Thursday, December 11, 2008

That's All Folks!

This is the last post of the semester, written just before I begin packing to return to the States. Our numbers in the villa have already dwindled to a mere handful, and more depart in the morning.

This has been a semester full of learning about Italy, about ourselves, and about living with each other. For anyone planning to study in the Genoa program, here are a few pointers from our year to yours!

  • Bring good hiking shoes, not just good walking shoes. If your day trips are anything like ours, you will want them.
  • If you like coffee or tea in the morning, bring a to-go thermos. That way when you wake up with the warning bell on the day of a day trip you can bring a hot drink along with you.
  • If you don't like coffee or tea, just wait. You will.
  • You will learn to respond to a bell like one of Pavlov's dogs. Don't resist it, just embrace it.
  • If you want to go anywhere in Genoa, you will be climbing a sheer hill or scaling stairs. Prepare if you can.
  • If it is cold outside the villa, it is cold inside the villa. Unless you are literally sitting on one of the radiators in the kitchen, which I have done several times for this reason.
  • Even if you have had gelato already that day, it is still a good time for gelato. Even if it is December.
  • Try to enjoy the time you have here! It is not as long as you think, and before you know it, you'll be saying...
ARRIVEDERCI ITALIA!!

The Final Project

You were introduced to this project in a previous post, so here is a brief look at how things wrapped up!

December 9, 2008: The Final Review, afternoon session

Tim and Brian set up their model as Frank looks on.


Some of Tim and Brian's drawings, detailing their extensive site and contextual research.


Tim and Brian with their model, also known as a "Masterful Work of Genius"



Mason sets up for his presentation with John.


Professor Stefano Fera offers a critique to John.


Mason and John with their model-- John is really excited about his review!


Chris L. explains the driving concept for our project.


I point out our initial drawings and reactions to the site.


The jury listens intently: Professor Bruhns, Professor Stefano Fera, Giuditta (barely visible) and guest architect Andre.



Shana explains how the landscape integrates with the building plan for her and Frank's project.


Frank listens to the jury's responses.


Frank and Shana's model.


Overall it was a successful project review day! We accomplished a lot this semester, considering how often we were traveling.

Florence, Siena, and RomanTICs!

As anticipated, following our return from the second study travel trip our time was consumed by finishing our final projects and preparing to return to the States. A highlight reel of the trip:
  • In Florence we saw Brunelleschi's Dome and Michelangelo's David, shopped along the Ponte Vecchio, and explored the Uffizi Gallery.
  • In Siena we slowed down, enjoyed the Piazza del Campo, saw where the new James Bond movie was filmed, lost at least two sketchbooks, and the girls and Chris L. went horseback riding through the Tuscan countryside.
  • In the hill towns of San Gimignano, Pienza, and Montepulciano we dodged rain and bought expensive wine. But mostly hid from the rain.
  • In Orvieto we saw the cathedral, the underground city of caves, and St. Patrick's well, and bought lots of painted pottery for souvenirs and gifts.
  • In Rome we saw the Roman Forum, the Coliseum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, EUR... and Sara got eaten alive by bedbugs at our hotel.
Overall, it was a full, exciting trip dampened only by that "little" bedbug problem at the end. Unfortunately, our hectic schedule upon returning didn't leave anytime for sharing our sketchbooks, so you'll have to see them for yourself when we get back home!