After seeing so many wonderful sights in and around Siena, and purchasing a fair share of items to bring home, we arrived in Florence over the weekend. This city has already taken my breath away on a number of occasions, from the spectacular views to the many artworks by the masters. Seeing works by Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello (did anyone else just think of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? ;) ), and many others that I'd only previosly studied, was overwhelming. The two works that stand out among them all are Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and Michelangelo's statue of David. Both have so many details that are best observed in person. The waves and flowers of Venus and the veins and muscles of David enhance the pieces respectively, to the point where I could have stood in front of each for hours taking it all in.
My host family, Marinella and Giulio, and the host family of the rest of the team, Micel and Gorel, have been absolutely wonderful. Because they are also family and close, we've been able to gather together every night for dinner and get better acquainted.
I knew as soon as I saw books on Pre-Raphaelite art on Marinella's shelf that I was in the right place. Her knowledge and love of art is quite extensive and refreshing. She went the extra mile before our arrival to research Howard Pyle and today we visited his grave, along with the English Cemetery where Elizabeth Barrett Browning is buried. (For those of you at the Museum reading this, yes, I have a lot of photos!)
Giulio organized so much of our time here and clearly worked tirelessly to match our respective interests for our very interesting vocational visits today.
Thanks to everyone for all they've done in Florence for the third lag of our trip. And thanks to the rest of the team for doing an outstanding job posting photos when I'm not able to. My family and friends are appreciative!
Susan
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