Although our time in Bologna was relatively short, it was still an interesting experience. After waiting an extra 4 hours for our delayed bus to arrive, we were finally en route to Bologna. The ride was a bit longer than expected and when we arrived in Bologna, we sleepily trudged off the bus and started on our journey to the hotel. Luckily Hotel Porta San Mamolo was about two blocks from our bus stop. Getting to finally plop down on the comfy bed was definitely the highlight of my evening. The next morning was much more eventful and we started off the day with class and then gelato at Cremeria Funivia in downtown Bologna. This gelato shop was different than most others that I had experienced because of its modern atmosphere and naturally pure flavors. Immediately after our gelato adventure, we went to the University of Bologna to see one of the first ever college classrooms and library. The university of Bologna was the first and oldest established university in the world and has been since the late eleventh century. It’s rich history includes many inspiring professors that now have their own mini shield plaque dedicated to their time at the university. As you can imagine, these commemorative shields are everywhere around the campus, outside and inside the buildings, and they honor every one of the professors who have taught at the University of Bologna. The student body also consisted of inspiring and amazing people such as Dante Alighieri who studied there. It was so interesting to learn about the university’s history and its overall impact on the world as a result of its students and professors. Later that day, we had the opportunity to also see the university’s library which was exciting. I love books in general, but old books are the best! It was amazing to see all of the different categories of books and their place on the shelf. The large room was completely filled wall-to-wall with books that made my jaw drop in awe. The disappointing part is that we only got to witness just one room filled with books. But there were many other rooms that made up the entirety of the library, although they cannot be viewed by the public. And even though they were off limits, there was a barred door that allowed visitors to see through to the other side. As I peered through the door, my eyes found shelves and shelves of books as far as the eye could see, as if they went on for eternity. It was like heaven to me and I really wish that I would have been allowed to see all of the remaining books up close. Despite this, I am still more than satisfied the tour that we were allowed to take, and wouldn’t trade it for the world. After visiting the university, my small group decided to explore in the city. We did some shopping and finally made our way to a local restaurant...

Settled in the middle of the rolling picturesque hills of Tuscany, the small village of Poppi is a place with more character and life than imaginable. The short time that I spent in Poppi was one of the most relaxing times of the entire trip. Poppi is a small village established around the twelfth century and this is also when its name started to appear in important documents. Poppi is a still-existing medival town that includes the Castello dei Conti Guido which is an extremely well preserved castle built in the twelfth century. This particular castle is interesting because it contains some of the oldest manuscripts and books in the history of Poppi, dating back to the early 1000s. On the tour, I was able to actually witness an old choral book and see the pages and the artwork that conveyed beautiful religious principles. These religious figures were painted with care using bright hues of blue, red, demure purple, and the accents of gold which made the pages pop. This early choral book only used a 4 line staff as Mary pointed out, and had many early musical attributes that gave away its age. I was also able to see some of the oldest encyclopedias in Italy from the Rilliaba Biblioteca. Our tour guide informed us that these books were banned for a very long time because of the reality of the topics. Despite this, many individuals such as monks in the area realized the importance of these texts to encourage the spread of knowledge, and they found ways to print them “under the table.” In some ways, it is horrible that this type of publishing had to happen in the first place, although it is great that there were those who wanted to ensure preservation of knowledge. Along with the interesting historical aspects of Poppi, there was also a natural side to this village as well. The sheer beauty of the town’s placement between the hills and mountains of the Tuscan countryside made one breathtaking view. This coupled with the small-town flair and the friendly local residents made Poppi one of the most relaxing and genuine places thus far. I will definitely be back to Poppi, whether in the near future or in many years to come–to experience its history, character, and quiet beauty once again.

  My day trip to Venice was a spur of the moment decision back in Slippery Rock about a week before the trip. There was one room left that was not yet claimed, and Dr. Permenter announced its availability during the final meeting before the trip. Brenna and I both looked at one another and knew that the last room was meant for us. We had been back and forth about the decision for a while, originally planning for a day trip to Venice. But we realized that we needed to commit to the overnight experience to completely enjoy the city. So we decided to go. And I’m so glad that we did. When we first arrived in Venice it was a cold and rainy day. Our hotel was on the other side of the river from the train station, and the water bus ride was brisk and windy. Overall, it was a rocky start to the day trip and we weren’t sure what we were getting ourselves into. Although despite all of this, we also realized that this trip is the trip of a lifetime and we were determined to make Venice an amazing time even in the rain. After checking in our hotel, we headed out into the cold, dreariness to explore for the evening. It rained off and on, but we were able to see a lot of different sites. Saint Mark’s basilica was a beautiful church that I enjoyed seeing. The architecture was gothic and intricately breathtaking. Walking into the church, the overall design and layout was impressive. The entire floor was made from 2 inch mosaic tiles that create amazingly precise designs. The alter was massive and had gothic ornamentation that created a dark, yet airy feel to the church. The windows were set up high at the top of the church, drawing the eye upward and bringing lightness to the darkness of the architecture. The ceiling was also gold filigree which created a regal other-worldly lightness that made the viewer want to gaze up forever. There were rich hues of red, green, blue, and black with touches of gold throughout the basilica. The chandeliers and sconces were impressive with gold and black accents and red glass that was illuminated by candlelight. The church was beautiful and well worth the wait. It is amazing how these relics of the past are still preserved in Venice and continue to live on. The highlight of my trip was when I took my first gondola ride the morning that were getting ready to head back to Florence. We woke up and the weather had completely turned around. It was beautiful, sunny, and a wonderful morning for a gondola ride. Brenna and I decided to go together, and we had an amazing time. I had a very moving moment during the tour and it was the time that I felt most connected with Italy. Venice is already such a magical place, but being there on a quiet morning floating...

Experiencing Florence for the first time, I immediately felt an attraction that made me feel at home. Florence and it’s winding streets and beautiful airy Santa Maria Duomo looming in the skyline make every moment breathless and exciting. Being the “center of Italy,” Florence’s charm lies in its ubiquitous bread and one of the oldest bridges built in the Roman ages, and spared by Nazi bombers because it was “too beautiful” to destroy. Florence is a promising city that guarantees many long days filled with gelato and enjoyable wandering, and sleepless nights overflowing with starry skies and balmy walks around town during the regularly scheduled passeggiata. Most of my experiences thus far in Florence have been full of enjoyment amongst the company and laughter of my fellow classmates. Living here for just four days, my perspective on travel has been altered in the best of ways. The architecture and artwork in Florence is phenomenal and never ceases to take my breath away. I was thrilled to visit the Uffitzi and ‘Accademia galleries, and these were the places that I spent most of my time. Galleria degli Uffizi had many works that conveyed the true meaning of the Renaissance period like Sandro Botticelli. Particularly his painting entitled The Birth of Venus which was the first major painting on canvas, but more importantly was one of the first paintings that conveyed a real sense of female sensuality that was not common in late fourteenth century paintings. Galleria dell ‘Academia was probably one of my most favorite places out of all the destinations that I have visited in Italy so far. Seeing Michelangelo’s David was a pivotal moment in my time in Florence and I feel a greater appreciation for the Renaissance and it’s many wonderful pieces of art. The sheer beauty and awe of David completely threw me off balance and made my soul feel a lightness that is indescribable. I cannot even begin to imagine how Michelangelo created David in just about two years with such perfection and artistry, from one piece of solid marble. Not to mention the sculpted muscles, pulling tendons, and smooth life-like skin that create a god-like aura, David is a symbol of lightness and the beauty of the human body that should never be overlooked or challenged. I am thankful that I got to witness these beautiful works, as they have allowed me to see the past from a completely new perspective–all while appreciating everything that present day Firenze has to offer.