Italy Day SEVEN!
Thursday morning we watched weird Italian TV as each of us waited for the other to get out of the bathroom.
Because, you see, the toilet is actually INSIDE the shower. Which made for some strange experiences when someone would take a shower and then, right afterward, another someone would go to the bathroom. The toilet paper was always wet.
The joy of traveling! We took a mirror photo and then off we went.
After the usual caffe breakfast...
We were on our way. We only had one destination today, and we got there by Italian subway. (not to be confused with The Italian Sandwich from Subway.)
We went only to the Vatican, and believe me, it took up our whole day. Luckily, it was a gorgeous 68 degrees and sunny.
"We're at the Vatican!!!!"
We were worried that we would have to stand in an hours-long line for La Capella Sistina, so walking through the museum, we didn't stop to take too many photos. I think that, no matter what religion or belief you may hold (or not hold), walking among a holy place invokes a sense of reverence, and quiet contemplation. The Vatican was no different, as every inch of the place is covered in art that dates back hundreds of years.
Even original maps of Italy.
Not even ceilings were spared the brushes of artists over the eons.
For some reason, this was one of my favorite paintings.
We had no need to worry about a line, though. We arrived at the Sistine Chapel in no time at all. I came here last time I was in Roma but it was the summer before they restored the Chapel. The room is smaller than you think it will be, and yet somehow more astonishing than you think it will be.
Apart from the famous ceiling, this wall (the blue section) runs a close second in my list of favorite pieces of art. All of the souls being divided between heaven and hell.
And here is the moment everyone waits for... the Creation of Man. (middle left side)
In this chapel one feels an unexpected humility, simply to be in the presence of artistic greatness. Every centimeter is intentional and thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. Michelangelo was truly an unbelievable painter and visionary. (not to even mention the David!) We loved these spiral steps. I'm the gleaming white spot with blue on in the upper center.
Then it was back to Firenze via train.
I spent most of the time listening to my Sondre Lerche CD and writing and pasting ticket stubs and receipts and such into the journal. Yeah, I brought Scotch tape with me. What of it?
It's lovely to just watch the world - the vineyards, the tiny villages, the sloping hills - go by.
We arrived home just as the sun was setting.
I was struck with sadness knowing that the next day was our last in my beloved Italia.
After a series of good long hot showers and makeup application, the three of us were sufficiently gussied up for a night on the town.
We called up Jennifer from a payphone to ask her to join us for dinner, and Shannon channeled her inner film noir heroine.
Jennifer wasn't able to come out though, and after dinner we found ourselves at Public House, an awesome little pub with tall beer glasses and an adorable bartender named Davide.
But aside from boys, Kerri, Shannon and I were happy just to have been able to spend a week together, no matter where in the world it happens to be.
amicizia. for real.
Next post will be the final Italia installment: vineyard bike ride. Cin-cin!
love,
*jenna*
Because, you see, the toilet is actually INSIDE the shower. Which made for some strange experiences when someone would take a shower and then, right afterward, another someone would go to the bathroom. The toilet paper was always wet.
The joy of traveling! We took a mirror photo and then off we went.
After the usual caffe breakfast...
We were on our way. We only had one destination today, and we got there by Italian subway. (not to be confused with The Italian Sandwich from Subway.)
We went only to the Vatican, and believe me, it took up our whole day. Luckily, it was a gorgeous 68 degrees and sunny.
"We're at the Vatican!!!!"
We were worried that we would have to stand in an hours-long line for La Capella Sistina, so walking through the museum, we didn't stop to take too many photos. I think that, no matter what religion or belief you may hold (or not hold), walking among a holy place invokes a sense of reverence, and quiet contemplation. The Vatican was no different, as every inch of the place is covered in art that dates back hundreds of years.
Even original maps of Italy.
Not even ceilings were spared the brushes of artists over the eons.
For some reason, this was one of my favorite paintings.
We had no need to worry about a line, though. We arrived at the Sistine Chapel in no time at all. I came here last time I was in Roma but it was the summer before they restored the Chapel. The room is smaller than you think it will be, and yet somehow more astonishing than you think it will be.
Apart from the famous ceiling, this wall (the blue section) runs a close second in my list of favorite pieces of art. All of the souls being divided between heaven and hell.
And here is the moment everyone waits for... the Creation of Man. (middle left side)
In this chapel one feels an unexpected humility, simply to be in the presence of artistic greatness. Every centimeter is intentional and thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. Michelangelo was truly an unbelievable painter and visionary. (not to even mention the David!) We loved these spiral steps. I'm the gleaming white spot with blue on in the upper center.
Then it was back to Firenze via train.
I spent most of the time listening to my Sondre Lerche CD and writing and pasting ticket stubs and receipts and such into the journal. Yeah, I brought Scotch tape with me. What of it?
It's lovely to just watch the world - the vineyards, the tiny villages, the sloping hills - go by.
We arrived home just as the sun was setting.
I was struck with sadness knowing that the next day was our last in my beloved Italia.
After a series of good long hot showers and makeup application, the three of us were sufficiently gussied up for a night on the town.
We called up Jennifer from a payphone to ask her to join us for dinner, and Shannon channeled her inner film noir heroine.
Jennifer wasn't able to come out though, and after dinner we found ourselves at Public House, an awesome little pub with tall beer glasses and an adorable bartender named Davide.
But aside from boys, Kerri, Shannon and I were happy just to have been able to spend a week together, no matter where in the world it happens to be.
amicizia. for real.
Next post will be the final Italia installment: vineyard bike ride. Cin-cin!
love,
*jenna*
posted by jenna at 2:21 PM
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