The trip begins with a very long flying day. Leaving Portland at 7: 15 AM and landing in DC, our first destination. A 2+ hour layover and then on to Italy at 5:30 PM. Eight hrs in the air until arrival in Rome. How to pass that much time. Besides sleep, I found a very good book to read, which has been sitting on my shelf for just the right opportunity.
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King tells the story of how Michelangelo who considered himself to be a sculptor and who had already completed two very famous pieces, the Pieta and David, was forced to work as a painter using a fresco technique for which he had very little experience. The story describes not only Michelangelo's challenges and triumphs but also shares the history and politics of the day.
A fascinating read and most appropriate for a field trip to Italy.
Did you know that in Italy, the name Michelangelo is pronounced as if it rhymes with nickel + angelo.
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