Istanbul, Constantinople

Ciao,

Well we've been back in Roma for two weeks since I last wrote and its been hecktic yet not stressful. I suppose the monotany of a schedule is starting to settle in and I've just started losing track of time. We've been to some really interesting sites within these past weeks. We visited Renzo Piano's Parca della Musica, the Musei Vaticani, and San Clemente Basilica. We have also taken advantage of the " down time" to go out and bond as a group alittle.

First off let me start by saying I'm a fan of Piano. Also, the reaccuring feeling of understanding a building that we had previously studied when you actually visit it continues to pop up in my adventures in Rome. When we toured the complex I became much more aware of the subtleties that make it a great piece of Architecture. Our group was also treated to a performance by our very own Claire A. and we  got to experience the amazing acoustics of the main theatre. Great Job Claire way to freestyle.

We also swung by the MAXXI Museum, and I really liked the building, its actually an influence for my current studio project which an urban fabric analysis.

The trip to the Musei Vaticani was my first time in to Vatican City since being in Rome. Some of the artwork that is housed in the Museum was just unbelievable, artists and architects such as Rafael and Michelangelo were asked to create some of the most beautiful and notable pieces of art in the world. Our tour ended in the Sistine Chapel. Here is where I have felt most connected to my faith; standing in the very room, with the ceiling frescoed by Michelangelo, where the Popes have been elected for centuries was truely a powerful moment. I cant wait or imagine what St. Peter's will be like when we visit this week.

This weekend, we depart for our next tour in Istanbul. I'm really excited for this trip. I have always wanted to visit the Hagia Sophia, and after a few lectures that Eric has given to us on Turkey, I can't wait to get there and open up my sketchbook. I'm also extremely interested in the culture of the area. It is influenced by both European culture and by Islamic culture. I am looking forward to experiencing the Muslim religion and seeing how it compares to what I am used to, I feel like this trip may change my mind set on the world in a good way, guess we'll see. Our itinerary looks like we will get a good mix of both. We've been told to embrace the differences and make the most of the trip. I intend to and that means doing some shopping, which i neglected during our first trip up north. Because when you think about it, when will I ever be back in Turkey lol?

Keep ya posted ;-)

Arrividerci