Friday, September 21, 2007
I wanna go back!
I watch the photos of Italy scroll through my computer screen, and I can't believe I AM not there.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Home and processing everything...
I make this post from my comfortable and free (relatively) desk at home. I don't have to pay for an Internet Cafe. Since my Blackberry wouldn't post using email, then I had to depend on the Internet Cafes scattered everywhere.
Getting from Florence to Bethany was about a 24 hour adventure. We boarded our tour bus and drove the the airport in Bologna. Flew from Bologna to London. Waited an hour or so, and then we flew from London to Dallas. That's what almost killed me. Carolyn Waterman had shared her winter cold with me, and it hit full force about the time we left. I was a sniffling, sneezing, coughing mess on the plane. The flight was full and we were very cramped, so I am just hoping I didn't share my cold with others.
Once in Dallas, Howard Snowbarger was ready and waiting in our Red Carpet bus. He took us back to Bethany safely -- the roads north of Ardmore were covered in ice and snow. By 8 p.m. we were in the Sawyer Center parking lot unloading stuff and hugging our families hello and our friends goodbye.
Over the next few weeks I will be going through my pictures and working on my scrapbook for this trip. I know I have a lot of processing to do as I think of all the places we visited and art we saw. I wonder stuff like 'Why is this important?' and 'What does travel do for my understanding of life and others?' I always feel a bit changed (and hopefully improved) when I return. It just make take me a while to understand those changes and to articulate them well.
I will probably add a few photos to this blog later this afternoon, but other than that -- this is the end. I have to hit the ground running and get ready for classes at SNU and OSU. A week from now I will feel like I dreamed the entire trip. But what a cool dream it was.
Getting from Florence to Bethany was about a 24 hour adventure. We boarded our tour bus and drove the the airport in Bologna. Flew from Bologna to London. Waited an hour or so, and then we flew from London to Dallas. That's what almost killed me. Carolyn Waterman had shared her winter cold with me, and it hit full force about the time we left. I was a sniffling, sneezing, coughing mess on the plane. The flight was full and we were very cramped, so I am just hoping I didn't share my cold with others.
Once in Dallas, Howard Snowbarger was ready and waiting in our Red Carpet bus. He took us back to Bethany safely -- the roads north of Ardmore were covered in ice and snow. By 8 p.m. we were in the Sawyer Center parking lot unloading stuff and hugging our families hello and our friends goodbye.
Over the next few weeks I will be going through my pictures and working on my scrapbook for this trip. I know I have a lot of processing to do as I think of all the places we visited and art we saw. I wonder stuff like 'Why is this important?' and 'What does travel do for my understanding of life and others?' I always feel a bit changed (and hopefully improved) when I return. It just make take me a while to understand those changes and to articulate them well.
I will probably add a few photos to this blog later this afternoon, but other than that -- this is the end. I have to hit the ground running and get ready for classes at SNU and OSU. A week from now I will feel like I dreamed the entire trip. But what a cool dream it was.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Ciao! to Florence and Italy
Well, my final post from Italy. I may sum up my trip when I am state-side, but this is it from here. We arrived to Florence via Tivoli and the catacombs. The catacombs in Rome are outside of the city walls, and while Christians are buried there and did pilgrimages and worshipped there, they never hid and lived there during the times of persecution.
The catacombs themselves were roomier and taller than I thought they would be, but it was still quite a labryinth of hallways lined with shelves for bodies. Our final stop was a family room that was ready for pilgrims to celebrate mass. We had arrived at the catacombs before they opened and were moved when the priest said a prayer of blessing over the day and all of the visitors that would come that day. SueAnn summed up the feelings many of us had when she said she just felt so moved by the place and the spirit of everyone, that a prayer seemed the most appropriate way to finish our time in the small chapel/burial room.
Climbing back onto our crowded bus, we drove on to Tivoli, home of green Italian marble, and we toured Hadrian's Villa. It was a city in its own right -- and only 30% of it had been excavated. Hadrian was emperor of Rome when the empire was at its largest. The villa certainly attests to that fact. We took a great group picture in front of yet another naked statue. Everyone was strategically placed so as not to offend anyone who doesn't appreciate classical art. We also took a faculty photo because there was a faculty meeting happening in Bethany later in the day, but I don't think we could get the photo to transmit because it's tough to get a GPRS signal consistantly here.
We had a wonderful lunch at a place that was quintessentially Italian (that word is for Gwen Hackler). The service was wonderful the food authentic, and the expresso perfect. I had ravioli, and I may never eat the American canned ravioli again.
We traveled on to a town outside of Florence and stayed at a charming and very roomy hotel. Of course, our wonderful guide Alena had us up before dawn driving back into Florence for the day. It was a fun day for her because she is engaged and her father and fiance joined us for the day. She's a doll, and everyone has been very thankful to have her as our guide. I wish I could put a picture of her on this blog now, but that will have to happen later.
SO.....the day. We began at the Academia (spelling?) and saw Michelangelo's David. It IS magnificent. The proportions of his hands and his head and muscles are all symbolic. Truly genius what Michelangelo did with that old column.
Donna, Patsy and I ate lunch on the fly, slammed another expresso and shopped for souveniers for our kids. I wish there was some way I could take pizza back to Ali. THEN whe went on to the Uffizi and I saw many Botticellis, three Divincis and several Michelangelos. And one Caravaggio. Plus many other artists that I am learning about. It's certainly information overload, but I am not complaining at all.
I gotta go. I want to check the weather so we know what we are flying into. I have to make these flights sober (always) and unmedicated (rare) so I need to get psyched for that.
More later.
Ciao!
The catacombs themselves were roomier and taller than I thought they would be, but it was still quite a labryinth of hallways lined with shelves for bodies. Our final stop was a family room that was ready for pilgrims to celebrate mass. We had arrived at the catacombs before they opened and were moved when the priest said a prayer of blessing over the day and all of the visitors that would come that day. SueAnn summed up the feelings many of us had when she said she just felt so moved by the place and the spirit of everyone, that a prayer seemed the most appropriate way to finish our time in the small chapel/burial room.
Climbing back onto our crowded bus, we drove on to Tivoli, home of green Italian marble, and we toured Hadrian's Villa. It was a city in its own right -- and only 30% of it had been excavated. Hadrian was emperor of Rome when the empire was at its largest. The villa certainly attests to that fact. We took a great group picture in front of yet another naked statue. Everyone was strategically placed so as not to offend anyone who doesn't appreciate classical art. We also took a faculty photo because there was a faculty meeting happening in Bethany later in the day, but I don't think we could get the photo to transmit because it's tough to get a GPRS signal consistantly here.
We had a wonderful lunch at a place that was quintessentially Italian (that word is for Gwen Hackler). The service was wonderful the food authentic, and the expresso perfect. I had ravioli, and I may never eat the American canned ravioli again.
We traveled on to a town outside of Florence and stayed at a charming and very roomy hotel. Of course, our wonderful guide Alena had us up before dawn driving back into Florence for the day. It was a fun day for her because she is engaged and her father and fiance joined us for the day. She's a doll, and everyone has been very thankful to have her as our guide. I wish I could put a picture of her on this blog now, but that will have to happen later.
SO.....the day. We began at the Academia (spelling?) and saw Michelangelo's David. It IS magnificent. The proportions of his hands and his head and muscles are all symbolic. Truly genius what Michelangelo did with that old column.
Donna, Patsy and I ate lunch on the fly, slammed another expresso and shopped for souveniers for our kids. I wish there was some way I could take pizza back to Ali. THEN whe went on to the Uffizi and I saw many Botticellis, three Divincis and several Michelangelos. And one Caravaggio. Plus many other artists that I am learning about. It's certainly information overload, but I am not complaining at all.
I gotta go. I want to check the weather so we know what we are flying into. I have to make these flights sober (always) and unmedicated (rare) so I need to get psyched for that.
More later.
Ciao!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Last Day in Rome
Okay. This is a quick post and I can't take time to be too careful about spelling. I apologize. It's late and our tour guide LOVES to get going by 7 a.m. Tomorrow we are off to the Catacombs and then to Florence.
So... what else has been happening? Yesterday we spent the morning at the Borghese Gardens and I truly enjoyed all of the Bernini sculptures and paintings, the Raphael paintings and the Caravaggio paintings. I have been introduced to a few new artists, and I am expanding my world! The grounds are huge - similar to Central Park in New York - only with the big museum and a few small, scattered museums. It was a long (but beautiful) walk through the grounds and back into the city streets. It was a very crisp morning with a frosty fog.
The time at the Borghese flew by and then we took off for the Piazza Papopolo. Or something like that. I spent the afternoon with Donna and Patsy. We tromped all over the city, shopping as we explored. Of course we made gelatto stops and an expresso stop. It's crazy to think of where all we walked and what all we saw. Some of the things we saw for the second time, but in a different light -- literally. We re-visited the Pantheon, the Colosseum. We saw the Mouth of Truth, Circus Maximus, Nero's Palace (again), walked through Constantine's Arch, took the metro to somewhere and climbed 9,000 steps to see St Peter's chains and The Moses. Hoofed it back DOWN 9,000 steps and took the metro again to the Spanish Steps. Had dinner at another delightful trattoria (sp?) and then back to the motel.
Patsy was still going strong; Donna and I bailed. Donna was thrilled because her phone service was hooked up finally and she could touch base with home. I called and talked to everyone, so that was nice. I am not homesick -- I just wish everyone was here.
Today we got up early and drove to Naples, the place where pizza was invented. I dedicated the day to my daughter, Ali. We had Margarita pizza. The pizza was named after the queen for whom it was created. We climbed Mt Vesuvius. Oh my goodness. My Aunt Mak lied to me; she said it was an easy walk to the top. The path was flat, but the pitch was very steep. Peggy and I felt like "more than conquerors" as we reached the top.
Our tour guide was a chain smoker and as the ash fell off of his cigarette, the wind blew it right into my mouth. Or I inhaled or something. Anyway, no one ever has to worry about me taking up the habit of smoking, but I thought it was kind of appropriate that I inhaled a bunch of ashes at the top of a volcano that had destroyed Pompeii with its eruption and ash in 79 A.D.
Then we went to Pompeii, and it was so intriguing. Only 3,000 people died (of the 20,000 population), but it was so well preserved. We walked up and down stone streets and saw what an interesting way of life those people had.
So...it's late and I need to dash down the street and try to pack and get to bed as close to midnight as possible. As I write this, it's 4:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday for you all. It costs me 2 euro for an hour at this Internet cafe. Is that a good deal? I have no idea -- it's all Monopoly money.
Again, I apologize for spelling or crazy typing. This keyboard leaves a lot to be desired.
Blessings...
S
So... what else has been happening? Yesterday we spent the morning at the Borghese Gardens and I truly enjoyed all of the Bernini sculptures and paintings, the Raphael paintings and the Caravaggio paintings. I have been introduced to a few new artists, and I am expanding my world! The grounds are huge - similar to Central Park in New York - only with the big museum and a few small, scattered museums. It was a long (but beautiful) walk through the grounds and back into the city streets. It was a very crisp morning with a frosty fog.
The time at the Borghese flew by and then we took off for the Piazza Papopolo. Or something like that. I spent the afternoon with Donna and Patsy. We tromped all over the city, shopping as we explored. Of course we made gelatto stops and an expresso stop. It's crazy to think of where all we walked and what all we saw. Some of the things we saw for the second time, but in a different light -- literally. We re-visited the Pantheon, the Colosseum. We saw the Mouth of Truth, Circus Maximus, Nero's Palace (again), walked through Constantine's Arch, took the metro to somewhere and climbed 9,000 steps to see St Peter's chains and The Moses. Hoofed it back DOWN 9,000 steps and took the metro again to the Spanish Steps. Had dinner at another delightful trattoria (sp?) and then back to the motel.
Patsy was still going strong; Donna and I bailed. Donna was thrilled because her phone service was hooked up finally and she could touch base with home. I called and talked to everyone, so that was nice. I am not homesick -- I just wish everyone was here.
Today we got up early and drove to Naples, the place where pizza was invented. I dedicated the day to my daughter, Ali. We had Margarita pizza. The pizza was named after the queen for whom it was created. We climbed Mt Vesuvius. Oh my goodness. My Aunt Mak lied to me; she said it was an easy walk to the top. The path was flat, but the pitch was very steep. Peggy and I felt like "more than conquerors" as we reached the top.
Our tour guide was a chain smoker and as the ash fell off of his cigarette, the wind blew it right into my mouth. Or I inhaled or something. Anyway, no one ever has to worry about me taking up the habit of smoking, but I thought it was kind of appropriate that I inhaled a bunch of ashes at the top of a volcano that had destroyed Pompeii with its eruption and ash in 79 A.D.
Then we went to Pompeii, and it was so intriguing. Only 3,000 people died (of the 20,000 population), but it was so well preserved. We walked up and down stone streets and saw what an interesting way of life those people had.
So...it's late and I need to dash down the street and try to pack and get to bed as close to midnight as possible. As I write this, it's 4:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday for you all. It costs me 2 euro for an hour at this Internet cafe. Is that a good deal? I have no idea -- it's all Monopoly money.
Again, I apologize for spelling or crazy typing. This keyboard leaves a lot to be desired.
Blessings...
S
Monday, January 8, 2007
The Vatican, Sistene Chapel etc....
Okay. I decided that I would count the number of stair steps that I climbed and descended today. By 8 a.m. I was at 472, so I gave up. My guess is that I finished the day close to 4,000. Not counting the two escalators I rode. It's great conditioning though -- and I eat those gelattos guilt free!
Getting into the Vatican is no small feat -- similar to getting on an airplane. Long lines. Lots of waiting. Metal detectors. But once we were in and had our guide, all inconveniences were worthwhile. The Vatican is an independent country, and we saw the artwork collected by the various popes and some of the buildings. The main two buildings were the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. So beautiful I just felt speechless. Our guide was an art expert and we had a very detailed account of everything we were seeing. The Sistine Chapel was stunning and I was surprised at how colorful it was. Mostly, I have seen the close up of Michelangelo's Creation of Man, so I didn't know that he had used such a variety of vivid colors. I really enjoyed the brightness of it all. The Last Judgement at the front of the chapel behind the altar was based on a blue background and he used the faces of many people he liked and disliked (including himself) as characters in the painting. I am sure that Dante influenced him ;-)
St Peter's was huge and ornate. The Pieta (Pity) was in the first chapel on the right as I entered the door; that piece made my visit complete. I love the Pieta and the message to me as a Christian and as a mother is more powerful than I can describe. I just know that I love it and am drawn to it. I decided not to buy a little Pieta statue because it just seems a bit trite or unauthentic to me -- hopefully I won't regret that decision when I am back in Oklahoma.
These things I have learned:
1. Everything is in Latin. (Foreign languages continue to haunt me.)
2. Popes consign lots and lots of artwork.
3. Rome is so very old.
4. Italians have a simple but delicious approach to food.
I have learned and enjoyed other things about Rome, but that's all for now. It's late and we get to start at 7:30 a.m. again tomorrow. Very early for me, but I'll be ready after a soak in the tub and a bit of sleep.
Getting into the Vatican is no small feat -- similar to getting on an airplane. Long lines. Lots of waiting. Metal detectors. But once we were in and had our guide, all inconveniences were worthwhile. The Vatican is an independent country, and we saw the artwork collected by the various popes and some of the buildings. The main two buildings were the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. So beautiful I just felt speechless. Our guide was an art expert and we had a very detailed account of everything we were seeing. The Sistine Chapel was stunning and I was surprised at how colorful it was. Mostly, I have seen the close up of Michelangelo's Creation of Man, so I didn't know that he had used such a variety of vivid colors. I really enjoyed the brightness of it all. The Last Judgement at the front of the chapel behind the altar was based on a blue background and he used the faces of many people he liked and disliked (including himself) as characters in the painting. I am sure that Dante influenced him ;-)
St Peter's was huge and ornate. The Pieta (Pity) was in the first chapel on the right as I entered the door; that piece made my visit complete. I love the Pieta and the message to me as a Christian and as a mother is more powerful than I can describe. I just know that I love it and am drawn to it. I decided not to buy a little Pieta statue because it just seems a bit trite or unauthentic to me -- hopefully I won't regret that decision when I am back in Oklahoma.
These things I have learned:
1. Everything is in Latin. (Foreign languages continue to haunt me.)
2. Popes consign lots and lots of artwork.
3. Rome is so very old.
4. Italians have a simple but delicious approach to food.
I have learned and enjoyed other things about Rome, but that's all for now. It's late and we get to start at 7:30 a.m. again tomorrow. Very early for me, but I'll be ready after a soak in the tub and a bit of sleep.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Ancient Rome
The day began at 8 a.m. We walked two blocks too the bus station and took a big, crowded bus to the plaza where Mussolini made his speeches. We also saw the Italian tomb for the unknown soldier -- a fire burning and two soldiers nearby. The Italians think it's gaudy and new -- built in 1917 or so.
Then we walked around the corner and a couple of blocks and we saw the Colosseum at the top of the hill in the morning light. Beautiful. And amazing.
We spent the next forever looking at and tromping around the ancient ruins of the Forum. We heard great stories about various emperors and Vestal Virgins and lions and the like. Our guide was very helpful in leading us to 'understand Roma.' Seems that all of these buildings were originally temples and then changed to churches. Then other churches used (recycled) the marble and brass from the temples to embellish their own new buildings. All of the history -- all of thee stone, marble, statues and PEOPLE --truly impressive.
We will go back to the Pantheon on Monday afternoon because it was closed this afternoon for Epiphany. Instead we went to Hadrian's Tomb/SantAngelo Castle, and that was a great find. A burial site and a papal residential refuge. The view of St. Peter's from the rooftop of the castle at sunset was beautiful.
After tromping all over, we had dinner at a quiet place near some plaza. They just keep bringing courses and salad is the last thing before dessert. The Italians do eat well, and I love that!
Phone service is great. I have heard from Jay to get updates on the kids. Scott has texted me and for some reason he wants to learn Spanish.
The bus ride back was a smashing experience. We were crammed into the bus for 20 minutes. With the exception of Eric Hamilton's contribution...We all made it in one piece and no one was pick-pocketed. A good day.
More another day. Tomorrow is St. Peter's and the Pope. Plus, we have to get busy and shop ;-)
Then we walked around the corner and a couple of blocks and we saw the Colosseum at the top of the hill in the morning light. Beautiful. And amazing.
We spent the next forever looking at and tromping around the ancient ruins of the Forum. We heard great stories about various emperors and Vestal Virgins and lions and the like. Our guide was very helpful in leading us to 'understand Roma.' Seems that all of these buildings were originally temples and then changed to churches. Then other churches used (recycled) the marble and brass from the temples to embellish their own new buildings. All of the history -- all of thee stone, marble, statues and PEOPLE --truly impressive.
We will go back to the Pantheon on Monday afternoon because it was closed this afternoon for Epiphany. Instead we went to Hadrian's Tomb/SantAngelo Castle, and that was a great find. A burial site and a papal residential refuge. The view of St. Peter's from the rooftop of the castle at sunset was beautiful.
After tromping all over, we had dinner at a quiet place near some plaza. They just keep bringing courses and salad is the last thing before dessert. The Italians do eat well, and I love that!
Phone service is great. I have heard from Jay to get updates on the kids. Scott has texted me and for some reason he wants to learn Spanish.
The bus ride back was a smashing experience. We were crammed into the bus for 20 minutes. With the exception of Eric Hamilton's contribution...We all made it in one piece and no one was pick-pocketed. A good day.
More another day. Tomorrow is St. Peter's and the Pope. Plus, we have to get busy and shop ;-)
Finaly in Rome
Greetings from Roma! We have lost a day somewhere over the Atlantic; we are all completely exhausted,but after resting tonight, we should be ready for the Forum and Colosseum and the Christmas Market tomorrow.
We landed in Pisa for reasons I don't understand. We all (41 of us) got our luggage except for Everett. He and I met some nice Italian people and should get his luggage delivered to our hotel after we have scoured Rome tomorrow. No problem -- he will have worn the same clothes for 3 days. How ironic that his green t-shirt says "I am a keeper."
The good thing about our bus ride from Pisa to Rome is that we stopped at a really cool roadside restaurant. It had great fresh food and I took pictures of the cars in the parking lot and at the petrol station. Self-serve is 1.22 euros per liter -- whatever that means. I just knew that my son Travis would appreciate knowing that since he always watches gas prices for me.
We also saw beautiful villas, olive orchards, vineyards and some kind of pine tree the Romans brought over centuries ago -- they look like giant broccoli stalks. Traffic is not bad. Along with the tour guide's narrative, I got to listen to my Dad's CD. The Gaithers. OMG -- the combo was entertaining to say the least . Shouldn't they be doing opera.(I can't find the question mark on this crazy Italian keyboard.)
We are at the Hotel Archimedes and our rooms are tiny but charming. Marble floors and paper thin walls. A five course dinner and now I am ready to send this and crash. (This was written on 1-5, but sent on 1-6) More later. I will try to put in Italian phrases next time. Ciao!
We landed in Pisa for reasons I don't understand. We all (41 of us) got our luggage except for Everett. He and I met some nice Italian people and should get his luggage delivered to our hotel after we have scoured Rome tomorrow. No problem -- he will have worn the same clothes for 3 days. How ironic that his green t-shirt says "I am a keeper."
The good thing about our bus ride from Pisa to Rome is that we stopped at a really cool roadside restaurant. It had great fresh food and I took pictures of the cars in the parking lot and at the petrol station. Self-serve is 1.22 euros per liter -- whatever that means. I just knew that my son Travis would appreciate knowing that since he always watches gas prices for me.
We also saw beautiful villas, olive orchards, vineyards and some kind of pine tree the Romans brought over centuries ago -- they look like giant broccoli stalks. Traffic is not bad. Along with the tour guide's narrative, I got to listen to my Dad's CD. The Gaithers. OMG -- the combo was entertaining to say the least . Shouldn't they be doing opera.(I can't find the question mark on this crazy Italian keyboard.)
We are at the Hotel Archimedes and our rooms are tiny but charming. Marble floors and paper thin walls. A five course dinner and now I am ready to send this and crash. (This was written on 1-5, but sent on 1-6) More later. I will try to put in Italian phrases next time. Ciao!
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Unbelievable...
Okay. I am a bit of a nervous traveler, but this evening I almost had a disaster. I was at Albertson's making a last run for fun groceries for the kids staying home and travel supplies for me. I left my wallet -- bank cards and all -- right there at the self check-out. I don't know if it was luck or Providence, but Linda (the forever manager at Albertson's) called and asked if I wanted to come pick up my wallet tonight. One of her cashiers had turned it in. I arrived a few moments later, and everything was in perfect order. Whew... Having my credit cards canceled would have redefined my travel experience, I am sure.
So, my wallet is safe and secure. All of my life insurance is updated. Letters to my kids are ready in case I don't return... I guess I should go pack.
Bye for now.
So, my wallet is safe and secure. All of my life insurance is updated. Letters to my kids are ready in case I don't return... I guess I should go pack.
Bye for now.
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