The Spirit of Marathon

“Sometimes the moments that challenge us the most define us.” - Deena Kastor in Spirit of the Marathon.

In Dec 2009, I relighted the fire that I had dismissed after barely completing a full marathon in May 2009. It was probably due to the korean movie Marathon

Now one day before the event, I reviewed my past thoughts...

Would I ever repeat this agony again? While at Bedok Reservoir, my friend had said if I ever want to do 84, please do not find him. Of which I replied if I ever suggested anything from 42 onwards, you should just kill me.

Yah, I think my limit is 26 only. One should know her limit at times too, because even if you force it, you will end up getting hurt right? I don't know... lately I got too much stuff that I am unable to figure out... Argh...
- Previous post: Sundown Marathon

I watched "The Spirit of Marathon" (because it is the movie going to be screened tomorrow and well since I cannot partake in the movie screening, decided to watch it first.. unless I really don't participate in the event???

And because I gave up my training having flown to Italy for two weeks and not able to run much at all these few days because I did not want to incur any injuries (excuses one may say)... I started telling most people who asked my preparation that I am prepared to die (minus the step to create a will only).

As usual I cut my toenails, fingernails. Ate my joint support pills which I tried to do so dilligently especially in Italy.

And I set my goals:
1) To finish the event
2) To watch the sunrise
And pray I can accomplish both (please GA pretty please).

And wonder when I first started running, it was to complete a full marathon before XX age. When I managed to tick that event off my "bucket list", I thought that is the end. It had challenged me mentally thoroughly. But there lies deep down a nagging thought, that can I challenge myself more? Ultra marathon. The event name sounded demonic enough. Will it destroy me? But if I never try, I will never know. And I read about people running a few days (e.g. the gruelling 150-mile (240km) Sand Marathon or Marathon des Sables which can take 6days if I am not mistaken). So I thought, 84km is not too bad, is it? 12-14 hours of running. Is that madness?
(Note: In the movie, they say people who start marathons change, often for the better.)

More about the movie after-thoughts:
Do you know in the marathon history, women were once banned for marathon. It is said that their uterus might dropped out while running. Crappy right?
(Anyway, as per past report, 537 men and 65 women runners had entered for the 84K ultra in 2009. The ladies were just a mere 9% of the total ultra marathoners. Hmm.. How about 2010? Guess I can only find out tomorrow..)

That there is a lot of respect to people who train alone as compared to those who train in a group. (I agree, without my partner in crime, I might not be too disciplined to train at all.) And when you are running long distance, thoughts just keep running in your mind too. And sometimes you zoned out.

Too bad I'm not from Kenya. There was this Kenya runner who was invited to run with the Japanese runners (by Yakult). There were also runners who represent charity. (I am thinking that if I can turn serious, I might want to be a charity runner. Thoughts in progress and depending on whether I survived this event.)

Boston marathon is like a prestige and is one of the 5 World Marathon Majors. I never knew there are qualifyers to be met for marathon till I watched this movie.

And most felt that if they could complete a marathon, it would regain their self-confidence in accomplishing anything else. In fact, it could become an addiction too. Maybe that was what I was looking for when I signed up for a half marathon then.

More about women marathoners:
Roberta Gibb was the first woman to run the full Boston Marathon in 1966. Gibb, who did not run with an official race number during any of the three years (1966-68) that she was the first female finisher, hid in the bushes near the start until the race began. In 1967, Katherine Switzer did not clearly identify herself as a female on the race application and was issued a bib number. B.A.A. officials tried unsuccessfully to physically remove Switzer from the race once she was identified as a woman entrant. At the time of Switzer's run, the Amateur Athletics Union (A.A.U.) had yet to formally accept participation of women in long distance running. When the A.A.U. permitted its sanctioned marathons (including Boston) to allow women entry in the fall of 1971, Nina Kuscsik's 1972 B.A.A. victory the following spring made her the first official champion. Eight women started that race and all eight finished.
Source: Boston Marathon History

Off for my second nap based on my running mate's proposal:

27 0000h - Sleep Deprivation Cycle Begins
28 0500h - Nap
28 1000h - Rise and Shine
28 1500h - Nap
28 1800h - Hydration and Cabo-loading
28 2100h - Nap
29 0400h - Rise and Shine
29 1200h - Power Nap
29 1645h - Departure for Race.
29 1700h - Pick up
29 1800h - Start of Race.
30 0630h - Estimated End Race

Before the event I actually had cold feet and wanted to run away from the event. I even told my pacer that in the event I could not do the second round, he should just go ahead without me. I have full confidence that I will finish a full marathon, just not sure if I can do it a second time immediately. And indeed the first half marathon, I felt pretty alright and my speed was relatively constant. Then I remember last year where I told myself my limit was 26km. This year, at the 26km mark, while my speed did slow down by then, I was glad I had not started walking. When I hit 33km and persisted in jogging, I trust I should be able to finish the first round in a better time than last year. Sadly at the last 4km of the first round I kind of slowed down and decided let the full marathoners run first instead of trying to overtake them. With such mentality, I started to walk to the pit-stop and then continued my second round with the last batch of full marathoners.

At that time it did not occur to me but these people have just started the full marathon.. by walking? Hmm, anyway maybe they were just warming up. And I'm one of those people walking a full marathon at that time too haha. Indeed the second round zapped all my mental strength (physical strength already died out) and thoughts of giving up were repeated constantly. I'm glad to say, I did pass the test to see how much determination do I possess.

But I cannot take credit that it is all within me to have completed this arduous task. H20, Water, counterpain and my goody pacer helped me tremendously.. especially the counterpain. I never once subjected myself to it for all the marathons I ran before. But this race, I knew that if I do not try to immunize the pain, I can probably just give up.  The only regret is I did not beat the sunrise and thus miss the beautiful sunrise. Sad... It would have been a good spot to catch the sunrise because I remember the place is quite open.

So my results is as follows:
10km: 1:11:57
21km: 2:46:12 (about 7.6 kph)
30km: 4:02:19
42km: 6:07:26 (about 6.3 kph)
52km: 7:53:34
63km: 9:58:24 (about 5.5 kph)
72km: 11:39:52
84km: 13:49:06 (about 5.6 kph)

Average speed: 6.1 kph

More facts:
Of the 414 who finished, 9% were women and 91% were men.

Oh and while I did not meet the 2009 champion Jeanette Wang, I believed I did caught sight of 1 arm runner and Singapore blade runner. And they actually subconsciously motivated me to finish the marathon especially Singapore blade runner. Somehow I felt if he could persevere given his unique condition, I don't believed I should give up that easily either.

One more thing to note, I did not meet Jane, the Sahara dessert marathoner to-be (and trust me I believe girls are a rarity in this event so I do notice females as I was lamenting why all guys around me hahaha). But I wish I had met her  so that it will motivate me to see the sunrise.. at least she caught it... ENVY!!!

Check out her blog at Racing the Sahara for the perfect sunrise photo. And all the best to her. I soooo sooo envy her for being in Antartica and now for visiting Sahara too!

1 more medal to my collection... yipee!

p/s: Next up is NLB vertical marathon... and Shape Run 2010...

Related Posts:
Relight the Fire
Marathon
Sundown Marathon

Bflygal Trails

Bflygal wants to record down her trails and has created a new blogspot Bflygal Trails. Hoping to garner more audience for this public blog (and yet keep His Thots? Her Thots? My Thots? as private as possible as she still needs an outlet to voice her secret thoughts at times.)

Talking about that, in Italy, I saw this lady who carried a little toy whom she will use to take photo with. Hmm, it would a good idea to blog in this toy's perspective. I hope the next time I'm on a trip, I have the courage to strike conversation with strangers.

Randome Thoughts: A revised sample coordinates the mod wallet.

Creative Process Reading on 22nd May 2010

Creative Force 

The Power behind the force; what do I need to nurture my process and turn my dreams into reality.

The High Priestess 

Briefly: Mystical studies may also appeal to you at this time, and you could take up the study of subjects such as astrology, tarot or other esoteric knowledge. Incredible gifts await for you. All you have to do is acknowledge that within lies all knowledge. This is a card of wisdom and intelligence.

Full Meaning: This powerful major arcana has incredible gifts for you. All you have to do is acknowledge that within lies all knowledge. This is a card of wisdom and intelligence. It is also an indication of mystical effects and understanding.
This woman can achieve anything she wants. She is studious and persevering. She is enchanting, deep, mysterious and has a unique talent for understanding people and their motives. She is psychic and gifted in many areas of natural law. She knows when to make decisions, when to act and set plans in motion and how to be in complete control of her own destiny. She is a leader, not a follower. She has charm, grace and poise. She is gifted with extra-ordinary understanding, compassion and has humanitarian instincts. She has high ideals and aspires to achieve her planned goals. She is an excellent communicator and listener. She knows when to be quiet. She understands the correct timing on when to plant seeds that will ultimately prosper. She is particularly cool, calm and collected. She is logical and rational and fair. She has a strong sense of justice. The initials B and J may be, or prove to be important in your life. These can represent the initials of people, places and businesses. They are signposts to people and places which will become of profound significance to you.
You could be considering doing some type of studies when you draw this card. Other than that, a teacher, possibly female, may come into your life and have an enormous impact on you. She could teach you valuable lessons that you need to learn.
Should you be considering becoming a teacher yourself, this would be a good indicator that you are on the right track and will achieve success in your chosen field.
Mystical studies may also appeal to you at this time, and you could take up the study of subjects such as astrology, tarot or other esoteric knowledge.

Ethereal Essence 

Essence of the force; what choices do I need to make in order to begin this journey.

Page of Swords 

Briefly: Time to go out there and make your indelible mark on the world in your own unique way.

Full Meaning: This guy is ready for action and adventure. He is capable of acting quickly and confidently. Yet he is known to be somewhat aloof at times and may seem too young to tackle the tasks at hand. He is brave and sometimes foolishly confident. He learns well though by his mistakes, because he usually makes them while he is young.
He is often very good looking, crystal clear blue eyes, though sometimes has pure black eyes. His skin is smooth and clean shaven. He has a boyish look to his face, even when in his late twenties or early thirties. He has innocent charm and can make the girls swoon around him, yet hardly noticing that he has this affect on them. He has the wanderlust in him and will want to travel at a young age. He can hardly wait to get out there in the world and explore what life has to offer.
If this card is the querent's card, it could be signalling the time to go out there and make your indelible mark on the world in your own unique way with no apology to anyone.
If this card is not you, you could encounter someone like him who briefly walks through your life. Cherish this while it lasts, for it may or may not last very long. He wants to be on the move and no amount of clinging will keep him from getting out the door. Let him go and he will return when he is ready.

Emotion 

Feelings and senses associated with the process. What will assist and guide me during this time.

Seven of Pentacles 

Briefly: A bonus or raise is in the near future.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a fit young man leaning on a rake.  He is in a garden overflowing with healthy foliage, and in the background are mountains.  He is obviously a hard working man going about his business, yet with an eye to the future.  There are seven coins on the card depicting that he will gain financially from his efforts.  There could also be a bonus in the near future for him, as most of the coins are in front of him.  If this card represents yourself, you could be about to start a new job or earn an extra bonus in your pay packet.  Or perhaps someone may actually assist you by guiding you towards a lucrative financial investment. You may also distance yourself from where you now live to earn a new living.

Reflection 

Vision and logic of the creative process. What lessons and guides should I listen for.

Five of Wands 

Briefly: A symbol of some conflict that is currently going on around you or is about to take place.

Full Meaning: Often this is a symbol of some conflict that is currently going on around you or is about to take place. However for some it can be a gathering of people, united together to achieve a common goal. This could be akin to builders erecting a house, or even a political party meeting to seek cohesion in their direction. More than likely though a lot of activity takes place and you can see that there are basically many hands on deck. The issue may be that there is some expertise and effort needed to get everyone thinking on the same level, rather than a divided group. If you wish to create a more harmonious state amongst a group of people who are not seeing eye to eye, try to find a common denominator and work on that element of these people.

Creation 

Completion, the density or finished manifestation. The outcome based on the current path.

The Hanged Man 

Briefly: There is some type of time lapse going on around you. Things have not quite reached fruition and you have to take a wait and see attitude.

Full Meaning: When you draw this card you are being advised that there is some type of time lapse going on around you. Things have not quite reached fruition and you have to take a wait and see attitude. There may be some delay to your plans and it is best to be patient and bide your time. Someone may seem unbalanced around you and creating a difficult though not unsolvable problem. Trust your judgement and make allowances for this for the time being. Time is the great healer of most dilemmas so be the keeper of your own counsel and it will serve you well. Someone may also be having difficulty with their leg and unable to walk or get around as they usually do. They may need a walking stick or crutches, just temporarily. Give a wide berth to anyone who is not in the best of health either physically, mentally or emotionally. If you have to make an important decision around now, take your time to weigh all the facts and be sure that it is the best choice possible.

Single Card Tarot

Nine of Cups 

Briefly: Whatever your true heart desires will come to you with relative ease.

Full Meaning: The picture on this card shows a content and happy man wearing colorful clothing and a large hat with a feather in it. Behind him are the nine cups and this is often called the wish card. Whatever your true heart desires will come to you with relative ease. There is a sense of satisfaction and happiness with one's place in life. Often material gains are unfolding towards you and you will enjoy general good health and a more safe and secure lifestyle. Many celebrations and social gatherings are likely to occur in the near future and you may also attend some special dress up type parties such as fancy dress parties.

Bflygal's comments:
The Princess and the Frog says that while you know what you want, you must also know what you need. When Tiana turned into a frog with Prince Naveen, they both knew they wanted to turn back human form. They both knew what they want, but never what they need - a princess for Prince Naveen to kiss. The princess is none other than Tiana, an ordinary lady who work hard and believe that dreams come true only through hard work and thus spend no free time to play, a lady who turn into a princess once Prince Naveen marry her. I'm a sucker for faerie tales, and happy ending. And I really respect Tiana.. and wish I can realise my dream like how resolved she is to realise her wish, even though there are times she really felt despondent. I don't need fancy dress parties, I don't need branded goods, I just want what my heart truly desires.

I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. 
Is that why we all like to sing Twinkle Twinkle little star, is the little star Evangeline, the evening star whom we all wish upon?

Rome (18th May 2010 - 21st May 2010)

Firstly today is one of my very good friend's bday.. though she doesn't know this blog haha.. but still silently wishing her Happy Birthday!!!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do means that when you are visiting a new place, you should try to do as the people do who are from the place.

That is my impression of Rome...
and so that is my only expectation in Rome.
That and the fact is going to be the last stop so I must stuffed myself with as much gelato as possible haha...

psst, do you know I once blogged about Rome? I didn't either... till I saw it today (7th May) while flipping through my Drawings/Pictures/Photos pensieves. I was thinking of a way to make my blog earn some passive income... because I am a passive person.. okok not funny. But hmm, anybody has any idea?
Anyway my post on Rome was on.... Colosseo. Cool can you believed 3+ years ago I was intrigued by Colosseo... and 10 more days I will be seeing it. God has been kind to me Grazie!

***** Butterflygal's Trip Update *****

After check in, did the Palatine Hill and Piazza del Colosseo (Colosseum). As I had the roman pass, we managed to avoid the long queue and went straight to the express lane. We loved it so much, we even went back at night again for night shots.

We also did the Imperial Fora and Roman Forum before going to the Tiber Island.

Then we did the Aventine Hill to see the secret key hole. I had thought it will be like trying to see the secret garden. But hmm... it does seem a bit queer. Did not manage to catch the Mouth of Truth, Bocca delia Verita. But there had been many replicates all around the world. I once saw it in Hokkaid, Shiroi Koibito Park too.

The next day, we continue with a mixture of tourist sights and Angel & Demon Trail by visiting the following:
- Campo del Fiori Market
- Piazza Navona
- Sant'Agnese in Agone
- Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain (Metro: Barberini)
- Spanish Steps (metro: Spagna)
- Via Condotti
- Santa Maria del Popolo (Metro: Flamino)
- Galleria Nazionale dÁrte Moderna
- Santa Maria della Vittoria (Metro: Termini)

Our last day was spent visiting the Vatican City (Metro: Cipro Muei Vaticani). There was a long queue already to get into the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Then we visit the St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica before heading our way to Castel Sant'Angelo.

Related Posts:
Part 0: Arrivederci SG! Buongiorno IT!
Part 1: Milan (9th May 2010 - 11th May 2010)
Part 2: Verona (12th May 2010)
Part 3: Venice (13th May 2010 - 14th May 2010)
Part 4: Pisa (15th May 2010)
Part 5: Florence (16th May 2010 - 17th May 2010)

Source
Ron in Rome

Florence (16th May 2010 - 17th May 2010)

Butterflygal's change heart pretty quickly so.. I have "dumped" Manneken Pis for "David" haha... Well afterall I'm not The Queen.. so yup I need to discuss qualities when talking about love hahah

KIDDING!

My expectations:
1) Florentine-styled steak
2) Iris garden opened only a few days a year
3) My brother kept asking about the golden bridge hmm.. Let's see if it is up to expectation...

***** Butterflygal's Trip Update *****

I fell in love with Florence and wish to re-visit it again 5 years later. I cannot stress how much I like it, probably also the good weather I enjoyed there upped the scales a bit. But Florence gives a totally different vibe. It is like a walking art gallery where I encounter lots of statues and replicates. Lots of open air markets too. While walking around, you can spot the Iris too.

Check Bflygal Trails: Spot the Iris

My first stop is to the accommodation.. and I highly recommended Hostel Archi Rossi!
Check Bflygal Trails: Stay in Florence

After that we drop by Pisa to visit this touristy little town (have to visit regardless)
Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Leaning Tower of Pisa

When you return back to Florence, upon alighting from the train station, you can just cross over to Piazza Santa Maria Novella and visit the Santa Maria Novella Church or appreciate the 2 obelisks or view the interesting cemetery along the wall.
Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Santa Maria Novella Church

Or take the underpass in front of the station into Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, and from there walk up Via Sant’Antonino, a delightful and lively little street. Take the second left, Via dell’Ariento, and you will see

the Basilica of San Lorenzo

and the San Lorenzo Market around it.
Check Bflygal Trails: Visit San Lorenzo Market

Tip: If you happen to be here in the early part of the day walk through the stalls and look for the Mercato Centrale on the right.

It is located in a beautiful art nouveau structure and is worth the visit. You can even catch the pasta making process in action…

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Mercato Centrale

Check Bflygal Trails: Watch Pasta Making

Exit the market by the back doors on to Piazza del Mercato Centrale and head towards Via Rosina. Turn left into Via Taddea and immediately right into Via S Orsola. Turn right again along Via Guelfa, then left along Via Cavour.

And viola! You will find yourself at Piazza San Marco. This square stands in the heart of the university district and ahead is San Marco Convent.

In here, you can find the famed Bistecca alla Fiorentina in this highly recommended Ristorante Accademia.

Check Bflygal Trails: Eat at Ristorante Accademia

Besides the Ristorante Accademia is the Galleria dell’Accademia where you can glimpse the real Michelangelo's David.
Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze at night

I had the privilege to be in Florence on the 15th May 2010 which is "The European Night of Museums" and chose to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia for free at night. It was an exhilarating experience and felt like the movie "Night at the Museum". Thankfully it was of reasonable distance from where my accommodation was. Unfortunately no photography was allowed in Galleria dell’Accademia thus I had to buy a postcard of David just so that I can have a keepsake.

Next day, we attended the walking tour which leads us to first see Anna Maria Lvisa De Medici, the last scion of the House of Medici which was in power in Florence for a few centuries.

And the Father of Italian Language - Dante Alighieri, which is a Florentine. Thus you can see a museum dedicated for him as well as walls with his quotations.

Obviously the guide would not miss out Florence Duomo.

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Florence Duomo.

While you are at the Duomo, remember to enter the 'Gates of Paradise'.. or at least take a photo of it if you are barred from entering.. just kidding "p.
Check Bflygal Trials: Enter the Gates of Paradise

Ghiberti’s East Doors, just as the other 2 spectacular south and north doors are more for display pleasures. The west door is the actual entrance to the Florence Baptistry.

The last of the threesome is Giotto's Campanile which is just a delight to appreciate as the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Giotto’s Campanile

Then is time to move to another place, one of my favourite - Piazza della Signoria.

I simply adore this L-shaped open air museum with lots of treasured statues around.
And do you know how it got its L shape?

In 1268 the Guelfs took control of Florence again and decided to demolish all the houses of their rivals the Ghibelines, beginning with the towers of Foraboschi and Uberti. Thirty six houses in all were torn down and it is for this reason that the piazza today has the form of an "L" and the buildings on it are not aligned.

There are so many statues from the replica of Michelangelo's David

Credits: Pwnstar

or the original Cellini's Perseus with the head of Medusa.

or the Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati...

In fact there is a total of 15 statues in Loggia dei Lanzi (or Loggia della Signoria which is a building on a corner of the Piazza della Signoria).

I like the porphyry fountain in the Palazzo Vecchio too.

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Florence Piazza Della Signoria

Also remember to rub the "Il Porcellino" nose in Marketo Nuovo (New Market) for good luck (to ensure a return to Firenze)!
Check Bflygal Trails: Rub Il Porcellino's nose

After that, cross the Ponte Vecchio..

Check Bflygal Trails: Climb onto Ponte Vecchio


Turn left and walk along the river, heading up Lungarno Serristori where a series of footpaths will lead you to Piazza Michelangelo

to see another copy of the magnificent large bronze David

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Piazza Michelangelo

Veer left to Viale dei Colli and smell the flowers...

in Iris Gardens...

Check Bflygal Trais: Smell the flowers in Iris Gardens

The following day, on the second walking tour the guide brought us to visit Palazzo Strozzi, a palace in Florence

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Palazzo Strozzi

Palazzo Davanzati, a typical nobleman's house of the 14th century

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Palazzo Davanzati

before venturing into Piazza di Santa Trinita where the Column of Justice stands

For all shoe lovers, you must know that here lies the museum of Salvatore Ferragamo too...

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Salvatore Ferragamo

Cross the Santa Trinita Bridge to Palazzo di Bianca Cappello,

the scene for one of the most talked about romances of the Renaissance - the Grand Duke and a Venetian noblewoman which he was madly in love despite being already married to Joanna of Austria .
Check Bflygal Trails: Relieve the sad love story of Bianca Capello

Further up is the Palazzo Pitti with its famous Boboli Gardens

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Palazzo Pitti

Went back to do some high-end shopping at Piazza della Repubblica (not my cup of tea though)...

Check Bflygal Trail: Shop in Piazza della Repubblica

Before catching the lovely sunset at Santa Trinita Bridge..

and the golden bridge (Ponte Vecchio)

Other interesting Florentine everyday sights include…

the Cocco or coconut that they were selling. Seems like a different way from how Asians will sell coconuts. Back home, we probably sell them as drinks.. so I'm wondering where did the coconut juice went? Haha!

I never really know what a spice rack is till I played Facebook’s Café World. And when I saw a real spice rack in my accommodation, I cannot resist not taking a photo of it… haha

Learning Italian on the go... Sale (Saley) means Salt and Pepe means Pepper.

Cute taxi haha...

Hmm I would like to try the Segway the next time I visit Florence...
Check Bflygal Trails: Travel in Florence

Weird to see a magic shop in Florence.. perhaps because everywhere else seems to give off an olden historical vibe...

I remember the walking guide told me that one could knock on this door..

and buy foodstuff or medicines in the past when people were down with the plague and human contact was minimised... not sure if I had remembered wrongly....

Interesting tower... not sure the building name though...

a nest in Filippo Brunelleschi's lap

Oh and I think I enjoyed eating in Florence, as much as I did in Venice too.. the list of foodstuff I had in Florence included..

Risotto - after not eating rice for a few days, decided to have a rice meal...
Check Bflygal Trails: Eat Risotto

Trippa alla fiorentina (though I have no intention to try it again)
Check Bflygal Trials: Eat Florentine Cuisine

And as mentioned in the beginning of the post, Ristorante Accademia's Bistecca alla Fiorentina

And lots of gelato... Perche No!...and Gelateria Santa Trinita...

Hopefully I did not grow fat haha!

Related Posts:
Part 0: Arrivederci SG! Buongiorno IT!
Part 1: Milan (9th May 2010 - 11th May 2010)
Part 2: Verona (12th May 2010)
Part 3: Venice (13th May 2010 - 14th May 2010)
Part 4: Pisa (15th May 2010)
Part 6: Rome (18th May 2010 - 21st May 2010)