*I should never leave on a trip annoyed/angry/whatever with someone ever again. I missed Elysse too much.
*Getting back and sleeping for a solid 48-hours a) does not help alleviate jet lag, and b) scares the crap out of my Grandmother.
*I still don't like hills. The walking thing didn't last long. I'm blaming the humidity, but I'm pretty sure that's just an excuse.
*I really could probably get away with taking the small green suitcase and the carry-on. Maybe. For week-long trips, definitely.
*I still hate sharing.
*I'm still a control freak, but I'm loosening up a little. I'll work on this to procrastinate on working on the walking.
*I loved Florence. So much. Just not the mosquitoes. No. Don't miss those one bit.
*Art is so much better in person. Judith. Had. Bloodstains. On. Her. Dress. My life is complete.
*I told Stephanie about the Jews being saved in Assisi. Her eyes lit up. At least I have one person to share my Holocaust information with. We're discussing wanting to teach a course on Holocaust art and literature if/when we're both teaching. I'm excited.
*I'm better at my job now, after having a break.
*Note to self: Overdrawing your checking account while in a different country is not fun. Remember this. Be unamused.
*I seem to have realized something. I don't need a home. I don't need someplace to go back to. Having a place to rest my head is nice, yes, but everywhere can be my home. I feel like some of the parts of me that were empty are less empty or full when I come back from an elsewhere.
*Can one have a religion based on art? I've had my most purely religious experiences in the presence of great art or architecture. ...I wonder how many people have confused St. Peter's as a religious experience related to the church? Hm.
*I have a love-hate relationship with my "culture bubble." Yes, I like being understood and understanding. Yes, I like dressing how I want. No, I don't like how Americans get viewed sometimes ...and I think part of that is that we tend to stick to our culture bubbles. We have customers at Teavana that are visiting from France (a lot more than you'd think), and they conduct business here in (sometimes broken) English. It would only seem polite that we do that same in another country with their native language. I'm guilty of it too. I like English. I like speaking it. I like that it's weird sometimes. I like it. I like French, Italian, Polish and German too - the pieces I know, at least. I get nervous around native speakers - it happened in reverse in Germany with Alex's friends. They were nervous about speaking English to me because I was a native speaker. That was a fun evening. I got used to little things in Italy - please, thank you, yes; that sort of thing. I also became the default person to ask for the check at dinner. I was amused. I was so used to things like that, that I kept speaking of it when I got home.
*I want to go again. I feel like the more I travel, the more I want to travel. And not just to new places. To the places I've been already been, because the more I'm away, the more I learn about being in an elsewhere, and I feel like I could appreciate things so much more after learning these things.
*I just realized, I never really talked about the flights. Well. I don't really remember much of them. I get into a sort of ...travel stupor, almost? The plane obviously didn't crash, so I guess there really wasn't much to say. O'Hare was ...O'Hare. We did get delayed about 2 hours on the way back. Not the most amusing thing in the world. I ended up doing a lot of watching other people's bags. Laziness, maybe, I prefer "economy of movement" - efficiency, and as little movement as possible.
*I have some ideas. Creative inspiration. Particularly, the bell tower from Assisi will be in the background of Icarus if/when he ever gets finished. There was a suggestion of welding myself in place of Judith with a head. I ...don't really feel the desire to cut anyone's head off. There is a strength in small actions, in carrying on, that doesn't always show when some people are cutting people's heads off. I don't really ever want to be a heroine. The maidservant, maybe, or the basket, but never the heroine. But I have a plan for Judith. I really hope Lynda does the metal pour again. Three words: Bronze. Abstract. Judith. Witness my excitement. I've started the Styrofoam already. Something with chain links, and webs too. Not sure where that one is going.
*Okay, I've been home for a month, when do we leave?
Friday, July 9, 2010
06/04/2010 Italy, Day 12
Beach! Opera! Food!
I'm not usually big on the sun. The sun and I don't usually have a very good relationship. Or a relationship at all beyond "burny-burny-ow-ow-ow." But it was the freaking Mediterranean. We took the Metro and the train, but we got there and it was gorgeous. Just laying there on the beach was nice. Came back a little early with Ashley and Lyda since Ashley pointed out I burned (was totally worth it though). I now have a sunburn in the shape of wings on my back. I'm pretty sure Elysse would get a kick out of it. Teehee.
We got back, and Casey and I both braved the slightly moldy shower (separately, of course) and we headed out to the Opera evening. It was nice, but I still think our first evening of Opera was better. More ...at home, as opposed to a tourist-y-show-type-thing. We saw some of Rome lit up after the Opera, which was nice, and there was silliness on the bus, which was both amusing and ridiculous.
More packing now, and BED. Tomorrow we leave!
I'm not usually big on the sun. The sun and I don't usually have a very good relationship. Or a relationship at all beyond "burny-burny-ow-ow-ow." But it was the freaking Mediterranean. We took the Metro and the train, but we got there and it was gorgeous. Just laying there on the beach was nice. Came back a little early with Ashley and Lyda since Ashley pointed out I burned (was totally worth it though). I now have a sunburn in the shape of wings on my back. I'm pretty sure Elysse would get a kick out of it. Teehee.
We got back, and Casey and I both braved the slightly moldy shower (separately, of course) and we headed out to the Opera evening. It was nice, but I still think our first evening of Opera was better. More ...at home, as opposed to a tourist-y-show-type-thing. We saw some of Rome lit up after the Opera, which was nice, and there was silliness on the bus, which was both amusing and ridiculous.
More packing now, and BED. Tomorrow we leave!
06/03/2010 Italy, Day 11
Went back to the Capuchin crypts with a larger group this time. Almost nicer being in a larger group ...less need to be interesting, less interpersonal contact, but then there's the culture bubble problem.
What's the use of going to another country and not experiencing the culture? That's one of the reasons I want to go back to Germany. Dresden was lovely, but having an English-speaking host didn't force me to be more comfortable with my tiny bits of German. Same thing happened here.
I'm not sure where everyone else headed after the crypts, but I tried to head up to the Borghese. That didn't work out so well, since I wasn't overly sure of myself. I think I just need to go somewhere on a plane, have a map, and just ...go. No planning, nothing. ...Just the thought of that terrifies me. Which means I have to do it now. Damn it.
I ended up spending some time on the metro - back and forth, back and forth. I got to pretend I wasn't completely a tourist then, though I think the flip-flops gave me away. My space bubble seems to decrease when I'm in Europe. Happened in Ireland too, though it took longer that time. Hm.
I napped when I got back. I was still pretty exhausted. More bedtime now though!
What's the use of going to another country and not experiencing the culture? That's one of the reasons I want to go back to Germany. Dresden was lovely, but having an English-speaking host didn't force me to be more comfortable with my tiny bits of German. Same thing happened here.
I'm not sure where everyone else headed after the crypts, but I tried to head up to the Borghese. That didn't work out so well, since I wasn't overly sure of myself. I think I just need to go somewhere on a plane, have a map, and just ...go. No planning, nothing. ...Just the thought of that terrifies me. Which means I have to do it now. Damn it.
I ended up spending some time on the metro - back and forth, back and forth. I got to pretend I wasn't completely a tourist then, though I think the flip-flops gave me away. My space bubble seems to decrease when I'm in Europe. Happened in Ireland too, though it took longer that time. Hm.
I napped when I got back. I was still pretty exhausted. More bedtime now though!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
06/02/2010 Italy, Day 10
Free day today ...though it didn't really feel like it. Nancy took a group up to ...uh, I don't remember what it's called, some place of reflection or some such for followers of St. Francis. We went through a building before going out on the paths. It has been determined that there have been no tall monks, or fat monks. In that structure: tiny doors! [] <- normal, O <- cramped, n <- "are you serious?" The woman behind me (not part of the group) was a little heavier set, and we just looked at each other and laughed. But we both got through. I must credit gallery work for that one - learning to move unobtrusively was one of the most valuable lessons I learned there. Next we headed to the church which originally housed the cross that spoke to St. Francis (now in the side chapel of the Basilica of St. Chiara, I believe). I was so happy we took a taxi. I don't know what it is, but I have zero energy here in Assisi. I really should keep up the walking when I get home, though. Pick'n'Save isn't any farther than I walked in Florence, I just have to suck it up and do it.
Anyway. We also has a musical to attend this evening: "Chiara di Dio" which was at times frightening, at times hilarious, at times confusing, and at times actually interesting. Mostly the first two though. It may have partly been the language barrier (though I'm still pretty good at context clues), but monks with flashlights are just my least favorite thing.
As odd as it was at times, it was pretty on par with say, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" or "Godspell" as far drama or ...theatricalness. Theatricalness - is that even a word? Doubtful.
After that, Ashley, Casey, Lyda, Kelli, Mandy and I had dinner at a little place that looked like it was housed in old wine cellars. Ashley made a Poe reference (to The Cask of Amontillado), liked her more for it. It averaged out to about €10/plate, which after some of our meals, seems super cheap.
Travel day to Rome tomorrow. My suitcase is still pretty neatly packed, luckily, and Lucias is charging. Sleep for me now. Huzzah.
Anyway. We also has a musical to attend this evening: "Chiara di Dio" which was at times frightening, at times hilarious, at times confusing, and at times actually interesting. Mostly the first two though. It may have partly been the language barrier (though I'm still pretty good at context clues), but monks with flashlights are just my least favorite thing.
As odd as it was at times, it was pretty on par with say, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" or "Godspell" as far drama or ...theatricalness. Theatricalness - is that even a word? Doubtful.
After that, Ashley, Casey, Lyda, Kelli, Mandy and I had dinner at a little place that looked like it was housed in old wine cellars. Ashley made a Poe reference (to The Cask of Amontillado), liked her more for it. It averaged out to about €10/plate, which after some of our meals, seems super cheap.
Travel day to Rome tomorrow. My suitcase is still pretty neatly packed, luckily, and Lucias is charging. Sleep for me now. Huzzah.
06/01/2010 Italy, Day 9
The 1st of June. 11 days until my birthday.
Walking tour of Assisi today. I ...dislike hills quite a lot. We saw the Basilica of St. Francis and the Church of St. Clare. It was surprising to see the very large amount of money that was put into a church of St. Francis, but as our guide said, the church itself was in fact for the Pope. The bit about the Jewish population of Assisi being saved by hiding in a false floor/ceiling during World War II was also quite interesting. Will have to look that up ...and tell Stephanie too. Oh, I miss her too. I miss my life. Two weeks isn't long enough to find a new way of life. It feels like a weird form of limbo. For a year, I could do it, but two weeks is odd.
Back to today. Also discovered through the tour guide that some churches were white-washed and turned into hospitals . I wonder how many frescoes are hidden because of that?
After the tour, Nancy took some people up to La Rocca. I tried, but that failed miserably. Too many hills for me.
Time for bed now, and I have a headache.
Walking tour of Assisi today. I ...dislike hills quite a lot. We saw the Basilica of St. Francis and the Church of St. Clare. It was surprising to see the very large amount of money that was put into a church of St. Francis, but as our guide said, the church itself was in fact for the Pope. The bit about the Jewish population of Assisi being saved by hiding in a false floor/ceiling during World War II was also quite interesting. Will have to look that up ...and tell Stephanie too. Oh, I miss her too. I miss my life. Two weeks isn't long enough to find a new way of life. It feels like a weird form of limbo. For a year, I could do it, but two weeks is odd.
Back to today. Also discovered through the tour guide that some churches were white-washed and turned into hospitals . I wonder how many frescoes are hidden because of that?
After the tour, Nancy took some people up to La Rocca. I tried, but that failed miserably. Too many hills for me.
Time for bed now, and I have a headache.
05/31/2010 Italy, Day 8
Mostly a travel day today. I was quite sad to leave Florence. I really think I could do it for a year. My only fear would be if I'd ever leave, though, as far as fears go, that one's not too terrible.
Had tea during breakfast - can't wait to get home to real tea. Bagged just isn't as good anymore, but I felt a little more like a person.
After we'd all packed up into the [new] bus, we were off to Assisi ...or so we thought. Gabriella, or ..."tour manager," had a surprise for us: The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. While the basilica itself was lovely - especially the glittering mosaic over what I assume is the main entrance - the view if Florence was absolutely incredible.
Then on to Assisi we went. We arrived around 2:00-ish in the afternoon...
Things I Am Sick Of:
*bug bites
*looking like I have the plague from the above mentioned bites
*interpersonal politics
*apparently being a bad person because I don't want to pay half of the €60 to switch to a room "with a view"
Whatever. I don't intend to spend that much time in this room anyway. I'm now rooming with Lyda. Casey and I apparently "made up," but I still don't appreciate being treated like a child and having choice removed from me.
Sigh. It's only times like this that I miss home. And Heather. I feel like I'm missing my other half.
Dinner was good, so was the rediculous gelato trip with Steph, Sammy Jo, Kelli, Mandy and Lyda.
Walking tour of Assisi tomorrow and bedtime for me.
Had tea during breakfast - can't wait to get home to real tea. Bagged just isn't as good anymore, but I felt a little more like a person.
After we'd all packed up into the [new] bus, we were off to Assisi ...or so we thought. Gabriella, or ..."tour manager," had a surprise for us: The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. While the basilica itself was lovely - especially the glittering mosaic over what I assume is the main entrance - the view if Florence was absolutely incredible.
Then on to Assisi we went. We arrived around 2:00-ish in the afternoon...
Things I Am Sick Of:
*bug bites
*looking like I have the plague from the above mentioned bites
*interpersonal politics
*apparently being a bad person because I don't want to pay half of the €60 to switch to a room "with a view"
Whatever. I don't intend to spend that much time in this room anyway. I'm now rooming with Lyda. Casey and I apparently "made up," but I still don't appreciate being treated like a child and having choice removed from me.
Sigh. It's only times like this that I miss home. And Heather. I feel like I'm missing my other half.
Dinner was good, so was the rediculous gelato trip with Steph, Sammy Jo, Kelli, Mandy and Lyda.
Walking tour of Assisi tomorrow and bedtime for me.
05/30/2010 Italy, Day 7
Best. Day. Of. My. Life.
ARTEMISIA.
ARTEMISIA.
ARTEMISIA.
...And Titian's, and Da Vinci's, and Caravaggio's and portrait miniatures!
I think my heart may have stopped several times at the Uffizi. So much art, so little time. Oh! Found a new artist to look into: Andrea del Sarto. The painting of a "Lady Reading Petrarch" reminds me of Raphael's women - oh the soul in those eyes! Was surprised Caravaggio's "Medusa" is on a shield - he just keeps me on my toes like no other.
I was very happy to see both the "Madonna of the Goldfinch" (my favorite Madonna ever) and the "Madonna of the Long Neck" (weird baby not withstanding).
When it came to the end of the galleries and time for the Caravaggio exhibit, there they were: The Artemisia's. A whole section of hall for them. I couldn't breathe. They were better than every Raphael I've seen combined. I cried enough that one of the guards asked if I was okay. I apparently managed to convey "Yes, of course, Sir, this is only the best day of my life" with a single mute nod.
The, luckily, two hour wait was worth every second.
Judith has blood stains on her shirt that I never noticed. (:))
Time for bed - Assisi tomorrow!
ARTEMISIA.
ARTEMISIA.
ARTEMISIA.
...And Titian's, and Da Vinci's, and Caravaggio's and portrait miniatures!
I think my heart may have stopped several times at the Uffizi. So much art, so little time. Oh! Found a new artist to look into: Andrea del Sarto. The painting of a "Lady Reading Petrarch" reminds me of Raphael's women - oh the soul in those eyes! Was surprised Caravaggio's "Medusa" is on a shield - he just keeps me on my toes like no other.
I was very happy to see both the "Madonna of the Goldfinch" (my favorite Madonna ever) and the "Madonna of the Long Neck" (weird baby not withstanding).
When it came to the end of the galleries and time for the Caravaggio exhibit, there they were: The Artemisia's. A whole section of hall for them. I couldn't breathe. They were better than every Raphael I've seen combined. I cried enough that one of the guards asked if I was okay. I apparently managed to convey "Yes, of course, Sir, this is only the best day of my life" with a single mute nod.
The, luckily, two hour wait was worth every second.
Judith has blood stains on her shirt that I never noticed. (:))
Time for bed - Assisi tomorrow!
05/29/2010 Italy, Day 6
No Artemisia today. (:() They were loaned to the Uffizi for their Caravaggio exhibit. Sad face for me.
The Pitti Palace was still pretty incredible. Raphael's, and Titian's and Tintoretto's - oh my! Found/semi-okayed my final project: Judith images. For as non-religious as I am, I love religious imagery. I could have stayed at the Pitti Palace for years, though it was a little bit of art overload. I lost my group for a little bit and ran into Nancy and Molly. I got to see some of Nancy's favorites, which was nice. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets emotional about art. I'd be more poetic, but I napped a while, and it's almost time for bed. This usual 6-ish hours of sleep isn't doing it for me. Apparently, my usual 10 hours horrifies Casey.
We did some shopping after the Pitti Palace, and headed back, and then I napped. Casey and a few others went out with Molly for her birthday. Sadly, I missed it, but, especially with the Uffizi tomorrow, my nap was needed.
Uffizi tomorrow!
ARTEMISIA TOMORROW!
...Well, at least there better be.
Note to self: I like Florence. Let's do it.
Oh! Lunch by the Pitti Palace was tasty. And we saw a shop with the mosaics Casey likes. Those were quite impressive. I should try that with glass when I get home.
The Pitti Palace was still pretty incredible. Raphael's, and Titian's and Tintoretto's - oh my! Found/semi-okayed my final project: Judith images. For as non-religious as I am, I love religious imagery. I could have stayed at the Pitti Palace for years, though it was a little bit of art overload. I lost my group for a little bit and ran into Nancy and Molly. I got to see some of Nancy's favorites, which was nice. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets emotional about art. I'd be more poetic, but I napped a while, and it's almost time for bed. This usual 6-ish hours of sleep isn't doing it for me. Apparently, my usual 10 hours horrifies Casey.
We did some shopping after the Pitti Palace, and headed back, and then I napped. Casey and a few others went out with Molly for her birthday. Sadly, I missed it, but, especially with the Uffizi tomorrow, my nap was needed.
Uffizi tomorrow!
ARTEMISIA TOMORROW!
...Well, at least there better be.
Note to self: I like Florence. Let's do it.
Oh! Lunch by the Pitti Palace was tasty. And we saw a shop with the mosaics Casey likes. Those were quite impressive. I should try that with glass when I get home.
05/28/2010 Italy, Day 5
I like Florence much more than Rome. More ...Milwaukee, as opposed to Chicago, I suppose. Walking tour of Florence, free 1/3-day and the Italian Opera Love Duets were today/tonight.
We meet our Florence guide, Riccardo (whose name makes me think of Riccardo Stregazza from Kushiel's Chosen), this morning and started the tour. He was a most epic guide. He almost had me in tears at the Accademia (our first stop). When someone has a passion for something, it shows. We mostly concentrated on Michelangelo's unfinished pieces and his "David." I must say, I almost prefer his "prisoners" to most of his other work - with the exception of Moses, of course. I was sad not to have spent more time at the Accademia. If the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi didn't have priority, I'd go back.
Or maybe they can just leave me here. This life option is getting a triple circle when I get home.
Back to the tour. After our guide's talk at the Accademia, I wonder how artists would view their world being in a museum. Is money/the commission worth losing creative control once you hand over a piece? There are reasons I don't like to sell. As much as I'd like my soul to live on, I think it has better uses.
Anyway. Tour. We say the Duomo (from the outside, as the line was long) along with the copies of "The Gates of Paradise" and Giotto's belltower. Again, lots of good information from our tour guide. It was all so massive from the outside, and constructed almost wholly from colored marble. Next was Signoria Square, where we said goodbye to our guide (:() and ate some lunch on our own - which was tasty (pizza with cheese & spicy sausage).
Ashley, Lyda, Casey and I then wandered for a bit before deciding on Santa Croce... which was a little underwhelming. At least as for the structure is concerned. The tombs are magnificent. ...Oh! I almost forgot Xhovalin! He was an artist working/selling in the square outside Santa Croce. Guess who's coming home with some art? That's right, it's ...a lot of us, but most importantly me! (:))
We headed back to the Duomo then, where we (Lyda and I) parted ways with Casey and Ashley, who climbed the dome. Apparently, the view is worth every step. Hmm. Lyda and I walked back )with Lyda directing, which was hard, since I'm a control freak) and I did some more laundry, showered, and rested my horrendously swollen feet. (:()
We got some dinner across the street from the hotel (Lyda, Ashley, Casey and I) before running back to change for the Italian Opera Love Duets at St. Mark's Church. It was incredible. I've discovered I like to watch people in arts-situations. This time I watched Molly, our music instructor on the trip. She looks at pianists like I look at Raphael's or Gentileschi's. It makes me respect her just a little bit more. My ankle, which got twisted up on the way there, was pretty much back to normal by the time we got back. Some silliness ensured, but now I sleep.
Why?
ARTEMISIA TOMORROW.
We meet our Florence guide, Riccardo (whose name makes me think of Riccardo Stregazza from Kushiel's Chosen), this morning and started the tour. He was a most epic guide. He almost had me in tears at the Accademia (our first stop). When someone has a passion for something, it shows. We mostly concentrated on Michelangelo's unfinished pieces and his "David." I must say, I almost prefer his "prisoners" to most of his other work - with the exception of Moses, of course. I was sad not to have spent more time at the Accademia. If the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi didn't have priority, I'd go back.
Or maybe they can just leave me here. This life option is getting a triple circle when I get home.
Back to the tour. After our guide's talk at the Accademia, I wonder how artists would view their world being in a museum. Is money/the commission worth losing creative control once you hand over a piece? There are reasons I don't like to sell. As much as I'd like my soul to live on, I think it has better uses.
Anyway. Tour. We say the Duomo (from the outside, as the line was long) along with the copies of "The Gates of Paradise" and Giotto's belltower. Again, lots of good information from our tour guide. It was all so massive from the outside, and constructed almost wholly from colored marble. Next was Signoria Square, where we said goodbye to our guide (:() and ate some lunch on our own - which was tasty (pizza with cheese & spicy sausage).
Ashley, Lyda, Casey and I then wandered for a bit before deciding on Santa Croce... which was a little underwhelming. At least as for the structure is concerned. The tombs are magnificent. ...Oh! I almost forgot Xhovalin! He was an artist working/selling in the square outside Santa Croce. Guess who's coming home with some art? That's right, it's ...a lot of us, but most importantly me! (:))
We headed back to the Duomo then, where we (Lyda and I) parted ways with Casey and Ashley, who climbed the dome. Apparently, the view is worth every step. Hmm. Lyda and I walked back )with Lyda directing, which was hard, since I'm a control freak) and I did some more laundry, showered, and rested my horrendously swollen feet. (:()
We got some dinner across the street from the hotel (Lyda, Ashley, Casey and I) before running back to change for the Italian Opera Love Duets at St. Mark's Church. It was incredible. I've discovered I like to watch people in arts-situations. This time I watched Molly, our music instructor on the trip. She looks at pianists like I look at Raphael's or Gentileschi's. It makes me respect her just a little bit more. My ankle, which got twisted up on the way there, was pretty much back to normal by the time we got back. Some silliness ensured, but now I sleep.
Why?
ARTEMISIA TOMORROW.
05/27/2010 Italy, Day 4.
Woke up this morning around 6:45-7:00-ish. I ...pretty much stuffed myself with tasty breakfasting things, and then we were on the bus, again, but to Florence, via Siena. That one was a bit of a drive, but after hardly sleeping last night (due to a combination of travel hype/anxiety and self conciousness about my snoring), I was able to get a good nap in. I would like to thank Lucias for his assistance with the nap - best iPod ever, all not dying with a red battery bar and all. <3
Siena was lovely. Everything an Italian hill town should be. Saw the very lovely church with the striped columns ...why can't I remember its name? Damn. Anyway, it was a nice change of pace as far as interiors for a church, and mayhap a little more pleasing to me. I also enjoy watching Nancy ask our tour guides questions that don't want to answer. After the tour, Casey, Ashley, Lyda, Molly, Nancy and I ate lunch at Nancy's favorite restaurant in Siena. I don't remember the name of it, but I know to look for the white table cloths the next time I'm in Siena. Whatever it was I had (some tri-folded, cheesey, bacony, tomato-y ...thing) was horrendously delicious. I'd say I could eat them forever, but I'd probably die rather quickly.
From Siena - after gathering our group, my buying a scarf (!), and seeing another church - we sojourned to Florence. The hotel is much nicer than the last one. Oh my, is it nicer. Dinner at the hotel was also good, especially the pork. I think I may just be a pork person. Casey went out after dinner with a group with Nancy. It was nice to have the room to myself. I don't really like sharing. Heh. So, I did some wash and showered again. So fresh and so clean-clean.
I still have "Evita" alternating with Lady Gaga in my head from Roma. Darn you local nouns and the Four Rivers Fountain!
Walking tour of Florence tomorrow.
(Oh! And had a nice, semi-tension reducing conversation with Casey about airline work. Maybe we won't kill each other after all.)
Siena was lovely. Everything an Italian hill town should be. Saw the very lovely church with the striped columns ...why can't I remember its name? Damn. Anyway, it was a nice change of pace as far as interiors for a church, and mayhap a little more pleasing to me. I also enjoy watching Nancy ask our tour guides questions that don't want to answer. After the tour, Casey, Ashley, Lyda, Molly, Nancy and I ate lunch at Nancy's favorite restaurant in Siena. I don't remember the name of it, but I know to look for the white table cloths the next time I'm in Siena. Whatever it was I had (some tri-folded, cheesey, bacony, tomato-y ...thing) was horrendously delicious. I'd say I could eat them forever, but I'd probably die rather quickly.
From Siena - after gathering our group, my buying a scarf (!), and seeing another church - we sojourned to Florence. The hotel is much nicer than the last one. Oh my, is it nicer. Dinner at the hotel was also good, especially the pork. I think I may just be a pork person. Casey went out after dinner with a group with Nancy. It was nice to have the room to myself. I don't really like sharing. Heh. So, I did some wash and showered again. So fresh and so clean-clean.
I still have "Evita" alternating with Lady Gaga in my head from Roma. Darn you local nouns and the Four Rivers Fountain!
Walking tour of Florence tomorrow.
(Oh! And had a nice, semi-tension reducing conversation with Casey about airline work. Maybe we won't kill each other after all.)
5/26/2010 Italia, Day 3
I should start with the reminders from yesterday, but I'm exhausted so I ...don't really want to.
We had a free day today, which was nice. No group politics, huzzah! It started our just me and Casey - who I wonder if she is getting a little annoyed with me, as I can be a little ...stubborn and plan-y [as in, I like to map things out ahead of time] - and ended up Casey, Kelli, Mandy and I.
Holy run-on sentence, Batman!
Anyway. I'll try to keep it short (famous last words) as I'm tired and this bed if getting more and more comfortable. We'd planned on (with the help of my handy-dandy map) Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione (for the Capuchin crypts), the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica (for ...everything), and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria (for the "Ecstasy of St. Teresa"). It was a good goal, but a lofty one, since we were still very tired.
We woke up at 10:30-ish, after planning to be up at 8:30-9-ish. Oops. Oh well, we needed to sleep. We got to the Palazzo Barberini by the Metro (which was rather simple to navigate when we got to the Manzoni terminal) in time to get some lunch and see Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione close for its afternoon nap. Whoops again. We headed to the museum instead, since the other church would be closed too.
It was quite lovely. Casey pointed out "lounge sofas," which are apparently similar to The Louvre, that are meant for ceiling viewing. An El Greco, a Caravaggio, and an Orazio Gentileschi later, there she was. "La Donna Velata" herself ...except with fewer clothes on. I didn't find her as dramatic as "La Fornarina," but I was still moved to tears. ...Again. Really now, life, I got it, I know what the plan is, can I stop crying at paintings yet?
Anywho, after the museum, we snacked, saw some of our group and were joined by Kelly and Mandi - who were also looking to see the Capuchin crypts. The church was open by the time we finished, so we headed over. It was ...weird as hell, in a very sacred way. I feel like these monks must have had an excellent sense of humor, especially to have The Marquis de Sade visit the crypt in 1775 - hmm, I knew I liked them for a reason. It was very artistically executed, though I think my brain is still shielding me from realizing that they were real human bodies.
The next stop was to go see the "Ecstasy of St. Teresa." The folds in the cloth alone are not given just rendering by pictures or slides. It looks real. There's another Ecstasy statue opposite her that we'd never seen before and could not identify - nor could Nancy, who we ran into while we all were a'chuchin'.
-Note: It's "The Dream of Joseph" apparently.-
She suggested we add something to our To-Do list: the Caravaggio show at the Scuderie deal Quirinale (or at least that's what the ticket says). His "Judith..." was there (and not at the museum we visited earlier like it was supposed to be) and it was HUGE. I was expecting a 30"x50" or some such. Wrong! It was brilliant - in fact, the whole show was. So glad we listened and went.
For dinner, we headed back to the Trevi Fountain, and ate at the same place as the first day we were here. Different waiter though. His name was Jesus. No joke.
We found Jesus in a restaurant in Rome.
Ha!
We got some gelato then, and hung around the Trevi, which I appreciated much more this time. Might have been the lack of heat. Or the lack of exhaustion. Or the food I'd eaten beforehand. Anyway it happened, it was lovely at night.
Casey's snoring is telling me it's time for bed. Alas, I'm inclined to agree ...but I must pack first. Sienna and FLORENCE tomorrow! Onward to PACKING.
We had a free day today, which was nice. No group politics, huzzah! It started our just me and Casey - who I wonder if she is getting a little annoyed with me, as I can be a little ...stubborn and plan-y [as in, I like to map things out ahead of time] - and ended up Casey, Kelli, Mandy and I.
Holy run-on sentence, Batman!
Anyway. I'll try to keep it short (famous last words) as I'm tired and this bed if getting more and more comfortable. We'd planned on (with the help of my handy-dandy map) Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione (for the Capuchin crypts), the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica (for ...everything), and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria (for the "Ecstasy of St. Teresa"). It was a good goal, but a lofty one, since we were still very tired.
We woke up at 10:30-ish, after planning to be up at 8:30-9-ish. Oops. Oh well, we needed to sleep. We got to the Palazzo Barberini by the Metro (which was rather simple to navigate when we got to the Manzoni terminal) in time to get some lunch and see Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione close for its afternoon nap. Whoops again. We headed to the museum instead, since the other church would be closed too.
It was quite lovely. Casey pointed out "lounge sofas," which are apparently similar to The Louvre, that are meant for ceiling viewing. An El Greco, a Caravaggio, and an Orazio Gentileschi later, there she was. "La Donna Velata" herself ...except with fewer clothes on. I didn't find her as dramatic as "La Fornarina," but I was still moved to tears. ...Again. Really now, life, I got it, I know what the plan is, can I stop crying at paintings yet?
Anywho, after the museum, we snacked, saw some of our group and were joined by Kelly and Mandi - who were also looking to see the Capuchin crypts. The church was open by the time we finished, so we headed over. It was ...weird as hell, in a very sacred way. I feel like these monks must have had an excellent sense of humor, especially to have The Marquis de Sade visit the crypt in 1775 - hmm, I knew I liked them for a reason. It was very artistically executed, though I think my brain is still shielding me from realizing that they were real human bodies.
The next stop was to go see the "Ecstasy of St. Teresa." The folds in the cloth alone are not given just rendering by pictures or slides. It looks real. There's another Ecstasy statue opposite her that we'd never seen before and could not identify - nor could Nancy, who we ran into while we all were a'chuchin'.
-Note: It's "The Dream of Joseph" apparently.-
She suggested we add something to our To-Do list: the Caravaggio show at the Scuderie deal Quirinale (or at least that's what the ticket says). His "Judith..." was there (and not at the museum we visited earlier like it was supposed to be) and it was HUGE. I was expecting a 30"x50" or some such. Wrong! It was brilliant - in fact, the whole show was. So glad we listened and went.
For dinner, we headed back to the Trevi Fountain, and ate at the same place as the first day we were here. Different waiter though. His name was Jesus. No joke.
We found Jesus in a restaurant in Rome.
Ha!
We got some gelato then, and hung around the Trevi, which I appreciated much more this time. Might have been the lack of heat. Or the lack of exhaustion. Or the food I'd eaten beforehand. Anyway it happened, it was lovely at night.
Casey's snoring is telling me it's time for bed. Alas, I'm inclined to agree ...but I must pack first. Sienna and FLORENCE tomorrow! Onward to PACKING.
05/25/2010 Italia, Day 2.
Tasty breakfast this morning at 7:30 - was surprised to see Nutella in tiny packages like jam, thinking my larger jar back home is a little jealous.
On the itinerary for today was (in order, so I can at least have some semblance of a timeline): the Vatican Museums; the Raphael Rooms; the Sistine Chapel; St. Peter's Basilica; the Colosseum; the Roman Forum; and the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli. Dinner was on our own then - which included about a 3-hours walk since we got quite lost. ...But I learned that milk cartons make comfy pillows (and that I've been in the suburbs too long, and have only seen approximately 10 homeless people in my life).
Anyway, the Vatican was interesting. We had a fainter, though I can't blame her, it was hot standing in the sun for the Sistine Chapel explanation. The museums - at times, like with the tapestries, dark and cool - were lovely. A lot more pagan-like objects than I'd expected. The Raphael Rooms made me squee like a little girl, even though "The School of Athens" was actually smaller than I was expecting it to be. So, so, so amazing. I just find the expressions so engaging - especially those figures who make eye contact. It's like looking at a real person then, bridging that interpersonal gap. Except this time the gap includes decades upon decades upon decades of time that you can feel pulling at you with that one single look. Or maybe that's just me. Or maybe the chain link "allegory of painting" model is more a web now, and that's just another chain link in place - but those looks! Oh! I forget sometimes what an illustrious heritage we seek to uphold.
And there I go being all art-sappy. Again. I hope the spark that fires that sappiness never dies.
I'll try to be less poetic from here on out, but no promises.
The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica were next. ...The Sistine Chapel, while quite a bit shorter than I'd expected, was still ...magnificent. From the painted curtains along the lower part to the ceiling ...every bit as majestic as I'd expected, and I'd have sold my soul to stay, but would have regretted it the moment I saw St. Peter's.
I think I finally understand what the phrase "the vault of heaven" is trying to explain. Our tour guide said that St. Peter's is the size of two football stadiums. It's like being the last half of a crayon in the box. Like being an ant. But much more important, and definitely much more uplifting.
I'm not religious by any means, but I, at times, can envy people their faith. I see now why they can have that faith. ...I remember something from the Hindu Temple visit Shamp and I did - that someone (the example was Newton and gravity) may do/discover something, but there has to be inspiration first. If something this glorious can be created, how is it created? The mind of man has limitations, the mind of ...whom or whatever else that may be, does not. It's the Dresden church conversation all over again. I wonder how many other tears have been shed at St. Peter's because of the shear beauty of its enormous heights or Michelangelo's "Pieta?" Ether way, mine have joined them.
It's late, so I'll speed this up, though there's not much else to say. The Colosseum was amazing, and the marble smooth as velvet. I wasn't feeling too well by then, so I must admit I did not enjoy it as much as I would have otherwise, I think. The information about that, and the Roman Forum was very interesting - more interesting than the ruins of the latter, actually. Excellent tour guide. Sad she has to leave us today.
And, finally, the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli for Michelangelo's "Moses" and the chains of St. Peter. I love the hand and that beard. So real and ...dynamic.
Dinner was tastier than breakfast. We - after getting horrendously lost - ended up at RomAntica. Yep, I saw what they did there. Penne with red sauce with vodka. Mmmmmm.
...Casey's snores are telling me its been time for bed for an hour or so. Ooops. BED.
REMINDERS:
*Forgotten from 5/24/2010:
+Architecture not art? Um, what?
*Forgotten from 5/25/2010:
+To-do list [Museo E Galleria Borghese]
+Checked Off Life's To-Do List
On the itinerary for today was (in order, so I can at least have some semblance of a timeline): the Vatican Museums; the Raphael Rooms; the Sistine Chapel; St. Peter's Basilica; the Colosseum; the Roman Forum; and the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli. Dinner was on our own then - which included about a 3-hours walk since we got quite lost. ...But I learned that milk cartons make comfy pillows (and that I've been in the suburbs too long, and have only seen approximately 10 homeless people in my life).
Anyway, the Vatican was interesting. We had a fainter, though I can't blame her, it was hot standing in the sun for the Sistine Chapel explanation. The museums - at times, like with the tapestries, dark and cool - were lovely. A lot more pagan-like objects than I'd expected. The Raphael Rooms made me squee like a little girl, even though "The School of Athens" was actually smaller than I was expecting it to be. So, so, so amazing. I just find the expressions so engaging - especially those figures who make eye contact. It's like looking at a real person then, bridging that interpersonal gap. Except this time the gap includes decades upon decades upon decades of time that you can feel pulling at you with that one single look. Or maybe that's just me. Or maybe the chain link "allegory of painting" model is more a web now, and that's just another chain link in place - but those looks! Oh! I forget sometimes what an illustrious heritage we seek to uphold.
And there I go being all art-sappy. Again. I hope the spark that fires that sappiness never dies.
I'll try to be less poetic from here on out, but no promises.
The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica were next. ...The Sistine Chapel, while quite a bit shorter than I'd expected, was still ...magnificent. From the painted curtains along the lower part to the ceiling ...every bit as majestic as I'd expected, and I'd have sold my soul to stay, but would have regretted it the moment I saw St. Peter's.
I think I finally understand what the phrase "the vault of heaven" is trying to explain. Our tour guide said that St. Peter's is the size of two football stadiums. It's like being the last half of a crayon in the box. Like being an ant. But much more important, and definitely much more uplifting.
I'm not religious by any means, but I, at times, can envy people their faith. I see now why they can have that faith. ...I remember something from the Hindu Temple visit Shamp and I did - that someone (the example was Newton and gravity) may do/discover something, but there has to be inspiration first. If something this glorious can be created, how is it created? The mind of man has limitations, the mind of ...whom or whatever else that may be, does not. It's the Dresden church conversation all over again. I wonder how many other tears have been shed at St. Peter's because of the shear beauty of its enormous heights or Michelangelo's "Pieta?" Ether way, mine have joined them.
It's late, so I'll speed this up, though there's not much else to say. The Colosseum was amazing, and the marble smooth as velvet. I wasn't feeling too well by then, so I must admit I did not enjoy it as much as I would have otherwise, I think. The information about that, and the Roman Forum was very interesting - more interesting than the ruins of the latter, actually. Excellent tour guide. Sad she has to leave us today.
And, finally, the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli for Michelangelo's "Moses" and the chains of St. Peter. I love the hand and that beard. So real and ...dynamic.
Dinner was tastier than breakfast. We - after getting horrendously lost - ended up at RomAntica. Yep, I saw what they did there. Penne with red sauce with vodka. Mmmmmm.
...Casey's snores are telling me its been time for bed for an hour or so. Ooops. BED.
REMINDERS:
*Forgotten from 5/24/2010:
+Architecture not art? Um, what?
*Forgotten from 5/25/2010:
+To-do list [Museo E Galleria Borghese]
+Checked Off Life's To-Do List
05/24/2010 ...or at least I think it is. Maybe. Either way: Italy, Day 1.
I don't think I've ever been so thankful for a shower in my life. I actually feel a little bit like a person again: Huzzah!
The walking tour of Rome was today. The Pantheon was absolutely incredible. [On a side note, I got Casey to remember that the Pantheon in in Rome ...as opposed to the Parthenon - must thank Heather for the Pantheon -> pan is round -> round starts with "R" and so does Rome!] ...And back on topic: Artstor, or even projections, hardly do the Pantheon justice. It's absolutely massive, and, well, a little majestic. Okay, more than a little. I almost wish it weren't as busy as it is. Without the crowd, it'd be one of those very reflective places, but, alas, tourism has won...
...And, apparently, I have no sense of timeline.
There were things before the Pantheon on the tour; the Spanish Steps [very bad for flip-flop wearers! Lesson learned], some "taken" [I prefer "plundered," as I am no diplomat] Egyptian obelisks, and the Trevi Fountain [where the weariness finally won, and I was so happy for lunch].
Speaking of lunch ...wow. "By the slice" mistake of a lifetime resulting in a full pizza for me, and one for Casey. Delicious. Finished. Crankiness averted.
We were a little late getting back [darn iPod!] so we headed straight to the Pantheon pretty much, then to the bus stop and back to the hotel.
Naps and showers are my favorite things. Dinner was delicious ...pasta, veal, and tarts of some kind. Actually survived walking to and from the restaurant in heels. Mission Cobblestones + Heels 2 : Success! Busy day tomorrow. Almost time for bed...
Things Checked Off Life's To-Do List:
*Go to Italy
+ Rome
*Visit Raphael's tomb in the Pantheon [Gosh, I'm turning into such a fangirl.]
To-Do:
*Citta' del Sole [arts-minded children's toys for Casey]
*Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione [Capuchin cemetery]
*Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria [Bernini's "The Ecstasy of St. Theresa"]
Oh! And Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers was pretty amazing too - Dare I say it? Better than the Trevi Fountain to me! Gasp! BED.
The walking tour of Rome was today. The Pantheon was absolutely incredible. [On a side note, I got Casey to remember that the Pantheon in in Rome ...as opposed to the Parthenon - must thank Heather for the Pantheon -> pan is round -> round starts with "R" and so does Rome!] ...And back on topic: Artstor, or even projections, hardly do the Pantheon justice. It's absolutely massive, and, well, a little majestic. Okay, more than a little. I almost wish it weren't as busy as it is. Without the crowd, it'd be one of those very reflective places, but, alas, tourism has won...
...And, apparently, I have no sense of timeline.
There were things before the Pantheon on the tour; the Spanish Steps [very bad for flip-flop wearers! Lesson learned], some "taken" [I prefer "plundered," as I am no diplomat] Egyptian obelisks, and the Trevi Fountain [where the weariness finally won, and I was so happy for lunch].
Speaking of lunch ...wow. "By the slice" mistake of a lifetime resulting in a full pizza for me, and one for Casey. Delicious. Finished. Crankiness averted.
We were a little late getting back [darn iPod!] so we headed straight to the Pantheon pretty much, then to the bus stop and back to the hotel.
Naps and showers are my favorite things. Dinner was delicious ...pasta, veal, and tarts of some kind. Actually survived walking to and from the restaurant in heels. Mission Cobblestones + Heels 2 : Success! Busy day tomorrow. Almost time for bed...
Things Checked Off Life's To-Do List:
*Go to Italy
+ Rome
*Visit Raphael's tomb in the Pantheon [Gosh, I'm turning into such a fangirl.]
To-Do:
*Citta' del Sole [arts-minded children's toys for Casey]
*Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione [Capuchin cemetery]
*Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria [Bernini's "The Ecstasy of St. Theresa"]
Oh! And Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers was pretty amazing too - Dare I say it? Better than the Trevi Fountain to me! Gasp! BED.
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