Firenze

The first stop on our week long trip was to Florence, Italy. Being in Rome for about a month now, it was definately amazing to see another side of Italian architecture and culture. Such a beautiful city, wedged between the river and mountains, Florence is definately worth going back to visit. The San Lorenzo Market was located right outside our hotel (how convenient, right?) loaded with 5 dollar scarves and authentic italian leather purses (Florence is known for their leather), we simply couldnt resist the temptation. Our professors took us all over Florence to view and sketch the noteable buildings designed by men such as Michelangelo and Brunelleschi. Florentine architecture is much different than the typical Classical Roman architecture, moving into a more harmonious and proportional style. We climbed to the top of the Duomo (being slightly afraid of heights made it all the more interesting), but being a perfectly sunny, clear day, the view was completely breathtaking as you can see all of Florence and miles beyond to the mountains.

Here's some of the places we got to visit:

• Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo by Brunelleschi)
• Baptistry ("Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti)
• Biblioteca Medecia-Laurenziana (Michelangelo's stairway and design for the library)
• Piazza della Signoria (with Palazzo Vecchio)
• Santa Maria Novella (by Alberty)
• The Uffizi Gallery
• Basilica di San Lorenzo (by Brunelleschi) and the Sacristia Nuovo (by Michelangelo)
• Galleria dell'Accademia (with Michelangelo's Statue of David)
• Spedale degli Innocenti (The Foundling's Hospital by Brunelleschi)
• Ponte Vecchio Bridge (so beautiful!)

Campo di Fiore

This is where we are staying in Rome.. Our studio is located just off of the main square Campo di Fiore at the University of Washington Rome Center. My apartment is just a two minute walk past our studio, through a little tunnel (so Italian) and around the corner.

When In Rome!

People say Rome is the place to be to study architecture, well they are definately right. We've been here for a few weeks now and it's certainly opened all our eyes to a different outlook on architecture. The first week in Rome was insane, a little overwhelming actually seeing the churches, temples and ruins we've all learned about in art and history classes. As we stood in front of these famous old buildings we remained breathless and wide eyed, simply taking in the surreal factor of it all. Classes over here should be fun and exciting. Our studio, sketching class, and history all take place out in the city, really allowing us to learn the history surrounding us. The unfortunate side of that is, we attend class rain or shine. Umbrellas have become our best friends. Hint: do not buy an umbrella from the 'umbrelli, umbrelli?' guy, they break within 5 minutes of opening. Adjusting to the new life over here in Rome was interesting. Laundry must be done in SMALL amounts, this means only one pair of jeans, like 4 shirts, and a sweater. It also takes about a good 2.5 hours to finish, then must be hung to dry (dryers don't exist over here, not cool). We have no idea how to use our stove, the dials are weird symbols and the instruction manual is in Italian (go figure). It should be an adventure!