Thursday Afternoon:
After a great morning on the South Banks of the Thames, Lauren had to see some of the big sights! We ate lunch outside, and enjoyed the river looking across at St. Paul’s before we ventured back across the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Cathedral nearly destroyed in WWII yet missed by the bombs, has shrapnel marks on the side as a reminder of the War. St. Paul’s to me is just as nice as Westminster, yet does not get nearly as much publicity. I loved coming to Sunday services, Organ recitals, evensong, and anything I could, as then it was FREE! In a city with so many free museums and things to do, I don’t like having to pay to enter a church.

St. Paul’s Cathedral as seen from the Millennium Bridge (excuse me please…I wanted to say). We headed back to the tube to head to the Royal Borough of Westminster… Wow you are good; we were going to see Westminster Abbey! Also Big Ben (the Bell is Ben, the clock Tower is Stephen many people are confused by this) and Parliament.
Thinking about some places Lauren needed to see I thought about the most photographed places in London. London's most photographed, is Trafalgar Square, followed by Tate Modern, Big Ben, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Well, good thing I was going to check off many of these this afternoon!

Pressing on we got some pictures, (I won’t include many of the most photographed, and (as I am sure) if they really are over photographed you’ve seen these places, maybe too many times…). We saw Big Ben AKA Stephen, (to be proper, I didn’t see the Bell haha), Parliament -sad day- there was scaffolding that was not there this summer, and Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Chapel. I think the Abbey is special, but St. Margaret’s is more like churches in the States, a bit smaller still grand but not so overwhelming. The organ in St. Margaret’s is glorious, it is huge, I really wish I could have taken pictures to share with others who have not seen it. Just imagine an organ that is grand yet simple, very pretty and produces a magnificent sound, the organist was rehearsing, and I could have sat all afternoon listening. Too bad, well not really, but we had things to do and places to see so we headed back to the pavement.

On the way to St. James Park we passed a good ol’ American boy! Well I guess not much of a boy, but he was a boy once, Abraham Lincoln. A taste of the States, I thought to myself! Was it a sign, and if so, what kind of sign was it haha, time to go home…nah!!! I am lovin’ London too much to go back to the States, I am perfectly content, and can’t say love enough- about how happy I am to be back in London.

“Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we went”. I mean “Over the concrete through the park, to the Palace we went”, Buckingham Palace that is. Here is Lauren’s first sighting of the Palace! I wonder if the Queen remembers we are coming… for our visit of course! Haha I wish… The Queen was on a first name basis with us, but not this trip, I can work on it (note to self write a nice note to the Queen, become her Best Friend For Life).

So we have now walked along the river, and walking in towards the centre London through our first of many London Parks. St. James: seeing families play, children feed the ducks, seagulls, and other birds around, animals showing off in the pond, and the autumn leaves that surround us. What a magnificent feeling, no rush, a stroll in the park, I wanted a dog…I seem to recall this same feeling on morning walks with Sara and Mrs. Rodgers. A stroll in the Park reminds me of the movie 101 Dalmatians, all the dogs look similar to their owners, now I wonder what my dog would look like.

Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace there were not tons of people so it was a chance to see the guards. However they were not the “real” guards, or those that everyone thinks of when thinking of the changing of the guards, dressed in red with big furry black hats. Today they were simple, but we did see a sign that said the changing of the guards would occur tomorrow at 11:30. As something Lauren wanted to see, I told her no problem and we could come back with Sam and Vi as well, but to enjoy what we could see now, as there would be a crowd of people tomorrow.

Walking away we headed to Green Park, and enjoyed watching kids play, even if it was in a monument that specifically stated not to climb on it. The trees changing and the cool brisk air could not have produced a more perfect autumn day in London. I enjoyed the fact that we were able to be rather leisurely, yet could still see so many “important” sights. As one of the things I really wanted to do was to just sit in parks, and take in the life around, we had ventured from one to the next.

In this way London is not exactly like New York City, as there are so many different parks you can go to. In New York, which I often compare London to, the only big Park is Central Park which is a lot like Regent’s Park here as they both have Zoos, and are larger. London just has so many parks all over, and I love it; whether they are under lock and key or large public parks, they are all different. I feel London is a place where one could raise a family, even though it is the most expensive city in the WORLD! One would just need to have a pretty stable job, and be happy, but I cannot see being in London and not being happy. So there is a step for me in the right direction.

This key knowledge, of happiness, always helps me especially when things may not go as “I planned”, but things turn out to be ok in the end most of the time. It is one of those life circles, I’ve decided, kind of like the saying “what goes around comes around…”, yet still one of those things I just say but never really give a full meaning too. However after our afternoon and a morning on the south bank of the river I could not have imagined another day as perfect as today.

Thursday evening:
A chance meeting… at the Stage door of Dirty Dancing! A show I did not expect myself to see, it just seemed too cliché to me, a musical based on the blockbuster hit movie, could it really get that much better, or would it be a whole lot worse? The chance to see it came up after returning to the hostel for a break and some dinner, and upon our arrival we were welcomed back by Sam and Vi. I was glad they had arrived safely from the continent, I felt a bit like the mom, however many who know me would say I always am mom! I won’t argue, I know I do it, maybe a little too much, 21 going on 35 I think I hear the most… why 35 though? I guess I am glad it’s not 50 or 80, but if I were 80 and looked 21 I wouldn’t mind haha. Ok well getting off track, we arrived to the hostel with dinner supplies, and told the girls we were making dinner here and then heading to see War Horse!

Yet arriving to the box office with plenty of time, thank goodness, we found out they were sold out, so the group reorganized and picked Dirty Dancing the musical to see. A quick glance at the map, and I knew right where we were heading. Knowing Lauren and I were catering to “non theatre” girls I wanted them to enjoy their first London Theatre experience, so maybe they’d want to go to more “obscure” or less well known shows with us. This will be written about more in the days to come.

Overall I felt the show was not a musical, too much of the music was not live but piped in, I felt they should have called it a dance performance. The accents were very inconsistent, as I watched from a theatre perspective, yet did not allow myself to review it till it was over. If I had gotten too caught up during the show I knew I would not be able to enjoy it. I enjoyed the dancing, and there were some very fine singers who did sing about half the music live on stage. I just think I thought it was going to be more about the music. The script did stick very true to the movie, even trying to recreate a scene in water on stage, but done in such a way that it was pretty corny.

However going to see such a classic film mounted on stage, I really couldn’t help but think I saw a performance I would not have seen. I had heard such great things about it when it opened, and know I can’t see it in New York, so I guess in the end ‘I had the time of my life’, only my favorite song in the movie. Which thank goodness they did sing, and the two singers did a super job with it; if it had not been done well I would have cried, I think. Dirty Dancing on stage was very much about the dancing, when reading most of the actor bios they were dance trained, and rightfully did a fantastic job. The girls could move in ways I can only dream of, there were just some glaring things that bugged me that continued to come up.

Dirty Dancing was an added plus for me and I can’t wait to see a show tomorrow when the other girls go to see Wicked! Stay tuned for more about London, and the shows and fun to come! Over and out from the summer of 1963 (that is the time Dirty Dancing took place) and London.

Journal Entry: An Attempt at re-creating a whole summer in a WEEK!

What I mean by this- I wanted to take all the pictures I did this summer, as I lost them all. However, I did not get them all, I just added more shows, more memories, and had the chance to see old and new friends! I wanted to blend in with the Londoners as much as possible. I know my way around and didn’t have to look at a map (very much) and was able to be a bit of a tour guide. I loved being back in London. I love Italy especially Sansepolcro. However, my lack of the language in Italy stands in the way a lot of the time. Returning to London I had a sense of belonging, could give directions, and blended in to the best of my ability.

To me London is a safe city. I feel comfortable walking around, alone day or night, some may disagree with me, and I am open to hear your opinions. It was when I was able to explore and be part of the city alone that I really relaxed, saw shows, and so much more. I felt right at home, so I didn’t feel the need to walk around poised with camera in hand ready to go! I didn’t want this factor to stand in the way of getting others with me around to the sights they wanted to see. I am sure they will comment on their own experiences, and I hope I helped them to come to LOVE London as much as I do!

Entry: Friday October 30 2009-

The journey home, began bright and early, Wednesday October 28th- bus, train, train, wait, plane, train, tube, walk- I was home!! London early evening, time for a trip to the Hostel in Kennington to check in freshen up and head out to a show! I could not have imagined a better way to begin the trip, yes a show I saw this summer, but I got actor autographs without even ‘stage dooring’!!! Lauren, fellow theatre student, has joined the ranks of those who have seen The Woman in Black, said to ‘be terrifying audiences for 21 years!’ This was a show that some prefer to call entertainment and not “theatre” but that is a debate that I will let the two sides have at another time. My Journal is not the place for it; it is also not the time. So show number one, The Woman in Black, perfect for the season with Halloween quickly approaching, and on that note I was welcomed back to LONDON! (The Safety Curtain at the Fortune, Pretty)

The Fortune Theatre (haunted maybe, aren’t all theatres?!), I know one professor who would say YES! Near Covent Garden, one of my favorite places to people watch. Especially with constant outside entertainment: street performers, and all sorts of people walking about. Just one of the many things I love about London!
Covent Garden by night or day is a place to see: sit and enjoy so I can’t wait to make it back during the day. Just walking the streets of London, sitting in a park, or finding a place to have afternoon tea- I was home. I had an agenda, but it wasn’t one of ‘must dos’ the main thing I wanted to do was see THEATRE! Having Lauren as a travel companion, I had a feeling she would not mind this, so during the times when there were no shows to see, she just had to decide things to do during this “down time”. I was happy to be a tour guide; no map needed, and tell her the history and random facts I could recall as we walked around the city.

One thing that is misleading to many was how you really can walk between the tube stops; it isn’t walking to the end of the earth. The Tube map compared to a “real map” just confuses, I introduced Lauren to London, the transportation, and how not to look like a tourist. (DON’T walk around with a map out in a touristy, or crowded area, this one is the worst). Many of the places such as Westminster, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace can all easily be walked to with gorgeous parks between. Yet, on the tube map they don’t appear as close. I just love getting to walk around London in such great weather, for this late in October.

Thursday, a day of just us theatre girls (us being Lauren and me) seeing the city and sights, and a theatre major must see! (If you didn’t guess it)… the GLOBE! Lauren had to see the Globe, especially having taken Shakespeare last year. I knew if she didn’t visit or see a show at the National she would be shunned as well as I. So to avoid humiliation we checked off one must do for a theatre major. Tour the Globe, and take pictures to prove it…DONE! (Yet as a theatre major, you would think I would remember to use my upstage arm to present the sign, open my body up to the viewer!)

The Globe exhibition: the history behind Shakespeare, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and the King’s Men, and the reconstruction. Sorry if I ruined it for you but the Globe which stands today is not the original, nor is it on the original spot of the globe. The original Globe burnt down to the ground, during a production of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, in 1613. A canon was used as a special effect, and a shot from the “heavens”, the thatch roof caught fire, and the theatre burned to the ground. Luckily everyone got out alive, but the loss of such a great stage was sad. You would think Shakespeare would have not worried about it, as it is he who says “the whole world’s a stage, and people merely players”. Haha… yet a second theatre was built this time with a tile roof, only to be destroyed years later by Puritans. And now we have the Globe that stands today on the south side of the Thames, thought to be very similar to the original(s) in shape, and atmosphere. (I can attest to this, I stood for As You Like It this summer on the concrete, just as the groundlings did during Shakespeare’s time, my poor feet I thought, but I made it).

Inside the exhibition they have set up what costumes would have been made out of, which they continue today. NO sewing machines at the Globe! Holy Cow the American Costumer in me thinks all hand sewing, and using fabric from the time. I love the Authentic Shakespearean costumes but know I probably would not have the patience to create them. I would have some poor naked actors on stage! Taking Shakespeare to a whole new level! Guess I won’t be costuming anytime soon for the Globe, yet I wouldn’t mind performing there. I could die a happy actress after stepping on the stage with groundlings right there, and the “wealthy” in the stands. “What I would give to live out of these waters” oh Little Mermaid, I mean “spend a day warm on the Globe Stage”. That will be the day!

So now back to the history. Lauren decided to try on a helmet….umm I don’t think it was the perfect fit! We made our way through the 16th and 17th century models and artifacts, to the history of the theatre today. The man behind a lot of this project, Sam Wanamaker, from the STATES!!! He came over to London – immediately began to initiate the project, fundraising, securing a place, plans (based on great amounts of research) and we now have the Globe today. Sadly he did not live to see the finished product, yet thanks to him many gave money to reconstruct this theatre, an important piece of history. The “Wooden O” which Shakespeare describes in Henry V simple, inviting the audience to use their imaginations, has been recreated today. A simple stage, all “special effects” as they would have been done then, even down to the undergarments actors wear: they are all very authentic.

No one is really sure that the theatre today is the exact same as the original, but for me it is close enough. It has a thatch roof, with a sprinkler system just in case of fire, well darn too bad they didn’t have one in 1613 when the fire destroyed the original. I guess the Puritans would still have come along and taken it apart but we may have had more pictures, sketches, or measurements to base the new one off. All I know is that I want to work in the Globe one day “a kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and monarchs to behold the swelling scene…” in the “wooden O” Henry V, Chorus. So thanks to Sam Wanamaker and those who fought to rebuild the Globe just as it was originally, simple basic materials and few electric tools.

The stage! The infamous heavens above the sky, including trap door, protect the costumes first and foremost, actors second. The sky, containing- the sun, moon, stars, and constellations (i.e. Capricorn, Leo, Aries). The “roof” would have protected the costumes and the actors… well the actors were a bonus. If many of the dyed fabrics were exposed to rain and sun they would have bled, faded, or just gotten raggedy faster. As an actor you were just lucky to be wearing such important vestments, even if they did not appear to be so, they were “valuable”. So the stage was protected, and performances would have gone on rain or shine, and still do today. Even though the stage “is empty” it is not much different when there is a show; Shakespeare wrote for those that could use their imaginations and be taken on a journey through the actors. No elaborate sets, the costumes would have been the most elaborate, especially for the time when young boys were playing women’s roles.

The best “seats” in the house really had to be standing as a groundling, right at the stage, in the action. The “fourth wall” (theatre term for the imaginary wall between the actors and the audience) is easily broken, especially in shows that the actors enter, exit, or mingle with the audience. The Globe produces Shakespeare as it is meant to be done outside, simple, and minimalistic, yet at the same time very elaborate. A must see on the south shores of the Thames, with the Tate Modern art museum now next to it, you can visit “old and new” in a few hours.

Entry: Saturday October 24, 2009:

‘Something Cool’ that is a “cool” blues jazz concert here in the Borgo, with all English music last night. After a long week, a break was most certainly needed. It was taken with a nice evening out to hear friend Karima sing the soulful blues. Songs ranged from Etta James to Frank Sinatra, each song different from the one before. As I sat in the Ex Chiesa Santa Chiara, I tried my best to really relax and just enjoy the concert. Not allowing thoughts of all that I needed to do this weekend, or should be doing pass through my mind.

A rainy night in Sansepolcro, Tuscany Italy is still picturesque, even if not under the Tuscan Sun or moon I should say. It is still something I am getting used to as I am surrounded by Italy, yet having the chance to hear music that I know and that is in English! It was an interesting feeling, as the last time I was in Santa Chiara I was listening to a great Italian pianist, and a lecture on Piero Della Francesca, of course all in Italian. So now sitting here and listening to American Jazz was a very different experience, and to be honest not exactly what I was expecting. However, it was a very good surprise!

After the concert I was able to go out and spend some time with Karima, her musicians, and some of her close friends. Knowing there is a big day ahead of me, I am off to bed buenanotte!

Entry: Saturday October 17 2009

Today we were off in the cold to La Verna and Caprese, a field trip for Science and Society, that we were all invited to join. What a lucky group we were. We had a huge coach; I think we could have each had about four seats to ourselves (if we really wanted). A beautiful drive up through the mountains, to La Verna, about 3800 feet above sea level, to this religious pilgrimage site where St. Francis of Assisi once slept. This was one of the places Gary Paul Nabhan, mentions in Songbirds, Truffles, and Wolves (An American Naturalist in Italy). Nabhan writes about his trek across Italy, from Florence to Assisi following the steps of St Francis, not just a religious journey, but one of science. He is not just walking on his journey, but pays special attention to the flora and fauna of the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside he passes through. (I’m pressing grapes..)

The science class has been paying special attention to the trees and nature around Sansepolcro this week. I have enjoyed venturing outside the walls with the class, I feel as if I am back with my forestry students in the States. Identifying the tree, genus and species, shape and some special fact that you can associate with the trees, spelling counts… I hope not this time! Not only has the class focused on trees, but we also were given the chance to visit a family farm. It was not just any farm but a winery too! The family made their own wine in their cellar! Hey mom, and dad, I think we need to make use of our backyard, grow some grapes and in the basement make wine! (Sadly I doubt that will ever happen, oh well wishful thinking).

So back up the mountain, it was a busy Saturday. As we walked up to the church a bride and the wedding party drove past, not the last we’d see of them. I was sure just from reading about the Church and landscape, the top of the mountain provides great views of the valley. (Hmmm… maybe this should be added to my list of destination wedding spots, first off there must be a man!) Stopping along the way as the masses of pilgrims and tourists “ran past”, we couldn’t pass up learning opportunities. I mean after all, it was a class excursion. Having Dr. Swab and Mr. Ed is truly amazing. They both know so much, and made the walk more interesting. They pointed out the trees, and their fruits or nuts, and sometimes both!

La Verna, was given to St. Francis as a place for meditation. He fasted here for 40 days in 1224 AD (there is that lucky, or not so lucky, number from the Bible-40) and during this time is said to have received the stigmata. In a side hall there are a number of frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis, and the stigmata represents a major focal point in his life. However, here there was one depiction in which there was no witness, and I remember in Assisi always seeing someone there off to the side as a witness to this major event. I wonder why the painter did not see a need to include someone else in the depiction of the event.

We explored a number of small side chapels, and when I say small there were tiny doors (Vi size). I felt right at home passing many Franciscans, in the simple traditional brown dress, and sandals, many with socks, since it was too cold to not have them on. After a little while inside we ventured back out, facing the cold to explore the plants. There was a large rock, called “jutting out rock”, and you guessed it, it was jutting out. I mean what a clever name, before we even went down to see it, I could sort of picture what it looked like!

After the exploration of the “wilderness”, we went into the Church and saw the robe of St. Francis. This was the robe St. Francis is said to have been wearing when he received the stigmata in 1224, as well as a piece of cloth with some of his blood from the stigmata. So many relics in one side chapel! It was almost overwhelming to see so many religious objects. I am still taking it all in, and was intrigued by how many other religious people were there to see these precious relics.

On the road again, we stopped for a lovely meal. We were never really sure when it would end. Sending JR into a restaurant is, I guess, never really the greatest idea, but this time we did, and received a lovely meal. After our large meal, we were off to hike to the top of Caprese to the chestnut festival, and Michelangelo’s birthplace. Today was supposed to be the first day of the chestnut festival, but it seems here as if the first day is really the set up day, and those that are participating walk around. We had read that there are normally thousands of visitors, but today there just did not seem to be that many people here.

Until eating some fresh chestnuts here, you cannot say you know what chestnuts roasting on an open fire are. I wanted to break out in Christmas songs, but… hold on, let’s not rush it, even if Jack Frost was nipping at my nose. It is as if we have skipped from summer straight to winter, which means I will now settle down for a long winter’s nap!

Silly me I am jumping to December already! I guess that really means it is time for me get some sleep, before I am any more delusional. Buonanotte!

Entry: Friday October 16, 2009
A motto for this entry: "Each problem that I solved became a rule which served afterwards to solve other problems" Rene Descartes (1596-1650)

What seems to be a large bump in the road turns out to not really be all that big. For me, coming to Italy, I would have thought that most of my time would be spent learning the language and out in the city practicing. However, sadly this past week has been one of great frustration for me. I am facing what you would think would have been dealt with before my senior year of college, and that is basic grammar. I have been spending time working on my first language, English; more while in Italy this past week than on Italian. This does not make very much sense to me, but writing is something that I know I will need, so what better timing than now, when in Italia? I can only hope the Italian will continue to improve, just as my English…
(Picture- the outside that I long when I am in)

This seems like the road block, of the decade, or is it just a fault in the system?! I have made it 21 years of my life, without supposedly knowing the proper way to create a sentence. This week has been one of the most frustrating of my time here in Italy; I am not homesick, or sick. I just feel as if I am back at square one, with my first language, and therefore have not been able to make as much progress in the language I came to Italy to study. I have reached that breaking point, where I know I need to do something and move on. It is just that I know I need to work on my own language that is frustrating, as I need to work on Italian too. I do not want either to take precedence over the other particularly, but I don’t want something that needs to be dealt with, put on the back burner. However, this first step of recognizing what I need to work on is a step in the right direction; I guess we can’t all be good at everything, or at least not naturally.

In a mood of contemplation, I thought of my days in high school language classes. In Spanish, and Latin, when we’d cover new topics, I often would learn something new about English that I didn’t remember from earlier years in school. In my one year of Latin, I especially recall learning that there were 15 different words for ‘this’. It is just this, seeing so many forms of a word used based on the subject. I feel as if we don’t have so many words for one thing in the English language; the verbs are modified by the noun and therefore don’t have to change. There is just so much to be done, and truly not enough time. So maybe I need another semester in Sansepolcro, sounds nice yes!?

Another first for this week was my visit to the middle school, where I was sure I was going to be asked something I didn’t know. That is, something relating to grammar of course as I had brushed up on politics, recent news, pop culture and anything I was interested in when I was in middle school. (Thank goodness I did this; the Jonas Brothers were a hot topic, fortunately the kids I babysit for in the States have similar interests). Helping with the English classes, I knew what I was going to do. However, for this first class the plan was not really stuck with, I now know I really need to take charge, be the boss. Next week, I am going to have fun, but only if they are willing to respect one another and listen. I just don’t remember being so disrespectful when I was in their shoes.

Thanks to being told I needed to work on my writing so much, I became more apprehensive. Would I really be able to help these students with their English, if I really had so much to work on myself? Thoughts of doubt entered my head, and lowered my self confidence. Just sing I thought to myself, “I have confidence in sunshine….” Julie Andrews comes to the rescue!

(Picture- one of the few places we were able to get internet when ours was not working!)

So I have come to terms that much of the rest of my time here in Italy may be spent in the classroom, studying not only Italian but English as well. At least I know I will get out of the Palazzo weekly to spend time with middle schoolers, oh mama mia, what an adventure they are in themselves.
They are my window to the world, life outside the Palazzo, yet so much more. Surviving day one with them and already having an idea of class two, I think I am well on my way to “wrangling” these languages and kids!

Entry for Monday October 12, 2009

So the alums have left, and life will get back to normal (however I am still not sure I know exactly what “normal” is here in Italy). I had a great idea to write a poem to all the alums and friends on the way back from Perugia on Friday the 10th, so after getting home and taking the quickest shower known to man, I started writing down some notes. So I had this brilliant idea and wanted to thank everyone for the hard work that was put into such a grand event (or many) over the week and knew I’d forget something if it wasn’t written down. However, in the end the notes were left on my bed, and the group got the scatter brained, “unprepared” Amanda (I am sure I made a fool of myself) but I think I got the big picture covered.

The event this evening was the final dinner for the group, and Jenna and I (who had not gone anywhere for the weekend) were lucky enough to be given one more opportunity to spend time with the group. (Well that is before seeing them at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning to help with luggage and bid them farewell as they left us to head back to the States). I was given the chance to sit at a fun table at the dinner including: President Maureen Hartford and Jay Hartford, David and Elizabeth Beam, Lou Tippett, Allen and Barbara Page, and Gene and Vicky Langley. We all enjoyed the many courses ( we could tell there would be many from all the plates at our seat when we sat down) and some wine bottled right here in Arezzo (gotta love supporting the local wineries).

I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with old and new friends especially as I had become used to them being around the Borgo (what am I going to do without them here?). After dinner the speeches had begun, and I wondered should I get my pen and paper out and make some notes, but thought that would be rude. I still thought something should be said especially from a student and I had planned to say something, but to follow Dr. Betty Webb in anything I knew would be hard. I didn’t have a fun poem or want to take up lots of time, so it wasn’t till after dessert that I finally said I would like to say something. I wanted to sing “Shy” from The Princess and the Pea, however, after Mrs. Elizabeth Beam (President of the Board of Trustees) commanded the attention of the group, I said a few words (or what I hoped was not over kill!). Thanking the group for coming and all they have done and continue to do for Meredith, especially this new program, and those that gave so much of their time to make the week a success, I ended by saying I knew all the students would miss them.

I know many would miss them as we had all grown fond of them and enjoyed entertaining them. Indeed seeing this group of Meredith angels and friends it was hard not to smile, as they always brightened my day. For a week so packed with school work, seeing them I just had to smile and not feel so stressed about all the work and the grades that were in the balance. Even though this was our final dinner as a group here in Sansepolcro we were all still Meredith Angels at heart, and that is a bond like nothing else in the world.” (I wanted to say this but it just didn’t come out, so now it, along with everything else, is).

Some of the girls grew very fond of two of the ‘older’ most energetic ladies on the trip (I want to know what they do to stay so young!) named “Double Trouble”. This dynamic duo was composed of Ms. Jean Newell, and Ms. Mary Louise Spain (Da Queen) who became instant adopted grandmothers. They may have been the favorites in the group but we have stories of our time with the entire group and I am sure they too have great stories to share from their travels together. Ms. Jean wore a pair of blue jeans one day and I heard from many that she was the talk of the group that day!

The newer alums included: (which I will soon be, ahhh scary!) Mrs. Meredith Watson and Mrs. Vickie Robinson both brought their husbands along and were very funny. It was great to get to know two awesome couples who had so many stories to tell of their time at Meredith and in Belk Dining Hall. The men spent much of their time on campus, in Belk Dining Hall while courting their Meredith Angels. Too bad, I don’t have any stories like theirs, but to hear the rules (that are no longer around) Meredith had, and enjoy some conversation with them I wish I had gotten to speak with them more. Ms. Carolyn Leith is another one who I did not get to talk to much. But know as an Angel we have a very common link that ties us together for all time. As a board of trustees member she had played a huge role in Sansepolcro before even arriving, and to have her here as part of this great event to see the outcome was amazing.

The Langleys, who are good friends of my family in Raleigh (between my grandparents and my parents I can’t hide!), had already earned a special place in my heart by bringing some little things over for me. Mrs. Langley was a great “carrier pigeon” just as I had felt when I brought over things for the study abroad office (I am just glad that now I have space to take gifts home!). We enjoyed catching up and sharing stories of theatre and touring with different companies (their son’s life sounded like a real adventure). From when they stepped off the bus last weekend and each gave me a hug, I could tell I was going to enjoy them, and starting off on a good note was a good place to be.

Ms. Laura and her friend Ms. Rebecca were great fun: they were so optimistic and made the best out of whatever came their way. They even helped us one afternoon with some things to get ready for all the craziness that was to continue this past week. In our brief encounters I enjoyed being able to help them and introduce them to my home here in Sansepolcro. Getting them off on Saturday afternoon to Milan, as the threat of a Railway Strike was imminent, yet it was called off on Saturday we were glad to know they arrived safely.

Ms. Lou who spoke on behalf of the group was another alumna who added personality to the group. She was one of the ladies I recognized from working for events for the Alumnae House as a student ambassador. It was just a matter of placing a name with the face I recognized. She was a character at the final dinner, and I enjoyed sitting across from her, she added so much to the table conversation and made me laugh. She spoke on behalf of the group at the end of dinner, as a key player in many of the things that have happened on (and off) campus. She was the past president of the board of trustees who approved the Palazzo. Leading to this great step in Meredith history that I am lucky enough to be a part of, it is only the beginning of a new tradition for ages to come.

The many faces I know from school: Allen and Barbara Page, President Maureen and Jay Hartford, Dr. Ellen Goode (loved being in Sansepolcro again with her), and Dr. Jean Jackson.

The Pages have a family tradition of attending Meredith, Dr. Page now works there and I would visit his office weekly when I was on campus working. We have a special bond thanks to all my trips to his office to drop off or pick up items to be signed, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with him outside the office.

Of course getting to spend time with the Hartfords is always a pleasure. I have missed working at events at their house for the College, maybe when I return in the spring I will get to make up for lost time. Mr. Hartford and I have often been at the door for events, he greets the guests and I give them their nametags, we make a great team!

Dr. Goode and I were here in Sansepolcro last summer; it was like a mini reunion minus the summer 2008 gang. We discovered last summer that she knew my parents, so yet again I knew I needed to be on my best behavior (when am I not??). Having seen and spoken with her on the stateside of things about all her hard work and seeing pictures it was great to be back in the Palazzo with her (especially since last time we were both here it was in great disrepair). Even to imagine what it looks like now, was nothing like I imagined last summer, as she and the architect Claudia explained what was going to happen. Dr. Goode makes me want to major in interior design, as she is such a fun teacher and I loved her class last summer.

Dr. Jackson (who I have discovered when walking in Raleigh lives nearby) also brought a little item from home for Lauren and me to share. So as another “carrier pigeon” like the Langleys, she too had earned her special place in my heart. She is one of the many faces I run into often around campus, and always enjoy stopping to say hi to, so it was nice to have her here in Sansepolcro for a short time, to run into around town. As a Meredith alumna and now employee this shows how much of an impact such an institution can have on those that have been a part of the Angel family. Now supporting this step we are taking, knowing we have this group of faculty wanting to get students here, I know that this will be a great program in time.

Some that are staying on (they just want to be students again): Mrs. Vivian Buzzard, Ms. Betty Raft, and Ms. Ann Dahle. Mrs. Vivian is with us for another two weeks, and is a great artist. I enjoy seeing her doodles, for they appear so easy but I know would take me decades to attempt to create. Italy is a perfect place for her to see interesting architecture and picturesque landscapes; I hope she enjoys her time with us in the Palazzo. Ms. Ann too has joined us in the Palazzo; extending her trip as she needed to visit the doctors, who told her she could not fly right away (this is an experience John Rose loves to share in). Ms. Betty I accompanied to Venezia on Saturday, I really enjoyed my last minute decision to escape to the beauty that is Venezia (even though I didn’t have other clothes with me).
The trip to Venice will be another entry, as we decided what happens in Venice stays in Venice, hahaha…. So stay tuned for the somewhat censored account of our trip, if you are lucky you will get all the details!

Last but not least in the group were the Beams (another pair who know my parents), especially as Mrs. Beam will sign my diploma; I really have to watch what I say. Should I say anything incriminating I may be in great big trouble! She will sign along with President Hartford, and she pointed this fact out, when I told the group to pay attention to our blogs. Not only did she point out that but she said “I know your momma”, so basically it was then that my speech ended (as I am sure I turned red too).

So thank you to all those who have made Palazzo Alberti possible, and the group that has now left for the States, and know you are missed and are welcome back in Sansepolcro any time! Here’s to the Immortal nine, may a tradition begin with us and continue for years to come, so we too can come back and visit future students!

Picture 1- “Double Trouble” putting their wine tasting skills to the test
Picture 2-JR and the flip cam at the “final dinner”
Picture 3- Murano Glass turtles in a Venezia Gallery
Picture 4- Some of the group in Florence,

Wish I had better pictures from this week. However, if superlatives had been given out Dr. Jean Jackson would have been awarded most photographs taken; maybe I can get some from her…. Now it’s back to reality for all of us; students back to homework, and guests back to the states.

Entry for Monday October 5th 2009

So much to talk about!

I am going to start with tonight, an Italian wine tasting with our Italian accountant (well he is also a certified sommelier). I was so lucky to get to join the alums and other friends of the college for the event. Luca is a professional when it comes to the wines, and we were given three different wines to taste, and truly appreciate them. Yes, we are all of legal drinking age here in Italia, as I am also at home; I came over with an affinity for wines already, but had never been to an event as extravagant as this.

A sommelier goes to school to learn how to host AMAZING wine tastings such as the one we held; in Italy especially they take their wine seriously. It is no joke, which I think is a good thing, as you come to appreciate what you are drinking and getting to take part in the event I really did learn a lot! The evening started with the alums, being on American time, (AKA being on time) and in the lounge ready to go for the 6:30 event. With the few stragglers compared to the concert we were doing much better!

Getting started, the first wine of the evening was a lovely prosecco, a golden wine. We learned the steps of properly tasting, and taking in the wine with all the senses to appreciate it. The wine was served in the smallest glass of the three we had, as it did not need as much air as the others. The air adds to the flavoring and the scent of the wine supposedly and therefore the taste and quality too.

First we did a test of sight and observed the color of the wine, and its clarity. As we held it up to the light it had a very nice golden yellow color. Next we did what I had seen before, and that was the “swish test”: swirling the wine a little in the glass to observe the rings, "good legs" may indicate a thicker body and a higher alcohol content and/or sweetness level. We hadn’t even tried the wine yet and I was getting excited, as we were being led through the steps to truly appreciate the taste. When I go home people won’t believe how sophisticated I am, I will know so much and how to drink and enjoy wine for what it is worth!

Moving on to scent, swirling the wine a little to release some more of the aroma, we were looking for what fruits we could smell. I was not very good at this step. However those that were recognized apple, and what smelled like pear, hawthorn (that was something new to wine I thought). I just wanted to raise my hand and say GRAPES! Then I thought well isn’t all wine made with grapes, that seems a little silly Amanda, but it would be nice to know what kind of grape was used in the wine, and then be able to compare the next two wines after this. We learned that you can really only process the scent for a short time so after one big sniff your nose becomes accustomed to the scent, and you have to take a break.

Luca pointed out how if you are in a room that smells bad, the stench can seem to blend in over time, and “go away” the longer you are around it. However the scent really doesn’t go away and is indeed probably still there. You have just become accustomed to it, and you no longer notice it as much as you did to start. So quick deep sniffs, and it is ok practically to put your nose in the glass to really smell the wine, but just be careful not to get wine up your nose, your nose doesn’t want to taste it.

The process of taking a sip of the wine is one to acquire, as it is not a gulp by any means but a true process, to have your entire mouth experience the wine. From your lips touching the glass to swallowing it even the after taste, and after it is no longer in your mouth (how odd it all sounded to me, feeling and tasting the after taste). Taste the wine with your entire tongue, rolling it over your tongue for several seconds before swallowing. Also exhale through your nose as you swallow, as your taste buds and sense of smell work together. On the second sip, try swishing the wine around in the mouth and then swallow and exhale through your nose. Luca even suggested “chewing” the wine in our mouths. There were lots of wine tasting munchies on the table from olive, cheese, and nuts to meat and bread, to complement the wines. The acidity in the wine is supposedly similar to sorbet between courses and cleanses the palate (or at least this one was) and it was suggested to eat some of the meat and it really worked, since the wine helped to get rid of the meat’s taste.

Led by Dr. Banker as they began to pour the second glass of wine, a rather dark rosette, he asked about the wine and its characteristics we had not listed, and the grapes used. Luca assured us that we could develop the skill of wine tasting over time with practice. The more wines you taste, the better you will become with this entire sensory process, he said. Too bad our process for tonight ended after only 3 glasses, and not more, I mean another time I will be able to taste something new.
Now on to our second glass of wine, we began observing the color holding the wine up to the light, and seeing how clear the wine was. Followed by swishing, seeing that this rosette was higher in alcohol content; as the “legs” were good and were thicker not “watery looking” as a wine that would have been less alcoholic. I watched everyone else as it seemed some were skipping steps, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t jump the gun, there may have been a food to try with it or something different to do in order to appreciate the taste. Well there wasn’t much with this one, it was a bit dryer than the first, and had a different fruit taste to it as well. The Rosette was poured in the medium sized glass. A little open to the air but not as large as the last one (I knew it was for white wine before we even sat down, I was proud of myself).

After trying the rosette, we learned the best way to open a bottle of wine, especially if ever working in a restaurant, or entertaining. The “official” wine opener had a little cutter like thing, in which to get the metal part on the top off, and you cut once one way and then the other around the top, then up and if done cleanly the foil cap comes right off. I am very anxious to try this new skill, I think when I return I will have to have a wine tasting, I even asked a few of the different wines that should go with meats, or different dishes. Sadly we weren’t having steaks, seafood, or chicken and learning what goes with what, but Luca said he’d be happy to help me learn the wine selections for dishes another time. I love the Italians, especially here in Sansepolcro they are so willing to help, and I am eager to learn!

So I have now gotten off the foil, and the cork. Which at the last restaurant I went to I watched a poor waiter butcher this and the cork broke twice. I wanted to help him then but I may have done the same thing. In order to get the cork out it was advised to screw the spiral in at a little angle giving you a little more leverage when you were getting the cork out. Then in two motions pulling the cork out of the bottle, working not to get the pop sound when the cork comes out, they said it’s not good. I wasn’t sure if it let more air into the wine or what, but I will figure that out (hopefully) for the next journal.

Now on to the third wine, the red wine a Chianti bottled here in the Province of Arezzo! That is not Sansepolcro, but somewhere nearby, as the region of Tuscany is famous for their red wine, this Chianti was dry, and not everyone loved it but I did. Slowly taking it in after looking at the color, being dark you can’t use the light test as well. So instead, we read typing through it (like a magnifying glass, it just didn’t magnify). There were darker fruits scents with this Chianti, such as cherries. After the first sip I could tell you it was a dry wine, as my entire mouth tongue and all were very dry, and took a second to recover from the dryness.

A feast fit for all of us Meredith Queens and friends, the Wine Tasting was a fun experience that I was glad to take part in, as I really learned a lot about how to appreciate wines, and the history and many other flavors other than grape that can be tasted in each bottle especially the many different fruits.
Well for now that is enough about an elegant Wine Tasting in Sansepolcro Italy, look for more to come about the takeover of the masses on the Palazzo for the opening, and the other fun after a midterm and final on Wednesday October 7. It has been hard to enjoy everything knowing there are so many things approaching academically, and still wanting to participate in so much. AB over and out for now!

Picture 1- My place setting after polishing off the first glass, I like the aesthetic
Picture 2- The Chianti bottle, front label (it was bottled in the province of Arezzo!)
Picture 3- Some of the different munchies, used to complement the wines

Entry: Wednesday September 23, 2009:
An adventure of a day! Italian: more verbs and prepositions, oh my, who will save me from myself and procrastination of what must really get done??? Sometimes I love Italian class, and others I have an awful tendency to watch the clock (I mean my watch) counting down the minutes to get out.

Sadly I feel today was one of those days, I kept thinking about what was to come, the field trip after class, and seeing our bus driver Marco (he is a rather nice looking Italian about my age, however he does inspire me to work on my Italian). Not thinking about what was to come after we arrived home from the field trip, moving Travel-2-Learn to the evening instead, and a history paper due tomorrow. Not thinking about all the work ahead, I was determined to enjoy Urbino with my classmates, and the super amazing Banker duo!

On the way to Urbino I couldn’t help but take pictures of the beautiful mountain landscape we were driving through. There is just something special about the Tuscan and Marche Mountains that is unlike the mountains at home in the States, maybe it’s because I am in Italy, who knows. I enjoyed my picnic lunch on the way, enjoyed the scenery, wrote some postcards, wrote in my journal a little and gave up a perfectly good opportunity to practice my Italian with Marco! I can’t believe I didn’t even think about him and Italian once I got on the bus, I had looked forward to speaking with (and seeing) him this afternoon, yet I got so preoccupied.

Once we arrived in Urbino Marco dropped us off at the bottom of the town, and when I say bottom I really mean the bottom, the hill was a climb. The people who live here in Urbino have to have amazing calves; just as Anghiari the lovely little towns built on the side of huge mountains have to have their benefits with all the “mountain climbing”. We made it up the mountain to the Piazza Rinascimento, the Palazzo Ducale, which dominates the Urbino skyline. The Palazzo Ducale houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. The main reason we were here was to see some important Italian Renaissance art, in the former home of Duke Frederico da Montefeltro.

Before going in we had a bit of a lesson on the steps outside the Duomo, covering some basic architecture terms, and the history of the building, and the man behind it all. For those of you who have not kept up, a Palazzo is an Old Italian palace (we are living in one in Sansepolcro) and the Ducale Palace was also known for housing the court. A court during this time was not just a modern court you may think of, but much more; here it was about 400 people with Frederico where they lived, worked, and ate; a gathering of people who were the center of political power in cities, having a Lord, Prince, or Duke etc… Urbino had a legislature, in which the court was a place for networking, judgments to be made and handed down (much like today, laws, and cases), and to socialize.

To learn so much about the places and not just the art is amazing- with a historian, and an artist, it is the best of both worlds. The history of the Palazzo and the differences in the art that was there vs. what is there now as well is something I would have not thought a lot about, but having done reading on the history helps. As we have learned in the class to see pieces as they would have when they were painted is important, and in order really to do so you must know the conditions and the time that they were painting in.

The paintings in the Court then featured the donors of the work most of the time. I mean after all you do pay lots to be recognized, and what a better way than to be pictured in the painting you sponsored as well. They were also more elegant and Aristocratic in courts, less Bourgeois. Featuring graceful figures and a sort of dance like movement, unlike the pre-Florentines who were interested in perspective and geometry.

Frederico, the man behind the Ducale Palace lived in a time when people were playing with the ideas of different lifestyles and which one was the best. As from about 400-1400 a Contemplative lifestyle was seen as the “higher way of life”. Something similar to that of a monk, getting away from big cities, and a controversy on being chaste in marriage, or physical love leading to marriage. In 1400 (especially in Florence and Venice) the focus was changing on to an active lifestyle. People wanting to live in cities, reverting to Aristotle; who wrote on what happens if you don’t have social interaction-becoming more animal like, politics became popular.

Frederico combined these two lifestyles in the first half of the 15th-Century. Saying there were three communities to be involved in becoming more human; Family, Politics, and Friends. At the same time Frederico was Condottieri, the Medici family was taking over Florence and surrounding areas, and the Dodge Venice (think Cassanova, the Heath Ledger movie, the Dodge likes him and saves him much of the time). Frederico is said to have become the Duke after his brother “died”. It is thought that he was involved in his brother’s death he made a special tomb for him even.

After the history and discussing some architecture terms noticeable on the Façade of the Chiesa San Domenico, we headed in to the Palace. Given the hint to look for emblems of Frederico, we noticed a variety of eagles throughout, on ceilings fireplaces, wood carvings, and in the library. Frederico’s library which he was known for was “stolen” in the 17th-Century by the Pope as he wanted them to be a part of the Papal library. Frederico had about 800 different manuscripts in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, but none in Italian.

The art gallery housed in the Palazzo Ducale, contains an extensive Italian art collection which the Bankers were just able to touch on during our time there. The Apartment of Iole (named after Hercules’ wife, seen as caryatids on the pilasters on the fireplace in the Room of Iole (the first room upon entering the apartment). One of the most important pieces to us “those of Sansepolcro” is the Piero Della Francesca Flagellation, in which the function is not known, it is and sized Enigma. The set up of the figures has been studied and worked out since the 18th Century using models to figure out what perspective Piero used. There are three figures down right, which are dressed contemporarily. The man in the center dressed in red could possibly Frederico’s younger brother “he killed”. Flanked by conspirators balancing and representing what is about to happen to Christ in the upper left.

What a lucky girl I was. My ticket to get into the Gallery was the Flagellation. All “Sansepolcrans” should feel honored to have “our boys” work featured on some of the entry tickets. Speaking of “our boy” there is also another Piero painting, his Madonna di Senigallia (a Madonna and child, they are all over). This painting is extremely detailed. You can even see the dust particles in it; I wonder what my bedroom would look like if Piero were to paint it, lots of dust bunnies and dust! Oh not a thought I want to have, and I mean my room back in the states. I am going to have to do some serious spring cleaning when I get home, it will just be more “Christmas cleaning”.

In the last room we walked into there was a very familiar piece. It was because I realized I look at a copy of it daily in the dining room at the Palazzo. Thanks to Sergio, Margherita’s (our amazing cook) husband who does decoupages hung one of his pieces, a copy of architect Luciano Laurana’s ideal City is in our Palazzo.

Frederico’s studiolo can be seen in the MET in NYC (well just a copy of it) in which the bottom is intarsia or wood with inlay, and the top paintings of great western intellectuals and scholars of his time. A study in which Frederico would study, read and just relax, sit down with one of his manuscripts from the library. Not in his vernacular he just had the classical languages. He was a military man and a scholar, educated he was of the “upper crust” and was able to read and write. Something very few commoners could do at the time.

Getting the chance to visit places such as Urbino with such knowledgeable faculty is so much more fun than sitting in a classroom looking at slides, or just reading about the places and art. Going to see so many great piece of art helps me to get a better grasp, understanding and greater interest in renaissance art.

On the way home from Urbino the work awaiting my arrival home, surmounted my mind, yet I continued not to try to think about it too much, and occupied my time back to Sansepolcro. Upon arriving home we met for Travel-to-Learn, and then were free to enjoy ourselves, or work on homework. And…yes I got to do the second…homework, and did my final draft for my history paper, (the third draft-I hoped it would finally be the finished product).

Turning this “huge” paper in, even though not a long paper will be a great feeling, so stayed tuned for the next entry of relief! Ciao, from the front of World War II, Italy I am now moving on from the journalist on the front to Italian history, Italian fun, and the effects of the Germans on Italian Jews for BWs class. The sun will come out tomorrow, its bedtime!

Picture 1- On the Way to Urbino!
Picture 2- The Duomo, used to identify architectural elements
Picture 3- Where else can this be seen??? (Picture 2) the original from the Duomo façade
Picture 4- Interesting store front to pass In Urbino!!!

Saturday September 5th, 2009:
Anghiari, Arezzo and a Costume Ball (well not a ball) all in one day, oh my!!!

A lovely Saturday morning perfect for the great hike up the mountain (the hills are alive with the sound of music, or too many Meredith Girls complaining about the not so large hike!) in one of my favorite little nearby towns. I feel so disloyal to Sansepolcro when I venture here to this amazing, medieval town that truly takes you back to a time when there are no cars and crazy drivers out on the streets as there are now. Just take them away and I feel as if I am truly back in the age of knights, chivalry and The Round Table (where is my knight in shining armor?).

Leave it up to JR to make friends, and pull strings to get the group into some fabulous places; so today he spoke to the Mayor and we were given the opportunity see his office, and the meeting hall with brilliant frescoes. Also the history within its walls, and how things have evolved, as well as stayed the same. It is not just anybody that can go and make friends with the mayor of an Italian town; I guess it’s another lucky person who will get an invite to our grand opening he was a very nice guy and I was surprised to see him at work on a Saturday. The building used to be a jail (as I think many old towns have, just as Sansepolcro’s is now a museum). The use of such historic buildings amazes me, unlike in Raleigh, where the jail was recently rebuilt and the old one has been torn down. This is another lesson the “Americans” could learn from Europeans, to appreciate their history more. Well I should get off my soap box, and move on to the next events of the day in Arezzo!

Off to Arezzo the group made it, and stayed together for a little while, and then separated. Then we were off on our own to explore, and up the” mountain” to the antiques fair. Chelsea and I both brought our lunches (we are being frugal), and headed off to eat on some church steps enjoying the surroundings, and people watching. We made it up to the antiques market and walked around the many vendors; it was interesting to see some “American” antiques and how expensive they were. There was a great variety to choose from, I was a little tempted to purchase something yet I continued to walk on (I was glad I had Chelsea with me).

The market was at the top of the town near the Cattedrale and so we tried to get in, but it was closed and so we walked down to another little church, San Domenico. It was gorgeous although being repaired on the inside. There was a different feel to it; it was like a gem in a cave. The outside is very plain and the inside is so special, and very much the opposite of the outside. It amazes me how many gorgeous churches there are in Italy. They are not all decorated and exquisite on the outside but on the inside they are all very much so decorated, housing great pieces of art inside.

The Cattedrale is home to some great frescoes and other pieces of art that you can walk right up to. The stained glass and grandness of the inside of the church is the backdrop for many weddings. I remember it was exciting to see brides coming out of the Cathedral last summer. On our way down we walked by Guido and took some pictures, at this point Jenna had come to walk around with us.

As we came back into Sansepolcro there was a parade going on, and BW and JR were off with me to the Farmacia, I had some large thing on my leg: we were not sure what or how it got there. So in Italy I learned that you either go to the Hospital, or the Farmacia (Pharmacy) to get taken care of.

The Corteo was tonight, and Lauren, Gianna, Jenna, Chelsea and I were all dressing up; it was like the Renaissance Faire with a very real backdrop. I felt right at home. Give me a costume and I can become someone else, back at home on the stage (as the whole world is a stage, I just need something more to not be me). We became “Americani” this evening, and the lady in charge would just yell at us to follow her, here there and everywhere to our places in the procession. It was as if we were dogs, it seemed responding to our owners call, our master for the night got us lined up and ready to go, and now we were on our own.

I felt so honored to process (even though we marched for the wrong side), with Porta Romana, the whole ceremony was something extremely special to watch, and be a part of. I am so glad I did not pass up the opportunity; I am in Italy and a part of a great tradition for Sansepolcro that I hope to come back and participate in again. I don’t quite have the words to explain the entire experience but once I digest the events, I will hopefully write more later, if not online in my personal journal, my good ol’ paper and pen. (This will eventually make it online in some form or another).

It was a long day and ended with gelato for dinner (I am sure not the best choice, but sometimes it’s a must haha). I am sure the week to come will be exciting, as today with the crafts fair and “pep rally like” Corteo the events of the Balestra have begun! I don’t know how I am going to also focused on my school work and get anything done, but I am going to have to make myself do it. Stay tuned to see if I sink or float with the upcoming exciting events of the week, Ciao!

Picture 1- Arezzo, Piazza Grande set up for the Joust! (72)
Picture 2- Some of the “American” antiques (79)
Picture 3- At the Corteo, I was a middle class lady
Picture 4- Just a snap of the parade, one learns to love the flag men!!(pic 52)

Entry Wed. September 2, 2009:
Only our second class in Art History, and I am reminded why I love taking classes like this and being in such a place as Sansepolcro Tuscany, and seeing great masterpieces from Italian 15th Century artists. (This is the period we are focusing on the most, there are some other centuries we will look at a little.) After a long morning of classes, art history came and I was very excited. I love getting to see such great pieces of work with knowledgeable professors. As in London I took full advantage of when Dr. James Boyles would offer his knowledge at museums, I am getting a new appreciation for paintings, and the artists themselves. I used to run through museums, as I never had something particular that I would look for in each painting, now I am getting a sense of style, technique, and history. Looking at paintings in the Museo Civico that I looked at last summer with a very different eye, I now look at and see something different, something new. It is exciting.

Not only were the Bankers able to talk about the works of art at the Museo they were able to give the history of the building itself. It is so fascinating to see how old the buildings of Sansepolcro are compared to those I am used to seeing back in Raleigh. I feel as if as soon as buildings become too hard to maintain ‘we Americans’ tear them down and build “new and improved” ones in their place. The Museo was a jail and the city hall (where the legislative council met) in the 15th Century!!!! I am now walking the halls where prisoners were kept or important members of the community met to discuss important issues. The museum is connected to the cretorio which was where the captain lived when the town was protected by the great fortress at the other end of the street.

The history truly must be understood if one is to look at the paintings and frescoes as citizens might during the 15th Century, whether they were educated or not. The Bankers are helping me to understand the history and what was going on, as many people painted what they knew, neighbors, themselves, scenes they had themselves seen. Not only this but many of the paintings of this period are religious, and extremely ornate, and stand out as individual pieces, thanks to hard working artists, and some very specific contracts with the commissioners.

What is it that makes frescoes so special? I remember the process from last summer, and remember when I went to see great frescoes in churches all over Italy I had a deep appreciation for the pieces that are left. As they are not just like any regular painting they require stages and a great deal of time to create; when they are rushed they are not only not the artists’ best work, but they are also in danger of not lasting very long. To see churches with frescoes almost completely intact and then to see those with them not, always made me wonder if there might be something that could have been done to save them. I can’t wait to go back to Arezzo with the Bankers to hear what they know about Piero’s Legend of the True Cross. I remember from the “tour” last summer and the professors who had seen it many times that they knew a great deal; but I knew I would learn something new this time, since Dr. Jim Banker has done a great deal of research. So, I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.

So back in the Museo, I am no longer day dreaming about trips and adventures to come, since one of Piero’s ‘Madonnas’ lives here surrounded by other biblical and religious figures in the polyptych commissioned by the Misericordia. The central piece is his Madonna di Misericordia, depicting Mary (the mother of Jesus) with a cloak protecting many different people. The Misericordia (similar to a modern day volunteer fire department or Red Cross organization) has one of them. There is also an unmarried young woman (this is thought as she has long hair that is uncovered, and at that time married women would have had their hair covered), also religious figures and a young man who is seen in Piero’s other works too.

Another Piero masterpiece in the Museo is the ‘Resurrection’ that is in its original place where the legislative council would meet to make important decisions. The fresco is in a perfect place, as it appears as if Jesus is judging what the men are doing, or also watching them to make sure they are being fair. Again in this painting there is the same young man who seems to make an appearance in a handful of Piero’s works. The fresco, when looked at splitting it down the middle, appears to depict different scenes, in which the Bankers pointed out that some meanings (such as symbolism) are very simple, and you don’t need to look hard to see them. It was an interesting thing when I thought about it later. I have often walked up the steps outside just to look at the face of Jesus, or reflect when I need some time. Now I was given something new to think about each time I walk up the steps outside or come in to admire the many works Sansepolcro is lucky enough to house.

After the quick spin through the Museo and almost ten different pieces discussed, it was off to Chiesa San Francesco (the Church of St. Francis) where we met Luigi Andreini (Gigi), whom many of us wanted to adopt as a grandfather last summer. He is incredibly generous and a wealth of information, especially when it comes to the many churches of Sansepolcro. The cloisters were where the Frati (brothers) would have lived in the 13th Century. The Franciscans were known for building their churches on the edges of towns. The outside halls are even frescoed with the story of St. Antonio (early 1300s) and are still holding up a little, even after exposure to the elements. Within the vault which would have been the chapter meeting house, there are 16th C frescoes, one of St. Francis and an angel surrounded by an almond shape (which is thought to represent the Second Coming of Christ-a divine mondola (sp)), and St. Catherine who worked closely with St. Francis.

Walking into the church, I felt as if it were yesterday that I was in this redone Baroque sanctuary, wondering why there are so many beautiful and very special churches here in Sansepolcro. I am yet again thinking I wish I could go to a church as rich in history and art as this, with the side chapels and the feeling of peace that comes over when I walk in. It is now that I realize I can go visit San Francesco when it is open, and reflect here and in other churches throughout Sansepolcro.

San Francesco, as many of the churches here, is home to something very special. Here it is not a piece of artwork (it may be considered that to some…I never know). Beato Ranieri (a beato is a person waiting to be canonized (to be declared) a Saint by the Church, also known as the Pope) was a Franciscan; he died on All Saints Day 1304, when all the bells in Sansepolcro rang spontaneously. The summer before I came, the group was not allowed down to see his body as someone had taken his left arm. Many want to believe it wasn’t “stolen” but taken to show devotion and for the healing powers his body had. It is believed that if you are pure in mind, body and spirit when you die your body will not decay, and the people of Sansepolcro see Ranieri as a Saint, and he has been associated with at least a hundred miracles already. (The Church must have a crazy process to become a saint; I guess you can’t just be anybody…)

To make the process “official” a notary and captain were sent to Sansepolcro to document the Miracles, yet to this day he has still not been declared a Saint. In the town many people request to have the bells run when their babies are born, when Sara had her children the bells were rung. I think that would be really neat to have something similar to this in Raleigh, not just the pink or blue bows, but to have bells ring, it is very obvious as most of the time they ring off the hour, or half hour. Ranieri is known for his miracles effecting pregnant women, and unborn children, so the bells add to the celebration of his life when babies are born.

A neat side note connects Ranieri to Palazzo Alberti, as Alberto Alberti built the coffin, and Cherbino painted the story of his life. A great father son team, connecting them to a (cross your fingers) soon to be declared Saint Ranieri.

After class I was off to get some things done for the Doctor and Sara, the group needed a certain amount on a special stamp to be sent with our applications for our Permesso di Soggiornos (In Italiano I think it would be Permessi di Soggiorni- when things are plural we have learned that often the Os change to Is). With Jackie to keep me company we were off, successfully at the third Tobachi store we went to (I guess third time is the charm) in Italian (well, the little I know) we left with the stamps in hand. Not only had we gotten the stamps, we also both picked up some postcards to send home (now if I only kept up with my journal as often as I sent cards home I’d be golden!) it’s possible to do both, yes?

Well, it was a long night and I should and could have gone to bed much earlier, I am sure the lack of getting enough sleep will sooner or later catch up with me. Well, it is now time actually to, yes you guessed it, do some homework!!!

Check back soon for more from this little Borgo I call home, Ciao from Sansepolcro!

Picture 1- Beato Ranieri, I'd say that the body has not decomposed, a little scary!
Picture 2- Ranieri's life depicted by Alberti on the top of his coffin
Picture 3- Pieces of a Fresco of St. Catherine in the San Francesco Cloisters

Entry 4: Tuesday September 1, 2009
The weekend was a whirlwind and therefore takes so many days to recap, or at least for me to get caught up! Saturday evening a group of girls went to a nearby discoteca- talk about culture shock, (I actually felt at home a little). Nicole had a friend from Ferrara, Giacomo and his friend Giacomo (appropriately named-Giacomo uno e Giacomo due); once we met up with them we were off to a local bar that we had been to before, and met the bartender. We have been trying to make friends wherever we go, and Nicole, most comfortable with her Italian, speaks for all of us. By the end of the trip I am sure I will be speaking too as I have decided I am just going to talk when I can and practice outside class.

After some drinks and getting to know the Giacomos we headed to find a place for dinner, however it being a Saturday night many of the places were already full. One thing I have been reminded about in restaurants is how you are not rushed to eat and run as we are in the States. Here you have the table pretty much the entire night and people really do take their time. The service is not always great, and as it was not very good here we waited for a really long time just to get some pizzas. I worked harder than usual to be patient (it was hard as I was STARVING); eventually Giacomo uno did ask about the pizzas, so, when I saw him do that, I knew they must have been taking longer than usual. As my first night really going out since I have been here this trip, things are slowly but surely coming back to me and slowing down is one of them.

Finally dinner arrived, and we all became very quiet (I think we enjoyed our food a little too much). The conversation eventually started again, and the group decided to go out to dance. I was tired, but wasn’t sure when I would get an insider’s wealth of knowledge again so we were off on the continued adventure.

At the discoteca I had never seen anything resembling the scene; there was so much to do and see. It was a great place to people watch. There were different dance floors; one inside (it was super hot) where they played all ‘American’ music and I was shocked at how many people knew all the words to the songs (I wondered if they knew what they all meant). The second floor which we stayed on most of the night (and early morning) was outside, and there they played a great mix! From Latina dance music, to GREASE, and Cotton Eye Joe (welcome back to NC, I thought), I really did have a great time (even if I didn’t meet a cute Italian boy). The atmosphere was unlike any dance club I had been to back in the States, there were so many people there, and the cost to get in was a little higher than I would normally pay, so I was determined to make the most of it. As I danced I would people watch (trying not to stare too much, I didn’t want to stick out), and I tried to follow how the other girls were dancing (to a certain extent).

The discoteca didn’t close until 5AM, and luckily we left before then as I planned on getting up early to start Sunday off on a good note. Overall the night was an eye opening experience that I am glad I participated in (the three Ds- Drinks, Dinner, and Dancing). Who knows if I will ever have another exciting night like that while I am here. I have learned to accept the opportunities given to me, and to grab them while I can. (I can sleep when I am dead---right?)

Picture 1- Some of us girls at the discoteca (40)
Picture 2- We did the YMCA at the discoteca, oh how the village people transcend cultures! (44)
Picture 3- Anghiari by night, my favorite little nearby town! (32)

Catch up entry:
So there have been great gaps in entries and a great adjustment to Italian life here in the Borgo. The internet was out for some time, and then when e-mailing my entries I depend on a second party to put them online for me and this step has been interrupted for some time. I decided “third time was the charm” so if this works I will be super stoaked!

The delay has killed me and I greatly apologize, I know my family has e-mailed me saying “what are you doing are still alive?” So yes I am, and I will be more vigilant about making sure my travel journal is kept up to date, and apologize to my religious followers who have wondered what I have been up to. So stay tuned as now, a little out of order, you will hop back on board with my adventures.

There has been soo much going on: a mad rush to clean, (every little corner of the Palazzo I might add, including dusting plant leaves!!!), a grand opening and super week with alums and friends of the college, midterms, finals, term papers, travels, and soo much more!

So for now this is just an apology and what follows is the nice juicy information (in no particular order) of what I have been up to with the other “Immortal Nine” of Palazzo Alberti!

Picture 1- Verona Castle by night, (what a gorgeous town!)
Picture 2- Murano glass! (or is it, it looks like hay!) Yay Venezia
Picture 3- The opening, and we made the headline!

Entry 3: Monday August, 31 2009:

Re-capping a super amazing and fun filled weekend is really very hard.

Saturday morning (the 29th) the fun began, morning walks with John Rose (JR), one of my favorite things from last summer, and I now get to any morning for an entire semester. An opportunity to pick his and Betty Webb’s (BW) brains, of their wealth of knowledge and see the town and country side as they wake up. The morning was longer than usual, so it was about three summer walks combined into one!

The first noteworthy stop was the Tiber River, as Sansepolcro sits in the Tiber River Valley, the walk there was past some once beautiful Sunflowers that appear to have since been baking in the hot summer sun. Also there were fields of corn; it was almost as if I were back in North Carolina again, and this same inkling would come back later in the walk when we were heading home.

On the way back we stopped by one of JR’s many friends’ little farm, with the cutest animals, and tobacco just like home, it was crazy. The family had a drying house and everything, it smelled so good and I had never seen anything like it. BW pointed out how we had passed fields but she had not yet seen drying houses. Their drying houses here are just not what we were used to seeing in North Carolina (since tobacco is a huge part of the economy). The grandson spoke English too, which was very exciting, his grandmother called (hopefully not waking him up) and told him there were some American girls that wanted to meet him (or at least I think she may have said that...haha). He rode in on his motorcycle and looked close to my age (he is 15 and super tall!) I would have guessed he was much older. He spoke very well, and I wish my Italian was half what his English was, I promise to get there by the end of the semester, and I need to really just practice lots!

Continuing on we visited the agriturismo (these are old farms and homes that have been converted into bed and breakfast to help support the economy, agri-from agriculture, and turismo-tourist, they still have little farms and rooms for guests to stay in). JR and BW stayed at the one we visited last year, and the owner is an older man who gets up at 6 in the morning, and begins his day working very hard. With lemon trees on these little wheeled carts they can easily be moved inside in colder weather, a lovely garden, and grapes! (It wouldn’t be Italy without grapes, right!) This was just another morning that really makes me love being back in Sansepolcro, the community is great! It is again something similar to home, being welcomed, and everyone willing to show us something more at each of our stops.

This was just the morning look for more on the day and pictures to come on the next entry.

Ciao from Borgo Sansepolcro ~Amanda Bitler

Picture 1- Sunflowers, a little baked in the sun!
Picture 2- The morning gang down by the river
Picture 3- JR and the goats (he says his doctor likes their lips "they are smooth")
Picture 4- Dried tobacco from the family drying house, it smelled really good!

Entry 2: Thursday August, 27, 2009 The First Day of classes! Dundundun….

Upon going back and reading my first journal I saw that wow it really was not all that interesting or informative.

Today was the first day of classes, and I can already tell that I am not going to relax much this semester, (as I may have thought) there is a lot of READING, and WRITING that I will enjoy. I am sure I won’t mind too much I just don’t like being in such a great and interesting place (as with all studying abroad I’ve done) and spending lots of time inside working and not out on the town. I have at this point found some ways to be productive, and get out there enjoy, yet still manage to sleep and get the work done; I just have to remind myself to do it.

I saw that I had mentioned the travel here on Tuesday, but I am guessing that I was not over the jet lag as much as I thought I was, so it was all over the place! I am going to try to recap the last five days very quickly, and just give the highlights for now.

Saturday the 22nd 6:10 Nicole and I took off from RDU to Heathrow London, and arrived bright and early

Sunday the 23rd to Heathrow. Having just left there I showed Nicole around the city, and only looked at the map once, it was like the back of my hand and I loved it! I got that feeling of belonging and loved being home if only for a couple hours.

We began the day at Covent Garden and really saw the city come to life, found a nice place to sit and have breakfast, and then headed back out. (I did not let us sit for too long or we may have fallen asleep, a tactic I learned from previous experiences). Visiting the Transportation Museum where I still was able to see different things I had not picked up on before, there was even a hands on exhibit that wasn’t opened when I went before.

We were then off to Westminster Abbey for a church service, where I was in awe yet again, the choir was amazing, and the experience being the 3rd time there in 2 months, was neat. After the service, we walked around the area and around Parliament and Big Ben, I acted as a tour guide and told some history and fun facts. Including: that Big Ben is actually the Bell, and the Tower is called Steven (which is often not known), a little history about the Abbey, and the area with the Churchill museum and Cabinet War Rooms nearby (they are both cool museums), the London eye, and the different boroughs of London. Walking along the river front to stretch before we returned to the tube to get our bags at the airport and head to Rome, the weather was awesome!

Rome- a night near the train station, and then off to Arezzo to Sansepolcro on Monday. On the way to our hostel I thought about all the things I wish I had forgotten! I packed “weigh” too much stuff, yet still have a list of things I forgot too, but you wouldn’t think I could have left something…

Monday the 26th- The scenery on the train and then on the bus is ever so familiar, as we head out of the city and see the Roman Aqueducts, and the landscape I knew I was back in Tuscany! Passing by the Medieval Town of Anghari on the bus I knew I was almost back to my other home, and I was very excited, (here it is just my little Italian that scares me). Making the trek to the Servi with all our bags I know we had the attention of any and all that we passed, I can only imagine the looks tomorrow afternoon when the group arrives!
We spent the afternoon yet again trying to stay awake and I showed Nicole another town that I know she will soon know just as well! I love being a tour guide, and love the beautiful surroundings of the Tiber River Valley (which Sansepolcro sits in).

Now that I am in Sansepolcro- I will write more later, but I hope this starts to give you a feel for the beauty that is Sansepolcro, and the fun of long travel days!
Ciao!

Entry 1: August 25, 2009:

I can finally go into the Palazzo after seeing pictures and having been here before! Plus some of the travel to get here.

Not knowing that our travel journal links were up I have saved my stories to share now that we have all arrived at the palazzo and gotten settled. Sadly or not so sadly we are now getting on Italian time (which means being late for everything) and I don’t much like it haha. Having come last summer to Sansepolcro I remember it well, however coming with Meredith groups that operate as the Swiss Trains do and they are always on time!!! (I wonder if we will be able to keep it that way).

The travel really began weeks ago when I returned from London this summer with another Meredith group, and it shocked me that people asked if I was ready for Italy and not about London. I wanted questions about my trip I had so much to share, but oh well.

The week leading up to departing with Nicole early felt like I was in Dante’s Inferno waiting to be judged, yet technology and the world was working against me! All my photos from the London trip were erased from my camera before I got them saved somewhere else so that was a fun day. The US mail was also working against me and about half my books for class were not delivered adding to the already stressful process of packing and getting ready to leave. These were just a few of the added curve balls that were fun to overcome and get past as I prepared to leave for the semester. However I know that is not very interesting so moving on to Saturday August 22, 2009 no turning back now!

Well, I think that is a good start, pay attention to my travel journal as I will continue to try to update it and add pictures as well as other fun and interesting facts over the semester!

Ciao for now, Amanda

Photo Information:
Picture 1- Big Ben in London, Really the tower is named Steven, and the bell Big Ben
Picture 2- The London eye
Picture 3- A picture I have with me from last summer in Sansepolcro, on the way to the piazza
Picture 4- The 2008 summer directors and Betty Webb outside the Palazzo, I was about to go in..