IDSS @ 2009 Part 8 : Venezia

Finally, the last part of my trip to Italy last summer.

The summer school ended in Bertinoro, but since our flight were going to depart from Venice, we had the chance to spent the last two days in this one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

On the water taxi, the main transportation in the city.

And I meet this cute boy on the boat. Just can't help but press the shutter!

Our main purpose in Venice is the Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place once every two years (in odd years) in Venice. This year is their 53rd, and is titled Fare Mondi, Making Worlds. The Biennale is based at a park the Giardini that houses 30 permanent national pavilions, where artists from that specific country will exhibit their works there.

Contemporary art, is very subjective. For me some are very superb, but some, they are just not my piece of cake.

Some even feel very creepy

This one is from Japan's pavilion. Woman with strange looking boobs.

And sometime, I just feel like making my own arts :p

Had a quick walk inside the exhibition area for about 2 hours. And it's time to explore the city.

Gondola is everywhere!!


I climbed up another tower - St Mark's Campanile, in Venice again. The 3rd one in my whole trip to Italy. Technically, "climbed up" is not the correct phrase, since it has an elevator inside. The view of the city high on top is always magnificent. Plus the sunset, perfect time in the perfect place.



Piazza San Marco - the central landmark and gathering place for Venice.

Night view from the Rialto Bridge.

Had another walk around the city before heading to the airport.




Leaving the city.


And this is the end of my Italy trip. A trip full of learning experience, fun memories, wines, pasta, and the most important - all my classmates in IDSS 2009 !!

IDSS @ 2009 Part 7 : Bertinoro

Bertinoro, an ancient small town up on the hill. And here we are spent the last 2 days of summer school in the University Residential Centre of Bertinoro. I keep on wonder why University of Bologna will own a facility up on a hill almost 2 hours drive from the main campus, but it seem like this is part of the project to promoted and supported the decentralization of the University of Bologna to Forlì and Cesena.

Founded on 1994, the University Residential Centre is composed of three large historical and monumental building in the town. The centre is used to host residential training courses, seminars, workshop and conferences as well as cultural and research initiatives. And the best thing about this residential centre is its unique environment, built-up on top the ancient town, in a quiet and hospitable place, surrounded by a very pleasant and peaceful atmosphere.

Part of the residential centre is an old castle.

The view from top of the hill is so breath taken. At the right is the entrance to the hostel.

Inside the hostel, and my inside my room.

Night view. The town is so peaceful and quiet at night, and the best place to look at stars.

Wake up early in the morning for sun rise.

Actually the last 2 photos is not from Bertinoro, but from Villa Bianchi, Cesena where we have our final presentation and ceremony.