Vicenza

There's nothing like a brisk run on a chilly morning with snow-capped mountains for a view.  We can't always see the mountains since we're down in a valley that can be quite foggy.  Plus it's winter so many days are cloudy and rainy.  I ran by a home that had an outdoor kitchen!  There was a wood-burning stone oven/stove and a table that seats 6.  A little further down my path I ran by the cutest little elderly woman dressed in a black dress, black stocking, black shoes, gray apron and black scarf over her head.  My little village really is about as Italian as you can get.  It's still mind-blowing to me that this is my home!

While San Pietro in Gu is our village, our city is Vicenza.  Vicenza is about 8 miles away and it's where we work, shop and catch the train or bus for other cities.  The first weekend I lived here, Nick and I walked up a VERY LARGE HILL called Mount Berico.  At the top is a cathedral and some great views of the city. 

Just recently I joined in a welcome orientation called Benvenuti for Americans that just moved to Vicenza.  It was a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and also see our city.  We explored the downtown area mostly and spent some time at the local market.  There is a lot more to Vicenza than I ever expected! 

Many of the city's structures were designed by the 16th century architect Andrea Palladio.  Palladio was commissioned to rebuild much of Vicenza following the war that was waged against Venice by the League of Cambria.  Palladio built public buildings as well as private villas.  These elegant villas and palaces were quite influential in the classical architecture of Britain and later in the US.  The most notable being Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.

The photos I've attached to this post are of the Teatro Olimpico, Palazzo Chiericati and the Piazza dei Signori, which is where Palladio's basilica is also located.  The sculptures in the theatre are made of plaster and not marble, which was a new concept at the time.  When Napoleon the 1st attended a play at the theatre he didn't believe that the sculptures weren't marble so he took his sword to check.  To this day there is Napoleon's mark on the knee of one of the sculptures! 

The market was fascinating and had everything from cookware to fruit, sweaters to bread.  I already have a few items in mind that I need to go back for.  I also may have discovered one of the most delightful treats that Italy has to offer.  Hot chocolate!  But now what us Americans are accustomed to.  This hot chocolate was somewhere in between melted chocolate chips and warm chocolate pudding.  But it's wasn't too sweet so a person is able to drink (or spoon up) every last drop.  I've never had anything like it!

I know there will be many more discoveries made in our own back yard.  In addition to exploring with my husband I also now have some new friends to explore with as well.  Every big move has it's adjustment period and I feel as though the toughest of mine might be ending.  I'm really excited to immerse myself in the culture, language and new relationships that await me here.