Nazionale Volterra

... could use for our research papers on Italian culture. All in all, it made me think how that was exactly how I would like my apartment to be when I get my own one. Tea set and all. I've become surprisingly addicted to tea since I came here. The English variety, of course, with milk and sugar, but I'm still rather surprised that I've come to enjoy tea so much in Italy. Rather than, say, coffee.

... He promised we'd return to the old Etruscan town of Montepulciano later this week.
The roads narrowed and became windier as we drove away from the hill town. One road sent us through a wonderland of colors as luscious red, orange and yellow trees sandwiched us. I could've swallowed a fly with my mouth gaping so wide. Even though Vilmo passed this scenery everyday, he didn't seem disillusioned by it all. He was very proud of his Tuscan region ...

... alone weren’t enough of a draw, the cathedral’s high archways and spectacular dome are supported by really interesting, black-and-white-striped marbled columns that were knock-your-socks-off striking and very unique to any other cathedral we’ve seen. (I likened the interior to “elegant Dr. Suess,” although I’m not yet sure that works!). Also, through a door on the north side, we toured the church’s hidden ...

... sud des alpes, encore une tres belle strucutre de marbre.Nous somme retourne a la tour du chateau de la piazza del campo pour y monter et prendre quelques cliches des colines de la toscanes.

le retour en autobus nous a permis de voir de differents paysages, et plusieurs chateaux au travers des vignes de la region des chianti !

Cinque Terre photos here:
http://www.facebook.com/album. php?aid=163678&id=613699523&l=b ae7645b89

Stayed at Affittacamere Patrizia Hostel in Rio Maggiore in Cinque Terre and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
When we got to the Hostel it was just an office and no one was there. Our keys were stuck to the door with instructions on how to get to our dorm room. There was another set of keys there too so we could have taken those too and ...

... from Holland, Anita from Switzerland, and Voltolt (probably spelled wrongly) from Austria. Some very interesting conversations on the trip to and from Volterra, with some sentences being in at least 4 languages.. a real language stew but good fun.

Volterra is a pretty little place, with great views, an old Roman amphitheatre, and the usual assortment of picturesque corners and steep streets. Our time ...

... up the steps from Zorba's, where we had eaten at the previous night. We sat on a small porch overlooking a small street. The restaurant had been there since 1893. The food and ambiance were much better here. We met a very nice German couple who had a 17 year old daughter. They had traveled extensively as many Europeans do. They spoke wonderful English and were very nice to chat with. We finished dinner about 11:00 and walked through Plaka to the metro and went to bed very satisfied ...

This weekend was our trip to Firenze (Florence) and it was so amazing. |n Rome its chaotic and there are ruins everywhere, but Firenze is much more laid back. We had quite an adventure taking the train to and from Firenze. First we went after a morning of visiting ruins with our professors and because Bush was visiting Italy there were police everywhere and the buses were way off schedule. Once we finally made it ...

... although they're not quite as exciting as Matthew's!!! Haha, I don't wander Florence sketching and getting VIP passes to museums to draw and learn about art history!! I am so excited for him...he's going to create some amazing pieces while we're here, I just know it! And his Italian is improving sooo much...he'll be arguing with Italians on the street in no time! I did, however, go on an art tour as part of my Italian program this Tuesday to the Church of Santa Croce - it is ...

... were greeted by the cold and the windiest weather I think I have ever experienced. By the time we made the steep climb up to the city, we were in need of warmth and a respite which we found at the first bar we sighted. We had lunch - Italian sandwiches - I learnt the word 'panini' here (again, now in Australia) - must be the best on earth I think - basic fare but absolutely delicious. Bravely we ventured out into the wind again, only to discover ...