Duomo From the Tower

View From the Tower

Elvis in Florence

Cinque Terra Hike

The organization Fun In Florence arranges trips for students to experience the region as well as Florence. This is the same org. that arranged the cooking class. We met at 7:15 am and took the train to Cinque Terra National Park along the western coast. Our guide, Remigio, led us from Riomaggiore to Manarola to Comiglia and then stopped for a quick lunch. Remigio hustled us off to Vernazza, which was a steep and difficult hour and a half climb. The descent down to Vernazza was difficult but we were rewarded with a swim in the cool Mediterranean Sea, refreshing. The water was spectacularly clear. We then boarded a ferry to Monterosso where we caught the return train back to Florence. A tiring but good time was had by all.

From the top edge of the Campanile

Great Photo Spot

Ms. Conner and Ms. McCulley focus their cameras on panoramic views of the old city.

Campanile

Although not as tall as the top of the Duomo's dome, the Campanile's 414 steps are still a formidable challenge. Thankfully, there are two landings on the way to the top terrace, which reaches a height of about 279 feet.

Cooking Class in Florence

In florence eating well is a daily ritual.

A cooking class led by "Fabrizio" was the highlight

of the night.

We dined on the homemade gnocchi, naked ravioli, and chocolate 

desert we prepared during class.

Caitlin is serenaded by Fabrizio

Caitlin Findlay cuts loose in a coking class.

Fabrizio serenades her as we prepare gnocchi.

Drawing studio

Having successfully conquered the still life--bottles and fruit-- we take on the human figure. Unfortunately the head becomes an apple and the arms and legs become bananas. Well--back to the drawing board!

I Want to Take Your Money

Faculty and students get together for lunch and share interesting and unique experiences.

Ben Davis entertains the group with a humorous story.

More sharing

Megan and Jamie finish each other's sentences.

Sharing stories is part of the growing, and learning process.

Visiting Sienna and San Gimignano

We stood in awe of the Cathedral of Siena (Duomo di Siena), dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.

Trent after a hard day's night.

Trent relaxes after a hard day's night in preparation for a long, hot...long....hot, hike.

Group Photo

                                                                           Group Photo

Music Fills the Air

Duel in Venice

Murals of the Duomo Dome

The frescoes inside the dome were painted by Vasari and his understudy Federico Zuccaro in the late 1500s. Although they appear somewhat crudely rendered up close, this impression is forgotten when viewed from floor level more than 200 feet below. The actual distance from the floor to the lantern opening at the top of the dome is 295 feet.

View from the cupola of the Duomo

Looking southeast toward Santa Croce with Palazzo Vecchio on the right, shows how Florence is situated in a bowl-like depression between beautiful hills.

Climbing the Dome of the Duomo

Cliff is the first of our students to tackle the 463 twisting steps to the top of the Dome. He described the view as "amazing!"

Fireworks Galore in Venice

Festa del Redentore in Venice.

An amazing view of the fireworks from Lido island toward the main island of Venice

had us captivated for almost an hour. 

This is a festival where Venetians celebrate their deliverance from the plague.

Video Installation at the Biennale

A video installation at the Biennale.

Allegra at the Biennale

While in Venice we visited the international modern art

exhibit, the Biennale. The world famous art exhibit brings visitors in

from all points of the globe. We were fortunate enough 

to see and experience this first hand.

Allegra Zwann is shown here walking through one of the installations.

On the way to Lido Island

While visiting Venice we stayed on the island of Lido.

Here we are on a boat (hence the bouncing) to Lido

with beautiful Venice in the background.

The salty air was amazing!

The search for art supplies

The students have plenty of art stores to choose from

in Florence, in preparation for their classes.

Ms. Conner shoots up Venice

Ms. Conner documented our trip as well as much of the great artwork. Here she is capturing an image in the Ducale Palace, which was the seat of Venice's government.

Gondolas in Venice

We had a delightful time in Venice, beautiful weather, art, and scenery.
Gondolas stand at the ready for any group willing to pay the 100-120 Euro fee for a thirty minute ride.

Dr. Smith's "Death March"

James Harris fondly refers David Smith's little walk

as the "Death March".

Lots and lots of walking!!

Here we are on a mission to find all of the art supply shops.

Every day is an adventure. Just walking by the Duomo every day is 

a dream come true.

The Sounds of Florence

The Cathedral of Florence (the Duomo in the background).

Samantha Jones photographs the street artist.

Samantha is rarely seen without her camera!

Look for a showing of photographs this coming semester.

Street Artist

Marcia Rae and the Living Statue

Marcia Rae McCulley has an encounter with a living statue

outside the Uffizi.

First week of classes

Ciao! The first week of our summer study abroad finds our Schreiner students acclimating to the warm and bustling streets of Florence. They are taking a crash course in wayfinding, quickly learning the major landmarks such as the Duomo's dome and the Piazza della Signoria. On Monday evening, Santa Reparata International School of Art treated our group to an authentic five-course Italian dinner at an exclusive ristorante. Evenings on the piazzas are delightful and full of crowds, outdoor cafes, music and street vendors that enliven the scene. No classes this Friday as we prepare to venture to Venice for the Biennale this weekend.