'Cat Chronicles - Blog 9 - Danielle Muri
.....four Bobcat student-athletes provide a cooperative blog from their own perspective on the adventures they encounter studying abroad this summer.
Well I just had my last day of class today... I'm still trying to process that this whole experience has already come and gone. I still have ten more days of adventure and relaxation here, but I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to my roommates. I became good friends with each of them, especially my roommate Katherine. Let me give you an overview of my past couple of weeks - enjoy!
My sketchbook class was AWESOME. I feel like I got to experience Florence in a very authentic and unique way. Rather than meeting at the studio every day, we met at a variety of museums, galleries, churches, and gardens.
Webpage photo: This is the view from the Cathedral of San Miniato. It sits on a hilltop above the Piazzale Michelangelo and has arguably the best view of Florence. Behind me you can see the Duomo and Bell Tower; it looks far away, but it's only about a 25 minute walk. On average, my roommates and I walk about five miles a day. It's amazing how much ground you can cover on foot, especially in a town like Florence where there's so much to see. It was an awesome day with gorgeous views and many sketches.
The Pitti Palace is an enormous building that was originally home to the Medici family and then belonged to the Pitti family; both were very influential in Florence. All of the rooms in the Palace are preserved exactly how they were when the families lived here. They are a little bit more regal and elaborate than what we're used to... connected to the palace are the Boboli Gardens- a giant maze of gardens and statues stretching for 111 acres. At times, I felt like I was in the maze from the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire (for any of you Harry Potter fans).
Picture #1: VENICE, city on the water! It was truly fascinating to experience this floating city. They drive boats the way we drive cars. Instead of walking out your front door onto a porch or sidewalk, they have water. I was so glad that we were able to do a gondola tour; while expensive, it's an absolute must if you ever go. This picture is a view of the narrow, winding passages of this romantic city. We also made a quick stop at the island of Murano, known for its colorful glass blowing. I came away with several souvenirs and gifts for friends.
Picture #2: Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. Truly a breath-taking site, the entire city of Florence stretches out before you once you make the climb up. Having gone at both day and night, I highly recommend a sunset visit. There is usually a musician there playing music as people drink wine and eat gelato on the steps.
I shook hands with Meryl Streep! Well not quite, but at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France I found her handprint in the famous sidewalks lining the building. I've always enjoyed her as an actress. This is the location of the Cannes Film Festival that occurs every year. My roommates and I got to take pictures on the red carpet steps, as well. We had lunch on the water and I enjoyed some of the freshest seafood I have ever eaten. It was a very wealthy city.
We enjoyed walking around Monaco and seeing the changing of the guards’ ceremony at the palace where Princess Grace Kelly used to live. We were also able to see her tomb in one of the churches. There is so much wealth in this area! After Monaco, we went to the neighboring city of Monte Carlo- home of the historic Grand Prix. It was an incredible weekend.
Like I said, it has been an incredible few weeks. I count my blessings every day that I was able to have this opportunity.
Archived Blogs
Blog 8 - Stephanie Irwin - Arrivederci, Rome
Blog 7 - Stephanie Irwin - High Speed Train to Venice
Blog 6 - Stephanie Irwin - The Seven Hills
Blog 5 - Danielle Muri - Class is in Session
Blog 4 - Annie Liotta - World Cup Time
Blog 3 - Allison Ross - Tsunami Drill
Blog 2 - Danielle Muri - Hello From Florence
Blog 1 - Allison Ross - Machu Picchu
