tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72020384199212501072024-03-05T06:09:47.504-08:00The Rural IowanLife's journey through the eyes of an Iowa businessman with a rural background.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-91313700675917634502014-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:002014-05-06T07:00:49.478-07:00The Sweet Taste of Timeless Zurich, Switzerland!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, a trip to another European country and one of Italy's northern neighbors....Switzerland!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thinking of that classic Schoolhouse Rock song, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aYnNrTnXhk" target="_blank">The Great American Melting Pot</a><u>,</u>" did you know Switzerland is a literal melting pot of its own? In the west you have the French speaking Geneva region, in the south there is the Italian speaking Lugano area (located in the canton called <a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/out-of-town/canton-ticino/" target="_blank">Ticino</a>), and where this journey led me...the German speaking region of Zurich. Overall, the German language and culture is widespread throughout the country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I know what you are probably thinking....I indulged on some fine Swiss chocolates, purchased myself a fancy luxury watch and skied the Alpine slopes. Well, only a third of that statement is slightly true....the chocolate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We made our way to Zurich via train from Milan's Central Station. It was a rather cheap ride costing around 44 euros round-trip; however, that wasn't the best part. The railway cut straight through the Swiss Alps! Scenic views, you ask? Of Course!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite arriving and spending the morning amidst light rain showers, the weather was cool and the rain let up during the early afternoon. It would have been the perfect time to test out my umbrella...the one I have yet to purchase. LOL!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Zurich is quite different from Milan. From the obvious difference in language to the style of architecture, this city was definitely easy on the eyes. (Maybe it could have been the Limmat River which runs through the center of the city and connects with the northern end of Lake Zurich.) In my opinion, Zurich would be the perfect late spring, early summer destination.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Limmat River</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">The sights we seen during our day-trip to Zurich:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><u><b>Grossmünster</b></u>: Inside the "Great Minister" protestant church, the </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">organist</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> was practicing a few hymns on the church's ENORMOUS organ. The range of this organ was remarkable, as it produced depth of tones I've rarely heard in a church.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grossmunster Organ</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttkhRytEJ0UFSEWt7bVLoRe6qaiasKEZl13p39TdMDO1DwGH-nrWRP3kxjxmm_xw_LLtdu4YAKASz3MJG235YpzU7c3XiErLQTMI4HXvpLhrs4HqgtJ9FibOU6tuwGxWIskUt8xrIvl15/s1600/333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttkhRytEJ0UFSEWt7bVLoRe6qaiasKEZl13p39TdMDO1DwGH-nrWRP3kxjxmm_xw_LLtdu4YAKASz3MJG235YpzU7c3XiErLQTMI4HXvpLhrs4HqgtJ9FibOU6tuwGxWIskUt8xrIvl15/s1600/333.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grossmunster exterior </span><br />
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<b style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><u>Fraumünster:</u> </b><span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">This church was a former abbey and translates into "Women's Minister." Unfortunately, we did not enter this gem, but at least the outside was remarkable with its tall, thin spire.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXFzfx3CWCV5cpN94GjPTxXwe6NrVjbSSITDhmBEITx39d_9Bt-4I08YlJoR17e9xQe5AGx6TGuTafzNcHaCyYLo4IwrQRzBp-xqvjAIAdCi3vDnFaFrgb7J2fAufa5RX_Az5uZeGpaqt/s1600/111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXFzfx3CWCV5cpN94GjPTxXwe6NrVjbSSITDhmBEITx39d_9Bt-4I08YlJoR17e9xQe5AGx6TGuTafzNcHaCyYLo4IwrQRzBp-xqvjAIAdCi3vDnFaFrgb7J2fAufa5RX_Az5uZeGpaqt/s1600/111.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Limmat River and Fraumunster</span></td></tr>
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<b><u>St. Peter's Church</u>:</b> The clock's face on this church happens to be the largest in Europe at 8.7 meters!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLrPbw7x4U9BXBudbzKwoPwKKq6Zyj0V6INBoqMXZY_xh4Ddrx2tIyB0nJXU4XZLQxkmhNwluby4_iAgH0mi26i8_cvR8DOqphb9ZuA_k1eQaz_nchf7PHQMBrpEG7I4m38OiwmCdBN4J/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLrPbw7x4U9BXBudbzKwoPwKKq6Zyj0V6INBoqMXZY_xh4Ddrx2tIyB0nJXU4XZLQxkmhNwluby4_iAgH0mi26i8_cvR8DOqphb9ZuA_k1eQaz_nchf7PHQMBrpEG7I4m38OiwmCdBN4J/s1600/9.jpg" height="400" width="215" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just look at St. Peter's face! It's HUGE!</span></td></tr>
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<span jsl="$x 3;" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;"><u><b>Museum Paläontologische Sammlung (Zoological Museum):</b></u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">When we stepped inside the museum doors, all of the animals froze in fear. They where so stiff, it was almost as if they were stuffed. Anyways...this free museum represented the animal population extremely well!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBcJgCv94Q3PWXWhrmoD7hjqqwmhXbzzImoCRFDH32IxRpKuKu8tMW0oFXRAycq04xRb7zuWxtmCQ8TMVfVIEwHCq1RAnJ8pE3AzNedR7kkYVaoId7rT499qpQcJKXxKuUCtdCZ7CTSLM/s1600/555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBcJgCv94Q3PWXWhrmoD7hjqqwmhXbzzImoCRFDH32IxRpKuKu8tMW0oFXRAycq04xRb7zuWxtmCQ8TMVfVIEwHCq1RAnJ8pE3AzNedR7kkYVaoId7rT499qpQcJKXxKuUCtdCZ7CTSLM/s1600/555.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Frozen stiff</span></td></tr>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miscellaneous images from Zurich: </b></span></u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">View of Zurich from a hill (a rather small hill)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwIxjkrXkUj_MWV2p4f0n56Jlfj2bVVB84nXCLsu0i6u4avkNbwIRhH0Tk2vv1sQ-s4cYNyQuY-BUC3oiF_67BMMkpZqAcikQisrLRbb-0s9fp7k-8iofyF-cRzNLbdZt-KQ18kDck8rB/s1600/20140408_114022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwIxjkrXkUj_MWV2p4f0n56Jlfj2bVVB84nXCLsu0i6u4avkNbwIRhH0Tk2vv1sQ-s4cYNyQuY-BUC3oiF_67BMMkpZqAcikQisrLRbb-0s9fp7k-8iofyF-cRzNLbdZt-KQ18kDck8rB/s1600/20140408_114022.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The streets of Old Town Zurich</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blow your whistle, wave those hands, direct that traffic</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The travelers (L to R--Me, Manu, David, Vir and Nico)</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Zurich, Switzerland47.3686498 8.539182500000038147.1956798 8.2150860000000385 47.5416198 8.8632790000000377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-45867593982251531702014-04-14T06:25:00.000-07:002014-04-14T06:25:02.175-07:00Cinque Terre: Five Irresistible Italian Riviera Villages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's funny to think I'm about to compare a location in Italy to the Sirens of Greek methodology, but it is the perfect simile. Just like the Sirens lured in passengers of the sea through their beauty and music, Cinque Terre seduces the traveler through pastel colored villages resting on Mediterranean Sea bluffs. <div>
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Located along the Italian Riviera between Levanto and La Spezia is Cinque Terre - a series of five villages in close proximity from each other - where life is relaxed and traffic is absent. Between the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are hillsides tamed with vineyards and olive groves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Cinque Terre</td></tr>
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When compared to the other Italian cities I had the pleasure of visiting (thanks to <a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/" target="_blank">WhereMilan</a>), Cinque Terra is a completely different animal. Where <a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.it/2014/04/is-mantua-actually-charming.html" target="_blank">Manuta</a>, <a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.it/2014/03/day-trip-milan-to-bologna-italy.html" target="_blank">Bologna</a>, <a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.it/2014/03/day-trip-milan-to-bergamo.html" target="_blank">Bergamo</a>, etc. were rich in history and museums, Cinque Terra thrives from its scenic views and outdoor activities. </div>
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Each town is laced together by a system of hiking trails. If you were to ask me, the views we saw from the trails were the best part of our journey. However, don't worry if you are unable to hike the trails because there is regional train operating between each village. At a cost of 12 Euros, you can buy a pass which gives you unlimited access to the rail, hiking paths, and several attractions in the region.</div>
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Of the five villages, Vernazza stole my heart. Maybe it was the ruins of the Doria castle and pirate lookout tower on the cliff, my first taste of the region's oily focacccia, or the pebbled beach; whatever it was, I am definitely not complaining. </div>
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Even though images don't do justice, here are some views of the five Cinque Terre villages:</div>
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Riomaggiore</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u73zxhWkYFYV9ZdbS0Wck0afGBL20DV4fpulsCptYC2P4QfoS6MitIJSxlQEylkO_G4XMZy0jLD86f0bNqofAey5G3m0BQB8ux6mEM3t3JIRfwDjSZwuHVvb_aFAItZzd5Tnq5wAsiQ2/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u73zxhWkYFYV9ZdbS0Wck0afGBL20DV4fpulsCptYC2P4QfoS6MitIJSxlQEylkO_G4XMZy0jLD86f0bNqofAey5G3m0BQB8ux6mEM3t3JIRfwDjSZwuHVvb_aFAItZzd5Tnq5wAsiQ2/s1600/1a.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riomaggiore (The southern most city of Cinque Terre)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMYoqOsUI0gNj_dpEpwOpXTnvZoVwlacRbFf01EGxAkd4M6mvTmLrRJt8vE-P1Pe4M-GU6yGApNfvq_5najkMabJSQ-MvIE9PEBa6i7Sdw1li4sDDsHiZVzV5wwBTDwW22__bnAL2WIdk/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMYoqOsUI0gNj_dpEpwOpXTnvZoVwlacRbFf01EGxAkd4M6mvTmLrRJt8vE-P1Pe4M-GU6yGApNfvq_5najkMabJSQ-MvIE9PEBa6i7Sdw1li4sDDsHiZVzV5wwBTDwW22__bnAL2WIdk/s1600/11.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main street in Riomaggiore</td></tr>
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<h2>
Manarola</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN3uM-jo_6fC1k750iHi9S6YA15_lyUG49B6s6TMgndtj40hfmdrrHusLxmgxC8Q1XOGsF9xw45Ro3uwNyMldxSiLqGjof3bUGnMYSAerUwMOWpiANFnOaCDiRH1hFXkIBGd7OXVFmL1-/s1600/2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN3uM-jo_6fC1k750iHi9S6YA15_lyUG49B6s6TMgndtj40hfmdrrHusLxmgxC8Q1XOGsF9xw45Ro3uwNyMldxSiLqGjof3bUGnMYSAerUwMOWpiANFnOaCDiRH1hFXkIBGd7OXVFmL1-/s1600/2a.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houses in Manarola on the Cliff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XuufXeL6PWgUzou7RWd_AHasEhyphenhyphen_02slSw8CrgE4g0fD0JY6ZZPtVK_XaBsta37ANsoMTfN00fn0qHR_0WxqDullqmFrDcpw8TPHzgFDW_qtds2uCoJSi04hegL7i8ozoDfhgivbGuiW/s1600/2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XuufXeL6PWgUzou7RWd_AHasEhyphenhyphen_02slSw8CrgE4g0fD0JY6ZZPtVK_XaBsta37ANsoMTfN00fn0qHR_0WxqDullqmFrDcpw8TPHzgFDW_qtds2uCoJSi04hegL7i8ozoDfhgivbGuiW/s1600/2b.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manarola during the sunset</td></tr>
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<h2>
Corniglia</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-EIUdVeYaDX4VgvDu_eueyqnrnkTfk-awqHra0jq4FE8j3_gH5paiz52cl_6K-aZE3ID7-UzPvl3p_QfD1pPhPurtr5hzLjPUThNh3Q1FejCH10qTrC7Fgo9_mRzS-7kStJoxMIlniPV/s1600/3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-EIUdVeYaDX4VgvDu_eueyqnrnkTfk-awqHra0jq4FE8j3_gH5paiz52cl_6K-aZE3ID7-UzPvl3p_QfD1pPhPurtr5hzLjPUThNh3Q1FejCH10qTrC7Fgo9_mRzS-7kStJoxMIlniPV/s1600/3a.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church in Corniglia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0jRNo6FKWtbT1_QiZKsHgChZZvclg-trXXUyyinsqPhkzZ-cMOmj-w5F5AvZHYCNv0Bzxhhyphenhyphen47Ru-C1b9s8N-tpipVQHORX7Hz6wp1GHvPwT0QiGReJ5vsfsSremUO-2nGSX-FiuGArd/s1600/3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0jRNo6FKWtbT1_QiZKsHgChZZvclg-trXXUyyinsqPhkzZ-cMOmj-w5F5AvZHYCNv0Bzxhhyphenhyphen47Ru-C1b9s8N-tpipVQHORX7Hz6wp1GHvPwT0QiGReJ5vsfsSremUO-2nGSX-FiuGArd/s1600/3b.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corniglia</td></tr>
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<h2>
Vernazza</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdJvGNTqAVkHhhNyQ7VSSYwwd7JuTT_VNMDN0iJVw2Ci_De8IikGljlgg755WgWelmy_EXXAi0cqTVb1HYJvG-Ls96LB8BRatinnZP16kBo_gy4uxCE9xAm0cn5Bjs3c8XkudrL6Qvdv/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgdJvGNTqAVkHhhNyQ7VSSYwwd7JuTT_VNMDN0iJVw2Ci_De8IikGljlgg755WgWelmy_EXXAi0cqTVb1HYJvG-Ls96LB8BRatinnZP16kBo_gy4uxCE9xAm0cn5Bjs3c8XkudrL6Qvdv/s1600/7.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way to Vernazza!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDW040WbAaPqDS_ovYeTYdHAhsAkSTk_0Lx3s_t8QCWZSZBeB42TeucwRXHu2MpEABWe82vtF5Ovyw_K0kbi3Xf78lhbU-JhQ9_JrfSYY2cAsihohpwmS4qSao0y6q3TzGV9yARR_I_iF/s1600/5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDW040WbAaPqDS_ovYeTYdHAhsAkSTk_0Lx3s_t8QCWZSZBeB42TeucwRXHu2MpEABWe82vtF5Ovyw_K0kbi3Xf78lhbU-JhQ9_JrfSYY2cAsihohpwmS4qSao0y6q3TzGV9yARR_I_iF/s1600/5b.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Vernazza from the South</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF4App5DfibSHms5GdbRXUwBGtRcL_spwj9SatwQjW4_Px0fSsTElTrg4_apALoFkHD9Tp3Jaib5TA-05RMoHfUf4akyvxBHHpG2h8Qj0x7_Dy-llSr_EFLTeSPvQ6n8rCT0v6RcZ4Jmz/s1600/5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmF4App5DfibSHms5GdbRXUwBGtRcL_spwj9SatwQjW4_Px0fSsTElTrg4_apALoFkHD9Tp3Jaib5TA-05RMoHfUf4akyvxBHHpG2h8Qj0x7_Dy-llSr_EFLTeSPvQ6n8rCT0v6RcZ4Jmz/s1600/5c.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Vernazza from the North</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuBSpzG6GdxfylSkcicFjlaGeh4QKZKZRS0wMJmYkjXGP7_7X9KIWsk2s8SzBcyc4EJ54GZbAwDpvXnAiINwEpGYA3fyymgTDFTykSOypmVezOJkdhZzMJgRFpo8sFTul1dKJ85biWQAl/s1600/5d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuBSpzG6GdxfylSkcicFjlaGeh4QKZKZRS0wMJmYkjXGP7_7X9KIWsk2s8SzBcyc4EJ54GZbAwDpvXnAiINwEpGYA3fyymgTDFTykSOypmVezOJkdhZzMJgRFpo8sFTul1dKJ85biWQAl/s1600/5d.jpg" height="206" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing on the Beach</td></tr>
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<h2>
Monterosso</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIclElJ4tXN3Ksafd2h0T5Ats0kragOfOsqoHZmRncZkjgVPatdkXeqyR4-dPDj2OcrvzefUjhmWJC-iOVI6bT5-_ygeQkCEOxNdBJ7BMbHRTRnqrRXls1VeIZSaEE4aWTRvBVK-9SRHzv/s1600/6v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIclElJ4tXN3Ksafd2h0T5Ats0kragOfOsqoHZmRncZkjgVPatdkXeqyR4-dPDj2OcrvzefUjhmWJC-iOVI6bT5-_ygeQkCEOxNdBJ7BMbHRTRnqrRXls1VeIZSaEE4aWTRvBVK-9SRHzv/s1600/6v.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monterosso the northern most village of Cinque Terre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6PHRiq04d-UVUxUNofZKbV3Uw0HQOwDemoJL98R_pUPAXZBvAdZ4ugIAX5Mgd4IRGWWVPYzEZCcv-MrABzlcIQzpJFmGonqvrEAQhX4hcDd9ysc8Y8hn7qsV61Zj6cO7wqVtjknux8Yd/s1600/1606842_10152159113019262_5248136235519850114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6PHRiq04d-UVUxUNofZKbV3Uw0HQOwDemoJL98R_pUPAXZBvAdZ4ugIAX5Mgd4IRGWWVPYzEZCcv-MrABzlcIQzpJFmGonqvrEAQhX4hcDd9ysc8Y8hn7qsV61Zj6cO7wqVtjknux8Yd/s1600/1606842_10152159113019262_5248136235519850114_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freezing in the Mediterranean Sea</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzw5-VPdnku5BTA6loCG-4Csu2dbLkCX-uccT69ZISZg52wVPsiU7oPcKHXuFVOLOEzsriILXV5Cso1BR7cin_-jUXSAnQmbE6gY16sAgLTHURKsw1Ky4NRFOKh1QUGSG894M7p4P9Z4s/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzw5-VPdnku5BTA6loCG-4Csu2dbLkCX-uccT69ZISZg52wVPsiU7oPcKHXuFVOLOEzsriILXV5Cso1BR7cin_-jUXSAnQmbE6gY16sAgLTHURKsw1Ky4NRFOKh1QUGSG894M7p4P9Z4s/s1600/16.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too many steps...</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, Via Discovolo, 19017 Stazione Manarola Riomaggiore La Spezia, Italy44.106877999999988 9.7283820000000143.923521999999984 9.404285500000011 44.290233999999991 10.05247850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-68834342531004772552014-04-13T12:43:00.000-07:002014-04-13T12:50:22.794-07:00Is Mantua Actually Charming?In conjunction with my Sabbioneta visit, our group of international travelers made our way to Manuta; only about 20 miles from Sabbioneta and two hours from Milan by car.<br />
<br />
Published in the <a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Where-Milan-April-2014_INTERACT.pdf" target="_blank">WhereMilan April 2014 issue</a> was an article about Manuta describing the main sights one should see, regional foods one should taste and entertainment one could experience. Under the article titled, "<a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/out-of-town/mantua/" target="_blank">Charming Mantua</a>," it was stated, "Some people call her the 'Sleeping Beauty' because she just lies there, at the tip of Lombardy, romantic and a little lazy." Now, it was my turn to be the judge and determine just how "charming" Mantua actually was.<br />
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Established on a settlement before Etruscan times, Mantua is widely known as the focal point of the powerful Gonzaga family's dynasty during the Renaissance. In fact, if you have read Shakespeare's play, "Romeo and Juliet," some of the scenes take place in Mantua. From its buildings to its atmosphere (which still slightly contains a remnant of Renaissance flair), Mantua is saturated with Renaissance and medieval influences.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO_UD5Ae12EBXba-pIyUOHz24UtUkAWwE49e5NAMM4ygt1ErxN4vVmXeNXpdXumx9zrWqsTQ78jlqrrQjdhryGLb1UJsn9ArZEslUaI2gumCZJwuT-m1Vj5_U5EOs8lqQRQjI1yXQMKz3/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO_UD5Ae12EBXba-pIyUOHz24UtUkAWwE49e5NAMM4ygt1ErxN4vVmXeNXpdXumx9zrWqsTQ78jlqrrQjdhryGLb1UJsn9ArZEslUaI2gumCZJwuT-m1Vj5_U5EOs8lqQRQjI1yXQMKz3/s1600/5.jpg" height="186" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Jitin and Nico in Piazza Sordello infront of the Palazzo Ducale and Duomo</td></tr>
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One of the unmissable buildings in Mantua is the Palazzo Ducale (Duke's Palace), the main residence of the Gonzaga family. With a surface area more than 32,000 sq. m., the complex contains an uncountable number of extravagant, frescoed rooms and several courtyards. Regular admission was only 6.50 Euros and was well worth it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmQLJ8DNucJgwTbmH2dpweoRJZtWOKatLJFpc24oaFfHPBoFQGEL6Pn5sXTyG-XJ_kPMO3z7HFixISciXUMwMoNuoVz8SKlzAgg5PxbkX7SnhuduXnxePK85wgNqkKsED1kuWyqk7ZQ5P/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmQLJ8DNucJgwTbmH2dpweoRJZtWOKatLJFpc24oaFfHPBoFQGEL6Pn5sXTyG-XJ_kPMO3z7HFixISciXUMwMoNuoVz8SKlzAgg5PxbkX7SnhuduXnxePK85wgNqkKsED1kuWyqk7ZQ5P/s1600/3.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fresco in the Palazzo Ducale </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GdrEDQOAde9L5hS6SHAW8NNK3UXKtXU6os7SNWzcuxMuVfnjtrAUdWuOno9McYTH5MnF6ZuZw9-VClc42NCOd8Z6dQVtNVPW3D7s5xVUezNFdkOuAvSY7VKFZi1IU1RnezmtV9uaHhfE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GdrEDQOAde9L5hS6SHAW8NNK3UXKtXU6os7SNWzcuxMuVfnjtrAUdWuOno9McYTH5MnF6ZuZw9-VClc42NCOd8Z6dQVtNVPW3D7s5xVUezNFdkOuAvSY7VKFZi1IU1RnezmtV9uaHhfE/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricate decorative details</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTjgJijXnA_u1GGtIh3KDroa_lmJQz-0TKzaD_iNHcIrSz_Jg055bPap3OmrwfF-UMfdi_aZMYpXpoubrwNLpwPvrSNBtGIK4UHr21QoD4fjAWOuw9JzaL6OE0uLmM6rosChlxUgu31kn/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTjgJijXnA_u1GGtIh3KDroa_lmJQz-0TKzaD_iNHcIrSz_Jg055bPap3OmrwfF-UMfdi_aZMYpXpoubrwNLpwPvrSNBtGIK4UHr21QoD4fjAWOuw9JzaL6OE0uLmM6rosChlxUgu31kn/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long corridors connecting the buildings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jqVrhCKItyCGXIkYG6Ta1TceSAOsW3ljRoEZ1Y8jN0t8AplXBsRYo7JAjyj_tJcPLPFO8GerXpFZP71AxSsvuwZIlxZ5uIjJGlPP2tNlq8x9svOUXXbWOAAqvsTYqGn5u_IuSKjqUnFA/s1600/1017723_10203754941373971_1796297055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jqVrhCKItyCGXIkYG6Ta1TceSAOsW3ljRoEZ1Y8jN0t8AplXBsRYo7JAjyj_tJcPLPFO8GerXpFZP71AxSsvuwZIlxZ5uIjJGlPP2tNlq8x9svOUXXbWOAAqvsTYqGn5u_IuSKjqUnFA/s1600/1017723_10203754941373971_1796297055_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Nico; Palazzo Ducale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another stop on our visit was the <a href="http://www.santandreainmantova.it/" target="_blank">Basilica of Sanit Andrea</a>. The basilica was built directly next to an existing bell tower from the early 15th century, and is even said the crypt houses sacred vessels containing the relic of the Blood of Christ. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see that part because the basilica was under renovation; I assume preparing for the upcoming Holy Holidays.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zs-mhBiM3A5uKMFJFSzaGJrmX7YeQITdjCf-R8Rq7wb0zcKZdaqdlo9EANWUGxlaFSZDd9_TrWOjoi5qS1IuF4IFk6g5tkGFOxa5TxZWejgYPQLnzQLvyrsuWBcyJXWj-y_Gb9X8GEdR/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zs-mhBiM3A5uKMFJFSzaGJrmX7YeQITdjCf-R8Rq7wb0zcKZdaqdlo9EANWUGxlaFSZDd9_TrWOjoi5qS1IuF4IFk6g5tkGFOxa5TxZWejgYPQLnzQLvyrsuWBcyJXWj-y_Gb9X8GEdR/s1600/10.jpg" height="400" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the barrel vaulted ceiling of the Basilica</td></tr>
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Being a lover of authentic regional foods, I had to try the recommendations provided by WhereMilan in their article. For my main course I had bigoli, which is a form of thick spaghetti, and I followed it with sbrisolona, a crumbly, brittle almond cake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMtnKhvoA5m4ia1b761wln7nUnWfWweVifpm4ys1KwIw4w6l5Ak29pGQEl3FxW9buvUnvX77arBomuR7RH1X3TxdBh1l67GopecWEfei8e6dHG_y0882IdIn2yTHqHW_WBsD92m5a59sX/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPMtnKhvoA5m4ia1b761wln7nUnWfWweVifpm4ys1KwIw4w6l5Ak29pGQEl3FxW9buvUnvX77arBomuR7RH1X3TxdBh1l67GopecWEfei8e6dHG_y0882IdIn2yTHqHW_WBsD92m5a59sX/s1600/8.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sbrisolona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vnMi0bmbibSQvFG6xRhvCbbr7UJVS3Yuuv7arxVo6FZdQBHTNZJUuuNpl3d4wjx5piIyQCEqPZb6M4i1XzJwtQgMVpwvQ1IYLI5d2UnMk1QNn-ImJNlj6_lG_vRWLRW2MM_Yx5-C7wMn/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vnMi0bmbibSQvFG6xRhvCbbr7UJVS3Yuuv7arxVo6FZdQBHTNZJUuuNpl3d4wjx5piIyQCEqPZb6M4i1XzJwtQgMVpwvQ1IYLI5d2UnMk1QNn-ImJNlj6_lG_vRWLRW2MM_Yx5-C7wMn/s1600/9.jpg" height="378" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bigoli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, Mantua lived up to my expectations. There are many things to do in this laid back city which provides the visitor with a opportunity to escape the vigorous city pace of Milan. Some of the other places we visited are depicted in the images below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBafSAg9h_qayJCYs6ysrwcmo4nBFG9K72A8P2gMTdI0BJkVtWJsc59ob9nlc8ag70fA9i8bhapGohAqjLcx61KJoCg5IlJ-tMMURLwjU09Gxx-CK4pQmTO6PyO3Yrdg2wcGJQLoFB12J/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBafSAg9h_qayJCYs6ysrwcmo4nBFG9K72A8P2gMTdI0BJkVtWJsc59ob9nlc8ag70fA9i8bhapGohAqjLcx61KJoCg5IlJ-tMMURLwjU09Gxx-CK4pQmTO6PyO3Yrdg2wcGJQLoFB12J/s1600/4.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mantua's Duomo (Cathedral) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjVYtZQyuxbdAUnHnqUhu5ZQyDEMz7hNVNJO-uTk2lnXBHx3BNUc7j1z-QzYAV3jmXu59yG0jrG45WFJ0VahHWzxn82zbS4MW7hPFOYMuJ9VX_Lccr3hANsJT4GeogNqYosmDFcV3XYFH/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjVYtZQyuxbdAUnHnqUhu5ZQyDEMz7hNVNJO-uTk2lnXBHx3BNUc7j1z-QzYAV3jmXu59yG0jrG45WFJ0VahHWzxn82zbS4MW7hPFOYMuJ9VX_Lccr3hANsJT4GeogNqYosmDFcV3XYFH/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Broletto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5zDctdGMWKlPeGlAHG69yIOSLTuGyj9deCbkJRfqax8dVpFm2YaOq6J1pfh7k_4jQzTEe0fBxmF7yAlkB_FiAvvIHoeeGfJvS0uVrIkTexpHwrm2pUZAejsg6xpoUNGNcqpH5z5eDTPV/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5zDctdGMWKlPeGlAHG69yIOSLTuGyj9deCbkJRfqax8dVpFm2YaOq6J1pfh7k_4jQzTEe0fBxmF7yAlkB_FiAvvIHoeeGfJvS0uVrIkTexpHwrm2pUZAejsg6xpoUNGNcqpH5z5eDTPV/s1600/7.jpg" height="400" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotunda di San Lorenzo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Iv70otEm91Gfxm4J3LunsvLVMdSAD8sJQJVAxuAxo_T-G9ZWyAclWG57cM1EjChGr9IgFu7kJ4L7jGIORGEKdyE0CbpLrHyoqilLKIMh65HroYf5xXPoKi9LTJ0zficgTTmhzNLf4fhm/s1600/1208787_10203754943334020_326560563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Iv70otEm91Gfxm4J3LunsvLVMdSAD8sJQJVAxuAxo_T-G9ZWyAclWG57cM1EjChGr9IgFu7kJ4L7jGIORGEKdyE0CbpLrHyoqilLKIMh65HroYf5xXPoKi9LTJ0zficgTTmhzNLf4fhm/s1600/1208787_10203754943334020_326560563_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtsey of Nico; Castle of San Giorgio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com046100 Mantua, Italy45.1564168 10.79137509999998245.111632300000004 10.710694099999982 45.2012013 10.872056099999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-57872767313852041182014-04-11T02:13:00.000-07:002014-04-11T02:13:04.291-07:00Milan Design Week - Part 2Just a simple continuation post about living life in Milan during Design Week...wait, there is nothing simple about living in Milan during Design Week. LOL! (Check out <a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.it/2014/04/milan-design-week-2014.html" target="_blank">Design Week - Part 1</a>.) This time my evening was mostly spent at the Martini Racing Lounge watching a live cooking presentation from<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b><span style="background-color: none;"><a href="http://www.ifioridelmale.it/autori/andrea-grignaffini" target="_blank">Andrea Grignaffini</a>, a Italian Gourmet expert chef associated with the famed International Italian cooking insitution called Alma. I even got the chance to help the chef create one of his presentation dishes. Only in Milan. </span></span><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: orange;">----------Milan Design Week - Day 2----------</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhC2hVXCb1K0LEOEET4Q950nrR4Sgig20NJxJaTJA_VAbHYy6cwit2CVI348up_YqUf0HrXmaBTvhthQ23crPSBbO9t9heFkw-EzsgYqBlLdmWTg_BoqkAgwmnbZaf6ew3FCs0tuBCU7v/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhC2hVXCb1K0LEOEET4Q950nrR4Sgig20NJxJaTJA_VAbHYy6cwit2CVI348up_YqUf0HrXmaBTvhthQ23crPSBbO9t9heFkw-EzsgYqBlLdmWTg_BoqkAgwmnbZaf6ew3FCs0tuBCU7v/s1600/3.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martini Racing Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYBjO3YB46Ppukeem9qqrCXwMSw-LbwJ9Z_wz4fio5TeMcOCHmS-nu59WbpM8peoAGt6Rzwjr9YAG1A1KYx_AQFQph_uS_o7NYA6QPcIMEslvH_OUR3QEFH0LbP7rrK8lKZphg0xKA_88/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYBjO3YB46Ppukeem9qqrCXwMSw-LbwJ9Z_wz4fio5TeMcOCHmS-nu59WbpM8peoAGt6Rzwjr9YAG1A1KYx_AQFQph_uS_o7NYA6QPcIMEslvH_OUR3QEFH0LbP7rrK8lKZphg0xKA_88/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring liquid nitrogen in Martini Bianco </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatSlbhCMOrFLmrHmVSXrbyz6T-j3bNpWOwsG53u6HSPdvjlAA4qMIyHI2ImZTsg3N1tQzLFAhQh3wSXWHpoTM6lV-H6_l5pXEAroZXSok2X5YzS6jc3Izy9pmpHahqDq25Fe7S-tkdHxq/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatSlbhCMOrFLmrHmVSXrbyz6T-j3bNpWOwsG53u6HSPdvjlAA4qMIyHI2ImZTsg3N1tQzLFAhQh3wSXWHpoTM6lV-H6_l5pXEAroZXSok2X5YzS6jc3Izy9pmpHahqDq25Fe7S-tkdHxq/s1600/2.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My buddy, Andrea (We are on a first name basis LOL)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr5-wJkhjcILk7eUAvFz7Fyv-0fdZasTsoOLJMuS0aWsIJWm5briWLFMlzutXp9JFOKvSBnBcxK0oapn7vLTi2NgNCsK6V4kEg2Y7FDHb_wkqgcDj08MyGc57iaRSBpmJtBIbJSCen1jB/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr5-wJkhjcILk7eUAvFz7Fyv-0fdZasTsoOLJMuS0aWsIJWm5briWLFMlzutXp9JFOKvSBnBcxK0oapn7vLTi2NgNCsK6V4kEg2Y7FDHb_wkqgcDj08MyGc57iaRSBpmJtBIbJSCen1jB/s1600/4.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep it flowing @ Martini Racing Lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIdjimqbUKoJXEpFVfszrPGbqtDj15FO8CzRJhJChmSdi5BY1jc2WT9Epfidybr_ky-3EBFgdiJ1XTZxLs_kpidgEhC52btxYMsAR1E7O1ePHiN3z3_Oxl8XddFdKOhQf3zp97zVmszFz/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIdjimqbUKoJXEpFVfszrPGbqtDj15FO8CzRJhJChmSdi5BY1jc2WT9Epfidybr_ky-3EBFgdiJ1XTZxLs_kpidgEhC52btxYMsAR1E7O1ePHiN3z3_Oxl8XddFdKOhQf3zp97zVmszFz/s1600/5.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall of Robots...?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcQFqYJ5UOIRQr-O06Q2xNDzzlFBMZcDRvpInoB_g74vlpx8Dip3BqQFrCXwXtQnXU2BlLgOTs5tdVSIjOU41GSuy1qIcg5hevRaUPhHUIvnrWH2OH9f3-T8jQuer6pAGMeEqrVHlHBKz/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcQFqYJ5UOIRQr-O06Q2xNDzzlFBMZcDRvpInoB_g74vlpx8Dip3BqQFrCXwXtQnXU2BlLgOTs5tdVSIjOU41GSuy1qIcg5hevRaUPhHUIvnrWH2OH9f3-T8jQuer6pAGMeEqrVHlHBKz/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just don't know</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: orange;"><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-42772571911314118532014-04-10T06:07:00.001-07:002014-04-10T08:08:49.411-07:00Milan Design Week 2014As luck would have it, my stay in Milan is crossed by one of the city's most internationally renown events...<a href="http://www.cosmit.it/en/salone_internazionale_del_mobile" target="_blank">Salone Internazionale del Mobile</a> (aka. Design Week).<br />
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From April 8-13, 2014, Milan will become inhabited with masses of international visitors and some of the world's "hottest" designers showcasing their concepts and ideas about design particularly in the home furnishing sector. Many say this annual Milanese festival sets the global design benchmark.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LLu6gEGLoDpbng3eHMNqmWiw8IRkE7BdGMM53skNlGh5S_CZOW_mH675qVbDl48KpJW4FFUAKkew1zF6oxBqMjmrQOf5f4sVFZSxCwAmfxDR1oMH-fNqTlJwZsihB401Jqz9zcGgEi2V/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LLu6gEGLoDpbng3eHMNqmWiw8IRkE7BdGMM53skNlGh5S_CZOW_mH675qVbDl48KpJW4FFUAKkew1zF6oxBqMjmrQOf5f4sVFZSxCwAmfxDR1oMH-fNqTlJwZsihB401Jqz9zcGgEi2V/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brera Design District</td></tr>
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The headquarters of the festivities is located at the Milan Fairgrounds, but due to massive expansion and interest the entire city is transformed into a giant design venue with the Brera Design District and Lambrate area containing the highest concentration of "<a href="http://fuorisalone.it/2014/" target="_blank">fuorisalone</a>" events. Walking through the <a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/discover-milan/entertainment/brera-design-district/" target="_blank">Brera Design District</a> last night, I was able to catch a few (ok, more than a few) cocktail parties. There is nothing better than browsing the latest and emerging design concepts while sipping on free drinks and munching on <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: none; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">hors d'oeuvres.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: orange;">-----------Milan Design Week - April 9-----------</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="background-color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQfPiFlyrgwwhkp8Lob_Z8ejc5rXQigKluCHvG1Qyife0rdaSrpUAVvsYKZNmkOfbi7lVwzLRLTdSUU2qSck-5QEuwxf9qUOHVEiL-BnVdin8budI6brq1q63CRU1CCDqvBEDtouM4G4t/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQfPiFlyrgwwhkp8Lob_Z8ejc5rXQigKluCHvG1Qyife0rdaSrpUAVvsYKZNmkOfbi7lVwzLRLTdSUU2qSck-5QEuwxf9qUOHVEiL-BnVdin8budI6brq1q63CRU1CCDqvBEDtouM4G4t/s1600/1.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturn & Sons Lamp (Cocktail Party)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_kcN0zeQxK4-RkpbXW_-gO_H1TJb_e2y7v1k5GhtuQ-IMEEtWppkE7wT0Do3iu3r_M-3H2pqzB9OG5YXpWABSWkV8PflXvBpp5r180I93_fhhpmWsVkyFomDfWErgDfdz1_UbYqm95fD/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_kcN0zeQxK4-RkpbXW_-gO_H1TJb_e2y7v1k5GhtuQ-IMEEtWppkE7wT0Do3iu3r_M-3H2pqzB9OG5YXpWABSWkV8PflXvBpp5r180I93_fhhpmWsVkyFomDfWErgDfdz1_UbYqm95fD/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturn & Sons Lamp (Cocktail Party)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPGVhnH6lCaoo1lCpYy1SMi_Jd76xKCds_quMJnfaaRnHr5NP50He9061KE2_Xphhyy61wUEo0g25XaEIksBgUl5-NN7Yy1_bJTewZy4mwUbwSSH5yxz1eowW7j4da28ouefDYPIrt9Q5/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPGVhnH6lCaoo1lCpYy1SMi_Jd76xKCds_quMJnfaaRnHr5NP50He9061KE2_Xphhyy61wUEo0g25XaEIksBgUl5-NN7Yy1_bJTewZy4mwUbwSSH5yxz1eowW7j4da28ouefDYPIrt9Q5/s1600/3.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound wall made of peat moss (Swedish Cocktail Party)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lYA3iToQJMq11yqCDN8__tLwfk0jLNXSYJc5CmhjGLxvw6sPvtqWnMz2ITv9Fp-WswMVc65XwixcmWLanRKQmfJ33umlhHRGPd18HBchiASWL0fHLfnbILWsux5_oxlQzi9cMjULS4cC/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lYA3iToQJMq11yqCDN8__tLwfk0jLNXSYJc5CmhjGLxvw6sPvtqWnMz2ITv9Fp-WswMVc65XwixcmWLanRKQmfJ33umlhHRGPd18HBchiASWL0fHLfnbILWsux5_oxlQzi9cMjULS4cC/s1600/4.jpg" height="400" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designer Jangir Maddadi (Swedish Cocktail Party)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa-_1qO13U7UegRt51Jj92_B64mYaqSw5pL3AaJvsJ6lv57xVZUJQgYZzuuvXaZtRfePXrPOL2BQNrWF3dycwnWnMKGHap02U47J9BzudZLX5p8zG9GGvPqfBMbHUwkJEu3MhJbp8Ao4M/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa-_1qO13U7UegRt51Jj92_B64mYaqSw5pL3AaJvsJ6lv57xVZUJQgYZzuuvXaZtRfePXrPOL2BQNrWF3dycwnWnMKGHap02U47J9BzudZLX5p8zG9GGvPqfBMbHUwkJEu3MhJbp8Ao4M/s1600/5.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Svensk Form's Cocktail Party </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmeRgapKfDfO5ieikYtWTJZb6R9-eCOYhkIy_mmKk2w3qgG8y81NrLfHcN1yAPt5PUgU2vXzLDgOWjEBYcgmjaadD1760xRYXEwVRAHM3qG621JRSCU5Zuy2u44FAwAP2-nBsQNJz40EO/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmeRgapKfDfO5ieikYtWTJZb6R9-eCOYhkIy_mmKk2w3qgG8y81NrLfHcN1yAPt5PUgU2vXzLDgOWjEBYcgmjaadD1760xRYXEwVRAHM3qG621JRSCU5Zuy2u44FAwAP2-nBsQNJz40EO/s1600/7.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design display in a historic Brera church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-9kxrbRbcH3mg1C3uIuA35po9RidGirJLSxsmKx-jIeehKkB9cmQsc1ynz8Q2au8NczRHKiPb2kYRbfjSVQvWej9Rw2n4EInFF4At5CJB2wE0u8XOHbTh_vdjfBu3fl0wlof-uT7S72S/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-9kxrbRbcH3mg1C3uIuA35po9RidGirJLSxsmKx-jIeehKkB9cmQsc1ynz8Q2au8NczRHKiPb2kYRbfjSVQvWej9Rw2n4EInFF4At5CJB2wE0u8XOHbTh_vdjfBu3fl0wlof-uT7S72S/s1600/8.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New seating concept on display in Brera</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY3XJCv9Qc9t0fqX6zjB2XhYp8VJrzbAhtRmTNGU0vhqvbBlFlWHtCi34Zx67_Nhvh2yhP_P1SpwAy3DBj93eAs6weUJZGHRorQYx4syEu3KHlo3_efnJROaziUElIjsaeHg8lXx3Rfln/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY3XJCv9Qc9t0fqX6zjB2XhYp8VJrzbAhtRmTNGU0vhqvbBlFlWHtCi34Zx67_Nhvh2yhP_P1SpwAy3DBj93eAs6weUJZGHRorQYx4syEu3KHlo3_efnJROaziUElIjsaeHg8lXx3Rfln/s1600/9.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighting design</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-28625717100550076812014-04-07T08:03:00.000-07:002014-04-07T08:03:00.695-07:00Sabbioneta, Italy: An UNESCO World Heritage Site Right now you are probably thinking, "Wow! An UNESCO World Heritage Site; sounds important." Well, your instincts are correct....it is important and I'm going to briefly tell you why.<br />
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What exactly is UNESCO?</h3>
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Under the United Nations (UN), a specialized agency was created to carryout the UN's mission of ensuring peace and security by the promotion of universal respect and international collaboration through educational, scientific and cultural methods; thus, the birth of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). Out of its 195 member state agency, 21 create the UNESCO World Heritage Committee which catalogs and conserves sites of significant importance to the heritage of humanity in general. With 981 sites on the list, Italy contains the highest concentration with 49; one being the city of Sabbioneta.<br />
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Preserved Sabbioneta</h3>
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Located between the cities of Parma and Mantua and roughly two hours southeast of Milan by car, Sabbioneta is the "ideal city" of late Renaissance architecture and city planning. The city, which still lies within its original 16th century defensive walls, makes the visitor feel as if the city was still under the rule of the Gonzaga family. </div>
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As we trekked our way on the river rock roads towards the center of Sabbioneta, we had an unique opportunity to experience an Italian Renaissance welcome. You see, it was around noon and do you know what happens in a old city when the clock strikes noon? Find out by watching this short clip.</div>
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Just like most tourists do we wondered the streets until we found an open attraction. By doing so, this gave us our first stop in Sabbioneta...the Palazzo del Giardino (Garden Palace). With a rather dull outside, this 16th century building had a outstanding inside. The perfect comparison would be Iowa's state rock...the Geode; rough on the outside but beautiful on the inside. Directly adjacent to the Palazzo del Giardino was the Galleria degli Antichi; which in it's prime, housed the duke's collection of ancient statues, hunting trophies and other valuable processions. This happens to be Italy's third largest gallery.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkXSl-9YIPYTqvXQeOYY3aizdU0sMnHT-BYO7yclfagHfMBiNAHLXjDpJhOcdehSUmnATGhCrHkcFTJZNdYhzptfhZ0VlQZhsPtIIWgndP-I-J9VpOM1yJKknV6y_Cs9uK5s2eofTnW_t/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkXSl-9YIPYTqvXQeOYY3aizdU0sMnHT-BYO7yclfagHfMBiNAHLXjDpJhOcdehSUmnATGhCrHkcFTJZNdYhzptfhZ0VlQZhsPtIIWgndP-I-J9VpOM1yJKknV6y_Cs9uK5s2eofTnW_t/s1600/4.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galliera degli Antichi looking towards the Palazzo del Giardino</td></tr>
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With a location on the main plaza, our next destination was the Palazzo Ducale (the Ducal Palace).The rooms of the palace were completely decked out with intricately carved wooden ceilings and frescoed walls. These ceilings were so remarkable, they outshone the other artifacts on display in the rooms. Just look at the photos.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsUldvZ5g-HouYIbMH7tn3B6mpspEZBswuOnS1H_PmrNhVc3VAEN1FVOhAH7fvjorWzdM1qXSaiRNerJPaE9cxDFXl8_Mm4zSovqqEb81K4xh-bS1Vc93d6aYb4yCs3rE4z1juoh3-CZY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsUldvZ5g-HouYIbMH7tn3B6mpspEZBswuOnS1H_PmrNhVc3VAEN1FVOhAH7fvjorWzdM1qXSaiRNerJPaE9cxDFXl8_Mm4zSovqqEb81K4xh-bS1Vc93d6aYb4yCs3rE4z1juoh3-CZY/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireplace in the Duke's Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Ceiling in the Duke's Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the ceiling details in the Duke's Palace</td></tr>
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A Slight Disappointment</h3>
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Being a tourist destination and listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, we were shocked to find we weren't able to enter some of the places due to the fact they were closed and didn't open until 3:30 pm. Sabbioneta is home to some remarkable places like Europe's first theater that wasn't built from pre-existing structures and an architecturally beautiful Jewish synagogue. Unfortunately, those places were closed when we were there, so I don't have any pictures of their insides.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xHIW9KKzK17_j9JYZak45E9aEuISKxHM_DX_toNftZ7_gCGy98CFbTvnw_kpd8YF6KiW06TqoDABOYQhkXHvYID5-i0aqFaasRGV_yM64dnldVSqVmcTyvBiFVu3qH5nc7tFWPPK8br7/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xHIW9KKzK17_j9JYZak45E9aEuISKxHM_DX_toNftZ7_gCGy98CFbTvnw_kpd8YF6KiW06TqoDABOYQhkXHvYID5-i0aqFaasRGV_yM64dnldVSqVmcTyvBiFVu3qH5nc7tFWPPK8br7/s1600/5.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teatro All'Antica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of the Jewish Synagogue (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFNmklERjbLAmmrswRxxTGTmVm0oqYuXf04cYADESj4DYK0fZvXCwUDj7heBwFjQxR6JleBSf0gnO7tzXvTnid-Z_KjWHjzKkupnNtjEez9p4RxGV3xU8YEio_Hj07tWBwJiYRqVR_L5k/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFNmklERjbLAmmrswRxxTGTmVm0oqYuXf04cYADESj4DYK0fZvXCwUDj7heBwFjQxR6JleBSf0gnO7tzXvTnid-Z_KjWHjzKkupnNtjEez9p4RxGV3xU8YEio_Hj07tWBwJiYRqVR_L5k/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none; line-height: 23.760000228881836px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Chiesa della Beata Vergine Incoronata</span></span></td></tr>
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The "Felice Nel Box" Project</h3>
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With an interesting plot, this indie project tells the story of a family who took a gravestone from the deprived Jewish cemetery in Sabbioneta in order to preserve the Jewish history. The purpose of this video production is to raise funds to help restore the earthquake damaged Jewish synagogue in Sabbioneta. Checkout the promo video here: <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-felice-restore-the-ancient-synagogue-of-sabbioneta" target="_blank">Felice Nel Box</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com046018 Sabbioneta Mantua, Italy44.9989854 10.48892769999997744.9765279 10.448587199999977 45.021442900000004 10.529268199999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-42353709085052019522014-04-01T07:56:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:06:08.521-07:00WhereMilan: Your 5 Star Tourist Publication<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
WhereMilan Event at Milan's Newest 5 Star Hotel: Palazzo Parigi</h2>
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Officially opening its doors in September 2013, the Palazzo Parigi currently holds the title of "Milan's Newest 5 Star Luxury Hotel." As soon as you walk through the Palazzo's revolving door, you are hit with a wave of hyper-lux elegance. Maybe it's the glass chandeliers, marble embedded architecture, artworks which are centuries old or a combination of everything, whatever it may be the Palazzo had just taken you to a place that is out of this world. With a price tag of rooms starting around $500/night, you will not be upset with the Palazzo's hospitality and location as it it sits in the heart of Milan near the Fashion and Brera Districts. What a perfect location for a WhereMilan event!</div>
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Palazzo Parigi was the perfect location to host WhereMilan's reception and introduction of it's new product offerings. Some of the publication's biggest clients were in attendance, including the editor of Berlin's newest tourism publication WhereBerlin. Again...another fantastic experience provided by WhereMilan.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2YVxUzA4p9PTeIwgEVqGQ3RPpqFig1hR7c_QTaZENA6TOT_XiSI1NvRWYMZIz4wd6NQiELEx9Y7yKZtKRIvdSyBi4i9VJQ9qQt6ENQs123o4HmyoUD1FB7VKSk555eQTBYPz0zxiKvWR/s1600/d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Entry of Palazzo Parigi" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2YVxUzA4p9PTeIwgEVqGQ3RPpqFig1hR7c_QTaZENA6TOT_XiSI1NvRWYMZIz4wd6NQiELEx9Y7yKZtKRIvdSyBi4i9VJQ9qQt6ENQs123o4HmyoUD1FB7VKSk555eQTBYPz0zxiKvWR/s1600/d.jpg" height="400" title="The Entry of Palazzo Parigi" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entry of Palazzo Parigi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqwBrJ0FFaFbfxdVFitGmXbIH6HXFuZxg4MIKpm_XQ7pxAoOKmx67Yu_taC5ZNeB-NAYkTj2qlPavf6HrUToZRgBP0QUPXmXuzesRsarfBgs0fsQDWPazYPGXO2vc2Kb8o4VMhi9U5UWZ/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Palazzo Parigi Milan Artworks" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqwBrJ0FFaFbfxdVFitGmXbIH6HXFuZxg4MIKpm_XQ7pxAoOKmx67Yu_taC5ZNeB-NAYkTj2qlPavf6HrUToZRgBP0QUPXmXuzesRsarfBgs0fsQDWPazYPGXO2vc2Kb8o4VMhi9U5UWZ/s1600/c.jpg" height="242" title="Palazzo Parigi Artworks" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artworks accenting the hotel's focus on luxury</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVOFBqtcvVkD72ol2y99v0HeFMi3dzAMcxbkjCLLLT5ZXrZioKk99cJqhLGpLTWgwB_OibTY8pasWcTT_PXPmaVZh2j1z2jwSGdQ9WH752vh3nyUrhd4bUgpTi33DtEm3a50b24SKUYKB/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVOFBqtcvVkD72ol2y99v0HeFMi3dzAMcxbkjCLLLT5ZXrZioKk99cJqhLGpLTWgwB_OibTY8pasWcTT_PXPmaVZh2j1z2jwSGdQ9WH752vh3nyUrhd4bUgpTi33DtEm3a50b24SKUYKB/s1600/b.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the glass chandelier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy6gd1i12B1tBxSGCKQ0HNlgQbmFHYSLm5unn9zAUdPSAiCKP3wl8kVIIF-bN64sEP7WROS0u2dqLj5pJ0UtSBmUAbtP-h1OqayJbpzeKBwCnhdvgDXdEOq-nWU2-d2DzhZ5e0_N1v5nX/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy6gd1i12B1tBxSGCKQ0HNlgQbmFHYSLm5unn9zAUdPSAiCKP3wl8kVIIF-bN64sEP7WROS0u2dqLj5pJ0UtSBmUAbtP-h1OqayJbpzeKBwCnhdvgDXdEOq-nWU2-d2DzhZ5e0_N1v5nX/s1600/a.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WhereMilan CEO, Andrea Jarach, presenting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xoki_ths1Gilcin_0-NzztVdjKC33UshmQ0o7MVEw9j7-Cq3yi-OCC5ABS4Zic-X_k9JoMlYKTAXYVX3RnM96cNlyV7xP3sF1klDlsA30Zv50My-JC2UyrGXBqJk82Vy3zclZ2XzZ13o/s1600/Event.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xoki_ths1Gilcin_0-NzztVdjKC33UshmQ0o7MVEw9j7-Cq3yi-OCC5ABS4Zic-X_k9JoMlYKTAXYVX3RnM96cNlyV7xP3sF1klDlsA30Zv50My-JC2UyrGXBqJk82Vy3zclZ2XzZ13o/s1600/Event.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WhereMilan</td></tr>
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Work Pizza Party at Spontini's</h2>
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A few weeks ago, WhereMilan treated its team to a pizza party at one of Milan's best pizza joints. The pizza was remarkably good that now I have to update my "Top 3 Pizzerias in the World" list, and make it a global list because of a newcomer in the top ranks. Drumroll, please.... </div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.loumalnatis.com/" target="_blank">Lou Malnati's</a> - Chicago, IL (Chicago Deep Dish Pizza)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.pizzeriaspontini.it/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Spontini</a> - Milan, IT via Cenisio (Thicker than most Italian pizzas I've had so far...almost a focaccia style crust)</b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://fongspizza.com/" target="_blank">Fong's Pizza</a> - Des Moines, IA (Thin style, orgasmic pizza with an Asian fusion flare)</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MiQLWPLSZDdsaQOfu_PVAqKlkSLLe4AEs9GPjvGUl0BmT9WIM7ZOlYTQvBp9s3tf16mjanb6nVTw3QJzIM0ki64nmlsEEad0XOQjaRTH7RcJN7yed3sBSyEsmxkoTZA9rRETBsyrZYQB/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MiQLWPLSZDdsaQOfu_PVAqKlkSLLe4AEs9GPjvGUl0BmT9WIM7ZOlYTQvBp9s3tf16mjanb6nVTw3QJzIM0ki64nmlsEEad0XOQjaRTH7RcJN7yed3sBSyEsmxkoTZA9rRETBsyrZYQB/s1600/11.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spontini Milano Pizzeria </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsESJYWbhDPFtS8j6FF3rV7D4z_CSPClQl4Mi1vFK0KEB09XfS1ly9ElLi_jVmC6Xtj5N8WwHZkQc8n-oMS7KyP8oN51woDjNni8iyBFA6oIoTmlwQR3iUlyhKMQEHpHeb-AkK6iyMKSx5/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsESJYWbhDPFtS8j6FF3rV7D4z_CSPClQl4Mi1vFK0KEB09XfS1ly9ElLi_jVmC6Xtj5N8WwHZkQc8n-oMS7KyP8oN51woDjNni8iyBFA6oIoTmlwQR3iUlyhKMQEHpHeb-AkK6iyMKSx5/s1600/12.jpg" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DELICIOUS Spontini Pizza for 5.50 Euros</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN1KmL0xAk-EKCPHjJRqYv0lS0ByTmJxqGNDTYwdrUMx9JJwiYxNEQA2AC_4Tm6qw9mhmSo42AjmNVTb_AbBr5gyHwJu5EvUPIUMXXEj9l5aO4LdIZL_EMvvkXE4qWgk6_a1ULykk50V5/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN1KmL0xAk-EKCPHjJRqYv0lS0ByTmJxqGNDTYwdrUMx9JJwiYxNEQA2AC_4Tm6qw9mhmSo42AjmNVTb_AbBr5gyHwJu5EvUPIUMXXEj9l5aO4LdIZL_EMvvkXE4qWgk6_a1ULykk50V5/s1600/13.jpg" height="197" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The WhereMilan Group</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-39354708003400705382014-03-26T13:42:00.000-07:002014-03-27T04:29:39.618-07:00Exclusive Look into Piero Manzoni's ExhibitHave you heard of the Milanese artist, Piero Manzoni? Well, you are about to because <a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/" target="_blank">WhereMilan</a> provided Anna, Alessandra, Joy and myself with press passes to the grand opening of Manzoni's Palazzo Reale exhibition! (A perk that comes with working for a tourism publication.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxd2WCrEITABYaBEnFu8WTG0MF8inpub0ZAg6wit_gwf8ScZgoHpOwt4k9ErQFErJSAZnYYvcucrOfDWMyHMpD9cZEdG2KCLSATXwyj768Vgki2lLqqtn3E3INK_tZo3j5oCY4bwtHq8xz/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxd2WCrEITABYaBEnFu8WTG0MF8inpub0ZAg6wit_gwf8ScZgoHpOwt4k9ErQFErJSAZnYYvcucrOfDWMyHMpD9cZEdG2KCLSATXwyj768Vgki2lLqqtn3E3INK_tZo3j5oCY4bwtHq8xz/s1600/6.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piero Manzoni (Image: Timeout.com)</td></tr>
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Born in 1933, Manzoni lived only 30 more years until his death in 1963, due to a heart attack. During that time, he was an extreme benefactor of the avant-garde movement. Members of this movement had a tendency to experiment with various techniques and materials bringing new and innovative ideas to the art scene. Manzoni...now he was famous for introducing the world to a style of work called achrome. Achrome is created mainly out of a white, colorless rough gesso and/or karolin compound that is placed on a surface and left to dry. The outcome was not a work of art created by a self-imposed process but was created by the art itself. Here is one example of his achromes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYVy8eDKXe_0m0UAH7Ib6-FYOd6q9JWSybrXmhVT3QhkX00Iw8ienLTkfmOSln-x9mm677VaGNeVKXKEDBL3JPYnU8o-s-v9HWiY2wteDDZGWvDbcKtbGUr151fB2BMGeCDepZ4qnh66Y/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYVy8eDKXe_0m0UAH7Ib6-FYOd6q9JWSybrXmhVT3QhkX00Iw8ienLTkfmOSln-x9mm677VaGNeVKXKEDBL3JPYnU8o-s-v9HWiY2wteDDZGWvDbcKtbGUr151fB2BMGeCDepZ4qnh66Y/s1600/3.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achrome by Manzoni</td></tr>
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The next Manzoni work I pondered about was titled "Linee". Inside the cardboard tube, was a scroll containing a simple, black line that went from end to end. Individuals were given the opportunity to buy these labeled tubes complete with Manzoni's autograph, the work's description and the length of the scroll. Next, it was up to the buyer to decide whether or not to open the tube.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7AK18aQ4Mif1kgxdy8Q96fs0xqvTFBj2OswFrD6M9vmOQtH0WIpXKrA2lnVZbL4laurXAGTl6-qdf-Sfux92Vg2ayUeIjrJ107aWwg7rIja9azk3jowQU_pwEYeKYNrQqw4th-9qHIJL/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7AK18aQ4Mif1kgxdy8Q96fs0xqvTFBj2OswFrD6M9vmOQtH0WIpXKrA2lnVZbL4laurXAGTl6-qdf-Sfux92Vg2ayUeIjrJ107aWwg7rIja9azk3jowQU_pwEYeKYNrQqw4th-9qHIJL/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manzoni's "Linee"</td></tr>
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"Magical Base" is where Manzoni presents a pedestal shaped platform as if it was meant for a statue. In fact, it was meant for a statue....a living statue. Here he would have participants stand on the specified area indicated by the two footprints; therefore, turning the actual individual into an working art. Manzoni then applied his signature to the skin of the subject.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU6pauVgpDzJYer0EjuR6xOhc5ljIiIr8t50AmspTpkvvwoBM9qdg6mfEmvl0qKUCHhqh0uLCVm4rWdXIXM9LpiDZqCtHUlGBFR77f6QKDsHCtRoqL3lLON9GdsxlnTpemHVQbDd5BQte/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU6pauVgpDzJYer0EjuR6xOhc5ljIiIr8t50AmspTpkvvwoBM9qdg6mfEmvl0qKUCHhqh0uLCVm4rWdXIXM9LpiDZqCtHUlGBFR77f6QKDsHCtRoqL3lLON9GdsxlnTpemHVQbDd5BQte/s1600/5.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Magical Base" by Manzoni</td></tr>
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Another of his most famous concepts is using the human body in an artful way. Not only did Manzoni sell a kit containing a balloon and instructions where the buyer could create the intended art work, but he also sold hard boiled eggs with his thumbprint representing his signature. It was then at the buyer's discretion to decide if they wanted to eat the Manzoni's boiled egg art or not. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp2Nn3NO-1Q0m3guOtQlW9gIO0G35rWqGIYnY61f2xXPxAb7dY_JebliyehVcD0zfxCGPLxOdSWThlsg7K7P-XYniFOE5aZ3mL-5eNFH9inDFNNKPc68uQq8kyo_PhmzobzBP0JzXe5vb/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp2Nn3NO-1Q0m3guOtQlW9gIO0G35rWqGIYnY61f2xXPxAb7dY_JebliyehVcD0zfxCGPLxOdSWThlsg7K7P-XYniFOE5aZ3mL-5eNFH9inDFNNKPc68uQq8kyo_PhmzobzBP0JzXe5vb/s1600/4.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Uova con Impronta" by Manzoni</td></tr>
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In addition to selling eggs with his thumbprint and his breath, he also sold "Artist's Shit". These cans are probably some of his most famous works. In 2008, "Artist's Shit" can # 83 sold for 97,000 Pounds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtoSZkAZhzB_CS3LqLpJpJQqvrONTVScjVqWDY0VAvkIKc64MzcNeBXOqnWOD2eO8JEU6AOREMaLPvZoaRbf8jEts0hCz3lO5KuXO09CooG38ANtUfEgejNVfDOFbbrV8UlIJBLKulPpr/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtoSZkAZhzB_CS3LqLpJpJQqvrONTVScjVqWDY0VAvkIKc64MzcNeBXOqnWOD2eO8JEU6AOREMaLPvZoaRbf8jEts0hCz3lO5KuXO09CooG38ANtUfEgejNVfDOFbbrV8UlIJBLKulPpr/s1600/1.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artit's Shit by Manzoni</td></tr>
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Overall, the Piero Manzoni exhibition at the Palazza Reale in Milan comes in second out of the three exhibits I've seen there; slightly beating out Andy Warhol. Thanks <a href="http://wheremilan.com/" target="_blank">WhereMilan</a> for this amazing experience!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-70856172318729632792014-03-24T06:06:00.000-07:002014-03-24T08:06:39.674-07:00Day Trip: Milan to Bologna, Italy<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to Bologna: Origin of the Bolognese Sauce</h2>
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What can I say about the Italian city of Bologna? Well, let me start off by mentioning it is a <u>MUST SEE</u> location and totally reachable from Milan making it the perfect day trip. I hope you are ready for your virtual journey to Bologna, Italy, because here we go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l7wXBXWeWTEVrFlMZdeETB-5HMk1YCnBOtJn1nGUqaqrOIGZPoUdguB8NCNq8lKGc_tFRPQ5xVn8-J00DkqD8udAjgdQX4X0flb_VjzEP0SnGo_dlD2UhjLPL5yukE64i5WabZ5cN82V/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l7wXBXWeWTEVrFlMZdeETB-5HMk1YCnBOtJn1nGUqaqrOIGZPoUdguB8NCNq8lKGc_tFRPQ5xVn8-J00DkqD8udAjgdQX4X0flb_VjzEP0SnGo_dlD2UhjLPL5yukE64i5WabZ5cN82V/s1600/1.jpg" height="101" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned previously, Bologna is extremely easy to reach from Milan; it only takes a train ride. Depending on your comfort level for traveling (and your budget), you can reach the medieval Italian city between one to three hours from Milan Central Station. In our case we wanted to travel cheaply, so for 16 euros one-way we rode the regional train which took us nearly three hours to reach Bologna. If we spent about 25 more euros, the fast train would have gotten us there in about one hour. A word of advice: choose a train that gets you there before 10 am because there are a lot of places to see and things to do in Bologna. We ended up leaving at 8 pm and still didn't see everything we wanted to.</div>
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With origins dating back to about 1,000 BC, Bologna is now the 7th largest city in Italy based off population. From the Iron Age with the Villanovan culture to Celtics to Romans to Lombards, the city has been through many changes and served various purposes. This is the reason why Bologna is home to a wealthy assortment of structures portraying Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The below image is part of the Roman wall which surrounded the entire city at the time, and below the wall image is a small sample, about 0.0001%, of all the arches in the city. LOL!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqIgP6Qq3-l0oWQQ1Bla7t1LXM_o_DAWNRjWprhM2tiHRurWGkhn-_VSrX_DtCsH2vbxveiwHm0xlCILod1drJdTcrFvhl2gr3lRsJvtpUXp0BWYWLdNuUssceorzpGUKnwbaLSnfOGZn/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bologna Roman Wall" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqIgP6Qq3-l0oWQQ1Bla7t1LXM_o_DAWNRjWprhM2tiHRurWGkhn-_VSrX_DtCsH2vbxveiwHm0xlCILod1drJdTcrFvhl2gr3lRsJvtpUXp0BWYWLdNuUssceorzpGUKnwbaLSnfOGZn/s1600/2.jpg" height="216" title="Bologna Roman Wall" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of the Roman wall that surrounded the city</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHppn9BotCd8VLJeIH5zqctEZxaJ8k1JzSimgDz04iMVx3XOGsSVTdJeKXi_1sh0zQwLTuRIsi3JA38Q5-3f2Y2TdNP3uzQPCQWu6o3g6jSbhDIiBo9BlOW_WYiYIu26Xxd9Fcs6eCWQ5/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bologna Arches" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHppn9BotCd8VLJeIH5zqctEZxaJ8k1JzSimgDz04iMVx3XOGsSVTdJeKXi_1sh0zQwLTuRIsi3JA38Q5-3f2Y2TdNP3uzQPCQWu6o3g6jSbhDIiBo9BlOW_WYiYIu26Xxd9Fcs6eCWQ5/s1600/14.jpg" height="238" title="Bologna Arches" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only four of Bologna's mannnny arches</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pmspdA0_91tUWpbofRjmI1a-_TlMU9UAC-PTQwlcfqo6YwZusCEfWKUBTRtCNJpC2EkZe-nQJLV2plNKwd7GKAAHdAIJQPW2VB6jUZzp2JS4UOpxsUMrg_sX5NYv6YRblfSjqQCZEvte/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arena del Sole Theater" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pmspdA0_91tUWpbofRjmI1a-_TlMU9UAC-PTQwlcfqo6YwZusCEfWKUBTRtCNJpC2EkZe-nQJLV2plNKwd7GKAAHdAIJQPW2VB6jUZzp2JS4UOpxsUMrg_sX5NYv6YRblfSjqQCZEvte/s1600/15.jpg" height="255" title="Arena del Sole Theater" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arena del Sole Theater...and more arches</td></tr>
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The next image was taken from inside of the University of Bologna, the world's oldest continuously operating university which held its first class in 1088 AD. The University also houses a very interesting free museum that we visited which was all about the university's students and campus life. Some of most notable alumni for the University of Bologna include three popes. Today, about 85,000 students are enrolled throughout the University's 23 schools.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH6jNcQ9VaKK4UXZF8EwmJ5ohgcx0DOB7nYO_Or9j4lQDMggjeVCgG44WekQpUNSTzRi0JD1DVKRqfVflNEpWONvXqClbFZAMOqodcZW2n9QjwR4Yil6lMMN76BE67ZKQW4mVN6aN8hFj/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Palazzo Poggi University Museum" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH6jNcQ9VaKK4UXZF8EwmJ5ohgcx0DOB7nYO_Or9j4lQDMggjeVCgG44WekQpUNSTzRi0JD1DVKRqfVflNEpWONvXqClbFZAMOqodcZW2n9QjwR4Yil6lMMN76BE67ZKQW4mVN6aN8hFj/s1600/9.jpg" height="400" title="Palazzo Poggi University Museum" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palazzo Poggi University Museum</td></tr>
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The National Art Gallery of Bologna is another free attraction we visited. This gallery contains a vast collection of 13th-18th century paintings made by artists who have ties to the city of Bologna.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPJHrmj2HgVRr__Qz_FBQpC3ybF7icl5QG6RrnabE-zG5R_Osif9Hm9hjbIHXWNVzLcQP-8sO0eq0v2CBenUN9dNqAGwZekdJOEXdYmXmEXql8qLcun6t94sQ3TYI7hGTYyLHiyp3ogy0/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pinacoteca Nazionale Bologna" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPJHrmj2HgVRr__Qz_FBQpC3ybF7icl5QG6RrnabE-zG5R_Osif9Hm9hjbIHXWNVzLcQP-8sO0eq0v2CBenUN9dNqAGwZekdJOEXdYmXmEXql8qLcun6t94sQ3TYI7hGTYyLHiyp3ogy0/s1600/10.jpg" height="125" title="Pinacoteca Nazionale Bologna" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Picture Gallery</td></tr>
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One of Bologna's secrets happens to be its hidden system of canals. Before my trip, I had no clue bologna had canals until I crossed over one. This hydraulic system was created during the middle ages to bring not only water into the city for use but as a source for hydraulic energy. It was a nice surprise....I can't wait to see what Venice will be like.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE26jQWqGmeBpTPtXfzIlKwbsrAtQvYBO18J82SnjLPQYl6fJ0WWjaXb4199oTEcYGtJ0d99qLCqcxq5FfJZGpqw7gFQG5cjuvsaEy-AnyNUxVh-dHb8WsL10ZUb8AgMq-6Rnbp9Tl4TyP/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bologna Canal" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE26jQWqGmeBpTPtXfzIlKwbsrAtQvYBO18J82SnjLPQYl6fJ0WWjaXb4199oTEcYGtJ0d99qLCqcxq5FfJZGpqw7gFQG5cjuvsaEy-AnyNUxVh-dHb8WsL10ZUb8AgMq-6Rnbp9Tl4TyP/s1600/12.jpg" height="400" title="Bologna Canal" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bologna Canal</td></tr>
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Located near the town's main plaza, Piazza Maggiore, the 1567 Fountain of Neptune,complete with patinaed bronze, was a remarkable sight to see. (Also, a great photo op.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xZTZx19SjCpcOKCxo0nben-ycewl3oOOo6lsLZBtdAJbS-VbjN-dLTgseddy9mKqusC4eaSSqHHVPcFlbz4M3ZKaaHKWDfmZIGnmQXU_1tvWLBKlwKwSvOxpn7WS-8ZwXyNka4kaGDsb/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fountain of Neptune" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xZTZx19SjCpcOKCxo0nben-ycewl3oOOo6lsLZBtdAJbS-VbjN-dLTgseddy9mKqusC4eaSSqHHVPcFlbz4M3ZKaaHKWDfmZIGnmQXU_1tvWLBKlwKwSvOxpn7WS-8ZwXyNka4kaGDsb/s1600/13.jpg" height="255" title="Fountain of Neptune" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain of Neptune</td></tr>
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As the heading of the post states, Bologna is the origin of everybody's favorite meat based sauce....Bolognese! So for lunch I had to try tortellini with bolognese sauce....I don't know if it was just psychological, but it was perhaps the best I ever had! Bologna is also known for their cured pork meats and cheeses. Unfortunately, I didn't try mortadella....Italy's version of American Bologna.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjmRRGlo-CNrbogDsc2AQeg28QVsFpLqsXIRyi9PjP6KLVmyCLpPuUjvke2caGoQbH9LuknJiQeNeaPLIa6AsscbyOZEuwefDr1U4TtKk13UJhc7ugi3le5tSRWil6FrFNrCirKxxRMXe/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tortellili Ragu alla Bolognese" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjmRRGlo-CNrbogDsc2AQeg28QVsFpLqsXIRyi9PjP6KLVmyCLpPuUjvke2caGoQbH9LuknJiQeNeaPLIa6AsscbyOZEuwefDr1U4TtKk13UJhc7ugi3le5tSRWil6FrFNrCirKxxRMXe/s1600/21.jpg" height="224" title="Tortellili Ragu alla Bolognese" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortellili Ragu alla Bolognese</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu_NNc41bshLBSQz_OC9_yB5LaUeY-K0g__eL9J1HBOE0an8Fs0XVoy1Akut187G6zOimjCkkfbIj9GM7nyNbXkGhGncFGCZFgmkVcTBMVsfLgT7MVqJmX8ZUjDJtr6ATu087f7iIIsXz/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu_NNc41bshLBSQz_OC9_yB5LaUeY-K0g__eL9J1HBOE0an8Fs0XVoy1Akut187G6zOimjCkkfbIj9GM7nyNbXkGhGncFGCZFgmkVcTBMVsfLgT7MVqJmX8ZUjDJtr6ATu087f7iIIsXz/s1600/7.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Bologna Food</td></tr>
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Some of Bologna's most famous landmarks are it's towers. It is said between the 12th and 13th centuries, Bologna had around 180 towers! Pictured below are the famous "Two Towers;" the smaller leaning one is called "Garisenda" and the tallest one is "Asinelli". At a cost of 3 euros, you can climb the old wooden staircase for a remarkable panoramic view from the 90 m high Asinelli tower. (This is my #1 recommendation of things to do when visiting Bologna)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpFHDTQR9-_qJJnjbVFQaAWVtZAiVptZFGPxxcrxSELhO5ty1Y8my-VRUw_nYQO9WxU_4WrkNbdxje1lODJKwFxPWjKEiNqM7SMtBGq26CbTB7mG_lWCOSrE_2fuQiXXFUOqIfvN2RIQc/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpFHDTQR9-_qJJnjbVFQaAWVtZAiVptZFGPxxcrxSELhO5ty1Y8my-VRUw_nYQO9WxU_4WrkNbdxje1lODJKwFxPWjKEiNqM7SMtBGq26CbTB7mG_lWCOSrE_2fuQiXXFUOqIfvN2RIQc/s1600/18.jpg" height="400" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Two Towers (yes, one leans)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiE74MmmUyILj_id4jHgG40v8SfpFIBxW0c58GL6VV_NZO6gYALg8_Eedji8FfHuZy_UJbw9Bk1VCtXfaeaawrQ7haJ7Y-J2L4RBJl92bxdWTioWucRh_dWvx55gKtMsUrbQnVFvsfy6t/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiE74MmmUyILj_id4jHgG40v8SfpFIBxW0c58GL6VV_NZO6gYALg8_Eedji8FfHuZy_UJbw9Bk1VCtXfaeaawrQ7haJ7Y-J2L4RBJl92bxdWTioWucRh_dWvx55gKtMsUrbQnVFvsfy6t/s1600/9.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made it to the top!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwXAzV5upoyL88NVr78em44Xa-OVCUtOXq2RWr43KoBeJKehPcSAx2-XY6VkaNj5M7HffwkOCLHL57NteAeUCpaKi1tW7OCFH95gVobxhu8KkNKdvaPZXw4JXdLUulIAH25q2LvMDsPhl/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Asinelli Tower" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwXAzV5upoyL88NVr78em44Xa-OVCUtOXq2RWr43KoBeJKehPcSAx2-XY6VkaNj5M7HffwkOCLHL57NteAeUCpaKi1tW7OCFH95gVobxhu8KkNKdvaPZXw4JXdLUulIAH25q2LvMDsPhl/s1600/22.jpg" height="400" title="Asinelli Tower" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Asinelli Tower</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizn01P6K7PQTDlO0BVs3DFgwfrsum_PhNUczpnozlyfYlugMSatZiGWq6ki-y1jrL5Mw3yLPgXPSWRdE9HMjsI6e2QzwgGYFNsiQ-bbwIE50kb-P4a7czVbRHuesu2B0nZPc1PjRb9Ldh/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Asinelli tower" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizn01P6K7PQTDlO0BVs3DFgwfrsum_PhNUczpnozlyfYlugMSatZiGWq6ki-y1jrL5Mw3yLPgXPSWRdE9HMjsI6e2QzwgGYFNsiQ-bbwIE50kb-P4a7czVbRHuesu2B0nZPc1PjRb9Ldh/s1600/23.jpg" height="225" title="Asinelli tower" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Asinelli (notice the large Basilica...explained later))</td></tr>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Churches and Basilicas of Bologna </h2>
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Bologna is home to many important churches and basilicas, and all come complete with outstanding architectural structure and intricate details. (Well, almost all do.) Sadly, many of the churches prohibited photos, but a few of them allowed them didn't. The basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore houses many artistic pieces from the Renaissance era, but they are located inside where photos were, in this case, prohibited. (At least the outside looks nice...right? LOL!)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMEsoCNi54HAE94m_2fU1reJjagJoJbUqQf1ZSwHtgwSptbGLCMS1clMbwv8UzL-FakybxOLxwshoko6GcqqTcyGXTP9uHQzum3eW0wPRKFcW5KH-pMMtU8-zZEOhzTtr4QST-VSMtrnK/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMEsoCNi54HAE94m_2fU1reJjagJoJbUqQf1ZSwHtgwSptbGLCMS1clMbwv8UzL-FakybxOLxwshoko6GcqqTcyGXTP9uHQzum3eW0wPRKFcW5KH-pMMtU8-zZEOhzTtr4QST-VSMtrnK/s1600/3.jpg" height="225" title="Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore</td></tr>
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Basilica and Sanctuary of Santo Stefano is widely known as the "Seven Churches." This might be primarily due to the fact the complex contains multiple basilicas. The basilica is even said to be built over a temple for the Egyptian goddess, Isis. Cool, right?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g77rDlymvUlIMQ9-vhYKEU3GVs11B1L6xjJHJQmIfElRNiy5JYtGPlK9D3vZkZBgmyc56lMmI8w4iGFt4vtWxJcOm5jfPb6pFR5ofdgcVtqU_JPT-4yhn3sGtemt8OAcOVHOIANZNTV3/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basilica and Sanctuary of Santo Stefano" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g77rDlymvUlIMQ9-vhYKEU3GVs11B1L6xjJHJQmIfElRNiy5JYtGPlK9D3vZkZBgmyc56lMmI8w4iGFt4vtWxJcOm5jfPb6pFR5ofdgcVtqU_JPT-4yhn3sGtemt8OAcOVHOIANZNTV3/s1600/4.jpg" height="242" title="Basilica and Sanctuary of Santo Stefano" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica and Sanctuary of Santo Stefano</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFgG4cH2SianF8Ik9eBmw9v3ykWumWs8CnG-XLA2KzTh9aRyBzKSVLHlAA-2-PZn-PfXyR_d8we5D8IYO4tnZ5j8rx8y0l78E-OhE8x3oFljsQAQPlDwio5a608CrG1pt9m_Zz4xw1qZz/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Church of the Holy Sepulchre" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFgG4cH2SianF8Ik9eBmw9v3ykWumWs8CnG-XLA2KzTh9aRyBzKSVLHlAA-2-PZn-PfXyR_d8we5D8IYO4tnZ5j8rx8y0l78E-OhE8x3oFljsQAQPlDwio5a608CrG1pt9m_Zz4xw1qZz/s1600/19.jpg" height="400" title="Church of the Holy Sepulchre" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Oldest part)</td></tr>
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Located on the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio is unmissable. It is known to be the worlds 15th largest church with the vault of the ceiling reaching 148 ft into the air. One of the basilica's prominent features, is the uncompleted facade. On the inside, there is even a sundial embedded into the floor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbtMyACZAhAIhQhH317ySLB71rO6NqPmWeHxjl3g28XLMhM6DJq7g2NJ8Ppj6nfdbGmqoH6gC4aYHIf6kq831Qxj6PFCtgtCzVsilVTf7RcBuursvffGkoXqb3ngIPem19Xsq8t9UptnS/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basilica of San Petronio" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbtMyACZAhAIhQhH317ySLB71rO6NqPmWeHxjl3g28XLMhM6DJq7g2NJ8Ppj6nfdbGmqoH6gC4aYHIf6kq831Qxj6PFCtgtCzVsilVTf7RcBuursvffGkoXqb3ngIPem19Xsq8t9UptnS/s1600/16.jpg" height="282" title="Basilica of San Petronio" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of San Petronio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxYr4AeDyiZ0ylcGHHwhMUBpdu0Zos5aIi8KezKqaziIPcqehTi7DeMLhfZEWG-qDcPdf3uHVC2UcvUFhjjtYlnZWWC3q6T-tTCgSZ7yXa5Vzb-Xu5ur3ZYKgJdQB5incPPGu4lETavxj/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Petronio's Basilica" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxYr4AeDyiZ0ylcGHHwhMUBpdu0Zos5aIi8KezKqaziIPcqehTi7DeMLhfZEWG-qDcPdf3uHVC2UcvUFhjjtYlnZWWC3q6T-tTCgSZ7yXa5Vzb-Xu5ur3ZYKgJdQB5incPPGu4lETavxj/s1600/11.jpg" height="400" title="San Petronio's Basilica" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main alter in San Petronio's Basilica</td></tr>
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The last photos are of a few more churches we had time to visit. If churches are your guilty pleasure, then by all means you best look for real estate in Bologna because you would be in heaven. LOL no pun intended.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxDJ4Yx9w1O3TbNs361_HwvCgoMkStQF0SPxa4Ezj7t-53q5eCxI1DQD0u1fYz9UpNrHoB_htDE0B4-S9RzLYd0FF6i-r5VH3jLbRswJV5yFDl0QhfKsznNo2mOlLEETZS9TJG7WbyfTc/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basilica and Sanctuary of San Domenico" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxDJ4Yx9w1O3TbNs361_HwvCgoMkStQF0SPxa4Ezj7t-53q5eCxI1DQD0u1fYz9UpNrHoB_htDE0B4-S9RzLYd0FF6i-r5VH3jLbRswJV5yFDl0QhfKsznNo2mOlLEETZS9TJG7WbyfTc/s1600/17.jpg" height="242" title="Basilica and Sanctuary of San Domenico" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica and Sanctuary of San Domenico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHZSAg7d6nW-7X-5rTWN0fctt4EUSRXEvpysbfW_W1NHdPyAwc-QNjJ6t5HMyuwJpaspMsAk3f-Q_Ok87Sxh0Mh3iAyoHRsRE3iach2Y6mKi6981gFChY8rcK3Ci551u3Kh1FyE9fsAYr/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cathedral of San Pietro's main alter" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHZSAg7d6nW-7X-5rTWN0fctt4EUSRXEvpysbfW_W1NHdPyAwc-QNjJ6t5HMyuwJpaspMsAk3f-Q_Ok87Sxh0Mh3iAyoHRsRE3iach2Y6mKi6981gFChY8rcK3Ci551u3Kh1FyE9fsAYr/s1600/5.jpg" height="400" title="Cathedral of San Pietro's main alter" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of San Pietro's main alter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdKWj6C1vtM6EJuuCYC-Wecnix3dNSfimUUB52l0yEOjy-LYdEDDc-wtpp8WOGD5OPuAtXtHQoPjitbNfoKddgrjabhfQW-6682NyAQChebbmfzBnc8H_RM-oUEq1pKk1GPjz45EnXgcg/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cathedral of San Pietro" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdKWj6C1vtM6EJuuCYC-Wecnix3dNSfimUUB52l0yEOjy-LYdEDDc-wtpp8WOGD5OPuAtXtHQoPjitbNfoKddgrjabhfQW-6682NyAQChebbmfzBnc8H_RM-oUEq1pKk1GPjz45EnXgcg/s1600/20.jpg" height="400" title="Cathedral of San Pietro" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of San Pietro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ5fPXhgYRM5vEmx56o98MyVzu3KTqfxqDtZWiox07GI8un7miIAhKxAAohzyQSqdu4Lc23tEoCM3ysPnWA-tAWoB8Z6PPJJnWQzIxmO6oeHn3_1fQJLrRlBnO_8jIklwie7qKctWAEhg/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Francesco Basilica at night" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ5fPXhgYRM5vEmx56o98MyVzu3KTqfxqDtZWiox07GI8un7miIAhKxAAohzyQSqdu4Lc23tEoCM3ysPnWA-tAWoB8Z6PPJJnWQzIxmO6oeHn3_1fQJLrRlBnO_8jIklwie7qKctWAEhg/s1600/24.jpg" height="230" title="San Francesco Basilica at night" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Francesco Basilica at night</td></tr>
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<div>
After a full day of sightseeing and walking, it was nice to take a load off our feet on the three hour train ride back to Milan. It was an unbelievable day full of sights not common to me as a rural Iowan...let alone an American. I leave you with a pic of the "boy band" travelers:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nEjf_x2VI6aNPAKyd7dZ655CI-OJlbBFWyb82HawtV9mi4WdsHxd15-CaADcL1oYnJlWghBpMBzdiVUeNA_O-VMxLqkx7w-p5JelVRnp4oor8TeSTUm_Eli2QM6XlzZNfvgYnkkAfI4w/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nEjf_x2VI6aNPAKyd7dZ655CI-OJlbBFWyb82HawtV9mi4WdsHxd15-CaADcL1oYnJlWghBpMBzdiVUeNA_O-VMxLqkx7w-p5JelVRnp4oor8TeSTUm_Eli2QM6XlzZNfvgYnkkAfI4w/s1600/14.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David, Lance (me) and Jitin</td></tr>
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</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Bologna, Italy44.494887 11.34261630000003244.3136765 11.019892800000031 44.6760975 11.665339800000032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-67950373328374639992014-03-19T14:12:00.002-07:002014-03-19T14:21:44.707-07:00Day Trip: Milan to Bergamo<h2><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bergamo: An Historic Walk in the Altitudes</span></h2><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At just about 25 miles northeast of Milan sits the Italian city of Bergamo, and it is the place to be on sunny, pleasantly warm Sunday in March. Reaching Bergamo from Milan is easy, quick, and inexpensive; thus, making it the perfect day trip destination. It only took the group of six (Nico, Vir, David, Dani, Manu, and myself) a short ride on the green metro line to the <span style="background-color: none; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Porta Garibaldi train station, a </span><span style="background-color: none; line-height: 20.22222328186035px;">€</span><span style="background-color: none;"><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">4.55 train ticket (that's right...an one-way ticket for under </span></span><span style="background-color: none; line-height: 20.22222328186035px;">€5)</span><span style="background-color: none; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> using an automated ticketing station, and an one hour long train ride to reach the remarkable Italian town.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IZnp_K1bdw5e4ZCqxf2cXpggcKj6AJTeN2NfNwH9bUM83L6TfMC9p3i8ZyQfkp04uO6tKfk4R3SNeSdL_KqFs4CYBM_7lDI-_dpSXmojbMT2ZJVgU0GUVoAygeCAUOf2mOC0fPbzwXH-/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergamo Train Station" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IZnp_K1bdw5e4ZCqxf2cXpggcKj6AJTeN2NfNwH9bUM83L6TfMC9p3i8ZyQfkp04uO6tKfk4R3SNeSdL_KqFs4CYBM_7lDI-_dpSXmojbMT2ZJVgU0GUVoAygeCAUOf2mOC0fPbzwXH-/s1600/13.jpg" height="262" title="Bergamo Train Station" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: none; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="background-color: none; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Sources say Bergamo is the 2nd most visited city in the Lombardy region...right after Milan, of course. The most distinctive characteristic of the city happens to be the city's two centers; Citta Alta, the historic part situated on top of a hill surrounded</span><span style="background-color: none; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"> by 17th century defensive walls, and Citta Bassa which is the newer area wrapping itself around the base of the hill. The upper and lower sections of the city are connected with roads, stairs, and a cable car making it easily accessible for anyone.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nlITIZegnj-eKLjKeS7-sOYovoj5vTrsAAKs7722YlHBxR62mGXNP5M_Yf5Fbdo3xpJlcdhO1A5Dzgsu7ZY06jdvxfjKd_1kh9ilv4rQvXwVUWZF7JOCZSqI2PRQDeIQnfXzhbgL9tUZ/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bergamo Italy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nlITIZegnj-eKLjKeS7-sOYovoj5vTrsAAKs7722YlHBxR62mGXNP5M_Yf5Fbdo3xpJlcdhO1A5Dzgsu7ZY06jdvxfjKd_1kh9ilv4rQvXwVUWZF7JOCZSqI2PRQDeIQnfXzhbgL9tUZ/s1600/12.jpg" height="211" title="Bergamo Italy" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citta Alta is above the wall; Citta Bassa sits below</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Pretty much the entire day was spent up in the historic Citta Alta section of the city. One of the most spectacular sights I've seen since my arrival in Italy is the La Rocca di Bergamo (The Fortress of Bergamo). The medieval castle with its towers and thick walls depict history quite well....dominance and authority. Today, it is a fantastic observation point providing scenic,panoramic views of Bergamo.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ5R1Vd2c90rHT4RZUPYnL6I8GMotEXklqxi4CxvpdHb9GSbLYnSZvKGpnamIFlLD1h9WeOxX_nGHyXmFON_gM0eTP-vGmON4fdtyHb2O7QNyJB8LJ3WzLOTV-zRftquc2sRduhxVfojC/s1600/20140316_123556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pan of Bergamo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ5R1Vd2c90rHT4RZUPYnL6I8GMotEXklqxi4CxvpdHb9GSbLYnSZvKGpnamIFlLD1h9WeOxX_nGHyXmFON_gM0eTP-vGmON4fdtyHb2O7QNyJB8LJ3WzLOTV-zRftquc2sRduhxVfojC/s1600/20140316_123556.jpg" height="158" title="Pan of Bergamo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of Bergamo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozmUC-BDy2yhYxrEhkH0Dby2BiWtYYDF6PDbP8YEmDc2cyeOL3h4zHJlecMVr9RgaJ-str5cQ923dnt9YZXQSQrEjExrQF6ch1amtnF0tA4tqfYrRxaCvGyo0rKbxxpvhMUYgYTKpssMd/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citta Bassa Bergamo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozmUC-BDy2yhYxrEhkH0Dby2BiWtYYDF6PDbP8YEmDc2cyeOL3h4zHJlecMVr9RgaJ-str5cQ923dnt9YZXQSQrEjExrQF6ch1amtnF0tA4tqfYrRxaCvGyo0rKbxxpvhMUYgYTKpssMd/s1600/9.jpg" height="400" title="Citta Bassa Bergamo" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Citta Bassa from la Rocca</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7xxzC52UUZZginMMpeYZG6C_pWzbkR5vzAo5hJlGWbPN7M73hzjhTrPg5TdpsXo8dZ2oThAJa1Et2uV0ygaCYy8NU4I_g0nGIv0CRhuy8yrFGdq6a-UfPB-6Fgvam5t0aAnVaipvsAWl/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citta Alta Bergamo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7xxzC52UUZZginMMpeYZG6C_pWzbkR5vzAo5hJlGWbPN7M73hzjhTrPg5TdpsXo8dZ2oThAJa1Et2uV0ygaCYy8NU4I_g0nGIv0CRhuy8yrFGdq6a-UfPB-6Fgvam5t0aAnVaipvsAWl/s1600/8.jpg" height="225" title="Citta Alta Bergamo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Citta Alta from la Rocca</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: none; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Just as in Milan, and I assume other Italian cities, the cathedrals were extravagant. In Bergamo, I visited two of the more prominent ones...the </span></span><span style="background-color: none; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: none;"><span style="line-height: 17.91111183166504px;">Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cathedral of Bergamo. Both located right next to each other near the town square, Palazzo della Ragione which sits on the location of the old town square called Piazza Vecchia.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldiKmGIYxh7rVciSCvoXvjdoXro9LS7yC5qYVFNRtM_XIogLxp4G9uL9ROjB6zC1Gk-Td86HZJw8be3m9cVqKx1xkqvBu8aQxd0xjLb2VEdglQD4jarh2kOCvwOPlSvC_yYqXI_fBVec9/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldiKmGIYxh7rVciSCvoXvjdoXro9LS7yC5qYVFNRtM_XIogLxp4G9uL9ROjB6zC1Gk-Td86HZJw8be3m9cVqKx1xkqvBu8aQxd0xjLb2VEdglQD4jarh2kOCvwOPlSvC_yYqXI_fBVec9/s1600/11.jpg" height="207" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "emotional wall" in Citta Alta...I call it that because of the faces lining the top. LOL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RZqFYSS3gngCaCCRlaJH-P05BBT4AmIKSz9X7tC_wqzFMmAWczn_EP31-YjKGEjuuMVQojulPlulZKFjiLhOLPSxX34c00dvUlSnDSmvpegtjeGbmhAIK_sDVd1-ApdWcug-QbhPx4-B/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citta Alta Bergamo street" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RZqFYSS3gngCaCCRlaJH-P05BBT4AmIKSz9X7tC_wqzFMmAWczn_EP31-YjKGEjuuMVQojulPlulZKFjiLhOLPSxX34c00dvUlSnDSmvpegtjeGbmhAIK_sDVd1-ApdWcug-QbhPx4-B/s1600/10.jpg" height="400" title="Citta Alta Bergamo street" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buildings along a street in Citta Alta</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-hIWcBEf9tVtKtEe1TVEqY9RaR7ilIKsaGP8RHR1473LqTqr0mDIoaM4qCo8jIp-qx5fBvJBfGeyH_HRsUvToRn-gcrsU50iSRxQIM3m_HgMBHwIOmRCpx9RHs0Pyd1diVra9aYFYPzT/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Facade of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-hIWcBEf9tVtKtEe1TVEqY9RaR7ilIKsaGP8RHR1473LqTqr0mDIoaM4qCo8jIp-qx5fBvJBfGeyH_HRsUvToRn-gcrsU50iSRxQIM3m_HgMBHwIOmRCpx9RHs0Pyd1diVra9aYFYPzT/s1600/2.jpg" height="400" title="Facade of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Facade of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGepmX4oOw9d9qnY2ya3o7frohwOGX_HD0VRRI2UzBl9mfG-QQKnfMuhBwcgQwsd9Cus0wvClEq-P7oyty86S83rsSrhj9Vz6e8EIxWVMKvU1rcYp5ejRNsyL2sjikE84sJQqAYMf4u0j/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore's detailed dome" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGepmX4oOw9d9qnY2ya3o7frohwOGX_HD0VRRI2UzBl9mfG-QQKnfMuhBwcgQwsd9Cus0wvClEq-P7oyty86S83rsSrhj9Vz6e8EIxWVMKvU1rcYp5ejRNsyL2sjikE84sJQqAYMf4u0j/s1600/4.jpg" height="245" title="Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore's detailed dome" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore's detailed dome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVheB_U-65tM6wXXacYHxA3u1Fe8EqqZ-hK2K-_3R8lfn0O5Jp7KxGg6eYuF-0rSRmIknGhWAmtfaQD9bLuCBQEXmXZMNqn3TDPN_VvRD3v13nwRILmmsV5ILO_Wfpz2sfbfj-GGdTAg-/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Main Alter in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore's " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVheB_U-65tM6wXXacYHxA3u1Fe8EqqZ-hK2K-_3R8lfn0O5Jp7KxGg6eYuF-0rSRmIknGhWAmtfaQD9bLuCBQEXmXZMNqn3TDPN_VvRD3v13nwRILmmsV5ILO_Wfpz2sfbfj-GGdTAg-/s1600/5.jpg" height="400" title="Main Alter in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore's " width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Alter in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mHHz3zJlrzva4C8RmQNWPJFn0CRU047VE1djCFglEwmnSsPciYeHxVd1hovzRs44mIge2EuRx2zYXdqQuN24OZZ92oIVnUadMtTeK6OiNZ3ClWa1WQ0Liaku1b_hyUo69XfuUg0EF6s4/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mHHz3zJlrzva4C8RmQNWPJFn0CRU047VE1djCFglEwmnSsPciYeHxVd1hovzRs44mIge2EuRx2zYXdqQuN24OZZ92oIVnUadMtTeK6OiNZ3ClWa1WQ0Liaku1b_hyUo69XfuUg0EF6s4/s1600/7.jpg" height="400" title="Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QDHLNG-4TMW0ZfHwn7ERjxSgtizV6xqANHC8N6daM7FooLAPieKhEGE2vz13JJ3Me2KPX6G8T4MDoUcndJIqAiKY3pYuclmRf2F28Ayfn3PBOQiLUV3H9h-QHJwKrq6_0FCnK9ANutxU/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inside the Cathedral of Bergamo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QDHLNG-4TMW0ZfHwn7ERjxSgtizV6xqANHC8N6daM7FooLAPieKhEGE2vz13JJ3Me2KPX6G8T4MDoUcndJIqAiKY3pYuclmRf2F28Ayfn3PBOQiLUV3H9h-QHJwKrq6_0FCnK9ANutxU/s1600/3.jpg" height="400" title="Inside the Cathedral of Bergamo" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Cathedral of Bergamo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f_SP7mmsD6P-2a57FSBccpvdrdAf9Lc1VaUzhKPwqQ0CGhtGpEsY5tK43IuQQ3IpzWbiSCCjXljnmytwSOIvNaZzEJEvbSBJipZWIWbgijktRy0W19UFPxDgiiL0mGN8PNIFaJXzV7FT/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Citta Alta Bergamo Street" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f_SP7mmsD6P-2a57FSBccpvdrdAf9Lc1VaUzhKPwqQ0CGhtGpEsY5tK43IuQQ3IpzWbiSCCjXljnmytwSOIvNaZzEJEvbSBJipZWIWbgijktRy0W19UFPxDgiiL0mGN8PNIFaJXzV7FT/s1600/6.jpg" height="400" title="Citta Alta Bergamo Street" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street leading towards the Duomo Plaza</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: none; color: none; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17.91111183166504px;">I can compare Bergamo to nothing in the United States; therefore, making it one of northern Italy's unique gems.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJZcNpmUiToYUcTwoVWouVBKyBTazBtSZXjVKUiUs0sq36iotCz-1MSLJDLqbfz1AgDPqcyFanHkn9-QlFqt7rAYH_VF4UZy_3jkbVzTMpH_9jBJxRR-jBaTG8fJsFWo5zOJ5EbLUo2_v/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJZcNpmUiToYUcTwoVWouVBKyBTazBtSZXjVKUiUs0sq36iotCz-1MSLJDLqbfz1AgDPqcyFanHkn9-QlFqt7rAYH_VF4UZy_3jkbVzTMpH_9jBJxRR-jBaTG8fJsFWo5zOJ5EbLUo2_v/s1600/11.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Travelers (Nico, Vir, Manu, Dani, and David) </td></tr>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Bergamo, Italy45.6982642 9.677269799999976445.6095342 9.5159082999999764 45.786994199999995 9.8386312999999763tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-41051745791703005872014-03-14T16:44:00.003-07:002014-03-14T16:44:51.833-07:00Mind-blowing Exhibits at Pirelli HangarBicocca When I say "contemporary art," what do you think of? Cement towers that are seven stories high? A used shipping container filled with old operating motors? Well, what I experienced at HangarBicocca is perhaps the best visual definition of the term!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8aAvgOi58w26pYwONhV7ejjljHrbQU3Pe-xflti2eorgMRGs9W98dHctz2cDEg_RQ7G3aXhQVMEy547rRmQCm2XZO6EJs_SKrxrsTz7IMMzTO8Bs1vOC-KJB2OTLVFNNW8DiBQivqX0o/s1600/20140314_203119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hangar Bicocca" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8aAvgOi58w26pYwONhV7ejjljHrbQU3Pe-xflti2eorgMRGs9W98dHctz2cDEg_RQ7G3aXhQVMEy547rRmQCm2XZO6EJs_SKrxrsTz7IMMzTO8Bs1vOC-KJB2OTLVFNNW8DiBQivqX0o/s1600/20140314_203119.jpg" height="285" title="Hangar Bicocca" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
"Iliokatakiniomumastilopsarodimakopiotita"</h2>
The first exhibit I will explain is their temporary one created by Italian artist, Micol Assael, titled "Iliokatakiniomumastilopsarodimakopiotita." (Done on purpose, the name is a bunch of Greek words combined to make no sense at all.) The exhibit space contained five cells/environments where Assael provides the viewer with an opportunity to absorb the beauty of what is taking place though sound, smell, sight, and feel. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_DbGV1xVCOVSaGWV5alghMlsS4P33Xd0tlotE2ipsXo_1uEclWqcl32Q8BuXmFOAi3UPoT4TL2iymAOxNtIrkeJ9Yju1xif3p7gQ5WJk6yHg1dN4_uCGWAbbWOnYrFs3JBFnC30-JEm8/s1600/20140314_203702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Micol Assael 432Hz" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_DbGV1xVCOVSaGWV5alghMlsS4P33Xd0tlotE2ipsXo_1uEclWqcl32Q8BuXmFOAi3UPoT4TL2iymAOxNtIrkeJ9Yju1xif3p7gQ5WJk6yHg1dN4_uCGWAbbWOnYrFs3JBFnC30-JEm8/s1600/20140314_203702.jpg" height="225" title="Micol Assael 432Hz" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Micol Assael's, 432Hz. </td></tr>
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During this work, the exhibitor enters a large wooded room only to notice a series of frames containing backlit wax drawings accompanied with the hum of bees; think beehive. The work is called 432Hz because that is the frequency of the bee's hum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_Zj37nC2QFonlyntEku-oC3703u57g_1Mzlco82I6hKJPUaP98tccA-2wrmGFSipWZ3Vl0lM19SWTym-yPIDKmqna_TUzj3VXAs7F5Q2RzQOYXPlVqcz__hkedSZPwQXVkL97X3ZF3rz/s1600/20140314_205809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Micol Assael Vorkuta" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_Zj37nC2QFonlyntEku-oC3703u57g_1Mzlco82I6hKJPUaP98tccA-2wrmGFSipWZ3Vl0lM19SWTym-yPIDKmqna_TUzj3VXAs7F5Q2RzQOYXPlVqcz__hkedSZPwQXVkL97X3ZF3rz/s1600/20140314_205809.jpg" height="258" title="Micol Assael Vorkuta" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vorkuta</td></tr>
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Referencing the artist's trip to Siberia, this is the coldest exhibit with an environment temperature of -30 degrees Celsius. (It might be because it is inside a refrigerator LOL) Vorkuta is the name of a mining town in the bitter cold northern part of Russia.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J4c8PHO28JMFfbTPcYoe9RcHHwWUHHtJZsA0PtjY6BiOmIk1Ny_IaGm3umQ7BT7bMBXqfXdu9bcnS3S5PE05Qnf-7-hPLDFpE-4mPZKw2eJSAniRAPMf-mS172BJTNcivEdvFQc5RTxN/s1600/20140314_210436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="MIol Assael Sub" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J4c8PHO28JMFfbTPcYoe9RcHHwWUHHtJZsA0PtjY6BiOmIk1Ny_IaGm3umQ7BT7bMBXqfXdu9bcnS3S5PE05Qnf-7-hPLDFpE-4mPZKw2eJSAniRAPMf-mS172BJTNcivEdvFQc5RTxN/s1600/20140314_210436.jpg" height="245" title="MIol Assael Sub" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assael's, Sub</td></tr>
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Rather cool, this work is pure science. It uses dripping water as a pure source to create an electrical charge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvs-ZPE2GuJ2EYmTKgJJ0JcUO9eYdiDupQTLNoPObETvtgePCaeAYzZeYZliwzbnTSISYXh2_lZ4L9jwPYi_Tl6W29NZ_24AuWzVvpoFOiC6fmRBiDoUbsyRC0WSgL0C1ELMbTpOR9__jh/s1600/20140314_210515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Micol Assael Mindfall" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvs-ZPE2GuJ2EYmTKgJJ0JcUO9eYdiDupQTLNoPObETvtgePCaeAYzZeYZliwzbnTSISYXh2_lZ4L9jwPYi_Tl6W29NZ_24AuWzVvpoFOiC6fmRBiDoUbsyRC0WSgL0C1ELMbTpOR9__jh/s1600/20140314_210515.jpg" height="262" title="Micol Assael Mindfall" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mindfall</td></tr>
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The smell of "fatigue", or just running electric motors and oil, happens to be what's inside this environment. With 21 old running motors, making music only a mechanic can love, there is an obvious reason why you are only allowed to stay inside for three minutes.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OkEVgVa5YFk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I think the video speaks for itself and explains Micol Assael's work titled, "Untitled," quite well.<br />
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<h2>
The Seven Heavenly Palaces</h2>
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Another more permanent exhibition is by the famed contemporary artist, Anselm Kiefer. When I first set eyes on Kiefer's exhibit, my first impression was simply jaw-dropping awe. Standing before me were seven concrete towers wieghing about 90 tons each and they looked like kid stacked building blocks. Each individual tower had a theme it followed.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8P4VDjBRLXW__NzI6BwEzI5vGRSIgX7EgnG7ARfl_fq5ZeE0uA3mhfZ1UkX4wugcy7HmjVb2Bw_PTa38vuLAH6fWlpUPmoss93IZv0dbNyzoy7-K6twgAEDIIFi28HpQG7rpgmdNZ-Nx/s1600/20140314_210936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kiefer's Seven Heavenly Palaces" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8P4VDjBRLXW__NzI6BwEzI5vGRSIgX7EgnG7ARfl_fq5ZeE0uA3mhfZ1UkX4wugcy7HmjVb2Bw_PTa38vuLAH6fWlpUPmoss93IZv0dbNyzoy7-K6twgAEDIIFi28HpQG7rpgmdNZ-Nx/s1600/20140314_210936.jpg" height="320" title="Kiefer's Seven Heavenly Palaces" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiefer's Seven Heavenly Palaces...are you in Awe?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsnCi0iBxsqdPd-lqdIvOdG8p3dgXirG6iSfVUeDmxJJLzvN4OrZ9dN_81vCfLLz9Ic8esDPIzn9K9qtp52zwKkaBScfSnfubrbyuHzQg39EKLhKuUSm6Eh6XMbj-APa7Mtc2yc_wvQlm/s1600/20140314_211831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Keifer tower two" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsnCi0iBxsqdPd-lqdIvOdG8p3dgXirG6iSfVUeDmxJJLzvN4OrZ9dN_81vCfLLz9Ic8esDPIzn9K9qtp52zwKkaBScfSnfubrbyuHzQg39EKLhKuUSm6Eh6XMbj-APa7Mtc2yc_wvQlm/s1600/20140314_211831.jpg" height="400" title="Keifer tower two" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower 2: Melancholia...Each shard of glass represents<br />NASA classification numbers for stars.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNIN5NWepCupTjd_1jtamldkca58xLbw1LPk3JhirKIsXcOqKGf3b9Ye8Fn0oGCMOstXbGNOLwyPXS_k4XmqZkderkZ1oZ0_sURZHqW_XvIQWUZDHh-JbvUfc7-RNWQC1Mkh3Ffwcs7Ok/s1600/20140314_212429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kiefer's Towers 5/6" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNIN5NWepCupTjd_1jtamldkca58xLbw1LPk3JhirKIsXcOqKGf3b9Ye8Fn0oGCMOstXbGNOLwyPXS_k4XmqZkderkZ1oZ0_sURZHqW_XvIQWUZDHh-JbvUfc7-RNWQC1Mkh3Ffwcs7Ok/s1600/20140314_212429.jpg" height="255" title="Kiefer Towers 5/6" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towers 5 & 6: JH & WH... Meteorites with symbolic meanings based off writings in the Kabbalah.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjk5tw7YAm-5q5cqvFY_05vlx0T3MRXhbJR68frFRB38oiurjpRjhRaCKJK2tMEKnk85O2_tMBvdxkGdQWP0t84anHtPDCClOeTMYSLZQIUn2LCufR_lZXQlvZcF5t0yvEfjHy5ZkqCuj/s1600/20140314_212740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjk5tw7YAm-5q5cqvFY_05vlx0T3MRXhbJR68frFRB38oiurjpRjhRaCKJK2tMEKnk85O2_tMBvdxkGdQWP0t84anHtPDCClOeTMYSLZQIUn2LCufR_lZXQlvZcF5t0yvEfjHy5ZkqCuj/s1600/20140314_212740.jpg" height="400" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me,,,always asking random people to take a photo for me LOL</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-33738409217705797332014-03-10T14:45:00.000-07:002014-03-10T14:45:29.582-07:00Warhol and Kandinsky ExhibtsFor many centuries, The Palazzo Reale di Milano (The Royal Palace of Milan) was the home of Milan's city government. Nowadays, it is still an important part of the Milan government but on the tourism side as it houses some of the most world renown exhibitions and expositions. This time it showcased two of the most famous painters of all time...Andy Warhol and Wassily Kandinsky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoij9YX73m_LzQNpC4fsVcNmlfttvQAxKOpIbCn1Fz74ZK8M_LThzSHF-EVZCq19qnruw9MzIr4uJqP4kboA9M6DmqDWjal4sq8XpNZlN3Xb5JXNIZJpgZiKHyfkRvlssQEhvKxQpYE2x/s1600/20140310_201756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoij9YX73m_LzQNpC4fsVcNmlfttvQAxKOpIbCn1Fz74ZK8M_LThzSHF-EVZCq19qnruw9MzIr4uJqP4kboA9M6DmqDWjal4sq8XpNZlN3Xb5JXNIZJpgZiKHyfkRvlssQEhvKxQpYE2x/s1600/20140310_201756.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
Andy Warhol: The Father of Pop Art</h2>
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It's not everyday you get to see a gallery full of Andy Warhol masterpieces, but when you are in Milan....anything is possible. The Warhol exhibition at the Palazzo Reale, near the Duomo, contained some of his well known pieces like the Campbell Soup Can, Mao Tse Tung, Self-portrait, Marilyn, etc. They even had one of Warhol's "piss paintings" where the canvas was urinated on to cause an oxidation effect.<br />
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Warhol was fascinated with Leonardo da Vinci. Ironically, his last art exposition during his lifespan was called "The Last Supper" and was held right here in Milan. The tour was also international friendly as they had individual audio players explaining certain artworks in ENGLISH. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBPLjPlnBM9hLObmxyEq0HGevv-pRwDbBJHFGo17bQMvPf4_gO99d4CwWaPQ7zzhEgHMMPIinJIR4bjPJ05oVMvmsLpwjApNX1eX05Gpto5gNVuO9ZoT-fCIJRD1XFHQenAPPYYYwGAUl/s1600/20140308_184924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBPLjPlnBM9hLObmxyEq0HGevv-pRwDbBJHFGo17bQMvPf4_gO99d4CwWaPQ7zzhEgHMMPIinJIR4bjPJ05oVMvmsLpwjApNX1eX05Gpto5gNVuO9ZoT-fCIJRD1XFHQenAPPYYYwGAUl/s1600/20140308_184924.jpg" height="400" title="Andy Warhol's Liz Taylor" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy's Liz Taylor</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7OM4Q7loVBUiFTy7sXv1CKU8NIe-tl2ANOzZlnREhPci5zhv4bWazFjf7fcMwF0jX_2CBQShF4CZGA-JTDJfzitbxWsMstEBcnDOCRV1OYGZ7fuxo_j_umlmnmvoclfxneW-Om7Ie6V2/s1600/20140308_190124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7OM4Q7loVBUiFTy7sXv1CKU8NIe-tl2ANOzZlnREhPci5zhv4bWazFjf7fcMwF0jX_2CBQShF4CZGA-JTDJfzitbxWsMstEBcnDOCRV1OYGZ7fuxo_j_umlmnmvoclfxneW-Om7Ie6V2/s1600/20140308_190124.jpg" height="400" title="Andy Warhol's Sketch" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Sketch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUMWLyfSHWKBTghTNuXSeKNptfRZEBucMSJ0-wNjIp0evTz6ZzSXIAPcACYeqcvxwZQQoruQfs0uvJoCPyXg4H0KFa0DA8w-LTjZH_e1b_VxRIWvuiN6Oneo91sxo6Rjzs3cptjDmPtsj/s1600/20140308_190255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUMWLyfSHWKBTghTNuXSeKNptfRZEBucMSJ0-wNjIp0evTz6ZzSXIAPcACYeqcvxwZQQoruQfs0uvJoCPyXg4H0KFa0DA8w-LTjZH_e1b_VxRIWvuiN6Oneo91sxo6Rjzs3cptjDmPtsj/s1600/20140308_190255.jpg" height="400" title="Andy Warhol's Elvis Presley Boot" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elvis Presley Boot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKTKeBf-twzeX6LL6kzqC5OOkksIc7847HdXtsgu-rAdjLc6sStVo0EK6f5MyTO4vJnOPd8kwr-N35-4q-FUlnyTCiYvat1Toq-bMilBz9Lu_OowQq_VDqAxcif4GCadfFJV1iwaplRc0/s1600/20140308_190547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKTKeBf-twzeX6LL6kzqC5OOkksIc7847HdXtsgu-rAdjLc6sStVo0EK6f5MyTO4vJnOPd8kwr-N35-4q-FUlnyTCiYvat1Toq-bMilBz9Lu_OowQq_VDqAxcif4GCadfFJV1iwaplRc0/s1600/20140308_190547.jpg" height="273" title="Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Can" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campbell's Soup can</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwGAWq7K_vdh7Cf86ksriAskK40e0c5VzSHIUAxfTbyNZmE3GQcfLZs5E74eHRy-VWybAVtJsIlonbFssF2GSwClge8Olrl2apFggwaR7QhLs7wZ7QIN6k08DluibL2i0vKxLnJ4RW6MV/s1600/20140308_191706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwGAWq7K_vdh7Cf86ksriAskK40e0c5VzSHIUAxfTbyNZmE3GQcfLZs5E74eHRy-VWybAVtJsIlonbFssF2GSwClge8Olrl2apFggwaR7QhLs7wZ7QIN6k08DluibL2i0vKxLnJ4RW6MV/s1600/20140308_191706.jpg" height="400" title="Andy Warhol's Flowers" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy's Flowers</td></tr>
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<h2>
Wassily Kandinsky: Father of the Abstract</h2>
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Immediately after my mind being blown away by Andy Warhol, it was time to see Wassily Kandinsky's exhibition. At first I couldn't put a painting behind Kandinsky's name, but as soon as I entered the exhibit my exact thoughts were, "He was the one who painted that?!"</div>
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Born in Moscow, he originally studied law and economics but his concentration was soon to be pointed in a different direction...painting. I guess his educational background would explain how he moved towards becoming a theorist painter. Unfortunately, the two images below are not originally taken by me as the gallery security guard forced me to turn off my phone; nonetheless, these were two important Kandinsky works on display and the Palazzo Reale.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6z-JtzHIPSc1Vei8R26xt74d0oW1udfThIHciGE_iq2IvdE44wvYA0q57WnBjtpMgiZUXxYEfA8ksuYtWRcHKt8agAFMktNncs4M4am4QNPntw9k9dN1o3h2HSQ0SESxxFti594BLoBQ/s1600/sky-blue-1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6z-JtzHIPSc1Vei8R26xt74d0oW1udfThIHciGE_iq2IvdE44wvYA0q57WnBjtpMgiZUXxYEfA8ksuYtWRcHKt8agAFMktNncs4M4am4QNPntw9k9dN1o3h2HSQ0SESxxFti594BLoBQ/s1600/sky-blue-1940.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Blue by Kandinsky</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF5059YR4TiZeKaEjYyoLlpM4C9yaeri_0J249y2ngihe-XyHyaNJ3_zDVRx8SJmGvr_RNaHxAjWZmXdq3cCZZre_ZvMBYEF30Qi5sjuMx_KlZm0hkY_T6guTC-Szdt72NkKpwqpsk8re/s1600/yellow-red-blue-1925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF5059YR4TiZeKaEjYyoLlpM4C9yaeri_0J249y2ngihe-XyHyaNJ3_zDVRx8SJmGvr_RNaHxAjWZmXdq3cCZZre_ZvMBYEF30Qi5sjuMx_KlZm0hkY_T6guTC-Szdt72NkKpwqpsk8re/s1600/yellow-red-blue-1925.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow, Red, Blue by Kandinsky</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-5024128296602608732014-03-09T13:56:00.001-07:002014-03-09T14:47:08.748-07:00Basilica of San Lorenzo<h2>
<span class="" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="">Saturday: Church Exlploration </span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: none; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="">No matter what your religious beliefs are, when you come to Milan you </span><u><span class="">HAVE</span></u><span class=""> to take some time out of your day and visit any and every church that crosses your path. If I'm correct, I think Nico and I visited around five of them on Saturday. The one I will be describing in this post is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. </span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: none;"><span class="">With the origin of this magnificent Catholic church dating back to the late fourth (390AD) - early fifth (402AD) centuries, the original structure has been rebuilt several times due to fires and other natural disasters. However despite these setbacks, the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the </span><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span class="">Colonne di San Lorenzo (the square plaza in front of the basilica) are </span></span><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span class="">still symbols of the Roman Empire legacy in Milan. </span></span></span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: none;"><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span class="">Complete with decorative marble and early christian mosaics, inside the basilica you will notice the main geometric shapes used for its development where squares and circles. Over history, several chapels have even been added along the sides of the original structure. One in particular which is still standing and can be seen by the public for a small fee (1-2 Euros) is the C</span></span><span style="line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span class="">hapel of St. Aquilino. This chapel dates back to the origin of the basilica...late 4th century.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="background-color: none; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><span class="">Overall, this was an amazing church located in the center of Milan, Italy. Milan...a city for anyone who wants to take a journey back in time. Enjoy the pictures!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU9hGOQL2wkvdxHiFvnw8ac5G2BoODKfkyg4xFSG6YbfAT-Esd6vZA3ONmUBnHTHNSoFPXRIbuKB4U2ck73hyphenhyphen64ItsxPakjHMsDTQV8kLdHqs4-YHHDEYTXi25YJzbjwC8-tGwZKUdPMW/s1600/20140308_155603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU9hGOQL2wkvdxHiFvnw8ac5G2BoODKfkyg4xFSG6YbfAT-Esd6vZA3ONmUBnHTHNSoFPXRIbuKB4U2ck73hyphenhyphen64ItsxPakjHMsDTQV8kLdHqs4-YHHDEYTXi25YJzbjwC8-tGwZKUdPMW/s1600/20140308_155603.jpg" height="400" title="Basilica of San Lorenzo" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">The front of the basilica</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZUKba3DF8sHJ29Uuh_XD61E-Crbo_cpkfchjbxOGZU7l7MSX9GVhu__4nwmyU3IRgRfzO-jXvwzRtD8OaEZvLDSZVNFDwNjKz4FAaeSHbigpAJKuv2sAfm5FeK1pZvdsDJFIJY7-d2e-/s1600/20140308_155808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZUKba3DF8sHJ29Uuh_XD61E-Crbo_cpkfchjbxOGZU7l7MSX9GVhu__4nwmyU3IRgRfzO-jXvwzRtD8OaEZvLDSZVNFDwNjKz4FAaeSHbigpAJKuv2sAfm5FeK1pZvdsDJFIJY7-d2e-/s1600/20140308_155808.jpg" height="225" title="Basilica of San Lorzeno" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">The main dome...not original but still remarkable</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnbmjyuh4n_0Z480gD-Zl0KPT9GPxylisNBIbv-c0EBpeT_k0fIJCw3Rj6MnoJKPVGRA0rfta8cE32m-f2ghKWeH8k2sIGUAoS8qhDS8LQsNWgwSuV9dVNZT40PyDQdcE7R49dWuvf70L/s1600/20140308_160047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnbmjyuh4n_0Z480gD-Zl0KPT9GPxylisNBIbv-c0EBpeT_k0fIJCw3Rj6MnoJKPVGRA0rfta8cE32m-f2ghKWeH8k2sIGUAoS8qhDS8LQsNWgwSuV9dVNZT40PyDQdcE7R49dWuvf70L/s1600/20140308_160047.jpg" height="400" title="Basilica of San Lorzeno" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">Let the sun shine in! (Basilica's main light source)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkv2ddqAuNKYQnrFfLv3MdKk5LCVS8SIec_B9CYMQJR7S727IC4FWA2xHUur-5oij5GxVL42eolYTBr8-cnwBAyKLWDjyEewxkjOG1lcMhZ2e9-1Bq1O-YBAUEGOvwkL3P-ZteaUnGx7v/s1600/20140308_160119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkv2ddqAuNKYQnrFfLv3MdKk5LCVS8SIec_B9CYMQJR7S727IC4FWA2xHUur-5oij5GxVL42eolYTBr8-cnwBAyKLWDjyEewxkjOG1lcMhZ2e9-1Bq1O-YBAUEGOvwkL3P-ZteaUnGx7v/s1600/20140308_160119.jpg" height="248" title="Basilica of San Lorzeno" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">Decorative marble art </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIH2xKjpn6OiHo9r520LoaXQ3cikLrKgcHfid_ayXLXRWHhVE-8jWLqVuPPVPJKPmCL6iSilTUcucA1zu4Oy_gg8fjXWZhDh1ZP4BLfyhubLlKzG4RxEwLFgo7gphPk8fIRIgR-_RGrL1/s1600/20140308_160721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIH2xKjpn6OiHo9r520LoaXQ3cikLrKgcHfid_ayXLXRWHhVE-8jWLqVuPPVPJKPmCL6iSilTUcucA1zu4Oy_gg8fjXWZhDh1ZP4BLfyhubLlKzG4RxEwLFgo7gphPk8fIRIgR-_RGrL1/s1600/20140308_160721.jpg" height="400" title="Basilica of San Lorzeno" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">Notice that details are everywhere</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRalRnoENPatpDhA330HAfUwqF7AJj2jYiwfO-GKHan3NaN5onDDG5wZk39eZlzTn_uTMvjSHpTw2TT9YZ8outc0ntN_EQsdV6IRPDyEw05-VDG5R01kD3DS2GBLiH8QPQ8jL_X3TaXl9/s1600/20140308_161209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRalRnoENPatpDhA330HAfUwqF7AJj2jYiwfO-GKHan3NaN5onDDG5wZk39eZlzTn_uTMvjSHpTw2TT9YZ8outc0ntN_EQsdV6IRPDyEw05-VDG5R01kD3DS2GBLiH8QPQ8jL_X3TaXl9/s1600/20140308_161209.jpg" height="400" title="Chapel of St. Aquilino Mosaics" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">Mosaic in the C<span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">hapel of St. Aquilino</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U1KWu6WzreGh1utEeDqznTfLYjw6WtNi4YRdKPABf1StByH2TnnvC1hotNOOkUn4Poe8PlmUgzL74HfRifMUCSYiqreYOpjeA-zizJ5a0WMHtKNaelDd_dRzyZWrPa70d4UJ3RRDx9jE/s1600/20140308_161645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U1KWu6WzreGh1utEeDqznTfLYjw6WtNi4YRdKPABf1StByH2TnnvC1hotNOOkUn4Poe8PlmUgzL74HfRifMUCSYiqreYOpjeA-zizJ5a0WMHtKNaelDd_dRzyZWrPa70d4UJ3RRDx9jE/s1600/20140308_161645.jpg" height="400" title="chapel of St. Aquilino" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">Ceiling above the Main Alter in the <span style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; text-align: start;">chapel of St. Aquilino</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYUgwCwUklkT-79ZizsJ3gZ8LOmbsW9b2AJKHmghu8-7qYE1I20kl6xzObBtuaKjb9SKzf82SnI-Mi_XbMxfkLzhwwzJrAW6PoWUdT4ykOp5NmN3B6kHptsBDGxFVrnGWfooG_sTvRx2W/s1600/20140308_162356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYUgwCwUklkT-79ZizsJ3gZ8LOmbsW9b2AJKHmghu8-7qYE1I20kl6xzObBtuaKjb9SKzf82SnI-Mi_XbMxfkLzhwwzJrAW6PoWUdT4ykOp5NmN3B6kHptsBDGxFVrnGWfooG_sTvRx2W/s1600/20140308_162356.jpg" height="400" title="Basilica of San Lorenzo" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: none;">The back of the Basilica</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-49955569558883341742014-03-05T11:21:00.000-08:002014-03-07T11:31:46.485-08:00Red Metro, Green Metro, Yellow Metro, NONE...Wait, What???Before I get into the details of a rather interesting day (transportation wise), I will start off with a picture taken yesterday at the one and only, make your jaw drop, magnificent Duomo!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzT348rO4BC0HbXeE9sjbWP1URwlzn7-Bdi6C63mWwpc8siMXSnXA18Qm7K03XcKB0TKFWIcn2GdL75e6lP3ed03fJbptDv8glyfecvoHVoiWdgFZGTK4vahqILmxhGoARfnBfq525Jgm/s1600/20140304_123615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzT348rO4BC0HbXeE9sjbWP1URwlzn7-Bdi6C63mWwpc8siMXSnXA18Qm7K03XcKB0TKFWIcn2GdL75e6lP3ed03fJbptDv8glyfecvoHVoiWdgFZGTK4vahqILmxhGoARfnBfq525Jgm/s1600/20140304_123615.jpg" height="400" title="The Duomo in Milan, Italy" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Famous Duomo</td></tr>
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Every major city has a public transportation system, and with every public transportation system there are workers who make the daily commute to and from work simple, smooth and easy. Well, at the same time those same workers have a powerful voice...and they sure know how to use it. Today, <a href="http://www.atm.it/en/" target="_blank">ATM</a> (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi, Milan's public transportation provider) <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">held a strike which crippled Milan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I got my first taste of the strike at about 9 am after I arrived at Lambrate Station to find the doors closed to the green metro line closed. Apparently, this was an organized strike which lasted during the non-peak travel hours of 8:45am-3pm and 6pm-until shift end. I eventually made it to work early in the afternoon, but o</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n the positive</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> side, I had myself a nice cardio workout! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My after work commute was a bit easier because I knew I had to be on the Metro by 6 pm. I found myself intermixed with hundreds of others trying to make it in time. To stay true to the blog name, I have to add a rural analogy in the story...picture trying to corral a heard of animals through a chute into the opening of a trailer...a lot of shoving and pushing, right? It was the same. However, despite the strike, no one was bent out of shape, no riots where caused, and life moved on. It just adds a little flair to the dynamics of the city...which I love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I leave you with a video taken on the last ride home on the green line....</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-81805327365910046892014-03-03T09:11:00.000-08:002014-03-03T17:32:52.384-08:00Bienvenido a Milano, Italia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is your first insider look into the remarkable city of Milan, Italy; aka Milano, Italia in Italiano. I have a feeling after this blog post I will have a lot of disgusted friends and family, but here goes nothing! LOL! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oKcgMnKUkhHuXS05UM7MXena84Zy8ikcOdHkeLjzA56DTWzD_ZWdFwhrMmdsej1lciN_Ax7FE8jhQW5BS-6YIPJH15DTE2AZVjbWslXTSMwFbzUwLgz9iZbdGnbBC0ymJEC_g8Xe7_mf/s1600/street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oKcgMnKUkhHuXS05UM7MXena84Zy8ikcOdHkeLjzA56DTWzD_ZWdFwhrMmdsej1lciN_Ax7FE8jhQW5BS-6YIPJH15DTE2AZVjbWslXTSMwFbzUwLgz9iZbdGnbBC0ymJEC_g8Xe7_mf/s1600/street.jpg" height="400" title="Via Luigi Settembrini" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking SW on Via Luigi Settembrini</td></tr>
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Arriving at the Malpensa airport yesterday (Sunday, March 2, 2014 around 8:00am), I actually got my first glimpse of the city around 10 am. Why the two hour difference you ask? Well, Milan has two major airports...one serving mainly domestic and European Union flights called <a href="http://www.milanolinate-airport.com/en" target="_blank">Linate (LIN)</a> and one serving most of the international flights called <a href="http://www.milanomalpensa-airport.com/en" target="_blank">Malpensa (MXP)</a>. The main difference is the location of the airports; LIN is about 4 miles east of Milan's center where MXP is about 30 miles NNW. However; don't let distance scare you away from MXP because there happens to be an express train called <a href="http://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/" target="_blank">MalpensaExpress </a>connecting the international traveler directly from the airport to various train stations. With day one in the books, I have already utilized Milan's extensive public transportation system including: trams, buses, subways, and trains.</div>
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Question for the readers: For my internship, I want to do a little survey. <b>What do you currently know about Milan, and what would you like to know?</b> Please comment to this post or email your responses to lance.husak@gmail.com. Your participation will be greatly appreciated, and don't be afraid to reply with, "I know nothing." Remember...<a href="http://www.wheremilan.com/" target="_blank">Milano Loves You</a>!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0Milan, Italy45.4654542 9.186515999999983345.287268200000007 8.8637924999999829 45.6436402 9.5092394999999836tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-6154909899058463012014-02-19T12:20:00.000-08:002014-02-19T12:20:11.907-08:00Friend Launches Women2Business Blog<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most powerful way for a startup to spread new and exciting information is through organic means; especially if you don't have the funds available to launch a full-fledged advertising campaign. When mentioning "organic," I'm describing the natural spread of information, like through word of mouth. For this reason, I'm going to introduce you to a new blog with great potential.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was in Buenos Aires, I met a vast amount of </span>unbelievable, <span style="font-family: inherit;">talented, young professionals who had the drive to change/better the world. One of these individuals was Annamarie, a German/American studying business economics at Universidad de Belgrano passionate about female leadership in the business setting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Recently, Annamarie and a friend just launched </span><a href="http://women2business.blogspot.de/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Women2Business</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, "a blog encouraging young women to strive for success and self-fulfillment in their private and professional lives." I encourage you to check out their blog as I'm </span>positive<span style="font-family: inherit;"> it will bring in new perspectives on the topic. Good Luck, Annamarie!</span><br />
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<a href="http://women2business.blogspot.de/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMp_LDp0ELa3MEhNmLpRTnFgdvx2TZf25uXBdcxN8AkthsBJuCDegjI44PhuVvZUXKszQWTRqobHm6t7IgzeP56A8H407hEPoeOJLQRcfYTk9PVW2oC6dmM9aPkrlZ5-jiVIXdFiYq2hp/s1600/Logo_Blog.jpg" height="176" title="Women2Business Blog" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-1829995230287833092014-02-11T21:31:00.000-08:002014-02-11T21:35:44.565-08:00All You Need To Know And More!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> <span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="ID0EEC">Buon Giorno!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you guessed "Italy" to my post "<a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.com/2014/01/full-of-surprises.html" target="_blank">Full of Surprises</a>" you are correct! I will be interning in Milan, Italy from March 1st to May 30th. I've added a new page to <a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Rural Iowa</a> blog explaining all the details.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Page: <a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.com/p/whats-next.html" target="_blank">What's Next?</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you have more questions or comments, post them and I will respond. I look forward to sharing my experience with all of you</span>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ciao,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lance</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-52715940191992015522014-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:002014-02-04T21:24:08.919-08:00Bald Eagles in Central IowaThere I was...a typical Generation Y messing around on my <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxys4/" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S4</a> having the time of my life (sense the sarcasm lol), all until my attention was diverted by some particularly curious stares coming from the chair next to me.<br />
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"What's that out in the field?" Said the mom. "It looks like a big bird." (I could only hope she wasn't talking about the yellow one you can find on tv.) </div>
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"Looks like there might be some white on that bird!" She shouted in excitement as she watched it take flight.<br />
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"Mom, it's probably a few crows or turkey vultures."</div>
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"Maybe, or it could be some eagles." Working herself out of the comfort of her chair, she made her way upstairs to grab the binoculars which were oddly in her room by the window facing our neighbor's direction for reasons I don't nor want to know. (There might be a bit of fiction in that statement.) :-P</div>
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Standing by the window with the binoculars pressed against her face, she mentioned there wasn't just one but three of them and she is certain they are bald eagles. </div>
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That alone was enough to spark the curiosity in me. At first glance I knew the birds were too large to be crows, but I wasn't ruling out the possibility of wild turkeys. As soon as I adjusted the binoculars for a clear image, there was no doubt...we had three bald eagles near our farm! </div>
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This was the first time I've seen these majestic animals from the comfort of my home. It was a surreal moment. The next thing to do was to snap a few photos for documentation, so we could prove our claim to the nonbelievers. Here are some of the photos:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkq5KntogLx2AMpJk_pHXa5RvRdDhiNIC2MTqO4CqvuYel5idOydGd23C7G2aHMcEQ1d7z1dGRDo-PHa3gzJTw48eVlpIPr9WItIx_29ziOxAGKu8B-wRWrbC5a2HJRWHCbm5Cr7DbGJz/s1600/field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkq5KntogLx2AMpJk_pHXa5RvRdDhiNIC2MTqO4CqvuYel5idOydGd23C7G2aHMcEQ1d7z1dGRDo-PHa3gzJTw48eVlpIPr9WItIx_29ziOxAGKu8B-wRWrbC5a2HJRWHCbm5Cr7DbGJz/s1600/field.jpg" height="285" title="Bald Eagles in Field" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eu3xaOdtzqld8BSyQ7sZXJY02w7lbKHOcM-Avv-Wl8nMel0q8ZNGHozavLVMWOHxwdLdeny9hM9zxG9rtEDoYBm0JKief5RWwCcKNpStXwceCGncZkez9XpKwkn5R29gq9q0e7Qkerb5/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eu3xaOdtzqld8BSyQ7sZXJY02w7lbKHOcM-Avv-Wl8nMel0q8ZNGHozavLVMWOHxwdLdeny9hM9zxG9rtEDoYBm0JKief5RWwCcKNpStXwceCGncZkez9XpKwkn5R29gq9q0e7Qkerb5/s1600/tree.jpg" height="285" title="Bald Eagles in Tree" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd1nZn4MG8MyeEdsm2xel8LJUxi-21K8mPf2GUuWs1Tb3pzJfAQsd_PDiuTS5XrOjFvJqqWC5SyxetHuRP3vhMk_hXzm8O1ytBCnNrFufr5di4xHtKt9mHx6u97SeYAWioAn68UCAosUw/s1600/Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd1nZn4MG8MyeEdsm2xel8LJUxi-21K8mPf2GUuWs1Tb3pzJfAQsd_PDiuTS5XrOjFvJqqWC5SyxetHuRP3vhMk_hXzm8O1ytBCnNrFufr5di4xHtKt9mHx6u97SeYAWioAn68UCAosUw/s1600/Eagle.jpg" height="285" title="Flying Bald Eagle" width="400" /></a></div>
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Doing a little research on the migration on bald eagles, I ran across these interesting websites:</div>
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<li>For everything you ever wanted to know about bald eagles, check out this <a href="http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/" target="_blank">link.</a></li>
<li>To report your own bald eagle sightings, you better check out this <a href="http://www.learner.org/jnorth/eagle/" target="_blank">link.</a></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-84214847535378528052014-01-29T22:17:00.001-08:002014-01-30T15:09:15.409-08:00Full of Surprises!Don't you say it is about time for me to dust off the cobwebs which have called this blog, "<a href="http://theruraliowan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Rural Iowan</a>," home for the past 5 months? Well, I do! During the next couple of days I will be cleaning and updating portions of the blog with current information. Until then, how about we play a little game?<br />
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In the picture there are three doors; ALL containing ONE prize (or in this case a clue to what I have planned.) Message me the color of a door and I will provide you with a clue. Also, guesses on the post's comment section are always welcome. Happy guessing! LOL!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-18704475283579335822013-12-12T21:12:00.000-08:002013-12-20T22:12:51.449-08:00The Rural Iowan Returns<div class="MsoNormal">
D-Day has arrived; a bittersweet feeling actually. A part of
me misses home, but another part of me will miss what I have created down in
Buenos Aires. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finishing up the rest of my packing early, gave me the time
to get my hair cut at least one time in Argentina. The reason I waited so long
was because I was scared I wouldn’t be able to communicate how I wanted to have
it cut, and would have walked out of the barber shop without hair. LOL! (That
was not the case, and everything went fine.)</div>
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time in Argentina with my Buenos Aires parents (Carlitos and Luisita LOL!) at
Hotel Palermo. After a great conversation, I noticed how easily people can make
a difference in the lives of others. They mentioned I was considered one of
their children. Truly amazing people with big hearts. I hope to see you them in
some fashion again.</div>
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Making it back to my studio, it was time for my check out.
Passing with flying colors, I again had to hand keys over. That studio will
always be special to me because it provided me with some of the best
experiences I could have asked for; from being the first place I had to myself,
to hosting social gatherings, to housing friends…it was the perfect place!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With my stuff loaded in the taxi, it was time to head to
Buenos Aires’s major international airport, EZE. It took nearly 30 minutes to
get there from my place, but that just goes to show you how massive the city
is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once one the plane, I was on my way to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
When I reached the airport, I had to be placed in the express line to get past
airport security because my flight arrived later than anticipated. In the line,
I had to chug the water in my reusable water bottle because there was no place
to dump it out…worse part, it was practically full. LOL! Going through customs
at Chicago was nerve racking. They were experiencing computer issues and that
delayed everything; plus, I only had an hour layover. (And my luggage was MIA)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I finally landed in Des Moines, and was reunited with my mom
and aunt in luggage claim (with no luggage). I was back in Iowa, with the best
adventure of my life complete.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-ZhE3yR277ZZDQvEW0T4AkR9_9m1ChxL3v3dnvhLeZqnEPhrs1d1kbbKT-2olDsn3uBqxinI5j17qzW62goEwGmgxEAyimqK6q77YkKmGnxS8-1LO_Fhs4rNX0Z4yNalCx7YPwC403I-/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-ZhE3yR277ZZDQvEW0T4AkR9_9m1ChxL3v3dnvhLeZqnEPhrs1d1kbbKT-2olDsn3uBqxinI5j17qzW62goEwGmgxEAyimqK6q77YkKmGnxS8-1LO_Fhs4rNX0Z4yNalCx7YPwC403I-/s1600/15.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Update:</b> My luggage arrived 1 am on Sunday morning…everything
intact.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVX4sZHIm6_FB3ic1ltHHhJq4TnoZx5c9QFtCwVL18eZ7t2l774OaVkoTMQBCYppqUzHJFJYqCCkISUeI6NZzQaLUjhuCmmAF2MnDrduvbXzdEJVTTQ_bUHaBTIuLE0udjKORj8vfQrjX/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVX4sZHIm6_FB3ic1ltHHhJq4TnoZx5c9QFtCwVL18eZ7t2l774OaVkoTMQBCYppqUzHJFJYqCCkISUeI6NZzQaLUjhuCmmAF2MnDrduvbXzdEJVTTQ_bUHaBTIuLE0udjKORj8vfQrjX/s1600/13.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Update 2:</b> The birthday package my friends sent me back in July was
returned to sender arriving late October.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-14723016206832889282013-09-11T21:10:00.000-07:002013-12-20T22:04:42.811-08:00It's not the "G" word...<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t believe the time has come…my last day working for
uplifted. When I arrived, Rachael was already in the office working way with
the window open. We had a nice conversation while we plugged away at the
keyboard; mostly about how my time in Buenos Aires was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the rest of the team, Nora and Katie, and our new
intern Shelly, arrived. We mostly talked the rest of the morning away until
Withers (the owner of Uplifted) was available to take us out for lunch at
Fabrica de Tacos.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvCknxUNGBt9vtOE7_3U5Fiwrsc1vqrnej5-amtoipZ-NEn28mv1zfoD9LdnOhhO-8oi37Ziv6xbVjWpzHDYFt1IWnQ9HyZ5rJ8CH2qzIyOEzRBn1YDNlndu_H2VzvJGKJ7NTt7P3pK6V/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvCknxUNGBt9vtOE7_3U5Fiwrsc1vqrnej5-amtoipZ-NEn28mv1zfoD9LdnOhhO-8oi37Ziv6xbVjWpzHDYFt1IWnQ9HyZ5rJ8CH2qzIyOEzRBn1YDNlndu_H2VzvJGKJ7NTt7P3pK6V/s1600/0.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a><o:p> </o:p>Lunch was fantastic! I had this unique bean soup, guacamole
dip, and two tacos…everything was delicious! We even sneaked in a photo of the
outing. Thanks Uplifted for buying. LOL!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we got back to the office, the team gave me a gift. A
bag full of things I learned to love during my stay in Argentina; mate, fernet,
candies, BonBons, toddies…everything was in there. I then gave them my gift…1
kilo of ice cream! We munched on that for the rest of the day, right up to the
point when I had to hand over my keys to the office. See you laters were
said…again. I did my last walk from Avenue Cordoba down Goddy Cruz to Avenue
Santa Fe. Sad day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Picking up some last souvenirs from Jumbo (3 bottles of wine
and 2 bottles of fernet), I will miss that place. I packed up a lot of my items
because it was Wednesday and you know what that means…Liquid Bar night!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meeting everyone at a restaurant in Palermo Hollywood, it
was time for my last Argentina asado. The food came in good proportions at a
good price...what a way to go out! Once our good sized group of about 10
friends was finished we walked the streets until we caught bus 115 that takes
us directly to Liquid…in fact just across the street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We danced the night away…at least until the beer special was done. Then
it was time to say my see you laters to the people who made my stay so special.
My new lifelong friends from all over the world...well at least 3 continents.
Lol!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOdqxvsG4U5-RiLBG3Tix2sGZqqrdxV-Nm72uG6qk35iv0Vt74VOH15VScWpy4znL3tm-uYZM_MMW4lwzgErpipN6d6_77-JUfg9yqpPNYPC0bO20W6dLqFhkBALhoocqXrk9scoCWUbZ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOdqxvsG4U5-RiLBG3Tix2sGZqqrdxV-Nm72uG6qk35iv0Vt74VOH15VScWpy4znL3tm-uYZM_MMW4lwzgErpipN6d6_77-JUfg9yqpPNYPC0bO20W6dLqFhkBALhoocqXrk9scoCWUbZ/s1600/8.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnExbavePy_esM_1hGH6O9qe85QwOhIb2geFmksJF21l0rkXGXW6LI1d0xqI-zHCb0rULqBi7JQPULsOI6nY9rVERRh3gmiMgq_VdCufDBIDuvhhDI_wNIyhyphenhyphenoEXlcBUCbMtOtKgZV9H9/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnExbavePy_esM_1hGH6O9qe85QwOhIb2geFmksJF21l0rkXGXW6LI1d0xqI-zHCb0rULqBi7JQPULsOI6nY9rVERRh3gmiMgq_VdCufDBIDuvhhDI_wNIyhyphenhyphenoEXlcBUCbMtOtKgZV9H9/s1600/7.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-15158947660762342652013-09-10T21:08:00.000-07:002013-12-20T22:01:18.647-08:00Uplifted Game Night!<div class="MsoNormal">
The sight of the Retiro neighborhood and Retiro bus station
was my welcome back to Buenos Aires. I finally arrived back in the city around
7:30 am this morning and took bus 151 to my place. By 8:15 am I was back in my
studio collapsed on my bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I left Rio Cuarto, I was told by Nico and his mother
to text them when I arrived back to my apartment. I did just that, but the
internet wasn’t working in my apartment, and I was so tired I fell asleep as
soon as I hit my bed.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I woke up several hours later, I made my trek to the
office for another day of work. When I arrived, I was told by my coworker,
Rachael, Nico found her on Facebook and messaged her to find out if she heard
about if I made it back to Buenos Aires. I explained the situation and immediately
let him know. Thanks, Bud for ensuring I made it back safely! It gives someone
a whole new sense of security knowing you are being watched after by amazing
people!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVtfsbjTD2RX04SfqKOVWplgHQ95jhBLNXrO8YTmqkHO5Fc3PMDoKIjn4t4DsAJ-2KmsKZLVd1S-z8KZAXQ-V2Fo-NsSj56ikNZhMe631zx__W0GFlxkn0mYgoGsttHRfW7yknVeyIN_X/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVtfsbjTD2RX04SfqKOVWplgHQ95jhBLNXrO8YTmqkHO5Fc3PMDoKIjn4t4DsAJ-2KmsKZLVd1S-z8KZAXQ-V2Fo-NsSj56ikNZhMe631zx__W0GFlxkn0mYgoGsttHRfW7yknVeyIN_X/s1600/11.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a>Here is a first! The weather was abnormally hot in Buenos
Aires today…so hot; I was able to wear shorts! Finally, Buenos Aires met my
weather expectations. LOL! I didn’t get much done at the office today because
we upgraded the marketing office to a new location in the building. One with
bigger windows and even a balcony! The downfall…open windows and a busy avenue
below are the perfect ingredients for a work environment full of distractions.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">After nearly a few months of planning, it was Uplifted game night at the
Palace (a.k.a. Rachael’s massive apartment). We made pizzas, had homemade
hummus, and played an invigorating game of Monopoly. Bring Rachael to her
knees, making dirty deals with Katie, and edging off Nora…I was on the verge of
winning. I guess my business degree finally paid off! LOL! Too bad we didn’t
start game night earlier in my stay.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-34652457969408861642013-09-09T21:07:00.000-07:002013-12-20T21:56:24.688-08:00It's only a "See you later"<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, the end of my Rio Cuarto trip has arrived. After three
days of pure awesomeness, it was time to say see you later. (But only after
another full day in the city.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPsINqaMlI_9il8tAS31Vw-tZhZevDbSKPba5LdgjXkTJWkpM4d-4YN6pnbAdfWFpNISWi5Q9vMZcVAPBqaXVdagWDErQapDsX7FhDcQdBb1Dx5sX-dUpeIie9AWI5xIAyHfHBsEs8jQ6/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPsINqaMlI_9il8tAS31Vw-tZhZevDbSKPba5LdgjXkTJWkpM4d-4YN6pnbAdfWFpNISWi5Q9vMZcVAPBqaXVdagWDErQapDsX7FhDcQdBb1Dx5sX-dUpeIie9AWI5xIAyHfHBsEs8jQ6/s1600/3.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a>Waking up around 11 am…it was time for me to do something
for the Wagners after all of the generosity they showed me this past weekend.
However, everyone was either at work or school so it was just Nico, Marta, and
I. Famous for my American breakfast, it was time to put my skills to work! We
walked to the nearest vegetable store and purchased the ingredients I needed.
Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and breakfast potatoes…let me finish your
thought…"Wow Lance, what a great breakfast!”<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<o:p> </o:p>Marta then told Nico to tell me (language barrier issue LOL)
that she thought there was a strike with the bus company and I should check
with the bus station. Since Nico needed to leave for a quick class, when Nico’s dad
came home I asked if he could call the bus station. He did and said I would be
fine. However, after he left, in came Nico’s mom and aunt. His mom looked on the internet
and told me the bus strike was going to affect me. At this point, I didn’t know what to
believe.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Nico was in class, I packed my bags and took a shower
because the plan for the bus station was to arrive at my designated time and if
the buses were running, good, but if they weren't…we would think up plan B.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once Nico returned from class his mom drove us to the
downtown area. It only took us a few trips around the block and a short walk
until we found a restaurant to eat at. We both decided on the night’s special which
was pork loin covered in a mustard sauce. My mouth still waters thinking about
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS22E-FhZt4AKC7aBTw5CEli1eXFjyPknrU4WxIK4AzXjli2RBezdm2RyRMAZezkh4LOaMaaSIsawnXlQkYZb2DRMR3oM1VsnHJ8QUvb8xNrOyNl13B8aBGOq_HlgM3E5TF-deo17HD9I1/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS22E-FhZt4AKC7aBTw5CEli1eXFjyPknrU4WxIK4AzXjli2RBezdm2RyRMAZezkh4LOaMaaSIsawnXlQkYZb2DRMR3oM1VsnHJ8QUvb8xNrOyNl13B8aBGOq_HlgM3E5TF-deo17HD9I1/s1600/4.jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a>Since it was a nice night outside, we decided to pick up
some more ice cream and walk the short distance back to his place. It was kind of
cool to walk the streets because you gain new experiences, ones that you
wouldn't have got if you rode in the car.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the time we arrived back at his place, it was close for
me to leave. I packed a few of my final items (laptop), and it was off to the bus
station we went. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was hard saying goodbye after the experience I had in Rio
Cuarto…authentic living. We said our see you laters, and while I invited them
to Iowa, they told me I was always welcomed back to Rio Cuarto. I can’t wait to
see everyone in Rio Cuarto again!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the bus they actually played a scary movie! This
surprised me as you would never see a movie like that on a bus in the US. Another
thing you would never see on a bus in the US is a full tray of food containing
two migas, a granola bar, two candies, and a peach juice box unless you paid
for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite an emotional departure, I actually slept better than the ride
there. LOL!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-60359462990699934532013-09-08T21:06:00.000-07:002013-12-20T21:47:02.747-08:00What are clay courts?<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of the trip to Johnny B. Goods…it was another late
night. I think when I finally opened my eyes for the first time…it was past
noon! (The frequency of that happening is starting to increase….Hello Argentina
time. LOL!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the bright-side, when you wake up after 12:00 it’s still
time to eat…just a different meal of the day! Since Gabi, Nico’s mom, was still
visiting family in Cordoba, Nico’s dad, Richardo, made a quick trip to the
store and grabbed some raviolis. OH MAN! DELICIOUS! Thanks once again, Wagner
family!</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The much of the afternoon was spent watching some more of
the US Open; this time it was the women’s finals match. I had a great time
watching the match with Nico and his dad…you can tell they have passion for the
sport.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxwUG3Vgdec8MDv85OICQcOTddREMU2GDnTKHKG8CPKgfkX8eQbtSR0w1lUgSYMyVPpSTzuGSEuHqKH0MVQX_ALDcOy8-CoBqjI3fPPdWKBPDxdQ9ezwGfxOiPS9PRFORExWISa4agQGc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxwUG3Vgdec8MDv85OICQcOTddREMU2GDnTKHKG8CPKgfkX8eQbtSR0w1lUgSYMyVPpSTzuGSEuHqKH0MVQX_ALDcOy8-CoBqjI3fPPdWKBPDxdQ9ezwGfxOiPS9PRFORExWISa4agQGc/s1600/2.jpg" /></a>There is no better way than practicing some of the tennis
moves you learned while watching the US Open. After Friday’s warm up session on
the practice courts at the Wagner’s tennis club, it was time to get real! Today
marked the first time I have ever played tennis on clay courts; add that to my
book of firsts. I must say, I had a blast playing against Nico, but he would
totally demolish me in a tournament. He has to be a 15 on a 10 scale. LOL!<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My evening was spent at Nico’s aunt’s house where his family
was having a Sunday meal. I met a lot of his family…cousins, grandparents,
uncles, aunts and event dogs…u name them, I’ve probably met them. The family
was EXTREMLY welcoming, I started to wonder…was I home? Some of the younger
cousins were practicing their English on me, and it was humorous and fun at the
same time. Saying the goodbyes, I was told by numerous relatives…best of luck
with my future and visit again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once back at the Wagner household I started a load of laundry. While the
washer was busy doing its thing, we ended up watching a movie. The movie must
have not been that interesting because I don’t remember much of it. LOL!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7202038419921250107.post-59999323934008308722013-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:002013-12-20T21:45:46.352-08:00ASADO TIME....NICO STYLE!<div class="MsoNormal">
Taking advantage of our Saturday morning to recover from the
Boliche outing that kept us out until 5:30 am, we weren’t up and moving until
about 1:30 pm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This weekend was also the semi-finals and finals for the US
Open, so we chilled and watched the match between #9 Wawrinka and #1 Djokovic.
It contained one of the most exciting final sets I’ve seen because a game went
into its 12<sup>th</sup> deuce.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Shortly after the match, we went to a neighborhood meat
locker and picked up $150 pesos worth of beef. (AKA…A LOT OF MEAT.) I’ve
noticed a difference between neighborhood stores in Rio Cuarto and stores in
Buenos Aires and The United States. Several of the places we went to had a
credit account set up for the Wagner family. Despite extending a line of credit
to customers can be dangerous for some businesses, it brings a whole new level of
unity and trust into any neighborhood.</div>
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After buying the beef, we traveled to pick up Nico’s friend,
Javi, because the asado was for me and several of Nico’s friends. When the cuts
of meat were on the parrilla, we waited for Flor and Mili to arrive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNeQHxYWFZk93TZ4YHriZk8oNauuZ9ERvlI3ZHHhx752z1pzA6HAWs5H6rWKBCm3eNDQnmoB2SkoOcf121Wba-Hy3od5VlnZiO0e6F6bM8WY2fXoT76BowZxCUQHYPlE7y0-OoujZCRb3/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNeQHxYWFZk93TZ4YHriZk8oNauuZ9ERvlI3ZHHhx752z1pzA6HAWs5H6rWKBCm3eNDQnmoB2SkoOcf121Wba-Hy3od5VlnZiO0e6F6bM8WY2fXoT76BowZxCUQHYPlE7y0-OoujZCRb3/s1600/5.jpg" /></a>The food was amazing and the Asador, Nico, did an incredible
job cooking. This asado was different from Tristan’s last weekend. The food is grilled using only wood embers
making a flame absent and reduced the risk charring the meat. Ahhhh…I’m
definitely going to miss the Argentinean way of grilling…I might have to create
my own parrilla. LOL!<br />
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Nico’s family had this amazing antique foosball table. Game
after game, we swung our players making goals left and right. Switching up the
teams from time to time...my best winning streak was with my teammate Mili.</div>
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Once all the food disappeared from our plates, it was time
for some desert. Nico, Javi, and I made a special, but important trip to the
Heladeria. There we grabbed 1 Kilo of prime Argentinean ice cream.</div>
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What’s better than to wash down a meal with Fernet and coke?
NOTHING. LOL! Making our way through one all of our Heinekens…we, yet again,
made our way to the local convenience store. Now legally, after a certain time
a store has to stop selling alcohol, but that didn’t stop us! Javi, Mili, and I
walked into the store, and acquired a bottle of Fernet. (Javi just had to stuff
it down his pants in case there was an officer watching outside. LOL!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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After enjoying some classic rock music videos and
conversations (mostly in Spanish), we were accompanied by two more of Nico’s
friends; Pedro and Marcial. Some of the conversations were rather deep, but I
was amazed how some of Nico’s friends were decently up-to-date on US current
events.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Finishing out the newly purchased fernet and all of the liquor in the
house, the five of us guys went to Johnny B. Good’s for one last drink.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03984554930791105804noreply@blogger.com0