europe

Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence|IT (10393)

One of the most famous galleries in the world is the Accademy Gallery located at Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Mainly known to be the shelter of Michelangelo’s David and different sculptures from known Renaissance artists.

The gallery opens at 8:15 AM and closes at 6:50 PM. Our group went as early as possible to avoid long lines at the entrance. During the time we went there, the walk-in tickets cost 8 euros , but according to sources, the ticket prices vary from season to season. Looking at the ticket price on the Galleria’s site, the gallery has three visitor categories, the full paying (for non-EU citizens 18 and over and all EU citizens over 25 years old), reduced (EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old) and free admission (applies for children under 18, PWD, International Council of Museums members, and journalists with valid ID showing professional status).

By the time we were there, the line was short. It just took 2 minutes for us to wait for our turn to buy our tickets, proceed to security check, and finally enter the gallery. The gallery is enormous and “treasure-ful” so allot extra hours to enjoy artseeing, plus taking pictures (no flash) is allowed.

The first sculpture upon entry is Giambologna’s The Rape of the Sabine Women located at the middle of a big hall (Hall of Collosus) with walls decorated by numerous artworks which mainly focus religious subjects. Giambologna’s work is very powerful, even just seeing it for the first time. Some artists in the the Collosus include Paolo Uccello, Perugino, Filippino Lippi, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Andrea di Giusto, and Alesso Baldovinetti.

On the left exit from the Hall of Collosus is the start of a journey to the Hall of Prisoners and The Tribune where Michelangelo’s works are placed. There lined the unfinished sculptures of Michelangelo which are nude men who were slaves or captives for the grandiose project for the tomb of Pope Julius II della Rovere. Across the hall is where the great David stands.

Alley of all nudes. I am an art lover, not nearly an expert, so I innocently asked my mates why. Pao, my boyfriend, said that it’s because details of garments take more effort than the details of a naked body. But we searched for Michelangelo’s ‘obsession’ to naked bodies. We found that Michelangelo loved nudes just because it is real, and he wants, as much as possible, to imitate reality.

Let me share here a piece from http://www.italianways.com/michelangelos-studies-and-sketches-nudes-and-mens-maliciousness

“The author of this essay, written in the form of a letter to a friend of his, also adds, “You might remember, dear friend, his answer to the person who asked him on behalf of the Pope to cover up the nakedness in the Sistine Chapel frescos: ‘Tell the Pope this is a small issue that can easily be fixed; if he can fix the world, fixing the painting will take little time’ (Vasari, ‘Vita di Michelangelo’). With these words, he meant to say that evil was not in imitating reality, but in men’s maliciousness” (“Lettera di Michelangiolo Buonarroti pubblicata ed illustrata dal prof. Sebastiano Ciampi”, D. Passigli e socj, Florence 1834).”

Since then, we have those people who possess, as we call it today (in Filipino), “MALAYANG KAISIPAN”. Mabuhay ka Michelangelo!!!

Gipsotecca Bartolini, another hall full of sculptures. From very peaceful to very terrifying sculptures can be seen lined up across the hall. Never touch the artworks, theyre fragile.

The gallery also has a collection of the Florentine gothic paintings from 13th and early 14th century which can be visited after the Gipsotecca bartolini hall. What to expect from the florentine gothic paintings are its vibrant colors and gold (a lot gold). See sample photos below.

Finally, the last stop is the hall of musical instruments for music lovers. There displayed musical instruments from 16th-17th century.

THE GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA, ladies and gentlemen.

PARIS (10737)

It was so sudden that I just blinked for a second, Im in Paris.

Europe has always been my dream destination, partly because I live from the other side of the globe, but mainly because I feel like I’ve been/lived there before this life. I do not know, or maybe Im just too fascinated by the movies I’ve been watching since I was young :D. But whatever it is, I just feel connected to Europe.

Finally, I made it to Paris which is 10, 737 km away from home (Manila, Ph) and it was on a chilling December. We flew to Paris 12th of December 2018 and the temperature was down to 1 degree celsius. We did not even attempt to go outside the airport despite our long layover for our flight to Italy. Also, we are saving Paris for last on our mini European escapade.

After our trip in Italy, we went straight back to Paris for our last three days (December 24-26) in Europe. Yes, we have decided to celebrate our Christmas in our warm apartment in Paris.

The Charles de Gaulle airport is approximately an hour away from the city. The Paris Metro is very raw and straightforward; while the tickets are being checked, we were instructed to take care of our belongings specially when we stroll the centre. Pickpockets are all over the city but we are not threatened because of the fact that we live in the Philippines (we know how to take care of our things).

We prepared for Christmas the night we arrived in Paris. We bought ingredients for our noche buena. The goods are surprisingly cheap from the supermarket near our apartment. We had our Filipino-Italian style spaghetti, lumpiang shanghai, buttered shrimp, and salmon. Yummmm

On the 25th, It’s Christmas!!, we attended a mass at Notre Dame Cathedral.

After the mass, we did a lot of leg work to maximize our time around the city. We’ve visited the famous places near the center, ate at a Mcdo chain, and walk the streets. Not much but guuuhhhh Paris has a different vibe.

The Grand Louvre (Musée du Louvre)

The museum was closed on the day we went so we failed to see Mona Lisa 😦 The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and tickets cost 15 euros. It is advisable to buy a ticket online to ensure entry because apparently, people love Louvre.

Monday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Emos

Arc de Triomphe

A long walk at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées just to see this Arc! My mates said it was not worth the walk, however, I think they’re just looking at a different perspective than mine. I think the arc is beautifully placed in the middle of a circle which connects the veins of Paris (Paris’ version of QCM Circle) :D. Since it is a rotunda, expect cars (a lot of cars) , so take that risky shot.

Eiffel Tower

Now, here’s the Eiffel which makes Paris more Paris. Truly one of the best(strong) towers ever made. I don’t see it just as a tower but really, a symbol of love and happiness (I am speaking for myself) . When we went to the tower, people clustered not just because of the tower but because of the car exhibit. Imagine to test drive a Ferrari though I am not sure if it’s a regular thing in the area. When in the vicinity, the viewing deck can be easily seen where you can take a good panoramic view of the area with the Eiffel. Also, if you are feeling energetic, good shots of the Eiffel can be taken from the alleys surrounding the area. It just takes leg work, and creativity.

It was fun, so fun. I would like to go around Paris some more but my body cannot really do it anymore because this is the last stop of our very mobile European trip. The cold was also another hassle, so shooting photos was very minimal. But, it’s not the end of the world. I will definitely go back and visit museums, chapels, complex, and gardens.

Au revoir.

Surviving Europe (on a December)

Would you still go outside knowing that negative 4 degrees celsius is waiting to freeze your bones? Would you dare take off your coat for that perfect Eiffel tower photograph?

Surviving Sweater Weather

Layering can be messy and a headache if your wardrobe is not prepared for the cold weather. It is one of the golden rules of travelling I think, to check the weather and gather your appropriate clothes. Ive been living in the tropics for almost 25 years and I have never been in a cold weather simulator so packing for Europe on a December gave me a hard time. I do not want you to have the same fate tropic-mates so let me just share the essentials that can help you fight the cold and enjoy outdoors. For reference, I’ve spent two weeks in Europe (Italy and Paris, France only)

2 pairs of thermals (underwear/base and socks)
3 wool sweaters (very effective in retaining the heat)
4 long-sleeves/cardigans (for layering)
3 coats (black, brown, or anything not flashy)
a heavy-duty rainproof windproof jacket (when it comes to worse)
a pair of gloves and a scarf (great great great help)
2 pairs of comfortable boots (waterproof shoes are the best, cold feet are the worst)
3 pairs of pants

For a two week trip, I have mixed and matched clothing and I used the wool sweaters most of the time. Also, 9 out of 10 of my photos, Im wearing a coat so if some additional coats wont hurt your back then bring them. It is not wise to overpack when it is winter because I promise you, you cant use everything. Did I overpack? Yes! Some of our apartments have a washing machine so there is really no problem on scarcity 😀

Surviving Europe

Less expenses, more fun

Generally, prices are higher (approx 3x) compared to Philippine Peso. (Accept that fact and do not linger on the thought)
Bring your bottled water anytime. (Purified water is expensive not just in Italy/France I think, but all over Europe. Tap water is drinkable.)
Avoid using public toilet, Water Closet (WC) as Europeans call it, it is as expensive as six Cornetto ice creams (Saan aabot ang bente pesos mo?)
If you have a strong pocket grip, always make sure to balance your income and expenses every night.
For expensive items, always check for a possible VAT refund.
Pizza is life (in Italy), 6 euros for a whole Pizza is a pocket heaven already.

Moving places

Ask the right people ( Asking questions can be troublesome in Europe. Strong culture I sense in Yourope.)
Download an offline map (Yesssssss!!! The best!!!) and bring a powerbank to keep the map going.
Walk, walk, walk (unlike in the tropics, walking in Europe is “no sweat”)
There are buses that require tickets from ticket kiosks.
Be confident and independent. You are far from home.

Funny yet “insightful” encounters

Packed ground coffee doesn’t have milk even if it says latte or bianca 😀
Do not interpret the words based on your vocabulary especially when dealing with liquid detergent 😀
Do not say grazie when you are not in Italy 😀
Respect when someone says “Libre Kanin” 😀
There are times when adapted dishes > original (Ehem, lasagna) 😀
Challenge yourself by ordering unknown dishes 😀

I’ve got a loooong list of tips and tricks, let me update this from time to time. Grazie! HAHAHA

Be happy!

Pisa in five days: Business trip turned vacation (10656)

Ponte di Mezzo

Our European trip was originally just a business trip to Pisa to attend an international conference … but we do not have little dreams mate.

We travelled Europe on a December (Gaaah!! I swear it’s not easy but lets talk about it next time) for a 3-day conference where we will present our research papers. My friends and I, being risk takers and living-the-life type of people, decided to stay and stroll Europe for 2 weeks which started in Pisa, Italy.

Manila > Shanghai > Paris > Florence > Pisa

My boyfriend (Pao) and I departed from Manila a day earlier than the rest of our friends and arrived at our apartment in Pisa after more or less 30 hours (we waited for almost 12 hours in Paris for our flight to Florence). It was a very tiring trip but thanks to Pao for sacrificing his sleep to look over our stuff during our layover in Paris (because he knows that if I fall, he falls ). When we landed to Florence, I thought its gonna be a tough fight since Italians have a strong culture which means less to no english for us. Luckily, I was tipped to ask everything at the airport and get a map (of course, always get a map in case my phone dies and my offline map with it). Photos below summarize our entire trip, cuddle, eat and watch. 😉

Lets skip the travelling scene and let us look at the beauty, peace and pizzas of Pisa. Let me start by appreciating our minimalist apartment which is literally located in the main shopping street of Pisa – the Corso Italia. It was a busy street with restaurants and fashion boutiques and there can be artists too (if you are lucky). I can almost compare it to Myeongdong of South Korea minus the street foods and the colorful Koreans <3. Actually Pao theorized that “window shopping” came from this part of the Earth, he may be wrong.

Meters north from our apartment which is also the end of the shopping street is the Ponte di Mezzo which is a bridge crossing the Arno River with a good panoramic view of the old buildings of Pisa. For early risers, the Tuscany sunrise is a very fulfilling experience also (see first photo below).

For the first three days, we’ve been passing back and forth to this beauty and everytime we cross, I never fail to take a photo. The venue for the conference is the Polo didattico delle Piagge dell’ Università di Pisa which means “two bridges away from where the photo was taken” in English. We’ve encountered rough roads before finding the venue because the university is everywhere and Università di Pisa is not a good address.

Business Days…

There’s not much on our first three days, we just routinely wake up at 2:00 AM (9AM in Manila), eat breakfast, shiver, attend the conference, shiver, lunch out at some Pizzeria, shiver, eat dinner, make our presentations, and redo everything. The lowest temperature that we experienced in Pisa is -5 degrees celsius but it may not be colder compared to 3 degrees celsius with a chilling wind.

Who wants to hear about the conference? The conference is fine, we’ve encountered people who authored journals we’re citing, there are good papers but I dont think I will go further about the conference in this narrative.

When the conference concluded, the vacation began.

Vacation Days…

From our apartment, we walk our way to the leaning tower (there is no riding in Pisa, it’s better and more touristy to walk and be amazed by the buildings and vintage of Pisa). It is also easier to walk in Pisa for a shorter travel distance since you can pass through narrow alleys where you can shop til you drop. If you failed to get a pocket wifi for connection, make sure to download your offline map and Viola! you can go anywhere as long as you have the energy.

Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa)

The leaning tower is located behind the Pisa Cathedral in Piazza (plaza) de Miracoli, formally known as Piazza del Duomo. It is the 3rd oldest building in Pisa after the Cathedral and the Baptistry. Yes, the Piazza is really a tourist attraction because situated here are the three most famous buildings of Pisa.