"The Whirlwind Tour"

My crazy wild six day tour of Italy.... Two planes, three trains, four cities, who knows how many languages (I know I spoke at least 3), and countless beautiful churches, vistas, and foods! Wow, Where to begin? I guess I'll just have to go chronologically and tell it from the start.

I was really nervous in the beginning because I had never been on such a long trip with so many tickets, destinations, and payments to make- all done completely alone. But I soon realized my fears were unfounded, and ended up having the time of my life!

< The Roman Forum >

The flight into Rome was actually a really great moment, we buzzed the city at low altitude and I got to see the coliseum AND Vatican city from the air in the warm morning sun, Fantastic! I also saw the Roman ruins and the aqueducts just hanging out in the fields outside of Rome. They just leave 2000 year-old stuff laying around there! Italian logic baffles me- more on that later.  By the time I arrived by bus at the Termini station and then walked the few blocks to my hostel it was early afternoon, and a lovely day. I began my touring by walking down to the center of ancient Rome: Palatino Hill, which is the central hill of the seven hills of Rome, the supposed place where Romulus and Remus were nursed by the she-wolf and the whole Roman Empire began. It is surrounded by the Roman Forum, The Coliseum, Circus Maximus, and houses the Flavian palace (built mainly by the emperor Domitian) and the temple of the Vestal Virgins (the only powerful women in ancient Rome). I took a guided tour of the Coliseum, and the Forum grounds so that i would maybe actually learn something! I found out that the coliseum and in fact all the Roman ruins were once covered in marble from every corner of the empire, but the Vatican stripped it to build their newer churches. It was sort of a retribution for the killing of christians that went on back in the first century, however they lied about where the killings happened- no christians were ever executed in the coliseum- it was too small for the population of the time. All the Christian public executions were done in the Circus Maximus, which was much larger. I also learned about the many many elevators and trap doors through which the lions and other exotic beasts came into the coliseum, to fight each other and the gladiators. The Gladiators were a mix of slaves from foreign lands, prisoners of war, and idiot volunteers. They fought 5 battles a year- man vs man, woman vs woman, man vs. beast, and team vs team. The men could fight to the death, or to a certain number of touches, the women never fought to the death. They were paid for each battle they won, and after winning 5 battles (if they were still alive) they could buy their freedom from the games. But they were like the celebrities of the Roman times, very popular with the women and rich in glory from the men. The Roman populous would come to the games not only to see the bloodshed and the public executions, but also to see animals they had never seen before that had been brought from the far off lands of the empire. It was a pretty big deal. As for the Roman Forum, It used to be the most grad palace in the whole world, in fact, the word for palace in every language comes from the name "palatine hill". Pretty impressive. It was where the emperors and before them, the senators lived in the highest style possible. The main temples and markets where located here, as well as the seat of the emperor's government. Incredible. I felt like I could see the very foundations of modern society as i walked in those ruins, like I had never seen anything with so much history or so much influence.

The Coliseum <<< Ruins of Domitian's Palace >>> Vestal Virgins' gardens

After all the ruins, I headed into the modern Roman center and saw the Pantheon- housing Raphael's tomb. I really liked the inscription on it, put there by the pope it said "Ille hic est Raffael, timuit quo sospite vinci, rerum magna parens et moriente mori." Meaning: "Here lies that famous Raphael by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die." I also visited the Fontana Di Trevi that night, which was so so so beautiful. It's the biggest baroque fountain in europe and is covered in gods and sea monsters. 

The next day, Friday, was all about Vatican City! I teamed up with a Pair of Canadian girls from my room in the hostel and we all went to the Vatican Museums for starters: Rooms and rooms full of art from across the globe, all cultures and civilizations, and the Sistine Chapel (which I unfortunately would have been arrested by the Swiss guard for taking pictures of). The coolest parts were (obviously) the Sistine Chapel and (less obviously) the egyptian relics held there. The Sistine Chapel is just magnificent, you just want to lie down on the floor and puzzle through it for hours. I could figure out most of the biblical stories depicted, but wished I had a guide or a book to tell me exactly what Michelangelo was painting. The Egyptian stuff was just cool- really well preserved and more of it than I had ever seen before (no wonder Egypt's mad about people nicking their stuff!). We then Proceeded to St. Peter's Square and Basilica where the sky decided to open up on us and I subsequently had to buy a cheap-o umbrella. The Basilica was beautiful, the biggest I've ever seen- appropriately so I suppose. It really gave one the understanding that this was the seat of the greatest power in europe for over a century. Pretty impressive. we climed the dome, for which the weather kindly cleared up, and had a nice view of Rome. We then walked down the way to the Castel Sant. Angelo to take a few quick pictures and bus it back to the hostel area. 

Vatican Square <<< Crying Sphinx, Vatican Museums >>>> From St. Peter's Basilica

That evening I took a train to Florence and arrived in the dark and the cold. I was shuttled from my original hostel to another one by the stressed out owner who told me he was having heating problems in the one I had booked in. Unfortunately he seemed to also be having heating problems in the other one, because I spent a freezing night chatting with my chinese roommate who was very nice, and tried to give me hot water to drink so i wouldn't get sick. :) The next morning in Florence I got up early with intention to make my very short time there really count. My first act was to hike out to the Piazza Michelangelo for the lovely view it offers of the city. 

< view of Florence, not well spliced together, but not bad >

I then spent the rest of my day winding my way around the city, saw the David at the Academia galleries, he was magnificent. None of his copies or photos compare. There is so much emotion in his face and body. Michelangelo knew what he was doing. I also enjoyed seeing Il Duomo, which is the third largest cathedral in the world (next to St. Peter's in Rome, and St. Pauls in London- I have been to the three biggest churches in the world!) I saw all the main Piazzas, including the Piazza di la Singora with all its impressive sculpture. I enjoyed wandering the markets, admiring the leather works and buying Christmas presents. My favorite sight here was the "old bridge" a bridge over the river covered in little shops and things, it's just precious. See the pictures and judge for yourself. 

David <<< Il Duomo Santa Maria della Fiore >>> Old Bridge in the afternoon

That night I then took a train to Venice, again arriving in the dark, but had a much easier time getting to my Hostel and was pleasantly surprised to find it in a fascinating old building, and very warm and comfy. I even got to skype my mom and dad that night on the free internet, AND they give free dinner every night. It was AMAZING. I wanted to stay in this hostel forever!

Anyway, the next day I spent about 8 hours just wandering the streets of venice with a map and my camera. I went to St. Marc's square, saw all the canals and gondolas, the dark and mysterious buildings and the glorious sweeping bridges. It's absolutely beatiful in such a very unique way. I think that there is truly nowhere on earth like it. The colors are all muted being washed by rain and wind off the sea- but the canal is this beautiful blue color in the water itself, and the gondolas are all decorated in reds and oranges that stand in sharp contrast to the waves. The buildings all have dark stains that i suspect must be mold or some sort of result of the constant wet air waring on the wood and stone. The architecture is so interesting, all full of arches topped with heads of lions, lamenting faces, or sea monsters. I love that the symbol of Venice is a winged lion- what a charming idea: to give the king of beasts wings. I was especially enamored of the maskwork in venice (so many masks! in street vendors, artisan's shops, just everywhere!). They were all so whimsical and beautiful. Someday I HAVE to come back during carnivale when the festivities are and everyone actually wears the masks! needless to say, I had to get one of my own, and here as well was a great Christmas shopping venue. I spent my second morning in venice visiting a few interiors of churches that sounded like they had some interesting art, however all i really wanted to do was be outside, soaking up the unique atmosphere of the city.

Masks <<< Canals >>> Gondolas

I made it to Milan later that night in the rain and the dark and so really had no desire to go out looking for the few tourist sites there are in Milan. Tuesday was my flight home to Madrid. All in all I thought the trip was a big success. I learned that many many stereotypes about Italians have a hard basis in reality (like thier prefferential treatment of young pretty women, and extreem afinity for vespa scooters. hahaha ) I also learned that I look VERY Italian, and have and Italian name, because people would constantly come up to me gabbling away in Italian and I would have to explain that I don't speak the language, and when I told them my name they just took it like anyone in the US would if I said my name was Samantha or Katie. A guard in the Vatican even questioned me about my heritage and informed me that, I quote, "your face is Italian". I ended up speaking more Spanish than Italian though, when I discovered that the Italians often speak it better than english and I felt smarter, pretending to be a european citizen. I really loved this trip, and it proved to me that I can actually achieve anything I put my mind too: I've traveled europe by myself, what can't I do!? Haha, what I mean I guess is just that it was a big confidence booster. 

Now, I just have one more week of school (finals included). This weekend is my 21st Birthday which should be fun! and my parents come in only about 10 days! Then i get to stay in Hotels!!! and let someone else plan the payments, the meals, the itinerary!!!! Sounds like heaven. I can't wait.

Much love, and until next time,
A

Graphic Design Challenge

I have to do the company logotype design for a company of my invention for a design class project.

I made up a movie production company called "Wide-Eyed Wonder Productions", name taken from a song by The Choir that I have always loved. Tell me what you think of the stuff- It was sorta thrown together last minute, but I like the concepts...

the company Header

a company promotion asking for resumes and screenplay submissions.

Stuff I'm Gonna Do When I Get Home

I'm feeling a little homesick right now so, in order to kick that feeling and remember that home is always waiting for me when I get back, I'm going to make a list of things I want to do when I get back home again in Indiana- with explanations where needed. Hopefully after getting that outa my system I'll be able to fully enjoy my last few weeks here.

1. Sleep in my own bed. (there's nothing like a heated waterbed.)

2. Pet my cat. (I am progressively moving towards being a pet kleptomaniac, I want to grab every dog on the street and take it home with me)

3. Take a bubble bath. (They only believe in showers in Spanish households)

4. Eat at a restaurant with free refills of coke and unlimited chips or bread. This step should be repeated many times. (Europeans don´t believe in any of that freeness nonsense.)

5. Walk into a liquor store- just because I can. (21!!!!)

6. Go out for midnight and after food with my best Uni friends. (Europeans don’t sell food after 11pm- just alcohol)

7. Go to the movies (I haven’t here; guess it’s just been too much of a hassle.)

8. Go shopping with girlfriends [and mom]. (I will have no money, but American malls will seem like a wonder to me. And I miss the holiday ritual of materialism.)

That’s all I can think of for right now, doesn’t sound like too much to ask for, does it?

:) Let me know if there are any volunteers to help me fulfill this list! (Mom, Dad, I know you already are signed up.)


Love!
-A

Brugge!

Alright- I'm getting worse and worse about posting on here in a timely fashion. It's been a week since my trip to Brugge, but the thing is I've been super busy and still am! So, for whoever is still reading this thing, I beg your forgiveness.

Belgium was exactly as I imagined it. When I got off the plane the airport smelled like chocolate (due  to all the fancy chocolate shops inside the terminals) and I thought that that was very appropriate. I took the train from the Brussels airport for an hour and a half to get to Brugge. It is a pretty ride- the Belgium countryside reminds me very much of Indiana, except with little medieval churches in all the villages and the houses are roofed in tile not shingles. It had the nicest fall colors of anywhere I've been yet, even though fall was almost over.

When I arrived in Brugge I was immediately enchanted with the place. walking from the train station I just couldn't stop smiling. The little winding streets, medieval flemish buildings, and small town feel was just such an enjoyable change to the big cities that I have been traveling too. The Hostel I stayed at was y first stop and I liked the place right away. It had a very big common room with a couch, piano, free internet, and big tables. The people running it were the friendliest that I had met at a hostel so far! I spent the early afternoon wandering around the town, without really paying attention to where I was going, just enjoying the place and exploring. I sampled a flemish stew for lunch, at a cafe where I think the waiter thought I was french, as he kept speaking it to me. I just smiled and nodded and said "merci" a lot.

If you've never seen the movie "In Brugge" you won't know what I'm talking about here for a bit, but I took a free tour offered by the Hostel based on the movie, and showing us places featured in it. For instance the route of the chase scene in the end, the play park where one character sits while the other spies on him from a nearby gazeebo, and the hotel where the characters were staying. Our guide's name was Kai, and he was originally from New York, it was super fun on the tour with him because he was crazy and funny like all my theatre friends from home. It made me feel warm and fuzzy, hahaha!

Brugge had just been decorated for Christmas time and all the old houses and shops around the squares were hung with lights making the whole place look like a gingerbread town. There were little stalls all over the squares selling gifts and winter clothes, waffles, and hot drinks. I really liked the big ice-rink that was set up in the main square beneath the bell tower. It had a bunch of lights and offered hours of entertainment watching the skaters. I very much enjoyed sipping my tomato soup, bought from one of the vendors and watching them go round and round on the slipery surface. The weather was really fairly mild for november in northern europe, around 40 degrees, so the ice as very wet and everyone had a fall or two in the puddles.

I had so much fun hanging out with the people from the hostel and their friends. I truly met the nicest people I have met yet while on this trip. I loved the laid back air of the place and how I felt so at home there. I definitely want to go back some day and spend more time just enjoying the fairy tale calm of the city.

Well, in four days I embark on my longest journey of the trip: six days in Italy! I really hope I can get through it all ok, without getting too lost or spending too much money! But I'll let you know. After that It's my birthday, finals week, and then my parents come for christmas!!! So exciting. It's all winding down, I can't believe i'm moving in on my fourth month here. Wow. Well, until next time,

Much love to all-
A

iMundo

      I created this poster for a product we came up with in conversation class when we had to sell something in Spanish. It may look like and ipod, but it is sooo much more: tv, radio, does your homework, dictionary, GPS, your best friend, all your music, and the capability to take over the world. coming to a store near you courtesy of Pineapple!

Poster Translation:

"All your world in the palm of your hand!"

"iWorld. from pineapple."

"May cause cancer. Do not eat it with rice. There is danger of addiction. Do not give it to elders of 60 years of age. A doctors prescription is needed. WARNIG! If not used correctly it may destroy the world. Thank you for reading the fine print."

Haha thought maybe someone would get a kick outa that. :)

-A

Paris in the Fall

Hello to those of you faithful friends who are still bothering to check up on me on this site! I'm sorry I haven't posted about my trip to Paris last weekend yet, I'm usually more punctual about these things, right? Oh well, Life is crazy. you can't blame me. I've got my classes here demanding my time, preparations for my trips and my return to the US to think about, work for Butler for my honors thesis proposal and grant project proposal, but enough of my sobbing- let's get to the good stuff:

Paris. I had a three day weekend last weekend because of a festival in Madrid and decided to make good use of it by flying off to Paris, France. I arrived in Bauvais Airport an hour away from the city on Friday at noon (darn Ryanair takes you far far away from your destination) and had to take a bus into the city. I then promptly grabbed my little rolling luggage and plunged into the Paris metro headed to the Monmarte area and my Hostel. It was easy to find, and quite a nice little place, but pretty much after dropping my bag and grabing a room key, I turned right around and headed back out on the streets. My first stop was Sacre Ceur, a lovely church up on a hill, fairly close to my hostel. As with all European cities, Paris is winding and rather difficult to navagate,after getting lost half a dozen times however I did make it to the place just as the sun was beggining to go down (which happened around 6:30). The Church was one of the prettiest I've seen yet in Europe, being that it is neither blatantly gothic in style nor romanic, but uses elements of both. I think it was a little more modern. Haha, you can tell I didn't exactly focus on studying the history of Paris, I just sorta went out and experienced it. From there I metro-ed down to the Place Du Concorde which was the site of the behedings of the French revolution, and is midway between the Louvre and the Arc De Triomphe on Paris's main drag. It was 7pm, but quite dark and not many people where around. I'm not gonna lie, being alone there and all, it sorta creeped me out as I walked up to the Louvre. Once there however I was re-enveloped in the swarm of tourists there and was able to enjoy my visit to the world's most famous art museum. It really is a wonder how big that place is... and that they've invented somethings so you can take flash photographs of the Mona Lisa (thousands a day I'm sure) and it apparently won't hurt her. I sorta felt a little like the art in that plae had become a bit comercialized, Like it wasn't about seeing the Mona Lisa because it is a masterpiece- but about seeing it to say you had... oh well. I walked back up the eerily empty paris streets at 9pm and got to the Champs-Elysées before deciding I was tired and needed dinner. I went back up to a cafe near my hostel and tried out a little of my phrase-book French on the waiter there. He seemed amused...

Saturday was a big day around the city center. I visited Centre Pompidou modern art museum, which had some fascinating artwork. The building also had a fantastic panoramic view of Paris from the top floor. It was a little rainy in some areas across the city and as I was leaving a rainbow appeared near Sacre Ceur. It was very cool. I then bought a Crepe with sugar and butter and munched it while walking down towards Notre Dame. I'm not sure how, but I managed to catch it on a free entrance time and so got to just wander around the church, which was surprisingly dark for a gothic cathedral. It had a definite sense of history around it. From there I went to the Eiffel Tower, which is huge. It's made out of this sorta brown metal that I didn't expect. I guess I always thought it would be shinier. Haha, but it was really cold and rainy there, and as I wasn't feeling well I decided to pass on waiting in the long lines all alone, and just not go up the tower. I'm sure I'll be back someday and do it then. I proceeded on to the Musee D'Orday, which is a museum that focuses on impressionism. It's a good thing I did too, because they were closing in about two hours after I got there. I really enjoyed seeing all the Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Renoir and others. I was proud of myself for being able to identify many of the painters before looking at the name plaques. I also really enjoyed seeing an exhibit on Art Nuvo that they had going on. However, as I was still feeling a little under the weather so I just decided to call it an early night. I ate at another cafe in Monmarte area and had some amazing ravioli in a cream sauce, baguette slices with french mustard, and a lovely glass of white wine (no judgement, Mom/Dad!) and I felt somewhat better when going to sleep at an embarrassingly early time.

Sunday was the best day as I was feeling much better. I caught the train out to Chateau Versailles. It was absolutely beautiful. The eighteenth century in France was just about the best time ever to be an aristocrat I think. If not for my opinions on social equality and general justice I would really have wished to live in the court of Louis XIV (he's the one nicknamed the sun king, who did most of the renovations and improvements to versailles and had a prosperous reign). The Palace is amazing with the paintings on the ceilings, everything gilt and embroidered, and cystal hanging off of anything that doesn't move. The Gardens are also fantastic, the fall colors there are brighter and more prominent than in Spain where things are still a little green! The grand canal and the palace grounds seem to go on forever. I love the open spaces there. After touring the Chateau with an audio guide, and wandering the grounds for most of the day I went back to the main area of Paris and visited the Arc de Triomphe (commissioned by Napoleon) that has a great view of the city and a lot of history. I took a whole lot of pictures and really enjoyed watching the sun go down over the skyline and seeing them raise the French Flag under the Arc for a ceremony that was about to go on. It seemed like a very patriotic moment. I ambled down the Champs-Elysées as my last goodbye to downtown Paris before heading back to my trusty hostel-side cafe in search of some good creme brulee, which I found readily available. I ended up having a really nice conversation with a French Lady at a nearby table who spoke very good Spanish and was very encouraging about my travels and art stuff. Truly, it was really very fun to get to meet people on this trip- everything from fellow hoosier Fighting Irish fans outside Sacre Ceur, to Australian surfers hanging out at the hostel. I had both short and long conversations with people from all over the united states, europe, and the world really. So far I find that the most common travelers I've met are Californians, Australians, and Brazilians (I'm surprised by that last one!).

Anyway, my first alone trip was really a great success. I discovered that I can go to a country where I don't speak the language all by myself and survive! Take the metro, order the food, walk the streets, and talk to the people all without getting hurt, robbed, or too very lost! It's a very empowering moment. I'm proud of myself- which is something that doesn't happen often. :)

My next trip is Bruges in Belgium next weekend. I hope it goes as well and even better!!!

I'll keep you faithful readers posted! (lol, posted...)

Much love to all,
A

Drawings From My Class

I just thought it might be kinda fun to put up on here the latest of my artworks from my drawing class here.

The first is the quintessential still life that every drawing student has done and hates- with charcoal and chalk, practicing shading.

The second is the most fun- an assignment to take and animal and change it somehow. My idea: Koala-zilla a cute and cuddly smasher of cities. (charcoal and red pastel)

Finally, a landscape drawing in one of my favorite mediums- chalk pastel.

I'll be bringing these back to the USA with me, if all goes as planned- so if anyone wants to call dibs on them for their walls at home, be my guest!

Love!

A