VICENZA Day 4: OSPEDALE SAN BARTOLO and PARCO QUERINI

We were accompanied by Señora Angela's husband, Dr. Novek at the Ospedale San Bartolo. We learned that Italians have less healthcare costs compared to Americans. Italians have their own primary care provider, who are paid not per visit, rather, by the number of patients that are registered to them. Free exams are given by the general practitioner (GP), but there are minute co-pays (~€36) for extra exams, such as MRIs, X-rays, etc. Prescriptions, unlike the U.S., are affordable as well, averaging about €2 per prescription! Medications (Rx) are also given by bulk. For the patients, especially the elderly, family members ensure that they take their Rx in a timely manner.

[Parco Querini]

At the Ospedale, we passed by the Emergency Department and children's unit. The emergency personnel wore neon orange, full gears, whereas the other professionals wore calmer-colored uniforms-some nurses wore all white, unlike the multi-colored and decorated uniforms worn by nurses in the U.S. Rooms were set up like those in the U.S. Some consisted of more than one bed. However, unlike some American hospitals, the rooms were well-lit, as the windows were fully open.

On our way back to the dorms, we passed by the Parco Querini. It had a massive, green space with classical statues lined up in two rows that lead to and from the Temple Monoptero. There was also a local pond that surrounded the temple. This was a place where locals could enjoy taking a morning and afternoon stroll.

We also dropped by a local bakery, and I got a mushroom pizza and water for the road.

VENICE: FIRST VISIT AND UNFORGETTABLE GONDOLA RIDE

[Beautiful Venice]

[Check out the beautiful architecture!]

We were all excited to go to Venice, a place we've heard of from stories like Marco Polo... The whole class took an hour and a half-long train from Vicenza to Venice. Señora warned us that it would be crowded, especially if the cruise ships were around. True enough, the city was filled with tourists! This, however, did not stop us from getting our first boat ride. A group and I stood near the balcony of the boat, so that we could get the best views. We spotted the highest arch that Señora mentioned, the university where her son used to study, and the museum where she previously worked. Each building was unique and had extravagant decorations. Boats are the locals' mean of public transportation, thus owning one is like owning your own car.

I ate lunch with Emme, Sarah, Heidi, Anu, and Yen. Sarah, Emme, and I ordered this amazing spaghetti, pizza, and chocolate cake. We then headed out for our assigned scavenger hunt of the hospital and the Jewish ghetto.

After eating their gelato and my melon ice drop, we finally had our first gondola ride (we split the €80). To my surprise, my friends requested for the gondolier to sing happy birthday to me. He had a soothing voice, and he mentioned that he frequently sang lullabies to his baby girl. The gondolier showed us around; we passed by narrow passageways and old, mini bridges. The views were spectacular as well... He pointed to a cathedral to the left and another building with intricate, architectural arches to the right? We also got greeted by their emergency personnel with a cool ride. Right before we ended up at the dock, we spotted a couple enjoying their ride. 'Twas such a relaxing ride, especially while listening to the gondolier's soft paddle, gently unfolding the Venetian waters... I could not help but smile. I will definitely come back and share this experience with the special people in my life.

[One of the Venetian boats... showing some school spirit]

[with my roommate, Emme]

[Solo shot while our gondolier swiftly brings
us through the narrow passageways]

[Unforgettable First Gondola Ride with friends]

VICENZA Day 3: LOCAL SALAMI, CHEESE SHOPS, and GROUP DINNER

[Amongst the Asiago cheeses]

We had a field trip at the cheese shop, wherein we observed how cheese was made. Cheese at the local shop that was family-run was freshly created in the mornings. Asiago cheeses were stored in a huge refrigerated room, and the older the cheese, the tastier it gets!

 

[Salami-tasting]

When we visited the Salami shop, we met the mayor of the city and Lorenzo, one of the workers and our tour guide. A professional photographer took a group picture of us and the visit (little did we know that we'd have that group picture published in the local Vicenza tabloid!) Inside, there was a huge weighing scale to weigh the massive amounts of meat used for the salami;  some of my classmates took that opportunity to weight themselves and see how much gelato and pasta pounds they've earned). During our first stop, it was amazing to witness the teamwork done by each worker, as each salami mix was mainly packaged using a small machine and was passed on through an assembly of workers. The oldest in the group was the owner, who was probably in his 80s but was still actively participating. As the salamis were stored in the animal's stomach, they were placed in specified refrigerators. The older the salami, the more bacteria there was around the bag, and the smaller it got! Odd as it may seem, the bacteria were normally grown to protect the freshness of the salami. We ended the visit with a free salami and cracker tasting. 

We had our first group dinner in Vicenza. The whole group dressed up and sat with a professional. Though the rest of the class sat with mainly healthcare professionals, Emme and I were eager to sit with Señora Angela; we all shared stories about our culture and ghosts/superstitions.

  

[Course 1: Prusciutto with olives]

[Course 2: gnocchi cooked with olive oil]

Course 3: Ham and Beef slices with mushrooms and potatoes

[Course 4: Chocolate brownie cake spinkled with white powder]

VICENZA Day 2: TEATRO OLIMPICO

During our second day of touring Vicenza, Señora Angela brought us in to see the amazing Teatro Olimpico. She taught us that the statues that surrounded the theatre were in fact sponsors at the time. The backdrop was nothing like I've seen in the U.S. There was the illusion of an on-going village on stage, whereas in fact, a great perspective was shown. This makes it hard for actors to appear at the further end of the stage rather than the foreground.



[Outside of the Teatro Olimpico]







[Statues greeted us at the
entrance of the theatre.]



[The stage, the use of perspective, and the Sponsors]

VICENZA Day 1: NEW ROOMMATE and NEW DISCOVERIES

More than half of the class headed to Vicenza from the Rome train station. We arrived there and walked for about 15 minutes with our luggages to an all-scholar, Italian dorm in San Silvestro. Our living areas were different than those in Lucca. Rooms were set-up like an apartment style area with dishes, cooking tools, a mini stove, and a refrigerator ready. We learned that the dorm was newly renovated, thus it was just right to keep it tidy. I have a a new roommate named Emmeline, who's half Filipina and half Chamorro.

We had a tour of Vicenza, which had a larger youth population (considering that we live in one of their dorms)... Like Lucca, Italians in Vicenza frequently walk and ride their bicycles. During our tour, we saw bakeries nearby, local restaurants, churches, piazzas, and lastly a grocery store called Pam. Emme and I bought some basic ingredients for our home-made pasta. We ended up buying a Pam bag, that we could recycle, instead of paying for a plastic bag every time. We passed by the carnival near Pam, which we heard would last until the end of September...

[First Italian Cooked Dish]

Emme and I discovered that we both love to cook. We therefore wanted to make a dish together using authentic, Italian ingredients. After arriving from Pam, we excitedly spread out our Italian ingredients on the long, kitchen table. We were eager to put together our juicy, red cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, fresh, mozzarella balls (boccachini), fresh sage and rosemary, Italian pasta, and of course, the baked bruschetta. We took turns cooking, and it was fun! We first cooked the pasta and later added butter with sage and the local Parmesan cheese. Next, we heated our bruschetta and topped it with individually-wrapped mozzarella balls, chopped, red, cherry tomatoes, and some pesto. Lastly, we worked on our presentations... The pasta was made just right and the bruschetta was amazing! We both felt like true Italian chefs!

ROME Day 2: PALATINE PALACE, THE COLOSSEUM, FORUM, PANTHEON, SPANISH STEPS, TREVI FOUNTAIN, and HEIDI'S BDAY

We ate at the hotel's buffet area, wherein they served Italian bread, cheeses such as Swiss and Mozarella, marinated eggplants, and the all-American breakfast I.e. Eggs, bacon, and sausage. Grapefruit, red-orange juice, apple juice, and lattes were available as well.

We took the train and later the local bus to see the tourist sites. We waited in line to get our €12 tri-pass at the Palatine Palace, where the Roman Emperors used to live.  We then walked to the forum closeby and then the Colosseum. These were just a beauty! I remember walking through the dusty and ragged stones imagining what it was like to live in the area... As I walked in the Colosseum, I fancied tracing the steps of the local Romans, excited to see their gladiators' sweat and blood. As I gazed through the open area, I imagined the roars of the crowd, as the emperor decided to place his thumb up or down to decide the fate of a human being. As we exited the Roman Colosseum, we saw local artists and their spray-painting techniques. One showed her skills while listening to some techno music, which seemed to have captured a huge crowd. We later saw a monument with intricate figures, one had a mustache about 5feet wide (basically bigger than some of my colleagues)!  A little later, we saw The Pantheon; it was beautiful with an open dome and also had Raphael's remains. A little later, the girls did some shopping at Ferragamo, Dolce and G, Prada, etc. I simply accompanied them and was at awe at the prices! I enjoyed my tiramisu and cappuccino gelato before heading to the famous Spanish steps. We sat next to the spot where Audrey Hepburn ate her gelato in the movie, "The Roman Holiday." We blended in with the huge crowd, overlooking another as they walked in and out of the famous brand shops. They looked like little hungry ants hoping to find good deals in Italy. It was nearly 7pm, and we walked about 5-minutes to the left down from the Spanish steps to the Trevi Fountain. I felt a cool breeze to my right, and I was just at awe to see the fountain. I made three wishes before we met with Heidi and her crew to celebrate her Bday.

[The Colosseum]

[Feeling like a Roman Spectator]

[A midst the Blood, Sweat, and Tears]

[The Roman Forum]

[The Palatine Palace, Roman emperors' abode]

                                     [The Pantheon]

[Spanish Steps]

[Trevi Fountain by Day]

[Trevi Fountain by Night]

[Roman Dinner]

ROME Day 1: THE VATICAN and THE SISTINE CHAPEL

Heidi, Maylena, Yen, Anu, Jerald, Helen, Lenda , and I ate breakfast at the Hotel Patrizia (like the Ostello from Lucca) as a group. We were asked if we wanted coffee, chocolate, or tea. I chose to have a hot chocolate, which tasted so much like Swiss Miss. We were then given bread with a choice of Nutella or mixed berry jam. I chose the latter with their soft butter. The elderly man made us some red-orange, home-made juice. After breakfast, we called a taxi and headed straight into the train station, about a 5-minute ride away.

We waited yet again for an extra two hours for our train to Rome, as there was a group of others who struggled with their check-out procedures in their chosen American hotels and that the trains were 20-30 minutes delayed. We learned that having one person in charge of the whole group's ticket (as assigned seats were printed in that specific ticket) was not a very good decision... Nevertheless, our teamwork was shown as soon as it was time to board the train. The guys mainly did the lifting and organizing of our American, medium-large- sized luggages, while the rest of the crew took their seats.

The ride took us about an hour or so from Florence to Rome. We passed by Central Park, which was a beauty. The Marriott Courtyard Hotel was about a 15-minute ride from the airport. We all split into groups, rode two taxis,and headed to the hotel. We learned that as soon as the taxis stop, the meter starts running. For the smaller taxis, the maximum people that can ride are only 4, even if we could fit 5. Taxi drivers and Roman drivers in general are super aggressive! There is no such thing as following the right lanes nor following the speed limit, kind of like those in the Philippines.

As we arrived around 1pm and did not want to waste a good day in Rome, we decided to head to the Vatican before the doors closed to the public at 4pm. We saw the beautiful frescoes, Roman sculptures of Augustus and other important Roman figures and lastly, the Sistine Chapel, especially the famous painting by  Michelangelo Buonarroti. All the while, I thought the latter would be huge, but it was placed smack at the middle of his other paintings such as when Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and many others... As we passed from one hall to another, framed frescoes from different eras were placed side by side from the walls to the ceilings. It was simply amazing! We ended our day tour at the St. Peter's Basilica. Sadly though, there wasn't enough time to go inside.

[St. Peter's Basilica (Photo by Jerald)]

[Entrance to the Musei Vaticani with Anu and Yen]

[The Vatican Courtyard]

[Surrounded by Roman statues]

[Augustus Caesar]

[Heading to the Sistine Chapel]

We finally ate dinner around 6pm at a nearby cafe. However, to our dismay, the food wasn't as great as what we've had in the past few days in Lucca. They were catered for tourists and not the local Italians. Foods seemed like they were just pre-heated and not authentically made--not to mention very expensive! Instead of taking a taxi and paying more, we walked about 15 minutes to the metro station to the hotel.

FLORENCE, ITALY- THE BIRTHPLACE of the RENAISSANCE

   
 

We rode the train from Lucca to Florence for about an hour. I ended up having my huge luggage carried by some friends up and down the train stairwells as there were no elevators present.

When we came to Lucca, we ended up walking another 10 minutes to our hotel, while dragging our huge bags. We took turns bringing up our things, while the rest waited at a nearby cafe.

We passed by the Florence Mercato for lunch, and I finally ate rice with beef, which tasted like caldereta. We strolled some more and saw breads, cheeses, and mushroom stations.



We passed by the outdoor vendor place where they sold leather jackets, wallets, and bags. We ended up visiting two churches, in which one housed the tomb of Michaelangelo Buonarotti, Galileo Galilei, Donatello, and Brunelleschi. The paintings were so detailed, and many showed perspective. The stained glass and rose windows were none like I've ever seen before!



[Sta. Croce Church, the burial place of Renaissance artists such as Michaelangelo Buonarroti, Machiavelli, and Galileo Galilei.

  


["Gates of Paradise"]

   

[Florence, Italy]



[Brunelleschi's Duomo]



[Michaelangelo Buonarroti's burial place]









































We met our tour guide at the local piazza, where the Renaissance artists used to meet. Outside the open area, I saw a replica of David as well as marble figures like Neptune and the killing of Medusa. We also passed by The Duomo (Dome) designed by Brunelleschi. In addition, we took some pictures near "The Gate to Paradise," which had popped-out sculpted scenes of Adam and Eve, Abraham and his son, as well as Moses obtaining the tablets from Mt. Sinai. 

 

[A replica of "The David" by Michaelangelo]

 As I passed through this sculpture gallery, I was anticipating how I would react, when I see the 14" tall statue of David by Michaelangelo. I remember opening up the curtains from the gallery and saying "Wow!" I looked and scrutinized the front... He has really good veins, especially from the right hand. The feet also showed some veins. Of course, one could see how perfect his pubic hair was made, including his... Looking from behind, I could not help but notice his huge gluteus maximus! It was perfectly sculpted. Also, his sling shot, which hung from his left shoulder to his right hand was noticeable as well. His sides showed his rib cage area and his muscles were well depicted also. A cut-out tree trunk supported David's right leg, which also showed a contrast in both textures as the log was rough, whereas David had a smooth surface. His facial features showed an expression of deep thought and calm concentration, kind of like a sportsman analyzing which angle to best hit his target (in this case, Goliath). Moreover, they placed a seismograph near the marble statue in order to monitor any cracks that may happen during an earthquake.

From the David statue museum to the hotel is about a 20 minute walk. As we had already been out in the hot Florentine sun, my new roommates, Heidi, Anu, Yen, and I took a taxi back to our hotel, rested for a while, and ate at the pizzeria across the street.

LUCCA Last Day: PALAZZO and MY FIRST TIRAMISU CAKE at GIGI's

At around 10am, the whole crew went to a nearby palazzo (small palace), about a 5-minute walk away from the Ostello. We met the grandson of the owner, who showed us around his home, which was now a museum. Before going up this nice stairwell, we saw their beautiful garden from a distance. As we went in, the main entrance-lobby was filled with fresco paintings and stations, which showcased medical instruments used years ago. We also saw the other parts of the palace, which included the bedroom with the cover on top (like the ones during Shakespeare's time), the kitchen which had spices and garlic hanging on one corner, and also the dining area which had a painting of a saint. After the brief tour, we all couldn't wait to see the garden. As we walked through the gates, we were greeted by Roman god statues on both sides.. Walking further ahead, we saw a small fountain surrounded by plants of various species. Red, pink, and white roses could be found near the statues as well. Still looking further, we spotted people walking and biking at The Wall. It was such a beautiful garden, which was well maintained. I felt like that little girl in "The Secret Garden!"

We headed back to the Ostello, bought Italia pizza (with mozzarella and tomatoes) and a Four topping pizza (olives, artichoke, baked ham, and mushrooms). Tolle, Emme, and I ate at the courtyard of the Ostello, with The Wall as our view. As we were talking about getting gelato, a gelato mobile (like an ice cream mobile) passed by The Wall. Unlike that of the US, this gelato cart did not have any annoying sounds.

I took a siesta after our afternoon class (we talked about immigration issues and ethics in Italian healthcare). Afterwards, I printed some confirmation info for our Florence and Rome trips. We then headed to Gigi's, a fancy restaurant near the Mercato (public market) and the tower we visited days ago.

We all were ushered in a private, red room with cylindrical orange and green lights that hung from the ceiling. Our maroon napkins were held together by a tied, brown rope. We all had a nice, candle-lit dinner with white and red wine. I ordered an herb-marinated (including rosemary) and lemon chicken, which tasted so much like the one we ate at Capricciosa in Guam. They also had bread with smooth butter and basil vinaigrette. We also ordered french fries with fried, crispy, green sage (twas a great combo)! Although I finished my main course, I yearned for a Tiramisu cake, which had a soft, thin cake layer that was sandwiched in between the delicate cream and cafe. The mixture was to die for, and I just had to share a bite with everyone! I will definitely eat at Gigi's sometime in the future!

As we had our last stroll of Lucca, we noticed waitresses dancing at another restaurant. Tolle and Jerald decided to showcase some moves while on the street, but the rest eventually walked ahead. Some stores were covered but the rest still showcased their best pieces--I.e. Max and Co. fall clothes.

We then ran across our professor, Janet Lenart and her Italian friend, Fabio, who was an emergency (hotline) nurse. During our short talk, he mentioned that about 2 Italians per day in the Lucca region call their department to seek help regarding their heart conditions. This, he thought, was already a big deal, which we in America would think is a rather small percentage. We also wondered if Italians are aware of cardiovascular disease symptoms, and Fabio greatly agreed. He said that Italians are quick to respond if such cases occur, and some even call the emergency hotline, if they have minute issues, such as a cold. 

[Senora Lenart, Senor Fabio, Jerald, Helen, Maylena, Tolle, and myself in Lucca]

It's bitter sweet, but I hate to say goodbye to Lucca... I can't wait to see Florence tomorrow (will stay there overnight) and then head to Rome for this weekend. On Monday morning, we'll be heading to Vicenza, our second site. 

LUCCA Day 8: COMMUNITY HEALTH GAME, PUBLIC MARKET, and LAUNDRY

 Jerald and I walked for about 30 minutes at The Wall. With his digital Canon camera ready, he took action shots of people biking and walking with their dogs.

During class, we played a community health game, wherein a group of 3+ were randomly given a gender, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors that affect a team's health status from childhood, adolescent, adulthood, and old age. The main goal is to go through one life stage to another with a level of 5 (excellent socioeconomic status) and to prevent ways of dying. We're basically given a dice and we take turns rolling it. We then either move forward and gain chips or stay in place, have a lowered level, and lose a chip or more. It was interesting to see how having an excellent socioeconomic status (white, rich person) helped with obtaining a better health, despite having the same health diseases such as breast/ prostate cancer and kidney cancer as someone with a lower socioeconomic status (I.e. Female of color).

In the afternoon, we dropped by the local public market, which was about a 10-minute walk away from the Ostello. Trailers of families selling clothes, shoes, and even fruits and veggies parked side by side, hoping to make some profit... These businesses on wheels drop by Lucca every Wednesdays and Saturdays. I had a chance to bargain, which was a neat experience! I came back with a pound of pecorino, Italian bread, and olives marinated with herbs such as basil. It's a delish combo for only 6.50€! I had a lot left that I ended up eating it for dinner as well.



                       

[What an amazing day at the Lucca public market!]

 Helen, Je, Maylena, and I went to the laundry place near the fountain, about a 5-minute walk away from the Ostello. It was fun trying to understand the Italian laundry instructions! We did not need to buy soap, as the amount we paid (4.50€ / load) already included the soap in the machine. Both the washer and dryer loads lasted for about an hour, and everyone ended up with a fresh set of clean clothes!