SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2010
Paris airport!
Got through customs with exactly 100mL of honey (101 and they would have thrown it out) and a gag gift forgotten in the bottom of my backpack. The morning train was an interesting adventure. There were no more cabs available when I tried to reserve one last night, so this morning, after 4 hours sleep, I was on my own. I speak no French. I can, I now know, navigate myself and a lost Australian woman (very nice lady, now knows better than to party at Irish pubs) through Paris underground.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tag 32
SAMSTAG 28 AUGUST 2010
Amy und ich, wir gehen nach Paris heute. Vlore ist so nett. Ich hat keine säubere Hosen, also ich meine Kurzhosen tragen musste. Also Vlore mich ihre Strumpfhosen (sie ein bisschen kaputt sein, also ich nicht schleckt für sie nehmen fühlen) gegeben.
Amy und ich, wir gehen nach Paris heute. Vlore ist so nett. Ich hat keine säubere Hosen, also ich meine Kurzhosen tragen musste. Also Vlore mich ihre Strumpfhosen (sie ein bisschen kaputt sein, also ich nicht schleckt für sie nehmen fühlen) gegeben.
Tag 31
FREITAG 27 AUGUST 2010
Heute war langsam und wundervoll. Amy und ich, wir haben an der höpsches Straße von Gerstern spazieren. Ich habe viele guten Dinge gekauft.
Wir haben die besten Abendessen von alle der Zeit gegisst! Dann habe ich nach meinen ersten Bar gegangen. Es war dunkel (schwarz und rot) laut mit Musik, und roch nach Zigaretten. Dannach habe ich nach meinen zweites Bar gegangen für Kill All Hipsters Tanznacht am Red Salon. Wir waren die erste Leute (am zwölf Uhr!) und haben bis 5 am Morgen getanzed!
Heute war langsam und wundervoll. Amy und ich, wir haben an der höpsches Straße von Gerstern spazieren. Ich habe viele guten Dinge gekauft.
Wir haben die besten Abendessen von alle der Zeit gegisst! Dann habe ich nach meinen ersten Bar gegangen. Es war dunkel (schwarz und rot) laut mit Musik, und roch nach Zigaretten. Dannach habe ich nach meinen zweites Bar gegangen für Kill All Hipsters Tanznacht am Red Salon. Wir waren die erste Leute (am zwölf Uhr!) und haben bis 5 am Morgen getanzed!
Tag 30
DONNERSTAG 26 AUGUST 2010
Wir sind in West Berlin.
"Berlin: poor but sexy." - Vlore
Amy und ich, wir waren Vlores Haus finden wenn sie und ihre Freundin waren nach ihre Haus zu Fuß gehen. Wir treffen nach die Tur! Vlore ist sehr nett und lustig! Dann haben Amy und ich Abendessen finden. Sie hat Hänchenbrust, und ich hat "Originalisch Wiener Schnizel." Es war gut für ein Zeit, aber ich würde nicht das jeden Nacht essen. Eine Straße neben Vlores Haus ist höpsch und voll von Geschäfte. Wir haben schönes Kleidung und Handtaschen gesehen. Dannach haben wir ins Tee am Meer sitzen. Ich hat vanilla Chai-Tee (heiß). Deutsches Tee ist nicht stark. Ein bisschen später, Vlore und ihre Freundin haben uns treffen. Sie erzählte uns, dass diese ihre Lieblingsteehaus ist! Schön.
Das Wetter hier ist als Seattle, Oregon.
Wir sind in West Berlin.
"Berlin: poor but sexy." - Vlore
Amy und ich, wir waren Vlores Haus finden wenn sie und ihre Freundin waren nach ihre Haus zu Fuß gehen. Wir treffen nach die Tur! Vlore ist sehr nett und lustig! Dann haben Amy und ich Abendessen finden. Sie hat Hänchenbrust, und ich hat "Originalisch Wiener Schnizel." Es war gut für ein Zeit, aber ich würde nicht das jeden Nacht essen. Eine Straße neben Vlores Haus ist höpsch und voll von Geschäfte. Wir haben schönes Kleidung und Handtaschen gesehen. Dannach haben wir ins Tee am Meer sitzen. Ich hat vanilla Chai-Tee (heiß). Deutsches Tee ist nicht stark. Ein bisschen später, Vlore und ihre Freundin haben uns treffen. Sie erzählte uns, dass diese ihre Lieblingsteehaus ist! Schön.
Das Wetter hier ist als Seattle, Oregon.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tag 29
MITTWOCH 25 AUGUST 2010
Frankfurt!
Wir waren zu spät für der Palmen Garten, aber Senckenberg Naturkundemuseum war öfnet. Das Naturmuseum war SUPERMEGATOLL! Es ist sehr groß! Ich hatte nicht genug Zeit für alles sehen. Ich habe Dinosaurier, Evolution des Menschen, und Wale und Elefanted nicht gesehen. Amy had gesagt, dass das Museum ein Narwhalkörper hat! Meine Lieblingsräumen war Fische und Mineralen. Ich habe viele Photos genimmt. Für Mittagsesen und Abendessen haben wir an O'Reily's Irish Pub gegisst. Für Mittagsessen hatte ich Bangers'n'Mash. Es war gut für Spaß machen. Später hatte ich Pomes Frittes mit lecker Dip von Basil. Es war als Pesto. In das Badezimmer war ein lustiges Hygiene Schutz 1) "String oder Pandy, Ständig neue Modelle" und 2) "Mini-Vibrator" verkaufen.
Frankfurt!
Wir waren zu spät für der Palmen Garten, aber Senckenberg Naturkundemuseum war öfnet. Das Naturmuseum war SUPERMEGATOLL! Es ist sehr groß! Ich hatte nicht genug Zeit für alles sehen. Ich habe Dinosaurier, Evolution des Menschen, und Wale und Elefanted nicht gesehen. Amy had gesagt, dass das Museum ein Narwhalkörper hat! Meine Lieblingsräumen war Fische und Mineralen. Ich habe viele Photos genimmt. Für Mittagsesen und Abendessen haben wir an O'Reily's Irish Pub gegisst. Für Mittagsessen hatte ich Bangers'n'Mash. Es war gut für Spaß machen. Später hatte ich Pomes Frittes mit lecker Dip von Basil. Es war als Pesto. In das Badezimmer war ein lustiges Hygiene Schutz 1) "String oder Pandy, Ständig neue Modelle" und 2) "Mini-Vibrator" verkaufen.
Day 28
TUESDAY 24 AUGUST 2010
Up at 4:30a. 5 trains to catch today and a misunderstanding with my hostel booking. 4 hours straight with 2 toddlers and an infant. There needs to be separate travel for individuals with children too young to mind themselves.
Rochambeau milk chocolate biscuits are very good.
Taste colors.
Day 27
MONDAY 23 AUGUST 2010
Nice!
Today was all about the beach! Bikini time. Sunshine time. Para sailing time! Amy and I got to the waterfront, saw the para sailing setup and looked at each other with, "Oh yeah!" written on our faces. I have videos of others' takeoff and landing. It's not nearly as good as being there. I miss the water already. The beach was pebbly, which means that there was no biting sand to wipe off later. Wonderful!
Where else but Nice (or any nudist beach, but we won't talk about those) can a girl take her top off on the beach and everyone is OK with it? So I did!
It was so wonderful to float in the salty, warm ocean on a humid, sunny day. Traveler's tip: take chocolate-topped biscuits to the beach with you and leave them in the sun. It is like someone poured chocolate all over your cookies and you can eat them warm and gushy. Perfect beach day.
A note (or 3) on the para sailing: It is SO. MUCH. FUN! While we were gliding in the air, we could look down on the deep blue water and see jellies chillin' in the warmer top layer. Looking around is like a theatrical helicopter panorama. While you're out, the boat tugging your sail slows around corners so that you splash waist deep into the sea, then pulls you up again for another go-around.
Day 26
SUNDAY 22 AUGUST 2010
Traveled. All day long. Finally have a good pen though (took me 'till France to find one). So Amy and I had a plan. It was a good one too. Our plan was to take a single sleeper train from Florence to Nice, not have to pay for a hostel and wake up fresh and ready to beach it. Everyone who says that booking a train in Europe within 5 days of your travel date is easy, they have never done so during high season AKA all of August. The reality of our travels was a midnight arrival in Milan with a 7am departure for Monaco. That meant a night spent in the train station. A ticket checker working the night shift took pity on us two girls, but I am not sure which was worse: bunking alongside tent-pitching backpackers on the hard marble floor or spending out night in the cigarette reeking office of a middle aged man of a touchier culture. Doing it again, I'd gladly have spread out my blanket with the backpackers.
In case you are wondering, Milan train station opens at 4am.
Day 25
SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2010
This morning, on our hot and humid way to Berniniville, I found, in a book stand on the street, a binder full of 1920s pornography postcards. The images were playful, mysterious, enchanting, and surprisingly clothed. They held a narrative quality that I found irresistible, so I bought three.
Today was Bernini day. First, the Borghese Gallery which, I found with pleasant surprise, featured a collection of Caravaggio, one of my favorite painters. My favorite pieces by far were Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Persephone. Unfortunately, both sculptures subscribe to the rape theme. This only reinforces my theory that great art wields one part terror. After the gallery, we visited The Ecstasy of St. Theresa at Santa Maria de la Vittoria. Nothing beats seeing sculpture in person.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Day 24
FRIDAY 20 AUGUST 2010
Today was busy! Morning time began with an outing to a strange and curious crypt. As (Amy's) legend has it, soil from Jerusalem was brought to Rome in the 18th century in which the Romans buried Franciscan monks. The dead kept coming while the soil mass remained relatively constant. So Rome decided to dig up the fully decomposed lower layer in order to reuse it for more grave soil, separating out the remaining skeletons. Eventually there became quite a stock of bone matter, so someone decided to decorate with the over 400 human bodies. There is even a feature of the Barberini princess's child skeleton, suspended from the ceiling with scales in one hand and a scythe in the other, both also constructed of human bone. The decorations were beautiful and fascinating, but it was when the whole skeletons in their original monk's robes were presented that a creepy feeling crept under my skin. Especially so when a few of the monks, posed, rosaried, and name tagged, were set out not fully decomposed, preserved. One had more face than not, and it was quite uncomfortable in a fascinating sort of way. This excursion was made with a couple of guys Amy and I met last night on our hostel stoop who are staying here as well - John of Glasgow and Fletch the ex-English now Aussie. We all split after the crypt, but later found each other again at the hostel's nightly Pasta Party and migrated, once more, to the stoop.
At one point in the day, Amy and I wandered by the Cat Pit, as she endearingly calls it, where Caesar is thought to be assassinated. Normally you can count kitties into the double digits. I saw three. Pix posted.
Capping off my tales of excitement for today, Amy led us to a glass shop she had found when she lived in Rome. The small store in a dim alleyway flanked by graffiti is filled with beads and thick rings. At the very back of the store, if you look very closely and have been told before, you will find, obscured by bangles and strung glass, a small opening in the wall about the size of human shoulders. Behind this hole opens a flight of equally narrow stairs surrounded by, on every side, hand blown glass - goblets, vases, caffé cups, lanterns - the walls and ceilings of this subterranean cellar are hung, littered, and stacked with crates of glass. Down there the silence is palpable, the only noise being that your own ear makes.
Today was busy! Morning time began with an outing to a strange and curious crypt. As (Amy's) legend has it, soil from Jerusalem was brought to Rome in the 18th century in which the Romans buried Franciscan monks. The dead kept coming while the soil mass remained relatively constant. So Rome decided to dig up the fully decomposed lower layer in order to reuse it for more grave soil, separating out the remaining skeletons. Eventually there became quite a stock of bone matter, so someone decided to decorate with the over 400 human bodies. There is even a feature of the Barberini princess's child skeleton, suspended from the ceiling with scales in one hand and a scythe in the other, both also constructed of human bone. The decorations were beautiful and fascinating, but it was when the whole skeletons in their original monk's robes were presented that a creepy feeling crept under my skin. Especially so when a few of the monks, posed, rosaried, and name tagged, were set out not fully decomposed, preserved. One had more face than not, and it was quite uncomfortable in a fascinating sort of way. This excursion was made with a couple of guys Amy and I met last night on our hostel stoop who are staying here as well - John of Glasgow and Fletch the ex-English now Aussie. We all split after the crypt, but later found each other again at the hostel's nightly Pasta Party and migrated, once more, to the stoop.
At one point in the day, Amy and I wandered by the Cat Pit, as she endearingly calls it, where Caesar is thought to be assassinated. Normally you can count kitties into the double digits. I saw three. Pix posted.
Capping off my tales of excitement for today, Amy led us to a glass shop she had found when she lived in Rome. The small store in a dim alleyway flanked by graffiti is filled with beads and thick rings. At the very back of the store, if you look very closely and have been told before, you will find, obscured by bangles and strung glass, a small opening in the wall about the size of human shoulders. Behind this hole opens a flight of equally narrow stairs surrounded by, on every side, hand blown glass - goblets, vases, caffé cups, lanterns - the walls and ceilings of this subterranean cellar are hung, littered, and stacked with crates of glass. Down there the silence is palpable, the only noise being that your own ear makes.
Day 23
THURSDAY 19 AUGUST 2010
To Rome! Amy and I left the Lisio nest, destined to fall into the bronze branches of Bernini, through Roman floor into bone-decorated catacombs. A wonderfully scrumptious Big Mac was split at the train station leaving Florence. The ketchup was .2 Euro extra. Rome's station unfolded itself with carousel-walkway legs into an all-you-can-get: market, mall, gambling, eateries, etc.
Our hostel is marked by a blue VW bug logo (more noticeably the inactive neon BAR sign near its entrance - coincidentally many of the hostel's patrons flit across the street to the mini market for giant 2 Euro beers and come back to the stoop beneath the dead sign to intoxicate themselves and swap traveling stories.
Made it across town to St. Peters, stood in line and got through security only to be turned away for exposed knees. 5 Euro and two scarves later, we were set. The Bernini pieces were so amazing! The basilica itself was vastly more full and large than I ever expected, even after my art history courses.
On the way back, we stopped into the craziest candy/chocolate/coffee/jam/pesto/everything shop in Europe and purchased a little bag of assorted candies we hand picked to try.
To Rome! Amy and I left the Lisio nest, destined to fall into the bronze branches of Bernini, through Roman floor into bone-decorated catacombs. A wonderfully scrumptious Big Mac was split at the train station leaving Florence. The ketchup was .2 Euro extra. Rome's station unfolded itself with carousel-walkway legs into an all-you-can-get: market, mall, gambling, eateries, etc.
Our hostel is marked by a blue VW bug logo (more noticeably the inactive neon BAR sign near its entrance - coincidentally many of the hostel's patrons flit across the street to the mini market for giant 2 Euro beers and come back to the stoop beneath the dead sign to intoxicate themselves and swap traveling stories.
Made it across town to St. Peters, stood in line and got through security only to be turned away for exposed knees. 5 Euro and two scarves later, we were set. The Bernini pieces were so amazing! The basilica itself was vastly more full and large than I ever expected, even after my art history courses.
On the way back, we stopped into the craziest candy/chocolate/coffee/jam/pesto/everything shop in Europe and purchased a little bag of assorted candies we hand picked to try.
Day 22
WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST 2010
I CUT BOTH FABRICS OFF OUR LOOMS!!! The damask had almost 3.5 METERS!
I CUT BOTH FABRICS OFF OUR LOOMS!!! The damask had almost 3.5 METERS!
Day 21
TUESDAY 17 AUGUST 2010
Weave weave weave weave weave weave cappuccino weave weave weave weave weave weave lunch weave weave weave weave weave more cappuccino weave weave weave weave weave weave weave dinner with the feet up.
Weave weave weave weave weave weave cappuccino weave weave weave weave weave weave lunch weave weave weave weave weave more cappuccino weave weave weave weave weave weave weave dinner with the feet up.
Day 20
MONDAY 16 AUGUST 010
Only tomorrow left to weave, so I wove and wove and wove today from one loom to the next. I wove a solid, perfect stretch of the red-warped iridescent as long as my forearm (or the length of my foot, whichever you prefer) and can't wait to cut it off of the loom! Producing that much silk in one sitting, as a novice, is a huge and wonderful accomplishment. "Alex is taking over!" Eva, our Italian instructor, exclaimed after I had switched looms and was beginning my fifth color way.
We ate a delicious lunch today for the occasion of Vittorio, Lisio's longest standing weaver visiting our studio. Barbara, our Eugene professor and Lisio program head, made spaghetti with sauce from scratch. Vittorio brought traditional salami made with no preservatives and whole peppercorns. It was mouth wateringly salty and delicious. Jean Paulo, the secretary's little brother (42 going on 24) and Lisio intern, teased me for picking out the salami's hunks of white fat. Vittorio also brought his home made raisin wine. Tradition dictates that one dips little biscotti into this sweet and very strong alcohol and consumes them with delight. I let the others try it while I snacked on the 85% cocoa chocolate bar that was floating around the table. Conversations were riddled with laughter and bursting with Italian gestures. The luncheon was a lovely break from the passing of shuttles.
Only tomorrow left to weave, so I wove and wove and wove today from one loom to the next. I wove a solid, perfect stretch of the red-warped iridescent as long as my forearm (or the length of my foot, whichever you prefer) and can't wait to cut it off of the loom! Producing that much silk in one sitting, as a novice, is a huge and wonderful accomplishment. "Alex is taking over!" Eva, our Italian instructor, exclaimed after I had switched looms and was beginning my fifth color way.
We ate a delicious lunch today for the occasion of Vittorio, Lisio's longest standing weaver visiting our studio. Barbara, our Eugene professor and Lisio program head, made spaghetti with sauce from scratch. Vittorio brought traditional salami made with no preservatives and whole peppercorns. It was mouth wateringly salty and delicious. Jean Paulo, the secretary's little brother (42 going on 24) and Lisio intern, teased me for picking out the salami's hunks of white fat. Vittorio also brought his home made raisin wine. Tradition dictates that one dips little biscotti into this sweet and very strong alcohol and consumes them with delight. I let the others try it while I snacked on the 85% cocoa chocolate bar that was floating around the table. Conversations were riddled with laughter and bursting with Italian gestures. The luncheon was a lovely break from the passing of shuttles.
Day 19
SUNDAY 15 AUGUST 2010
Today is the Day of Ascension - the day Mary rose to heaven without dying...or so they tell me.
Very busy day today. Or perhaps just long. Went to see the Boboli Gardens (I advise packing water and a snack...I learned the hard way) and the Porcelain Museum. The gardens were largely gravel, mostly switchbacks dotted with sculpture. There were smooth, antispherical marble modern art pieces hidden in shady areas. The porcelain museum had also been overrun by modern ceramic work, sitting in glass cages just like their noncontemporaries. It was like going into a chocolate factory and finding chocolate flavored broccoli.
Just outside of the Piazza was a string of painters. I purchased three wonderful ink and watercolors from a dark haired Italian with shocking blue eyes. I told him that I was in Italy with a class of weavers. He told me to come back to see him without the class.
Today is the Day of Ascension - the day Mary rose to heaven without dying...or so they tell me.
Very busy day today. Or perhaps just long. Went to see the Boboli Gardens (I advise packing water and a snack...I learned the hard way) and the Porcelain Museum. The gardens were largely gravel, mostly switchbacks dotted with sculpture. There were smooth, antispherical marble modern art pieces hidden in shady areas. The porcelain museum had also been overrun by modern ceramic work, sitting in glass cages just like their noncontemporaries. It was like going into a chocolate factory and finding chocolate flavored broccoli.
Just outside of the Piazza was a string of painters. I purchased three wonderful ink and watercolors from a dark haired Italian with shocking blue eyes. I told him that I was in Italy with a class of weavers. He told me to come back to see him without the class.
Day 18
SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2010
More rain today. When there is a storm here, the power will periodically die out. So, when I heard the first thunder clap yesterday, I thought to myself, "Save your work everybody!" except that we weren't on computers, we were on looms (which influenced computers eventually...).
More rain today. When there is a storm here, the power will periodically die out. So, when I heard the first thunder clap yesterday, I thought to myself, "Save your work everybody!" except that we weren't on computers, we were on looms (which influenced computers eventually...).
Day 17
FRIDAY 13 AUGUST 2010
Card correction is the bane of my existence, but I'll be damned if I can't read the cards I punched rightways, backways, sideways, and upside down.
Rain today, errands tomorrow. There is so little time left! I'll just have to come back ;)
Card correction is the bane of my existence, but I'll be damned if I can't read the cards I punched rightways, backways, sideways, and upside down.
Rain today, errands tomorrow. There is so little time left! I'll just have to come back ;)
Day 16
THURSDAY 12 AUGUST 2010
I am pretty much awesome. You should know that I am a superhero. I have seen an entire project from graph paper to loom, by my own efforts, in a single day, with enough time to spare for a weave sample with 10 color ways. I rock. Just sayin'. Plus, I went out and took care of errands (on foot!). Today's gelato: ciochocolato (dark chocolate) and (e) zuppa inglesia (some sort of hazelnut-vanilla-chocolate-wafer combo). Ricotella is still my favorite. Mmmm cinnamon.
Amy had a good idea of blasting through as much cloth as possible, or at least a good chunk, enough to make a small coin purse or likewise. I would like to weave one more sample like today's (well, two would be best - one for University/Lisio and one for making bookmarks) then do color chunks to make things out of. I also need to work on the red warped loom. That one would be better for project cloth, but it will weave only half as quickly at best. I'll see.
I'm looking forward to a good session of stretching tonight. I've got to watch my posture. When working with my hands in small scale, my frame crumples further and further inward. Time to lift my chest and set my shoulders back and down. My collar bone feels tight when I stand straight. Got to feel good to look good. Streeeeeetch stretch stretch.
I am pretty much awesome. You should know that I am a superhero. I have seen an entire project from graph paper to loom, by my own efforts, in a single day, with enough time to spare for a weave sample with 10 color ways. I rock. Just sayin'. Plus, I went out and took care of errands (on foot!). Today's gelato: ciochocolato (dark chocolate) and (e) zuppa inglesia (some sort of hazelnut-vanilla-chocolate-wafer combo). Ricotella is still my favorite. Mmmm cinnamon.
Amy had a good idea of blasting through as much cloth as possible, or at least a good chunk, enough to make a small coin purse or likewise. I would like to weave one more sample like today's (well, two would be best - one for University/Lisio and one for making bookmarks) then do color chunks to make things out of. I also need to work on the red warped loom. That one would be better for project cloth, but it will weave only half as quickly at best. I'll see.
I'm looking forward to a good session of stretching tonight. I've got to watch my posture. When working with my hands in small scale, my frame crumples further and further inward. Time to lift my chest and set my shoulders back and down. My collar bone feels tight when I stand straight. Got to feel good to look good. Streeeeeetch stretch stretch.
Day 15
WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2010
Accomplishments: finished 1st sample
getting hang of loom, beating notes
selected colors for personal sample
created a solution for gifts and extra fabric
finalized secondary project graph
mostly got over the homesick hump
set schedule for weaving (AM proj. 2, PM proj, 1)
Purchases: 1 pair white linen shoes
1 pair black linen shoes
1 V-neck blue comfy sweater
Tomorrow: AM punch all cards for proj. 2
lace all cards for proj. 2
wind bobbins for proj. 2
install aforementioned cards onto loom
PM begin and complete 1 sample w/4+ color way
admire new shoes
rest
Monday-Tuesday: weaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweave
Wednesday: cut all weaving off of warp and clean shop
Accomplishments: finished 1st sample
getting hang of loom, beating notes
selected colors for personal sample
created a solution for gifts and extra fabric
finalized secondary project graph
mostly got over the homesick hump
set schedule for weaving (AM proj. 2, PM proj, 1)
Purchases: 1 pair white linen shoes
1 pair black linen shoes
1 V-neck blue comfy sweater
Tomorrow: AM punch all cards for proj. 2
lace all cards for proj. 2
wind bobbins for proj. 2
install aforementioned cards onto loom
PM begin and complete 1 sample w/4+ color way
admire new shoes
rest
Monday-Tuesday: weaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweaveweave
Wednesday: cut all weaving off of warp and clean shop
Day 14
TUESDAY 10 AUGUST 2010
Damask weaves incredibly fast, especially if you beat gently and use multiple weft threads plied together. All the better to work on my (and Judith's) additional project. We are feeling the pinch of encroaching deadline. Just when you think you are ready to go home, you find yourself wishing you had more time. I lost my favorite pen yesterday. Sad afternoon. But I purchased a two pack of the only capped pens (no push-buttons) in the store, and a three-pack of glues sticks - the smallest pack size of reasonable price. The pens write better and cap more securely than their American counterparts, and the glues sticks have a screw-on cap so I will never have a sticky backpack again. Happy day.
Also, cappuccino is delicious.
After class, Tori, Shaina, Alissa, and I went to a museum to see the David. He hadn't grown into his hands and feet yet, and his brow gave away that he was very concerned and under stress. The dome above him and other purposeful architecture helped monumentalize him. Still, his size was impressive. Shaina summed it up when she exclaimed that, "his nipples are huge!" The sculptures were magnificent. I could spend all day caressing them with my eyes. One room is filled with plaster molds. The women are sensual, and the children are haunting. The busts of men trying out different facial hair are hilarious. At the end of the day, we treated ourselves to, what else but, gelato. This time, I picked two flavors I did not recognize: nocciola and stracciatella. Turns out they were pretty normal. Nocciola = hazelnut, stracciatella = chocolate chip. I plan to make up for it by reaching my rice flavored gelato tomorrow.
Damask weaves incredibly fast, especially if you beat gently and use multiple weft threads plied together. All the better to work on my (and Judith's) additional project. We are feeling the pinch of encroaching deadline. Just when you think you are ready to go home, you find yourself wishing you had more time. I lost my favorite pen yesterday. Sad afternoon. But I purchased a two pack of the only capped pens (no push-buttons) in the store, and a three-pack of glues sticks - the smallest pack size of reasonable price. The pens write better and cap more securely than their American counterparts, and the glues sticks have a screw-on cap so I will never have a sticky backpack again. Happy day.
Also, cappuccino is delicious.
After class, Tori, Shaina, Alissa, and I went to a museum to see the David. He hadn't grown into his hands and feet yet, and his brow gave away that he was very concerned and under stress. The dome above him and other purposeful architecture helped monumentalize him. Still, his size was impressive. Shaina summed it up when she exclaimed that, "his nipples are huge!" The sculptures were magnificent. I could spend all day caressing them with my eyes. One room is filled with plaster molds. The women are sensual, and the children are haunting. The busts of men trying out different facial hair are hilarious. At the end of the day, we treated ourselves to, what else but, gelato. This time, I picked two flavors I did not recognize: nocciola and stracciatella. Turns out they were pretty normal. Nocciola = hazelnut, stracciatella = chocolate chip. I plan to make up for it by reaching my rice flavored gelato tomorrow.
Day 13
MONDAY 9 AUGUST 2010
Sunglasses: still awesome. I have a sandal-tan.
Judith and I took a pleasant walk this afternoon through the upper residencies down tot own and the big COOP. A plot of grass and a small overgrown orchard made us feel like we were in the countryside, walking beside an old fortress wall. The bit about the wall may be true. My guess is that it was the original Lisio factory property limit. Lisio was designed as a factory town, a Utopian community of weave production. Today it is a school near the hillsides of Florence, and its students learn more than just weave structure.
Coming back from town, I stopped in to pick up some new gelato flavors. The shop packed a Styrofoam bowl for me to fill with 3 flavors of choice: Riso (rice), Pinolo (pine nut), and Buontalenti (moscarponi cheese). Riso was the first scoop, so I haven't gotten to it as I haven't reached the bottom yet. Unfortunately, they are each a similar creamy white color, so it is difficult to say which is which. From my guesses, I think that the pine nut is, well, nutty. The darker of the two has a bold, strong flavor and little bits of solids. The lighter (Pinolo my guess) is smooth and creamy. I like it better so far, though I have high hopes for Riso. Ricotta is still my favorite.
Sunglasses: still awesome. I have a sandal-tan.
Judith and I took a pleasant walk this afternoon through the upper residencies down tot own and the big COOP. A plot of grass and a small overgrown orchard made us feel like we were in the countryside, walking beside an old fortress wall. The bit about the wall may be true. My guess is that it was the original Lisio factory property limit. Lisio was designed as a factory town, a Utopian community of weave production. Today it is a school near the hillsides of Florence, and its students learn more than just weave structure.
Coming back from town, I stopped in to pick up some new gelato flavors. The shop packed a Styrofoam bowl for me to fill with 3 flavors of choice: Riso (rice), Pinolo (pine nut), and Buontalenti (moscarponi cheese). Riso was the first scoop, so I haven't gotten to it as I haven't reached the bottom yet. Unfortunately, they are each a similar creamy white color, so it is difficult to say which is which. From my guesses, I think that the pine nut is, well, nutty. The darker of the two has a bold, strong flavor and little bits of solids. The lighter (Pinolo my guess) is smooth and creamy. I like it better so far, though I have high hopes for Riso. Ricotta is still my favorite.
Day 12
SUNDAY 8 AUGUST 2010
In a city erupted from the sea, whose largest walkways are crumbling canal bridges, the only place to stop and rest are areas of transition: stairways of stepping stones leading directly into the sea. The bells toll for all this Sunday morning, chiming a chorus with the gulls and dogs - the only animals I have seen on these islands who do not inhabit their murky green waters. This water reflects the bright Tuscan sun in sparkling kaleidoscopes on the faces of Venice's bleached buildings. Orange tiled roofs cap facades of cracked and crumbling plaster, exposed brick laced with thick green algae. Rooftops and windows weep pale streaks where rain water has gushed and washed away the once-vibrant paint. There is not a single skyline in which at least 3 churches can be found. The pigeons sound like squeaky dog toys. The city is infused with the scent of the sea. Judith, who enjoys seafood, likes it.
"The sea sparkles like a silver-weft ground." - Barbara
Back in Florence this afternoon. Moped motorists are crazy! Swerving in between and in front of cars.
Two thumbs up means "f*ck off."
Home sick today.
In a city erupted from the sea, whose largest walkways are crumbling canal bridges, the only place to stop and rest are areas of transition: stairways of stepping stones leading directly into the sea. The bells toll for all this Sunday morning, chiming a chorus with the gulls and dogs - the only animals I have seen on these islands who do not inhabit their murky green waters. This water reflects the bright Tuscan sun in sparkling kaleidoscopes on the faces of Venice's bleached buildings. Orange tiled roofs cap facades of cracked and crumbling plaster, exposed brick laced with thick green algae. Rooftops and windows weep pale streaks where rain water has gushed and washed away the once-vibrant paint. There is not a single skyline in which at least 3 churches can be found. The pigeons sound like squeaky dog toys. The city is infused with the scent of the sea. Judith, who enjoys seafood, likes it.
"The sea sparkles like a silver-weft ground." - Barbara
Back in Florence this afternoon. Moped motorists are crazy! Swerving in between and in front of cars.
Two thumbs up means "f*ck off."
Home sick today.
Day 11
SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 2010
This morning, Barbara took us to see a shop full of antique weaves - crests, pillows, hangings, costume fabrics, cords - and on the way we passed (or were passed by, rather) a newly wed couple in full wedding garb swishing through the Venice streets. It is tradition for a couple to be wed on a Saturday morning then walk through all of Venice to have their photograph taken with the city's monuments.
The islands are segregated by use: There is a glassworks island initiated in order to prevent city fire by the glass blowing kilns; there is a cemetery island; and there is a lace island with a working lace factory. This is where our group headed.
The waterfront makes me homesick for Maui.
Lace island homes are a technicolor rainbow in white trim. There is not a spot on the place that does not smell of the sea. I want to paint my home this radical and vibrant color scheme. The cherry gelato is decadent. Everything is more expensive on an island.
The intimacy of coffee and tea cups here is giving me an itch to be in the ceramics studio throwing.
ananas =/= bananas, ananas = pineapple
Judith and I walked from the docks at one end of Venice the whole way across to the other side where our hostel is. On the way, we came across a mask making shop with cute paper maché mice. At first, the artist tending shop was standoffish, but when Judith asked how he made his little animals he became lively and opened up. I found him more interesting and beautiful than his work.
Street lamps here are paned with tinted pink glass or creatively decorated with colorful blown glass.
Crema Venetia gelato tastes like all sherbets frozen together and mixed with teeny fruit jelly pieces and crisps/chocolate shavings.
This morning, Barbara took us to see a shop full of antique weaves - crests, pillows, hangings, costume fabrics, cords - and on the way we passed (or were passed by, rather) a newly wed couple in full wedding garb swishing through the Venice streets. It is tradition for a couple to be wed on a Saturday morning then walk through all of Venice to have their photograph taken with the city's monuments.
The islands are segregated by use: There is a glassworks island initiated in order to prevent city fire by the glass blowing kilns; there is a cemetery island; and there is a lace island with a working lace factory. This is where our group headed.
The waterfront makes me homesick for Maui.
Lace island homes are a technicolor rainbow in white trim. There is not a spot on the place that does not smell of the sea. I want to paint my home this radical and vibrant color scheme. The cherry gelato is decadent. Everything is more expensive on an island.
The intimacy of coffee and tea cups here is giving me an itch to be in the ceramics studio throwing.
ananas =/= bananas, ananas = pineapple
Judith and I walked from the docks at one end of Venice the whole way across to the other side where our hostel is. On the way, we came across a mask making shop with cute paper maché mice. At first, the artist tending shop was standoffish, but when Judith asked how he made his little animals he became lively and opened up. I found him more interesting and beautiful than his work.
Street lamps here are paned with tinted pink glass or creatively decorated with colorful blown glass.
Crema Venetia gelato tastes like all sherbets frozen together and mixed with teeny fruit jelly pieces and crisps/chocolate shavings.
Day 10
FRIDAY 6 AUGUST 2010
Voyage to Venice today. The sinking city looks like it's floating across the water, skimming along with doors that open to the sea. The sewage system was made for an older, less populated, less sinking time. After dropping off our meager gear at our hostel, having crossed shallow bridges and bulge-bellied window irons, our group ventured out in search of the San Marco church. On our way, we got caught in another drenching rain. Amy and I broke off to dash under cover of restaurant (delicious pumpkin soup and polite lost children) followed by an exploration of the nearby letter shop and vintage sales. I plan to go back to the letter shop for a seal and wax (for my copious amounts of snail mail....none). At the vintage shop, we got old Russian pins, the decals of which I need to investigate before donning. Along the way, cheap glass earrings were purchased - a wonderful pink and silver combo cube. I'm still waiting for an event to inspire the purchase of a classy hook-handled full size umbrella. Perhaps my plan is too romantic to work. I'll see. Back at the cafe just outside the door of our hostel, I shared a pleasant, slow chat with Amy over my cappuccino and her coffee (café). Umbrellas, dogs, people with tails, boyfriends. I could definitely enjoy more evenings like that: slow chat in the evening under a café umbrella while it drizzles on the street.
In the lobby of our hostel, a visitor played music on the charmingly awfully tuned and squeaking piano. One of the tunes was a song from one of my favorite romances. I felt virginal love in that moment, and the pull on my heartstrings lingers. Kinder hazelnut-filled chocolate is delicious. Blood orange juice is strange and lovely.
Voyage to Venice today. The sinking city looks like it's floating across the water, skimming along with doors that open to the sea. The sewage system was made for an older, less populated, less sinking time. After dropping off our meager gear at our hostel, having crossed shallow bridges and bulge-bellied window irons, our group ventured out in search of the San Marco church. On our way, we got caught in another drenching rain. Amy and I broke off to dash under cover of restaurant (delicious pumpkin soup and polite lost children) followed by an exploration of the nearby letter shop and vintage sales. I plan to go back to the letter shop for a seal and wax (for my copious amounts of snail mail....none). At the vintage shop, we got old Russian pins, the decals of which I need to investigate before donning. Along the way, cheap glass earrings were purchased - a wonderful pink and silver combo cube. I'm still waiting for an event to inspire the purchase of a classy hook-handled full size umbrella. Perhaps my plan is too romantic to work. I'll see. Back at the cafe just outside the door of our hostel, I shared a pleasant, slow chat with Amy over my cappuccino and her coffee (café). Umbrellas, dogs, people with tails, boyfriends. I could definitely enjoy more evenings like that: slow chat in the evening under a café umbrella while it drizzles on the street.
In the lobby of our hostel, a visitor played music on the charmingly awfully tuned and squeaking piano. One of the tunes was a song from one of my favorite romances. I felt virginal love in that moment, and the pull on my heartstrings lingers. Kinder hazelnut-filled chocolate is delicious. Blood orange juice is strange and lovely.
Day 9
THURSDAY 5 AUGUST 2010
Today is a torrential downpour. Grecian-scale thunder and lightning - with hail!
Amy tells me that there are a couple versions of the tale of the locks on the bridge:
1) A young couple locks their piece together, then throws the key into the Arno (the river) to secure their love forever more.
2) Young men about to leave for the army place a lock there, in essence promising to survive their battles and return home.
Shaina+Amy+Judith(floating)'s lampas group began weaving today, and we all got our first glance of their pattern. It looks great! Their color selection (2 golds, silver, and charcoal) is sooooo classy.
Finished punching and correcting cards. Laced, stacked, and ready to hang for weaving.
"btw Amy is awesome" - Amy
After class, Amy and I wandered downtown, confident in the brief rays of sunshine gleaming out from behind the rain clouds. Our goal: the lingerie and sleepwear shops downtown (Intimissimi has great shirts). A gelato pause was requisite upon bus departure. I tried ricotta flavored, and my taste buds were rewarded magnificently. The creamy mountain atop my cone of sugar was laced with modest cinnamon. It will be difficult to try a new flavor. I treated Amy, as she was kind enough to unclog our shower drain. In town I splurged on an elegant and fun olive colored dress. On our way back to the apartment we caught the bus the wrong direction! All was well, because we stopped off at the grocery store nearby (which was in our plans all along), and I got an extra box of chocolate chunk granola hazelnut cereal to bring back home with me.
Ate the same dinner as lunch - Judith's cooking of farro with carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms with a vegetable bouillon - delicious. With post-purchase salted butter and bread of course.
Also: I got 2 pennies from Amy today and 4 from the grocer. I'm thinking....cuff links. :)
Also also: The butts on the statues of male figures downtown are gorgeous. Just sayin'.
Today is a torrential downpour. Grecian-scale thunder and lightning - with hail!
Amy tells me that there are a couple versions of the tale of the locks on the bridge:
1) A young couple locks their piece together, then throws the key into the Arno (the river) to secure their love forever more.
2) Young men about to leave for the army place a lock there, in essence promising to survive their battles and return home.
Shaina+Amy+Judith(floating)'s lampas group began weaving today, and we all got our first glance of their pattern. It looks great! Their color selection (2 golds, silver, and charcoal) is sooooo classy.
Finished punching and correcting cards. Laced, stacked, and ready to hang for weaving.
"btw Amy is awesome" - Amy
After class, Amy and I wandered downtown, confident in the brief rays of sunshine gleaming out from behind the rain clouds. Our goal: the lingerie and sleepwear shops downtown (Intimissimi has great shirts). A gelato pause was requisite upon bus departure. I tried ricotta flavored, and my taste buds were rewarded magnificently. The creamy mountain atop my cone of sugar was laced with modest cinnamon. It will be difficult to try a new flavor. I treated Amy, as she was kind enough to unclog our shower drain. In town I splurged on an elegant and fun olive colored dress. On our way back to the apartment we caught the bus the wrong direction! All was well, because we stopped off at the grocery store nearby (which was in our plans all along), and I got an extra box of chocolate chunk granola hazelnut cereal to bring back home with me.
Ate the same dinner as lunch - Judith's cooking of farro with carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms with a vegetable bouillon - delicious. With post-purchase salted butter and bread of course.
Also: I got 2 pennies from Amy today and 4 from the grocer. I'm thinking....cuff links. :)
Also also: The butts on the statues of male figures downtown are gorgeous. Just sayin'.
Day 8
WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST 2010
After class, Judith, Amy, and I went into town (Amy and I for shoes, Judith for exploring) and found a street to come back to later. Meandering toward a medieval bridge, we walked through a street with the most interesting iron and wood doors. I got to snap a gorgeous Florentine sunset complete with arched bridges, waterfront villas, wrought iron lamp post and little cars. We passed one arch with a mass of small keylocks stuck on a railing. I still vaguely wonder what that is all about. Meeting up with Judith on the sunset bridge, we head off in search of delicious Italian food, and she led us to the most fantastic restaurant! Tucked between alleys, the entrance leads immediately downward to a stone plateau split between a standing bar and restaurant entrance (down more stairs of course). The walls are brick and plaster and are covered with art and found objects - thick painting on burlap, old army cap, dusty wine bottle - and the menus are paper glued to wooden plaques hinged neatly. The spelling of the English translation is charmingly atrocious. The food served is gourmet and the waiting staff professional. Chatting with each other from our wooden bench thrones, we grazed on bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before the main course: for Amy, a stew-like warm dish with puré vegetables in a red sauce and teeny pasta bits; for Judith, a meatloaf-like presentation of wild boar with mushroom sauce and mini toast with a salad; for myself, a sirloin of pork glazed with honey and chili flakes with spinach cooked with rosemary. Putting the spinach on bread helped mask its texture, and I could still enjoy its mouthwatering flavor. The food was SO GOOD!!! and the vibe was great! According to Amy, the wine was marvelous, but I couldn't care less. It did look very pretty in her glass though. Everything was so wonderful that I cleaned my plate and, while the girls were holding their stuffed bellies, helped finish Judith's salad and polished off the last of Amy's pasta dish. When we asked for the check, we were presented with a rose-cut green tomato on a napkin with a note, "To the best table: Hi, I'm Michele, the chef of restaurant. Hope you like food that I made :-) ....Ask to the waiter a limoncello I offer for you. Thanks" The limoncellos came without our inquiry, and so did the chef! He sat with us, the only table in the room with three single ladies, and told us about how he lived in Britain and Baltimore, and asked after our Italian travels. We made quite the impression, because he offered to cook for our whole Lisio school and bring it to us! That is, until we told him how far away it is. Judith pulled the matron card and graciously got us out of the restaurant in time to catch our bus home (the chef hadn't even finished his shot of limoncello), and walking on the way, who else did we chance to happen upon but the rest of the girls from our trip: Tori, Shaina, and Alissa! Walking home was great fun!
After class, Judith, Amy, and I went into town (Amy and I for shoes, Judith for exploring) and found a street to come back to later. Meandering toward a medieval bridge, we walked through a street with the most interesting iron and wood doors. I got to snap a gorgeous Florentine sunset complete with arched bridges, waterfront villas, wrought iron lamp post and little cars. We passed one arch with a mass of small keylocks stuck on a railing. I still vaguely wonder what that is all about. Meeting up with Judith on the sunset bridge, we head off in search of delicious Italian food, and she led us to the most fantastic restaurant! Tucked between alleys, the entrance leads immediately downward to a stone plateau split between a standing bar and restaurant entrance (down more stairs of course). The walls are brick and plaster and are covered with art and found objects - thick painting on burlap, old army cap, dusty wine bottle - and the menus are paper glued to wooden plaques hinged neatly. The spelling of the English translation is charmingly atrocious. The food served is gourmet and the waiting staff professional. Chatting with each other from our wooden bench thrones, we grazed on bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar before the main course: for Amy, a stew-like warm dish with puré vegetables in a red sauce and teeny pasta bits; for Judith, a meatloaf-like presentation of wild boar with mushroom sauce and mini toast with a salad; for myself, a sirloin of pork glazed with honey and chili flakes with spinach cooked with rosemary. Putting the spinach on bread helped mask its texture, and I could still enjoy its mouthwatering flavor. The food was SO GOOD!!! and the vibe was great! According to Amy, the wine was marvelous, but I couldn't care less. It did look very pretty in her glass though. Everything was so wonderful that I cleaned my plate and, while the girls were holding their stuffed bellies, helped finish Judith's salad and polished off the last of Amy's pasta dish. When we asked for the check, we were presented with a rose-cut green tomato on a napkin with a note, "To the best table: Hi, I'm Michele, the chef of restaurant. Hope you like food that I made :-) ....Ask to the waiter a limoncello I offer for you. Thanks" The limoncellos came without our inquiry, and so did the chef! He sat with us, the only table in the room with three single ladies, and told us about how he lived in Britain and Baltimore, and asked after our Italian travels. We made quite the impression, because he offered to cook for our whole Lisio school and bring it to us! That is, until we told him how far away it is. Judith pulled the matron card and graciously got us out of the restaurant in time to catch our bus home (the chef hadn't even finished his shot of limoncello), and walking on the way, who else did we chance to happen upon but the rest of the girls from our trip: Tori, Shaina, and Alissa! Walking home was great fun!
Day 7
TUESDAY 3 AUGUST 2010
My sunglasses are still super cute! And comfy!
Judith and I are planning on scheming a liseré weave to be worked on the one remaining loom.
My sunglasses are still super cute! And comfy!
Judith and I are planning on scheming a liseré weave to be worked on the one remaining loom.
Day 6
MONDAY 2 AUGUST 2010
Barbara and I ventured to the Posta after class to exchange our US currency for Euros. It was a scramble! We were worried that we would be late, so we power walked across town like the dickens and got there in the nick of time. We passed a 6 Euro belt vendor I may go back to investigate... In the post office, patrons take a number from an automatic printer (which will print apology notes for people who arrive too late) with a designation (P-post/parcels, A-exchanges, etc.), and there are electric sign boards on which these numbers flick, accompanied by a corresponding teller window number (17 total, this place was crazy!). The tellers, being so busy, flick through numbers quickly if you don't show up promptly. With the wait, I imagine impatient patrons simply walk out. Barbara and I waited nervously, for we had to take our own separate numbers to be called at different times, and only one of us speaks Italian (I'll give you a hint: It's not me)! My number was called first, and as I was scrambling to my assigned window the teller flicked through three more numbers before I crossed the room! My presence there caused a small fiasco, but Barbara's teller was kind enough to take care of the both of us. I got a penny out of the deal! I'd thought those were not used any longer. After Barbara and I checked out at the COOP later in the evening, I got another penny! It was my lucky day for sure.
Barbara and I ventured to the Posta after class to exchange our US currency for Euros. It was a scramble! We were worried that we would be late, so we power walked across town like the dickens and got there in the nick of time. We passed a 6 Euro belt vendor I may go back to investigate... In the post office, patrons take a number from an automatic printer (which will print apology notes for people who arrive too late) with a designation (P-post/parcels, A-exchanges, etc.), and there are electric sign boards on which these numbers flick, accompanied by a corresponding teller window number (17 total, this place was crazy!). The tellers, being so busy, flick through numbers quickly if you don't show up promptly. With the wait, I imagine impatient patrons simply walk out. Barbara and I waited nervously, for we had to take our own separate numbers to be called at different times, and only one of us speaks Italian (I'll give you a hint: It's not me)! My number was called first, and as I was scrambling to my assigned window the teller flicked through three more numbers before I crossed the room! My presence there caused a small fiasco, but Barbara's teller was kind enough to take care of the both of us. I got a penny out of the deal! I'd thought those were not used any longer. After Barbara and I checked out at the COOP later in the evening, I got another penny! It was my lucky day for sure.
Day 5
SUNDAY 1 AUGUST 2010
Today is a lazy day. Everyone woke up later than we have since we arrived. One of our party has heat stroke. I look forward to sitting in the shade, sketching after the Duomo's flowing sculptures and marbled geometries. Its cream and green stone are absolutely gorgeous. I love the way its faces shift behind one another as you move around it. The scale of Florence's buildings grows more impressive daily.
TEE HEE! A FLORENTINE MAN JUST WALKED OUTSIDE THE APARTMENTS INTO A GARDEN FENCED BY MY STONE WALL PERCH. HE IS WEARING NOTHING BUT A BLACK SPEEDO AND A THIN LAYER OF LOTION. SO THIS IS HOW THEY GET SO BRONZE.
Yesterday, I bought the Best. Sunglasses. Ever! They're so cute! I probably look like a big dorky tourist, but I know I'm fabulous ;)
I ate my first suggestively-shaped pear today. I teased Judith for putting them in the shopping cart, but they are the most delicious pears I have ever tasted.
Today is a lazy day. Everyone woke up later than we have since we arrived. One of our party has heat stroke. I look forward to sitting in the shade, sketching after the Duomo's flowing sculptures and marbled geometries. Its cream and green stone are absolutely gorgeous. I love the way its faces shift behind one another as you move around it. The scale of Florence's buildings grows more impressive daily.
TEE HEE! A FLORENTINE MAN JUST WALKED OUTSIDE THE APARTMENTS INTO A GARDEN FENCED BY MY STONE WALL PERCH. HE IS WEARING NOTHING BUT A BLACK SPEEDO AND A THIN LAYER OF LOTION. SO THIS IS HOW THEY GET SO BRONZE.
Yesterday, I bought the Best. Sunglasses. Ever! They're so cute! I probably look like a big dorky tourist, but I know I'm fabulous ;)
I ate my first suggestively-shaped pear today. I teased Judith for putting them in the shopping cart, but they are the most delicious pears I have ever tasted.
Day 4
SATURDAY 31 JULY 2010
Judith, Amy, and I adventured around the Duomo today in search of a flea market and gelato. We caught the end of the market - a small square packed with old furniture and army surplus - and will return later for photos. Dark chocolate gelato is delicious, but coconut is still my favorite. Shaina has heard about a mysterious cheese gelato that I am now quite curious about. Prior to our downtown expeditions, we braved the enormous COOP grocery store in main Florence. I had become so used to the teeny shop here in Lisio that the Grand Daddy Coop was daunting! Hands down the largest grocery (non-bulk) I've ever seen. The baskets had wheels and one long handle, and carts were equipped with a carrier for a hand-scanner. They had everything but oats, and it was all very fairly priced. Most everything is rounded to half euro fractions, none of that 99 cent bull.
In town, Amy and I sat outside a bar and people-watched. Well, I people-watched while she dog-watched. Disgruntled, mangy pigeons eyed us from atop their iron worked perch. Amy cooed at little dogs and I giggled at sharp-dressed men. We both chatted about fashion and the city.
Judith, Amy, and I adventured around the Duomo today in search of a flea market and gelato. We caught the end of the market - a small square packed with old furniture and army surplus - and will return later for photos. Dark chocolate gelato is delicious, but coconut is still my favorite. Shaina has heard about a mysterious cheese gelato that I am now quite curious about. Prior to our downtown expeditions, we braved the enormous COOP grocery store in main Florence. I had become so used to the teeny shop here in Lisio that the Grand Daddy Coop was daunting! Hands down the largest grocery (non-bulk) I've ever seen. The baskets had wheels and one long handle, and carts were equipped with a carrier for a hand-scanner. They had everything but oats, and it was all very fairly priced. Most everything is rounded to half euro fractions, none of that 99 cent bull.
In town, Amy and I sat outside a bar and people-watched. Well, I people-watched while she dog-watched. Disgruntled, mangy pigeons eyed us from atop their iron worked perch. Amy cooed at little dogs and I giggled at sharp-dressed men. We both chatted about fashion and the city.
Day 2
THURSDAY 29 JULY 2010
First Italian rain, warm and wet. We watched lightning, listening to deep thunder boom around the foundation, rumbling our lights out. As the droplets passed beneath a street lamp across the way, they illuminated orange, and the lamp spat sparks.
perfavore = please
(io) studio = I study
scuso (informal), scusi (formal)
Mi dispiace, ma non parlo italiano. = I am sorry, but I don't speak Italian.
prego = you're welcome
va bene = OK/that's fine
grazie mille = thank you very much
Things that look old here really are.
First Italian rain, warm and wet. We watched lightning, listening to deep thunder boom around the foundation, rumbling our lights out. As the droplets passed beneath a street lamp across the way, they illuminated orange, and the lamp spat sparks.
perfavore = please
(io) studio = I study
scuso (informal), scusi (formal)
Mi dispiace, ma non parlo italiano. = I am sorry, but I don't speak Italian.
prego = you're welcome
va bene = OK/that's fine
grazie mille = thank you very much
Things that look old here really are.
Day 1
TUESDAY 27 JULY 2010
1st graffiti sighting in Rome was in English script: HOPE, ROME. 3 planes, 2 trains, and one bus later... Amy and I arrived to our apartment after 26+ hours' travel to our friends just finishing cooking ravioli dinner. They shared, we showered and promptly went to sleep (after cleaning up the kitchen of course).
Italy has been very different than I had expected. The streets and cars are teeny, sidewalks teenier, villas with tidy architecture and unwashed faces. These were things I expected. What struck me were the people's kindness and smudgey colors; the bronzed women with their cakey eye shadow and everyone looking tidy in public; my nutella snack pack complete with teaw/lemon and the low price of groceries (and cashier effort! although ours was very nice about showing us how to use the produce self-scan).
1st graffiti sighting in Rome was in English script: HOPE, ROME. 3 planes, 2 trains, and one bus later... Amy and I arrived to our apartment after 26+ hours' travel to our friends just finishing cooking ravioli dinner. They shared, we showered and promptly went to sleep (after cleaning up the kitchen of course).
Italy has been very different than I had expected. The streets and cars are teeny, sidewalks teenier, villas with tidy architecture and unwashed faces. These were things I expected. What struck me were the people's kindness and smudgey colors; the bronzed women with their cakey eye shadow and everyone looking tidy in public; my nutella snack pack complete with teaw/lemon and the low price of groceries (and cashier effort! although ours was very nice about showing us how to use the produce self-scan).
Travels
Italy is weird. The doorknobs are in the middle of the doors and don't have locks on them. The flush mechanism for the toilet is a pair of huge buttons in the wall. Little dogs are everywhere and they are all well behaved.
These are just a few examples, but what I really want to share are my travel stories. There are some you will only be told over a long delicious dinner with lots of apple cider. There are some you will only be told at 2am when we are feeling saucy and giggly. And there are some I cannot wait to tell you.
I will be posting the contents of my travel journal, along with pictures, so that you can read all about the trip. I will spare you my school notes ;)
These are just a few examples, but what I really want to share are my travel stories. There are some you will only be told over a long delicious dinner with lots of apple cider. There are some you will only be told at 2am when we are feeling saucy and giggly. And there are some I cannot wait to tell you.
I will be posting the contents of my travel journal, along with pictures, so that you can read all about the trip. I will spare you my school notes ;)
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