Day Six: Firenze to Bologna

(Note: I have a bit of download lag here, so pictures will hopefully be posted soon.)

Another day for travel with a stop on the way, and a time to reflect on what we have seen so far. 

We had the morning routine of a great breakfast with our better crew! Even though we had walked about 20000 steps yesterday, I had decided to go for a quick jog this morning. Something about getting the heart rate up for a brief period of time. The first few steps were painful, the next five minutes were stiff, and the remaining 15 minutes were great. If you are reading this you are one of two people:

1.  “Wow! Good for you!  A run after all that walking yesterday. Good for you, just don’t push it too far!”
2. “What? Twenty five minutes? That’s it?”

It is all relative. We loaded onto the bus and started heading to a Chianti vineyard, Vinoteca L’AcinoRosso.

Alice was our tourguide and performed magnificently! I have been on the occasional winery tour before, and Alice did a great job. She brought us through the production tour and provided a time for some tasting afterwards. Along with the wine, sparkling and flat water along with a variety of Italian light cuisine were provided so everyone was able to enjoy.

As I write this we are on the bus heading to Bologna, I reflect on some interesting experiences. For example, last evening at dinner Patricia chatted about everyone on the trip were experiencing the horizons being expanded. Andrew agreed. Patricia has been to Italy before, and the farthest Andrew had travelled was to Quebec City. I then pointed to Henry and said “Henry, this answers your question about the purpose of this trip earlier this afternoon.”

At the tasting, I had the opportunity to listen to and chat with some of our participants. We had the range of experiences of some never having travelled, to this in a series of trips. So what is the purpose of this trip? You could say that it comes down to several things. First, we have hospitality experts at the college and students interested in travel to make this work. Second, it gives a safe opportunity for international experience for our participants. Third, it is a great educational experience. At the Sistine Chapel, we learned about culture, art, religion, philosophy. In Florence, we could see THE David, live, in person. In Chianti we learned about winemaking and could learn how to experience the product.

I personally look forward to these trips, It is a great opportunity to meet and learn about each other, our culture, our background, and our world. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the extra work each of our families take on so that we can work this trip. They are the true heroes of this story.

Looking forward to our Bologna story that will come soon!

Day 5: Firenze, Italy

So here we are at day five. 

"But wait Matt! What happened to Day Four B? I mean, you have day Four A posted!"

Yup, maybe I will get to posting Four B, or maybe I won't! But seriously, I do have intentions to post day Four B, just have not gotten to it yet.

So I woke up this morning and looked out my window, and what  view!

Firenze, or Florence as you commoners call it (which I did up to three weeks ago, so I will get off my high horse....wait for it....a bit of a jump......ouch, my ankle), is a beautiful city. And there is beautiful landscape around the city which adds to it. So we met in the dining room downstairs to have some breakfast. Good food with even better company!

We then met outside for another group photo of these beautiful people!

Now, a few of our crew had gone for a walk last evening after we arrived, so they were quite helpful in assisting navigate the walk down to the river. Why the river? Because when you have a major landmark to start with, it makes it easier to get un-lost. 

This was part of our walking tour which would be followed by free time for everyone.

Once at the river, we walked along to Ponte Vecchio, a bridge with buildings basically, so that everyone could decide where they wanted to go and what they wanted to see. 

It was right before we reached Ponte Vecchio that Henry, one of our crew, stated that he wanted to check out Palazzo Girolami, so I decided to join him. Why not?

Now this is where this blog may get annoying for those of you in North America reading this. Why? Because during free time I can only travel with one group. Haven't quite worked out that cloning thing.....yet. We then proceed north in the city and saw some great sites! 

(insert pictures here...OKAY)

One thing about free time is that, well, you have to let the day lead you sometimes. So yeah, Henry and I wound up at what appeared to be a Home and Craft show in an old fort that had been converted into a convention centre, but he did score a great deal on a jacket.

Afterwards, we headed back south for some additional sites.

Now south across the river.

And you come across some MASSIVE buildings with great architecture. How do you fit it in an iPod camera. Panoramic setting of course!

We then headed back north to meet Anthony, Karen, and some of the crew to see.....wait for it........yup, you guessed it......Michelangelo's David!

So, let's get this right from the start. If you ever get to go to Florence, you need to visit this statue. Yes, you will need to wait in line and pay for admission, but it is worth it. I could bore you with the details, but please trust me. This. is. worth. seeing.

After viewing David and other pieces of art, we headed out to dinner, made some new friends, and headed back to the hotel.

Summary of Firenze? Great city to visit for multiple reasons.

1. The landscape that the city is on and surrounding the city is that of rolling hills and foothills, so you get a good perspective of the city in the distance.
2. You can walk everywhere.
3. Living history. Rome does have a longer history, but a lot of it was buried and then dug up, or demolished for other uses, and is not being used. In Firenze, the majority of original buildings appear to still be used.
4. Art.
5. Dining.

Tomorrow....Bologna!

Day Four A: Tuscany

We had an early start with our crew with breakfast at our hotel, and then loaded onto the bus for a four hour ride to Tuscany region of Italy. Great to see everyone up and out of their hotel room on time, and ready to roll on to our next destination. We are travelling with a great group and everyone back in Canada should be proud!

A good time to grab a quick snooze!

During the initial part of the ride I was able to ask some of our crew what the highlight, so far, of the trip was.

There were some great views along the drive!

A quick stop on the way for a restroom break and a bite to eat!

Some additional scenery along the way!

We then met Luka at Frantoio Dei Colli Toscani, an olive oil press facility.

This facility presses olive to produce olive oil for between 400-500 private individuals and 40-50 commercial farms from the surrounding region. We had a tour of the facility and then were offered a tasting session with various products from the facility in the owner’s private home.

After making some new friends and tasting some great product, we bid farewell and boarded the bus. On to Florence!

Day Three B: Rome

After the Sistine Chapel, we came out to St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica!

St. Peter's square is absolutely massive and meant to represent an embrace of the people by the Pope.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica is breathtaking. This is the largest church in the world with intricate pieces of art. Photography is permitted as all of the pictures are tile mosaics, although you cannot tell from the fine details!

The crew was given free time to explore the city as they wished, and grab some lunch and/or dinner. What can we say - Chef Borgo made a new friend!

Don't forget the nighttime photo ops!

Tomorrow, on to Florence!

Day Three A: Rome (again)

Hooray Rome! What an amazing city. We started the day right today with breakfast in the hotel cafe. More cappuccino? Certainly! One more cup and I am going to transition into another dimension (credit to Kelson Prince for that line).

We then caught the city bus to head to Vatican City.

Off the bus! Do we meet Susanna here or at the Vatican? Well, let's just start walking!

You know that you are getting close when...

We're here!

At Vatican City we met our terrific tour guide Susanna who gave us a terrific introduction to what we were about to see. Thank you Susanna!

Touring Tip: If it is your first time at Vatican City, get a great tour guide such as Susanna.

We headed into Vatican City and started our tour. This is a major centre of cultural and historical importance. We started by meeting just inside the entrance of Vatican City after the security check. Fortunately no incidents while entering!

There are some beautiful replicate and originals of art. Almost looks like one of my student's face when they get their assignment outline!

We started by gathering near the front entrance to view the spiral staircase.

The students were already impressed! (with the Vatican, not with my sneaky photo shots).

Our first view of St. Peter's dome!

Susanna then brought us outside and explained some additional history and background to the Vatican.

"But wait Matt! There can't be more?" you're saying right now. Oh yes there is, and we are just getting warmed up!

We then briefly went inside to transition to another courtyard with a very unique sculpture.

Here, Susanna gave us a great history of the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately, no photos from inside the Sistine Chapel as they do not permit photography. This in order to assist in preserving this work of art.

Next, into the hall of busts. Wow - that is a lot of busts! But why are some them ugly? The belief was that by representing the true form of the subject, they would be remembered forever.

Here we see Chef Borgo taking a picture of Susanna's brilliance. Honestly, the woman did an absolutely fantastic job of our tour!

And then, onto the Sistine Chapel. Some pictures of the journey.

There is always certain pieces of art which capture your attention. Can't always say why, but some stand out, and since I am the author here you get to be subjected to my whims (bwah ha ha!).

Onto the tour!

(We interrupt this pictorial tour for time for the group to visit the Sistine Chapel)

Move on to Rome Day Three B!