Shasta's Trails
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Verona
Siena
Tuscany
Florence
Venezia
The Mosaics of Ravenna
Ravenna is known throughout the world for its incredible mosaics. Or, that is what I had read ahead of time that made me want to spend the time to go visit the city. Let me tell you: it did not disappoint.
I have been in many churches and cathedrals around the world in my lifetime, but nothing could prepare me for the striking beauty that these mosaics in the churches would possess. Stunning is really the only word that begins to convey how impressive they are. What's even more incredible to consider is that these mosaics are generally 1500 years old. They are so old that when they were built, Ravenna was the capitol of the Roman empire and located on the coast of the country! These were created before there was a Catholic church!
Because they are made of glass, and not paint or any other materials commonly used in that era, they have withstood the test of time to look nearly as brilliant today as they did when they were made. The pictures below don't begin to do these mosaics justice, but you can begin to tell the artistry and passion that it must have taken to turn these into realities.
I have been in many churches and cathedrals around the world in my lifetime, but nothing could prepare me for the striking beauty that these mosaics in the churches would possess. Stunning is really the only word that begins to convey how impressive they are. What's even more incredible to consider is that these mosaics are generally 1500 years old. They are so old that when they were built, Ravenna was the capitol of the Roman empire and located on the coast of the country! These were created before there was a Catholic church!
Because they are made of glass, and not paint or any other materials commonly used in that era, they have withstood the test of time to look nearly as brilliant today as they did when they were made. The pictures below don't begin to do these mosaics justice, but you can begin to tell the artistry and passion that it must have taken to turn these into realities.
An Italian Slice of Heaven
Today, we got to visit the Italy from postcards. This is the Italy of your dreams, and it did not disappoint.
The region is Lake Garda, a short drive outside of Verona. We got to visit two wineries and enjoy lunch on the lake. It was a magical day.
The region is Lake Garda, a short drive outside of Verona. We got to visit two wineries and enjoy lunch on the lake. It was a magical day.
Pizza on the Farm
Today, we went to an urban farm located within the city walls of Ferrara. This farm dates back to the Renaissance when the Estes family, planning for any scenario, intentionally didn't develop this land within the walls so they could grow food to have in case they were ever attacked and had to keep the city walls closed for long periods of time. Now, 500 years later, the city owns the land and allows certain groups to cultivate the land to grow food.
This meal, much like yesterday, was a reminder of a simpler way to live and to eat. Everything on the pizza came from the farm. The dough was made from wheat grown on the farm. The red sauce was from tomatoes on the farm. All of the toppings we had picked before making the pizza.
Much like the balsamic and cheese, the simplicity of the recipes and the ingredients did not stop the pizza from tasting incredible. It was a fantastic setting and a look into the past of how things were and a glimpse into the future of how they can be.
This meal, much like yesterday, was a reminder of a simpler way to live and to eat. Everything on the pizza came from the farm. The dough was made from wheat grown on the farm. The red sauce was from tomatoes on the farm. All of the toppings we had picked before making the pizza.
Much like the balsamic and cheese, the simplicity of the recipes and the ingredients did not stop the pizza from tasting incredible. It was a fantastic setting and a look into the past of how things were and a glimpse into the future of how they can be.
Simplicity
If there's a word for today, that is it: simplicity.
This word is one that often has a negative context. If something is seen as being simple, it is seen as being easy to accomplish. Yet, in the world of Italian cuisine, there could be nothing further from the truth. The simplest things are in fact the most challenging, but they are also the most complex. It is a fascinating contradiction in terms.
This really came to light in two of our visits today. First, we saw Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese being made; later, we saw the production of Balsamic Vinegar. For both of these, there is really only one ingredient in each. For the cheese, it's milk; for the vinegar, it is grapes. Keep that in mind and then take a look at your Balsamic vinegar in the pantry right now. I can almost promise that there will not be just one ingredient.
In each case, it takes a highly skilled master to take the one ingredient and transform it into something far beyond what it started out from. It takes precise measurements and meticulous attention to detail, and then it takes something that Italians seem to give away freely that we in the US tend to not appreciate: time. Both the cheese and Balsamic are aged years or even longer--we saw a batch of Balsamic vinegar that was started by the maker's great great grandfather over 140 years ago. That is vinegar worth waiting for!
Milk and grapes. Two ingredients that when handled properly transform into something incredible. It is an important reminder to seek out those things that may appear to be simple, but could hold hidden treasures. It is also an important reminder that for the best things in life, the one thing that can't be left out is an appreciation of time.
This word is one that often has a negative context. If something is seen as being simple, it is seen as being easy to accomplish. Yet, in the world of Italian cuisine, there could be nothing further from the truth. The simplest things are in fact the most challenging, but they are also the most complex. It is a fascinating contradiction in terms.
This really came to light in two of our visits today. First, we saw Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese being made; later, we saw the production of Balsamic Vinegar. For both of these, there is really only one ingredient in each. For the cheese, it's milk; for the vinegar, it is grapes. Keep that in mind and then take a look at your Balsamic vinegar in the pantry right now. I can almost promise that there will not be just one ingredient.
In each case, it takes a highly skilled master to take the one ingredient and transform it into something far beyond what it started out from. It takes precise measurements and meticulous attention to detail, and then it takes something that Italians seem to give away freely that we in the US tend to not appreciate: time. Both the cheese and Balsamic are aged years or even longer--we saw a batch of Balsamic vinegar that was started by the maker's great great grandfather over 140 years ago. That is vinegar worth waiting for!
Milk and grapes. Two ingredients that when handled properly transform into something incredible. It is an important reminder to seek out those things that may appear to be simple, but could hold hidden treasures. It is also an important reminder that for the best things in life, the one thing that can't be left out is an appreciation of time.
Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese factory
Balsamic Vinegar production
Morning Thoughts
This is how every morning should start. Seriously, think about how much happier everyone in the US would be if this is how we all began each day. And here's the kicker: our breakfast for two here cost less than one drink from a Starbucks in the US.
I cannot explain why things here are either so cheap or certain things in the US are just overpriced, but I will say it's hard to be in a bad mood when walking out of the cafe after this start to the day. And that is a very good thing.
I cannot explain why things here are either so cheap or certain things in the US are just overpriced, but I will say it's hard to be in a bad mood when walking out of the cafe after this start to the day. And that is a very good thing.
June 14: Reflections on Ferrara
Ferrara is a magical little city untouched by time. Truly, it is.
There aren't many cities where you can walk down streets like this and it's not an abnormality but the way of life.
I have found it's hard not to load up the camera with endless pictures. Every turn reveals a new place to admire, a new building constructed hundreds of years--and often more--before the United States even dreamed of being a country.
Yes, in Ferrara, you can sense the history everywhere you go. From the buildings to the food, you can see that although time has marched forward, Ferrara has resisted this march to the best of its abilities.
I look forward to continuing this exploration of the past and how its history influences how life is lived today.
There aren't many cities where you can walk down streets like this and it's not an abnormality but the way of life.
I have found it's hard not to load up the camera with endless pictures. Every turn reveals a new place to admire, a new building constructed hundreds of years--and often more--before the United States even dreamed of being a country.
Yes, in Ferrara, you can sense the history everywhere you go. From the buildings to the food, you can see that although time has marched forward, Ferrara has resisted this march to the best of its abilities.
I look forward to continuing this exploration of the past and how its history influences how life is lived today.
June 13: First Full Day in Ferrara
Today was our first full day here and we didn't waste any time walking around the city. See what we were up to below.
Leg two: Frankfurt to Ferrara
From Frankfurt, we flew to Bologna (on a much smaller plane--suddenly, the "normal" planes seem both tiny and loud) and then drove to Ferrara. I will write much more about Ferrara tomorrow, but needless to say, it is as picturesque of an Italian city as you can imagine.
Leg one: Houston to Frankfurt
Our trip began on a Lufthansa A380 flying from Houston (IAH) to Frankfurt. It was quite a flight on a massive plane! I enjoyed watching Stars Wars--both the original and the newest one--and watching the exterior cameras, especially as the sun begins to rise. You can see the curvature of the Earth. Pretty cool!