First things first, Santa Maria della Pieta is coming along very slowly and I’m frustrated as hell that nothing is getting done and more complaining is happening than actual work being done. I bet if half the effort for the complaining was put towards working to help make this place feel like home and function as well, we would be long done. But I guess this kind of shock is new to people, I have been on camping trips before where conditions were worse and I had to live there for 2 weeks… Whatever a nice weekend away from Pieta was a beautiful experience.
First was the trip to Bracciano and the volcanic lake. I regret not taking my camera because the views from the train and train station were breath taking, although it revealed a harsh truth. Lorenzo said that it’s only a short walk to the water from the station. We forgot about the fact that Lorenzo is a true Stalker and a “short walk” for him is about a 30-40 minute walk. Additionally, it was all downhill so that means that after the relaxing trip down to get to the lake, we would have to hall ass all the way back up. But we all were too determined to see this amazing lake and of course swim in it so we traveled down.
The water and the lake were beautiful. Additionally, there was a bar nearby so I got myself a vodka and pineapple cocktail and laid out on the shore after we swam. Then I went back in the water to play some volleyball. Everything was fine until after I got out of the water, I noticed that my ring was no longer on my finger! I freaked out and searched frantically and my worse nightmare was coming true, I had lost my ring in the water… In addition to that I stepped on my sunglasses while trying to find the ring. Could things get any worse… I ran back into the water and started searching for what seemed like an eternity but no luck. Eventually, an Italian man approached me and lent me a pair of water goggles that fit perfectly. I then dove back into the water and searched relentlessly not giving up. I was getting exhausted at this point and starting making my way back to shore to lie down and catch a breath when all of a sudden a gleam of reflection hit my eyes, IT WAS MY RING! It was wedged between 2 rocks and was sticking straight up as if being put on display at a jewelry store. I grabbed it as fast as I can, shot up out of the water, and yelled with joy. My fellow studio mates were amazed but also happy I found my ring. The walk back up the hill wasn’t as bad because I knew that the ring was on my finger and not lost in the volcanic lake.
That evening a few of us went to dinner at the Campo de Fiori and I had a great time. Dinner was amazing; the restaurant was the Magnolia at the east end of Campo de Fiori. It came out to 30 euro a person with wine and 3 courses (we all shared appetizers and deserts). The food was very good and very Italiano.
Also, I got a great shot of RJ and Joann so they both get Person Pic of the Day.
Person Pic of the Day - RJ and Joann at Campo
The next day RJ was hell bent on seeing the Jubilee church because he had done a case study on it for studio I’m assuming last semester. I’m glad I tagged along to witness the building. On our long journey and quite a walk over, we made a left on a street and it was like a slap in the face. BAM! The Jubilee church by Richard Meier was perched on top of a slight incline right at the end of the street. The frontal view was amazing, yet the context of the building was completely out of context. Right across the street are 7-9 story apartment buildings and a park across a large parking lot. The typical views and pictures of the church seem to set the building in a serene park and landscape. Whether that was the previous condition when it was first built, that condition no longer exists. Although a-contextual, the church was still beautiful architecturally; especially the white stone that stays bright white due to some kind of paint or sealant that is self-cleaning. My knowledge on the building is not great, but even without extensive knowledge the building was still a great site to see. It is hard to believe that 1st year 1st semester graphics I was trying just to sketch the building and now I got to see it first hand.
Me in front of the Jubilee Church by Richard Meier
Arrivaderci