You are currently on the "Trip Diary" site for USF in Florence 2011.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN USF in FLORENCE 2012, go to:
drmerrickstudyabroaditaly.blogspot.com/
Sunday
INTRODUCTION
Ciao Students, Family, and Friends
This is the website to keep you informed about the activities of the University of South Florida's Education Abroad Program for Summer B (June 25-August 6), 2011. I will provide a weekly photojournal of our activities so you can see your students in action. This website will be casual and fun-filled.
If you are interested in learning about the details of the USF program in Florence (such as the costs, application procedures, and so on), please go to: http://drmerrickstudyabroaditaly.blogspot.com/.
If you are interested in learning about the USF program for London and Paris, go to: http://drmerrickstudyabroad.blogspot.com
More later. In the meantime, Ciao and Best Wishes,
Dr. Merrick
Wednesday
CONTACT INFORMATION
TO CALL ITALY FROM THE U.S.
Dial 011 (to get the international line)
Dial 39 (the country code for Italy)
Dial the phone number
TIME CHANGE
Italy is 6 hours ahead of the U.S.
Midnight in Florida is 6 a.m. in Italy!
CONTACT INFORMATION IN FLORENCE
DR. MERRICK--USF FACULTY DIRECTOR IN FLORENCE
Email: merrick@usf.edu
U.S. Cell: 941 224 3805
Italy Cell: TBD
PALAZZI--FLORENCE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Health and Safety Emergencies: (011) (39) 347 376 9632
Housing Emergency: (011) (39) 335 714 6082
LOCAL POLICE
(011) (39) 335 776 5916
U.S. CONSULATE
(011) (39) 055 266 951
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR USF IN TAMPA
MR. JAMES PULOS--USF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Email: jpulos@iac.usf.edu
Office telephone: 813 974 4043
Office fax: 813 974 4613
USF EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Telephone during business hours: 813 974 4314
Telephone after business hours: 813 317 5815
Emergency Gmail: usfeducationabroad@gmail.com
Saturday
ARRIVEDERCI, ITALIA
It is August 5th, and we have just enjoyed our last Italian meal together. It’s time for celebrating our good fortune to have lived in Italy and for commiserating about having to leave this beautiful country and its beautiful and warm people. We have seen it all and done it all. Well, perhaps not all, but we did a lot! We studied, we traveled, we laughed, we made good friends, and we learned so much. Now as the moon shimmers off the façade of our “neighborhood church” – the Basilica of Santa Croce—we toast one last time to our memories in this beautiful land.
Ciao Bella Italia
Tuesday
FOOD AND CULTURE -- WHAT A WAY TO EARN CREDITS!
6 COUNTRIES IN 3 DAYS!
By Nikko Stevens
From sleeping in the car, to showering at gas station rest stops, to brushing our teeth in hotel lobby restrooms, I would say visiting 6 countries in 3 days is a pretty successful road trip. And all of this would not be possible if it were not for the free upgrade of our rented car. I don't know how we would have fit in a little Fiat Panda that we were supposed to have. Me, personally, would definitely not have fit in any of the seats. However, a good sign to the start of a great trip, the rent-a-car place ran out of “Panda's” and upgraded us to the much bigger Fiat Doblo. In all seriousness, without this car, the trip would definitely not have been as good.
We started the trip by going northeast of Florence, and the first country on the list was Slovenia. Who the hell goes to Slovenia? How many people have even heard of the country? Well, Slovenia actually borders Italy, and we were crazy enough to go there. I must say, driving to Slovenia had some of the best scenery of the whole trip. Between the tip and corner of northeast Italy and into the Slovenian border we saw tremendous mountains and cliffs, gigantic waterfalls, and rolling hills that were absolutely beautiful. The drive to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia was about 6 hours from Florence. We arrived in the evening and spent it touring the city and meeting the locals. The city at night was gorgeous and we explored different monuments and restaurants. We went to some of the local bars that were outside and met some people that we talked politics with. That was mostly Sebastian's forte--he loves to get reactions of the locals and talk about government. It's interesting to note that in all of these different countries we got different opinions and reactions about America and American politics. In Slovenia, they were mostly docile toward us and had a positive reaction when we said we were American. And trust me when I say, we were the only Americans there!
The next stop was Zagreb, Croatia. We arrived there during mid-day the next day and toured the city. We encountered a military parade, saw various churches and statues and went to a huge local market where people were selling fresh fruits and vegetables. We left Zagreb in the evening and headed for Belgrade, Serbia. Stuck at the Serbian border, it took us almost 2 hours just to get through. People were outside having picnics, pushing their cars, walking along the highway- it was crazy, the traffic must have been backed up for at least 5 miles. Once we got into Serbia, we stopped at the gas station. I went inside to fill up my water bottle and as soon as I took a sip, it tasted like absolute s***. I asked Ronald and Clint to smell it and taste I, and they both said it smelled funny and would not try it. Then, we noticed signs everywhere saying “Water not for drinking.” Wow. I should have known you cannot drink the water in every country. Trust me when I say, that night in Belgrade my stomach was doing summersaults.
We arrived in Belgrade in the late evening, and the nightlife there was amazing. That is what the city is primarily known for- it's nightlife- and I must say it lived up to the hype. We visited four different clubs that were located right on the water. The next morning we started to head back north because time was pressing against us. We headed towards Romania, were we stopped in the city of Timisoara. Driving around for a while, we went to the mall that is apparently one of the best malls in Romania. Lulius Mall- four floors and it was awesome.
After we left the mall we took the Fiat off-roading through a motocross course on the side of the highway. It was absolutely hilarious. Ronald was driving like a madman, and we were going through dips and hills, and the car eventually got stuck in a pothole. We had to push it out, and there was mud everywhere. What’s also crazy is that located within this motocross off-roading area was a little lake with a small beach. It was filled with locals and they were having picnics and playing in the water- a really cool site.
After we left Romani,a we headed 6 hours to Budapest, Hungary. Budapest was one of my favorite cities because it was so modernized- and not to mention a beautiful river that splits the city down the center. We saw an amazing church- probably the biggest church I've ever seen- and it was right on the river. On top of that, we went to the top of some mountain that overlooked the city and saw various statues and monuments.
Leaving Budapest in the evening, we arrived in Vienna, Austria. Vienna was another really cool city because it had skyscrapers and lights everywhere. We went to some local bars and met some really interesting people. The nightlife in Vienna was awesome, too, as we went to a few different clubs as well. We left Vienna in the morning and started the 9 hour drive home back to Florence. The sights on the way back were amazing- rolling hills, great plains, hillside mountains. All in all, it was hands down, by far, the best road-trip ever, and each of us had great experiences and in all honesty, nothing went wrong. Who can say they visited 6 countries in 3 days, and actually spent some time in each one? Maybe a few, but they definitely did not have as much fun or the experiences that we had. It was an awesome trip; I can't say anymore than that.
Ciao,
Nikko
Ciao,
Nikko
Saturday
CHIANTI, CASTLES, AND VESPAS!
FROM DENISE
Our Vespa adventure through the vineyards of Tuscany began with a bus ride to Chianti where we were taught to ride the vespas for about 20 minutes before heading out.
Our tour guide took us through the hills telling us about the history of the region, its society and the importance of the wine production.
After about 2 hours of riding around out guide took us to a manor where he showed us where the lord used to live and and explained how they used to make wine and olive oil. Then we went to a more modern resort for lunch, which consisted of a greek salad and pasta. We were allowed to cool off in a pool and just relax under the shade of their trees. Next, we rode the vespas again for another hour or so to a huge castle called Monteriggioni where we had a wine and honey tasting. Then we were back on the Vespas for a return ride to their farm.
Riding the Vespas was extremely thrilling! It was something I wanted to do because the landscape was absolutely gorgeous and it just felt so Italian to be riding a motoscooter through the Italian countryside! It is definitely a day I will always remember!
Ciao!
Denise
Thursday
PALAZZO VECCHIO
Dr. Merrick’s political cultures class took its fourth – and final—field trip on July 27. Our day began at Palazzo Vecchio (“The Old Palace” and now city hall) where we met with the Vice Mayor to discuss political and cultural issues facing Florence. We were each given pins with the Florentine symbol which we immediately attached to our shirts. Next we enjoyed a private guided tour of the palace with a very experienced and interesting tour guide. We climbed the secret hidden staircases (off limits to tourists), admired the frescoed ceilings, and had a magnificent view from the top floor terrace. We felt like royalty, and we learned a lot, too.
Wednesday
ROMA! ROMA! ROMA!
Once in Rome, it was a quick walk to our lovely hotel. Thank you, Palazzi, for reserving such a nice place. We had time for a quick lunch, and then we were off for our guided tour of the colosseum and the forum. That night we had a fabulous dinner and some of us spent the rest of the evening enjoying the rooftop garden.
On Saturday, we had a huge breakfast in the hotel and then it was time to take on Rome’s subway for the short ride to the Vatican. We met up with our guides just outside of the Vatican and then entered the Vatican Museum with its spectacular artwork and beautiful frescos. The Sistine Chapel met everyone’s expectations of beauty and history. Next, we entered St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Christendom and largest basilica in the world. We each touched the right foot of the statue of St. Peter (for good luck) and then proceeded with our guide through the rest of the basilica. On Sunday, we visited the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain (into which we tossed our coins as a guarantee that we would return to Rome!), and the Pantheon. Tired, but happy, we boarded the Eurostar for our return trip to Florence.
VENICE
From Michaela
The Venice trip was very fun. We saw the Saint Mark Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the prison attached to it. Between the Doge's Palace and the prison is the famous--Bridge of Sighs--and although it was under renovation, I could still see its beauty. I also rode a gondola through the canals of Venice. It cost 80 euros, split between four people. It was a fun, relaxing ride, and our Gondolier even sang at the end of the ride. We also went to the island of Murano and saw a master glass blower blow glass to make a horse figurine. Even with all the planned events and tours that we had, the most fun was when we got away from all the tourists and into the real city. We got lost and found pretty houses, alleyways where the farther you walk the closer the buildings got, and where you could have a sandwich with the real Venetian locals. Venice is a sinking city, and after seeing it, I hope that everyone can visit Venice before it sinks into the sea!
Ciao,
Michaela
Tuesday
RIDING THE WALL IN LUCCA
On July 18, Dr. Merrick’s students enjoyed a day in Lucca, the medieval walled town about a one-hour bus ride to the west of Florence. Once a Roman town (no surprise), Lucca was famous for its silk and its very deep protective wall, built to prevent penetration by cannon balls after gun powder was invented. Dave acted as our guide as we visited famous churches and piazzas. We completed our visit with a bicycle ride atop the wall where we had great views of both the town and the countryside. Students then hopped an afternoon bus to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 
PISA
From Alicia
Ciao USF,
My trip to Pisa was pleasant and memorable. I arrived with three of my friends, who are also USF study abroad students. As we approached the main entrance to the inner city, which was only one block away from our bus stop, we could see the ancient stone wall walkway leading us towards the Duomo and the Leaning Tower, which impressively dominated the sky line.
The front lawn surrounding the Tower was covered by people trying to make the right pose in order to achieve the traditional photograph that looks like one is holding up the Tower; everybody was holding their hands up in the air; it was a very funny sight. After admiring the Leaning Tower, we had lunch and then took a look around the city.
The girls and I decided to rent a four-wheel bicycle which enabled us to quickly view the different streets and sites. When we decided to head back to Florence, we were able to see the beautiful Arno River that surrounds one part of the city. In addition, there were a few very interesting buildings along the way, which provided an entertaining landscape for our 20 minute walk towards the train station. The experience of witnessing the Leaning Tower was unforgettable. I truly recommend it.
Ciao!
Alicia
Sunday
SAN LORENZO MARKET
The first of four field trips for Dr. Merrick’s Comparative Politics and Cultures class was a visit to the San Lorenzo open market in Florence. Open markets are typical of Italy and are an example of what economists call the “submerged” economy. The market was interesting, and of course some in our group couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy beautiful leather at discount prices.
Saturday
VISIT TO VILLA MARTELLI in FLORENCE
Students in Dr. Merrick’s Comparative Politics and Cultures class visited the historic Villa Martelli near the Duomo (cathedral) in the historic heart of Florence. The Martellis were a powerful family during the Renaissance period and friends of the famous (and more powerful) Medici family. The Villa is not open to the general public, but arrangements were made for a private guided tour. The Villa has been recently restored to its original beauty, and its walls are filled with precious artwork from Italian Italian and European artists.
Friday
PALIO HORSE RACE--SIENA
Before I left my family in Parma to start my semester in Florence, my family told me that if there was anything I had to do while in Italy it was to go to Siena to attend the Palio, a twice-annual horse race dating back several hundred years where the riders race around the city's main piazza bareback three times. I took their word for it, talked to several classmates of mine that I had just met, and we all left for Siena this past weekend. I have to say that it was one of the most exhilarating experiences in my life! Never have I been surrounded by so much energy. Each of the 17 contradas, districts, of Siena were doing celebrations throughout the day showing their pride of their contradas. Many of the participants were wearing clothing that was typical of Medieval times. Starting at 3:30, each contrada, including the ones not racing this year, passed through the Duomo di Siena to show off their routine they had practiced to the crowd. After all the contradas passed through the Duomo, the spectators were corralled into the center part of the piazza. I would guess there were at least 25,000 other people crammed inside the track with us. When the horses came out to do a walking lap, the crowd hushed and there was a dead silence. A pin drop could have been heard. This was absolutely amazing because I have never seen such a large crowd be so quiet for so long. Then the cannons sounded and horses started flying around the track. My heart started racing as I cheered on for the horses, especially for the horse that I was for the Drago contrada which I had chosen earlier in the day as the contrada I would support. Although my contrada lost, the excitement of the race was nearly unbearable because of the day's-long build up. I have never been so happy to witness an event first hand and I hope to see it again in the future! Peter
Wednesday
WEEK OF JULY 4
Students and faculty have settled into their academic routines. Palazzi Florence University of the Arts has high standards and a “no excuses” policy for missed classes. Alas, perfect attendance! Students are registered in a wide range of courses from Italian food and culture to comparative politics to Italian as a foreign language. Some courses are taught by faculty from Palazzi and others by USF faculty in residence for the summer at Palazzi. Students are working hard. This is no vacation! But finally, the weekend comes, and many students are off to explore the world. Two students spent the weekend in Ireland and one in Switzerland. A large group went to Siena to watch the world famous palio horse race. The main piazza is converted into a racetrack, and the horses are brought into the cathedral to be blessed. Then the race begins, and the riders (wearing Renaissance era costumes) vie for the honored first place. It is by far the most famous horse race in all of Europe. I’ve requested photos from the students and will post them later.
On July 4th, a group of students honored U.S. soldiers who died during the World War II liberation of Italy by participating in the flag-lowering ceremony at the American Cemetery in Florence. More than 3,400 soldiers are buried there, and the walls of the memorial are inscribed with the names of an additional 1,100 whose bodies were never recovered. As USF Professor of Opera, Dr. Jerald Reynolds sang the national anthem, Army Cadets Kyle Hartley and Stephanie Germeroth, lowered and folded the American flag in honor of the thousands of young men and women who gave their lives in the cause of freedom in a country far from home. 
Thursday
Monday, June 27:
We awoke to blue skies, warm temps….and the pealing of church bells throughout the city. Orientation was a 9 a.m. Lots of good info about living and learning in a foreign culture. Next, a walking tour of the most important historic sites in Florence, accompanied by a commentary from our Florentine guide. In the evening, our welcome dinner on the Piazza de Santa Croce. Food, food, and more food—prosciutto and melons, two kinds of pasta, a beef dish, green salad and tiramisu. Good thing we do a lot of walking in this city!
Tomorrow, the work begins! Classes are taught both by Palazzi and USF professors.
Check out the view from our classroom window.
Ciao from Florence!
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