Ciao Tutti,
We hope you enjoyed our post last week. For those of you that were worried about the cold front we (in Italy) were enduring, we are happy to report that it is now pleasantly 50 degrees. We hope that the weather continues to only get warmer.
If you recall from our last post, we are both currently taking a drawing class that focuses on the sight-size style of Florentine portraiture. Unlike freestyle drawing, the sight-size technique is very systematic. Drawing from live models and stone casts, we use a plumline (basically an elaborate piece of string), to ensure correct proportions. The studio is owned by Charles Cecil, a fellow Midwesterner from Kansas. However, we do not hear the midwestern accent in the studio since our instructors are young and attractive London natives.
Although learning to draw in Italy is fascinating, it is hard to concentrate when Rupert and Tom are around. We would much rather listen to Rupert impersonate an American Valley Girl than fix nuances on our drawings for the millionth time. But can you really blame us for swooning over their English accents, good looks, and fun personalities? We have included a picture of the Ole students in the class with Rupert (left) and Tom (right).
[Photo: (left to right) Rupert, Katie, Hattie Anders, Carmen, Sam Bremseth-Vining, Anna Carlson and Tom]
Another highlight of my (Carmen’s) week was going to Venice to celebrate Carnevale (a pre-lent festival). I was in awe of the exquisite costumes and the overall experience. People began dancing in the central piazza (town square) as the sun set behind Venice. Wearing my own Venetian mask and covered in confetti, I laughed, sang, and danced the night away.
While writing this post in our favorite café, we were interrupted by two young, Italian men. I (Katie) had met Valentino last night on the bus near my house. After giving him my number, he texted me while Carmen and I were out this afternoon. He surprised me by showing up at the cafe, with his friend, Ibrio (at least, that’s what we think his name is). After some initial introductions, Valentino went and bought us a pot of tea. The four of us talked in a mixture of English and Italian for almost two hours. The two left after paying for both the tea and my lunch! Valentino just texted me, asking if Carmen and I would like to go out for drinks later. Should we go? Maybe we’ve finally met our Italian Ragazzi (boyfriends)!
Overall it’s been a great week in Italy. More to come soon!
A dopo,
XOXO Carmen and Katie
*Katie Caffrey is a junior psychology major with a linguistics concentration from Oak Park, IL. She is currently splitting her semester abroad between Florence and London where she is studying both art history and theatre.
*Carmen Stubblefield is studying abroad in Italy and England on the ACM Arts in Context Program. She is a junior psychology major from Oregon, her favorite foods are pizza and ice-cream.