Monday, February 27, 2012

First Day of School!

Today we began our first class, ‘Disegno in Orvieto’.  Since we only take one class at a time during the semester, we’ll be focusing just on design and drawing for the month. Since my art education ended in middle school, I was definitely out of my element when the professor sent us out into Orvieto to make a giant drawing of anything that we saw.  I ended up picking the warmest, sunniest spot that I could find and then drawing the easiest thing that I could spot -- a lamp post.  The gorgeous views of surrounding Umbria were definitely a bonus of the spot that I picked. 



While I was drawing, a few older Italian gentlemen stopped by to chat and look at my drawing.  Once they deduced that I was ‘Americana’ they used hand movements instead of words to communicate, and I was also able to practice my Italian (Ciao! Grazie!)  They were kind enough to say that my lamp post was ‘bella’.  We also had our first Italian class today, so hopefully I’ll soon be able to add a few new phrases to the repertoire.  

We had the most delicious dinner tonight, but sadly (not surprising…) I didn’t bring my camera.  However, I think that I’d like to eat bruschetta, cheese, prosciutto, focaccia and apples every day for the rest of my life.  While drinking cappuccino.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

First Two Days in Orvieto

I’m in Italy!!!!  The past few days have been incredibly packed with experiences and adjustments and jet lag, and I cannot get over my amazement that I get to live here for four months!  Pretty much every time I look around, I have to pinch myself to see if I’m awake.  The town of Orvieto is situated on top of a mountain of volcanic rock and the edges of the city go right to the edges dramatic cliffs.  Because the city is situated so far above the surrounding valleys, we have AMAZING views of the rest of Umbria.


Today we climbed to the top of the clock tower to have an even more incredible perspective.


The entire city is situated towards the Duomo -- the cathedral in Orvieto.  It is by far the largest and most ornate building in the town and pretty much every street eventually points towards the Duomo.


When I’m not walking around in utter amazement, I’ve also eaten a lot of delicious Italian food.  Giant pizza, check.  The best cappuccino of my life, check.  Wonderful pastries, check. Pasta, yes.  And, of course, gelato :) 


The only thing that I'm not in love with so far is the fact that Italians only heat their buildings for a few hours every day, so please pray that summer comes very early to Orvieto!!!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Two Days!

Although this bag isn't completely packed yet, I'm getting ready to leave for Orvieto!