Visuals_

Things are really starting to pick up around here. With two seminars, one about the relevancy of our perception of architecture and the connection between the emotional and rational view. The other seminar is on the topic art history, which is taught by an Italian professor- I am enjoying it thoroughly. I also have a studio that meets 3 times a week for 4 hours, a printmaking class that will begin on Thursday, a movie evening with Joe Campbell on the subject of mythology (Dad you should check it out, I think you would enjoy it). Wednesdays are our field trip days, and Fridays and the weekends are free unless our professor decides we need to be spontaneous.

I am beginning to get used to the Italian culture and how things are done here. I have learned to not expect to get anything done between the hours of 13.00 and 16.00; everywhere is closed.

_I am thankful for...
_flowers in february
_italian dogs
_small, italian speaking children
_dual flush toilets. everywhere
_long underwear_ it´s pretty mild here, but it get pretty chilly in the evening and in cathedrals
_warm water
_hanging cosmetic bags
_piazza spaces
_old men
_the views. everywhere
_hot chocolate and legitimate cappuccino
_color
_the food...

At the study center, Santa Chiara, lunch and dinner is served "family style" which means bad news when it comes to eating too much...


One of the views from the study center.

This past week, the group visited Florence on Wednesday, and then I went back on Friday to meet the group from K-State who is studying in Orvieto. My boyfriend, Mitch, is studying there, so we were able to explore and sketch together.

In front of the Pazzi Chapel


One of the sculptures from the Duomo Museum; where many of the original statues, figures, and architectural details live (replicas take their place, so as not to suffer any more damage).


La Pieta di Michelangelo. A brilliant piece of work...



Me, in front of the Ponte Vecchio.


I just thought this one was nice. I can't wait to get my hands on photoshop so that I can make it something really stunning...


When it wasn't raining, the sky was a beautiful blue.

Santa Maria Novella at sunset.

A scale model of one of Brunelleschi's proposals for the dome of the Duomo.

We came back to Castiglion Fiorentino, my home, Saturday and on Sunday, we had the opportunity to visit Foiano for Carnevale. Carnevale is a festival that takes place every weekend in February. There are four neighborhoods in Foiano and each neighborhood creates a float. On the last weekend, a winner is chosen and they essentially attain bragging rights for the year.


One of the floats coming out of the giant garages, where they are constructed and stored.


Mitch and me... Confetti and silly string was everywhere.

Tomorrow, I will be in Siena and Florence again on Friday!!!