes churches get caught up thinking church has to be at a set time every week, even though half way around the world they are eating dinner already.

After Church most of us came back to the villa to have another wonderful villa meal. A few stayed for the film crew and a potluck at the church and some cleaning. The rest of us hung out relaxed, did homework and just enjoyed having less people around. That evening we had church in the basement after the usual pizza Sunday evening dinner. I did miss the beginning because I was cleaning and making a little money. after that I sent out a few applications with Sara's help and also looked up some information on my Mission Impossible.

Day 47: Plastic....?

Today we had some classes and then a sort of scavenger hunt. We all walked to Scandicci and got a drink at Marios. We then had a Toast on the Piazza in the wonderful weather before getting some group pictures walking through the arched entry of the building on the main piazza. We then were all given a specific object written in Italian to go find and buy at the market. I was given a "Plastic Bucket" to find. Only cost 2 Euros! then me and Sara did some shopping. I picked up 2 thin sweaters and she picked up a pair of jeans. We also got Hamburgers at a small stand (which were really good!) I got mine with grilled peppers. The burger was good because it was fresher than American food! not some patty they threw on the grill! After that Sara went to get a haircut so I walked around for an hour and a half exploring the small back streets of Scandicci that most people never see. It really gave insight into how Italians or people in that area live there day. after that me and Sara came back and did some homework and relaxed until that evening. That evening Everyone went out to eat, and Kyle came with a few of us to go to La Bottega to get Piadina (sandwich in a thin bread/shell thing, I had chicken with peppers and 4 cheese spread, salsa.... pretty much amazing!) It was a good relaxing day!

Day 46: Invasion

today was a day back in the normal villa life. We woke up in the morning ate breakfast, showered and got ready for classes. we had a few classes and figured out a few of the crazy things that were coming up before chapel. Right before chapel began however we had visitors. The Harding Film crew (now on spring Break) showed up to begin there process of creating this production featuring our HUF group. So after chapel and a very loud wait for the Mayor Scandicci, we watched a short video featuring our HUF group and past HUF groups and involvements with us and the Mayor. After the short presentation and a short little address by the Mayor we all ate lunch together! It was so wonderful to have Villa food again, and in abundance! after lunch we laid around I got on facebook and worked on pictures and blogging and trying to get things up to date... (it will be a work in progress trying to get caught up...) but then we went to gallos for dinner (the pizza place that we went to at the very beginning of our semester here!) we got a variety of pizza before coming back to the villa and now relaxing for a time before the real craziness begins!

Day 45 Home again, Home again

We had to get up bight an early to catch our 7.50 am train to Florence in order to catch the 11.47 train to Assisi. So we got back to Florence and we were just going to check our bags in but it was very expensive in Florence. So Kathryn called Robbie and he said the villa was open so we took the bags and stuff back to the villa and then me and Kendra headed back to Assisi. We got there right before 2 pm and took the scenic walk up a side street towards the town set up on a hill. It was a long but beautiful walk that really let us enjoy the city from afar. when we finally got to the city we went straight towards the large st. Francis basilica after some nice Italians told Kendra she dropped her coat in the street... (though we had no idea what they were saying....) so we got up to the church and got to explore his tomb and both the lower and upper basilica which much of it had been restored from images we had grown use to seeing in art history class. But it was a very interesting place to visit and I highly recommend it for that, the views, and the feel of the streets we walked along and I recommend walking up to the town if you can and have the time to actually attempt such a long climb. but we didnt really get to see much more than that after stopping in a gift shop and also grabbing a sandwich. then we came back to the Villa. We were like the 10th person or so back and we sat around for a while and watched as people began to pour into the villa after a wonderful week and a half!

Day 44 Tiled Ceilings

Day 44 was a rainy day. We got up walked back down the streets of Bologna to the Train station. WE hopped on the train to Ravenna and enjoyed the hour of looking out the windows at the beautiful surroundings that reminded us of Florence. When we got to Ravenna we were a little confused. We got a map and a little book about the town and started walking around. It took us a while to sit an figure out what we wanted to go see and how to get there but after we did that we walked to the first church right across from the train station. as we were walking around we didnt feel as safe as we did in most cities. Part of it was because it was around lunch time and lots of people were out and about and I think a school or university was nearby and students were everywhere eating sandwiches. but after touring that small church we headed for our main destination across town. WE got there and found out the price was 7.50 for students to tour the 4 places. I ended up being the only one willing to do it. so while the girls sat outside and enjoyed the gift shops I toured San Vitale and one of the small museums. but I didn't get around to seeing the rest of the beautiful frescoes that this town is so famous for. So that was a let down... but it was mainly due to the rain that poured after I left the museum. and they decided they wanted to go back so we got on the next train after waiting in the train station for a good 45 min or so. so we stopped back in Rimini and grabbed a kebab from a little place near the train station adn headed back to Bologna for our last evening of Free travel.

we stopped at a small bakery and grabbed a few more things to eat before heading back tot he room to plan the next day and watch some tv before getting to sleep a little earlier than normal.

Day 43: Ramparts

welp we are off to Rimini, Ravenna and San marino hopefully in the next few days and then through assisi on the way back to Florence. So I know I have a lot of thigns to write about and catch up on guess Ill try to do that after I get back! anyway Im having a great time I have lots of pictures and I have lots of stories to share!

We woke up this morning and went to Rimini. We spent a few hours waiting for our bus to leave for San Marin in a small coffee shop...

we went up to San Marino got to climb up 2 of the three towers, do some shopping and buy some of San Marinos famous three tower cake before heading back to Bologna for the night.

day 42: Walls, Castles, Churchs, and Mountains!

Today we woke up in Venice... we walked around some bought some postcards before getting on a train to Verona. in Verona me and Sara left the other girls. The girls went and looked at Shakespere stuff for a few hours, while me and Sara rode out to Trento and dropped her off with the ski group. then I got on a train to Bologna, which went through Verona and the girls got on and we all rode to Bologna.

In Bologna we checked into our once again amazing well I guess actually this is more like a hotel.... and then walked around Bologna. We witnessed a strike walk through downtown Bologna (well we ran into it like 5 times that night, it was huge) we ate some pasta at a small but touristy (sadly) place. then came back watch some TV on our flat screen in the room ( but couldn't find any Olympics or anything :( ) and went to bed.

Day 41: Floating... Without a Boat

Finally got to Venice Mestre station and had to catch a 10 min taxis ride to as near as the lest cars to the island of Venice (piazza Roma) then had to walk to the office, get checked in, which that lady is a blessing for waking up at 4 am to check us in with no extra charge or complaining. then we went to our hostel. we got up a little late obviously so we didn't get to do something we wanted... but we did see San Marco and the Rialto bridge and we went shopping and bought some glass and other stuff... must say that I have bought the most things here. we ate lunch at a little restaurant literally across the sidewalk from San Marco, and it wasn't too bad... and dinner was a little pizza place near our hostel... then some people went to a concert/opera thing while me and Sara decided to plan a little of free travel and get here ready for ski trip and walk around the city some. So it was fun and I would love to spend more time in Venice (and Vienna, Munich, Salzburg.... pretty much everywhere but Villach)

Day 40: STUCK! in the worst place possible...

Vienna, Austria... well we thought we could have stayed here longer... and we could have... but we thought we needed to catch a bus to Venice somewhat early in the morning. So we basically got up and went back to the train station and went to Villach to catch our bus to Venice... Only we missed the first bus because we got of on the wrong stop first (though we only had 10 min to catch it and that would have been really hard to do). so we thought there was another an hour or two after that only to find out that it had been canceled... so we had to wait till the next train to Venice (which came from Vienna...) that wouldn't arrive until midnight... needless to say Villach, Austria was not my favorite town, it kind of creped me out and was way to touristy with no tourists, but ourselves... and the few small groups of skiers that came through while we waited in the train station for like 8 hours...

Day 39: Rain Hid the Mountains, Though They Still Sang Through the Clouds

Salzburg

We got picked up from the hostel and went on Sound of Music tour.... in the RAIN :(
She was a nice elderly woman, and a resident of Salzburg all her life. She told us fun stories, showed us interesting places and explained the history of the movie. We learned that people in Salzburg don' even really know what the movie is or have never seen it. We learned that they have moved object like the gazebo from the original place to another. We learned about the real family and how they did not climb a mountain to escape, but just got on a train. It was a great tour however the views were not as good as they normally are. Generally you can see the mountains. Normally you can see the beauty all around us. This day we really had to look through the clouds, and down below us for the beauty to come out.



then after walking around a bit (got to cold and wet) went to Vienna

Vienna, Austria (nicest hostel we stayed in so far! had a couch in the room!)

we watched bobsledding for a while. Me and Kendra went a ways down the street and picked up a pizza and some schnitzel to go and came back and ate and played cards. It was a fun evening spent with friends in a city we barely new or could see through the windows.

Day 38: Magic Lies in the Hills

walked around Munich some
went to the famous Castle about 2 hours away that inspired disneys castle
then came back and went to Salzburg, Austria

Day 37: They Had to Get Starbucks...

Walked around Bern Switzerland

ate pastries at an amazing small bakery around the corner.
saw the a bear, the clock tower, and Chinese guys singing

then got on train to Munich

Day 36: Food and Beauty

Geneve Switzerland

We got in late last night after the sun went down so we really had very little idea of what this town looked like until the sun spread across the sky. We got a chance to walk around a bit and explore in a little bit of rain before going to get our bus tickets

Annecy France

we got our bus tickets and had a few minutes to spare so we went across the street and picked up our first souvenirs from the trip ( I only got a few postcards...). But we finally got on the bus and made our way across the Switzerland border into France (fourth country to ever visit!) When we arrived we learned they spoke little English in this small town. but finally we managed to get a small map, get something to drink and use the restrooms before going out to explore. WE headed through the small streets of this very touristy town. We saw the giant sign they had hanging proclaiming the news that they will be hosting the 2018 winter Olympics.

Beautiful (place for 2018 winter Olympics)

during our walk we came to the real thing we came to see... the View. It was gorgeous even despite the wind and rain. The large park that opened up to the lake with the mountains tipped with snow took me away from reality. It was just amazing to think that people live here, that I am not in a movie, and that these are the kinds of places that photographers come to take beautiful landscape photos that we see in magazines and advertisements or maybe even the front of National Geographic.

Steak dinner

well we were getting hungry and we started looking for places to eat after seeing the main sights. WE were having trouble really find much french cuisine because well frankly the town was dead due to the fact that it was not tourist season and it was nasty outside... but we wanted a good meal to kick start our adventure. So after looking around we found a small place that a lot of people were at and decided to go in. ended up being an amazing steak place that included large amount of fries with the steaks. It was definitely an excellent way to start our free travel and fill our stomachs! Though it was a little expensive (but not too bad same price likely in America.. though Id say our was much better!) and they did not speak English at all... well at least our waiter did not...

Back to Geneve

but after a good meal, a walk up the hill to something that was having construction and not open... we came back down, tried to follow a man back to the train station that walked like a million miles per hour, and then got on the next bus back to Geneve. When we got back we decided we should at least go to the coast since we were literally like two blocks away at the bus station. So we walked over got some pictures before hurrying very quickly back to the train station to barely miss our train to Bern.

then to bern

Bern's Hostel was very nice, did have a bar in the basement, but could not really hear it upstairs. We also had our first Room mate in a hostel named Jason. He was from Australia and was studying in Stuttgart and was there like on a weekend trip.

Day 35: FREE TRAVEL

welp today we have a sort of back to schedule day. we have classes like normal in the villa after the 4 day break in Rome. Then after lunch my group is leaving for Geneva Switzerland on trains. so its going to be a long day (got up early to get some stuff done like burn dvds of pictures as back ups and pack). SO hope everythign goes well I don't know how much I'll be able to update but when I get back I'll try to finish up the Rome ones and also add free travel stuff... SO hope everyone has a great week and a half!

Geneve Switzerland
Hostel

Day 34 Time Crunch!

Villa Borghese (caravaggio and Berini)

this wonderful villa was located in a small park that felt very out of place in the hustle and bustle of Rome. It was a beautiful building designed specifically for the display of artworks. It houses some of the most amazing sculptures that have ever been created. Included some beautiful masterpieces by Berini. This sculptures would make you jaw drop by the shear ability of Berini to sculpt stone with such softness and tenderness to give the essence of soft skin, folds of the skin, or even exerted pressure from one figure on another. It was an amazing sight to behold.

Walk through the Park

After the Villa Borghese we walked in the park that surrounded the villa and enjoyed the essence of natural beauty. We sat around enjoyed the sunshine and the coolness of the breeze against our faces. We saw the smiles of little children and the begging of dogs to play with there masters. It was a wonderful place to relax, take in true Roman culture, and take a break from the canvases, and stones we have been running all over Europe in search of...

Via Veneto

after the walk though the park we took a stroll down this extravagant street filled with little restaurants and fancy shopping.

eat at small little bar and had good cheap 4 Euro sandwiches

at the end of the street near the taxi stand we found a small sandwich place. We all purchased sandwhiches by the weight and it was excellent and cheap.

St. Peter's Basilica and climb to the cupola

after lunch we jumped in a taxi and ran to st. Peter's Bascillica to see the church and also ty to climb the Dome. We got there and the lines were very short so we decided to climb the dome. We took the elevator up part way and then climbed the last 300 or so steps in very small passages and some that even slanted. at the top we had a beautiful view of Rome and the piazza out in front of St. Peters. After that we went back downstairs and walked through St. Peters and saw Michelangelo's Pieta. afte that we rushed back to the hotel grabbed our stuff and jumped on the train back to Florence

train back to Florence
Sloppy Joes for dinner
Church at the Villa

and now free travel prep,
homework,
class tomorrow
and an overwhelming number of things to do in not nearly enough time!

but tomorrow after lunch were leaving for Switzerland...

we spent a large portion of the night trying to book hostels, plan free travel adn pack before we had to get up and go to classes in the morning.