February 2012
35 posts
Siena
Siena e una bellissima citta toscana! This past weekend, our group traveled to Siena for the day, and I must admit, after such a sunny and relaxing visit, it is on the top of my list of favorite places in Tuscany. We began the day by visiting the Basilica of San Domenicano (also known as Basilica Cateriniana, after Saint Catherine- the patron saint of the city, as well as the country of Italy)...
Camucia: Market day.
Camucia, a small town beside Cortona, holds a market on Thursdays, and for the last one, I accompanied a drawing class as they traveled down the hill for inspiration. The market was filled with fruit, vegetables, candy, meat, seafood, cheese, live animals, toys, clothes, shoes, etc. and as I explored, I found myself back at the dried fruit stand buying apricots and dates. It’s some of the...
Pisa e Luca.
Last weekend, our program traveled to Pisa early Saturday morning- in the cold rain and under a grey sky- to tour the grounds that held the oh-so-famous leaning tower. It was a tiny town, which we didn’t get to see much of, with great art, architecture, and aesthetic richness. I must say, the whole time I was there I was craving a cappuccino and sunshine, but it was a nice little precursor...
experiencing cortona: daily musings.
Celebrating St. Margaret of Cortona.
Yesterday was full of celebrations, food, services, and community gatherings for the town of Cortona! We all celebrated Saint Margaret, the patron saint of the falsely accused, hoboes, homeless, mentally ill, midwives, stepchildren, and reformed prostitutes. Talk about a busy Saint! She is buried in the church (her body is on display) and the town pays tribute to her twice a year (feastday is...
Community cooking in Cortona, on Honest Cooking. →
indoor musings & portraits of food.
lovin' this new album: "Visions," Grimes. →
play.
Oh the snow.
Cortona
Oh happy happy Cortona… a little mountain top town covered in snow; with winds that make you lose your balance; with cheerful little men and women shoveling their steps, gathering in the squares, and sipping espresso in cafes; a warm home provided by UGA and the angels who work here, keeping us happy and dry; and delicious markets that share local veggies and fruits, as well as tasty wines...
The lovely Firenze.
… and then there was the lovely little Florence. The culture, the streets, the cafes on every corner… the cappuccinos, the museums, the shopping, the very cold wind… the smell of leather and the busy markets… what a wonderful experience, had on foot with camera in hand. Our little group traveled to see the Duomo, Uffizi, the Accademia, the Galileo Museum, the Bargello, and...
Roma: Snow, Art, and Pizza.
Italy is wonderful! Let me first say, though, that I am very thankful for such a wonderful experience (one that has been full of great art, food, culture, and experiences thus far- and it’s only been a week!) and I am so happy to have the opportunity to grow in such a rich environment. I simply love being here! The weather is in the 20’s everyday, there’s a caffe at every corner...
