Chillin' like Michaelangelo

Yesterday we took our first trip to Firenze (Florence). For this trip we had to meet at the crack of dawn, no molto bene. Not enough can be said of our bus rides. We always manage to have a great time and laugh constantly. Today Lisa and I talked a little about missing our boyfriends.  I'm thankful for my roommates who are making this trip so much fun that I haven't had time to dwell on being away from Daniel. It isn't so much missing him, as it is knowing that he would love the trip probably even more than me- he is a man for cheese and wine.

Our first stop in Firenze probably had the best view of Italy I have seen thus far. We walked up a ton of stairs to San Miniato a beautiful, Romanesque church on the hilltop outside of Florence. From the steps of the church you can see all of Florence. Florence is a the largest Tuscan town we have seen. Thousands of red roofs spill out across the valley with some towers popping up here and there. Of course, the huge duomo is hard to miss. As we stood on the church steps we looked out over the valley that makes up Florence and listened to Paolo tell us of its rich history. The duomo of Florence is so large that the Notre Dame of Paris can fit inside of it. The remaining part of the Florence wall is from the 13th century. Again, I am completely enchanted by Paolo and all of his knowledge. After we took pictures from San Miniato, we traveled downhill to the Santa Croce cathedral. This church had a very similar facade to that of Siena. Buried inside were some of the most influential names from the Renaissance-- Machiavelli, Michealangelo, Rossilini, etc.

Being in this church reminded me of my grandmother. As a child I would spend the night with her and she would recite the entire rosary every night in Spanish. Sometimes I would try to repeat but mostly I would just listen and wonder what it all meant. I took a moment to ask a special blessing on this amazing woman and lit a candle in her honor.

As we walked out of the cathedral the bells of its tower started to ring. It's hard to fathom hearing the same bell and walking the same walk that the great minds like Michealangelo did. When I think of these figures of the Renaissance I think of a fairy tale place that no longer exists.  Before this trip I had no idea how untouched the world of the Renaissance truly was.  It makes me love and appreciate this country all the more.

After leaving we made our way to a trattoria for lunch. This restaurant has been around since the Renaissance and was first owned by a painter that was supposedly friends with Michealangelo. It is said that he had lunch there quite often. The food and Chianti were molto bouno! Just another hidden treasure that Paolo had in store for us. This trip to Florence was a lot of walking and cathedral visiting. Both of which I love doing. Don't worry Firenze, we shall return!
                                              

A sacred place...

Yesterday we visited the beautiful city of Sienna, one of the most amazing medieval towns of all. It truly feels like stepping back into time. Art fills every corner of every duomo and the streets and walls are untouched by time. Of course, Giovanni brought me back to reality by reminding and pointing out all the neo-Gothic facades. It's good to be able to appreciate the truly beautiful parts of Italy.

Sienna had my favorite duomo thus far. Not to mention, we visited on a day when the sky was so blue and the clouds looked like they were painted in the sky. The duomo is a beautiful mix of white/gray and rose marble and has the most beautiful rose window that reflects the clouds like a mirror. On the top of the church is beautiful, large paintings with gold leafing. It really was one of the most beautiful things I have seen.

Our tour was absolutely amazing and included secluded, sacred places that only those most knowledgeable could possibly know about. One of my favorites was a lovely baroque church that did not have one corner untouched by gold cherubs and ornate details. I could stare for hours and still not catch every detail. I wish I could take Giovanni with me everywhere so I could learn all his amazing facts about Italy.

After our tour we decided to hit up some shops for souvenirs of the city. I was in search of one thing- a hand-painted wine stopper. Found it! It even has Sienna written on it, bellisimo (very beautiful)! Lisa found her Italian apron with "Ruffino" on it, her mothers maiden name. After our shopping we found the pizza place Giovanni raved about and had the best 5 euro pizza. I had margherita of course. The best part of the food was the view, the ristorante was tucked away behind the tower of one of the churches and all the houses. Just as we got done and were heading back to our meeting point we got the surprise of a parade-- complete with some sweet outfits. Italy you are one of the only countries whose men parade around in tights proudly... wearing medieval shoes and waving bright colored flags. Oh Italy, how I love thee!

The rest of the evening until night was uneventful. Finally we made our way back to the festival to meet up with our friends from Castiglion. Unforunately it was a little dead and we decided to go find them at Garden Bar. We finally found Laura and Alessandro as we were leaving. We hung out for a few minutes then the awkward can't speak English started to make it difficult and we decided to head back.

Today was my first day of class-- 8:30am can suck it. For our art history class Paolo took us to the Castiglion library. He explained that all medieval towns had their own collection of books that date back to the 13th century. He showed us a book from 1250 that was made from sheep skin and had Gregorian chants written by monks in them. Our music professor had told us that very morning that these were some of the earliest forms of written music. It's amazing how he could just pick these books up by hand (suggested gloves) and hold them. In America they would be quickly put behind glass. He also showed us a book that had names of those people who were hung in the piazza (square). What a crazy country, full of some of the most amazing sacred things. Off to Florence tomorrow for some more amazing sights!

Italian Zac Efron and Friends.

Here I am wishing I had not skipped a day of journaling... The past few days we have taken trips to Arezzo and Siena. Our tour guide is a lovely Italian man named Giovanni. Not only does Giovanni have a vast knowledge of Italy and it's art, but he is very funny and LOVES makes jokes about Italy and Italian women. One thing American and Italian boys have in common, one of VERY few.

So Saturday morning we met to go the train for our first time. Before we left we had breakfast at Hermes, a local pastry/coffee/bar. The owner of Hermes is very nice-- you can see in his eyes that he really cares about us students and our having a good time. Not to mention he sells the only scrambled egg breakfast sandwhich probably in all of Italy. As our Italian teacher told us "Italians do not have uovo for breakfast!" Another thing he has is one of the most amazing views of Castiglion. Sitting at the top of the city, looking down over the countryside with the tower so close is unreal. I could sit there forever.

Our first train ride in Italy was successful. There seems to be a trend in European trains; they run through industrial not so pretty sides of town with a few glimpses of rural life in between. I can appreciate this, it makes me happy the train does not venture through every beautiful medieval city in Italy.

Arezzo was our first city outside of Castiglion, so we were all very excited. Giovanni took us to the top of town to visit the church of San Marcos, the second oldest church in Italy. He was particularly excited to show us the well preserved portrait of Mary Magdalene. Giovanni said it is probably the best preservation of color in all the public frescos in the Italian churches. The right side of Mary's cape was red to represent her as a prostitute and the white side to represent her after her conversion. Her face was the most impressive-- you could still make our the flush of her cheeks and the contour of her chin. Later that night I realized this exact portrait hangs in our room at the center. Once our tour was over we had some free time to roam and have lunch. We ventured away from the group in an attempt to blend into the Italian lifestyle. It's funny how being in Italy makes you feel more adventurous. The people in Arezzo didn't seem to notice us as much as those in Castiglion. We finally made our way to a small deli/grocery recommended by Giovanni. The walls were lined with wine from every corner of Tuscany and the sweetest cherry tomatoes you've ever had. The part part of the store was the vivacious store owner. He has a smile that reminded you of a loving grandfather and welcomed us right away. Still a little shy with our Italian we had, who we assumed to be his younger son help us order some sandwiches. Panino de pruiscutto e formaggio! He was so thrilled to serve us and offered us free produce. Despite my many attempts to tell him we didn't speak English he kept talking to us. We would smile and then giggle and just enjoyed his beautiful language. We did get one thing from our "conversation"-- we were not allowed to eat McDonald's while in Italy. Before we said goodbye we took a picture with him, I want to send it to him when I get back to America.

That night we made our way to the medieval festival in Castiglion Fiorentino. Similar to the Renaissance Festival, but with a touch of authenticity. Townspeople dress in medieval attire and parade to the top of the city for tap birra and vino (beer and wine). I got a handcrafted ring from a local artisan. Lana and I shared a bottle of the wine-- a smooth robust flavor. Of course I was craving a turkey leg... I mean hello, medieval festival! We found the food and after two attempts at pronouncing we ordered "arrostachini" which we discovered was lamb on a stick. What the eff. Good flavor, but kind of creepy.

I really wanted to practice my Italian so I tried talking to some of the locals and this was the beginning of our first Italian friendships-- meet Lucca, Italian Zac Efron, and Alessandro, no-English-speaker. They are both super nice, but bless their hearts, cannot speak any English. Alessandro barely got out "type of music? Oasis" and was ELATED to know I knew who they were and could sing Wonderwall. We then met many of their friends, a few who could speak English. They taught us some new words... WTF?= Que pale? We also made a really nice friend named Laura Regi, who we thought was 24 but was really 17. Italians look and act a lot older and start smoking at like 14. The Italians really enjoyed practicing their English and we really enjoy getting to know them. Overall it was a great night and we plan to meet back up with our new friends very soon.

Busy, busy days!

Lesson learned: not journaling and blogging for ONE day makes for a seriously tired hand and impossible blog. So here is a super fast rundown of the past two days.

Yesterday we met our art professor, Paolo in the morning for a historic tour of Castiglion. Paolo is an interesting man-- white hair, deep thoughts, and such a passion for sharing what he knows with us. He has the ability to enchant you with art by digging so deep into a painting or artwork your not really sure what your even talking about anymore, all you know is this lovely little Italian man is speaking to you with an adorable Italian accent and your in love with everything he talks about. I have a feeling I will learn a lot about myself and about Italian art from this man.

Lunch and dinner at the center continue to amaze me. Lunch yesterday= lentil soup, meat and the sweetest cantelope ever, and veggies. Dinner yesterday= egg pasta (actually enjoyed it for those of you who know how much I hate eggs), chicken, and veggies. They spoiled us by giving us dessert the first day and the last few meals we have only had fruit... dang you fruit.

After our trip with Paolo we went on a logistical tour of the town with one of the RC's, Jen. She showed us the important places in town... the tabachi, the post office, and best gelato shops. After that Lisa and I were treated with our FIRST gelato in Italia! I had strachiatella, of course, which is pretty much vanilla with chocolate chips. Amazing. Daniel, this may rival Tio's. I haven't even had the best place in town yet- Mondo's. Critique coming soon.

Last night was Elizabeth's 21st birthday, so of course this called for a celebration. We had local Castiglion Fiorentino wine from La Pievuccia (a local winery in town). It was a nice Bianco, a little spicy for my liking with a strong floral taste, but good nonetheless. It was also organic, so that was a plus.

That night almost our whole group ventured to the local bar, Rigirio's aka "Pirate Bar." Lana, Lisa, and I had a great time getting ready. After much complaining about "lame shoes" and changing we ended up all matching in black... which made for cute roomie pictures. Lisa was more goofy than normal and gave us some laughs. Our new saying "When in doubt, boobies out." This will surely come in handy. At Pirate Bar, it was full of Aggies and some other students from the center as well as a handful of locals. We were recommended the "cooli cooli" but they were out of ice and we decided to take a shot instead-- rume e pere. Rum and Pear. It was strong but doable. I shared a small pitcher of Maresco, a sparkling wine, with Lana which was wonderful. Dancing with the group definitely broke some ice. Funniest drunk awards go to Andrew and Rebekah for sure. I decided to test about my Italian and asked a group of local Italians for a shot recommendation (seeing how no ice=no mix drinks) and they suggested something I can't remember... but the bar was out so we were given another suggestion by Ritanoldo, the bar owner. He gave us a shot of Italian liquor and something blue and proceeded to light it on fire. Then he yelled instructions to me (in Italian... yeah, hard). Translation number one: put your hand on the fire. My reaction... WHAT THE HECK!? NO! Translation number two: pick it up and shake. My reaction... okay? Translation number three: Shake faster! My reaction...okay okay!!! Then I took this shot and my throat was on fire... hence I named the unknown shot "Dragon Shot."

Today we woke up for an Italian lesson in the local market. A lovely local lady named Rossello gave us some pointers and some basic vocabulary. The market had tons of meat, cheese, fruits, and even random panty stands. It was bustling with locals, which I enjoyed being around. I tried to save some money so I only bought a rug for our bathroom. Very cheap. Then after the market, round two of gelato! "Vorrei un coni piccolo de gelato." Not too shabby, getting better at this. The evening was full of class, an Italian lesson (Letsa Speaka Italian), and a travel meeting. Lunch today= Italian meatloaf, rice, and veggies. Dinner today= tomato bowtie pasta, mushroom chicken, and veggies.

We decided to stay in tonight. Tomorrow is a trip to Arezzo. So tired... can barely finish this blog. Arrivaderchi!

Italy, you are much more beautiful than I thought...

We finally made it to Castiglion Fiorentino! The rode from Rome to the study center is three hours. The first hour and a half I slept (completely jet lagged) but when I finally woke up I was greeted by the lovely Italian countryside. The rolling hills of Italy seem to be endless, broken up only by small farmhouses here and there. The rusty, tin barns of Texas are replaced by crumbling, stone cottages. Villas perhaps. They lined the interstate, most looking vacant as if the interstate's presence had taken their life. I could image what the scenery would have looked like without the large highway and all it's smart cars. The abandoned crops were replaced with wild red flowers, and the fruitful crops with sweet grapes. Every once in a while we would pass a field of lambs, only adding to this picturesque scenery.

The cities were the most amazing though. All the buildings and people crowded at the top of hilltops, squeezing in as much as possible. It was as if the buildings stood with their heels to the edge of the cliff, protecting its people, and hoping not to fall off. The less graceful of cities had a few homes scattered down the edge of the hill, but those that were more graceful stood firmly and reached toward the heavens.

The tuscan sun bounced its rays off bright colored villas, the hills, and church steeples all the way to Castiglion where it finally went down. The lovely town of Castiglion Fiorentino was a blessing to a bus of jet lagged Americans. We were quickly fed our first meal of fresh pasta, Italian meat and potatoes, and chocolate bruschetta. I haven't seen much of this town, but I know I will fall in love with it quickly.

Italy, you are much more beautiful than I thought.

Italia here we come!

Made it to the London Heathrow Airport despite British Airways striking, disgusting airline food, and puking children. Our flight to Rome is next, and then a nice bus ride to Castiglion Fiorentino! If we made good airtime we should make it to my new home around 6pm Italian time.... 11am Texas time.

I kind of feel nauseous but I can't decide if it is because I'm excited or feeling drowsy from the 9 hour flight I just got off of. Either way, in hours I will be in my dream country! A country full of amazing cuisine, beautiful streets, and boisterous people. I cannot wait. Italia here we come!