We learned while we were travelling around with our Renaissance History class that on the first Sunday of every month there is an antique fair in Arezzo. So this past weekend, when the monastery was tense with gloom and recklessness, a group of us trekked down the hill and hopped on a train. Just a block from the train station there were tents set up as far as the road would permit, and under each was some new treasure. There was jewelry, furniture, old books, vintage postcards and linens. As we turned each corner, there would be 3 new roads of tents for every one that we had traversed. Naturally, with so many different things to look at, we got separated into small groups and wandered aimlessly for the entirety of the morning. Everyone had a different idea of what they wanted: old jewelry, sturdy old books to re-bind into sketchbooks, and I was looking for an old steamer trunk. It was fun to browse through the wares (I actually found several trunks in quite good conditions, but the idea of having to travel with it for the rest of the semester, get it home, and the price tag of over 100 euros for each one- the best ones were 250-350- were all deterrents. Que cera cera). Not much had captured our attention until Kat, Caitlyn and I stumbled upon the stall with a giant ring of vintage keys. Then we were all lost. They were all of different shapes, sizes, and ages bound together on a long loop of wire.
Double whammy- old keys on the new scarf
After finding this stand, we wandered for quite some time, ran into friends, and settled in a plaza to find lunch. People watching afforded great amusement for some time, and a surprising number of English-speakers wandered by. On our trek back to the train station, we wandered by a used clothing booth, which meant a long stop and definite purchases for all. After some celebratory gelato, we hurried to the station just in time for our train to arrive. All in all it was a grand time, and a much needed break from wandering the Monastery.
An awesome chair covered in cartoon strips
A Pic for dad :)
My lovely travelling companions
I also ought to mention, that this weekend was joyfully ridden with birthdays both here and at home. We had one each day:
Lauren turned 20 on Saturday
And Emily turned 20 on Sunday
Not to mention 2 very dear individuals who were celebrated at home, neither of whom are 20 J
love the keys (i would put them on a special ring and just carry them around and relish in their jingly tinkly sound), love the red dress lady lamp (and the young lady holding her hand) and love the photos of the neo natal celebrants!
ReplyDeletelove you coo coo ca chooooo
ru
when is the next post? Maybe you could include some pictures of your paintings?
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the longer you stay there, the less frequently you post. Have you gone native? Please share stories of cappuccinos, art, wonderful people, and more. We're in a two-week holding pattern of rain and clouds here in Ipswich (48 degrees today), and I need a sunny Italian update!
ReplyDeletei will go antiquing in Italy with you ANYTIME! I want the keys hanging from my beltloop while I ride the bike past the shop with the red lady lamp. And when I reach my destination, I'll put the key in the ancient keyhole, sit down in my comic strip covered chair and let the smell of pasta with walnut sauce and garlic and basil enter my nostrils and wind around my brain and leave me in a gastronomic stupor before I even take a bite! That's what I want......
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