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| Canal in Venice |
We have taken three weekend trips during our time in Italy. We spent October 29-31 in Lido, just outside Venice by water taxi. We used all the types of transportation to get there. First a van ride to the airport, then a flight (after an eight-hour delay at Fiumicino), then a bus, and last a boat! But when we finally arrived we had a delicious dinner – the lasagna melted in my mouth – and that is no exaggeration! On Saturday we toured one of the oldest and most well-known Murano glass factories where we watched a demonstration by one of their master glass-blowers. Then we went into Venice and of course looked for the canals and gondolas. I was personally disappointed in Venice, as the crowds from the cruise ships made it difficult to get around. But it is certainly beautiful.
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| Flight delay at Fiumicino |
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| Basilica of San Marco |
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| A street on Murano Island |
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| View from water taxi between Murano and Venice |
On November 12 we boarded the high-speed train in Rome to Florence. Before settling in we had a class trip (the day before we read and discussed letters from African and Japanese Americans who fought in Italy during World War II) to the American Military Cemetery and Monument (and in North Canton time it was still Veteran’s Day!) The director gave a very informative presentation before we walked the hallowed grounds. We then went into the Renaissance City, which I am unable to fully capture the “awe” of in words – just magnificent. It was small enough to walk everywhere, which was very nice as we had plenty of time to explore. Most of us made multiple visits to the various markets known for leather goods. Standing on the Ponte Vecchio (bridge) you see an amazing view of the city and the Arno River. And installed just before we arrived is a copy of Michelangelo’s David in front of the Duomo (the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore). On Saturday we went to the Uffizi Museum (the Italian Louvre) where there was a special Caravaggio exhibit. Before leaving on Sunday some of us attended mass at the Duomo. We stayed at the Hotel Domus Florentia, which still had original Renaissance era paintings on the ceilings of some of the guest rooms and in the breakfast area. A very nice trip for all!
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| Caffe del Professore in Naples |
This past weekend we took the high-speed train to Naples, and then the local train, the Circumvesuviana (after a surprise strike interrupted our travels!) to Sorrento. Since we were stranded in Naples, we went for a Gasti di Cioccolata and then some local pizza. Unfortunately there was a garbage strike as well. By mid-afternoon we arrived in Sorrento, such a pretty waterfront town. On Saturday we had a guided tour of Pompeii. I do not shy away from bragging about how U. S. Civil War history is the most important time period, but I will admit this place was wonderful! That evening back in Sorrento we all went for a seafood dinner. I made it down to the docks twice, in the day and then at night. It was gorgeous looking over to Capri Island and then back over the town on the hill. Then on Sunday before leaving I had the best gelato so far (although I will have to keep comparing so that I can advise future faculty directors where they should go – it is the least I can do, right?) My weekend was made even more special because three of my children were able to accompany me.
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| Sorrento at night |
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| Sorrento |
So how do I rank our weekend adventures? I have to go with Florence as my favorite, then Sorrento/Pompeii, and then Venice. I know that many of the students put Pompeii first, but each location had fans. Together these weekends certainly added to our educational and cultural experiences in Italy. They also provided some time to have fun and make the kind of memories that last a lifetime!
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| Dinner in Sorrento |
