Lettere d'Italia: Day 5
8/22/2004 8:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 21, 2004 Day Five Photo Gallery
FLORENCE, Italy - Italian Song of the Day: The song "Volare" is an old Italian favorite, and everyone has sung it, from Frank Sinatra to contemporary Italian musical groups to every Italian street musician that inhabits a restaurant, corner or piazza (square). Though most Italians probably don't sing it unless tourists are around, the Terps were exposed to the song at a festive dinner at La Certosa in the Tuscan countryside, and now it seems to be following us everywhere. "Volare ... oh, oh! ... Cantare ... oh, oh, oh, oh! Nel blu, dipinto di blu. Felice di stare lassù." Buongiorno from Firenze (Florence), which has proven already to be an amazing city in the heart of Italy's beautiful Tuscany region. In the morning the Terp travel party boarded busses in Rome and traveled through the Italian countryside, including the regions of Umbria and Tuscany, to reach the second major city on their tour. After checking into the hotel, the Terps headed to downtown Florence and the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David sculpture and some other pieces from the art school that was once housed there (sorry, no cameras are allowed!). While downtown the Terps were able to interact with the many street vendors and get a feel for the city. It is a much different feel from that of Rome, very relaxed and in a lot of ways, much more "old world." You kind of get the feeling you can just walk around and get lost for a while, and you probably wouldn't mind at all. "This city is amazing," said senior Mike Grinnon, while enjoying a gelati (Italian ice cream). "And I would like to say `hello' to my parents at home on Long Island!" The Terps next traveled to the Cathedral of Florence, otherwise known as il Duomo, which is the fourth-largest church in all of Europe (you may recall that the Terps visited the first-largest, St. Peter's Basilica, only a few days ago). The cathedral has amazing sculptures and painted murals on the outside, and a tremendous painted dome high above on the inside - unbelievably impressive considering it was constructed in the 15th century. Outside the Terps interacted with some artists and vendors and checked out the Baptistry with its famous "Gates of Paradise" doors. In the evening, the Terps rode back out to the Tuscan countryside for a delicious and festive dinner outdoors at the Antico Ristorante La Certosa. The Terps and all of their fans were treated to an incredible multi-course meal, and were entertained by the restaurant's musicians, which included a cantor, soloist, keyboardist and accordion player. The evening soon took on the feel of an old-style Italian wedding, complete with singing and dancing. To close out the night, the Terps (and their coach!) were invited to lead the group in a rousing rendition of the famous and traditional song, "Volare." An unbelievably good time was had by all. On Sunday the Terps visit the markets of downtown Florence, and travel to Pistoia to play in their second game. Be sure to log onto umterps.com and get all the latest news from Italia! A domani! Ciao!
