Exploring the Places No One is Talking About
No series on Italy would be complete without a discussion of the glorious food. When I was there it was to study and I some how got away with taking a pairing food and wine class. There is nothing better than studying wine in Italy. I don’t remember what all of these wine are but
One of the things that I loved about Florence and Italy in general was the street artists. You can find them by following the music or the laughter. In addition to the performers and musicians there are painters and other artisans selling their work in the piazzas. I spent more money than I want to
When you think about the skyline of Florence, the impressive dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore first comes to mind. The masterpiece of the Italian Renissance, a master of architecture and engineering by Brunelleschi. The magnificent dome is not the only thing to rise above the homes in Florence, so to does
If you are ever in Italy in June make sure to be in Florence when they play the Calcio Storico in front of Santa Croce. The home I stayed in during my study abroad in Florence was less then a block from Piazza Santa Croce and it was with curiosity that my friends and I
The East doors of the Baptistery of San Giovanni were called by Michelangelo, upon their completion, the Gates of Paradise. Ten panels depicting the Old Testament in images laid in gold. Even if you do not go into the Baptistery itself it is difficult not to stop and stare at these magnificent doors and the
On my first or second morning in Florence my home-stay roommate and I climbed the Bell Tower next to Florence Cathedral (Duomo). The 414 steep steps tried to kill me. The view is worth it at the top. The structure is beautiful, white, red, and green marble. Building began in 1334 and was completed in
When I was studying aboard my friends and I visited Pisa on one of the few free weekends we had. Most weekends had trips scheduled like to Siena. My visit did not do justice to the city. The day was really hot and I did not drink enough water. I’m pretty sure I ended up
Since none of us can travel at the moment I am going to go back a few years and discuss my study abroad trip to Italy that I took to Florence and some of the other Italian cities. I have discussed most of this trip before and you can see the links to those posts
I haven’t posted about Italy in a long while but I have been craving some risotto lately and decide to make some this weekend along with some herbed focaccia bread. I bought so many fresh herbs and I love it when my house smells like warm bread! What recipes help you remember wonderful adventures? Happy
Probably one of the more well known landmarks of Florence, Italy is the Ponte Vecchio that spans the river Arno. It is the oldest bridge in Florence although it was rebuilt in 1345 and has withstood many events from wars to floods. No days the Ponte Vecchio is lined with jewelers shops – over priced
McGee Travel Tales 