Tuscan life

Today I ventured to Tuscany, specifically the area called Monteriggioni. Words can describe this place. It was breathtaking. The trip was by far one of the best during my 6 weeks here in Italy, so far. We drove 40 minutes outside the city to ride horseback through forests, vineyards and rolling hills.

After our two hour ride, we sat by the pool at the castle, drinking local wine from the vineyards we rode past earlier in the day and waited for our tuscan style lunch to be served. The food was phenomenal and the staff was so kind. Bringing out plates of mozzarella cheese with tomatoes, sweet cantaloupe and perfect tasting watermelon.

After our meal, we made our way to the small castle on top of a hill called Castello di Monteriggioni. Population of 50 people, yes it was that small. We had the honor of seeing a wedding taking place in the only church in the town, it was lovely. We wine tasted red wine and sampled different gelati , I decided on the mint with hazelnut and chocolate. After our adventure in the town we drove to the cliffs that over look the rolling hills of Tuscany, bellisimo!

Then we went to the sunflower fields, this was by far my favorite part of the trip. So beautiful. Ah! The perfect day.

Wonderful day, here are more photos from the adventure. 

Ciao friends!

"You may have the universe if I may have Italy." --Giuseppe Verdi

Naturally, there are many wonderful things to rave about here in Florence. One thing I will miss so much  are the giant, fresh markets. Want a peach? Okay just head down the tiny cobble stone road to the local market and buy a giant, delicious peach from the kind italian man who is so happy you are there visiting his fruit stand, pay .30 euro and you're set. Whole foods.. you have some competition on your hands.

And the views. From Piazzale Michelangelo, you have a clear view of the entire city of Florence. Many locals and visitors of the city bring wine and food with them to indulge as the sun sets over rolling hills. This piazza has been around since 1869 and is still one of the best place in Florence to sit and relax. 

Life here is happy.

Happy Spirits

This past weekend was a relaxing one in Florence. No rushing around, no traveling, just spending time in this captivating city. I visited The Boboli Gardens, the backyard of The Piti Palace, former home of the Medici family. This is the biggest home I have ever encountered. Truly amazing.

The gardens were peaceful and a perfect place to write letters and read. Watching the day pass by I could think of no other way I'd rather spend my time. On my way home I stopped at a florist shop to buy flowers. Keeping flowers around make me feel more at home, probably because im constantly finding excuses to buy more flowers to put in my room or kitchen during the school year.

I chose sunflowers. The florist was wrapping a bouquet of flowers for a woman as I walked in. He told me to "aspetta" (wait) for him to finish and he would help me. He walked over to me with a large smile and asked me which flower I wanted. I pointed to the sunflowers and said "due, per favore." He kindly grabbed the two I pointed to and went to the back of his tiny shop to wrap them up for me. They were perfect. I appreciated his happy spirit. 

I hope you find something that brings you joy today. Even if it is just a simple smile, or maybe just some flowers.

Ciao!

Amalfi Coast- Is this real life?

Sorrento, Capri Island, Positano, Pompeii and hiking Mt. Vesuvius are the many places I traveled to recently. These quaint cities resting on the seaside are remarkable. Never before have I seen such amazing views.

Island of Capri

Positano

The Blue Grotto was by far the highlight of the trip. Known for the intense blue tones in the water, the entrance of the the Blue Grotto is 1 meter above sea level, forcing visitors and boat guides both to lie down in the boat as you enter. Instantly sitting up, you find yourself surrounded by large dark walls which meet the silvery blue water. The italian boat guides begin opera singing as they row you around the entire grotto. It is an unbelievable experience you will never forget.

In a tiny boat, waiting to enter the Blue Grotto.

Pompeii is a city full of old ruins, seeing the photos does not do it justice so I apologize if these are not impressive. You have to visit the partially buried city to really get the feel of what it used to be like in 79AD before Mt. Vesuvius erupted. Beautiful frescos on the walls, old bath houses, bakeries, and homes are preserved. As you walk through the town you can see the wagon wheel indentations in the cobble stone streets, telling you how busy and populated the city was. Not only was part of the city preserved but animals and people as well. It was unbelievable to view these things in person. These people, animals and frescos are from the 1st century of life, thats hard to wrap your brain around. 

79AD human.

Pompeii dog.

Bath tub.

A garden in a home we went to, one of two.

One of the best things about this trip was the fresh granitas, italian crushed ice. Many of them serve lemon and melon, with fresh squeezed orange juice on top. Yes please. Where can I find these in the states? 

Studying abroad is one of the most unique experiences I have encountered. It is a humbling, exciting, frustrating and captivating experience. I am thankful for the ideas and memories I will take away from this place. Learning about italian culture was my main goal traveling to Italy, but I have learned so much more about myself, art, and theories about life. And I'm only half way through my trip! 

Capri Island. I want these boats. 

After hiking Mt. Vesuvius. SO rewarding.

The view on Mt. Vesuvius.

Arrivederci friends & family!

Il Bisonte- Printmaking dream

"Love the art, make room for it. Dont waste money on posters. Buy true art that has been created." Simone, the great great grandson of the schools founder told me as we walked out of the small gallery library. He had just finished explaining to my roommate Taylor and I the history of Il Bisonte, one of the most famous etching schools in Florence. When the school opened in 1959 it was a relief effort of World War II. The school was immediately creditable and experienced because of the famous artists who came to print their work in the same printing presses that are present in the school today. Ardengo Soffici, Carlo Carrà, Alberto Magnelli where a few of the names that where associated with the Futurism movement in the school. 

Walking into the entrance of the school lovely, to the right are the old printing presses put on display for guests to marvel. Hung on the wall is a print of a face, signed at the bottom is a signature anyone would recognize. Pablo Picasso. 

This lithography print is the only print Picasso made in Italy. It was truly amazing to see. Past the entrance into the courtyard is the studio where current students were working. The natural light in this studio was very inviting. An italian man gladly showed us around the entire studio. It was filled with printing presses, some from the 1800's. There were beautiful prints on the walls, and tiny rooms filled with ink, chemicals and tools. It was a printmakers dream. One of the rooms specifically for Intaglio was an old stable,  horse name plates hung on the walls. 

I couldn't believe I was here. This place was so peaceful and enchanting. After he finished explaining the studio and prints hung on the walls, we left the studio, turned down the tiny cobble stone street to find the schools gallery. There is where we met Simone, who graciously explained to us the history of the school. And the importance of keeping the traditional methods of printmaking alive. He spoke with sincerity in his voice, as we sat in the library filled with books and framed prints made my famous italian artists who have studied in the years past. 

Listening to these artists speak of a process they loved so much was endearing and encouraging. I felt so lucky to stumble onto this opportunity to learn about their beloved school and history. Their wisdom about art and creating is something I will constantly refer too in the future. I have never been more inspired than I was today. Thank you Italy for showing me these great things.

Piacere, Il Bisonte.