tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91032681579896520392024-03-22T00:14:12.999-04:00102 MealsA recount of my days leading up to and during my trip to Florence, Italy, in the summer of 2013.Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-59045568632808040802013-08-09T07:44:00.003-04:002013-08-09T07:44:29.478-04:00August 8, 2013: Marathon in FlorenceToday was my last day to get everything (well, not EVERYthing) done in town. Pam and I started out early, at around 8:30, at met up for cappuccino outside of the <a href="http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/?m=bargello">Bargello</a> museum. The word "bargello" means "castle" or "fortified tower". During the Italian Middle Ages it was the name given to a military captain in charge of keeping peace and justice (hence "Captain of justice") during riots and uproars. The bargello was usually hired from another country to prevent any suggestion of favoritism. It could be compared with today's version of Chief of police. The museum is full of Michelangelo, Donatello, and Della Robbia. I loved this museum, and the fact that we had it basically to ourselves was awesome.<br />
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After that, we ended up crossing the river and going over to <a href="http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_natural_history.html">La Specola</a>, which is the museum of Zoology and Natural History. This place was crazy, but really cool! The Medici family collected a huge number of animals and had them on display. You can even see the hippo that was a family pet and used to live in the Boboli Gardens. There were also many wax anatomical models from the 18th century. If you aren't a fan of taxidermy, this place is probably not for you. I thought it was amazing to see the thorough collection of exotic animals that were preserved so well for so many years! Very cool place, and again, we had it all to ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Medici's pet hippo. The taxidermist had never seen one alive before, so look at how he arranged his feet!</span></td></tr>
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After La Specola, we went to the AMAZING <a href="http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Brancacci_chapel.html">Brancacci Chapel</a>. Information taken from internet: The Brancacci Chapel (in Italian, "Cappella dei Brancacci") is a chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, central Italy. It is sometimes called the "Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance"for its painting cycle, among the most famous and influential of the period. Construction of the chapel was commissioned by Pietro Brancacci and begun in 1386.<br />
I was amazed at how beautiful the chapel was. It is very small, but overwhelming. More wiki info: The patron of the pictorial decoration was Felice Brancacci, descendant of Pietro, who had served as the Florentine ambassador to Cairo until 1423. Upon his return to Florence, he hired Masolino da Panicale to paint his chapel. Masolino's associate, 21-year-old Masaccio, 18 years younger than Masolino, assisted, but during painting Masolino left to Hungary, where he was painter to the king, and the commission was given to Masaccio. By the time Masolino returned he was learning from his talented former student. However, Masaccio was called to Rome before he could finish the chapel, and died in Rome at the age of 27. Portions of the chapel were completed later by Filippino Lippi. Unfortunately during the Baroque period some of the paintings were seen as unfashionable and a tomb was placed in front of them.<br />
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My two favorite frescoes were the Temptation of Adam and Eve, and the Expulsion of Adam and Eve. Very powerful works, and amazing to see in person.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The simple facade of <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Church of Santa Maria del Carmine</span> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inside the church. Overwhelmingly beautiful!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brancacci Chapel</span></td></tr>
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After the Brancacci, we started to walk towards the north side of the river. We realized that the door to Santo Spirito was open, so of course we had to go inside. This is my favorite church, I think! It is so simple on the outside, but massive and beautiful on the inside. It was designed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Brunelleschi">Brunelleschi</a>, the same person who designed the dome on the Duomo. We were very lucky to catch only a couple of minutes of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifix_(Michelangelo)">Michelangelo's crucifix</a>, a very important and powerful work. We couldn't believe we had seen it, after seeing its model as a tribute in the Bargello this morning. We didn't even know it was in Santo Spirito! Lucky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An earlier picture of Santo Spirito from this trip.</span></td></tr>
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After Santo Spirito, we were starving. We ended up going to a little panini shop right near Orsanmichele, which was actually a place that we had been looking for quite extensively the other day during one of our "walkabouts." This was the place that Dawn had taken me right before we went to SMN to get to Umbria. I had a salami and goat cheese sandwich, and I really could have eaten three or four of them- delish! And for 2.50 Euro each, it's a deal! The place is called I Fratellini.<br />
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We then were able to walk into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orsanmichele">Orsanmichele</a>, an amazingly beautiful church in the center of Florence. We explored a bit and just sat down to take it all in. It's crazy how many times I walked by this place and didn't even think to go in. You don't know how beautiful these churches are until you walk in, and suddenly you can feel hundreds of years of people and history within the walls. It's a special place, and if you travel to Florence, you really need to just walk in the open doors and see what the museums, gardens, and churches have to offer. You won't regret it.</div>
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After Orsanmichele, we were hot, exhausted, and needed a nap. We decided to back to our own apartments and rest for a bit. I had a bunch of organizing and packing to do, so this was a good break for me. </div>
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We met up at a new jewelry shop for me, but an old one for Pam. I bought an embarrassing amount of jewelry from this place. It was my style completely- handmade silver/copper jewelry in funky designs, with colorful glass and stone. I couldn't stop shopping, so luckily we only had 30 minutes before the place closed. If you see me in Boston with great jewelry, you'll know it's from this place! It's on Via Ghibellina, across from the Bargello. The name of the place is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stilelibero-Monili/188914479997">Stilelibero</a>- go there, with a lot of cash!</div>
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For my last night in Florence, Pam and I decided to get a cocktail over by the Pitti Palace. I of course had my Italian "usual," Campari and soda, while we looked around the piazza and talked about how much we both love Florence, the life you live in Florence, and how lucky we were to be spending so much time there. We had dinner at Baldovino, and each had a very tasty pizza and ate a LOT. I am so grateful to Lydia for connecting her mother and I, and this week truly would not have been the same without her. We enjoyed our conversations, laughs, art, and made the week memorable. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pam and I at Pitti Palace</span></td></tr>
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This is my last blog post, as my long travel day is tomorrow. I am grateful to the city for being such a warm, rich, and historical beautiful place. I cherished every day, and I can easily say that I did not have one bad day in Firenze. The friends I met, family I saw, and culture I took in will be in my memories forever, and I am looking forward to re-reading this blog in the future and thinking back to my 34 nights in bella Italia. Thanks to all of you for reading- I hope that it inspires you to consider visiting the Renaissance City. It's a life-changing place!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Until we meet again, arrivederci, Firenze! </span></td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-68223622142284728492013-08-07T19:16:00.000-04:002013-08-07T19:22:54.992-04:00August 7, 2013: Finally kissed by an Italian...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was my last "outing" in Tuscany. I had booked a tour with a company called "Fun in Tuscany," and it really was a perfect title for the business! Christian, our tour guide, picked a group of us up at Santa Maria Novella at 9:30am. There were only five of us on the tour, and it was two very nice young couples and myself. I sat up front with Christian in the van, and we all had a nice ride out to wine country.</div>
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The tour started at a villa overlooking the medieval town of <a href="http://www.sangimignano.com/en/">San Gimignano</a>. The winery was beautiful, and we had a tour of the vineyards and the lab where they make the wine. The people there were very nice and set us up at a table outside, overlooking the country and skyline of SG. We tried three different wines: Vernaccia, Chianti Classico, and their Merlot. Vernaccia is a white wine made by the green grapes (without skins) grown in the San Gimignano region. It was delicious! Their Chianti Classico was the best that I had ever tasted, and I picked up a bottle (for 5.50 Euro!) to take home. We learned that for a wine to be considered real chianti, it must be made up of at least 80% Sangiovese grapes. The merlot was quite good as well!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Gimignano in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It kind of does look like Manhattan...if you really blur your eyes. Or drink more wine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bellissima!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it sad that I was thinking of marching band while taking this?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bistecca Fiorentina (I know...I'm mean)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of (future) bottles of vino!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the aged wine is stored, with each barrel full to the top and corked so no air can get in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The green glass is an invention of Da Vinci, so you can actually see that the barrel is full without letting air in. <br />
What a guy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful guide, Christian!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pointing at the Sangiovese</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modeling for their catalog. JK.</td></tr>
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We then headed back towards the medieval town. Christian described it as the "Manhattan of Tuscany," because SG is known for its 14 towers still standing today. <i>Taken from the web:</i> San Gimignano developed on the site of a small Etruscan settlement and grew considerably during the Middle Ages thanks to the Via Francigena, which runs through the town. In the thirteenth century San Gimignano became an important halt for pilgrims and merchants travelling throughout Europe. In this period the town knew its highest splendour, and there was a remarkable flowering of works of art adorning churches, palaces, and monasteries. Its robust economy, based on the commerce of local fine-quality products such as saffron and wine, benefit the development of aristocratic families who boasted their political power by building the famous towers: of the original 72 towers in the fourteenth century, only 14 remain today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval gate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model of the old city</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous twin towers. Families who had a lot of money and power built towers to boast their wealth.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7T724MzP04/UgLHYE-s8wI/AAAAAAAACdQ/m2YicavESbw/s1600/2013-08-07+00.58.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7T724MzP04/UgLHYE-s8wI/AAAAAAAACdQ/m2YicavESbw/s640/2013-08-07+00.58.20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View in the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun"</td></tr>
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It was absolutely gorgeous. We had a nice walk through the southern gate of the town, and Christian led us around and explained many of its important landmarks. We then tried some of Sergio's "World Famous Gelato" from his well-known gelateria, <a href="http://www.gelateriadipiazza.com/english/master-gelato-maker.html">"Gelateria Dondoli."</a> Cousin Dawn is a friend of Sergio, and she gave me a picture of the two of them to show him. Christian yelled to him to come out of the kitchen, and when he introduced me as her cousin, Sergio started yelling, kissed me on either cheek, and proceeded to tell me (while yelling the whole time) how much he loves to make people happy, and <i>"when people come into my gelateria, I make them happy, so I'm happy!" </i>We took some really funny pictures of the two of us, laughing the whole time, and I tried some of his vernaccia gelato. Perfetto!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Sergio! Favorite Italian thus far.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of Dawn and Sergio<br />
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We left the town and headed over to our last wine stop of the day, and this was the place we were eating lunch. We got to a beautiful vineyard and met the owner, who was quite passionate about his wine. He said that we should not consider him to be crazy, but when we drink his wine, it means so much more than just a drink. <i>"It is about engaging all the senses, poetry, and love." </i>He showed us to the dining room and turned us over to his son (or nephew- I don't even remember!) and he took care of explaining the wine and food that we were about to partake in. Of course, with me being the only single girl at the table, he latches on to me, flirting his you-know-what off. I'm tellin' ya, he and I were breathing the same oxygen at one point, nose-to-nose, and he gave me a huge kiss on the cheek (after "threatening" that after trying his truffle oil, it would compel me to <i>really</i> kiss him). It was a riot, and after nine (yes, NINE) tastes of different wine, our table would not stop laughing at his antics.<br />
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We finished our amazing lunch (antipasti of meats and cheese, balsamic vinegar aged for 30 years, Ribollita soup that was cooked for seven hours, and amazing meat lasagna with truffle oil). Biscotti and dessert wine to top the day off.<br />
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We got back in the van and headed back to Florence. Christian brought us up to Piazzale Michelangelo to have some champagne. He had Eric (one of the guys) literally pop the cork with a sword. Ridiculous, but totally awesome!<br />
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I have been so lucky with tours on this trip! I highly recommend <a href="http://www.funintuscany.com/">Fun in Tuscany</a> because you really WILL have fun in Tuscany. Thanks to Christian for a great day!<br />
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The night ended with a "walkabout" around Florence with Pam, where we had some of our favorite gelato at Santa Trinita. I need to make every gelato count at this point!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us with the "friendly" waiter :) </td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-22166678427949365112013-08-06T19:05:00.000-04:002013-08-06T19:13:46.929-04:00August 6, 2013: Guardaaaaaaah!First time I've heard an Italian say a word, and it reminded me of the Boston accent. I'll start this story at the end. Tonight, Pam and I decided to eat a late dinner. We ended up at Osteria Santo Spirito, the same restaurant that I took Mike to in the beginning (with the amazing gnocchi!) and where I took Madelyn to the night I found out about the job opening. We had a delicious dinner, which ended with the most annoying street magician coming up to the restaurant, chanting "guarda! guarda!" over and over again. This translates to "see" or "watch." He was super annoying and loud, and it actually cleared some of us out of the restaurant. Oh well...just a man doing his...job.<br />
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Today was a lazy day. I think I'm officially all shopped out. I have finished up my shopping for people, and I've had a lot of fun doing so. I walked through San Lorenzo and didn't even have one urge to buy anything for myself, which is a sign that this vacation was productive! I'm happy to be coming home and sharing a piece of Italy with my loved ones.<br />
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I took some pictures around town, and otherwise, I just walked and let the city guide me wherever I was going. I ended up on the other side of the river, and passed by the same shop with the sleeping dog from yesterday. He was in the same spot, sound asleep! The sun was really hot today, so seeing him made me walk back to my place, where I proceeded to take a three hour nap. After the nap was dinner, so you've just read a blog post about a "day of nothing" in Florence.<br />
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It was really nice to just be able to Facebook Pam today and say, "Let's go get a drink! Meet in Piazza Signoria?" What a blessing to be able to casually make dinner plans in Florence on the spot.<br />
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Tomorrow is my last outing of the vacation. I'm going on a wine tasting tour of Chianti, where we will be eating lunch in a medieval castle and visiting the town of San Gimgnano. Excited!<br />
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Your mouth will water while watching this video!</div>
Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-26237115810242799372013-08-06T06:10:00.002-04:002013-08-06T06:11:07.478-04:00August 5, 2013: Renaissance BlingToday turned out to be a fabulous day! I met a new friend, and it was really meaningful because this is the person who had recommended the company to rent apartments from in Florence. My friend's mother, Pam, is the reason I am staying on Via Delle Pinzochere! Pam decided to come to Florence in August and we just had to meet up.<br />
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We started the morning by going to the Sant'Ambrogio Market, where Pam has all of these amazing friends that are vendors. It was so fun to see her interacting with her old pals and buying the food that she needed for her amazing cooking in Firenze! We then walked over to <a href="http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/?m=sanmarco">San Marco</a>, which was a church that I have always walked by but never went in. What a mistake it was to pass by such an amazing church, which is really a museum.<br />
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The museum occupies a vast area of the Dominican convent of San Marco and preserves much of its original atmosphere. Founded in 1436 and designed by the architect Michelozzo, the convent played an important role in the cultural and religious life of Florence, especially at the time of Savonarola.<br />
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The museum boasts many paintings of Fra Angelico, one of the great artists of the Renaissance, who frescoed extensive parts of the convent. Other works by Fra Angelico were assembled here in the 20th century, resulting in a remarkable collection of the artist's works.<br />
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There is also an important collection of 16th-century paintings including numerous works by Fra Bartolomeo. The museum has a section devoted to fragments of sculpture and architecture from buildings of the city centre which were demolished in the 19th century.<br />
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We were amazed at the large number of monks' cells, and each one had a different fresco painted inside. Some were quite disturbing, strange, and some were quite beautiful. We noticed that in the paint, there seemed to be a kind of shimmer, especially on important parts of the pieces such as angels' wings. We joked that even the Renaissance liked their bling!<br />
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We then shopped around, and I purchased a much too expensive but amazing jewelry set of Murano glass. This store quickly became my favorite in Florence! <a href="http://www.apoggi.com/">Armando Poggi</a><br />
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After a little break during siesta time, we met up again and ate a great dinner at <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1058852-Reviews-Osteria_del_Cinghiale_Bianco-Florence_Tuscany.html">Cinghiale Bianco</a>, a restaurant across the river. I've been wanting to try it ever since we walked by it a few weeks ago, and Pam was interested in going because her kids ate there on a previous trip to Florence. It was yummy! Cinghiale, in Italian, means wild boar, so much of the menu featured items with wild boar in it. Delish!<br />
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We had the essential gelato from Santa Trinita and had a nice walk home. We are planning to meet again for drinks or dinner, and I am so happy that I made yet another friend in Florence!<br />
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For the next three days, I will be savoring every moment. It's time to go home, and I am ready. I am starting an amazing job in the Fall and am itching to get to work. This has been going on for the past two weeks, and I can finally announce that I will be a Co-Band Director with Sean at McCarthy Middle School, teaching 5-8 Band and 5th Grade General Music. This has been a dream for a while, and I'm thrilled to be joining the band faculty in Chelmsford full time. I did a lot of soul searching, and went through some very heavy emotions while I was making the decision to leave South Row. After some tears and tough emails that I had to write, I made my choice and I am ultimately happy with it. I found out about the job opening two weeks ago, and when I read the text, my white wine spilled everywhere and I was pretty much a hot mess! This is going to be a great job and I can't wait to start teaching instrumental music with one of my close friends. This certainly made my trip much more memorable!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many monk cells</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing painting of Piazza Delle Signoria. Now, we stroll through the piazza, eating gelato, listening to music, and enjoying life. Then, they had public executions in the middle of the piazza! Remember this scene for the last two pictures in this blog post.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear friend Caroline's old apartment door in Firenze!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands down, my favorite Florentine doggy. He was sleeping, but woke up when he was being swept on!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course fell right back asleep.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stone carving is on the bottom right hand side of the Palazzo Vecchio if you're looking at it in Piazza Delle Signoria. Can you see the grey stone's profile of a man? Legend has it that Michelangelo was standing in this spot while observing a public execution going on. He had his hands crossed behind his back, but was secretly carving the face of the man being executed! Thanks so much to Pam for telling me this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing to think he was just standing there, watching someone burn or hang, and carved his face with his two hands behind his back. I marveled at this! And I have walked by it thousands of times and never knew to look for it. That's the amazing thing about Firenze...the secrets, and they are everywhere!</td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-60889027881914087952013-08-04T11:52:00.000-04:002013-08-04T11:52:15.127-04:00July 31, August 1, 2, 3, & 4, 2013: Cinque Terre with Cousin Dawn!I am so lucky to have had this weekend with my cousin! Dawn and I started off our 5Terre adventure by meeting in the Florence train station (Santa Maria Novella) at about 11am on Wednesday the 31st. We took a series of trains and ended up in Levanto, a little village right outside the five villages of the Cinque Terre.<br />
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The Cinque Terre (5 lands) is composed of 5 small villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, Riomaggiore. Over the centuries, people have built terraces on the rugged and steep landscape right up to the cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. Part of its charm is the lack of corporate development. It feels like old beach towns, everyone walking around in their bathing suits, taking in some sun, or drinking by the water. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside. The first historical documents of the Cinque Terre date back to the 11th century. I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful and clear water in my life. My pictures are actually hard to believe, and I'm the one that took them!<br />
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We stayed at a little hotel in Levanto. Our first day was spent going in the water there, where it was VERY rocky and the current was high. I got a few bruises (battle wounds), but that's okay. I also got slightly stung by a little jellyfish, I think, but the rash went down in about an hour after I got out of the water. We decided to eat at a little hotel that Dawn had been to before (she's been to SO many of these restaurants before, as she is a tour guide in Italy), and of course it was delicious. Our favorite part of the meal was the baby octopus potato salad- amazing! We both split a big dish of spaghetti di mare, a mixed seafood spaghetti with clams, shellfish, baby octopus, and shrimp. A nice cold bottle of white wine topped off the night, and we had a great visit together and talked about our awesome family, who we miss!<br />
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The next day was a whirlwind! We woke up early and took the boat around the five villages so I could see them from the water. They are so quaint, beautiful, and beautifully situated on the water. Each town has a different feel and vibe. We got off at the last one first, which was Riomaggiore. We shopped a lot- we realized this trip that an addiction of shopping must be in our family's genes! We both loved all of the same things and helped each other purchase beautiful jewelry and accessories. We then went on to Manarola, where we swam in water that you could see through completely. We were enclosed by cliffs around us, and people were having fun jumping off of the rocks into the cold salty water. I commented that this water looked like a "water park," set up perfectly for people to enjoy. The pastel colored buildings were overlooking the cliffs as we swam, and I just couldn't believe that I was there!<br />
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We then headed over to Corniglia, where you cannot swim because the town is so high off of the water. It's actually quite a hike up the zigzagging steps to get there, but the views were worth it. This was definitely the most quiet town in my opinion. We got some cappuccini and hung around the small piazza.<br />
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We only had two more villages to go, but decided to skip Vernazza and save it for the next day. We ended our afternooon/evening in Monterosso, the most popular of the five villages. We shopped some more, and ate the most delicious dinner I think I've had on this trip. We ate at Ciak, a restaurant that came highly recommended by the Goodman family. To start, a bottle of white wine, and their antipasti- about 8 plates of sample size seafood dishes (anchovies, snails, shrimp, stuffed anchovies, mussels, and more!). We ordered the seafood risotto, that came out in a GIANT sizzling pot. I have a great picture of it below! The evening ended with us going back to Levanto and listening to a live Italian band in the piazza. Great day!<br />
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Friday was another early morning, and we headed over to Vernazza on the train. This town is absolutely adorable, with great restaurants, cafes, and shops. We had a nice long cappuccino break on the water and took some fun pictures. Since we were getting the train back to Florence today, we needed one more swim because Florence is an oven lately! We jumped in the water one more time, and had fish swimming all around us in the little beach area. This was such a beautiful weekend and I cannot believe I was there!<br />
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Back to Florence on Friday night. After our costly dinner the night before, we decided to get 5 Euro paninis at All'Antico Vinaio (remember, the sandwich place that served sandwiches the size of your face?). It was delicious, and we topped the night off with window shopping, gelato, and listening to music on the Ponte Vecchio.<br />
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Saturday was the day we were heading down to Umbria to spend some time at Dawn & Luke's house. I hadn't seen Luke that much, so it was going to be good to have some family time! We met up with Luke and Jess (the lovely girl that went to the JALC concert with us about a month ago) and had a great dinner at Da Noi in their town (Citta di Castello). It's a gorgeous medieval walled town with a lot of charm, beautiful churches, and a very nice small-town vibe. We ended our night with listening to a jazz band in the piazza. I am so thankful to have spent the time I had with Dawn and Luke. We had a lot of laughs, especially while we were telling Odie's New Bedford Police Dept. stories to Jess, who was kind of horrified. That's a whole different blog for a different day. :)<br />
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Now, I'm back in Florence. I'm doing some laundry to get prepared to pack for the end of the week. Tonight will be a quiet night. Small dinner, gelato, and a walk up to San Miniato, because I've heard that the monks chant on Sunday nights.<br />
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Thanks to Dawn and Luke for a wonderful weekend! Love you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You would think that the cream colored painting was the actual architecture- but it's a trick of the eye!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levanto</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levanto</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the boat around the Cinque Terre</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riomaggiore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waaaay off in the distance, past the island, you can see France. NBD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn and I, after our boat ride!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11th century "water park"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock jumping</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cemetery in Manarola</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also my favorite swimming spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood risotto from Ciak</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antipasti from Ciak</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gv8YW7xsy1E/UfvzxBEaRzI/AAAAAAAACSo/tnrRAnSjTDQ/s1600/2013-08-01+09.18.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gv8YW7xsy1E/UfvzxBEaRzI/AAAAAAAACSo/tnrRAnSjTDQ/s640/2013-08-01+09.18.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2m8ViifDR0/Ufv0FMeK9SI/AAAAAAAACTo/cLfnZPzAtLY/s1600/2013-08-01+21.43.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2m8ViifDR0/Ufv0FMeK9SI/AAAAAAAACTo/cLfnZPzAtLY/s640/2013-08-01+21.43.25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernazza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTVm0WMam-w/Ufv0G1vtYnI/AAAAAAAACTw/OdCJJA8xygY/s1600/2013-08-01+21.43.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTVm0WMam-w/Ufv0G1vtYnI/AAAAAAAACTw/OdCJJA8xygY/s640/2013-08-01+21.43.34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-S6R2_lwec/Ufv0IF273DI/AAAAAAAACT4/_H4BqAIVMF8/s1600/2013-08-01+22.51.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-S6R2_lwec/Ufv0IF273DI/AAAAAAAACT4/_H4BqAIVMF8/s640/2013-08-01+22.51.58.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where our last swim was</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUzdLSSgbO4/Ufv0KaV2YBI/AAAAAAAACUA/RJSA5i_SsKo/s1600/2013-08-01+22.52.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUzdLSSgbO4/Ufv0KaV2YBI/AAAAAAAACUA/RJSA5i_SsKo/s640/2013-08-01+22.52.08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGBkq7wzlCI/Uf52tgWiUwI/AAAAAAAACWQ/5F4mtOhCEfQ/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGBkq7wzlCI/Uf52tgWiUwI/AAAAAAAACWQ/5F4mtOhCEfQ/s640/IMG_0300.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antipasti from Da Noi, where Dawn, Luke, Jess, and I had dinner on Saturday night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8NoaivT7X4/Uf52vMPi6II/AAAAAAAACWY/Jww-TGD76Q4/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8NoaivT7X4/Uf52vMPi6II/AAAAAAAACWY/Jww-TGD76Q4/s640/IMG_0301.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIGp4-wmOpM/Uf52wsBr-7I/AAAAAAAACWg/RMksBl5-wMY/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIGp4-wmOpM/Uf52wsBr-7I/AAAAAAAACWg/RMksBl5-wMY/s640/IMG_0303.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I53Nq6xavEQ/Uf52xs-H7zI/AAAAAAAACWk/1CEXRW0NfFg/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I53Nq6xavEQ/Uf52xs-H7zI/AAAAAAAACWk/1CEXRW0NfFg/s640/IMG_0304.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcZpLmu5sl0/Uf520JCvdYI/AAAAAAAACWs/WgTsLtpa6f4/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcZpLmu5sl0/Uf520JCvdYI/AAAAAAAACWs/WgTsLtpa6f4/s640/IMG_0305.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T99r8D4stGs/Uf522Io9GNI/AAAAAAAACW0/B-nuoFShZ3M/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T99r8D4stGs/Uf522Io9GNI/AAAAAAAACW0/B-nuoFShZ3M/s640/IMG_0306.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin love!</td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-24172272225555757362013-07-30T18:44:00.004-04:002013-07-30T18:44:58.699-04:00July 28, 29, and 30, 2013: Barga!
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As I’m writing this post, I am on the train from Lucca to
Firenze. I am realizing how lucky I have been on this vacation. I just spent
two nights and almost three days with the Goodman family. They are just
wonderful, generous, and kind people that I really loved to get to know over
this trip. For those of you just tuning in, Mike and I met Bob about three
weeks ago in Florence. We were going to be in Rome on the same weekend, and
decided to meet up with Bob again, along with his wife Michele and daughter
Hannah. We had two great dinners in Rome, and the Goodmans invited me to visit
them at their second home in Barga later on during my trip (which was now!).</div>
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They welcomed me to their Barga home. It is up in the
mountains, northwest of Lucca. The town is stunning, with mountain and river
views almost everywhere you look. The first day I arrived, the whole family was
at the train station waiting for me. They picked me up and brought me to their
little town, where we ate at a great pizza restaurant called Capretz (Bob,
correct me on any wrong spellings of restaurants!). We then toured the town a
bit and hiked up to the stone duomo overlooking gorgeous Tuscan hills. After
looking at some amazing artwork on display at the duomo museum, we decided that
it was gelato-time, which is me and Hannah’s favorite time of the day. </div>
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Their house is incredible, and it was just as Bob described
to Mike and I when we first met up. It’s a stone house, three stories, with
beautiful rooms overlooking the mountains. Going to sleep in the guest room was
like turning on one of those nature clocks with a babbling brook to try to get
you to sleep, only the babbling brook was the river rolling right outside their
yard. Because their river is drainage from the mountaintops, there was very
little water due to us being there so late in the summer. </div>
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The next day, July 29<sup>th</sup>, was a great time. We
started off by going into town for coffee and meeting up with some of their
friends. Everyone in Barga knows each other, waves to each other as their
driving by or walking by. They actually know their neighbors and everyone takes
care of each other. Their friends (Ed and Anna) were a pleasure to meet and we
all sat together and made good conversation. It was raining on this day, so we
decided against going to the pool and just got in the car and explored a little
neighboring town. Before getting to the town, we stopped at an amazing seafood
restaurant along the highway and just ate ourselves silly. One of the most delicious
lunches I’ve had in Italy, actually! Once we got to the town, we did some
sightseeing, exploring, and had some fun photo shoots. They drove me over to
“Devil’s Bridge,” which is this medieval stone bridge that boasts very distinct
architecture. The story of the bridge is: in Medieval times, the town needed a
bridge to be built so people could transverse the river. They had no money, so
they asked the devil to come and build it for them. The devil agreed, but in
return, said that the first soul to walk over the bridge would be his forever.
The people agreed, and the devil built the bridge. Once he asked for his end of
the bargain, the people sent a dog over the bridge first, so that was his first
soul. It’s a cool story and an even cooler sight to see.</div>
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We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant (a favorite of
Hannah’s) in town called L’Altana. We again ate so much delicious fresh food:
fresh pasta with truffle sauce, chicken and vegetables, potatoes, green beans,
vegetable soup, veal with ham and melted cheese, and of course delicious house
red. We ended the night back at the same gelato place that we stopped at on the
first day and treated ourselves to yet another delish ice cream.</div>
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Today (July 30) was a great day. We had a lazy morning and
were treated to a great American breakfast by Michele. I was especially
appreciative of that! Italians do not eat eggs and toast for breakfast here.
It’s a sugary cakey pastry and an espresso (un caffe) and off they go. I can’t
do the sugary mix in the morning, so this was wonderful! We got our bathing
suits on and went to a local pool that overlooked the mountains. </div>
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I can’t say enough how happy I am that I met the Goodman
family. They are from Chicago, so we are planning a fun weekend sometime in the
Fall to all meet and go to a CSO concert together. These are friends that we
will definitely keep in touch with for years to come, and how special is it
that we met in Italy? Thanks to Bob, Michele, and the lovely Hannah for a
fun-filled three days in Barga!</div>
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After I got back to Florence, I was hungry for a good dinner. Because (UGH) Roberto Benigni is still performing in Piazza Santa Croce, I had to walk all around the square to get home. I knew that I needed something really good, so I went to Baldovino. The waiter immediately recognized me from three weeks ago (when I first took Mike there). His name is Stefano, and he is adorable and really nice. We talked for a little bit about my long trip here, and he said that he was so jealous that I was going to Cinque Terre tomorrow. He brought over a complimentary glass of Prosecco, just because I was a returning customer. Moral of the story = Baldovino is amazing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the pool today. Not bad, eh?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuqgiVNSBQQ/Ufg9VrnRRmI/AAAAAAAACFA/rLM4uzLbLVQ/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vuqgiVNSBQQ/Ufg9VrnRRmI/AAAAAAAACFA/rLM4uzLbLVQ/s640/IMG_0282.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of L'uomo morto. The mountain in the distance looks like a "dead" man. You can see his profile from his right side of the face, and his nose is pointing up. The bigger mountain on the right is supposedly his knees bent while he's sleeping. Cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XM12uwJsBVo/Ufg9XT27IoI/AAAAAAAACFI/Jsns3gnEKVA/s1600/2013-07-28+00.59.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XM12uwJsBVo/Ufg9XT27IoI/AAAAAAAACFI/Jsns3gnEKVA/s640/2013-07-28+00.59.44.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barga!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPKawkG48vE/Ufg9ZgksjVI/AAAAAAAACFQ/5rO92tNVE24/s1600/2013-07-28+02.25.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPKawkG48vE/Ufg9ZgksjVI/AAAAAAAACFQ/5rO92tNVE24/s640/2013-07-28+02.25.36.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbrellas painted by Keane, a very well-known local artist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpiTZwo_fM/Ufg9b5ZgrOI/AAAAAAAACFY/9NC_x7enVYw/s1600/2013-07-28+02.27.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpiTZwo_fM/Ufg9b5ZgrOI/AAAAAAAACFY/9NC_x7enVYw/s640/2013-07-28+02.27.03.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The climb up to the Duomo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Man again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ST-pUmppcIo/Ufg9lgXLWLI/AAAAAAAACF4/D-hw0AsOM84/s1600/2013-07-28+02.51.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ST-pUmppcIo/Ufg9lgXLWLI/AAAAAAAACF4/D-hw0AsOM84/s640/2013-07-28+02.51.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Barga from the Duomo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ3djr-37pg/Ufg9m1AxbeI/AAAAAAAACGA/X_nYAQqhjKo/s1600/2013-07-28+02.51.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ3djr-37pg/Ufg9m1AxbeI/AAAAAAAACGA/X_nYAQqhjKo/s640/2013-07-28+02.51.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful mountains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwZnzg6TD4E/Ufg9rS20HaI/AAAAAAAACGQ/L1h17Xy6Ewo/s1600/2013-07-28+02.52.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AwZnzg6TD4E/Ufg9rS20HaI/AAAAAAAACGQ/L1h17Xy6Ewo/s640/2013-07-28+02.52.40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duomo, which was built at three different times. Notice the difference in the stones and construction?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0Bo2-mEvNA/Ufg9s-KkXaI/AAAAAAAACGY/unHGzS3CSDA/s1600/2013-07-28+02.53.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0Bo2-mEvNA/Ufg9s-KkXaI/AAAAAAAACGY/unHGzS3CSDA/s640/2013-07-28+02.53.14.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUFp3fZzFk0/Ufg9u19uiJI/AAAAAAAACGg/sTv89HXEIoY/s1600/2013-07-28+02.56.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUFp3fZzFk0/Ufg9u19uiJI/AAAAAAAACGg/sTv89HXEIoY/s640/2013-07-28+02.56.54.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulpit inside of the Duomo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-mAb81OwvY/Ufg9ye8u4lI/AAAAAAAACGw/mctFnsN77AQ/s1600/2013-07-28+03.00.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-mAb81OwvY/Ufg9ye8u4lI/AAAAAAAACGw/mctFnsN77AQ/s640/2013-07-28+03.00.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling of the Duomo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JadUuSlCPdk/Ufg93qSDYqI/AAAAAAAACHM/BpKtUiV40A4/s1600/2013-07-28+03.38.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JadUuSlCPdk/Ufg93qSDYqI/AAAAAAAACHM/BpKtUiV40A4/s640/2013-07-28+03.38.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michele, Hannah, me...the girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory solo tourist pic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti di mare!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devils Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goodmans at Devils Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us at Devils Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local restaurants capitalizing on the bridge landmark across the street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending the bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks that my train traveled on to get me to Barga</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool, asymmetrical clock tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Della Robbia statue of Mary Magdalene</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremely old brick bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldovino</td></tr>
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<!--EndFragment-->Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-45794453427272769812013-07-29T18:33:00.001-04:002013-07-29T18:33:27.211-04:00Barga Blog Post: Under Construction!Dear Friends,<div><br></div><div>I am looking forward to writing my Barga blog, but I am saving that task for the 2 hour train ride home (after the pool!) tomorrow. Bob, Michele, and Hannah have been amazing hosts and I am so blessed to have met them. </div><div><br></div><div>We are all missing our Mike, so if you're reading this, mi manchi!</div><div><br></div><div>A domani, baci baci,</div><div><br></div><div>Alley</div>Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-5724244314995263892013-07-27T14:49:00.001-04:002013-07-27T14:51:02.291-04:00July 27, 2013: 100 Degrees in Firenze? Poolside for this ragazza.It's getting wicked hot in Firenze. The days in the beginning of the trip were in the low 80's, with low humidity, making the weather enjoyable and the shade refreshing. Now, it's jumped almost 15 degrees since then, with no indication that it will drop. After yesterday's pool experience at the villa, I decided to beat the heat here in Firenze.<br />
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I looked up where to find public pools. I figured that there HAD to be some in a city like this. The one most recommended was called <a href="http://www.partyearth.com/florence/things-to-do/outdoors/le-pavoniere-2/#review">Parco Piscina Le Pavoniere</a> at Cascine Park. It is in a beautiful park on the southeastern side of the city. It was nearly impossible to find, because the bus system here is quite confusing. I don't know about the Florentines. If a tourist in Boston needed help in finding directions about public transportation, I think that by the third person they talked to, they'd get a solid and friendly answer and know exactly what to do. I went to the TI (Tourist Information, that's right!) and got poor directions!<br />
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Anyway....I finally got there, and it was worth it. It cost 9 Euro to get in, which was reasonable. Somewhat crowded, but I had expected that because it was a Saturday. There was a big pool, and a small, kidney bean shaped pool for the bambini. The pool "house" looked like a villa, but inside were locker rooms, restaurants, and bar/pizzeria. Supposedly at night, the whole place transforms into a club-like vibe with a DJ. I spent about 5-6 hours at the pool, dipping in and out while reading. I was also checking out what everyone else was reading. Almost every book I saw was Dan Brown's "Inferno," his latest book which takes place in Florence. I was kicking myself for forgetting mine on the dresser in Boston. It's kind of cool, though. I think the author would like to know that Florentines are all into it.<br />
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Once the DJ showed up, I left. There's just something funny about feeling like I'm in a Forever 21 while I'm at a pool in Italy. All the DJ's play here is American pop music! All set.<br />
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After a lot of sun, swimming, and relaxing, I'm back at the apartment and ready to go walking around. Florence is really most beautiful at night, so it's a nice long stroll, window shopping, and of course a big gelato on this hot night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Cascine Park</td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-55911069368395607192013-07-26T16:10:00.005-04:002013-07-26T16:10:59.924-04:00July 26, 2013: Cooking in the CountrysideToday was, to say the least, a dream come to life. I had booked a "Tuscan Farmhouse Experience" tour with the company that we used for our Rome Tours (Walks of Italy), and could not have been more pleased with my afternoon.<br />
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I took the train from Firenze SMN to Chiusi-Chianciano, which is on the border of Tuscany and Umbria. This was about two hours away by regional train. The station in Chiusi is wicked tiny, so finding my "person" wasn't too difficult. Alina Pinelli, the daughter of the owner of the farmhouse, was there to pick me up and drive me to the villa. She warmly greeted me and before I knew it, we were zipping through the country to end up at the most beautiful farm I've ever seen. The name of the villa is <a href="http://www.countryslowliving.com/wp/">Il Fontanaro</a>, and it is in the town of Paciano. If you are looking for a villa to rent on a Tuscan vacation, you'd be crazy to go anywhere but here.<br />
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As it turned out, I was the only person signed up for the cooking portion of the tour, so I got a one-on-one lesson in organic Italian cooking! Not being a cook AT ALL (just ask anyone who has lived with me), this was an amazing experience and it actually took away a lot of the "fear" that I have of cooking. Lucia, the owner of the farm and villa, made me feel comfortable and at home right away. She introduced me to some of her other guests (very nice people from LA and Boston) and brought us to the olive oil and honey mill, where the farm actually makes their own products, bottles, and sells it. She was smiling the whole time, and so passionately talking about what she and her family do at the farm. She says that they work extremely hard, doing a LOT of manual labor, but enjoy every moment about it. They only put out the best product possible, even if it means losing a little bit of oil in the process. She showed us pictures of her family in the olive groves and beehives, smiling as they were working.<br />
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Then, it was me-time in the kitchen with Lucia. First, we made the traditional Italian fruitcake. She had picked about 10 fresh apricots from her farm, and told me how happy she was that I was there today because the apricots only last for about fifteen days of the whole entire season. I tried one, and it was better than any candy I've ever had. Sweet is not even the word for it. She pitted the apricots, splashed olive oil in the pan, and sprinkled brown sugar all over. We let it sit for later, because we had to make the batter for the top. Then, it was time to make the lunch. She was amazing- just picked a handful of fresh tomatoes, eggplant, onion, and basil for the fresh sauce. She had me chopping onions and sampling everything as we went through. We made ravioli from scratch, and filled them with fresh ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, along with fresh herbs. Lucia was extremely helpful and complimented my "work" very much as we cooked together. The smells, tastes, and good company were exactly what I needed today. She made an incredibly tasty filet on a bed of rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and basil, and it came out bursting with flavor. We all sat down to lunch together and had a wonderful time. I felt like I had known them for years.<br />
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I had just enough time to go in the infinity pool for a while, where I spent some time soaking in the sun (without sweating through my clothes) and visiting with her other guests. I met someone who lives on the Back Bay/South End line, so it was totally awesome talking to him about Boston and our favorite haunts.<br />
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I finished my swim, and we ended our visit by eating our amazing apricot fruitcake with some vanilla gelato. I couldn't have been happier with my day, and for sure, this will be one of my favorite memories of this trip. Lucia is a lover of opera, and she may even give me some information as to how to see a performance or two. She even offered to pick me up from the train and go along with me. That, my friends, is true Italian hospitality.<br />
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For more information about Il Fontanaro, you can visit the following sites:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_143460900"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.umbriatuscanyreview.com/">www.umbriatuscanyreview.com</a><br />
<a href="http://letscookblog.com/">letscookblog.com</a><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/fontanaro">pinterest.com/fontanaro</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/italyholiday">www.facebook.com/italyholiday</a>Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-76488007131066545052013-07-25T16:35:00.001-04:002013-07-25T16:35:31.559-04:00July 25, 2013: The Sweetness of Doing NothingToday was...weird.<br />
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I woke up at 11am. Ate some fresh fruit for breakfast, and decided to shower and get ready for the day. I had no plans, and no real desire to do much of anything. It's strange to be on a "vacation" for five weeks, because if you go hard every day for five weeks, it's going to take a toll on your body for sure. So, I left the apartment, walked over to Oltrarno, and ate some pizza. And it was delicious!<br />
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Thanks to Caroline, I found Gusta Pizza, one of the more busy and yummy pizzerias in Florence. The city really isn't known for their pizza here. I ate an entire margherita pizza, read a few pages of my book, and then headed out around town. I suddenly became exhausted and just walked home for a nap. It was almost laughable. I did absolutely nothing today, but was completely wiped out.<br />
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In Boston, I'd have days like this where I wouldn't feel guilty about doing nothing. It's home there. For me to be in Florence and doing absolutely nothing is hard, but necessary. So, I have no pictures for you today, and no interesting adventures to read, and that's okay!<br />
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I simply ate a pizza, read a chapter, and napped.<br />
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Goodnight! :)Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-84369350830121957342013-07-25T06:30:00.003-04:002013-07-25T06:30:48.946-04:00July 24, 2013: David...we meet again.Madelyn of course had to visit the Accademia Gallery to see the David, and its prized collection of expensive and rare musical instruments. Because we purchased the Amici Degli Uffizi card, we were able to skip the wicked long line and get in after waiting about 20 minutes. Not bad!<br />
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We toured the gallery quickly and spent most of our time in the musical instruments room and Michelangelo's gallery of unfinished works, and of course, at his sculpture of David. I've seen it a few times by now, and it doesn't become less impressive ever. I was almost laughing at myself, thinking that I could just walk in here every day and see it for a few minutes, and then leave. I'm very lucky!<br />
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We spent our afternoon shopping San Lorenzo and some leather stores around the Duomo. I purchased some gifts for family and friends and some for myself as well. I think I'm done with the shopping, though! I'll have to buy another suitcase...<br />
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We had dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito (remember, the one with the bubbling gnocchi?). We each got decadent pasta dishes and drank some white wine, compliments of the restaurant for having us wait so long for a table. After dinner, we got gelato from my favorite place (Santa Trinita) and walked up the hill to Piazzale Michelangiolo. Seeing this view never gets old, either.<br />
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Tomorrow is a day for sleeping in, reading, and maybe taking the train to a neighboring town. Why not?<br />
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-70377208857766773432013-07-23T19:17:00.003-04:002013-07-23T19:17:49.186-04:00July 23, 2013: "You-Feet-See"Today was Madelyn's first full day in Florence. After breakfast (fresh fruit from the market and croissants from Cafe Verdi), we headed over to the Uffizi for a day of marveling at works of art.<br />
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Because this was my second time through this trip, I did not feel like purchasing an audioguide. I bought the thing I should have purchased the first time around, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Uffizi-Official-Guide-Works/dp/8809014871">Uffizi Gallery Official Guide</a>, translated into English. It outlines all of the rooms and mentions what each piece is in the museum, complete with maps and indexes. If you're coming to Florence, you should definitely purchase this, as it will be a great book for your coffee table when you get home.<br />
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We spent about 4-5 hours in the museum, looking through all of our favorite rooms. We then shopped around Florence, and bought some special items for ourselves. I bought a charm of the Ponte Vecchio on the <a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/florence/ponte_vecchio/old_bridge.htm">Ponte Vecchio</a>, and a charm of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Santa_Croce,_Florence">Santa Croce</a>. Madelyn bought a gorgeous blue leather briefcase. Love the life here!<br />
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We then took a walk through the <a href="http://www.uffizi.firenze.it/musei/?m=boboli">Boboli Gardens</a> and relaxed a bit. It was HOT here today, so any relaxing outside was not as relaxing as it could have been.<br />
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We ended up eating dinner in the center of town. Madelyn ordered pappardelle with wild boar, and I had gnocchi in butter with asparagus. Delish!<br />
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Tonight's entertainment was brought to us by Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina. They played a beautiful chamber music program of Vivaldi, Bach, and Respighi. It was really lovely music, and the acoustics in the square, stone courtyard of the Bargello Museum were actually pretty amazing. Perfect setting for chamber music!<br />
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Tonight ended with chocolate-orange gelato from Vivoli, followed by Campari and Sodas at a little bar near Santa Croce.<br />
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All in all, a spectacular Florentine day.<br />
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Really cool pathway in Boboli Gardens</div>
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Mystery staircase in Boboli Gardens</div>
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Finally catching some shade</div>
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View from Boboli</div>
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Concert setting in the Bargello</div>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-21973503449793387192013-07-22T19:59:00.001-04:002013-07-22T20:10:43.278-04:00July 22, 2013: "Your Eyes Are Beautiful."If you read on through this post, you'll "get" the title.<br />
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This morning started off pretty slow. I woke up, went to Sant'Ambrogio, and got some fresh fruit and focaccia for Madelyn, who was coming in from a 12 hour night train ride from Germany. She arrived, we ate, visited, and planned our day. Madelyn is a great clarinetist that I had met at the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival last summer, and she is traveling through Europe, doing research and attending a clarinet conference in Assisi. She is with me for three days, and it's my job to be the tour guide!<br />
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We headed over to the Duomo, formally known as Santa Maria del Fiore, which is a breathtaking sight. We walked in and took in the art, sculpture, and simplicity/splendor of the inside. Looking up into the dome is overwhelming. First off, it's extremely high, so it's almost difficult to even focus on one thing. (Stolen from Wikipedia:) It was suggested that the interior of the 45m wide dome should be covered with a mosaic decoration to make the most of the available light coming through the circular windows of the drum and through the lantern. Brunelleschi had proposed the vault to glimmer with resplendent gold, but his death in 1446 put an end to this project, and the walls of the dome were whitewashed. Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici decided to have the dome painted with a representation of The Last Judgment. This enormous work, 3,600 metres² (38 750 ft²) of painted surface, was started in 1568 by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari and would last till 1579. The upper portion, near the lantern, representing The 24 Elders of Apoc. 4 was finished by Vasari before his death in 1574. Federico Zuccari and a number of collaborators, such as Domenico Cresti, finished the other portions: (from top to bottom) Choirs of Angels; Christ, Mary and Saints; Virtues, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Beatitudes; and at the bottom of the cuppola: Capital Sins and Hell. These frescoes are considered Zuccari's greatest work.<br />
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Then, we decided to walk up the 414 steps in the bell tower. It was hard! The stairs were steep, narrow, and never-ending. It was so worth the view! We imagined what it was like in the 1700's, building this with no modern technology. Hauling stone up 300 feet in the air- we had trouble just hauling ourselves.<br />
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We decided to go to see Offenbach's "Orpheo al Inferno" tonight, which was held at the same outdoor theater as the ballet (courtyard of the Pitti Palace). It was extremely well done, from the sets, to the live orchestra, and the vocalists. I'd never learned about the opera before, so we did some google searching during intermission. It's a great opera and I'd recommend it to anyone!<br />
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Before the opera (which started at 9:30pm), we had dinner over in Piazza San Spirito. We ended up at Ristorante Ricchi, which was were Mike and I spent one of our first dinners. They told us it was a 5 minute wait, apologized for the inconvenience, and had the bartender pour us two glasses of Prosecco. Love this country. After a great meal (Madelyn ordered squid ink pasta and clams, which is something that I will repeatedly go back there for!), we went inside the bar to pay the bill. Behind the gelato counter, there stood the same bartender who poured us our Prosecco. He is, in every sense, your classically tall-dark-and-handsome gorgeous Italian. He looks at me, and says (in Italian) "your eyes are beautiful." <i>"Tu occhi sono bellissima."</i> I thought he said "the gnocchi here is beautiful." What does Alley respond with, you ask?<br />
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<i>"Oh, I ordered the tagliatelle. It was delicious."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-78143561199107059652013-07-21T19:52:00.001-04:002013-07-21T19:52:19.175-04:00July 21, 2013: Snoozin' in the GardensToday was the hottest day so far in Italy. I know it's bad back at home, but when you're walking uphill in the direct Tuscan sunlight for 30 minutes, it's tough!<br />
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I started the day late, and headed over to All'Antico Vinaio, my favorite sandwich spot in Florence. I could eat there every day, and I'm going to have trouble finding a replacement for it once I'm back in B-town. The ingredients are so fresh, and you can see the men delivering the freshly baked focaccia from their shop across the street. Today, I had fresh focaccia, cheese spread, eggplant spread, salame Toscana, fresh tomatoes, and olive oil. Warmed up, this sandwich is pure heaven!<br />
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I then headed across the Arno (stopping for frutti di bosco gelato of course) and walked up to the Pitti Palace. I have an Amici Degli Uffizi card, so I can get free tickets for all of the state museums and gardens for the whole year. I walked up to the Boboli gardens and took some pictures. There were a lot of people walking around, laying in the sun, or picnicking in the shade. It was too crowded and noisy for me to sit and read Frances Mayes', so I made the trek over to the Bardini Gardens, which is much harder to find and further away from Boboli. These gardens are serene, and they offer really comfy wooden benches that boast a gorgeous view of the city. I found a bench overlooking Florence, saw Piazzale Michelangiolo to my right, and ended up falling asleep for about an hour. I must have looked like a sight, lying sideways on the bench and sleeping when I could have been marveling at the breathtaking view! I stayed here for about 3 hours, reading, napping, reading, and more napping. The bells of Santa Croce woke me up, and I caught a short video of them ringing toward the end of their "concert." The dissonance and rhythm of those bells is something that literally slows down my pulse and helps me realize that I'm in a very, very special place.<br />
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I had a Tuscan home-cooked meal tonight. Francesco and Loredana invited me over to their apartment for dinner. We had pork, Tuscan-style, spiced with salt, rosemary, and garlic. Spinach and mashed potatoes were delish, and we downed a bottle of Chianti Classico. We had great conversation, and I got to play with the bambini again.<br />
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This trip is exactly what I needed! I have my friend Madelyn coming over tomorrow for three days, so I get to play Tour Guide again. I love this! She only has 2.5 days, so we are going to wake up early and see the entire city. Madelyn and I met while we were playing at the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival last summer in NYC, and she's traveling through Florence en route to a clarinet convention in Assisi. Looking forward to taking her to Uffizi, Palazzo Vecchio, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Accademia, Piazzale Michelangiolo, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, Sant'Ambrogio, and San Lorenzo market. It's going to be a fun time for us gals in Firenze this week!<br />
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View of the south side of Florence of the hills of the Boboli Gardens</div>
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South side view- check out the castle!</div>
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I don't know anything about that castle- will do some research tomorrow.</div>
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Top of Boboli Gardens</div>
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There's Mickey in the distance.</div>
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View of the city from Boboli Gardens</div>
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Entrance of Bardini Gardens</div>
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Beauty.</div>
<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-54746181317023778602013-07-20T18:47:00.001-04:002013-07-20T19:15:59.237-04:00July 20, 2013: A Shopper's Guide to FirenzeOkay, here are my directions for successful bargain shopping in Florence. Some of it is obvious, but some points are real lessons I've learned.<br />
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When in the market a la Sant'Ambrogio:<br />
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<li>Do your best to make friends, and speak as much Italian as you can. Even if it's bad, the locals really appreciate it when you try to speak their language. Many of them know English, so you can at least communicate between your broken Italian and their broken English.</li>
<li>Shop at the same stand for at least one item, such as fruit or meats. Bonding with the people is part of the experience, and trust me, when you're vacationing alone, it's nice to see a familiar smiling face.</li>
<li>Sample as much food as you can. Duh!</li>
<li>Don't over-buy- the market is open every day, and you want your food fresh! They don't do grocery shopping like I do at home (Peapod by Stop & Shop) and buy a week's worth at once. Going to the market is a daily ritual!</li>
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When in the market a la San Lorenzo:</div>
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<li>You might hate to read this, but if you're a woman, go talk to the men. They love the attention, and usually will give you a cheaper price if you smile at them. Don't judge me.</li>
<li>ONLY carry a limited amount of cash on you. This is for a couple of reasons: Number 1, pick-pockets. Number 2, if you can prove that you don't have enough cash to pay 30E for a cheaper leather purse, they will be so desperate to keep your business that suddenly, that bag is now worth 20E. Happened to me today (I keep 20E in the main part of my wallet, and stash the rest in the change purse part. Get's 'em every time).</li>
<li>Shop the ENTIRE market. Write down prices that other vendors have quoted you on the same items, and use that information while you're shopping at the stand that you really want to buy from. I had three different quotes for a small leather handbag today. 35, 20, and 13. Seriously! All I had to do was tell the 35E guy that someone down the street offered me 13, and I had 'em.</li>
<li>Most important: When they tell you the price, frown, shake your head, and start to walk away. They'll literally run after you and ask you YOUR price. Always give them the lowball answer and you'll end up paying a fair price for it.</li>
<li>Scarves and little things: buy multiples from the same person. They will reduce the price for each if you buy a few!</li>
<li>Jewelry: It's junk here. Go to the Ponte Vecchio for the real stuff that will last forever! You'll spend more, but they're real metals that will always be a keepsake of your trip.</li>
<li>Always know you can get the same product from another vendor (possibly next door), so don't get your heart set on one thing, thinking you'll never be able to purchase it after the guy gives up trying.</li>
<li>Have fun! It's a game. </li>
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Masks at San Lorenzo</div>
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Hats at San Lorenzo</div>
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San Lorenzo Market</div>
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Dark skies at the Duomo!</div>
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Crazy concert seating set-up in Santa Croce for Roberto Benigni. This dude made my walk home super long tonight. Damn you, Roberto.</div>
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Florence has all of my money.</div>
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Cool sculpture on Ponte Alle Grazie</div>
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Gorgeous Ponte Vecchio at Sunset</div>
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Another awesome photo of the beautiful old bridge!</div>
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This picture does not do tonight's sunset justice.</div>
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Hazy Firenze</div>
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Don't let the cranes ruin the picture.</div>
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Reading Under the Tuscan Sun under the Tuscan sun</div>
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Palazzo Vecchio</div>
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Big fish</div>
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You'll see the (cough) moderate amount of stuff I purchased today, all for under 75E!</div>
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After this long and fun day of eating and shopping, I hiked up to Piazzale Michelangelio and had a cocktail. I am reading "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes while I'm here. I know it's cliche, but I never read the book and heard that it was a lot better than the movie. Only one gelato for today from Santa Trinita: Crema and Dark Chocolate. I had pasta bolognese from a nice little restaurant on the other side of the Arno, with a real tasty glass of vino rosso della casa. </div>
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Salute!</div>
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Goodnight, Firenze.</div>
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Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-62276178357432507662013-07-20T08:12:00.002-04:002013-07-20T19:13:41.658-04:00Photos from Rome & Gamberale- Enjoy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Vatican</div>
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St. Peter's Square</div>
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St. Peter's Basilica</div>
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Michelangelo's first signed sculpture. It is behind bullet proof glass now, as someone had come into the church years ago and attacked the sculpture with a hammer. Michelangelo's signature is engraved across her chest.</div>
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Beautiful sunlight into the basilica</div>
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St. Peter's Basilica</div>
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Swiss guard in uniform, at the Vatican gate. Michelangelo designed the uniforms.</div>
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Derek and I at Colosseum</div>
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St. Peter's Square</div>
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Mike and I at Colloseum</div>
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View from the hills of Rome</div>
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Hills of Rome</div>
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Hills of Rome</div>
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Forum</div>
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Forum</div>
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Forum</div>
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This is where Julius Caesar's funeral was held.</div>
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Via Sacra, one of Rome's original roads</div>
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Triumphal Arch of Titus</div>
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Original seats for upper class</div>
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Tunnels which used to be underground. This is where props would be transported, criminals walked through to be publicly executed, and exotic animals would be brought up in elevators to be hunted. The gray vertical structures are parts of the original elevators used for the events.</div>
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We took a VIP tour- Mike underground!</div>
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Also a restricted access site- on top of Colosseum!</div>
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View of the Forum</div>
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Inside Colosseum</div>
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Best gelato we've had; Giolitti in Rome!</div>
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Pantheon at night.</div>
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Adorable clock shop in Rome</div>
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Trevi Fountain</div>
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The Goodman family, throwing their three coins each!</div>
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Church where the wedding was held in Gamberale</div>
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Derek and I at the wedding</div>
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Villa Danilo, where the wedding was hosted</div>
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Gamberale</div>
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Gamberale</div>
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Castle in Gamberale</div>
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My name is Allison Lacasse, and I have a problem.</div>
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Santa Croce with spotlights- there will be a HUGE show tonight featuring Roberto Benigni in the square.</div>
<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-56746775672691250392013-07-20T05:56:00.001-04:002013-07-20T05:56:28.286-04:00Photos from Rome- More to Come!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Piazza Navona (Angels and Demons!)</div>
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Pantheon</div>
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Spanish Steps</div>
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Spanish Steps</div>
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Hills of Rome</div>
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Piazza del Popolo </div>
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Villa Borghese</div>
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Vatican (Original Pinecone, dating before records of Christ's birth)</div>
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2,000-year-old sculpture of a lion, black marble </div>
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Modern sculpture of the earth </div>
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Coffin carved out of marble in the Vatican</div>
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One of the most famous sculptures, Laocoon and His Sons</div>
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Vatican</div>
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Vatican</div>
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Belvedere Torso, inspired Michelangelo very much</div>
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Mosiac floor, original</div>
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"Nero's jacuzzi"</div>
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Raffaele</div>
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Raffaele (portrait of Michelangelo within the fresco) </div>
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Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-51444821497470701922013-07-19T20:01:00.001-04:002013-07-19T20:01:34.780-04:00July 17, 18, 19: The Wedding Where to begin? On the 17th, I said goodbye to Mike, which was really hard! We only had two weeks together (not even, really), and the time completely flew. It was sad to see him go, but it made me happy to know that we did so much and got through the two weeks with a lot of laughs, food, teamwork, and fun!<br />
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I met Derek in Rome and headed up to the mountains of Abruzzo on a bus with many other guests of the wedding. About four hours outside of Rome, the countryside was amazing. The air was about 30 degrees cooler and fresher, and the mountains rose so high that you couldn't even see the peaks because of the fog and clouds. We got to the quaint hotel that would be hosting the wedding reception, and I began to meet everyone. Derek's friends from Italy are wonderful people. Right away, I felt welcomed and at home, and even made some new friends that I know I'll keep in touch with after this trip.<br />
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We had a big dinner, at a really long table- the kind that you see in movies about Italian weddings. The food was delicious and the conversation was great. The wedding was a marriage of an American and an Italian, so many of the guests were English-speaking, which was helpful!<br />
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The next day (July 18th) was the wedding. Italian weddings are NO JOKE. It was awesome! The bus picked us up from our hotel at 9:30am and the entire group drove up to Gamberale (aka, the most beautiful middle-of-nowhere). The bride's grandfather had grown up there and donated money to keep the church thriving, so they were married in the piazza outside the church. The town of Gamberale has under 50 residents, which meant that our wedding of 60 guests more than doubled the population of the town that day! Unreal.<br />
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After the wedding, we want back to the hotel (Villa Danilo) and ate. And ate, and ate, and ate. I have never in my life seen so much food. We had appetizers around the pool at 2. We had a five course dinner at 4. Buffet dessert at 8. I couldn't believe how much was served, and we ate all of it!<br />
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I am so happy to have had this experience, and grateful to the family and Derek for being so welcoming this week. Enjoy the pictures of Rome and Abruzzo (uploading overnight, will be posted tomorrow)!Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-90487103779791678802013-07-16T20:03:00.001-04:002013-07-16T20:03:17.623-04:00July 16, 2013: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day...and the same goes for this blog. <div><br></div><div>Because it is 1:40 AM, and we are both leaving Rome very early tomorrow, this is going to be brief!</div><div><br></div><div>Today was our favorite day in Rome. We took a VIP restricted access tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and the Palatine Hill. We walked on original roads that are over two thousand years old. Boston roads can't uphold one winter without people falling in potholes! It's because their main roads were made of volcanic rock. Our tour guide was fun, educational, smart, and very witty. He made it seem like an adventure, bringing us through ancient ruins that have been preserved underground for generations. </div><div><br></div><div>We walked down into the Forum, through chunks of rock and marble, and learned about the political and judicial buildings that once stood on the foundation that we could see today. We stood in the same spot where Julius Caesar's funeral took place. Again, hard to imagine these stories that we have been told our whole lives actually took place on the very ground we were walking in. </div><div><br></div><div>Rome is incredible because so much of it is still underground. Throughout the centuries, the Romans built their modern city on top of the old one, using the buildings and marble as foundation. Jon, our guide, told us that they have been working for twenty years to build a third metro line through the city. Rome has 3 million residents and only two metro lines underground, creating major traffic above ground. However, as soon as they start to dig more tunnels, they run into ruins and must begin excavating. So much of the city will not be discovered just because the metropolitan city above ground must continue to function as a normal city. </div><div><br></div><div>The Colosseum, really named the Flavian Amphitheater, is a wonder of the world. We were brought onto the main stage floor, where lions, tigers, and other exotic animals were hunted for the people's entertainment. We walked through tunnels that gladiators came through before they fought to the death for an audience of 55,000 Romans. We were in the back stage area, where the slaves were wheeling conveyor belts of props out to the main arena to decorate for the different events and games. The first event was the hunting of the exotic animals. The second event were the public executions of Roman criminals, to show the people what happens when you break the law. The third event was the gladiator fight. They would start with 8 gladiators, working in pairs. They'd narrow it down to 4 men, and they would pair up. Those 4 men would die off down to 2. The two would fight, but not necessarily to the death. Once the winner is determined, the crowd cheers in one of two directions. For mercy, or no mercy. The emperor listens to the crowd and decides what the people want most. Usually, they want the losing gladiator dead. The winning gladiator would look towards the emperor, and he would give him a sign to either kill him or spare him. Then, the winner would be handed his cash reward, get patched up at the hospital, and wait for the next battle. </div><div><br></div><div>Romans were not charged to enter the Colosseum, ever. They were given terra cotta tablets with Roman numerals on them (1-80) directing them to one of the 80 entrances to the arena. Jon joked that for the actual games, there were 80 open and free entrances. Today, there is one entrance and it will cost you 13 Euro to get in. Progress!</div><div><br></div><div>Today was very educational and interesting. The history we were standing around was incredible and humbling. This was my favorite tour of the Ancient City, and I've been on three!</div><div><br></div><div>Tonight ended with one more dinner with Bob, Michele, and Hannah. We went to a life changing gelateria, and walked over to Fontana di Trevi to throw our three coins in. </div><div><br></div><div>Ciao, Roma! Off to Gamberale in the morning!</div>Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-14225218495800466052013-07-15T19:51:00.001-04:002013-07-15T19:51:18.680-04:00July 15, 2013: I don't know how those Gladiators did it.I'm writing to you as I relax in my hotel bed- this city is a LOT of walking!<div><br></div><div>Started off the day by having breakfast near the Spanish Steps. Not a bad hang at all. Then Derek met us and took us over to the Villa Borghese- I had Respighi on my mind as we walked through the park and admired the greenery! This view is also gorgeous, and it looked right over Piazza del Popolo, another interesting square that was a major scene for the movie Angels and Demons. Tom Hanks wasn't around...<br><div><br></div><div>We had a great tour of Musei Vaticani this afternoon. Camilla, our tour guide, was so educated on the place and her passion for the history of Rome was very apparent throughout the tour. The company is called Walks of Italy, and we would highly recommend them as well! very professional and top class company. </div><div><br></div><div>Vatican City is an overwhelming place, and its almost too difficult to describe in words. We were looking at Roman baths that stood in the middle of the city, before records of Christ's birth. Thousands of years old! And, they're in perfect condition, as if they were built yesterday. It's astounding, and it almost makes you dizzy thinking about how old this city is.</div><div><br></div><div>We learned a lot about past Popes, and their desire for decadence and collecting famous art pieces. Art by the masters themselves- Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael, and the list goes on. We were standing in the same spot as Michelangelo, looking at the same work. Again, hard to put the feeling into words. </div><div><br></div><div>We ended the tour in Cappella Sistina, where we couldn't talk or take pictures. The chapel had been restored by the Japanese years ago, and they own copyrights for the artwork. So, until the copyright expires, all photos belong to them. There are so many stories, funny and terrifying, about the frescoes in this humbling room. I can't even begin to describe them here, so I urge all of you to google the Sistine Chapel and read about how the work started and learn about the secrets behind the frescoes. </div><div><br></div><div>After the tour, we hooked up with Derek and took a long journey up to one of the highest hills in Rome, overlooking the city as the sun went down. Breathtaking views and great people watching. We had dinner in one of his favorite off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and the meal was filling and delish. Couldn't have asked for more. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, our feet hurt and our bellies are full. We have a long tour of the Colosseo and Ancient City tomorrow, as well as an open bus ride around the city in the evening. Also, we cannot forget gelato at the Fontana di Trevi to end our Roma adventure. </div><div><br></div><div>Total steps taken today: 12,862. In wedge sandals and dress shoes. </div></div>Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-33775978313851589722013-07-14T18:25:00.001-04:002013-07-14T18:25:10.757-04:00July 14, 2013: When in Rome...This morning, Mike and I left Florence together and headed to Rome. After a three hour train ride, we arrived to the train station and walked over to our hotel. We weren't sure what to think of our decision that we had made back at the Thai restaurant in Providence a few weeks ago. Upon our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised.<div><br></div><div>We are staying at Hotel Des Artistes, right near the Roma Termini. We would highly recommend this hotel to anyone coming to Rome. The hotel staff is very accommodating and kind, and all of the front desk people speak English. The room is small but nice and clean, and it doesn't have the stench of our apartment in Florence that we have been getting used to! The apartment is not that bad, but it's not my condo, where everything smells like lilac and perfume. :-)</div><div><br></div><div>We had plans to meet up with our friend Bob and his family. After a short bus ride to Piazza Navona, we found the first restaurant we could sit at and ate ourselves silly. Today was the first day that was not centered around eating, and our stomachs were growling. While waiting for Bob, we walked over to the Pantheon and admired it from the outside. It was too late to go in, but there's plenty to look at around it. I've been reminiscing about my Latin classes in high school, and wished that I had been on the Rome trip with them to see our teacher experience this place for the first time.</div><div><br></div><div>Piazza Navona is really cool. The big fountain in the middle is the fountain that Dan Brown used as one of the settings in his book, Angels and Demons. After loving the book and the movie, it was very cool to return here and see it. We found Bob, Michele, and Hannah, and ended up walking over to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner at an Italian kosher restaurant called La Taverna. We had a great meal together and had wonderful conversation. We might meet up with them a little bit later in the trip and possibly do an open bus tour together.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't have any pictures in this post, just because I didn't bring my computer with me. I'll post all the pictures from Rome a bit later on, so hold tight! It's time for bed now. We've got a three hour tour of the Vatican city tomorrow. Thumbs up, Michelangelo. </div><div><br></div><div>Today's pedometer count: 5,447steps. </div><div><br></div><div>Buonnanote!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-19810864322138802792013-07-13T18:58:00.002-04:002013-07-13T18:58:24.104-04:00July 13, 2013: I rubbed a big old boar's wet nose today. It's been a long day of walking and soaking in the art history in this city. We started off the day by having breakfast at Cafe Mario, which was a NECA hangout for my group in 2004. I had something very caffeinated and very sugary, which set me straight for the morning.<br />
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The Uffizi is overwhelming. It doesn't seem possible that this very, very large collection of some of the most important art in the world is inside these walls. We saw Michelangelo & Botticelli. Masterpieces that we see on posters, postcards, and TV, just staring at us. It's very difficult to absorb the fact that we were looking at the real deal.<br />
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I "stole" another group tour while in the Botticelli room. I learned a little bit about The Birth of Venus (illegally pictured below). The painting depicts Venus, blown ashore on a seashell, arriving as a grown woman. Lorenzo de'Medici was having an affair with Simonetta C. Vespucci, and the Venus is supposedly a portrait of her. The tour guide also discussed her poor proportions, such as her left arm being waaaay too long, and her feet weren't standing properly on the shell. Some schools of thought think that it's just a suggestion of the surreal and mythological attitude of the painting, and other schools think it's because Sandro Botticelli never saw a naked woman. Either way, it's amazing that a non-perfect painting is one of the most recognized and famous in the world.<br />
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Mike visited the Galileo gallery after that, and I just shopped around the Pitti Palace and took a walk. We ended our day of tours in the royal apartments in Palazzo Pitti, each room growing more and more ridiculously ornate and artful.<br />
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This is actually our last night in Florence together. We are heading to Rome tomorrow, so when Mike comes back to Florence to pick up his things and travel back to the US, I'll already be with Derek at the wedding festivities. We celebrated by visiting Porcellino. Giving a rub to his nose ensures you a trip back to Florence. We took one more walk up to the Piazza Michelangelo, took some pictures, and heading down to the Arno for dinner. We both realized that it was super late (almost 11pm), so we just ended up getting pizza in Piazza della Signoria.<br />
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Hope you're all enjoying the blog! Our pedometer count for today is: 14,101 steps. Whoah!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrNS_5TXkLnyURBiPY_wIDF3jG8PoI8CvA0vMbTZz4pzk07B8219QvIE5tOxiC63xS5BynfQ4D-cdT0JMMWTAKjnCJuuWQKIs3zQ_wCVWcupmtOYtTa1fwUh0TZQsGZdyIykgsNwBmBM/s1600/2013-07-13+12.32.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrNS_5TXkLnyURBiPY_wIDF3jG8PoI8CvA0vMbTZz4pzk07B8219QvIE5tOxiC63xS5BynfQ4D-cdT0JMMWTAKjnCJuuWQKIs3zQ_wCVWcupmtOYtTa1fwUh0TZQsGZdyIykgsNwBmBM/s640/2013-07-13+12.32.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you think Sandro was inspired by one of the pieces at "Shell Beach," Dad?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4_4qsu4Q9acQUz5kythvpM3J-FC2DDPiCbPWqu9BRzD-23cqiQwQ8NG0ZXhh5WV9yd0u9UiEGjAZ74_4Tf-AajsvFNf2vx1pe6NTXFRoUTG8Sw1DGjNtFgHeBQ9kohsDB2iQJ5u7f-M/s1600/Alley+with+Porcellino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4_4qsu4Q9acQUz5kythvpM3J-FC2DDPiCbPWqu9BRzD-23cqiQwQ8NG0ZXhh5WV9yd0u9UiEGjAZ74_4Tf-AajsvFNf2vx1pe6NTXFRoUTG8Sw1DGjNtFgHeBQ9kohsDB2iQJ5u7f-M/s640/Alley+with+Porcellino.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet nose!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z5fEvVzszrovYKlO6fSty6Ydh6JFacCO_l9CK13YCt8PZavrUNGaV2xOJRs7hDrlrsnLLKav5w5qyaYuB8x1UbFGGXYBETC5v_VvdJ24i-cMrMDwRXKJqLryR-x285I5R30Mw8K6gs0/s1600/Florence+laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z5fEvVzszrovYKlO6fSty6Ydh6JFacCO_l9CK13YCt8PZavrUNGaV2xOJRs7hDrlrsnLLKav5w5qyaYuB8x1UbFGGXYBETC5v_VvdJ24i-cMrMDwRXKJqLryR-x285I5R30Mw8K6gs0/s640/Florence+laundry.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHcnXB3vBs0KPIOrONpU7BykhXeu2WhqLq-RYwF3lRQkMF5F0RGMSST4C7EVSbmAVa9mKISGJQF7qLoDGrvAPCVGNJjMm6FlGz2wHaqol1BR9jGWKfIVCBt8J1BGe69TFSRXLZ2jyaLo/s1600/Inside+Pitti+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHcnXB3vBs0KPIOrONpU7BykhXeu2WhqLq-RYwF3lRQkMF5F0RGMSST4C7EVSbmAVa9mKISGJQF7qLoDGrvAPCVGNJjMm6FlGz2wHaqol1BR9jGWKfIVCBt8J1BGe69TFSRXLZ2jyaLo/s640/Inside+Pitti+Palace.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Pitti</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyP-uAOI7pT7rZ8DVuvY-LTqM64lKyHDofKfK9t3JxqWzMImSycHVl5zR5c1BacZTRroIcAksFUpIEJbtQ1KDADfV0AzqobeFLqm6tTfbToZ968WWoFlggQZdVetanAT-NHveeeDDiUU/s1600/Mike+with+Porcellino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyP-uAOI7pT7rZ8DVuvY-LTqM64lKyHDofKfK9t3JxqWzMImSycHVl5zR5c1BacZTRroIcAksFUpIEJbtQ1KDADfV0AzqobeFLqm6tTfbToZ968WWoFlggQZdVetanAT-NHveeeDDiUU/s640/Mike+with+Porcellino.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh snap. We're comin' back!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDfvstVJX3SiaY89Ic7Y2Oov90n6ViTKNSfx9t6_3ZxV3x48vxv0aMileNIXzaneqbVqkdSFF-A8poMMwDzAloeyxf0QJWGDkHK04vvFqEFoi0SN1XZCPDHT01spP_mhNkbWDWp9oQN0/s1600/View+of+Florence+at+Nigh+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDfvstVJX3SiaY89Ic7Y2Oov90n6ViTKNSfx9t6_3ZxV3x48vxv0aMileNIXzaneqbVqkdSFF-A8poMMwDzAloeyxf0QJWGDkHK04vvFqEFoi0SN1XZCPDHT01spP_mhNkbWDWp9oQN0/s640/View+of+Florence+at+Nigh+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't want to cheat on Boston....but just LOOK at this.</td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-16496914851766020852013-07-12T20:02:00.000-04:002013-07-13T04:09:31.299-04:00July 11 & 12, 2013: Jazz, David, Dancing at Pitti Palace<i>Because I wasn't "home" at the apartment last night, this post is for yesterday and today.</i><br />
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<u>Thursday Night, July 11, 2013:</u><br />
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We made it! Beautiful cool mountain air, a blue Fiat, cousin Dawn, and a new friend Jessica were driving through Tuscany on our way to Perugia. Jessica and I were on the same train from Florence to Arezzo, where Dawn picked us up. We headed over to Umbria, specifically Perugia, to hear Wynton and the guys play at Umbria Jazz (celebrating its 40th anniversary).<br />
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Perugia is absolutely gorgeous. The winding streets up the mountain curved endlessly, giving us a very beautiful panoramic view of the country. You know the rows and rows of sunflower fields that you see in the movies? It's even more breathtaking in person. I stopped by (on Friday) to take some pictures on the way home to Firenze.</div>
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My man Carlos comped us three tickets, so after we picked them up, we went out for pizza (the BEST pizza I've had yet) in one of Dawn's favorite restaurants. We finished dinner and went down to the main stage to find our seats. Second row, near center. Unbelievable. I have really cool friends. :-) The band was swingin', and they played a lot of blues and swing. It was great to sit under the stars with a bottle of wine and watch some of the world's top jazz artists do their thing. Unfortunately, I couldn't hang with Carlos and Ali after. Our phones weren't working, so it was impossible to get in touch and get through the stage door. I was really looking forward to seeing them in Italy, but it'll have to wait until NYC.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Main Stage at Umbria Jazz</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Church in the piazza right next to the stage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd4GvgYTLmaI0YeOhX4RNSoJhM6duQpvZaTCRhwQGY2Vx4vfdMYKvOkAqgeV_l6UeNM-4KORkTQdw1JqPSbtn49oaTAHbdgrnW1I3cLJOMN5ZTgV6TmFNSkQUWzzYukU5Af5rHX2VG-I/s1600/2013-07-11+09.39.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSd4GvgYTLmaI0YeOhX4RNSoJhM6duQpvZaTCRhwQGY2Vx4vfdMYKvOkAqgeV_l6UeNM-4KORkTQdw1JqPSbtn49oaTAHbdgrnW1I3cLJOMN5ZTgV6TmFNSkQUWzzYukU5Af5rHX2VG-I/s400/2013-07-11+09.39.05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perugia had immense thunder/lightning storms that day, so they were thinking of canceling the show. The air was really chilly, and thank goodness it didn't rain anymore!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M5RVrdPJzYwEMEY2PUnYkmbeGewcbUIsV4FZ0rHEP4xbh4qhx3mKRzSFIZQTj3boy2K7F2g1Ahm0GoMXf0oqRKrDCLpRhufGIIqoMO-0vR8jh0jz2aHE-O45OgBDtFobBCdfjbhYZto/s1600/2013-07-11+09.53.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M5RVrdPJzYwEMEY2PUnYkmbeGewcbUIsV4FZ0rHEP4xbh4qhx3mKRzSFIZQTj3boy2K7F2g1Ahm0GoMXf0oqRKrDCLpRhufGIIqoMO-0vR8jh0jz2aHE-O45OgBDtFobBCdfjbhYZto/s400/2013-07-11+09.53.07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our view from the seats</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSNXrdViTWCy6Ld021YYP5wxLXJm0_DwHpP5EZyV1A-ZTbWH275JqULPFfJbsHcCAdOnkhTdF3ZR2c_KnI33n5HPsv_JNwdJ7y862p6el3tm_uJF3XeHS8WcDwH4NzSFF2PtPYNhGGw0/s1600/2013-07-11+09.56.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSNXrdViTWCy6Ld021YYP5wxLXJm0_DwHpP5EZyV1A-ZTbWH275JqULPFfJbsHcCAdOnkhTdF3ZR2c_KnI33n5HPsv_JNwdJ7y862p6el3tm_uJF3XeHS8WcDwH4NzSFF2PtPYNhGGw0/s400/2013-07-11+09.56.22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me and Dawn</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFphqa-AxLB3S5PN4nlC92ZdHxvQXNRX-6zkuUcudlCt6d5Siexa07rtiopAC73HHszindbygg3H54JdUSVnTuwkekoP2qcFJ9IfV_u5czOeT1_6Q5k6OMaeJC-DJzikdTdMMO7OmRL_o/s1600/2013-07-11+09.57.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFphqa-AxLB3S5PN4nlC92ZdHxvQXNRX-6zkuUcudlCt6d5Siexa07rtiopAC73HHszindbygg3H54JdUSVnTuwkekoP2qcFJ9IfV_u5czOeT1_6Q5k6OMaeJC-DJzikdTdMMO7OmRL_o/s400/2013-07-11+09.57.20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me, Dawn, and her friend Jess. We had such a great night!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos and JALC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0oTfVXTpZ6qLxvoGVIWGgSk8tedYc6K5T_f8td6B6JX-eAFqjy4W5VVySu19JQwWc74gGC397pFe_yzKbOrkSieHYzWCKsECjhLHOt9Vq-CvqQ9YmgogC3QrWmgUs-2t-La8pTapi28/s1600/2013-07-11+10.19.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0oTfVXTpZ6qLxvoGVIWGgSk8tedYc6K5T_f8td6B6JX-eAFqjy4W5VVySu19JQwWc74gGC397pFe_yzKbOrkSieHYzWCKsECjhLHOt9Vq-CvqQ9YmgogC3QrWmgUs-2t-La8pTapi28/s400/2013-07-11+10.19.58.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Italians love American music.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HUf2YJlfhzwAYHSObp0ZvN_GnKHAx3HO7LYgqOFIwJDncDsOHLVhHKjVUFnmQ7fdfaykAFekwcFpqsBBkk6Tpf7rH6c__POKAQE3rUrK3hmJXUAHXZSeceAF3DxyaBtn63MADbCghuQ/s1600/2013-07-11+10.34.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HUf2YJlfhzwAYHSObp0ZvN_GnKHAx3HO7LYgqOFIwJDncDsOHLVhHKjVUFnmQ7fdfaykAFekwcFpqsBBkk6Tpf7rH6c__POKAQE3rUrK3hmJXUAHXZSeceAF3DxyaBtn63MADbCghuQ/s400/2013-07-11+10.34.39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great pic of JALC with special guest Greg Porter. Cecile McLoren Salvant also sang, and the two of them really made some special music. Not every day that we get to hear this!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O2Sg6xuvPcJA5nC3kKXSOSX8cD5Qnb855RkEys5l5ztrRQIyid9dmWlKOf350ZCiS-u-hoKloVI7Mb_Pc4fDdqjlab0p2r-HuM0fTx6HF9DeeoiW424DNKpXekUTtMFCzRvVP4oOZvQ/s1600/2013-07-11+11.44.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O2Sg6xuvPcJA5nC3kKXSOSX8cD5Qnb855RkEys5l5ztrRQIyid9dmWlKOf350ZCiS-u-hoKloVI7Mb_Pc4fDdqjlab0p2r-HuM0fTx6HF9DeeoiW424DNKpXekUTtMFCzRvVP4oOZvQ/s400/2013-07-11+11.44.28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Encore quartet with Dan Nimmer, Wynton Marsalis, Carlos Henriquez, and Ali Jackson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The audience got out of their seats and pressed up against the stage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's a video of part of the encore. Watch the relationship between Carlos and Ali- so awesome!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl7lCPryzVv2yjnXwWFE4DHhPyKravQVHSdNDmqrygydZwXER5lsHPx8iw3ta9VRzq2L7GO8E0pLabEcf7XQyTGlWsPnSC4Dxaczqa5bA74kU-_OCjSyfJz6Ig-mDR25sa4A0m32rPvA/s1600/2013-07-11+22.58.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl7lCPryzVv2yjnXwWFE4DHhPyKravQVHSdNDmqrygydZwXER5lsHPx8iw3ta9VRzq2L7GO8E0pLabEcf7XQyTGlWsPnSC4Dxaczqa5bA74kU-_OCjSyfJz6Ig-mDR25sa4A0m32rPvA/s400/2013-07-11+22.58.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunflower fields</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Breathtaking!</span></td></tr>
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Today's Pedometer Count: 33,113 steps<br />
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<u>Friday, July 12, 2013</u><br />
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Happy Birthday, Dad! Or, as we say here, "Buon compleanno!"<br />
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After a wonderful (yet impromptu) evening out listening to jazz with Dawn, it was time to head back to Firenze. Dawn & Luke (her husband, 2nd cousin to me by marriage) were wonderful hosts and we had a nice American breakfast together (Italians eat milk and cookies/pastries for breakfast- none of us can do that). Dawn got me back to Arezzo to take the train back to Firenze. I met Mike for lunch, and we headed out to Galleria dell'Accademia. <br />
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The Gallery is very famous for its sculptures by Michelangelo: the Prisoners, the St. Matthew, and of course the David.<br />
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A great room that Mike and I both enjoyed a lot was the important collection of old musical instruments from the Cherubini Conservatory. We saw pieces that are legitimately the only surviving instruments of their kind, such as the Stradivarius tenor viola. Only one in the world, and we saw it today. There are about 50 valuable and historical instruments in this room, many of them formerly belonging to the Medici family.<br />
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The David is a piece that I have admired twice already before today. However, I became more interested in it than ever after the visit this afternoon. I was standing in one spot for about 30 minutes, letting about 4 tour guides bring their groups through. I was "that girl" not paying for a tour but eavesdropping on everyone else's.<br />
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The history of the David started before Michelangelo got his hands on it. It was about 1464 that it started to take shape by another artist, and it's purpose was for it to stand atop the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. A huge block of marble was provided for the artist, named Agostino, who was working under Donatello. The work stopped when Donatello passed in 1466. Ten years later, another artist, named Rossellino, was contracted to work on the piece. He lost his job soon after that, and the block of marble was left untouched for nearly 25 years. The Operai, determined to hire someone who could handle the job, ordered the block (named "The Giant") to be turned on its feet so a master artist could work on it. Michelangelo, 26 years old at the time, convinced them that he was their man.<br />
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He worked on the biblical statue for more than two years. As the project was almost over, Florentine officials realized that they were not going to be able to hoist the 6 ton and 17 foot tall statue on the roof of the cathedral, so they asked Da Vinci and Botticelli where they thought it should be placed. I guess if I had a question similar to theirs, those would be the first two I'd Facebook as well. In June of 1504, the statue was moved from Michelangelo's workshop to the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio (only half a mile away). It took four days to move the statue.<br />
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The most interesting point about this sculpture (that I never caught before) is that many scholars believe that this pose represents David's adrenaline-rushed but contemplative state BEFORE his battle with the giant. Most statues or pictures display David with the monster's head, showing his defeat. The veins on his right arm and hand look tense and bold. The look on his face shows a certain readiness and intensity, and they said that it was typical Renaissance style to display the point right between choice and action. He is also looking towards the direction of Rome (I believe), which was a political statement made by the Florentines when the statue was placed in Piazza Della Signoria.<br />
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SO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT. Below is my illegal picture of the gallery. Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V0UtFQGif5AYPIgUAlhRPqU2F-Vap2-nTfoHH80flSPwHdRRl9NNPAlu3ODh7IQ-6SK7Fj-pwL9cJ1kVLFOt8z8QiqxrCvukJtVeg-vnAkFOpK6KZYA3Qs_s8VThdtVs_TU_NaE_V7g/s1600/2013-07-12+03.21.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V0UtFQGif5AYPIgUAlhRPqU2F-Vap2-nTfoHH80flSPwHdRRl9NNPAlu3ODh7IQ-6SK7Fj-pwL9cJ1kVLFOt8z8QiqxrCvukJtVeg-vnAkFOpK6KZYA3Qs_s8VThdtVs_TU_NaE_V7g/s400/2013-07-12+03.21.50.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Mike and I left Accademia and ended up walking up to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, the new palace for the Medicis after they left Palazzo Vecchio. This place looks like a fantasy. Beautiful green rolling hills, cypress trees, sculptures, and fountains. We took some pictures, sat for a while, and admired the view of the city below us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1ut4gnW1J8dIumSgOJjoW3AfMoqf79HRnX6FbMiByZcwZK2JrKt0hOoywm6jQykrfplkJvk1sTVlTFoTfSPw39L1TGWL2sMA4CvB4GnvHN_JK5h3omGgDsla2wHhbIP943ItcMRDOwk/s1600/Alley+Pitti+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1ut4gnW1J8dIumSgOJjoW3AfMoqf79HRnX6FbMiByZcwZK2JrKt0hOoywm6jQykrfplkJvk1sTVlTFoTfSPw39L1TGWL2sMA4CvB4GnvHN_JK5h3omGgDsla2wHhbIP943ItcMRDOwk/s400/Alley+Pitti+Palace.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Boboli Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGw27KvRkbW2Y59LrBYcW48rRJHTTYkQfYiTOEQCJ3y_msESRtDXCUZpxGunzrtqJfDKvrZSZ27OW4HrhM2zRyN7AGRnaP-4NWVXO95B3DYp45_hCJfXTle1No5lJUYYlfwNWLafRc6s/s1600/Amphitheater+Boboli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGw27KvRkbW2Y59LrBYcW48rRJHTTYkQfYiTOEQCJ3y_msESRtDXCUZpxGunzrtqJfDKvrZSZ27OW4HrhM2zRyN7AGRnaP-4NWVXO95B3DYp45_hCJfXTle1No5lJUYYlfwNWLafRc6s/s400/Amphitheater+Boboli.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike and I wish that they would actually have live performances out here. I guess you can understand why they don't, though, as the seats would probably just crumble underneath you after a while!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike while sketching. I don't think he even knows I took this.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Neptune Fountain</span></td></tr>
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We bought tickets to an Il Maggio de Estate (The Summer of May festival) ballet, which was taking place at 9:30pm in the main courtyard of the Pitti Palace. It was incredibly beautiful to be watching modern and classical ballet in such a historic and important place in Florence. We thoroughly enjoyed the ballet, and I will probably come to more concerts up there in the next few weeks. Below is a video from the finale- it's a must see. Music by Chopin.</div>
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Also, pedometer count for today: 16,154 steps</div>
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Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-37534442590603293302013-07-11T08:06:00.000-04:002013-07-13T04:22:01.402-04:00July 11, 2013: Tower, Street Dancing, JALCToday started off with a walk up to the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio. It's a little over 200 steep steps, but the view is so worth the wait. It offers a 360 panoramic view of Florence and the surrounding hills. We were able to see and hear the bells ringing across town and even took a short video of the bells in the tower of the Duomo. There was a group of about 20 people that started dancing in the street while playing drums, tambourines, and guitars. It was very cool to see it from atop the tower, and I got a great video of the performance.<br />
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After that, we just strolled around. We wanted to get to Accademia to see David, but the line was impossible. I bought an Amici degli Uffizi card, which will help me skip the line a little bit, and we're working on getting Mike a Firenze card, which will do the same for him. My card is a multi-use entrance card for all the museums and can be used from now until December, but Mike's will only be able to be used once per museum in 72 hours. Our plan is to finish all of the museums tomorrow, after I get back from Perugia. </div>
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That's right, I'm going on an adventure to Perugia! Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra are performing at Umbria Jazz tonight. Mike isn't too interested in going, so at the last minute, my cousin Dawn is going to pick me up from the train and drive over to the festival. The weather is looking a little scary with more thunder, so hopefully the concert won't be canceled tonight. Either way, it'll be an adventure. I am friends with Carlos Henriquez (bassist) and Ali Jackson (drummer), so Carlos comped us the tickets. It will be fun to hang with them in Europe, and it's a once in a while chance to get to hear them play out here. I'll be back online tonight to tell you how the night goes!<br />
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Bells at the Duomo- click for video!</div>
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Until then, buona serata. </div>
Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9103268157989652039.post-36780763897164714232013-07-10T19:08:00.001-04:002013-07-10T20:27:33.569-04:00July 10, 2013: Thunder, Hail, and Frescoes<br />
Today we woke up to an alarming sight: It was past noon on our watch. We have been staying up really late, so our internal clocks are wicked messed up. We're fixing that tomorrow, though. No excuses!<br />
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We decided to get lunch (or breakfast?) at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/allantico-vinaio-firenze">All'Antico Vinaio</a>, a smalle hole-in-the-wall but famous little sandwich shop. We've walked by it for the past few days, and it's no exaggeration that the sandwiches, which are made to order, are the size of my face. Unbelievable. I had a delish sandwich on foccacia bread, chock full of fresh cheese, mozzarella di bufala, Salame Toscana, and fresh tomatoes.<br />
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We then walked over to <a href="http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Palazzo_vecchio.html">Palazzo Vecchio</a> (the old palace). Bought our tickets, bought our tablets/headphones for the tour, and headed inside. It was completed in 1302 by Arnolfo di Cambio. The palace still transports you to medieval times, although a lot of the interior of the palazzo was remodeled when Duke Cosimo I de'Medici moved in in 1540. This transferred the ruling family from its old home near San Lorenzo. It became known as Palazzo Vecchio when Cosimo transferred his court to Palazzo Pitti (the Pitti Palace). During the small period that Florence was the capital of Italy (1865-71), it housed the Parliament and Foreign Ministry.<br />
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The first floor is the Salone dei Cinquecento, a huge room full of frescoes and an intricately carved and painted ceiling. The frescoes tell stories of battles between Firenze/Siena and Firenze/Pisa. The frescoes in this room should really be by Michelangelo and Da Vinci, but the ones that we see are the work of Vasari. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Genius_of_Victory">Michelangelo's "Genius of Victory"</a> is in this grand salon.<br />
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All in all, it's an incredible building, full of history and decorative style of the Medici family. While we were up on the second floor terrace, a HUGE thunder storm rolled in and produced a ton of hail. It was a magical place to experience this storm in, and you could see the hail sweeping through Piazza Della Signoria from the windows, as poor umbrellas were no match for the winds or torrential rain. You could see the hot steam from the buildings rising up, creating a layer of smoke between where we were and the dome of the Duomo (easily seen from the second floor of the palace).<br />
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Our favorite room was the last room that we visited, called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Firenze.PalVecchio.Globe.JPG">Sala delle Carte (Map Room).</a> It has 57 maps painted on leather, showing the world as it was known in 1563. The maps were actually on the outside of huge closet doors, where the family kept valuables in.<br />
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We left Palazzo Vecchio and went to "Circus," which I describe as a Firenze "Starbucks." Pricey, but good. I wrote a postcard and we were on our way to nowhere. Just another aimless stroll through the city.<br />
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After a little bit of shopping, we ended up back in the Oltrarno neighborhood and had dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito, where I had my first group dinner in Florence with the NECA students in 2004. There's something special about this piazza, and dinner never disappoints. I had gnocchi, and Mike had ravioli with creme. The bread, wine, and olive oil were also delicious. Again, the vino was cheaper than Mike's acqua.<br />
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We capped off the night with gelato from Gelateria Santa Trinita, cousin Dawn's recommendation. I had Buontalenti e Marscapone with Santa Trinita, and Mike had Pistacchio and Buontalenti e Marscapone. Ended the evening while sitting on the Ponte Santa Trinita, eating ice cream.<br />
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Buonanotte, amici.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All'Antico Vinaio</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i1tQVwQ-jc0xvGY7aNLDCEh6X9anXkNWXPDa0zr4bCh3SgvYtjUN-6GfCh6wmtMFRQShdYfjiy_r93pLJTH6bNZEEnO7sRn6GFCynW7AsfMYCKfy6qHNJ8b37-zAKG-P-JmMMenTi1w/s1600/2013-07-10+03.10.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-i1tQVwQ-jc0xvGY7aNLDCEh6X9anXkNWXPDa0zr4bCh3SgvYtjUN-6GfCh6wmtMFRQShdYfjiy_r93pLJTH6bNZEEnO7sRn6GFCynW7AsfMYCKfy6qHNJ8b37-zAKG-P-JmMMenTi1w/s400/2013-07-10+03.10.41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sqNnWe_2RLzAitp7fBh3Nfi6zEk2SVqcVCKRxuSrae2Uo3zby8SNH2AsE6Ik78LGs6EMEowiJRNSRyfNNVuQDZWQT-tWKPToc0d5pzi2AtXLGVxuSP-27Llax2wWkAfNyFCe0_qvm0g/s1600/2013-07-10+03.10.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sqNnWe_2RLzAitp7fBh3Nfi6zEk2SVqcVCKRxuSrae2Uo3zby8SNH2AsE6Ik78LGs6EMEowiJRNSRyfNNVuQDZWQT-tWKPToc0d5pzi2AtXLGVxuSP-27Llax2wWkAfNyFCe0_qvm0g/s400/2013-07-10+03.10.56.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size of my face, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Medici's should have just gone to Pier 1. Much cheaper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the terrace in Palazzo Vecchio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgN68n4Xvj5v6l_Zmk0PorpUMLA-JGQa7jaZWffVLa9vK2H81b94IGBGavLkLTltLy-6PY6ut7fZAcus1SjVRy__eZ8iilaxrWh6ErUZhgLkpv1u625erWE-V6_TvuPwI5c16o-gnCv8/s1600/2013-07-10+05.06.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgN68n4Xvj5v6l_Zmk0PorpUMLA-JGQa7jaZWffVLa9vK2H81b94IGBGavLkLTltLy-6PY6ut7fZAcus1SjVRy__eZ8iilaxrWh6ErUZhgLkpv1u625erWE-V6_TvuPwI5c16o-gnCv8/s400/2013-07-10+05.06.41.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Santa Croce from Palazzo Vecchio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTu6DDNXoGXHhf0mNZKItiVd1fm0e3k2dhTQCV1D7Jmqw5q0KunicLQuvQuybl601-G069_X3p9GhscxEUrLHr7JGjc9fbRNdDPDLD2Usmo5HzZepEFISIp_WjH8IMqXmvw7zPhdEisY/s1600/2013-07-10+05.32.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTu6DDNXoGXHhf0mNZKItiVd1fm0e3k2dhTQCV1D7Jmqw5q0KunicLQuvQuybl601-G069_X3p9GhscxEUrLHr7JGjc9fbRNdDPDLD2Usmo5HzZepEFISIp_WjH8IMqXmvw7zPhdEisY/s400/2013-07-10+05.32.39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Room with a view. Wonder what the rent would be? </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTVi8pPFDEyFHFD73pVP3lYWy_6Gc2CuPafkufHRnGlviQZR6jnvUeC2F5evLV8Wrg-Dwkgy714JjDykTFDk3Jtb3tx8Qu75TaH7xnVYtxuFZXg9JOypSEXrJFHx18v9fp7HhLxltLb0/s1600/2013-07-10+06.21.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTVi8pPFDEyFHFD73pVP3lYWy_6Gc2CuPafkufHRnGlviQZR6jnvUeC2F5evLV8Wrg-Dwkgy714JjDykTFDk3Jtb3tx8Qu75TaH7xnVYtxuFZXg9JOypSEXrJFHx18v9fp7HhLxltLb0/s400/2013-07-10+06.21.33.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Un cappuccino e biscotti, per favore?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpAzMoBJVh9gxH49ySG5oeyU_js7UWnrsKLf1-e5Wjx1BZ3-Gm8mcx-j8JxIfkHucdnTuF_3RqaOWDrBP_kpQvrkMtbZrc8B4oKZMO6knitkPofZr73Mg1g2VxYwybu0eZsiu8va21ms/s1600/2013-07-10+06.59.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpAzMoBJVh9gxH49ySG5oeyU_js7UWnrsKLf1-e5Wjx1BZ3-Gm8mcx-j8JxIfkHucdnTuF_3RqaOWDrBP_kpQvrkMtbZrc8B4oKZMO6knitkPofZr73Mg1g2VxYwybu0eZsiu8va21ms/s400/2013-07-10+06.59.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A braille map of the city</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkhI6lXwkjrzukx0Apu-W5gLmJtamZ-8FyfiiQ98rZyAOV7xbDJgTmk4w57giMp_ayTNwZetNPWWZGsW0Xc8NvWj-sxG9x7NN3PagGa0xcYxPKTCAfnPQChtzrqD4t3wW1IRlcEE3di4/s1600/2013-07-10+08.36.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkhI6lXwkjrzukx0Apu-W5gLmJtamZ-8FyfiiQ98rZyAOV7xbDJgTmk4w57giMp_ayTNwZetNPWWZGsW0Xc8NvWj-sxG9x7NN3PagGa0xcYxPKTCAfnPQChtzrqD4t3wW1IRlcEE3di4/s400/2013-07-10+08.36.50.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sunset tonight was something that everyone's camera was aiming at.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf8la4DyY0NbqKy6H2vieTYvqTNE7PqfiepVOJXprFJcBLtQzxlQGZrZwZtiFc1AHgC9uDA5xIJIvZj6ruHZJvD77hRDiJQs7LGFAdgJg8QgufRHrUeRCvB_88emegu_6fP2DBA9dITY/s1600/2013-07-10+08.40.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf8la4DyY0NbqKy6H2vieTYvqTNE7PqfiepVOJXprFJcBLtQzxlQGZrZwZtiFc1AHgC9uDA5xIJIvZj6ruHZJvD77hRDiJQs7LGFAdgJg8QgufRHrUeRCvB_88emegu_6fP2DBA9dITY/s400/2013-07-10+08.40.12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcJHo1GAGoLSwM5biqh8_hdc4MQGbfyVIBPfFrLE-mj6AGGISQFzUDeU5HbhyphenhyphenUjES86i2DZKTNhUA0LaEp7iOtdLYUEW0-IDdbLWipG4fheFYLWOS-6tsvsD_VYFGYkpUrwxZ-xF5Pj0/s1600/2013-07-10+09.23.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcJHo1GAGoLSwM5biqh8_hdc4MQGbfyVIBPfFrLE-mj6AGGISQFzUDeU5HbhyphenhyphenUjES86i2DZKTNhUA0LaEp7iOtdLYUEW0-IDdbLWipG4fheFYLWOS-6tsvsD_VYFGYkpUrwxZ-xF5Pj0/s400/2013-07-10+09.23.14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dinner from Osteria Santo Spirito</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA6iFrh6ZeY96ri1F1754K9KmbswVrczEYQg_cl-kxnNhzp-1FRuE8LTfAv8zORVEwihu9W-aElPUDIIngaLuHgOVLIv37gnD8d2YNVu3Tb84n9BScHev8CAietrlX7pu62D3srW0gcw/s1600/2013-07-10+09.26.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA6iFrh6ZeY96ri1F1754K9KmbswVrczEYQg_cl-kxnNhzp-1FRuE8LTfAv8zORVEwihu9W-aElPUDIIngaLuHgOVLIv37gnD8d2YNVu3Tb84n9BScHev8CAietrlX7pu62D3srW0gcw/s400/2013-07-10+09.26.41.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can barely see it in the picture, but the cheese was bubbling hot as it came out of the kitchen. <br />Baked gnocchi from Ostera Santo Spirito.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Allison Lacassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09061726628590443361noreply@blogger.com2