No, non sono una giornalista
Sono una studentessa di fotographia!
Today, we had our first photography class outing! We went to the Campo di Fiori market that was full of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, spices, and soooo much more. Our school's portfolio theme for the year is "traces" therefore, we have to photograph shapes, people, or architecture within that subject.
We ran into many interesting people in the market, many vendors yelled at us for photographing their items, or tried to sell us things; many people getting nervous about all the cameras around, especially the old people asking if we were journalists. Some people would stare at us when we were taking a picture of something random and look at us if we were crazy, or there were several noisy people trying to follow us thinking something interesting was going to happen!
My favorite moment of the day was when some of us were in the same piazza taking photos of this cafe. I was trying to capture this unique looking waiter dressed in an all creme tux with a red bow tie. The waiter was serving an elderly man who was talking on his bluetooth (which I have never seen in Italy!) He kept laughing because all our cameras were facing his direction. He was confused but kept talking then he pulled out his camera and started taking pictures of us!!! It was so hilarious!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Days 28/31 BARCELONA
Hola Barcelona!
The weekend of Feb. 18-21 my friends and I took our first international trip!!!
Finally I felt at home within the Spanish language, where I didn't need to struggle for words as I do in Italy.
Barcelona was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I actually fell more in love with it than I have with Rome. But I was also accompanied by some of the most amazing people too!!
It was like a UW-Madison reunion! My college friends, Gail, Hannah Liebow, Casey, Sarah (my friends from school) and Kirk, Sarah's boyfriend, and my friend Lauren from Rome, all joined together in SPAIN! Between all of us we represented 4 different states, and 3 different countries! In addition to our random roommates in our hostel we experienced a very international weekend of all sorts!
We stayed in a new hostel near the center of the city, called The Urbany Hostel. It was very modern, with each floor being a different color and very creative mural cartoons over the walls representing events that have taken place in Barcelona. They had a lounge where they had free computers and free wi-fi, a tv, a Wii video game center, a bar, and a cafe, where we had breakfast every morning. They also had a pool and a gym, but we never made time to try out either of those facilities. Most importantly, they had a kitchen where we made dinner most nights to save money. Between all of us, we had wonderful meals because we had some great cooks in our group!
Over the weekend we visited the main sites we visited were:
Las Ramblas: a very touristy street with a fabulous food market where we bought supplies to make our picnic lunches
La Sagrada Familia: one of the most famous Roman Catholic churches in Barcelona. It started in the 1800s and will be finished in 2026. It is very modern and has some of the most beautiful stain glass windows I have ever seen!
The Gaudi Park: such a breathtaking experience. It was so much fun to climb through the park, and see all his magnificent work!
This has been one of the best weekends I've had so far. To be in an amazing city, eat fabulous food, see wonderful places, and spend time with some of your best friends, is in my book...one of my most treasured memories!
The weekend of Feb. 18-21 my friends and I took our first international trip!!!
Finally I felt at home within the Spanish language, where I didn't need to struggle for words as I do in Italy.
Barcelona was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I actually fell more in love with it than I have with Rome. But I was also accompanied by some of the most amazing people too!!
It was like a UW-Madison reunion! My college friends, Gail, Hannah Liebow, Casey, Sarah (my friends from school) and Kirk, Sarah's boyfriend, and my friend Lauren from Rome, all joined together in SPAIN! Between all of us we represented 4 different states, and 3 different countries! In addition to our random roommates in our hostel we experienced a very international weekend of all sorts!
We stayed in a new hostel near the center of the city, called The Urbany Hostel. It was very modern, with each floor being a different color and very creative mural cartoons over the walls representing events that have taken place in Barcelona. They had a lounge where they had free computers and free wi-fi, a tv, a Wii video game center, a bar, and a cafe, where we had breakfast every morning. They also had a pool and a gym, but we never made time to try out either of those facilities. Most importantly, they had a kitchen where we made dinner most nights to save money. Between all of us, we had wonderful meals because we had some great cooks in our group!
Over the weekend we visited the main sites we visited were:
Las Ramblas: a very touristy street with a fabulous food market where we bought supplies to make our picnic lunches
La Sagrada Familia: one of the most famous Roman Catholic churches in Barcelona. It started in the 1800s and will be finished in 2026. It is very modern and has some of the most beautiful stain glass windows I have ever seen!
The Gaudi Park: such a breathtaking experience. It was so much fun to climb through the park, and see all his magnificent work!
This has been one of the best weekends I've had so far. To be in an amazing city, eat fabulous food, see wonderful places, and spend time with some of your best friends, is in my book...one of my most treasured memories!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 25- First Class Field Trip
On Monday, I had my first class field trip. Because I am in one of the most historical cities in the World, many of my classes are taught on site. Thus, if we are learning about an event in history, we go to class where it took place, and learn there. In History 311, we are learning about the origins of Rome. Rome was founded by two twins. We visited the Tiber river, where the babies were found by a 'She-wolf' who nursed them to health and raised them. I live right on the Tiber River, next to the Tiber Island. We learned that the island practically started the city because it was the only place on the Tiber that was safe to cross. Travelers would stop on the island then continue to the other side. Therefore, with all the travelers, Rome became an important city for trade. From then on Rome grew enormously! Blah blah blah, we learned so much information, couldn't fit it in this blog! But it was very fun to be able to walk through ruins and know that some of these places are as old as the origin of Rome 6th Century BC!
Day 23/24 New Friends and Valentine's Day
So this weekend has been the first real weekend in Roma. We arrived here last Saturday, so we spent most of the weekend catching up on sleep and unpacking. On Thursday I went to bed early, and Friday Gail and I spent literally 6 hours planning our trips! This coming weekend we are going to Barcelona, and in a month or so we will go to Copenhagen. On Saturday, we walked around town and did some sight seeing. It was really fun to see everyone's apartments!
Then at night we went to Campo de Fiore, which is a very American area. We went to a bar called Sloppy Sam's. The drinks were so cheap for Italy, only 5 Euros! Which still is way overpriced, but on average drinks cost 10 Euros! I went out with some of my roommates and our other friends on our program. We enjoyed sitting on the patio under a heating lamp and watched all the people in the Piazza. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and drinking in the Piazza! Further into the evening we met a man from Brazil. He was our age, and was doing an intership program here for enginerring. He lives alone, and is the only student working for the company. So we really enjoyed his company and finally befriending someone not American!
On Valentine's Day, we climbed the Castle Saint Angelo in the Vatican area. It was so beautiful to reach the top and look over the city. It was breath taking, and almost brought me to tears! We were exhausted after climbing the castle so we walked around the park and went to a market near by. We bought some snacks and sat near an ice rink and watched all the pre-teens skate and awkwardly hold hands with their 'signifcant other' hahaha. It was an interesting flash back to our childhood. The rink was playing great American music so we enjoyed the comfort of relaxing with friends and listening to U.S music, just as we would do at home!
To end the holiday, my roomates and I made homemade tacos, something that we all crave and miss from home. All the Mexican resturants here outragously expensive, so we decided to make it at home, but even the supplies were expensive! In the end every bite made the money worth it!
Then at night we went to Campo de Fiore, which is a very American area. We went to a bar called Sloppy Sam's. The drinks were so cheap for Italy, only 5 Euros! Which still is way overpriced, but on average drinks cost 10 Euros! I went out with some of my roommates and our other friends on our program. We enjoyed sitting on the patio under a heating lamp and watched all the people in the Piazza. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and drinking in the Piazza! Further into the evening we met a man from Brazil. He was our age, and was doing an intership program here for enginerring. He lives alone, and is the only student working for the company. So we really enjoyed his company and finally befriending someone not American!
On Valentine's Day, we climbed the Castle Saint Angelo in the Vatican area. It was so beautiful to reach the top and look over the city. It was breath taking, and almost brought me to tears! We were exhausted after climbing the castle so we walked around the park and went to a market near by. We bought some snacks and sat near an ice rink and watched all the pre-teens skate and awkwardly hold hands with their 'signifcant other' hahaha. It was an interesting flash back to our childhood. The rink was playing great American music so we enjoyed the comfort of relaxing with friends and listening to U.S music, just as we would do at home!
To end the holiday, my roomates and I made homemade tacos, something that we all crave and miss from home. All the Mexican resturants here outragously expensive, so we decided to make it at home, but even the supplies were expensive! In the end every bite made the money worth it!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 19-20 School
Tuesday and Wednesday
This week has been a busy roller coaster with trying new classes, finding my way around town, and settling in.
I am enrolled in Classical Mythology, Rome Through The Ages, and History of Italian Cinema on Monday and Wednesday. And on Tuesday and Thursday I am in Media Photography and Italian.
Culture shock is starting to settle in. It's hard to go grocery shopping and do errands when nothing is similar to home. But I'm getting used to it.
I'm tying this blog at my apartment, which means I finally have internet!!! Now everyone can Skype me!!
Ciao for now!
This week has been a busy roller coaster with trying new classes, finding my way around town, and settling in.
I am enrolled in Classical Mythology, Rome Through The Ages, and History of Italian Cinema on Monday and Wednesday. And on Tuesday and Thursday I am in Media Photography and Italian.
Culture shock is starting to settle in. It's hard to go grocery shopping and do errands when nothing is similar to home. But I'm getting used to it.
I'm tying this blog at my apartment, which means I finally have internet!!! Now everyone can Skype me!!
Ciao for now!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Day 18- Finally to Rome
Today is the day my real Italian life begins!
After late night packing and attempting to study, I woke up at 6 am to finish packing, cleaning the hotel, and cramming in some last minute studying for my final today.
My final look about one hour, but I think I did really well! We had 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 2 weeks which equals out to a whole semester of one class! So in two weeks I received 3 credits!
We only had a couple hours of free time, but we snacked on some Kebabs and did some last minute shopping. We filled onto our bus at 12:30 PM and were divided into 4 buses depending on our location of our apartments.
I slept most of the ride, I really needed a nap! When we arrived in Rome our advisors were there to meet us and put us into cabs to drop us off at our apartments. The whole process went really smooth.
When we walked into our apartment our mouths dropped to the floor! It is soooo beautiful! We were so scared it was going to be old and gross but our building is amazing! We have a cute old school elevator with little wooden doors that only fits about 2 people in it. It's similar to the elevator in the Tower of Terror movie! In actuality, we only live one floor up so I always take the stairs. We have two American women living next door, but they haven't said anything nice to us yet, so hopefully they will warm up to us.
We have 3 bedrooms for 7 people, a laundry room with a brand new washer, a kitchen with a nice European stove, no oven, great storage space, a microwave, and a counter/bar.
We have a great living room with a dining room table, a couch, and a couple love seats. My roommates Tasha, Gail, and I share the large bathroom with a tub, a shower, a toilet, a bidet, and a huge closet for all our stuff. Our other roommates Katie, Emily, Caryn, and Sam have another bathroom.
I'm really happy with our apartment! It's so close to to our school and is around a bunch of shops!
After late night packing and attempting to study, I woke up at 6 am to finish packing, cleaning the hotel, and cramming in some last minute studying for my final today.
My final look about one hour, but I think I did really well! We had 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 2 weeks which equals out to a whole semester of one class! So in two weeks I received 3 credits!
We only had a couple hours of free time, but we snacked on some Kebabs and did some last minute shopping. We filled onto our bus at 12:30 PM and were divided into 4 buses depending on our location of our apartments.
I slept most of the ride, I really needed a nap! When we arrived in Rome our advisors were there to meet us and put us into cabs to drop us off at our apartments. The whole process went really smooth.
When we walked into our apartment our mouths dropped to the floor! It is soooo beautiful! We were so scared it was going to be old and gross but our building is amazing! We have a cute old school elevator with little wooden doors that only fits about 2 people in it. It's similar to the elevator in the Tower of Terror movie! In actuality, we only live one floor up so I always take the stairs. We have two American women living next door, but they haven't said anything nice to us yet, so hopefully they will warm up to us.
We have 3 bedrooms for 7 people, a laundry room with a brand new washer, a kitchen with a nice European stove, no oven, great storage space, a microwave, and a counter/bar.
We have a great living room with a dining room table, a couch, and a couple love seats. My roommates Tasha, Gail, and I share the large bathroom with a tub, a shower, a toilet, a bidet, and a huge closet for all our stuff. Our other roommates Katie, Emily, Caryn, and Sam have another bathroom.
I'm really happy with our apartment! It's so close to to our school and is around a bunch of shops!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Day 17- Leather Obsession
TGIF
I've been in Italy for 2 weeks! Can you believe it?! Well during these two weeks I have been very frugal with my money. I have been dying for leather...leather jacket, leather purse, leather wallet, leather boots, I want everything LEATHER! I live very close to the central market in Florence, but did not buy anything during my stay. I've been comparing prices and bartering all the time.
But today was the day! L-Day, LEATHER DAY! I had a half day of school so my friend Lauren and I went shopping immediately! We couldn't wait any longer! First we went to a store called Promead. It's similar to Forever 21. Like I said in previous blogs, all stores are having 70% off sales to clear the racks for the new season. That's why I wanted to buy buy buy, but my guilt was saying no no no! But I did get a few things...at Promead I got a dark brown leather jacket and a cotton black blazer! The prices were unreal!
Next we went to the market where I purchased a gray leather side purse. I'm so happy that I can carry a cute purse now! I also got a few postcards for my collection. Lauren bought a few scarves and some cards as well.
But the best part of the day was discovering a Chinese restaurant! I was so happy to eat food other than bread and pasta. It was sooooooo tasty! I'm looking forward to getting my own groceries and eating vegetables!
Ciao for now
I've been in Italy for 2 weeks! Can you believe it?! Well during these two weeks I have been very frugal with my money. I have been dying for leather...leather jacket, leather purse, leather wallet, leather boots, I want everything LEATHER! I live very close to the central market in Florence, but did not buy anything during my stay. I've been comparing prices and bartering all the time.
But today was the day! L-Day, LEATHER DAY! I had a half day of school so my friend Lauren and I went shopping immediately! We couldn't wait any longer! First we went to a store called Promead. It's similar to Forever 21. Like I said in previous blogs, all stores are having 70% off sales to clear the racks for the new season. That's why I wanted to buy buy buy, but my guilt was saying no no no! But I did get a few things...at Promead I got a dark brown leather jacket and a cotton black blazer! The prices were unreal!
Next we went to the market where I purchased a gray leather side purse. I'm so happy that I can carry a cute purse now! I also got a few postcards for my collection. Lauren bought a few scarves and some cards as well.
But the best part of the day was discovering a Chinese restaurant! I was so happy to eat food other than bread and pasta. It was sooooooo tasty! I'm looking forward to getting my own groceries and eating vegetables!
Ciao for now
Day 15- Wine Tasting
Day 15
On Wednesday, our group took a wine trip to central Tuscany. I, myself and not a wine guru, and tend not to like wine. However, I thought, "when in Tuscany (Rome)." The wine tasting and tour took place at a 15th Century castle where were were able to tour the wine cellars and the castle grounds. The castle has been producing wine since its founding, but only recently have started to produce wine for profit. Previously the family that lived in the castle primarily produced wine for their family and friends. After the tour we sat out in the garden and patios and just breathed in the fresh Italian air as we looked at the rolling hills, vineyards, and castle grounds. It was so beautiful it nearly took my breath away. Sometimes I have to have a reality check, and realize I am living in a beautiful historic country! Things I see every day, I never see in the United States, it doesn't seem real.
The wine tasting look place in a large dining room within the castle. Our tour guide explained each wine and what you would eat with it. We were also given bread and olive oil, bruchetta, and salami and meat. I had a real "adult" moment when all my friends and I snacked and sipped on wine :) we felt so elegant and European! Nothing like the drinking activities at UW-Madison!
I took some notes during the wine tasting...here are some of the wines we tried. They are listed in order of my favorite to least favorite.
1. Classico: to be eaten with cheese
2. IGT: a smaller bottle but a heavier favor, it goes well with white meat
3. Classico Reserve: can be saved for 25 years, while the rest have to be drank in less than 10 years. This partners well with red meat.
4. Desert wine: which we ate with almond cookies!
Once the drinking activities concluded, my classmates and I made our way back to our coach buses (which we travel with everywhere). Surprisingly, when we reached our buses we saw that the whole back window was shattered and some of the winery workers were posting blue cardboard over the now-empty window. Incidentally, our driver parked near some tall and flexible trees and one fell onto the bus due to the high speed winds that day. We all had a good laugh, especially when my advisor Marco didn't even noticed until I asked him if he knew what happened! Then he freaked out, but everything turned out fine.
Overall, I am still learning to like wine, but this day trip was so amazing. I wish I could live in that castle, drink wine, eat cheese, and read in the courtyard; it would be like living in a fairy tale.
On Wednesday, our group took a wine trip to central Tuscany. I, myself and not a wine guru, and tend not to like wine. However, I thought, "when in Tuscany (Rome)." The wine tasting and tour took place at a 15th Century castle where were were able to tour the wine cellars and the castle grounds. The castle has been producing wine since its founding, but only recently have started to produce wine for profit. Previously the family that lived in the castle primarily produced wine for their family and friends. After the tour we sat out in the garden and patios and just breathed in the fresh Italian air as we looked at the rolling hills, vineyards, and castle grounds. It was so beautiful it nearly took my breath away. Sometimes I have to have a reality check, and realize I am living in a beautiful historic country! Things I see every day, I never see in the United States, it doesn't seem real.
The wine tasting look place in a large dining room within the castle. Our tour guide explained each wine and what you would eat with it. We were also given bread and olive oil, bruchetta, and salami and meat. I had a real "adult" moment when all my friends and I snacked and sipped on wine :) we felt so elegant and European! Nothing like the drinking activities at UW-Madison!
I took some notes during the wine tasting...here are some of the wines we tried. They are listed in order of my favorite to least favorite.
1. Classico: to be eaten with cheese
2. IGT: a smaller bottle but a heavier favor, it goes well with white meat
3. Classico Reserve: can be saved for 25 years, while the rest have to be drank in less than 10 years. This partners well with red meat.
4. Desert wine: which we ate with almond cookies!
Once the drinking activities concluded, my classmates and I made our way back to our coach buses (which we travel with everywhere). Surprisingly, when we reached our buses we saw that the whole back window was shattered and some of the winery workers were posting blue cardboard over the now-empty window. Incidentally, our driver parked near some tall and flexible trees and one fell onto the bus due to the high speed winds that day. We all had a good laugh, especially when my advisor Marco didn't even noticed until I asked him if he knew what happened! Then he freaked out, but everything turned out fine.
Overall, I am still learning to like wine, but this day trip was so amazing. I wish I could live in that castle, drink wine, eat cheese, and read in the courtyard; it would be like living in a fairy tale.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 14- David
Day 14 Tuesday
Tuesday was a short boring day. Not much activity. We registered with the police, so they have our documents and information in case anything happens. Then we had classes and prepared for our Wednesday tests. After school, we went to the Academia Museum, where the famous “David” sculpture resides. He was the most beautiful statue I have ever seen. 15 feet of perfection, gorgeous eyes, stylish hair, muscular, and butt naked! Michelangelo was the first sculptor to create a correctly portioned and realistic statue of a naked man. However, David’s head and hands are slightly larger than the rest of his body. He never explained why but it is possible that he was symbolizing two important parts of the body: the mind, and the hands, which he used to slay the giant. I wish I could have snapped a photo of this beautiful man, but the security was so difficult, he was like an ancient celebrity!
Following the museum, Gail and I went on a shopping adventure around Florence with no map. We tested our abilities of internal directions and we were semi-successful. We didn’t get much shopping done, we just walked around. And we got home just in time for our meeting. But we are getting better every day!
Coming up: Wednesday: Italian exam & wine tasting
Thursday: Italian exam
Friday: free day and packing
Saturday: Final exams and going to ROME!
Tuesday was a short boring day. Not much activity. We registered with the police, so they have our documents and information in case anything happens. Then we had classes and prepared for our Wednesday tests. After school, we went to the Academia Museum, where the famous “David” sculpture resides. He was the most beautiful statue I have ever seen. 15 feet of perfection, gorgeous eyes, stylish hair, muscular, and butt naked! Michelangelo was the first sculptor to create a correctly portioned and realistic statue of a naked man. However, David’s head and hands are slightly larger than the rest of his body. He never explained why but it is possible that he was symbolizing two important parts of the body: the mind, and the hands, which he used to slay the giant. I wish I could have snapped a photo of this beautiful man, but the security was so difficult, he was like an ancient celebrity!
Following the museum, Gail and I went on a shopping adventure around Florence with no map. We tested our abilities of internal directions and we were semi-successful. We didn’t get much shopping done, we just walked around. And we got home just in time for our meeting. But we are getting better every day!
Coming up: Wednesday: Italian exam & wine tasting
Thursday: Italian exam
Friday: free day and packing
Saturday: Final exams and going to ROME!
Day 13- Sienna
Day 13 Monday
On the bus again! After school on Monday we took a trip to Sienna, which is in the Tuscany area, (about an hour away from Florence). Sienna was by far my favorite place, it was so colorful and ancient. The sun was shinning over the hillsides, and the churches were magnificent. Our tour guide was so cute, she was wearing pink lipstick, pink eye shadow, a pink scarf, and a black cat hat with pink accents. Originally from Sienna, she gave us great insider information. There are 17 “neighborhoods” (the real Italian word can’t be translated, so neighborhood is the closest word) that divide the city. Each part has an animal representing it, such as the giraffe, the caterpillar, the rhino, the fox, and the goose. Each August and July, 10 “neighborhoods” (chosen by lottery) race on bareback horses around the central piazza. They cover the track in dirt and in one area place mattresses for the safety of the jockeys, because they often fly off the horse at a specific sharp corner. However, even if the Jockey does fall off, the horse can still win the race!
After the tour we went shopping, again there were a lot of sales! But mostly we windowed shopped since we are all poor college students suffering from the horrible exchange rate. The best part of the night was our snacks! My friend Lauren and I have fallen in love with the gummy bears here! Then we also fell upon something we call “fried rice balls.” The Italian word, I have no idea, but all I have to say is that they are MOUTH-WATERING! The inside was similar to a rice pudding and the outer shell was breaded like a cheese curd but not as much, then topped with sugar! These special treats only come once a year during Carnivale, a large festival celebrated in all of Europe (but each city celebrates it differently). Carnival starts on February 6th so I will let you know how that goes!
On the bus again! After school on Monday we took a trip to Sienna, which is in the Tuscany area, (about an hour away from Florence). Sienna was by far my favorite place, it was so colorful and ancient. The sun was shinning over the hillsides, and the churches were magnificent. Our tour guide was so cute, she was wearing pink lipstick, pink eye shadow, a pink scarf, and a black cat hat with pink accents. Originally from Sienna, she gave us great insider information. There are 17 “neighborhoods” (the real Italian word can’t be translated, so neighborhood is the closest word) that divide the city. Each part has an animal representing it, such as the giraffe, the caterpillar, the rhino, the fox, and the goose. Each August and July, 10 “neighborhoods” (chosen by lottery) race on bareback horses around the central piazza. They cover the track in dirt and in one area place mattresses for the safety of the jockeys, because they often fly off the horse at a specific sharp corner. However, even if the Jockey does fall off, the horse can still win the race!
After the tour we went shopping, again there were a lot of sales! But mostly we windowed shopped since we are all poor college students suffering from the horrible exchange rate. The best part of the night was our snacks! My friend Lauren and I have fallen in love with the gummy bears here! Then we also fell upon something we call “fried rice balls.” The Italian word, I have no idea, but all I have to say is that they are MOUTH-WATERING! The inside was similar to a rice pudding and the outer shell was breaded like a cheese curd but not as much, then topped with sugar! These special treats only come once a year during Carnivale, a large festival celebrated in all of Europe (but each city celebrates it differently). Carnival starts on February 6th so I will let you know how that goes!
Day 12- Last day of Venice
Day 12 Sunday
Up and adam early in the morning, we were off to the Guggenheim Museum that was actually very close to our hotel. The Peggy Guggenheim is a beautiful museum with magnificent location on the canal, where in the past, people attending the museum would arrive by water, and greeted by Peggy herself. Surprisingly, Peggy was a vivacious yet narcissistic woman with many lovers. She was blessed with one child who she named Peggen…pronounced similarly to “Peggy.” In the museum there was one room dedicated to her daughter who committed suicide once she discovered her mother in bed with her husband (pretty juicy..huh?) Peggy lived a life as a constantly changing artist, experiencing new things, producing beautiful creations and providing support and guidance to other artists. In the museum we were able to see many pieces by Peggy, but also some by other artists, and some of Peggy’s apprentices. Even more beautiful, was the view from the Eastern side of the museum where the water comes right up to the steps. We were able to see gondolas pass, large fishing boats, water taxis, and floating sea gulls riding the waves.
After the museum we went shopping for more jewelry and gifts, grabbed some pizza (again, blahh I’m so sick of it) and returned to the hotel to proceed with the multiple transportation routes we needed to take to get back on the bus. Once we returned to the warm large buses, started to de-layer, I cuddled up to Gail and got in another nap!
Up and adam early in the morning, we were off to the Guggenheim Museum that was actually very close to our hotel. The Peggy Guggenheim is a beautiful museum with magnificent location on the canal, where in the past, people attending the museum would arrive by water, and greeted by Peggy herself. Surprisingly, Peggy was a vivacious yet narcissistic woman with many lovers. She was blessed with one child who she named Peggen…pronounced similarly to “Peggy.” In the museum there was one room dedicated to her daughter who committed suicide once she discovered her mother in bed with her husband (pretty juicy..huh?) Peggy lived a life as a constantly changing artist, experiencing new things, producing beautiful creations and providing support and guidance to other artists. In the museum we were able to see many pieces by Peggy, but also some by other artists, and some of Peggy’s apprentices. Even more beautiful, was the view from the Eastern side of the museum where the water comes right up to the steps. We were able to see gondolas pass, large fishing boats, water taxis, and floating sea gulls riding the waves.
After the museum we went shopping for more jewelry and gifts, grabbed some pizza (again, blahh I’m so sick of it) and returned to the hotel to proceed with the multiple transportation routes we needed to take to get back on the bus. Once we returned to the warm large buses, started to de-layer, I cuddled up to Gail and got in another nap!
Day 11- Venice
Day 11 Saturday
Saturday was the first day we were able to sleep in!! Hotel Messner had a five star hotel and three additional hotels with fewer stars, which I was in. In the morning all the other sectors met at main hotel for breakfast. It was an “International” breakfast similar to the breakfast at our hotel, but had more options. We had fresh bread, Nutella, fruit, yogurt, cheese, salami, jelly, tea, coffee, juice, and sweets, a meal full of carbs…I can feel myself expanding already! HELP!
After breakfast we had to cross the canal to get onto the main island of Venice in order to see all the great sites. We could have taken the Academia bridge but it would take some time to get to the bridge, cross over, then walk to the museums. Instead we took a gondola. But it was no ordinary gondola ride...we had to STAND in the gondola! 14 people standing in a gondola is a scary thought! We only had to cross the canal so it was only a few yards. But we also had to cross between the passing water taxis, which leave huge wakes/waves. People were hanging on to each other and screaming, trying to keep their balance! If we fell we were told the water was so cold we would have to be rushed to the hospital immediately! I tried to balance my own body and ride the waves has they pushed our gondola back and forth but people kept grabbing on to me! It was so scary! I tried to shake them off but they clung to me like velcro! Fortunately, everyone made it over safely! Even thought it was frightening it was such a thrilling and hilarious experience to watch my fellow students cross the canal screaming and wobbling hahah!
Following the gondola rides we went on a 3-4 hour tour to so many beautiful places but again all the names are in Italian and I will have to look at what exact places we went to see. I can’t remember at this moment, since I’m writing this blog about 5 days post-Venice.
After a long day of touring, some girls and I went for lunch at an adorable café. They loved that we were American and started playing American pop music including Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, etc. They danced and sang while they were making our food, it really made our lunch experience something special.
There were so many things to do in Venice! After our meal we went shopping, looking for all the best gifts Venice is known for: lace, blown glass and glass jewelry, wooden puppets, and masks. There were so many beautiful vendors and so many places to see. Venice was such a historical city, every street, every canal, and every café looked like a picture in a storybook.
Even though Venice had snow for the first time in 10 years, the museums were more frigid than the outside, and we were mapless, Venice was such a breath-taking place. I am so glad I was able to experience its uniqueness!
Saturday was the first day we were able to sleep in!! Hotel Messner had a five star hotel and three additional hotels with fewer stars, which I was in. In the morning all the other sectors met at main hotel for breakfast. It was an “International” breakfast similar to the breakfast at our hotel, but had more options. We had fresh bread, Nutella, fruit, yogurt, cheese, salami, jelly, tea, coffee, juice, and sweets, a meal full of carbs…I can feel myself expanding already! HELP!
After breakfast we had to cross the canal to get onto the main island of Venice in order to see all the great sites. We could have taken the Academia bridge but it would take some time to get to the bridge, cross over, then walk to the museums. Instead we took a gondola. But it was no ordinary gondola ride...we had to STAND in the gondola! 14 people standing in a gondola is a scary thought! We only had to cross the canal so it was only a few yards. But we also had to cross between the passing water taxis, which leave huge wakes/waves. People were hanging on to each other and screaming, trying to keep their balance! If we fell we were told the water was so cold we would have to be rushed to the hospital immediately! I tried to balance my own body and ride the waves has they pushed our gondola back and forth but people kept grabbing on to me! It was so scary! I tried to shake them off but they clung to me like velcro! Fortunately, everyone made it over safely! Even thought it was frightening it was such a thrilling and hilarious experience to watch my fellow students cross the canal screaming and wobbling hahah!
Following the gondola rides we went on a 3-4 hour tour to so many beautiful places but again all the names are in Italian and I will have to look at what exact places we went to see. I can’t remember at this moment, since I’m writing this blog about 5 days post-Venice.
After a long day of touring, some girls and I went for lunch at an adorable café. They loved that we were American and started playing American pop music including Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, etc. They danced and sang while they were making our food, it really made our lunch experience something special.
There were so many things to do in Venice! After our meal we went shopping, looking for all the best gifts Venice is known for: lace, blown glass and glass jewelry, wooden puppets, and masks. There were so many beautiful vendors and so many places to see. Venice was such a historical city, every street, every canal, and every café looked like a picture in a storybook.
Even though Venice had snow for the first time in 10 years, the museums were more frigid than the outside, and we were mapless, Venice was such a breath-taking place. I am so glad I was able to experience its uniqueness!
Day 10- Venice
Day 10 Friday
Bright early in the morning our group met in the hotel for breakfast then off to our private coach buses (which have been our transportation for every trip). The 3.5 hour drive was a perfect opportunity for my first nap on the trip!
The following events that occurred in Venice may be shocking….prepare yourself!
Once we arrived in Venice the buses had to stop at the port because buses are not allowed in. Unloading the buses took a bit, then we walked to a port where all 112 of us tried to fit in one water taxi. But we were unsuccessful, and eventually took two boats. The first boat was so heavy because of the packed in students, the water was extremely close to the windows. I thought if we added any more people we would have sunk!
After the boat ride, we walked to our hotels. We were assigned two different hotels because we were staying on the smaller island of Venice. Once we settled into our ancient hotel room, our group headed off to see some sights....I can’t remember all the sites at the moment I will have to look at my itinerary, but I will get back to you all!
Bright early in the morning our group met in the hotel for breakfast then off to our private coach buses (which have been our transportation for every trip). The 3.5 hour drive was a perfect opportunity for my first nap on the trip!
The following events that occurred in Venice may be shocking….prepare yourself!
Once we arrived in Venice the buses had to stop at the port because buses are not allowed in. Unloading the buses took a bit, then we walked to a port where all 112 of us tried to fit in one water taxi. But we were unsuccessful, and eventually took two boats. The first boat was so heavy because of the packed in students, the water was extremely close to the windows. I thought if we added any more people we would have sunk!
After the boat ride, we walked to our hotels. We were assigned two different hotels because we were staying on the smaller island of Venice. Once we settled into our ancient hotel room, our group headed off to see some sights....I can’t remember all the sites at the moment I will have to look at my itinerary, but I will get back to you all!
Day 9- L' Opera
Hello blog-followers!
Day 9 Thursday
After a long tiring day of learning Italian vocabulary and songs, Gail and I went to the Florence Street market near the Dumo Church to look for leather purses and boots. Our short shopping trip turned into a whole day event! We ended up stopping at many different stores outside the market. Currently many retail stores are having 70% off sales to clear out the shelves for the new fashion season, so we of course were making our way around the town. Living in one of the largest fashion countries has its perks!!
After a long afternoon of shopping we headed home, had a fantastic dinner, and quickly ran off to the Italian Opera. Dressed to the nines, our group had seats on the second level with a great view. The Opera was about a love triangle and a portrayal of how strong minded Italian women are. It was very beautiful, but unfortunately I was so exhausted from the long day and lack of naps, I accidentally fell asleep.
After the Opera I instantly fell asleep once I hit the pillow. I was dreaming of my weekend adventures to come in Venice!
Day 9 Thursday
After a long tiring day of learning Italian vocabulary and songs, Gail and I went to the Florence Street market near the Dumo Church to look for leather purses and boots. Our short shopping trip turned into a whole day event! We ended up stopping at many different stores outside the market. Currently many retail stores are having 70% off sales to clear out the shelves for the new fashion season, so we of course were making our way around the town. Living in one of the largest fashion countries has its perks!!
After a long afternoon of shopping we headed home, had a fantastic dinner, and quickly ran off to the Italian Opera. Dressed to the nines, our group had seats on the second level with a great view. The Opera was about a love triangle and a portrayal of how strong minded Italian women are. It was very beautiful, but unfortunately I was so exhausted from the long day and lack of naps, I accidentally fell asleep.
After the Opera I instantly fell asleep once I hit the pillow. I was dreaming of my weekend adventures to come in Venice!
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