.breathtaking.

7.7.09

We were able to sketch the grand site of Florence today. As a group we all sat down along a bridge and sketched. I’d say that this was the first time I actually felt pretty good about my sketch. (other than my clouds L ) but, that’s okay. Practice makes perfect! I am working to become confident in it. It is hard when others are so amazing!! But, comparing my work to others only makes me less confident, so, rather, I am going to just work for improvement.

After a little sketching workshop lead by Brady and Laura, Darrin told us that there was a place where we could overlook Florence. I had no idea what to expect. Let’s just say that my expectations were more than fulfilled. Right at the moment that we caught a glance of what lay ahead; I could hardly contain my excitement. The view of Florence is absolutely breath taking! This is the moment that made my experience in Florence, incredible. We stayed up there for about an hour or so. It was difficult to leave that viewpoint. I loved it up there. It was one of those moments where I felt absolutely amazed, taken back, blown away by the beauty in this world. Thinking of the history that made this place what it is today. It was another moment that helped to recognize the reality of my travels. At that moment, it hit me that I was actually in Florence. So many times it just seems unreal that I, a little student from Utah State, am really here. I like feeling the reality of each breathtaking moment.

Before I am finished with this post, I cannot forget to mention that we saw Michealangelo's David. Wow. The sculpture was huge. Each contour, each muscle, defined veins were all incorporated. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was standing there in the Academy, viewing Michealangelo's David! After seeing some sculptures that were left unfinished, I was truly able to appreciate each sculpture that was once a slab of stone. Seeing David was incredible but I truly appreciated this sculpture when i sat down to sketch him. I have never sketched a human body. I was fascinated by each muscle and contour. Michealangelo is incredible!! After seeing the Sistine chapel, St. Peter's Cathedral (which housed the "Pieta" and multiple other sculptures), and now David. . . I can't believe the accomplishments of this man.

What a great day!

7.6.09

We are in Florence!!! We walked from the train station to our hotel, only to find out that the hotel that we were originally supposed to stay in, was full. So they sent us to the sister hotel which was just around the corner nearly five minutes away. Not a problem, right? Well, we are going to have to walk back to the original hotel everyday if we want to use the internet. It really is kind of a hassle, but we can’t worry about it too much. As long as we have internet, we are good to go. Once again, the rain followed us. As we were walking to our stay, it rained again. First it poured in Rome, now it is Florence. We will have to see how this holds up for the rest of the trip.
I made a fun realization today. As I posed for my picture with my luggage and umbrella, I realized that my lovely hot pink luggage has been through a lot! It has made it back and forth from Logan multiple times, New York (3 times), Chicago, now all the way to Rome, and Florence. How fun is that?!? Thanks to my dear aunts and uncles who gave it to me for my high school graduation. It has done me well!

Well, our stay in Florence is a bit different than that in Rome. It is a small room that accommodates four twin beds in it. I would say that this room is maybe a few feet longer than the room that I grew up in. When I first saw it, I fell in love with it! I think it will be a lot of fun to stay here. It is humble and had blue, aged quilts on the beds. Of course, we took them right off as I’m sure they don’t get much washing, if any at all. But, we have windows that have shutters on them and it makes me so happy! This is what I imagine Italy to be like. It doesn’t matter how small it is, or how old it is, or the fact that we have no internet and only two phone lines for the entire hotel. It just doesn’t seem to matter much because it is all worth the experience. I bought a phone card and the phones are a joke, but, what do you do? Just love every minute that I have to hear the voice of my fiancé and my mother.

We made our way out on a walking tour. We actually took a tour of the area. We ended up at the Duomo which is remarkable. The details are unreal. It seems impossible that a building could have such embellishments! I was blown away by it. The interior is surprisingly plain. I like that it is because if there were too much going on, it would be overwhelming. It is a good balance for the exterior.

Our tour guide told us about an amazing gelato shop! She swore that it would be the best gelato that we will eat here in Italy. Well, she was right!! The shop was called Grom. We have had plenty of Gelato here in Italy so far, but Grom tops them all. Mmm. This time I got Lemon and Raspberry. Holy Moly! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it! We plan to go back when we have a chance. Allie ordered Peach and Raspberry. I loved the peach. Next time!