On the day we spent in Florence, I was beside myself with joy.  Florence, to me, represents everything I love about art and philosophy. If it weren’t for the Medici’s in Florence, than there would not have been the Renaissance. To just think of all of the culture that city harbors has me giddy.  The Early Renaissance that Florence is responsible for directly influenced the advancement of society; it was where the greatest minds lived. Everyone on the train ride was dozing sleepily, while I stared eagerly out of the window, desperately searching for the first sign of that iconic dome (atop the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore) that marks the city of Florence.

Upon our arrival, we were all itching for something, whether it be the art or the shopping, we all were bursting to be there. We visited a the square of Santa Maria Novella, and then the world’s oldest “pharmacy;” all of which was extremely interesting, but I had lingering thoughts of the Duomo, the David, Da Vinci, Donatello, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and more Raphael that somewhat hindered my ability to appreciate the shop. We also visited the enormous Florentine market, and the Church of San Lorenzo di Medici.

Seeing the Duomo was so incredible, and one of the things that most excited me about Florence. I was ecstatic, to which any of my classmates will easily agree. Thinking about that structure, in all of its glory, brought me back to the significance of the place. Harboring the first hospital, orphanage, and Renaissance movement. I was surprised that no one else was as enthralled as I was in every word that Jill (our guide) spoke. Or perhaps I’m the only one sappy enough to be so moved by a dome.

After lunch we had what Jill called the “power hours”, because the Euro Cup cut our day short (much to my irritation). During this time, though it was slightly agitating, we saw so much. Every moment in David’s presence was too short. I doubt I’ll ever understand Michelangelo’s sculptures, try as I might. I do not think I was the only one that accidentally missed Jill’s talk about it. I felt like I needed more eyes to see every detail on him. It was far beyond what I had expected. It was slightly like the Vatican all over again. You get a great sense of what it must be like to be part of Christianity. It is such a powerful and influential religion, it must be the best in the world, judging by works like David and the Sistine Chapel. You can only really understand that when you see things like that.

Shortly after seeing the sculptures, we went to the Medici Palace and looked at some select artworks.  It was hard to fully appreciate the four or five minutes that we got with each Da Vinci, Botticelli, or Caravaggio painting, but I tried my best.

All in all, I would have to say that the last day was my favorite. To choose a favorite day out of our trip is a pretty heavy task when one considers all that we did. I have seen so much culture, art, and architecture. I have been taken out of my element and exposed to a new language and an entirely new way of life. I feel more knowledgeable and yet still more naive than ever have after experiencing all of it. I am not the same person that I was, and I am enormously grateful for it.

The reason I enjoyed our Monday so much was because we were able to take in Rome for ourselves. It was always pleasant having a tour guide speak to you about minute details that otherwise probably would have gone unnoticed, but sometimes it is good to separate yourself from the little things and experience life from a distance.  The morning was nice, the groups split off and we were able to do the remainder of our souvenir shopping for family members.

Although we stayed primarily amongst the tourist shops, it was easy to see the Roman culture. The city is, for what is probably my 800^th time saying it, so beautiful.

After our morning outing, we visited the park at Villa Borghese. I always love visiting the parks within cities. Although Rome is not a particularly hectic place, there is still that element of chaos versus serenity that seems to make your experience all the more enjoyable. I think either visiting that park or seeing the town of Frascati later that evening was the most pleasant of all our trips.

Frascati was gorgeous. It encompasses every one of your preconceptions of Italy. The town is made up of small, interconnected alleyways on a mountain that overlooks the city of Rome. My favorite shopping was actually in Frascati. It was a bit non-traditional in comparison to the Roman and Florentine markets and high-class stores. Being in a place like that, you cannot help but think of all that you must have taken for granted in your life.

There are people who live in Frascati and walk right by that breathtaking view every day of their lives and probably rarely get to appreciate it in the way we do.

Reflecting on my journey to Italy, I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a different sense of who I am. I also have a new appreciation for people. I have always been amazed at the cultural achievements of humanity, but I have never been faced with the paramount of them directly. As you would expect, experiencing that is overwhelmingly humbling. Strangely, something about it also makes you feel like anything is in your power. You might never be able to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel or build the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, but no one can impede your pursuit of achieving the goals you have established. Look at all that has been accomplished before you. If that can exist, just imagine what is in store for the future.

Reflection of trip to Italy and watching the boys row… sort of.  (Video, please view!)

Rome thus far is so surreal. Every moment feels like you are walking into one of your daydreams. Not even the mundane experience of grocery shopping is similar to the way it is done in America. There are so many things to look at in the stores; colorful labels grab your attention from floor to ceiling. Which is a pretty good analogy for what Rome is like. Being surrounded by beauty, though incredible, is never entirely satisfying. There is so much to be seen, and almost no possibility of seeing it all.     

Perhaps some of the coolest experiences are being around the things that are several centuries old. Having lived a short 17 years, I can hardly comprehend what 50 years is like, much less 2,140. Going up the different levels of the Castel di Sant’Angelo, you walk through history. Starting with the times of Emperor Hadrian, onto the Dark Ages, and then to the Renaissance. Despite the historical significance of the Castel, having had so many awesome purposes, the view from its rooftop is perhaps the most amazing part. It cannot be done justice by any photo. From there you can feel the essence of Rome. I did not truly understand the charm and uniqueness of this city until that moment. It seemed like not enough pictures could be taken, and none could actually capture the magnificence.

I feel that this needs to be mentioned, because not only was it slightly amusing, but it also really helps you appreciate America in a way. When we were embarking on our tour of the Castel, a blonde-haired woman of questionable appearance attempted to join our student group by standing near us and blowing smoke in our faces. What we first considered a minor annoyance, soon turned into shady suspicions. Our lovely tour guide Jill told us that Pick-pocketers will often pay admission into tourist locations so that they can slowly steal away your belongings while you are distracted. It is so foreign to consider that something like that happens so frequently in Italy and most other countries. We really have it made back home.     

That is, of course, not to say that I am ready to return. Shortly after our fantastic view of the city from the Castel, we witnessed one that was even better: from the top of St. Peter’s Dome.  The climb (with an injured knee that I picked up at the Colosseum) was incredible, mostly because it was so difficult. The winding stairs never seemed to end. What was worse was the vertigo brought on by the harshly slanted walls as you neared the top.  However, once you finally made it you are hit with two incomparable feelings. First, you are washed over with the relief of making it to the top and feeling the breeze dance along your face; second, you understand what it’s like to see everything. On the Dome, you could see every crevice of the city, and each mountain beyond it. To think that some people have this luxury at their disposal every single day is inconceivable. From there, anything is possible. You are in the sky, hundreds of feet above the city. You are in Roma.

After making our way from the Dome, all of the students entered the Basilica itself. Never had I seen such as masterpiece. Every possible surface was covered in elaborate design that was absolutely amazing to behold. That was the hardest thing to grasp. That I was standing on such holy ground. Thousands of people pass over those floors every day in dedication to their God. St. Peter’s is a symbol for every Christian, and even those who are separate from it. To think that such a place brings together people from all over the world. St. Peter’s is a place to learn who you are. No matter who you are and what you believe, there is nothing that can keep your jaw from falling in the presence of Bernini’s famous bronze and mosaics.  The representation of so much power, stability, and superiority cannot be overlooked. It screams at you, and nothing could possibly keep you from accepting that message. It’s  amazing. Ciao!

Brae E.