My walk everyday to class…

This is my view on my way to school.  My school sits next to this church.  What is it you say???  It is the Duomo—one of the most famous church’s in the world and the dome was the inspiration for St. Peter’s dome.  The façade is green and white marble.  It sits next to a very important set of doors—but sorry I will post those photos next time.

Just look at the crowds—its like Florence Disneyland!!!

In some of my future blogs, I will talk about the Italian men (think Armani), women, wine, and food (and the food, and the food).  My sister comes in tomorrow.  We are heading for Cinque Terre (google it) on Sat.  On Sun we spend an entire day in Tuscany tasting wine and cheese!!!!! 

I wish you were all here----and those who want to visit—Yes you can—all you need is a plane ticket and money for food (and food and food)—oh and wine too!!!

Going to get art supplies…

Let me tell you, there is not guilt with eating in Italy—Americans—we are always feeling guilty if we eat something sweet, something fatty and so on.  But in Italy there is only pleasure with eating.  My pleasure every morning is to stop by the café and grab a cappuccino along with a cornetto (croissant—and yes I get the crème filled kind) with the locals.   I order in Italian—very pleased with myself and only stand at the bar as all the locals do. 
Today, I headed for the square by the Uffizi, grabbed my coffee and croissant then headed across the Ponte Vecchio for the art store.   Of course the 100 or so other students had already been there and I was missing my much needed sketchbook.  So, I then headed north for another art store.  
The day was beautiful so I meandered back to my apartment stopping at shops here and there after the art store.   Along the way, I stopped for lunch—my treat for a Saturday.   Two glasses of wine and a plate of pasta later, I made it home for an afternoon nap!!    It was great to relax since I know school is about to get very busy.  
The photos are for inspiration---
Ciao Amici

The view above the city...

Yikes--I read my last blog--sorry about all the typos--I am in a daze at times----

I took a walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo--great views, great hike, and at the top around the corner there is a beautiful peaceful church, San Miniato Church--and if you are lucky you can hear the monks chanting--

In the photos I posted, look for the large church--this is Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried--I live next to this church.

From my bedroom window--

Well here I am in Florence—loving it and at times going crazy.   Things that were always available are not now.  NO ac, hot water, internet service, large washers, dyers, etc.   I should not complain because I am in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  To walk around the city and past Michelangelo’s  house or the Uffizi  Museum----I should not say anything accept for grazie for the opportunity to study here in Florence.  
School has started and I look forward to learning all kinds of new things.  One of my instructors is an American woman who married a Italian and here she is teaching in Florence.   The rest of the instructors are very kind.
I hope to write more and post more pics—Ciao Sharie

Shopping at the market

 

The refrig is small and shopping is done several times a week.   The market is only a 10 minute walk.  Also, there are grocery stores along with bread/meat stores.  Everything is so beautiful.  You could spend all day looking at the food—but then eating is a joy also.   Just a quick sandwich is an experience….and then the gelato—yikes---