http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ou4nJgP6Ck&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG01xa_tzqk&sns=em

Graffiti tunnels

Yesterday was our last day of class. We went to the graffiti tunnels, where artists are legally allowed to create graffiti works on the walls. We explored, and were very inspired I create our own graffiti so we gave it a try. All of us created a piece and then we connected them, until we had one big wall of graffiti. It was a great last class, and a great communal composition.

Cinque Terre

Over the weekend we ventured off to Cinque Terre, outside of Tuscany, and in the Liguria region. We then took a hike through the woods on old paths that connect the five villages. Finally, two hours later we arrived in Monterosso, the last village, where we cooled off in the beautiful Mediterranean.

Lunch

Today was a regular day on the Abbey Road Program. We had our morning classes, and then time for lunch. Today two friends and myself went out to this phenomenal restaurant, la giostra. The restaurant is owned by two princes and the food is the best I've had in Italy. They also have phenomenal service and brought out a complimentary antipasti plate. I have finally figured out my way around and it is almost time to go home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQGiUr1fspo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Grocery shopping

Every Monday each apartment is allotted a certain amount of money to go grocery shopping. We visit both the grocery store, as well as the central market. At the mercato centrale one can find an assortment of delicious foods that are all very fresh, ranging from dried fruits and produce to meats, breads, and fresh pastas. The market is overwhelming and at the beginning of each week we come home with fresh and delicious foods for breakfast and lunch.

Pisa

Over the weekend we did many activities. We went to the beach, saw the leaning tower of Pisa and ventured to Lucca. The beach was beautiful and the seafood was amazing. The tower in Pisa is quite a site and was fun to see something so iconic. The quaint town of Lucca is lovely, and we had the chance to explore on bicycles.

The duomo

Yesterday we climbed the tower inside the duomo. It was quite a walk but the view was amazing. We were able to see the gorgeous Tuscan countryside as well as the entire city of Florence. The walk up circled the inside of the dome and we were able to walk along the side of the magnificent frescos that adorn the church.

The David

Yesterday we had the privilege of going to the academia during our painting class. We explored the museum and then settled ourselves around the David by Michelangelo. The sculpture is a masterpiece, and we had the opportunity to sketch it.

The American impressionists in Florence

The other day I had the privilege of taking a drawing class at Palazzo Strozzi where they are featuring an exhibition of American impressionists in Florence, specifically the works of John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt and James Abbott McNeill Whistler. We took a class focusing on landscapes and then were given time to draw in the gallery. After the class I went downstairs to see the contemporary exhibi, American Dreamers, and was able to see contrasting styles of art. One of my favorites was Thomas Doyle's pieces. He created dioramas with the central theme being the quintessential American home, but set in the time of the apocalypse.

Painting

So today I found out an interesting detail about out painting studio. For three months Raphael lived here, and was visited by Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo, where they all practiced their craft. The studio is magnificent, adorned with intricate frescoes and a long history it is nothing short of incredible. I find it inspiring and feel so privileged to have the opportunity to paint in such a historic place where the masters once worked.

Gelato

Today I went to this amazing gelateria, venchi. Personally I'm a chocolate fan, and love hazelnuts. I've taken a liking for nocciolo, a hazelnut flavored gelato that is quite delicious. Earlier today I stopped by and got milk chocolate with chunks of hazelnuts and it was sensational. Later in the night after a long day of classes I ordered the first chocolate I saw, and it turned out to be chocolate with praline. If you're ever in Florence, I highly recommend stopping by.

Classes

Today we began our classes. I'm taking painting and drawing. We bought supplies from the incredible zecchi, an old school art store where they mix their own paints. We then drew at the duomo studying people as well as the magnificent architecture.

Fiesole

Today we went to Fiesole, a small town overlooking the beautiful city. We walked around the charming marketplace and worked on our Italian by talking to local vendors. The heat has been extreme these past few days and we felt it greatly while watching the euro cup game against Spain. The game proved to be depressing, ending in a loss to Spain, nonetheless it was exciting to be among Italians while watching the finals.