Pisa, Italy

Today brought rain showers in the early morning but the poor weather did not deter us from traveling to Pisa, Italy for the day! After an hour train ride we arrived in Pisa and were happy to discover the rain had cleared. Instead of participating in a trip leader tour, we collectively decided to take part in a self-guided walk of the city’s main tourist attractions. This one-hour stroll began at the Pisa Centrale Train Station and ended at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Artist: Keith Haring

Ponte di Mezza

First stop: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. As Pisa was considered strategic in WWII, both the train station and its main bridge were targeted. There are makeshift walls that surround this square and the piazza is being rebuilt presently. This artistic wall, just to the left of the piazza, was painted by American artist Keith Haring in 1989. He brought the NYC graffiti into the mainstream and this painting celebrates diversity, chaos, and the liveliness of our world.

We walked through Corso Italia, which cuts through the center of the town and is considered Pisa’s main drag. Many stores and boutiques offer a paradise for the shopaholic!

Ponte di Mezza

Crossing over the Ponte di Mezza marked the center of Pisa. In the Middle Ages, this bridge (just like Florence’s Ponte Vecchio) was lined with shops. It no longer lends itself to a shopping district, however, the great views from the center of the bridge allow for a great photo-op.

After, we snapped some shots at Piazza Garibaldi, which is a square named for the charismatic leader of the Risorgimento, the unification movement that led to Italian independence in 1870. The next piazza happened to be Piazza dei Cavalieri. With its old clock and colorfully decorated palace, this piazza was once the seat of the independent Republic of Pisa’s government. The frescoes on the exterior of the square’s buildings reflect Pisa’s fading glory under the Medicis. With Napolean, this entire complex of grand buildings became part of the University of Pisa.

Ponte di Mezza

Finally we rounded the corner and caught a glimpse of the Leaning Tower itself! A 15 foot lean from the vertical makes the Tower one of Europe’s most recognizable images. The tower is nearly 200 feet tall and 55 feet wide and currently leaning at a 5 degree angle. The Tower was built over two centuries by at least three different architects. You can see how each successive architect tried to correct the leaning problem – once halfway up, and once at the belfry on the top. My roommates and I took the liberty of taking those “corny” pictures pretending to “hold up” the Tower!

Piazza Garibaldi

Next to the Tower stands the Duomo (which simply means Cathedral). This Pisan Romanesque cathedral, with its carved pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, is artistically more important than its more famous bell tower. This Duomo is the centerpiece of the Field of Miracles complex. The bronze back doors at the Tower end were designed by Bonnano Pisano and have different panels that show Christ’s story. Because it was a Sunday we were unable to tour inside the Duomo but the magnificence of the outside was satisfying enough. Also, the round Babptistery, located in front of the Duomo, is the largest in Italy.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

Duomo

Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Baptistry

This day trip to Pisa allowed us to see the number one attraction known around the world: the Leaning Tower. After catching a train back to Firenze, we are all excited to cook a family dinner together in the apartment!

Florence, Italy

Piazza della Repubblica

Orientation meeting after orientation meeting after orientation meeting…I feel as though these informational meetings will never end! From neighborhood tours, academic informational meetings, advisor lectures, program director discussions, and local Italian rules and topics review we were all excited to have a free afternoon. We walked around near the leather markets and browsed through the numerous vendor tents selling colorful scarves and various leather products. Although it was a bit windy, the sun was out and made for a perfect walking day.

Cooking Class

Zucchini Florentine

Tiramisu

            On a more exciting note, Saturday morning marked the day we took part in a cooking class! This 3 hour long cooking class took place at “In Tavola”. In Tavola aims to spread Italian food and wine-rich regional culinary traditions through their cooking courses. A group of us took part in a unique experience in the culinary arts. In a professional kitchen, guided by a skilled chef, we were taught how to prepare two typical Tuscan dishes and a dessert. First, we prepared the dessert dish: tiramisu! After folding together stiff egg whites, egg yokes, sugar and mascarpone cheese we layered individual tins with savoiardi cookies soaked in coffee and brandy and the cream mixture. This dish was completed first because it required time to set in the refrigerator. The next dish we prepared was zucchini Florentine (zucchini alla fiorentina). This consisted of hollowed out zucchini rounds stuffed with beef, mortadella, bread pieces, cheese, and various spices. Before popping them in the oven, we topped these zucchini halves off with breadcrumbs and a tomato mixture. The second dish involved crespelle (crepes) stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese along with other spices. To finish off the plate we drizzled on a béchamel sauce (salsa di besciamella), which is a typical white sauce. A tasting of the prepared dishes in the wine cellar seating area then followed the cooking process. This experience was amazing and really made me excited to start making traditional Italian meals on my own, in my apartment!

Florence, Italy

My Room!

My Room!

After two nights in the luxurious Hotel Baglioni we rose early in order to check out of our hotel rooms and prepare for the big move-in to the apartments! We boarded the buses and took a quick drive over towards the Piazza della Independenza which is a small square near Via XXVII Aprile, which is where my apartment is located. Prior to move-in we were forewarned about the possibility of having to carry our luggage up multiple flights of stairs to reach our actual apartment door. Elevators in Italian apartment buildings can be quite unique and temperamental and sometimes even nonexistent. To our surprise we discovered a small service elevator to help accelerate the move-in process! Walking through our apartment doors for the first time was such an exhilarating feeling. The charming Italian apartment has a modern twist, which makes for an attractive looking flat. Soon after meeting our landlord and going over the logistics and rules we finally found the time to unpack! It was such a relief after living out of a bag for the past two and a half weeks.

Living Room

            Having the rest of the afternoon free we explored the area around the Duomo and stopped in at a little ristorante for a small bite to eat. The cafes and sandwich shops can be found on every street corner and the aroma of fresh bread becomes intoxicating after awhile! Later on we participated in a study abroad student night out which was a great opportunity to meet more people from my program as well as others.

            The next day required another early morning to link up with a program director, who brought us on a walking “survival tour” of the city. Specifically, we learned more about the hot spots around our particular neighborhood. Learning more about the side streets and various routes to take to important squares, restaurants, and markets will certainly help me feel more comfortable meandering around Florence.

Bathroom

Bathroom

Dining Room

Kitchen

View from back balcony

            Later on in the day we decided to head over to a hidden panini restaurant called the Oil Shoppe. This sandwich place is well known by study abroad students and sometimes the line is even out the door! All of the sandwiches are less than 5 euro and come with fries and a drink. Because my roommates and I were so indecisive, some of us decided to split two sandwiches. I was able to taste both the white focaccia with cheese, mushrooms, and truffle sauce, as well as the chicken, lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, and pesto on wheat focaccia bread – both were amazing! This place is overrun with study abroad students for good reason. 

Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio Shopping

Arno River

The Alps

Where to begin…I rose early Monday morning in order to arrive at the airport for my 7 AM departure from Vienna to Paris. Fortunately Dom’s father, Patrick, offered to drive me rather than have me take the CAT (fast train from the city center to the airport). After a quick shower and last minute packing I mustered up the strength to carry my bags down to the ground level of the apartment building (with Patrick’s help of course!). To my surprise the entire street was filled with about four inches of snow. This was in no way a good surprise. I could not have imagined what was to ensue next.

            First off, there was immense traffic due to the snow conditions. After arriving at the airport a little later than anticipated I was confronted with another issue regarding baggage. The first woman I spoke with claimed that I was 17 kilos over the limit for baggage weight – which would then cost me 10 euro/per kilo. At this moment my blood pressure went through the roof! I instantly ran over to a different counter to inquire about this absurd regulation. In the end Air France only charged me for my additional bag, which I already was prepared to pay. After escaping that roadblock, I hurried to my gate and boarded the plane. As I sat for what seemed like hours on the runway, we finally took off – about 45 minutes too late! Throughout the duration of the flight I experienced extremely high levels of anxiety. I constantly checked my watch and helplessly saw the minutes tick bye. When we finally landed, I glanced down at the ticket for my connecting flight and read “boarding time 9:45, departure time 10:05” – it was now 9:45. In a panic I pushed by people and ran up to the first airport official to inquire about the gate location. He informed me that I would have to take a shuttle over to the correct terminal. Without hesitation I took off running towards the exit and just barely made the departing shuttle. Gasping for air I stood helplessly as the shuttle moved at what seemed like a sluggish pace. As my watch struck 10 AM, my heart began pounding, hands were shaking, and tears began to roll down my cheeks I had convinced myself I would miss my flight. When the shuttle finally made it to the terminal drop off, I ran like I had never run before in my life. As I reached the security checkpoint I whipped out my laptop and threw off my boots, as I was about to exit the area, I was stopped for a full body security check. At this point I lost all hope in making my flight. Despite ANOTHER roadblock, I took off in a dead sprint towards the gates. The gate ended up being at the very end of the terminal. With my backpack half open, my scarf dragging on the ground, and my hair in total disarray I did not hesitate to even catch my breath. As I rounded the corner I shoved my boarding pass in the face of the airport official and to my surprise she said, “you just made it, quickly find your seat”. At that exact moment I felt as if 1,000 pounds had lifted off my shoulders. Still out of breath I found my seat and breathed a sigh of relief. I was finally able to rest and catch a few minutes of sleep before my arrival in Florence. During our flight I had the opportunity of seeing the prestigious Alp Mountains. It ended up being the picture perfect ending to a whirlwind experience of travel. Upon arrival I waited near the baggage claim and was disappointed to discover that my luggage was nowhere to be found.  Surprisingly I remained fairly calm – after my extreme levels of stress early on in the day I did not have enough energy to even begin to be concerned about my luggage!

Hotel Baglioni

Ponte Vecchio

            After filing out a lost luggage claim, I met up with other students in my program and took a bus over to the Hotel Baglioni where we will be staying for the first two nights. (My luggage ended up arriving right at my hotel room door just a few hours later!). The hotel is beyond gorgeous! It has old artistic flare with dark mahogany furniture and a grand stain glassed window. As more students from my program arrived the introductions and first greetings began! We all headed over to a conference facility and attended a pre-orientation meeting, which ended with a grand Italian feast. After dining on pesto pasta, lasagna, and salad we were free to explore the city at night. I linked up with a group of girls and we headed over to an Irish pub called the Lion’s Fountain. It is a well-known American style bar where they play college lacrosse games and the ceiling is covered with college shirts from various study abroad students.

Hotel Room

Ponte Vecchio          

Duomo

Palazzo Pitti

After a long day of traveling, introductions, and exploring my roommates and I retired to our room in order to catch some sleep. In the morning we were provided breakfast in the rooftop restaurant which overlooked the entire city! Afterwards the program directors scheduled more orientation meetings and a walking city tour of Florence followed. Despite the rain and cold weather it was great to have a guided tour of the local areas. We were able to travel 

Duomo

through the narrow streets and enjoy the rustic Italian architecture. First stop was at the Palazzo Strozzi. Palazzo Strozzi is a palace in Florence, Italy. It is a splendid example of civil architecture with its rusticated stone inspired by the Palazzo Medici. Afterwards we walked over the Arno River, which runs through the city of Florence. It is the most important river of central Italy after the Tiber. It crosses Florence, where it passes below the Ponte Vecchio and the Santa Trinita Bridge. Although Bartolomeo Ammanati built it, it was inspired by the well-known artist Michelangelo. Across the bridge we were able to see the Ponte Vecchio. Specifically, the Ponte Vecchio is a medevial bridge over the Arno River, noted for still having shops built along it. Presently the tenants of the shops are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. I cannot wait to return to this place and explore more of the shops at a later time. Wandering past buildings and palaces that were previously inhabited by the Medici family, allowed me to truly begin learning the historical treasures of Firenze. The Palazzo Pitti was another stop along the tour. It is a vast, mainly Renaissance palace situation on the south side of the River Arno, just a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio. This palace was bought by the Medici family and became the chief residence of the ruling families of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. We even explored the area of Uffizi, which is one of the major museums in Florence. The Uffizi Gallery was begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de’Medici as the offices for the Florentine magistrates. Over the years, further parts of the palace evolved into a display place for many of the paintings and sculptures collected by the Medici family or commissioned by them. Ending our tour we were graced by the grand presence of the Duomo. Duomo is merely a generic Italian term for a cathedral church. The exterior of the basilica is faced with marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has a Gothic façade. Many people climb to the top to feast on a magnificent view of the entire city – I still have yet to do this but I still have 3 months to go!

Gusta Pizza!

            After resting and regaining feeling in our hands and feet (it was very chilly here today!), we realized how hungry we actually were. After hearing raving reviews of a pizza restaurant called Gusta Pizza we decided we HAD to check it out. This place was quick and offered the most tasty, fresh pizzas I have ever eaten! There are about 7 pizzas on the menu and 3 specials every day. You can go here at any time to have pizza and buy wine buy the glass or bottle to enjoy along with your meal. You order at the counter and are given a ticket and about 8 minutes later you have hot, fresh, delicious pizza! Most tourists and locals save their ticket slip and write their name on it and slide it between the glass table and the barrel that it sits on. This was a great treat after a long day. Tomorrow we move into our apartments, I cannot wait!

Gelato!

Vienna, Austria

Stadtpark

Stadtpark

Johann Strauss

Today marks the last full day I will spend in Vienna, Austria. I cannot believe these two weeks have gone by this quickly! In hopes to enjoy the last morning, I woke up at a reasonable time and went out for another jog around Stadtpark. Even after my 45 minute run, I was eager to go grab my camera and walk around taking in every last bit of the Vienna morning. As I became hypnotized by the tranquility of the pigeons and ducks floating in the pond I noticed a crowd forming off in the distance. When I neared the group I discovered they were snapping photos of the gold Johann Strauss statue. Johann Strauss was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas. He was known as the “Waltz King”
because he composed over 500 waltzes in his lifetime! The gilded bronze monument stands on the edge of a path in the park along the Wienfluss (Vienna River). Later on, Dom’s father took us out to lunch for our last day. We ventured over to a vegetarian restaurant called Vegetasia, a Taiwan Restaurant.

Langos

Although I am not keen on tofu, this meal was surprisingly extremely appetizing! All of the dishes are made with Asian herbs, vegetables, and tofu. Many of the food options have the appearance and taste of meat and poultry products but they are actually 100% vegetarian. It was a very tasty and unique experience.

            While on the topic of good food – I must share with you, the delectable snack we were made last night. We dined on Hungarian bread called langos. It became a part of the country’s cuisine centuries ago and today it is a favorite street and fair food and can be eaten as an appetizer or snack. The bread itself can be rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with salt, or other variations serve langos with sour cream and shredded cheese. Needless to say it was delicious!

            As the day draws to a close I cant help but feel a twinge of sadness in leaving this place. Vienna is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political center. I even found out that it is the 10^th largest city by population in the European Union. In 2007 and 2008 the city was ranked first globally for a culture of innovation, and 2^nd globally after Boston in 2009. Traveling throughout Vienna allows for one to experience the beauty of Viennese museums, outdoor markets, renowned monuments, Viennese cuisine and nightlife.

  When we first arrived here, the Christmas streetlights illuminated the city at night. Just recently we experienced the street workers take them down, and now we enjoy the city’s roads and squares lit up by the natural lights of the shops and restaurants. Day or night the city has so much to offer. I am so grateful to Dom and his family for their hospitality and kindness. This trip has gone above and beyond my original expectations. Until next time, danke schön Vienna – auf wiedersehen!