TRAVEL
La vita è breve e il mondo è ampio
They say that pictures are worth a thousand words, but that memories are even more valuable. Here is a collage of my traveling experiences throughout my study abroad days. It is a mix between the pictures and my top memories of each city that I have been blessed enough to encounter.
FIRENZE.
10.02.2017 - 11.02.2017
Climbing to the top of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.
This is the main Church of Florence and the architectural value of this beautiful piece of work falls between Brunelleschi's dome, Arnolfo di Cambio's original ideas and Vasari's frescoes. One is able to climb both the campanile and the cupola. I suggest you stick to doing one climbing exercise a day. Be aware of small hallways and steep winding steps. Don't let this discourage you though, because the view from the top is absolutely worth the 463 steps.
Seeing Michelangelo's David.
This masterpiece is now located in Florence's Galleria dell’Accademia. Being able to view and sketch this work in person was a memory that I will never forget. People from all over the world come to see the David and Italians use David as a symbol of the liberty and freedom of Republican ideals due to it's imposing perfection. When you find the time, I highly suggest that you sit down and read this New York Times article to get a better understanding of this true work of art.
MILANO.
12.02.2017 - 13.02.2017
Sketching on top of the Duomo di Milano.
Although you can't climb up to the highest part of the Duomo di Milano, you are still able to walk through the buttresses to this detailed cathedral as you continue your path towards the roof. On the roof, you are able to roam around and get a spectacular view of all of Milan. We were even able to take a seat up there and sketch peacefully for about 45 minutes. You are also able to look down onto all of the people (and birds) gathering in Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is one of the world's oldest shopping malls.
Experiencing Giorgio Armani's Silos.
Milan | Fashion capital of the world. Giorgio Armani | Innovator, Designer, Architect.
Simple, pure and clean cut is what Giorgio Armani had in mind while creating beautiful haute couture. This museum holds and puts his unique collections on a pedestal for visitors to take a glance and understand the light, color schemes and designs. Currently on non permanent display is a photography collection, titled Emotions of the Athletic Body. This exhibition is dedicated to celebrating those who compete, not only to achieve their own goals, but also to entertain the rest of us. Armani based this exhibition off of the wealth of images that he has commissioned over the years of sportsmen and women from all different disciplines. If you get a chance to visit Milan and have even the smallest interest in fashion, then go.
Walking through Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova is now the main district area of Milan. Here, you will find skyscrapers to house a variety of different companies, ground level shops and restaurants and very impressive apartment complexes and private villas. I found this spot super interesting because you can see how a city can still stick to its historic roots while continuing to grow and immerse themselves in the current times. Architecturally speaking, this area has been under constant development since around 2010. Sustainable design has been a key part to this engaging area and it is evident to the blind eye while taking glances at the vertical gardens that climb up the apartment buildings.
VERONA.
14.02.2017
Valentine's Day with Juliet.
Considering I was in Verona on Valentine's Day, of course I had to see the balcony where Juliet stood while Romeo declared his love. Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is perhaps the most powerful love story in Western culture and we all yearn to live a part of the romance, although not so much the tragic ending.
Walking the audience steps of the Mini Colosseum.
The Arena di Verona actually pre succeeds the building of the Colosseum. Although it is a bit smaller than the Colosseum, only fitting 30,000 spectators compared to the Colosseum's 70,000, it is in mint condition. We were able to walk around leisurely along the top seating areas of the Arena and view down on what would have been a great entertainment stage.
VENEZIA.
15.02.2017 - 17.02.2017
Walking along and getting to experience the canals.
Stepping off the train in Venezia Santa Lucia, you were greeted with the salty scented air. Perhaps my favorite feature about Venice would be the presence of water and the lack of cars. Everything in Venice runs around the canals - think taxis, garbage, bulked good deliveries. And how could I ever forget the gondola experience. You can get 6 people in a gondola for €80 and it is definitely worth it. For thirty minutes, you have a new horizon level and you experience the streets and urban fabric on a completely different level. We managed to go at the perfect time, right before sunset. Try to go before 7 PM though because often fares jump higher for night time rides.
PARIGI.
03.03.2017 - 05.03.2017
Stand and be amazed inside of the Notre Dame Cathedral
Considered to be one of the best French writers, Victor Hugo once noted, "Architecture has recorded the great ideas of the human race. Not only every religious symbol, but every human thought has its page in that vast book". The Notre Dame Cathedral is the documentation of the first use of the flying buttress. And my oh my, what wonderful spaces does that structure create. You look up and see how the light shining through the beautifully ornate stained glass rose windows mixes with the musty air. You look forward and see enormous column, after column, after column. You get an extra glow of light from the decorative chandeliers hanging throughout the church. Your ears listen for the organ playing and music being peacefully sung. These descriptive phrases do absolutely no justice to what one actually encounters in this Cathedral. It is a feeling that you will only understand once you are there and witness it for yourself - I'm sorry that I can't share it with you.
