Bologna, Emilia-Romagna

September 2nd, 2008
Intriguing Bologna

This morning dressed in black linen pants, a silk blouse, jeweled sandals, soft curls, sparkling lip gloss and a 38litre back pack (thoughtfully packed in with everything I'd need for a solo expedition & to look good in Venice), I grabbed my traditional 'departure breakfast' (Italian pastry and caffelatte) and boarded the first train at santa Maria Novelle, Firenze and traveled to Bologna in Emilia-Romagna.

The main reason I wanted to go to Bologna was to visit the impressive museums which exhibit the natural human skeletons and wax studies by Ercole Lelli and created by Morandi and Manzolini. This wax studies were originally intended to enable medical students to study anatomy, physiology, pathology and obsterics.

I thoroughly enjoyed the galleries and found the studies professionally and artistically inspiring. Whilst in Bologna I also visited: Archeology museum - I felt most patriotic when I saw a sculpture of an Aboriginal man; Biblioteca Communale Archiginnasio which conatins an anatomy theatre (1647) which is carved entirely from wood; Basilica San Domenico to view a small marble sculpture supposedly created by Michelangelo when he was 19years old; The Bologna University; and the Contemporary Art Museum - where I saw some brilliant, insightful and refreshing works of contemporary art. The most memorable was a video footage taken in the 1960's. The black and white video showed a narrow doorway flanked by a two completely naked individuals; a male and female. The doorway was positioned at the entry to an exhibit and the video depicted with raw clarity and commedy the reaction of the guests as their bodies awkwardly and stragetically past by these naked forms. Brilliant!

Architecture details & street scenes in Bologna

Acheology museum, Anatomy museum, Biblioteca dell' Archiginnaso & Basilica San Domenico, Bologna.

Misplaced happiness

Feeling sad and directionless. I believe its because I'm heartbroken. Actually more than heartbroken I don't know what to do with myself anymore. I have decided not to love Marco anymore and I don't want to see him or to hear from him again.. so now what do I do with this empty well inside me?

I've misplaced something called happiness have you seen it?

I miss Marco and I wish he knew how much I genuinely cared about him...

Accademia Europea di Firenze

International students sharing their experiences & love of Italy, whilst studying Italian language.

at the Accademia Europea di Firenze.

Some of the teachers from the Accademia. In August I was taught Italian Language level IV by Alessandra (orange top) (Milan), Italian Grammar by Stefana (short balck hair and top) (Piombino); in September I was taught Italian Language level V by Giuseppe (male in back row) (Perugia). Edy (in the middle) (Firenze) is the director of the Accademia and a charmsimatic, inspirational and passionate opera consessiur.

Verena in conversation class.

Concerto di cantante

Iconography of Madonna

Images from the top: Masoleum at Asissi, Chiesa at Arezzo, chiesa di Santa Croce

Verona, Veneto

House of Juliette, Verona.

New and old acclaimations of love

It's now 4.45am and I’ve just arrived home from Verona… It’s been a big weekend.

Today I went to Verona with the other students from the Accademia to see Verdi‘s opera Nabucca at the famous open amphitheatre.

As a city, I didn't instantly 'love' Verona, as I found it too crowded with expensive or well known chain stores and people. Summer in Europe equals constant crowds and although ths is stimulating etc it can get tiresome and sometimes it’s nice to just venture somewhere charming and beautiful without the sensory overload.

I visited Juilette's house. Interestingly, alongside the famous balcony there is a stone plaque inscribed with the immortal words of Shakespeare and juxtaposing this there are modern day affirmations and proclamations of love covering the walls of the entrance to the courtyard.

Although I’m more a Puccini fan than Verdi, the opera music and orchestra were wonderful. The atmosphere within the amphitheatre was amazing and my appreciation for the choreography and artistic direction of the stage design, costumes and lighting expanded as the opera unfolded. In the end, I didn't want the experience to end. I think that Verona amphitheatre has also cast its spell on me.

Verona amphitheratre.

Details from Opera Nabucca, Amphitheatre, Verona.

Luca Battista

Emozioni (1970)

Seguir con gli occhi un'airone sopra il fiume e poi
ritrovarsi a volare
e sdraiarsi felice sopra l'erba ad ascoltare
un sottile dispiacere
E di notte passare con lo sguardo la collina per scoprire
dove il sole va a dormire
Domandarsi perché quando cade la tristezza in fondo al cuore
come la neve non fa rumore
e guidare come un pazzo a fari spenti nella notte
per vedere
se poi e tanto difficile morire
E stringere le mani per fermare
qualcosa che
e dentro me
ma nella mente tura non c'e
Capire tu non puoi
tu chiamale se vuoi
emozioni
Uscir dalla brughieria di mattina
dove non si vede ad un passo
per ritrovar se teso
Parlar del più e del meno con un pescatore
per ore ed ore
per non sentir che dentro qualcosa muore
E ricoprir di terra una piantina verde
sperando possa
nascere un giorno una rosa rossa
E prendere a pugni un uomo solo
perché e stato un po scortese
sapendo che quel che brucia non son le offese
e chiudere gli occhi per fermare
qualcosa che
e dentro me
ma nella mente tura non c'e
Capire tu non puoi
tu chiamale se vuoi
emozioni
tu chiamale se vuoi
emozioni.

Ferroagosto

Today I celebrated Ferroagosto or Florence’s National Day with Marco, Ettore, Lorenzo, his mother Bianca, Andrea, Diane and their 7 yr old daughter Katherine in the Tuscan countryside.

After leaving Florence we drove through scenic Fiesole and Borgo San Lorenzo towards Figliano. Along the way we stopped for morning coffees and chatted with the locals.

At Lorenzo family estate in Figliano we ate home made pasta and marinated eggplants prepared by Bianca, drank red wine and tasted rich desert wines, laughed, talked & relaxed in the garden under the warm sun, played a form of Bridge and used pieces of pasta to bet with, threw darts towards a board monted on an oak tree; and followed rainbows to find pots of gold with Katherine and Ettore.

As I sat on the grass tracing clouds that were nearing, I felt calm and happy. Although I missed the company of Lorenzo's gorgeous girlfriend Claudia, and Mario; we shared a lovely day together.

These friends are very open, generous and spiritied. Their companionship is very special and eventhough we have shared few moments together, those sahred have been very memorable and loving.

Calcio, Florentina vs Slavia

Tonight we went to the Calcio to watch Florentina versus Slavia, to celebrate Verena's birthday.

It was so hot and humid..and that's before we even sited the Italian soccer players! It was wonderful to be amongst the energetic & passionate atmosphere and to watch them play. What physiques, what aglity, what fun! Afterwards we went to 'Open Bar' to continue the celebrations over wine, decadent desserts and jazz. After eating the 'dolce galosso' (a calzone filled with rich dark chocolate, mascapone cream and nuts, and served with hot cholocate drizzled liberally over it), I think I need to go a few rounds with one of the soccer players.

Summer in Italy

Yadira & Erica at Turandot, Torre del Lago on the shores of Massaciuccoli Lake, in Northern Tuscany. Torre del Lago, which belongs to the Town of Viareggio, is about 80 km far from Florence. Puccini operas were first performed here in 1930 following the Maestro's wishes.


Simone hiking Cinque Terre, Liguria.


Admiring the Ligurian Coast.


Appertivo at Cinque Terre, Liguria.


Time to relax...

Dinner at Porta Romana

As everyone knows Jules loves to cook & host dinner parties. Well in Australia, its her dear friends that normally finish cooking the meal, because normally I'm too busy socialising or dancing around the kitchen! Anyway.. the other night after Uni the girls: Erica, Yadria, Simone & Verena came over and we had dinner together at my little abode in Porta Romana. It was a simple Italian meal - antipasto of fresh cold meats, olives & bread, followed by pasta with fresh buffallo mozzeralla cheese, cherry tomatoes & basil from my garden, a bottle of Moscati d'Asti & a bottle of Chanti..ahhh. A nice summer night!

Adiano Celentano

L'emozione non ha voce (1999)

Io non so parlar d'amore
l'emozione non ha voce
E mi manca un po'il respiro
se ci sei c'e troppa luce
La mia anima si spande
come musica d'estate
poi la voglia sai mi prende
e si accende con i baci tuoi
lo con te aro sicnero
restero quel che sono
disonesto mai lo giuro
ma se tradisci non perdono
Ti saro per sempre amico
pur geloso come sai
io lo so mi contraddico
ma preziosa sei tu per me
Tra le mie braccia dormirai
sernea...mente
ed e importante questo sai
per sentirci pienamente noi
Un'altra vita mi darai
che io non conosco
la mia compagna tu sarai
fino a quando so che lo vorrai
Due caratteri diversi
prendon fuoco facilmente
ma divisi siamo oersi
ci sentiamo quai niente
Siamo due legati dentro
da un amore che ci da
la profonda convinzione
che nessuno ci dividera
Tra le mie braccia dormirai
serenamente
ed e importante questo sai
per sentirci pienamente noi
Un'altra vita mi ari
che io non conosco
la mia compagna tu arai
fino a quando lo vorrai
poi vivremo come sai
solo di sincerita
di amore e di fiducia
poi ara quel che sara
Tra le mie braccia dormirai
serenamente
ed e importante questo sai
per sentirci pienamente noi
pienamente noi uhu uhu

Caterina & Alexs' Wedding, Firenze, Toscana

Caterina & Alex's Wedding day, Loppiano, Toscana.
July 20th, 2008.Waiting for the bride to arrive .... Alex, Ada (his mum), his sister in law and beautiful nephew.

It’s 2am and after arriving home and getting changed, I’m eager to climb into bed and dream about the day’s loveliness…

Caterina and Alex’s wedding was held at Loppiano in Firenze followed, by the reception at Villa Corti in San Casciano Val di Pesa, Firenze... it was truly beautiful.

An enchanting and exquisitely memorable day from start to finish. There was full sunshine, romance and innocence, visually enchanting scenes.

Marco and I traveled by moto from Florence to Loppiano (near Incisa) to attend the wedding. Whilst standing in 38 degree heat was a challenge for the bride and grooms' family and friends; the young couples appearance was stylish and refreshing and their exchange of glances eptimosied the joy and hope that new love embraces.

After the nupital service at the church at Loppiano and the celebratory tossing of rose petals and rice, we drove through the beautiful tuscan countryside to the reception at Villa Corti in San Casciano Val di Pesa.

After changing into my beautiful salmon pink lace and beaded Italian designer dress and heels I met up with my Prince and we joined the guests in celebrating the couples wedding in the villa's garden. The scene was poetic - white linen round tables & covered chairs, a buffet of delicious food & wines, children with faces like cherubs running around with balloons, music, and a pastel colored sunset.

Dinner was held within the inner courtyard of the villa under the moonlit sky. The setting was like a play and so visually rich and dramatic. For example, prior to being served the waiters would enter the courtyard and wait silently with their plates poised until upon cue and with theatrical precision they would circulate the tables and then place a plate infront of each quest. During the meal their were speeches, dancing, songs and poetry. It was beautiful.

After the main meal we left the inner courtyard and proceeded outdoors where candles lined the garden path, and the head chef was placing rose petals upon their wedding cake which was shaped in the form of a heart. Then as music played, and a speech between Alex and Caterina was exchanged a huge balloon illuminated with their names floated up into the sky. Everyone was laughing, dancing, and singing.

Marco and I walked, sat, danced, talked and laughed all day and all night. We never left one another’s side or were never out of one another’s view. I felt young & beautiful. I was happy to have my handsome man by my side and relished every moment.

At this moment I have no more words to express how I feel… Other than to say that I am floating, flying and falling. Returning to Firenze albeit difficult was the right decision and although my experiences here may not change our feelings or fears; at least I am living my emotions with all the courage, hope, love, grace and faith I can.

Now that I know what I want, the rest lies in God’s hands.

Porta Romana

My gorgeous apartment in Porta Romana, Firenze.

Early days in Florence.

With 38 degree heat and 60% humidity my days are spent either: melting in class at the Accademia or whilst visiting the churches and galleries around Firenze with Matteo my art history teacher; cycling along the Tuscan countryside scattered with cyprus trees and dotted with stone villages; sitting in my garden at home in Porta Romana drinking caffelatte's; sunbaking; reading & writing... Can it get any more challenging...?

At night if were not sitting in my garden talking under a moonlit sky about dreams and plans for the future, I'm being seranded by persistent mosquitos.

First impressions of "Bella Firenze" upon my return.

Architectural features and street scenes in Firenze.

Local wine bar & 'Roses for 5.00 Euro', Porta Romana, Firenze.

"Dietrofronte" by Michelangelo Pistoletto. Porta Romana

I love this marble statue situated in the middle of the round about infront of the Porta Romana and remember the first time Marco explained its significance to me.

As we rode past the statue on the ‘moto’ at 2am Marco explained to me that about 20 years ago an important contemporary artist Michelangelo Pistoletto was commissioned to create "Dietrofronte" as a metaphor for the perspective through which Florence views the world, and how in turn it is viewed.

Dietrofronte, depicts a woman is balancing herself upon her head and symbolises her reflecting upon the life she has left behind as she looks ahead at her life which lies ahead. Their was great controversary in response to the statue because it was so contemporary, but I like its sentiment & its relevance to my life….

Anticipation

John Presser wrote 'You cannot be a cavalier leading the troops into war if you think you look stupid riding a horse'.

I still believe that closure will come when we stand face to face. Only in that moment will I truly believe how I feel about Marco.

I must be honest and find the courage to state clearly to him that I love and adore him. That I'm afraid of the magnitude of our love. I want him to know that my response on the beach of Elwood was not final. That I was scared... I want him to understand that it wasn't him or our love that I was negating... it was my fragility. I need Marco to understand that I'm sorry. That I love him. That I want to be with him and to build a future together.

No longer in the picture

Marco sent me an email today stating that he was 'living his life, and sharing his time with someone' and that he didn't want my new experience in Florence 'to hold him in the picture'.

Ouch!. Yes, but also an answer to my prayers. Not the answer I had expected and hoped for but a clear message. Painfully clear.

Naturally I'm curious to know more: to search answers for when; where; how; and even why..?but mostly I'm sad and feel lost. I still love Marco and I thought he felt the same.

Obviously I'm misguided and my heart is disguising information memo-ed to my brain.

I'm scheduled to arrive in Firenze in three days and Marco is meeting me at the airport. To be honest, I'm have such mixed emotions about seeing him. Emotions range from: feeling the need to be self protective; wanting him to sweep me in his arms and tell me that he loves and adores me; wanting to feel confident, desirable and beautiful; needing him to leave me alone completely; wanting him to know how much he has hurt me...and how much I deeply want him even despite of this... and above all it is my longing to be with him that scares me completely.