The Duomo
May 14, 2013 15:45

Today I went on an early run through the city, climbed the Duomo, went to the Duomo museum and cooked dinner for the professors.

A Morning Run Piazzale Michelangelo May 14, 2013 05:00
Before I even begin, I want to make it clear that I did not take the above photo; Ron Reznick did. In fact, I have never even seen anything of the sorts. The sunrise this morning looked more like this – oops, wrong city. No, but honestly, I think it's fair to say that given the spring Florence has had, photos like the one included above are hard to come by this year. But, we can pretend. At any rate, ever...
Climbing the Duomo Piazza del Duomo May 14, 2013 12:00
After Engineering class this morning, Dr. Robertson and Dr. Galdi took us to the top of the Duomo. After 463 winding steps, we made it to the top. The view was incredible. The dome itself consists of two shells: the inner shell is made of a lightweight material that supports the outer shell which is made of a heavier, more resistant material. An outer and inner ring at the base of the dome support the...
The Duomo Museum Piazza del Duomo May 14, 2013 14:00
After climbing the Duomo, we headed over the Duomo Museum where the original sculptures, carvings and architectural renderings are now preserved. After visiting such museums, it's odd to go back outside and view the "fake replicas" of these marvels in their respective places on the outside of the cathedral. 
Dinner with the Professors Florence May 14, 2013 17:00
Tonight we made dinner again with the whole crew, but this time, we invited Dr. Robertson and Dr. Galdi. We bought homemade pasta from the market: one stuffed with meat and red sauce; and another stuffed with some sort of awesome pumpkin concoction with freshly grated parmesan and olive oil. We also had salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, bread and homemade tiramisu for dessert. Surprisingly, I was...