Alright, so I am lazy and I don't always post things "on time". In my defense I am in Italy and nothing is ever really on time.
Over the weekend I went to Viareggio. It is a beach on the west coast of Italy. It was great as the weather seemed to have a protective bubble around our area. All around us you could see the gloomy dark rain clouds and even hear some thunder, but in the small city the sun was out and the beach was perfect.
They have an interesting arrangement at the beach. It is technically a public beach and therefore anyone can walk on and off as they please. What gets you is when you sit down, as every 15 yards is a small cabana area that rents out places to sit or lay down on the beach. For a small price they will rent you an umbrella and chairs. For 15 euro John and I had a small "beach cabin" (read that as changing room) and a couple chairs we could call our own. It was great to relax and sit in the rays of the smiling sun. Although if anyone makes it to Viareggio I would recommend walking a short distance north to Vermiglia where the beach and the private cabana areas were nicer.
After I got back on Sunday I went to the Duomo Museum and it was great. After being told at several museums that I could not take pictures I stopped bringing my camera and it was a mistake. Not only could I take pictures but the museum had wonderful displays of many great artist. I particularly was drawn to a Donatello sculpture that seemed to cry out to you as you walked by. The Michelangelo and Ghiberti stuff was great too.
Since then Scott and I have been trying to find bargain wines to bring home for "special occasions", I am not sure what that means yet but am looking forward to drinking the wine. I was also introduced to this great Greek restaurant. Linda, from student life here at Gonzaga in Florence, and I eat lunch there the other day. We trying fried chickpeas and I had a delicious kebob with tzaziki sauce. She made me feel like my short little trip to Florence was highly inadequate compared to her Sweden, France, England, US, Australia and now Italy world tour that she has amassed over the past 9 years. Anyway I had a lot of fun and it is people like Linda that have made my trip into something I will never forget.
I will post pictures of all these events when i get my camera synched to the computer.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Bad day
Well yesterday was officially the worst day of my trip. I have not really had a bad day until yesterday. It started out fine and as the day progressed it seemed to get worse. I have some other posts to put up but this one seemed like a good one to write in order to vent a little bit.
I should be in Frankfurt right now hanging out with Alex and buying jerseys to wear to the National team game tonight. Instead I am sitting in Gonzaga in Florence, which is a nice place but is not what I had in mind for today. Now yesterday is mostly one blur of anger, but it started out as a nice day as I said good-bye to friends I have made and set out to Pisa airport. I had the inside track on a bus that was leaving from Florence SMN and heading straight for the airport arriving an hour and half after it left. It is important to note that my flight left at 4:40 and I was planning on arriving at 3:00. That was before the bus decided not to run at 1:30 and by the time I figured that out I was running to catch the train which left at 1:40. I just made it to the train before it was scheduled to leave. Catching my breath as I settled into my seat I had flashes of being on the wrong train. Fortunatly, I was able to confirm, with my broken Italian words, that the passengers around me were also headed to Pisa Centrale. Sitting in the happy glow of my accomplishment I realized that the train wasn't moving. After 30 minutes of sitting there I finally heard the doors close signalling the departure of our 1:40 train at 2:08.
Feeling confident I could still make it on time, knowing the train took just over 1 hour to get to Centrale and that it was a short hope to the aiport I settled down once again. Jolted from my calm resting place once again to the sound of brakes on the track, I became deeply worried. At we slowed to a stop my mind started racing wondering if I would make it. From the title of the post you know what happened. We sat there for another 25-30 minutes making me late to catch the airport train in Centrale and putting me at the airport a little after 4.
I ran to the counter in hopes that I could get on, but all my begging and even a 30 minute flight delay couldn't save the day. They would not allow me to board. After talking to every airline I realized that it would either cost too much (600 euro) or cost a better price (200 euro) and put me into Frankfurt with only a day to spend time there. The businessman in me took over and the cost benefit analysis said to go back to Florence. Defeated I am in Florence already thinking of ways I will travel to the "motherland" for an Alex extravaganza and a futbol game.
I will make it back someday and those crazy Italian trains will rue the day they tried to keep me out of Germany.
I should be in Frankfurt right now hanging out with Alex and buying jerseys to wear to the National team game tonight. Instead I am sitting in Gonzaga in Florence, which is a nice place but is not what I had in mind for today. Now yesterday is mostly one blur of anger, but it started out as a nice day as I said good-bye to friends I have made and set out to Pisa airport. I had the inside track on a bus that was leaving from Florence SMN and heading straight for the airport arriving an hour and half after it left. It is important to note that my flight left at 4:40 and I was planning on arriving at 3:00. That was before the bus decided not to run at 1:30 and by the time I figured that out I was running to catch the train which left at 1:40. I just made it to the train before it was scheduled to leave. Catching my breath as I settled into my seat I had flashes of being on the wrong train. Fortunatly, I was able to confirm, with my broken Italian words, that the passengers around me were also headed to Pisa Centrale. Sitting in the happy glow of my accomplishment I realized that the train wasn't moving. After 30 minutes of sitting there I finally heard the doors close signalling the departure of our 1:40 train at 2:08.
Feeling confident I could still make it on time, knowing the train took just over 1 hour to get to Centrale and that it was a short hope to the aiport I settled down once again. Jolted from my calm resting place once again to the sound of brakes on the track, I became deeply worried. At we slowed to a stop my mind started racing wondering if I would make it. From the title of the post you know what happened. We sat there for another 25-30 minutes making me late to catch the airport train in Centrale and putting me at the airport a little after 4.
I ran to the counter in hopes that I could get on, but all my begging and even a 30 minute flight delay couldn't save the day. They would not allow me to board. After talking to every airline I realized that it would either cost too much (600 euro) or cost a better price (200 euro) and put me into Frankfurt with only a day to spend time there. The businessman in me took over and the cost benefit analysis said to go back to Florence. Defeated I am in Florence already thinking of ways I will travel to the "motherland" for an Alex extravaganza and a futbol game.
I will make it back someday and those crazy Italian trains will rue the day they tried to keep me out of Germany.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Scattered Pic...tures in the corner of my mind
Alright I will throw down some pictures to satisfy your eyes, and this way you won't have to read too much of my nonsense. Enjoy...
This is Ponte Vecchio. It is said to have the best selection and price on gold. I am still unsure about price, but the selection is definitely better than a local mall jeweler.
Thought I would throw in a little button collection at the Pitti Palace for the Mom. They actually had a whole room full of the history of buttons.
This one is to show you I am still alive. I am standing in front of Boboli Gardens. They are pretty liberal with the term garden over here. This one belonged to the Medici family and is litterally acres, but in America the green stuff behind me would be called crab-grass and the lawn guy would be fired.
I don't have a lot of new pictures. I have been going to tons of museums, but most of them don't allow any pictures. I tried to smuggle a few of the good stuff but they didn't turn out. So that is what I get for breaking the law. One of the more interesting things that I saw was in the Medici Chapel (they owned everything at one point). During the inquisition they kept Michealangelo safe and the room he stowed away in still has his sketches on the wall. It was pretty cool.
This is Ponte Vecchio. It is said to have the best selection and price on gold. I am still unsure about price, but the selection is definitely better than a local mall jeweler.
Thought I would throw in a little button collection at the Pitti Palace for the Mom. They actually had a whole room full of the history of buttons.
This one is to show you I am still alive. I am standing in front of Boboli Gardens. They are pretty liberal with the term garden over here. This one belonged to the Medici family and is litterally acres, but in America the green stuff behind me would be called crab-grass and the lawn guy would be fired.I don't have a lot of new pictures. I have been going to tons of museums, but most of them don't allow any pictures. I tried to smuggle a few of the good stuff but they didn't turn out. So that is what I get for breaking the law. One of the more interesting things that I saw was in the Medici Chapel (they owned everything at one point). During the inquisition they kept Michealangelo safe and the room he stowed away in still has his sketches on the wall. It was pretty cool.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Clarification
Given my recent experience with the cookie's taste does not make me an expert on the ingredients. I know some recipes have orange peel in them and those I am told are imitations. I do not know exactly what wafer is or bicarbonate. If people can't find them let me know and I will try to send or bring some back; yes, it is that important.
Thanks for all your questions and I hope the recipe treats you well. Talk to you soon.
Thanks for all your questions and I hope the recipe treats you well. Talk to you soon.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The ultimate showdown
The gauntlet is being laid before you, continue if you dare. Since that fateful day I first took a bite of the best cookie on Earth in the great town of Siena (birthplace of the Ricciarelli) I have searched long and hard for the recipe. It has taken me almost two weeks, 13 bookstores, 4 kitchen gadget shops and plenty of bakeries and I have finally found it. I will provide it below so long as you agree to participate in the ultimate cookie showdown, when I return to the states.
Now, for those of you unfamiliar with a cookie showdown I will explain the rules. Many people bake the same cookie, and others types if they feel the necessity, and bring them to a location. At that location there will be a cookie expert with specific knowledge about the chosen showdown cookie. From there a tasting will commence and winners shall be chosen. Easy enough now for the recipe.
300 g of peeled almonds
10g of bitter almonds
200g of sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate
2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
1 cialda (wafer)
Powdered sugar
Mix the previously ground almonds with the stiffly-beaten egg whites and the sugar. Form a ball and leave it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of one day to a maximum of 4 days. When it is time to bake the biscuits, work the ball of dough once more and add the bicarbonate and the powdered sugar. Make smaller balls of dough and put them on a baking sheet on which the wafer was placed previously. With one finger, press the small balls of dough lightly in the direction of the length. Place in the oven at 150-180 degrees F for 10 minutes, controlling frequently so that the biscuits do not take on too much color. They will remain very soft. While they are still hot, give them the form of the "ricciarelli" (oval), and dust them in powdered sugar. They will harden somewhat as they cool.
Now, because of my familiarity I will take the daunting task of tasting all your cookies. You may want to experiment before I get back to perfect your craft that is within the rules. Good luck and I will talk to you soon.
Now, for those of you unfamiliar with a cookie showdown I will explain the rules. Many people bake the same cookie, and others types if they feel the necessity, and bring them to a location. At that location there will be a cookie expert with specific knowledge about the chosen showdown cookie. From there a tasting will commence and winners shall be chosen. Easy enough now for the recipe.
300 g of peeled almonds
10g of bitter almonds
200g of sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate
2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
1 cialda (wafer)
Powdered sugar
Mix the previously ground almonds with the stiffly-beaten egg whites and the sugar. Form a ball and leave it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of one day to a maximum of 4 days. When it is time to bake the biscuits, work the ball of dough once more and add the bicarbonate and the powdered sugar. Make smaller balls of dough and put them on a baking sheet on which the wafer was placed previously. With one finger, press the small balls of dough lightly in the direction of the length. Place in the oven at 150-180 degrees F for 10 minutes, controlling frequently so that the biscuits do not take on too much color. They will remain very soft. While they are still hot, give them the form of the "ricciarelli" (oval), and dust them in powdered sugar. They will harden somewhat as they cool.
Now, because of my familiarity I will take the daunting task of tasting all your cookies. You may want to experiment before I get back to perfect your craft that is within the rules. Good luck and I will talk to you soon.
Friday, May 30, 2008
A little bit of catch-up
Since I have been a bit of a slacker I will just group a couple stories into this post. There seems to be a pattern here. Anyway, I had a great time in Cinque Terre. It is about a 3 hour train ride, but that is only because you have to stop at approximately 389 different cities along the way. Although it took unecessarily long, it was fascinating to see the countryside through a train window.
One example are the large mountains just outside of Pisa. The whole side of the mountain looks as though it has been blown off. It looked like Mt. St. Helens but instead of the top it blew out the side. I came to find out that this was where marble comes from and after using the same place for thousands of years it is a little worn down. I tried to get a picture, but none of them turned out to be able to see what I am talking about. When I go back to Pisa I will try to get something better to look at.
After arriving in the Cinque Terre the landscape changes, as you can see from previous pictures. It was fun to walk around on all the paths throughout the region and take in the views. One afternoon I was eating in a cafe on the water and after realizing I spoke english a wonderful lady struck up a conversation. She ended up being an author and will be sending me her book when printing get done in the Fall. She had many grandchildren approaching my age and I think she was surprised by the entertainment. It was fun and just one of the strange, enjoyable encounters I have had.
On our way back to Florence we got stuck in a tiny rail station for a couple hours. We still don't know what happened exactly, but rumor was there was a firre in the engine cabin of a train and it forced all the other trains to stop and wait until the tracks were cleared. By the time we got home we were pretty tired, but felt the Jazz Club calling. Yes, in case you are wondering I am a member of the only Jazz Club in Florence. I have the member card to prove it. The duo that night ended up being fantastic and we were glad we ignored sleep and went for a listen. You can check them out at www.emiblues.com. If you go to the site make sure to check out the mp3 section and specifically the duo stuff.
So I have met a writer, discoverd ablues band and yet I save one of the best for last. Every Monday and Tuesday the local theater plays movies in their original english. I decided it was time to watch a little Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull mostly because it was unbearably hot and it is one of the only places with air conditioning. While waiting for the movie to play sitting with my ice cold Heineken in the air conditioning I met...wait for it...a voice over guy. Yep he had all the tricks and I am sure you have seen many of his infomercials on a late night channel surf. He was an odd fellow, but very entertaining as you can imagine. I am getting so much more from this trip than I could have imagined. It is a great experience and hope that each of you get to do something similar someday.
One example are the large mountains just outside of Pisa. The whole side of the mountain looks as though it has been blown off. It looked like Mt. St. Helens but instead of the top it blew out the side. I came to find out that this was where marble comes from and after using the same place for thousands of years it is a little worn down. I tried to get a picture, but none of them turned out to be able to see what I am talking about. When I go back to Pisa I will try to get something better to look at.
After arriving in the Cinque Terre the landscape changes, as you can see from previous pictures. It was fun to walk around on all the paths throughout the region and take in the views. One afternoon I was eating in a cafe on the water and after realizing I spoke english a wonderful lady struck up a conversation. She ended up being an author and will be sending me her book when printing get done in the Fall. She had many grandchildren approaching my age and I think she was surprised by the entertainment. It was fun and just one of the strange, enjoyable encounters I have had.
On our way back to Florence we got stuck in a tiny rail station for a couple hours. We still don't know what happened exactly, but rumor was there was a firre in the engine cabin of a train and it forced all the other trains to stop and wait until the tracks were cleared. By the time we got home we were pretty tired, but felt the Jazz Club calling. Yes, in case you are wondering I am a member of the only Jazz Club in Florence. I have the member card to prove it. The duo that night ended up being fantastic and we were glad we ignored sleep and went for a listen. You can check them out at www.emiblues.com. If you go to the site make sure to check out the mp3 section and specifically the duo stuff.
So I have met a writer, discoverd ablues band and yet I save one of the best for last. Every Monday and Tuesday the local theater plays movies in their original english. I decided it was time to watch a little Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull mostly because it was unbearably hot and it is one of the only places with air conditioning. While waiting for the movie to play sitting with my ice cold Heineken in the air conditioning I met...wait for it...a voice over guy. Yep he had all the tricks and I am sure you have seen many of his infomercials on a late night channel surf. He was an odd fellow, but very entertaining as you can imagine. I am getting so much more from this trip than I could have imagined. It is a great experience and hope that each of you get to do something similar someday.
Monday, May 26, 2008
You have missed out on so much
I am afraid to say it is my own fault, but you really have missed out on amazing sights. Since my last post I have been to a Palace and the Cinque Terre. Both were incredible wonders of Italy. The Cinque Terre is classically Italian and I think it is becoming more common in movies. It is located in the top curve of the boot and is actually 5 towns (hence cinque terre, now you too know Italian). Each of them is populated by 2,000 Italians and seems like 2,000 tourists effectively double the size of the town during the summers. All of the towns are connected through a well-kept path and to walk between the furthest two towns would take about 5 hours. The cities are some how built on top of the sea and it makes for gorgeous pictures. 
While Scott went scuba diving (I couldn't because certification was necessary this early in the season as they didn't run out novice diving tours just yet.) Although Scott saw great things under water I had the close encounter with dangerous sea creatures...
We had a great time, but I have lots of stories to share and not enough time right now. I will post again later tonight or at the very least tomorrow.
While Scott went scuba diving (I couldn't because certification was necessary this early in the season as they didn't run out novice diving tours just yet.) Although Scott saw great things under water I had the close encounter with dangerous sea creatures...
We had a great time, but I have lots of stories to share and not enough time right now. I will post again later tonight or at the very least tomorrow.
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