5/14-5/16

The first bus excursion. While going through the driveway, we were greeted with rows of cypress trees on either side. beyond the trees were small fields with houses nestled between them and trees. The monastery was build for a order of monks who have taken the vow of solitude and silence. They only came out for nightly prayer, and church service on Sundays. After service they were allotted one hour to talk to their fellow monks. I cant imagine what it be like living such a lifestyle. On the plus side, all their living necessities were provided for them.

Courtyard Plan

Monks' Apartments
A few hours later was one of the best lunches. There was a live band playing for another group that was there and we were served a four course meal! It was the most meals I have ever had for a meal. It made me appreciate how Italian culture values food. It was one of the few times where I had an appetizer, primo, second course, and desert. The experience was amazing.
The next day was the Duomo visit. I didn't realize most of the exterior decorations were kept in its museum right next to the actual building. There were many different models of what the duomo could have been as well as many statues. The Duomo was a complete masterpiece from the micro up until the macro scale.
The climb up to the top was fun. The steps became increasingly smaller and steeper as we hiked up. In between the domes, the ceiling encroached our head space forcing us to bend with its shape.

At the top, rain flooded the sky leaving the marble floor slick as ice. The city can be completely seen through a thin haze of grey, giving Florence a monochrome affect.

5/17-5/18
free days

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