Hidden Gems

My favorite part about the city is the hidden gems that catch you by surprise. For one of my classes I had to visit a medieval cathedral and I chose this one up near Columbia University. It's a massive cathedral that doesn't reveal itself until you turn the corner. This beautiful church is akin to the beautiful medieval churches I've been studying pictures of in Europe.  I feel like I take advantage of living in the city by not exploring. Between school and being lazy, it's hard to get the motivation to go out in search of all the places New York has to offer. I'm sure I've walked by so many beautiful spots because I have my headphones on and my eyes down. Maybe now that it's spring I'll take the time to walk slower and look around.

Best panino Italiano in the World!

These pictures are from two days ago when I had the ultimate day of gluttony! I had class for three hours at the academia, took the bus up to campus, had class, walked for an hour down to Florence, ate so much, had more class, took the bus back up to campus for the art show and then walked home! I was exhausted, but enough of that...food time. I had THE BEST sandwiches of my life at this tiny place called Semel, located in the least touristy part of Florence. It was recommended by my Italian teacher as the best panini in Florence, but I think he undersold it! The first panino I got had wild boar with polenta and olives. It was so simple, but amazingly delicious. Then Caroline and I split two more panini. The first had duck breast and orange and the second was herring with pecorino cheese. I wanted to savor each bite, but I ate it all so fast! Their popular panino has donkey, but they were out of it by the time I got there...guess I'll have to go back!

Then we went to Il Pizzaiolo and split a pizza four ways since my teacher also recommended it. THEN...immediately after that we met up with my teacher and the rest of our Italian class to get gelato at a place called Dario's. I would never be able to find it again, it's such a tiny bar (not even a gelateria) in the middle of no where. Dario, who we met, makes all the gelato himself using his own ingredients and an old-school process that still involves eggs! It was like eating a piece of cake it was so thick! I'm still recovering from all that amazing food in such a short time.

San Miniato al Monte

Today I had my Cultures and Context class at San Miniato al Monte. I definitely did not plan enough time for the trek and showed up ten minutes late huffing and puffing...there were so many stairs. Physical exertion aside, it was one of the best views of the city. San Miniato al Monte is located on the other side of the bridge right near the Piazzale Michelangelo.

The story goes than St. Miniato was decapitated then picked up his head, walked up the hill and placed it where the church is now. San Miniato is located outside the walls of the city. I didn't manage to get pictures of the inside, but every inch is covered in decoration. The floors are made to look like carpet, which is reflected in the inlay detail of the floor. I felt as though it would be very rude to start snapping photos while my teacher was lecturing. After class I walked back along the Arno and bought art supplies for my drawing class. I caught the bus up to campus for Italian and then went home after to get work done and sketch. My night wouldn't be complete without a lady date with Chloe where we got gelato and did a lap around the Duomo.