Field Trip

School Field Trip! On Friday I joined the garden class once again to another two destinations: Acquapendente (“Hanging Water”) and Pienza (known for its amazing cheeses). Despite the frigid temperatures, I was able to see one of the best preserved Renaissance gardens in the world, and also a replica of the crypt Jesus Christ is buried in Jerusalem. Aquapendente’s basilica was originally a church then converted into a basilica. Down in the crypt you can see part of this transition with ancient pillars not lining up with the dimensions of the surrounding basilica.  This is the second church I have been to which has been transformed over time into a beast of a basilica: Acquapendente and the one in Assisi. Had the churches remained in their simplistic nature I believe their beauty and historical significance would have been even greater. Besides the fascination of Jesus’ crypt, this basilica also was host to a local competition of artists. Each of the paintings I photographed below are composed of all organic materials: leaves, rocks, brambles, etc. Besides the actual fascinating makeup of these paintings, the content of the paintings are rather intriguing.

After our tour of the basilica, we walked through the town of Acquapendente for a “culinary experience.” However, since that culinary experience was a bit out of my price range I went to a nearby restaurant and paid half the price for an incredibly delicious prosciutto pizza. After lunch, we got back on our luxurious tour bus (not kidding, this thing even had a button to press if you would like a beverage during your ride, sadly the flight attendant was nowhere in sight) for another forty minutes until arrival at our next destination: Pienza. In Pienza we first went to a Palace, which we weren’t allowed to take pictures of which is why you won’t see any below. When Pienza was constructed, it was built as a “perfect town.” Meaning everything—the cathedral, palace, market place, government building—were all built around the town’s main square. This Palace was in the town’s main square. The only part of the palace we were allowed to photograph was its Renaissance garden and amazing views. It is said the best view of Tuscany can be seen from right where I was standing.

 The Artwork inside the church:

 The replica of Jesus' crypt

 Trying to warm up

 Some more art

 "No, no, no, I'm running things around here and I say we go by that huge group of college kids, they might give me a treat or pet me."

 Welcome to Pienza

 This is Luisa, friend and language partner

 Renaissance Garden

 Someone lost a foot...see it?

After the tour we were free to explore the town for a bit. I went with Christina Thompson, my cuisine teacher and also the garden’s teacher, to a cheese shop. The cheese shop was powerfully aromatic. We were given samples of some of the cheeses the man had to offer. The unpasteurized cheese was amazing! The texture and taste was so different than the pasteurized cheese I am accustomed to. After purchasing €4.00 we were out to find a café to warm our chilled fingers around a nice cup of pudding-like hot chocolate. The town is not very big, so where did we find the cafe? In the main square of course. Ciocolato Caldo con Panna is amazing! It really is like drinking hot pudding—yum!

Cheese!

 Rollin in the Hay

 Wino

 Postcard status right here!

On the bus ride back to Viterbo we passed many little towns I wish I could explore. All of the towns are built on top of hills and so even from a distance you can see just how beautiful they must be.

Yesterday I was supposed to go to a small town with a lake called Bracciano, unfortunately those plans got confused and I ended up going to the Monster Park, finally! Bomarzo appeared to be a working town as I spotted my first truck (besides the little work trucks seen everywhere, which look more like golf carts than vehicle actually allowed on the roads). The monster gardens, also known as “The Sacred Woods,” were at the bottom of the town, sprawled in a small valley overlooked by the town of Bomarzo.

 Bomarzo

In the 1500’s, Bomarzo’s Lord’s son, Vicino, retired from his military career and began constructing the monstrous sculptures out of peperino rock depicting monsters, giants, sirens, and demigods. These sculptures were placed against a background of gorgeous gardens as well as waterworks. Now, there is no water, except for a few waterfalls, spewing from the many fountains and baths around the property. After a series of witty and satirical monuments, one’s tour is ended at the solemn monument dedicated to Vicino’s dead wife, Giulia Farnese.

Walking through the Sacred Woods you feel like you have stepped into Sherwood Forest or some other fantastical land. I half expected to see mermaids bathing in one of the pools underneath a waterfall, or nymphs playing above in the eerie, whispering trees. 

 Leaning House! Makes you feel a bit like you're in a fun house at the fair.

 Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

After a day playing with the monsters, we were feeling a bit monstrous ourselves. Rather than enjoying the very flat, greasy pizza the Lazio region has to offer, we followed our grumbling bellies to Enio’s pizzeria. Here, pizza is served not flat as paper but with a crust tasting much more delicious than the cardboard, burnt kind we have become accustomed to. Enio smiled his black-toothed smile as he handed over two pizzas: one margherita pizza and a four cheese pizza. Both pizzas were quickly consumed by us with glee. The four cheese pizza, after eating a piece of the other pizza, tasted surprisingly like pineapple for some reason. The others said I was crazy, but I swear, I tasted pineapples.  I think I will be returning to Enio’s as much as I possibly can. Unfortunately this taboo pizzeria is not within the city walls and is thus quite a walk from my apartment. But the pizza is well worth the cold walk.