Ravenna, Italy

When I arrived in Bologna, the higher temperature struck me first -- It was around 90 degrees (32 degrees Celsius).

I had to wait for a bit of time to get my luggage after my flight. By chance, I took a look outside and saw the workers that were moving luggage from the airplane into the building SO SO slowly. I couldn’t help laugh, reminding myself that I was in Italy.

I have had to recall several times that Italians are not overly punctual. For example, after playing in Ravenna, I had to take a taxi to la Verna which is 2 hours away. The city of la Verna kindly promised to send me a taxi, and said that it would arrive at my hotel by 9:30 a.m.

At 9:50 a.m., when no one had shown up, I called the person in Ravenna who was the liaison to see if there was anything wrong. She kindly reminded me that I was in Italy and asked me to be patient.

Imagine what time the taxi driver showed up! It was 10:15 a.m. when a tall Italian guy in his forties with a big smile showed up to pick me up -- calling me ‘Maestro.’ I felt like I should begin my concert in la Verna 30 minutes later than planned…

I love Italy and its people. Italians are very warm, hospitable, and friendly. In some sense, they are like Texans. They are very expressive people and their level of reaction about things is quite impressive. I love hanging around Italians. It is just fun and relaxing.

Photo: Ravenna Square

Photo: They use the word "piano" to say floor

My first concert in this tour in Italy took place in the basilica of St. Vitale, Ravenna, which is one of the oldest churches in this country.

Photo: Entrance to St. Vitale

It was built in the sixth century. It is in Byzantine style, and includes fabulous mosaics on the wall, the floor, and the ceiling. Ms. Satori, who is the director of this festival, showed me around this edifice, including the tomb of Queen who promoted the Christianity during the Roman Empire.

Photo: Tombs from around the fifth century

Photo: St. Vitale exterior

Photos: St. Vitale mosaics

Photo: St. Vitale organ

During our conversation we found out that we have some mutual friends. I still find the world in not that big, even though it often looks so.

We both agreed about the tendency of modern culture that is inclining towards extreme pop culture and materialism and wished that another Renaissance would come as it did in the past, sooner rather than later.