Buongiorno!

Well now that the jet lag has passed, and the fact that i no longer am walking up to strangers asking "Parla inglese? " utilizing a horrible American accent, I can mentally process what a great trip we had to Italy. Truly - it was a great 10 days. We ended up spending 3 days in Rome, about 6 days in the Tuscany region , and a day in Florence.  I could go on and on as each day brought it's own adventure but alas, some of my "favorito":

* there were murals and frescoes everywhere! Seriously...even on the ceilings of some of our hotel rooms. Art is definitely incorporated into life there in such a different way than it is here. Although still considered "precious" it was much more touchable there than i find it is here in the States. I love that!!

*Yes, all the ruins are spectacular and amazing but the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks, beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione is truly unbeliveable. It is a bit morbid but there is beauty in that i suppose. The link explains it all but PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THESE IMAGES MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME.

* My American coffee drinking experience is now forever ruined. Italian "caffee" has changed everything. Seriously. This was in my inbox when we got home, explains it all, and brought tears to my eyes. MMMM. i can smell it from here...

Also, food wise, i  discovered fresh Asiago cheese (thanks Chris! ) ..I'm not even a huge cheese person but oh my goodness - YUM!

oh yeah, one word...gelato.  *sigh*

* If in the Tuscany region, Radda is a great place peruse and have lunch. The ricotta and spinich dumplings i ordered came served in the shape of the most perfect star sitting atop tomato puree - gorgeous! (yes, i am one of those weird people that take pictures of their food.) There were many vineyards/wineries to stop at along the way for tastings as well.

* In Sienna, we met a delightful artist,Silvia Tanganelli, whose watercolor landscapes truly capture the essence of Tuscany . Although her website is in Italian, you can see some of her work here. 

* I laughed when we got home and looked at all the pictures i had taken - they were of my meals, my espressos, or close-ups of all the carved stonework and door knockers that were everywhere! If i ever get around to starting a Flicker account, I'll share all the pics.

Well, that was a "piccollo" glimpse of our experience...hope I wasn't too long winded!! It is always good to get away, and then good to get back home. I had to start painting right when i got home because i felt like I had gone so long without. New creations being introduced to the world on Wednesday - come take a peek!!

Ciao Bella!

Comments

[melissa]

How much fun!!! I would have loved to see all the murals myself! It would be interesting to see some of the things I learned about in all the art history classes I had to take in college! I am sure it was wonderful!! Glad to have you back though!
Melissa