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Italy
Music Adventure
You may or may not already know, but aside from being a travel enthusiast, I am also a musician, so what better way to enjoy the vibrant landscapes of Italy than to play the cello on a rustic balcony in such romantic country! For about two weeks, I had the opportunity to attend Music Adventure in Italy, an intensive chamber program set in the hills of an area called Tenuta di Spannocchia.
The Music
One day, I would be actively practicing music with peers, another day, I would be learning how to make handmade pasta; some evenings were spent rehearsing orchestra, and other evenings were spent on day trips to Siena and Florence.
Despite to mention, I got to take my own Italian and art lessons on the trip! This is why I loved the program so much---not only was I able to interact with many talented musicians, but I was also able to fully expose myself to the Italian culture and music.
At the end of the program, we had performances in different locations: one performance was in Spannocchia, another in an old church, and the last one under a starry night sky in a charming town. I admired being introduced to new music from composers of color, women composers, and Italian composers.
Spannocchia
Orchestra Rehearsal View!!!
The Church
"Under the Stars" in Casole d'Elsa
The Adventure
As I mentioned before, I had the opportunity to go on day trips to Siena and Florence! We relaxed in the lively square in Siena, went shopping, and then watched an opera to conclude the night. In Florence, we went to the top of the hill to view the whole city, and it was breathtaking. Thus, we fulfilled our 'adventure' part of the Music Adventure program! Even in just a day, I felt that we got a lot done, and I had A LOT of gelato. Thankfully, I learned how to order gelato in my first Italian class. My favorite flavor was nocciola--hazelnut gelato! As a bonus, I traveled separately with my family to Milan after the program was over.
Gelato
Florence
Siena
Milan
The Art
We visited a store where we got the chance to watch the shop owner carve a bowl made of a material called alabaster, a white, translucent material used to make sculptures and statues. I even bought some souvenirs for my parents made out of this soft and beautiful material.
Italy undoubtedly has amazing architecture. Throughout our stay, we visited many local museums and churches--- check it out! All of the walls and floors had such intricate detail. Later, my family and I viewed the Ferrari museum as well.
The Food
Outside of music rehearsals, Spannocchia had many fun events in store for us, including pasta making class! Learning from the experts, we made pasta from scratch and then made tiramisu for dessert. The staff also made some fresh gnocchi for us as an extra treat! I enjoyed the simple feeling of eating dinner with friends and then going onto the balcony, drinking grapefruit juice while there was music and a sunset in the background.
After the program was over, my family and I wanted to buy some of our own balsamic vinegar. After having the balsamic vinegar on almost every piece of bread I ate, I could attest to its intense and delicious flavor. On the way, we even took a peek at some of the wine barrels stored in the attic.
To conclude our stay in Italy, my family and I went to Osteria Francescana in Modena. This Michelin-star restaurant gave my tastebuds the experience of a lifetime. Each dish had such a unique story, and there were so many colors and flavors on each plate. My favorite was the "Oops, I dropped the Lemon Tart," a recipe created on accident. Even the smallest mistakes can be turned into something extraordinary.
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From the music and art to the food, adventure, and people, Italy gave me the experience of a lifetime, and I hope to return someday, both with my family and my cello!
Ciao
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