What a wonderful end to our weekend! We began the day with a quick walk up a hill to visit the church of I Cappuccini. Although it sounds like the beloved coffee drink, as Lorenzo explained, I Cappuccini is in fact an order of monks. They take their name from the Italian word for "hood", cappuccino, which the monks wear. Upon arriving at the hilltop church, students rested in the shade and looked out over the valley below. On the walk down, we stood in awe of the breathtaking views of Spoleto from afar.
We then took a stroll through the antiques market which was set up throughout the town of Spoleto. Locals brought out their handmade goods, including jewelry, bags, and linens. Students also sampled local honey, cheeses, and even smelled the some of the truffles.
After the market, we headed to yet another fabulous three course lunch, which began with pasta and ended with fresh cantaloupe. In the Italian fashion, we headed back to the convent after lunch for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Beginning of Classes
After our siesta, students prepared to meet for classes for the first time. We walked to the school and met with faculty. Students were introduced to their class formally for the first time, and learned about what they could expect throughout the course.
Visual Arts
Vocal and Strings
Student Focus: Photography, Screenwriting, and Creative Writing
Photography
Emelia
Q:What is your favorite Gelato flavor?
A: Pistachio!
Q: What are you hoping to work on throughout the program?
A: Finding my own style in my photography.
Aida
Q: What's the best thing you've seen so far?
A: The church of St. Francis in Assisi
Q: What you hoping to work on in your discipline?
A: The technical part of photography.
Carly
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your photography class?
A: Learning how to use a camera and working on technical skills.
Q: What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Stracciatella gelato!
Jonah
Q:What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Limone gelato!
Q: What are you most excited about for your photography class?
A: Being able to work beyond the classroom and explore the technical elements of photography while out in the town.
Meg
Q: What's the best thing you've seen so far?
A: The view from La Rocca (the castle) in Spoleto.
Q: What are you hoping to work on in your discipline?
A: Improving technical skills and editing skills.
Creative Writing
Renee
Q: What's the best thing you've seen so far?
A: The aqueduct in Spoleto.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your discipline?
A: Getting inspiration for writing from Spoleto and Italian culture.
Sarah
Q: What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Margarita pizza!
Q: What are you hoping to work on in your discipline?
A: Breaking out from the usual categories of writing and using the town for inspiration.
Screenwriting
Kylie
Q: What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Spaghetti!
Q: What are you hoping to work on in your discipline?
A: Having more ideas and being exposed to new ideas.
Beatrice
Q: What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Spicy broccoli
Q: What is your favorite thing about your class so far?
A: The teacher. He is very fluid in his teaching, and he allows you to interrupt him!
Meredith
Q: What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Calzone with prosciutto and mozzarella
Q: What are you hoping to work towards in your discipline?
A: Having a solid idea for a screenplay and beginning my own screenplay by the end of the program.
Gabe
Q: What's the best thing you've eaten so far?
A: Prosciutto and melone!
Q: What's your favorite thing about your class so far?
A: The teacher! He is very knowledgeable about the industry and the basic building blocks of screenwriting.