I’m writing this after arriving in Sienna after about 4 days in Rome. It’s been quite an adjustment, both physically from the jetlag, and culturally because everything from the bathrooms to the restaurants is a completely different experience. People expect different behavior, and I’m coming to terms with the fact that almost everyone can tell that I’m American before I’ve even said a word. Apart from these experiences, I’d say that the whole trip has been extremely valuable.
I can’t speak too confidently about my understanding of Italian culture yet, as I’ve only really experienced Rome so far. I can, however, comment extensively on the historical and educational value of some of the places I’ve been. We began in the Villa Borghese gallery and saw some of the most famous Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in the world. These depicted famous Roman and Catholic mythological events, such as Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne and Caravaggio’s Saint Jerome Writing. These are just two examples of stories that shaped the way that Romans in the 1600s saw their society through art. I have the opportunity to do the same thing and understand what life may have been like for this.
Rome’s historical offerings are far from over there. Every corner of the city has something to offer, from the Vatican to Trajan’s Column, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Minerva, etc. The city is wrapped in impressions of its past and offers a chance for me to go back in time and develop a deeper understanding of the impact that these pieces that I’ve studied in the classroom have in real-world contexts. I’m excited to see what else this beautiful country can offer!