|| Cortona

I've been in Cortona for about a week now... which seems like so much longer! I've been busy getting settles, setting up studios, keys, oh the amount of keys, organizing books, moving computers, learning the system of the program, and of course, getting ready for the students... honestly, time seems as it is frozen and in fast-foreward at the same time. Thats not possible is it?

But who am I kidding. Ive been eating the best tuscan prosciutto. If any one is interested.. there is a local little hub called Enoteca. Great atmosphere, great company. Ive also been drinking vino rosso like I am the daughter of Baccus. How can you not? Tuscany does have a reputation for some reasons yeah? More importantly,  i've been making amazing friends, speaking a language that could pass as bad italian, and really trying to take everything in. This one week has really been a nice foreshadow to my upcoming experience.

Now the Cortona program was build on a lot.. most importantly by its founder, John. D. Kehoe. He commandeered the expedition of finding the home for UGA's art campus abroad. Searching near and far, from Bologna to Roma, Kehoe choose Cortona, for the love of its people, for whom we all love today. This building pictured above is the campus as it stands today, nestled atop of the Tuscan hill. It's most comfortable.. i admit.

Cortona had a history.. one that I will continue educating myself as time elapses. But for now I can tell you the basics. Before the Renaissance, before the Middle-ages, before Ancient Romans even, Cortona was home to a group called the Etruscans. This group of ancients were quite incredible. They built the foundation Cortona is today... this civilization, rich in minerals, used trade and agriculture to support their community. Not too much is know... other than the art found. Cortona actually has an Etruscan museum, one that depicts the fine hands of the etruscan skill sets.

Skipping back into modern times, Id like to point out the type of culture Cortona shows off. Like I said, Ive only been here a week. A few days ago, I walk down the hill into town for a coffee. I was ever so greeted with a kind woman holding an owl. Why, did I ask myself? She is showing off this beauty, speaking so kind about its abilities and beauty. But why. I take a photo, turn around and a man is holding a Falcon. Now what is going on? Ask for a photo, turn around again, and I am greeted with this man seated on top on a horse wearing MiddleAge costume. What in the world! I am quite literally in the center, trapped in a shrinking circle of animals.

There is much more to be said of Cortona! There could be reviews on wine, food, restaurants, views, museums, language, learning, antique markets (pictured below) but that calls for another post!

As time continues on, I will continue to post about the program, my experience, and many other things. But as for now, Ciao friends!