Yea that is a post card that I took from my small crappy camera. I have to say that this is the best day trip of the trip so far. I am so glad for getting our group to go, and I will never forget this day.

Neglected Bicycles

Cinque Terre

These are some pictures from our trip to Cinque Terre. I can't decide if I like Cinque Terre or San Gimignano better. My favorite things about Cinque Terre include the coast line, colorful houses, and the beaches. I also had some pesto from here, which was the best I have ever tasted!

Rome

This past Saturday, Angelo and I took a day trip to Rome. The only thing we really got to see was the Colosseum, however, it was well worth the trip because it is something I have always wanted to see. The entire time I was there I couldn't help but imagine all of the history that had taken place within those walls. The architecture of the building is amazing, and the fact that it is still standing and in relatively good condition is incredible. I can't wait to return to Rome someday and visit here again!

Cinque Terre

A group of us took a little trip on Sunday to Cinque Terre. I was not expecting anything this beautiful at all. When we got there, it was cloudy and cold, but the more we hiked and the higher up we got, the more the sun started to peek out and everything came to life. This place can't possibly be compared to any other natural landmark I've seen in my life. Hiking on the side of the mountain was exhausting, but more so exhilarating and really put what we had accomplished in perspective. Definitely my favorite part of the trip so far, but things just seem to keep getting better and better, so we'll see...

Cinque Terre

One of the most beautiful places I've visited so far.

Roma: Coliseum

Over the weekend, Tresha and I ventured off to Rome. We had very limited time here considering the slow train takes about 4 hours to arrive at Roma Termini.

We visited the Coliseum, and I felt a strong somber feeling about to place. I loved the ruins, it's amazing it's still standing, but know just how many people died in here (and in public) is rather disturbing to me.

Museo di Storia Naturale

The exhibit this morning was awesome, everything from shiny ancient butterflies to shrieking wax figures.

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Piazza Signoria - Interesting light installation

San Gimignano

San Gimignano

These are some pictures from our trip to San Gimignano. For me, this has been one of the best places we have visited, and I would definitely come here again! The landscape is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life, and I feel like I could stare at it for hours without ever getting bored. I also liked it because the overall feel of the town felt calm, friendly, and at ease instead of always busy and cluttered with tons of people like Florence.

Siena's Palazzo Pubblico

View from the Terrazza at La Vecchie Mura

Faucet

Hidden house in Florence that I found...

Sunset from the Ponte Vecchio

Sunset from Piazza Michelangelo

Ancient & Massive

I can easily say that the most appealing thing in this city, to me, is the abundance of old buildings. As an architecture student, a lot of my personal drive comes from studying and learning from old buildings; a large part of what I want to do in my field involves restoration and rehabilitation of these structures. Seeing Florence in all its glory, and realizing that every single building in the city has been here for a long time has been a real eye-opener for me. I'm realizing that all I want to do can, in fact, be done. Although I'm a little overwhelmed with how much beautiful architecture is here, I am doing my best to take it all in and really look for the details that make that particular building what it is. This one, for example, wouldn't be nearly as interesting to me if it weren't for the crumbling of the facade, and the exposed brick structure that is starting to show where there is deterioration.

My favorite place so far...

Monday May 24th we went to the Santa Maria Novella Church. This has been one of my two favorite events thus far. It has thrown me for a loop this whole trip every time we walk past the front facade of the church because it looks so run down and faded. However, once you walk past the gypsy asking for money and through the metal gates it feels like a whole new experience.

The interior is elegant and magnificent. The first thing i did was look up. The ceiling is overwhelming with the black and white pattern running along the arches that support the ceiling. Which guides your eyes toward the front of the church looking at the giant stain glass, behind the alter, makes the hanging cross, in the center of the church, with Jesus on it seem like there is a halo around his body. The stain glass windows reflect bright colors onto the church floor creating a religious feeling.

Cant stop eating here in Italy!

Neptune's Fountain

Architectural Comparison

After reading the Architecture Article (reading #2), I could not help but think of the front entrance to the Louvre and the contemporary structure built in the front entrance. Like the author of the article stressed quite clearly, Italy lacks in any new form of architecture amongst its vast array of very old structures. I believe this photo is a perfect example of a new structure being incorporated into a very old one.(stolen from google)

Jesus Cheese

Seen in a Cafe', this cheese dish is presented with Jesus Christ imprinted into it.

Sketches

Experiencing the David in real life was a totally different experience than it was in any image I have seen of it. This morning, however, I was greatly inspired by another sculptor by the name of Giambologna. I enjoyed sketching this sculpture quite a bit more because I was able to truly experience it up close and personal. Also, while eves dropping on a tour guide I found out that this sculptor is considered one of the greats of the time period, but unfortunately due to so much attention given to the great Michelangelo during the time, he is not very recognized.

Image of the City - A Compilation Part 3 of 3

15 Robyn Miller

14 Jan Midelfort

13 Sara Burger

12 Ashley Bayer

11 Kendall Erickson

Image of the City - A Compilation Part 2 OF 3

10 Cody Murri

09 Katie Vnuk

08 Richard Grimm

07 Keely Weiland

06 Tresha Nielsen

Day Trip

The town of Pisa is a lot quieter than Florence and kind of unimpressive--aside form the Leaning Tower and the Baptistery. I thought the architecture was gorgeous. So smooth and white like a sculpture. It actually reminded me of a Wedding Cake.