Accademia Palace Padua

... of this one were Michelangelo’s “David” (of David and Goliath fame) and a series of unfinished works (also Michelangelo) that really gave some insight into his process. Next came the “Renaissance Walk” - about a two hour stroll from one end of the old city to the other, including stops at the enormous and beautiful “Duomo” (the cathedral nicknamed for its imposing dome), the Campanille -bell tower - (where we did NOT climb the ...

... struck Michele about the Venice bridge, well maybe three. First, it was not beautiful. She wonders where the money went. Second, it is not elaborate. She wonders where the money went. And, finally, this is the main bridge across the Grand Canal for newly-arrived tourist and, yet, there is no way to get a rolling suitcase over this bridge without hitting every single step. Could they not create a smooth ...

... they no longer swarm the tourists. But it you still have to watch out for the Pigeon Poop! The Basillica was another feast for the eyes - and ears! As we approached the central altar, imagine our surprise as the “theme” from Phantom of the Opera suddenly blasted from the organ!
Next, we toured the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. This wealthy American woman, who lived in an palatial home on the Grand Canal, had two great loves: her dogs and modern art. After her death, her ...

The two weeks after finals were very interesting and fun… Katy, Steve, Kelsa and I took a night train to Venice to start our trip. The train was not as nearly as bad as the one we took to Paris… at first, Katy, Kelsa and I were in a 6 person seating compartment with 2 other people serving in the military in Germany, but Katy and I quickly realized that the train was almost empty, so we took ...

Sorry I have been slacking on updating my blog. Sadie and I are have now arrived in Padova, Italy to visit my friend Laura. The train ride was beautiful coming through the mountains. Although sometimes it was hard to always see because the Italian trains go through tunnels that make your ears pop every time. Sadie and I didn't realize that when you make a reservation for a train that it includes a reserved seat for you to sit in. So the whole way to Rome we played ...

Hello, hello, a little update. Today, I worked on my essay for class for 20 minutes, and then moved on to intensely working on my auditory listening skills, I guess you could say. I went to a film at the cinema ("Un pranzo di ferragosto" I think it was called?), ate dinner at home, and then watched a TV movie with Mary, my host mother. If I have to hear another ...

... Kristen and Lucy again on Isola della Giudecca (where our hostel was located), we went back to the main island for a bite. I was hoping for a nice sit-down meal, but they seemed to get tired of looking for a cheap place, and resigned themselves to grabbing a calzone from a corner bar. I was a bit disappointed but we at least finished our meal with a gelato, which made me happy enough! Venice Summary - Thing that rocked: the urban planning and architecture Thing ...

... gentleman who works there said 'ciao' to us as we walked by. we said 'ciao' back to him but kept walking; we didn't want him to start hassling us to eat there. he got angry and yelled after us, 'ciao!' and we turned around and said again, 'ciao!' Then he started muttering angrily, and i heard him use the word 'anni' which means 'years' and can be used when referring to age. this morning i was walking home from the ...

... staying at our hotel while we were at the train station. We eventually found our way home, had showers then a drink downstairs at the bar with a few others - mainly Aussies. Bed about midnight. Today - 21st and we are heading to Venice via San MArino, a whole other country in the middle of Italy in the mountains - pyranees I think, and very small. We are having a great time. You see so much stuff and you don't think it can be topped but the next day you see something ...

... outside the main entrance. Donatello won fame with this statue which was the first large equestrian statue since the Roman times. Gattamalata was a mercenary soldier who served the Venetian Republic. We headed up town to the University of Padua, to check if we could see the Anatomy Lecture Theatre. It is the oldest in the world, built in 1594. Guided tours only, maximum 30 people, and only at 2.15, 3.15 and 4.15. We decided to return at 2.00. Next stop was to check out ...