2nd Post for the Day

Do we look like tourists, or what?!?!? We're having a great time learning about Florence... This morning in the humanities class, we watched a movie about the Medici family who patroned the many architects, sculptors, painters, etc. of the Renaissance era. For those who were able to keep their eyes open and soak it all in, I'm certain that today's "Florence walk" meant a great deal. Even for those not in the humanities class (and for those who need to sleep more at night so that their eyes can stay focused!), the day was meaningful and interesting because Clay and I did our best to explain the importance of the buildings (Duomo, Baptistry, San Lorenzo Church and Medici chapels, many piazzas, etc.) to the Italian people - and the world. We hiked (yes, it's quite "a-ways" uphill) to the San Miniato Church and got a group photo with the Duomo in the background (see the attached photo) and then encouraged the students to walk further to Piazzale Michaelangelo, where the view also includes the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge that Hilter and his army spared here in Florence because of its beauty. It's so interesting that the Medici family that sponsored so many artists and was so loved by the city of Florence and its people got their priorities all messed up over the generations, putting the lust of power and greed above the love for the people and city of Florence...this caused rival families and others to become enemies of the Medici, so they had the covered walkway built from their palace all the way across the city to the government buildings (covering the Ponte Vecchio on its way, adding to its grandness - is that even a word?). I hope that the BAT students have enjoyed being exposed to Florence and her rich history and beauty today. Tomorrow we'll go inside some special buildings. This summer is one big history/art/people lesson, and I hope it's sinking in already!

Oh, Florence...what a city. It's got the modern conveniences that one would want everywhere AND it's got the charm, the history, the depth of something you just want to latch onto. Goodness, our country is a baby compared to the rest of the world; don't get me wrong--the American Revolution is inspiring... it's one of my very favorite historical times to study because of the thought that ideas worth value are something for which to fight. It's just that being in the same place that revolutionized art and architecture for all time is quite thrilling! Rachel Ray says that Italy is the "top of the world." I have a friend who claims Florence as her very favorite city of all. I think she's absolutely right.