Being in Rome for about two months now, I have had a lot of time to explore and see more of Rome that I could have ever imagined. I can admit before I came, I was a big ignorant on the history of Ancient Rome. Although i was not educated on the Ancient remains before we arrived in Italy, I can honestly say I learned quite a bit. Personally, seeing is believing for me. I can learn much better when putting facts and history with a picture and better yet, a tour of the exact place I am learning about.
My favorite part of the ancient ruins of Rome was definitely The Colloseum. Although I did not fall in love with it when I was physically there, I romanticized about it after I left. Many friends from home would ask questions about Rome and the first thing was about The Colloseum. I feel like I was blessed to see something that most people throughout the world are aware of. The pictures of The Colloseum are much more rich than the site its self , once again it makes you romanticize about the experience its self.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pompeii Scavi. I thought the entire site was extremely educational and moving. My favorite part was the facts about the ancient brothel. Although a brothel in its self is not a good thing, it was interesting to see that such mischievous acts dated back as far as 2,000 years ago. Being able to walk through an actual village and see where the citizens lived was more than I could have ever asked for. It is so intriguing to see that a village could last so long all because of the rupture of the volcano which preserved it by burring it for over 1,000 years. I believe the most moving part of the entire site was the casts of the people killed when the volcano ruptured. It was amazing to see that the people were just like we are today. Although they may have been shorter they had customs, holidays, babies and restaurants just like we do today.
Overall, my favorite between ancient Rome and Pompeii Scavi is definitely Pompeii. I took great interest in the city and thought it was beautiful inside and out. Seeing the body casts really helped me relate to the ancient ruins and the city that was once active. Rome, to me is very repetitive. It is all history about Papal families, rich families or ruins that I cannot personally relate too. Instead of having to imagine life in Pompeii, I could actually see the remains and relate to the buildings, art and way of life. The city of Pompeii was less crowded also. Being at The Colloseum is so popular that there were tourists everywhere. It was nice to be able to have a wonderful tour in private with quiet and have time to ask questions. Not to mention, my love for dogs was very prominent in Pompeii. I really enjoyed that they took time to try and get the dogs adopted, and that they were accepted around the ancient city. Overall, my personal preference was the ruins of Pompeii over ancient Rome.
Roma, Italy
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week 6- The Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, otherwise known as the Roman Catholic Church is considered to have played a huge role in western civilization. Because it is prominatly originated in Rome, Italy more specifically The Vatican City, it is obvious that Italy itsself is filled with many Catholic practicing families. After all, if The Pope lived inside your country I believe it would be a more rich belief and religious community. On the other hand, Catholisism and its ways have spread all the way to the United States and other countries such as Ireland and the Dominican Republic. People travel all the way to the Vatican City to see the man who helps them believe, The Pope.
Personally, I believe that it is easier to be a part of the religious aspect of the Catholic Church when living or brought up in Italy, or more specifically. Being here, has made me very religious. Since I have visited Vatican City and seen its beautiful history dating back to over 2,000 years ago, I come to enjoy, respect and even believe in the Catholic ways. However, that can either be a bonus or a negative for every individual. For me, seeing is believing. Although The Pope is not God, for me he is the closest to representing the Christian ways, and beliefs.
I believe in the United States, people in general are not as religious in the 21st century. Whether it is only my town or the country as a whole, I am not qualified to state however, I believe people in the United States focus on other things more than religion. Thus, being Catholic is not as common and straightforward as it is here in, Rome. If more Americans visited the Vatican City and witnessed the Pope talking to them, I believe their religion would have a bigger impact on their lives.
My beliefs revolve around believing that Roman Catholisism is indeed Global. However, visitng the city or living in Rome can have a large impact and add to personal beliefs. People indeed practice Catholisism everywhere, and to each church their own. Some individuals do not need to see proof to have a belief. On the other hand, others do. Globilized, yes. More certain in Rome, indeed.
Personally, I believe that it is easier to be a part of the religious aspect of the Catholic Church when living or brought up in Italy, or more specifically. Being here, has made me very religious. Since I have visited Vatican City and seen its beautiful history dating back to over 2,000 years ago, I come to enjoy, respect and even believe in the Catholic ways. However, that can either be a bonus or a negative for every individual. For me, seeing is believing. Although The Pope is not God, for me he is the closest to representing the Christian ways, and beliefs.
I believe in the United States, people in general are not as religious in the 21st century. Whether it is only my town or the country as a whole, I am not qualified to state however, I believe people in the United States focus on other things more than religion. Thus, being Catholic is not as common and straightforward as it is here in, Rome. If more Americans visited the Vatican City and witnessed the Pope talking to them, I believe their religion would have a bigger impact on their lives.
My beliefs revolve around believing that Roman Catholisism is indeed Global. However, visitng the city or living in Rome can have a large impact and add to personal beliefs. People indeed practice Catholisism everywhere, and to each church their own. Some individuals do not need to see proof to have a belief. On the other hand, others do. Globilized, yes. More certain in Rome, indeed.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Week 5- Italian Leisure
My defintion of leisure is a way to relax and enjoy yourself, doing activties in which help to take stress away. I believe it is obvious that "leisure" is different for everyone. My father for example loves swimming in his free time. Swimming laps calms him down and helps him forget about the troubles and stress at work. Personally, I would hate swimming laps everyday. It would not help take stress away, and is just not an activity I enjoy. On the other hand, as crazy as it seems shopping is a leisure activity for me. I enjoy going to stores by myself and browsing. It gives me a chance to calm down and slowly browse through clothes and accessories that I love. Leisure is different for everyone, which is the beauty of being an individual. Everyone can have the right and opinion to love doing varities of leisure activity.
I believe that Italians and Americans may have different views of leisure but overall basically have the same time for leisure. In my opinion, Italians are less modern and addicted to television, phones and other electronics. Therefore, they spend more time walking in parks and doing other recreational acitivites than the average American. An Italian leisure activity that sticks out greatly in my head is eating at restaurants. In the United States, families rush to eat and rush to leave. Here in Italy, Italians spend a great deal of time at each meal. In fact, I have witnessed people sitting for coffee for about an hour. Italians are a lot more laid back than Americans when it comes to eating. They take pride in their meals and spending time with family or friends while doing so.
In the 21st century, the United States is booming with different video games, computer games, high tec cell phones and handheld devices. Using these devices seems to be more appealing to quite a few Americans. From what I have learned, Italians work 5 days a week just like most Americans. However, they have leisure time in the middle of the day, siesta. Americans do not leave work or get a few hours off. Working a 8-5 day is more than common in the United States. On the other hand, from what I have been told here, Italian women get less time to relax because they always have to cook and clean for the family. For the most part, Italians and Americans have about the same amount of leisure time. However, each individual chooses to spend it differently in a way which they enjoy.
I believe being in Italy for eight weeks will definitly have an impact on what I consider leisure when I get home. Because we do not have a television here, I have learned to occupy myself with other activities. In fact, I now enjoy going for walks, and even reading a book. Before I came here, I would have never thought of picking up a book when needing to relax. Being here has really made me more independent and mature by trying new leisure activities. I believe when I get back home, I will learn to think outside of the box when debating on acitivites to do when bored or needing time to myself in order to relieve stress. I believe it is wonderful what not being around constant technology has done for me. I now feel more well rounded as a person because I can fill my time doing a variety of activites that make me a more well rounded person.
I believe that Italians and Americans may have different views of leisure but overall basically have the same time for leisure. In my opinion, Italians are less modern and addicted to television, phones and other electronics. Therefore, they spend more time walking in parks and doing other recreational acitivites than the average American. An Italian leisure activity that sticks out greatly in my head is eating at restaurants. In the United States, families rush to eat and rush to leave. Here in Italy, Italians spend a great deal of time at each meal. In fact, I have witnessed people sitting for coffee for about an hour. Italians are a lot more laid back than Americans when it comes to eating. They take pride in their meals and spending time with family or friends while doing so.
In the 21st century, the United States is booming with different video games, computer games, high tec cell phones and handheld devices. Using these devices seems to be more appealing to quite a few Americans. From what I have learned, Italians work 5 days a week just like most Americans. However, they have leisure time in the middle of the day, siesta. Americans do not leave work or get a few hours off. Working a 8-5 day is more than common in the United States. On the other hand, from what I have been told here, Italian women get less time to relax because they always have to cook and clean for the family. For the most part, Italians and Americans have about the same amount of leisure time. However, each individual chooses to spend it differently in a way which they enjoy.
I believe being in Italy for eight weeks will definitly have an impact on what I consider leisure when I get home. Because we do not have a television here, I have learned to occupy myself with other activities. In fact, I now enjoy going for walks, and even reading a book. Before I came here, I would have never thought of picking up a book when needing to relax. Being here has really made me more independent and mature by trying new leisure activities. I believe when I get back home, I will learn to think outside of the box when debating on acitivites to do when bored or needing time to myself in order to relieve stress. I believe it is wonderful what not being around constant technology has done for me. I now feel more well rounded as a person because I can fill my time doing a variety of activites that make me a more well rounded person.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Week 4- Piazzas in Rome
What is a Piazza? After looking up the definition on many websites, I can conclude that a Piazza is a public square open for pedestrians usually in an Italian town. Piazzas are very common in Italy. Almost every few streets that cross form a Piazza in the middle. Piazzas are often places I see people relaxing, eating, or shopping. Unfortunately, Piazzas are also a spot where people often beg for money. It is quite amusing the multi-purposes' that a Piazza is used for. Sitting in a Piazza for an hour or so can be very beneficial to developing a personal finding of Italian culture.
Most Piazzas I have seen include a church, and generally a fountain. Generally, the fountain is in the middle of the Piazza. Local people sit around the fountain and chat with a friend or simply people watch. A majority of the fountains date back to before the 18th century. In fact, most of them are historical pieces. The fountains in the middle of Piazzas often provide well water. This is helpful because tourists and even locals can fill up water bottles using the historical fountain and the fresh well water it provides. Piazzas remind me of the center of a little town. For example, Piazza Navouna has a church right beside the fountain, and the Brazilian Embassy. The Brazilian Embassy attracts people as well as the Church does.
I believe the most culture-rich activities can happen in a Piazza. Throughout my time here in Rome so far, I have spent a great deal of time visiting and relaxing in different Piazzas. Frequently, Piazzas offer entertainment such as shopping, bars and restaurants. Eating out with family, getting a coffee or drink with a friend, and shopping are very common activities in Italian culture. I often see friends drinking an espresso together and catching up on each others lives right inside a bar located in a Piazza. Many family restaurants are located in Piazzas. One could assume this is because Piazzas are main attractions and restaurants make more money being in the center. Seeing families eating at a restaurant in a Piazza is another activity I see frequently. Little boutiques along with wine and chocolate shops are a must in Italian culture. Seeing these different sites inside the Piazza opens up the travelers eye to the Italian culture.
Unfortunately, the down side of Italian culture happens frequently inside of Piazzas. The constant roaming of either gypsies, homeless or people just begging for money. This can be uncomfortable and very irritating at times. I personally believe that gypsies, homeless and beggars are in Piazzas frequently because there are normally quite a few people inside Piazzas at a time. Whether Italians are stopping by for a coffee or a quick chat with a friend, crossing through a Piazza is extremely common. Seeing these people beg for money seems to upset some Italians, while others cave in and give them money. Unfortunately, homeless are in every big city so the fact they roam in Rome should be no surprise to someone critiquing the Italian culture.
Most Piazzas I have seen include a church, and generally a fountain. Generally, the fountain is in the middle of the Piazza. Local people sit around the fountain and chat with a friend or simply people watch. A majority of the fountains date back to before the 18th century. In fact, most of them are historical pieces. The fountains in the middle of Piazzas often provide well water. This is helpful because tourists and even locals can fill up water bottles using the historical fountain and the fresh well water it provides. Piazzas remind me of the center of a little town. For example, Piazza Navouna has a church right beside the fountain, and the Brazilian Embassy. The Brazilian Embassy attracts people as well as the Church does.
I believe the most culture-rich activities can happen in a Piazza. Throughout my time here in Rome so far, I have spent a great deal of time visiting and relaxing in different Piazzas. Frequently, Piazzas offer entertainment such as shopping, bars and restaurants. Eating out with family, getting a coffee or drink with a friend, and shopping are very common activities in Italian culture. I often see friends drinking an espresso together and catching up on each others lives right inside a bar located in a Piazza. Many family restaurants are located in Piazzas. One could assume this is because Piazzas are main attractions and restaurants make more money being in the center. Seeing families eating at a restaurant in a Piazza is another activity I see frequently. Little boutiques along with wine and chocolate shops are a must in Italian culture. Seeing these different sites inside the Piazza opens up the travelers eye to the Italian culture.
Unfortunately, the down side of Italian culture happens frequently inside of Piazzas. The constant roaming of either gypsies, homeless or people just begging for money. This can be uncomfortable and very irritating at times. I personally believe that gypsies, homeless and beggars are in Piazzas frequently because there are normally quite a few people inside Piazzas at a time. Whether Italians are stopping by for a coffee or a quick chat with a friend, crossing through a Piazza is extremely common. Seeing these people beg for money seems to upset some Italians, while others cave in and give them money. Unfortunately, homeless are in every big city so the fact they roam in Rome should be no surprise to someone critiquing the Italian culture.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Week 3- San Giovani, Scala Santa & Catacombs of St. Dormatillia
I believe it is very interesting how a lot of the sites we have seen thus far in some way or another connect back to the beginning of the Roman Catholic beliefs. Not just Roman Catholic belifs but yes, a 'promise of salvation'. When visiting places such as Scala Santa and San Giovanni relgious beliefs are brought into play but more of a promise of salvation is represented. Not only are religious beliefs brought into play, faith is tested.
Thinking critically, why would the Romans build such glorified, complex monuments and buildings if they did not think the buildings would last? I believe the Romans wanted to influence the future of religion and salvation in general. Infering this personally does not nessecarily make it true, however I feel that without the Romans, people would not be as connected spiritually with their faith to this day. Think of how many people travel to see places such as San Giovani, Scala Santa and The Catacombs of St. Dormatillia. All which represent the early stages of Catholic religion. Personally, San Giovani and Scala Santa reveal religion spiritually and visually. The Catacombs of St. Dormatillia help portray there were actually Catholics practicing the religion.
Coming to Rome, I had no religious background. One of my parents was baptised Catholic, the other Protestant. Going to church in my family was never common or encouraged. However, being around such a rich environment full of beliefs and stories of Roman Catholisism makes me believe in things I have never thought of before. Such as attending mass regularly, praying before I eat, and the simplest mindset of just adjusting to other cultures and being open to their beliefs too. The steps of Scala Santa were quite a complex thought for me to take in. Because Jesus had supposedly walked on these steps, I was very moved. I had never felt as close to a spirtual belief as I did at that moment. Whether Jesus actually walked on the steps or not may not actually ever be proven. But to stand in front of the steps imagining actually being in the same place as Jesus only thousands of years later was such a powerful feeling.
Thus, whether individuals are more history or spiritually inclined, can have a huge impact on personal beliefs and faith. A lot of time history can point both at having a God or a God never exhisting. It is the personal belief and will power that actually helps one conclude what they believe in. While there may be more standing proof such as ruins for Roman Catholisism than other religions, being in the city the religion was based in can really help your beliefs grow and become stronger. To piece it all together, I believe different individuals act differently when it comes to spitiual beliefs. Certain individuals can believe without seeing. On the other hand, some are very realistic and have to see or know facts in order to believe. Therefore, those spititually inclined are more apt to be able to believe in a God without facts. Realistc human beings may be aquired to know facts and see artifacts in order to have a strong belief.
Personally, I am a visual learner and a realist. Therefore, not being able to see beliefs for me are very hard. Even though I will never know for a fact if Jesus walked up the Scala Santa steps, the myth that he has makes my beliefs stronger. On the other hand, if it was proven that he had never walked up the steps, I would question my beliefs again. It is important for people to see Ancient buildings in order to boost their faith. Honestly, I will never be the same person when I go back to Ohio because I have seen these beautiful places. In stead of making hard cold evidence take a role in my beliefs, I should beleive to the furthest I can and not let history get in the way. After all, believing in a higher power makes individuals spiritual and obtain a good role model, Jesus. It is important to have these beliefs.
Thinking critically, why would the Romans build such glorified, complex monuments and buildings if they did not think the buildings would last? I believe the Romans wanted to influence the future of religion and salvation in general. Infering this personally does not nessecarily make it true, however I feel that without the Romans, people would not be as connected spiritually with their faith to this day. Think of how many people travel to see places such as San Giovani, Scala Santa and The Catacombs of St. Dormatillia. All which represent the early stages of Catholic religion. Personally, San Giovani and Scala Santa reveal religion spiritually and visually. The Catacombs of St. Dormatillia help portray there were actually Catholics practicing the religion.
Coming to Rome, I had no religious background. One of my parents was baptised Catholic, the other Protestant. Going to church in my family was never common or encouraged. However, being around such a rich environment full of beliefs and stories of Roman Catholisism makes me believe in things I have never thought of before. Such as attending mass regularly, praying before I eat, and the simplest mindset of just adjusting to other cultures and being open to their beliefs too. The steps of Scala Santa were quite a complex thought for me to take in. Because Jesus had supposedly walked on these steps, I was very moved. I had never felt as close to a spirtual belief as I did at that moment. Whether Jesus actually walked on the steps or not may not actually ever be proven. But to stand in front of the steps imagining actually being in the same place as Jesus only thousands of years later was such a powerful feeling.
Thus, whether individuals are more history or spiritually inclined, can have a huge impact on personal beliefs and faith. A lot of time history can point both at having a God or a God never exhisting. It is the personal belief and will power that actually helps one conclude what they believe in. While there may be more standing proof such as ruins for Roman Catholisism than other religions, being in the city the religion was based in can really help your beliefs grow and become stronger. To piece it all together, I believe different individuals act differently when it comes to spitiual beliefs. Certain individuals can believe without seeing. On the other hand, some are very realistic and have to see or know facts in order to believe. Therefore, those spititually inclined are more apt to be able to believe in a God without facts. Realistc human beings may be aquired to know facts and see artifacts in order to have a strong belief.
Personally, I am a visual learner and a realist. Therefore, not being able to see beliefs for me are very hard. Even though I will never know for a fact if Jesus walked up the Scala Santa steps, the myth that he has makes my beliefs stronger. On the other hand, if it was proven that he had never walked up the steps, I would question my beliefs again. It is important for people to see Ancient buildings in order to boost their faith. Honestly, I will never be the same person when I go back to Ohio because I have seen these beautiful places. In stead of making hard cold evidence take a role in my beliefs, I should beleive to the furthest I can and not let history get in the way. After all, believing in a higher power makes individuals spiritual and obtain a good role model, Jesus. It is important to have these beliefs.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Week 2- The Protestant Museum
British journalist, H.V Morton stated, Rome is both "exhilirating and oppressive for the traveler." I could not agree more with his statement. Before coming to Rome I had many opinions and expectations for the city. Rome has exceeded some of my expectations yet made me feel uncomfortable or "oppressed" in many ways too. Lets see, Rome as a whole has been very beneficial to me. From all of the ancient history such as a Prostestant Cemetery , learning a different language, and beautiful fashion such as Gucci and Burberry everywhere I look has made me less ignorant of the city as a whole.
Because Rome is an "open-air" museum almost everything around is an artifact or treasure of some kind of history. Whether it be the 17th, 18th or 19th century Rome is filled with "open air" museums. What us Americans' think of as a museum is not how most museums are at all here. Statues, monuments and buildings that are ancient are all around the city, not confined in one building with four walls and a roof.
The Protestant Cemetary is a perfect example of an "open-air" museum. Because it was the first cemetary actually inside of Rome that accepted non-catholics it is a huge deal. Looking around and seeing graves such as John Keats dated back to the early 18th century was a real eye-opener of how ancient Rome really is. Even though it may sound weird, roaming old cemetaries has always brought me excitment and grief in the same way. Being excited because I am visiting so many people whom I did not even know and thinking how beautiful the place is. However, grieving because of death in general. Both exhiliration and oppression could have described the feelings I got from the cemetary.
Hearing Italian everywhere has made me a lot more interested in the Italian culture. Once again, I now realize that as a world traveler, it is nessecary to learn the language of other cultures in order to respect them and gain more knowledge of the culture as a whole. Once again, I feel both oppresive and exhilirating feelings of learning Italian. I get frusterated that learning Italian does not come easy to me. However, I realize that with practice and hard-work I can master some of the basic means of communication. The frusteration captures my emotion most of the time but learning another language can only make me a well-rounded educated traveler.
The only way i can describe the fashion in Rome is unbelievable. It is wonderful that I can wear my clothes from home and feel 100% comfortable. At home I could be considered a "hippie" because I love big comfy clothes with huge bracelets and necklaces and designer sunglasses. However my funky style goes right along with the culture here. On the other hand, Rome is kind of depressing in the fashion sense. It is hard to walk down streets with stores such as Gucci, Burberry, Prada and Chanel without being able to buy anything. In reality, it is evident as a 19 year old girl I shouldn't be able to buy such expensive things. Well at least without the help of my parents wealth. I do not think I would complain if I could though. Once again, fashion is definitly an "open air" museum. Clothing on any person can be considered a personal fashion. Whether it is in or out of style it is still fashion maybe just not fashionable :).
Being in Rome brings all sorts of mixed feelings to me personally. I feel like there are ups and downs to every situation. However, I try to focus more on the ups than the downs. Sure, there have been things such as expensive fashion, feeling bad at walking through a cemetary of noone I know and struggling with learning Italian can only make me a stronger person in the end. After all life is full of ups and downs....what is there to really complain about when I spend every day in such a beautiful ancient city?
Because Rome is an "open-air" museum almost everything around is an artifact or treasure of some kind of history. Whether it be the 17th, 18th or 19th century Rome is filled with "open air" museums. What us Americans' think of as a museum is not how most museums are at all here. Statues, monuments and buildings that are ancient are all around the city, not confined in one building with four walls and a roof.
The Protestant Cemetary is a perfect example of an "open-air" museum. Because it was the first cemetary actually inside of Rome that accepted non-catholics it is a huge deal. Looking around and seeing graves such as John Keats dated back to the early 18th century was a real eye-opener of how ancient Rome really is. Even though it may sound weird, roaming old cemetaries has always brought me excitment and grief in the same way. Being excited because I am visiting so many people whom I did not even know and thinking how beautiful the place is. However, grieving because of death in general. Both exhiliration and oppression could have described the feelings I got from the cemetary.
Hearing Italian everywhere has made me a lot more interested in the Italian culture. Once again, I now realize that as a world traveler, it is nessecary to learn the language of other cultures in order to respect them and gain more knowledge of the culture as a whole. Once again, I feel both oppresive and exhilirating feelings of learning Italian. I get frusterated that learning Italian does not come easy to me. However, I realize that with practice and hard-work I can master some of the basic means of communication. The frusteration captures my emotion most of the time but learning another language can only make me a well-rounded educated traveler.
The only way i can describe the fashion in Rome is unbelievable. It is wonderful that I can wear my clothes from home and feel 100% comfortable. At home I could be considered a "hippie" because I love big comfy clothes with huge bracelets and necklaces and designer sunglasses. However my funky style goes right along with the culture here. On the other hand, Rome is kind of depressing in the fashion sense. It is hard to walk down streets with stores such as Gucci, Burberry, Prada and Chanel without being able to buy anything. In reality, it is evident as a 19 year old girl I shouldn't be able to buy such expensive things. Well at least without the help of my parents wealth. I do not think I would complain if I could though. Once again, fashion is definitly an "open air" museum. Clothing on any person can be considered a personal fashion. Whether it is in or out of style it is still fashion maybe just not fashionable :).
Being in Rome brings all sorts of mixed feelings to me personally. I feel like there are ups and downs to every situation. However, I try to focus more on the ups than the downs. Sure, there have been things such as expensive fashion, feeling bad at walking through a cemetary of noone I know and struggling with learning Italian can only make me a stronger person in the end. After all life is full of ups and downs....what is there to really complain about when I spend every day in such a beautiful ancient city?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Week 1- The Colliseum and Forum
While reading the novel, The Italians by, Luigi Barzini, it becomes evident that he is very bias free. Barzini tries to look at the Italians as a foreigner and an Italian which he is. Upon his ways of "splitting apart" the different people who visit Rome, I believe I fall under the student category. Although I am currently quite ignorant of the Italian culture, art, linguistics, and everything else, I do want to learn and broaden my views of Italy itsself. I now understand how difficult it is for foreigners to enter another country. Especially not knowing the language of their foreign destination.
While some Italians have been very helpful and polite about my lack of Italian language, others have been very distant and even a tad rude at times. Do I blame them for being rude? Not at all. Adminittingly, in the United States, I personally have great frustration dealing with foreign people. It was always my belief to "learn the language" before you visit somewhere. Personally, I have grown to realize "learning the language" is more difficult than expected and to be a student here has graciously given me instruction of others in order to help my language barrier. While studying in Rome, I hope to not only take away all sorts of knowledge including art, history, philosophy and other topics.
Before entering The Colliseum, I was once again not very educated on the the topic including the site and history. I became throughly amused when learning about the dates when The Colliseum was actually used. Especially after I figured out that events were going on about 2,000 years ago. The whole idea of arcitecture lasting that long really blew my mind. Some buildings that were built in the 20th century in America have not even lasted until today. Thinking that over 2,000 years ago, man was smart enough to build buildings makes me wonder how many other things were done and just not left for the history books.
Although The Colliseum amused me in many ways, I got a sense of erie feelings while being inside. Although people are killed in war and I find that very exciting, the fact that men were killed for entertainment really bothered me. Not only were men killed, animals too. Looking at all of the seats in The Colliseum I felt disgusted that so many people were watching and getting amusment out of the torture and killing of others. I realize that the killing of others for entertainment was yet just another fad. It was in 2,000 years ago however, not much today. Although there are dog fighters and other animals used currently, it is not as influental to the public or socially excepted. This makes me feel a lot better because people doing the killings are not getting praise for such things.
The Forum was very appealing to me because of the huge change in the appearance of politics. In America, we do not always put all parts of political branches together in a 'piazza' or center. The whole idea of it really fascinated me. Especially the use of the temples. Temples in the United States are still used in the appearance of political buildings. Knowing that certain architectures have been carried on and built in more modern versions to this day is absolutly crazy.
My world view has changed a lot in the few days I have been here. I have realized that being more open is a better way to be. Being trapped in my United States bubble has restricted my beliefs and values. Being able to struggle with language has only made me a better person. I can now explain myself better by using my hands and speaking slowly. Also, I have learned not to get frusterated when people cannot understand me. Because, personally I cannot understand others who come to the United States. Personally, I have come more worldy by accepting other cultures too. I realize that in Italian culture it is acceptable to drink a glass of wine at dinner, almost at any age. I have also become more protectant of myself by becoming more worldly. I now realize that guarding my personal belongings and keeping myself in safe cities in Rome is very important. Knowing how to be worldly becomes very nessecary in order to adapt to other cultures and respect how they live on a daily basis.
While some Italians have been very helpful and polite about my lack of Italian language, others have been very distant and even a tad rude at times. Do I blame them for being rude? Not at all. Adminittingly, in the United States, I personally have great frustration dealing with foreign people. It was always my belief to "learn the language" before you visit somewhere. Personally, I have grown to realize "learning the language" is more difficult than expected and to be a student here has graciously given me instruction of others in order to help my language barrier. While studying in Rome, I hope to not only take away all sorts of knowledge including art, history, philosophy and other topics.
Before entering The Colliseum, I was once again not very educated on the the topic including the site and history. I became throughly amused when learning about the dates when The Colliseum was actually used. Especially after I figured out that events were going on about 2,000 years ago. The whole idea of arcitecture lasting that long really blew my mind. Some buildings that were built in the 20th century in America have not even lasted until today. Thinking that over 2,000 years ago, man was smart enough to build buildings makes me wonder how many other things were done and just not left for the history books.
Although The Colliseum amused me in many ways, I got a sense of erie feelings while being inside. Although people are killed in war and I find that very exciting, the fact that men were killed for entertainment really bothered me. Not only were men killed, animals too. Looking at all of the seats in The Colliseum I felt disgusted that so many people were watching and getting amusment out of the torture and killing of others. I realize that the killing of others for entertainment was yet just another fad. It was in 2,000 years ago however, not much today. Although there are dog fighters and other animals used currently, it is not as influental to the public or socially excepted. This makes me feel a lot better because people doing the killings are not getting praise for such things.
The Forum was very appealing to me because of the huge change in the appearance of politics. In America, we do not always put all parts of political branches together in a 'piazza' or center. The whole idea of it really fascinated me. Especially the use of the temples. Temples in the United States are still used in the appearance of political buildings. Knowing that certain architectures have been carried on and built in more modern versions to this day is absolutly crazy.
My world view has changed a lot in the few days I have been here. I have realized that being more open is a better way to be. Being trapped in my United States bubble has restricted my beliefs and values. Being able to struggle with language has only made me a better person. I can now explain myself better by using my hands and speaking slowly. Also, I have learned not to get frusterated when people cannot understand me. Because, personally I cannot understand others who come to the United States. Personally, I have come more worldy by accepting other cultures too. I realize that in Italian culture it is acceptable to drink a glass of wine at dinner, almost at any age. I have also become more protectant of myself by becoming more worldly. I now realize that guarding my personal belongings and keeping myself in safe cities in Rome is very important. Knowing how to be worldly becomes very nessecary in order to adapt to other cultures and respect how they live on a daily basis.
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