Summer in Florence: Archives

CHRIS HOLMES (interior architecture major) writes:
Words can't describe what an experience this is for me. Sure, it's an experience for the entire class, but I think that is mostly an experience in which we learn about who we are with each other in a environment that is not our own. Living in Italy these past few weeks has given me a new perspective on who I am and where I come from. Italy is different from Chicago, to say the least. The mornings are quiet and cool, filled with merchants preparing for the day ahead. Afternoons are hot, with tourists navigating the various sites around the city. Nights are relaxing, the smell of fresh Italian food fills the air, and the chatter of conversation fills my ears.

Class with Kirk [Irwin, faculty in interior architecture] is amazing! Kirk is anxious to interact with us and to share his knowledge. Kirk can easily be described as the oracle, being that he can answer any question of architecture. I already see an improvement in my work in the short time I have been here. I am anxious to build on the lessons that Kirk is teaching me.

This last weekend I traveled to Athens, Greece. Athens had more of a feel of Chicago to it. The streets are always packed with cars, trash, and noise! However, seclusion can be found at the many sites I went to. In just a day I saw the Agora, Temple of Zeus, Roman Forum, Filopappos Hills, Theater of Dionysus, and the Acropolis. However, I saw the Acropolis from a distance, due to the fact that the workers decided to strike the two days I was there! Emotions cannot describe how disappointed I felt; it was like coming within inches of your dream and watching it pass right in front of you. Regardless, the experience and sites were still amazing.

The week ahead is full of more visits to various parts of the city, and this weekend we are going to Venice!

CHRIS HOLMES (interior architecture major) writes:
Where does time go? We as Americans tend to go go go. Most of our days are full of, well...work. It seems by the time we have a chance to stop and catch our breath, our life has passed us by and all that is left is snapshots of memories along the way. While I am here I am trying to slow myself down and take in the entire Florence environment. It has already gone by too fast and I am trying to remember every detail I possibly can and
not forget them.

While I have been in Italy I have had the chance to observe how relaxed and less stressed the Italian people seem to be. There is a calmness and comfort about this place that I can't quite figure out or truly understand, but I have come across it from time to time. Just the other night I ate at this restaurant and after the meal, the waiter said, "Can I get you anything else?"

"Um...just the check," I replied. "No no no...sit...relax...no problem," ordered the waiter.

I was so used to eating and paying the bill right away in the U.S., that I forgot about what eating out is all about...enjoyment of the meal and surroundings. So I did as he said; I'd just had a great meal and I had my book, so I just sat and read for about another hour. Having worked in the restaurant business in the U.S., I remember our mangers telling us, "The more tables you turn, the more money you make...get the people out of here." Not once have I ever felt as if the Italian businesses are out to just get my money. From the restaurants to the art stores, I have felt extremely comfortable giving the various companies my business.

Below are some pics...the first one is of Kirk [Irwin, interior architecture faculty] and the undergrad class at San Lorenzo, the second is of Kirk and the grads and undergrads on top of the Duomo, the last is of (from left to right): Anca, Chris, Claudia , and Maggie (interior architecture students) at San Lorenzo.