Dat 13: Italiano

Today we had Church in FLorence once again in Italian! I actually could figure out what chapter and verse the speaker was drawing the lesson from today... but that was about it... and yet at the same time I felt like I did know what he was saying... I don't know it was strange... anyway after that we had a wonderful meal. Then the studying began. Had devo and talked to some students who have recently moved over here for a while. And then back to studying. It is a lot of Italian words very quickly.. Hopefully they will stick and I won't forget them... and I can remember the ones from a few days ago!

Day 12: Sun through the Clouds

Today it rained... It rained all morning. After classes and lunch and work I relaxed for a bit, before going to town at 5pm (and since It was still cloudy with a chance of rain... no Camera). We hit the ending of the scandicci market and got a chance to just sit around in the piazza downtown. at 7pm we met Kyle and ate at La Bottega, which is a small panini sandwich place. It was excellent! (beware of the wall hangings...) I got this chicken sandwich with cheese and a 4 cheese spread with this salsa rosa sauce and some peppers and onions on like a thick tortilla shell. after that I came back here had tea and looked at free travel stuff, and also trying to figure out what all I need to try and do while Im still here in Florence. There are so many places and things to see right here in town that I really need to get on top of things and get a list or schedule of things going... So if anyone has suggestion please by all means help me out, or any excellent food/stores/gelato/etc places that would be awesome! but now its almost bed time! and Italian Church in the morning and maybe a quick little something in downtown... idk we'll see... Uffitzi Monday hopefully! I also have a cooking class/school thing on Tues after we visit san marco the academia and something else that I can't remember off hand. and then either Friday or Saturday we go to Pisa and Lucca for a day trip! So along with all were doign for class I'm also going to try to go to Orsanmichele, I want to possibly go to Da Vinci science museum thing, maybe visit the Palazzo Vecchio, might climb the Duomo, I'm going to get a sketchbook, and maybe a few other things... Sigh I just want to see everything... and I need to go back prolly and spend longer in some places or do some sketches of things to really enjoy it... well anyway lots to do and see but now its bed time!

Day 11: Snow Day

Today we had classes all day and afterwords I decided to attempt at getting a large section of homework done in order to have more freedom later on when the weather cooperates. While typing homework up I got on the computer to check mail, and noticed everyone's facebook status's changing to say that school in Searcy had been snowed out. And while It is cold here there is not physical snow, but I also have stayed inside for the most part and it does look like it may rain soon. however I have been thinking after reading some of these entries for homework.

Through the years the world has been graced by many brilliant minds, geniuses and outstanding individuals. We were talking about Leonardo and Michelangelo and both had depressing endings to life for the most part. Both felt as if they had accomplished nothing, especially when they realized with how much more there was to do. Michelangelo left many pieces unfinished, Leonardo never completely learned how to fly, and yet we still place them on a pedestal. What do we place them on a pedestal for? Is it due to the fact that they accomplished more or because they choose to pursue there dreams with everything they had? Is it because they had a gift, or because they worked hard at what they did?

What would they say if they saw the way we worship them and the things they did? would the gawk at us, laughing at how far we should have gone since them in the time we've had? would they be amazed at the things they created and how they have not only impacted us but changed us? What if they were given another lifetime now, what would they accomplish, where would we be today?

or even more importantly who will be the next Leonardo? Every generation has one... What will we focus on? What will we want to pass on and preserve to our children's children? What more could we accomplish if we chose to pursue it! because Genius is intelligence, but also a choice. but take head, even these great can testify that even at the top something is missing, there is still so much to do and learn. And sometimes the greatest men, were no happier than the lowliest peasants that lived down the street.

Maybe with a new idea it will snow, and create a snowball effect that could change the world so that in one hundred years we would scarcely recognize the world in which we lived.

Or maybe we can learn to just learn to play in the snow, dance in the rain, and stop to smell the flowers and take everything one moment at a time.

Day 10: Music in the City of Art

This past evening we attended the Opera house in Florence. We got to witness Gioachino Rossini's piece L'Italiana in Algeri. While it was completely in Italian with Italian Subtitles the last few days in class we had watched a tape of the Opera, read a synopsis and heard some about it before attending. So while we had no idea what they were saying, we did know what was going on. It also gave us a chance to get dressed up and go out on the town and do things that current residents would do for a classy evening out. I also walked up the hill some from the Villa before that and snapped a few pictures, but nothing that just turned out wonderful...

Day 9: Scavenger Hunt

Yesterday was a large scavenger hunt across Europe. We were all divided into 3 teams and was each given a different list of things to find and places to go. My group (the pink group!) got to go to Casa Burnarouti or Michelangelo's house. We got to see the battle of the centaurs, and his madonna of the stairs, which are both his very early works. Along with that were a few drawings and things based or inspired by things he did or said throughout his life. It was a very interesting Museum, but no pictures allowed. After that we met up with everyone and went through the Florence baptistery right outside the Duomo. and then after that we went through Santa Maria de Fiore (or the Duomo) after that we went to the cathedral museum. This museum held many of the original statues, drawings, and models for both the cathedral and the baptistery. It was a very cool museum that was owned by the church (and pictures we allowed!). after that our groups split up. mine decided to go up Giottos tower. It was an amazing climb, because it was a beautiful sky and it was also late evening right after sunset. So it wasn't just too dark, but it was dark enough to give a beautiful deep blue background to the lights of the city. After that we all went out to eat with our groups at separate restaurants. My group went to a place called Panellos. We all got the 4 course meal for a fixed price of 20 Euros (we had all been given 15 euro allowance) I got the spaghetti with meat sauce, grilled chicken, salad, tried some of the fried vegetables (basically were french fires made of variuos veggies), and gelato covered in chocolate. It was amazing food! SO it was a fun fulled day that resulted in numerous pictures and fun memories. You can check facebook for pictures and I'll be adding a few to here when time permits. Tonight is the Opera... which We've watched the movie for half of it and were going to finish the film today before we leave, so we know the story line in English. But it's suppose to be very funny. After that I'm not sure but I'm sure it will be fantastic!

Day 8: Stuck at Home

well my schedule was changed when I looked out the window after classes. It was very cloudy and had a good chance of lots of rain all day. So I decided to stay in and work on homework, relax, and work on free travel. So many answers there still up in the air, but many things to do and many places to go!

So we had classes and finished the Medici godfather series of movies tonight. tomorrow is a class free day, and yet one complete day of class. We are headed into town for a scavenger hunt. It will be very exciting and will be just my second day in teh city, and my first real chance to look around adn go into some of the historic buildings along with maybe a cup of tea on a large department store that overlooks the Duomo. So sorry that once again no pictures, but I promise they are coming...

Day 7: Trip to the coopa

Today was the first full day of classes. I got some homework done, relaxed, went to classes, and then went to town. I went into Scandicci and we went to a coopa, which is like the closest thing to a grocery store or maybe walmart that you can find. I didn't buy anything but it was a interesting experience to just see what was on teh shelves, and what people generally buy and how much it relatively costs. After that we traveled down to a art and school supply store and I picked up a notebook for Sara, and thought about getting some pencils or watercolors... but a little to expensive I thought and may try to get something else or maybe like one pencil or something... I don't know I haven't decided. Tomorrow is another day of classes. I have bible and some Humanities classes and then a second part of a four hour movie series on the Medici (which I've already seen at least once... though it is very good and recommend it to anyone interested in Florentine or even renaissance history) But after Lunch and before dinner, tea time and the movie I'm hoping to get a chance to go back into Florence and possibly get a leather bound sketchbook.. to make sketches of the town maybe take some notes or watercolor or drawings down of the town for future paintings. We also received information on the upcoming optional ski trip. I very much would like to go, however, it is a little expensive and I know absolutely nothing about skiing... and I'm not sure how much they will teach and that even might be a lot extra... but you can also dog sled for a fee which would be cool as well. So I am not sure what I am going to do at the moment... but I may end up doing an extended free travel of basically a week an a half instead.

I am having a blast... and really haven't taken thousands of pictures... yet... but don't worry I'm sure they are coming in the coming weeks... I mean I do have to at least take a few hundred more for class!

So while today was slightly boring, I've also accomplished much and am opening more possibilities for future trips into town and beyond, especially when the weather warms. So I hope everyone is doing well and I promise more pictures are to come!

Day 6: Italian Church

Today was Sunday.. we actually did not have to get up until 8 or so for showers and breakfast. we then learned a two bus ride to th Church in downtown Lorence... whcih by the way was a very cool building. It was patterned after the pantheon with the down and Corinthian pillars and everything! the servie was mostly in Italian tho they did help us through some of it with some English cues and explanations. and we also had bilingual communion which was cool. after that we got the chance to hang out for a whiel and talk to a few of the local before heading back to the villa. we then proceeded to eat a more american meal with green beans, mash potatoes (which I did not have), and other things. after that we took a break and rested before some classes, though I only had bible at 5. So after that we had a devo in the basement with more of the locals and also the avanti teachers. we then had pizza, and amazingly chips and salsa for dinner!!! they sure know how to fed me! also met a new person that kyle just happened to meet the other day that wanted to practice her Italian. It was very interesting hearing about the differences in the Italian school system and just differences in many things. then I played some cards with some people before heading up here before doing homework and heading to bed!

one thing that I've really started to notice is my love for this culture, and my love of the Italian Language. the more i hear it the more I become fond and intrigued by just hte way in sounds and rolls off the tongue. It is a very interesting society of which I think i could grow to enjoy being apart of for a time. I feel that possibly after this trip I may want to continue ome Italian classes or at least possibly try to keep learning it on my own, for possibly a future visit, or to at least help with art research. but with that said there are many things I still prefer in america over the Italians. I dislike the dirtyness, while yes america isnt the cleanest, but its sitll cleaner that atleast much of what I've seen. I very much enjoy free bathrooms... tho I do see it's purpose and it does make a lot of sense. However, I love the small shows and the smaller feel of everything, because you must go shop to shop to get things you need for even just dinner. I also love the cars. and while much of it has to do with necessity (gas is like 10 euros a liter possibly more not exactly sure...) but also the roads are very small and for those who have driven in these towns know... lines and rules of hte roads are more optional than required.

So all in all it's been a great visit thus far and tho I am so little into the experience It feel like so less time than it really has been. but I'm trying my best to absorb as much as I can and make it a point to really do and see what I can, even tho I really do planing coming back and maybe even staying for an extended amount of time one day, if only just for study or maybe even possibly work.

but for me my favorite moment of the day was church. sitting and listening to the beautiful Italian voices and our groups attempts at the songs we know, only in another language. It sounded wonderful, beautiful, and really gave me another perspective on stories int he gospel. first off Jesus spoke in another language and thus we can't fully grasp everything he really meant or how he meant it. also I can only image the chaos and beauty of the day of Pentecost with many languages being spoken at once so all could here. O what a sound that must have been!

Day 5: San gimignano, Monteriggioni, Siena

(all images from and of San Gimignano)

Today we got out into some of the country. It was a little colder, but a lot less people. Our first stop was San Gimignano which was a gorgeous city set up on a hill which provided excellent pictures and places to explore. I also purchased a few postcards that I am planning on trying to collect from each city I go to to try to have at least a glimpse of the city and a nice reminder of where all I have been. I would really love to be able to spend more time here and see more of the locals, but it is an off season so most are not around or there shops are not open or open up much later.

Our next stop was for lunch atop Monteriggioni. Which looks like a Crown on top of a hill. It is another old medieval city with stone walls large churches, Romanesque architecture, and fresoes. We spent about an hour here exploring, eating and wondering through the empty streets until we headed back down to finish our trip at Siena.

Upon arriving we meet up with our guide. She led us through town and into major churches in Siena.

(I will come back to finish this but I have to get going to a Movie with the Avanti program)...

In Siena we saw the Palazzo Publico and the seashell shaped piazza where the famous bareback horse race takes place every year, which we missed sadly, but we did get to see Siena and we even had our own race! A few guys each bought a flag and all ran around the track once, even had some locals cheering them on. we also saw their Duomo and the beautiful frescoes and inlaid marble images on the floor. We had an amaing fun day but we were all glad to get back. Most of us then went to the Avanti bible school and watched Batman Begins with a few Italians trying to learn English. Then I went straight to bed I was exhausted, but in the best way possible.

Day 4: Florence

(Image 1: Locks on the infamous fence on the ponte vechio, image 2: Image of us singing in the crypt of the san Minato; Image 3: Santa Maria del Fiore and baptistery!; Image 4: Santa Maria Novella I think...)

Today was a long, crazy day. We got up ate breakfast and then took our bus to Florence. We then took a long path through the city seeing most of the main points or monuments of the town. It was amazing seeing these buildings, statues, and roads just come to life in this surreal environment. When we went up on a plateau or the Palazzo Michelangelo to over look the city it was unbelievable, and could hardly believe I was really here... It still felt like a picture posted on the wall, and yet also it was there.. I could touch it, smell it, and experience it. We walked around past churches and names that appeared everywhere that I've recognized and read countless hours about. I already can't wait to go back and get the chance to just wonder, to just try to feel what it would be like to live here, and at the same time it doesn't feel too different.

After a cup of tea at Gilli's bar we walked back to a bus stop. On that walk I got to pass through ages and years of differences in architecture, and the feel of the city. We went from Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic construction to the modern city. Florence while it has it's gleam and glamor of great art, it also is dirty and everything just is on top of everything. And you see pictures but until you see it, or until you really can immersed yourself in this city, I don't feel you truly can grasp what some things I've learned really mean. For instance I understand much more the importance of materials, space, or even things as simple as stories of artists missing meals to work. And while we in America miss meals or move things around to make things work, Florentines are different. Life is much more home oriented. Some towns completely shut down for lunch. People don't just run day and night because no one would come. Lunch is sacred; pace and relaxation are not just a way of life, but a necessity. And religion while it may contain it's flaws or disagreements its still needed, wanted, and still stands as a monument or piece that loams over every citizens heart. And while many may not be religious or even consider themselves attached to any group, people here still have that reminder that towering cathedrals, or tucked away churches or images as a testament and constant reminder of the past and the future of not only their lives but all those to come.

Tomorrow is another adventure, Tomorrow is not a visit just to see medieval towns or monument to just see. But it is and experience at slowing down, it is an experience to look around, at lives that were simpler and not cluttered, but with just the days work. A place where one has a routine in which everything has a purpose and a specific reason for that order. There is a reason for orders of food, reasons for what to eat and how to eat it. there are reasons to work a few hours and have a few hours off for lunch and then come back to finish a shift. There are reasons why they all have small shops, focus on one or two items and create a small community in which you should not strive to become a visitor, or acquaintance, but instead one of the family.

Day 3: Scandicci

(image one: scandicci piazza, Image two: Caffe' Mario, Image Three: view of Tuscany from my window, Image 4: Image from teh guy patio)

this morning I was awaken by the sounds of most of the other guys awake and showering... but that was fine cause it was 7:30 am. so I got up took a quick shower and then looked outside. I snapped these few pictures with my extra time and I can't believe I get to awake to this every morning!

after a wonderful breakfast of pastries and fruit, and then a few orientation meetings I recieved a phone that now allows me to get free incoming calls while here in Italy (but not on traveling outside of Italy, tho it will work just with a high price per min.). after andother wonderful lunch we walked back downt he hill and got to see some older gentleman and ladies tending some fields. Apparently when Italians retire many enjoy working the ground and purchase of rent out a small parcel of land to fill there time by being close to nature.

after having a small walk through the outskirts of scandicci closest to the villa we headed on a train towards downtown Scandicci, tho we had an interesting time trying to get our bus passes to work (apparently 15 college students and professors can't follow simple instructs and a flip of the wrist...) After another small tour of the Piazza of scandicci we sat down and got a another drink I got another cappichino mostly because I forgot how to say anythign else in Italian... but I also got to drink Florence special drink that you can only find here tho I can't tell you how to say it... from Caffe' Mario. then we went out onto the square to havew a group picture where we witnessed a terrible wreck between an elderly woman and another lady on a scooter, which resulted in two abliences, much screaming and many worried faces. Hopefully everythign will be ok...

Then we were free to roam. We entered a few shops including a few small art stores.. tho I still haven't found that perfect leather sketchbook.. but I will!

After a bit we found Robbie and a few of the other students ice skating at a little rink behing the piazza so we sat and watched them for a bit and then headed back to cafe mario and got a pre dinner drink tho I can't tell you what it's called. after that interesting the 8 of us caught back up with everyone at Del Gallo for wood Oven cooked pizza. and got a sampling of all 5 kinds of pizza: cheese, peperoni, 4 cheese, french fry and some sort of meat, and also canadian bacon I believe. and then we also got treated to desert which was a thin crust pastry filled with nutella and cooked, it was very delicious! after a nice walk amoung the skinny sidewalks we caught a b us and our small group reached the foot of the bridge back up the hill. And then together we enjoyed a beautiful walk back up the secluded quiet road under the beautiful stars which shown so brilliantly! and now after much of the day has passed I am sitting amoung other students and relaxing before another adventurous day before us amoung the florentines.

And Tomorrow ink comes ALIVE!!!

Day 1/2 Cont.

Today has been the longest day, and yet the shortest two days of my life. 10.5 hours of plane flights and 6 time zones. I have not slept since my last post at 5:30am Jan 19 and it is now 6 pm on Jan 20th here in Scandicci. It was a smooth flight, everything went perfectly and everyone made it safely and not just on time, but ahead of schedule.

I had my first cappuccino, and it was in an autogrill in-between Rome and Florence, Kelsey would be proud! it was strong, but not too bad... might turn into a coffee drinker yet. I also had my first meal here in the villa which consisted of a pasta dish, pork, bread, green beans, and salad and all was delicious. and dinner will be in the next fifteen min. or so.

We actually have more guys here than girls, which is an unusual occurance. This means that my bed faces out a window that has a wonderful view which I'll try my best to post. Tomorrow we tour Scandicci and then Friday we go to Florence. We also learned today of an opportunity to go up the leaning tower of Pisa if we wish to pay the 15 euro fee, otherwise when we go in a few weeks we can only look from the outside. I have not decided for sure, but I think that I most likely will sign up to travel to the top in the morning. It has been a crazy day... two days... well I've sort of lost track of time, but I'm actually not too tired and excited to start exploring my new surroundings!

(image one picture on our first walk up "THE HILL", second is the villa, and third is my bedroom window)

Day 1: Rise

I am awake...

The day has finally come, the day I've been waiting so long for. I awoke at 5:30 I've eaten a wonderful breakfast of bacon and cinnamon toast. My bags are packed, and now all I have before me is a drive and an approximately 10.5 hours of plane flights. So with the last few hours left in America and the prospect of losing 8 hours of my day, I bade you fair well and to have a wonderful day, week, and semester.