We traveled to Venice for one day by train. We took the Eurostar, the fast train, and got there in two hours. We only spent half a day there and it wasn't enough. So far, all agree that Venice has been the favorite place to visit.

Leanne Eggleston in Venice.

Stacy Swentzel, Holly Samples and Leanne Eggleston having Pizza in Venice.

We also visited the Uffizzi Gallery in Florence. Here is the whole gang:

Ray Harrell, Ryan Hatfield, Mike Linsenmeyer, Mike Spurlock,

Leanne Eggleston, Ellen Weed, Stacy Swentzel, Holly Samples, Mary Grassell, Mary Arritt and Kayla Queen.

May 13, 2010

Today, we took a train to Pisa and some saw the Tower for the first time. The only one brave enough to climb the tower was Leanne Eggleston. We will post some of her photos from the top. Way to go, Leanne! The train seems to be the best mode of travel here.

The "Leaning" Tower is the bell tower or the campanile to the Pisa Duomo. Also included in the Complex are the Baptistry, the Camp Santo (cemetery), two museums and a thousand souvenir shops. The city is very old and surrounded by what is left of the original wall.

Today, Thursday, May 13, we went to the Accademia and saw "David," the original. It was truly bigger than life. We were all amazed at the casual, lifelike pose. There were other paintings and sculpture on display there as well. An informed lady gave a demonstration on the method of apply gold leafing, and the correct procedure for painting a tempera Painting on wood. There are so many interesting places to meet and eat, so many kinds of pizza and pasta.

We watched a movie being filmed by the Duomo, probably a Medieval themed movie and probably an Italian movie. There were oxen at the base of the Duomo and other farm animals, as well as lots of straw and old horse drawn carts and other old items.

Tomorrow we will take the train to Pisa which is not too far away. 

Today was our third day in Florence. Last night we had a welcome dinner hosted by our host at CAPA Lorenzo Ciccarelli. Today we visited the Duomo, the Cathedral of Florence and the third largest Cathedral in the world. As you can see, we had a rainy day but as West Virginians, we are used to this kind of weather. It is our kind of day! Tomorrow we will visit the Accademia to see Michaelangelo's David among other things. 

All think that the food is delicious (especially the three-pasta prima piatti last night). All are enjoying the city. The students here are: Mary Arritt, Stacy Swentzel, Ellen Weed, Leanne Eggleston, Kayla Queen, Holly Samples, Ray Harrell, Michael Spurlock, Mike Linsenmeyer, and Ryan Hatfield.

The Volcano in Iceland tried to stop us from getting to Florence, Italy, but it only delayed us 8 hours. However, we made ourselves at home at the airport in Chicago waiting for our flight to Rome. Once in Rome we were met by the CAPA director, Lorenzo Cicarelli who transported us to Florence by bus.

Eat your pork and beans.

Tomorrow at this time we will be in Chicago awaiting our Alitalia flight to Rome, Italy. Watch this space for more events, We are: Mary Arritt, Leanne Eggleston, Ray Harrell, Ryan Hatfield, Michael Linsenmeyer, Kayla Queen, Holly Samples, Michael Spurlock, Stacy Swentzel and Ellen Weed

And I am Mary Grassell, professor of Art and Design.

...found this on Today and Tomorrow.

Zimoun : 97 polysiloxane hoses 3.0mm, compressed air, 2010 from ZIMOUN VIDEO ARCHIVE on Vimeo.

After I get a custom theme installed, this blog will be used by faculty and students to share ideas, stories and opportunities.