I'm going to Italy this September! The course is on narrative art, emphasis on religious structures and artwork. I signed up for a faculty-led study abroad trip at the beginning of the year, and it all feels surreal. At first, I had so many questions. Am I really going to be able to go on such an adventure? Will I really be able to make the most of it? How the hell am I supposed to pay for it all? Will I be able to make friends abroad? Will the people I'm traveling with be my friends? What should I focus on, and what should I take away from this trip?
I first learned about the wonder of Venice in the 5th grade. My teacher read us a book called "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke. It enraptured our class. I thought to myself: if there is anywhere on earth I could go, I'd go there
I have more information than I did before, but I'm still riddled with the prospect of exciting, unknown experiences. I don't want to put too much pressure on the idea of a perfect trip, but I know If I do my work beforehand and let myself live in the present I will have a magical experience.
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There are a couple of things I've identified as MUST SEE, or MUST APPRECIATE:
1. Art.
https://pixabay.com/en/sicily-cathedral-modica-3457934/
Ancient paintings allow us a glimpse of how people of the past viewed the color and shape of the world around them.
2. Literature.
https://pixabay.com/en/books-door-entrance-italy-colors-1655783/
Although I'm not versed in Italian, I imagine the texts and documents available in museums, bookstores, and libraries will be awe-inspiring. Perhaps I'll pick up on conversational Italian in my three weeks abroad.
3. Sculptures.
https://pixabay.com/en/architecture-art-baroque-fountain-1834787/
Sculpture art is nowhere near popular as it was in the past. Sculptures replicate life-size people, places, and things. Seeing a three-dimensional piece of art is a whole new level of narrative. The detail work and body language of sculptures say more than any digital image.
4. Food.
https://pixabay.com/en/spaghetti-pasta-noodles-italian-2931846/
Toto, this isn't the Olive Garden anymore...
5. Dilapidated Architecture.
https://pixabay.com/en/sicily-city-village-past-3451529/
It's amazing: structural integrity versus time. Time tells stories that concrete cannot. I can't wait to see the signs of age amongst buildings and pathways.
6. Hardy Architecture.
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Even newer, stronger architecture is fascinating in its design and purpose. Rich with lore, these structures are evocative of fairytales.
7. CANALS!
https://pixabay.com/en/venice-italy-burano-island-2225423/
I must ride a gondola, and I must witness the glimmer of the water as it bounces off vibrant walls. It sounds so peaceful.
8. MORE CANALS!
https://pixabay.com/en/venice-italy-gondolas-channel-1276664/
I need to stand on a bridge and look down the corridor of a canal.
9. EVEN MORE CANALS.
https://pixabay.com/en/venice-italy-sunset-grand-canal-1602999/
I'M GOING TO VENICE! Arguably the most beautiful city in the world. I'm lucky to be able to witness these canals before sea levels rise too dramatically.
10. Cobblestone.
https://pixabay.com/en/alley-road-middle-ages-ivy-1690053/
Most American roads are simple and dingy. Concrete and man made highways--been there, seen that. I want to feel the history beneath my feet, hear the crisp slap of cobblestone under my shoes.
11. Night time.
https://pixabay.com/en/cinque-terre-town-italy-village-828614/
​When the sun goes down, the lights come up. I want to experience the glow and effervescence of a beautiful city glowing in amber.
12. Little Shops and festivals
https://pixabay.com/en/italy-cinque-terre-store-front-1041660/
I'm looking forward to exploring the little shops in Italy. Getting to know the family-owned practices and quaint artifacts. I'll have to keep room in my suitcase for bobbles and trinkets. Maybe I'll press flowers while I'm there, too.
13. Blue Water!
https://pixabay.com/en/wall-sea-sky-horizon-water-blue-3432342/
Is bright blue water even real?!
14. ARCHES.
https://pixabay.com/en/colosseum-europe-italy-rome-travel-792202/
​Admit it. Everyone's favorite architecture is the arch.
15. Homes.
https://pixabay.com/en/holiday-house-summer-house-home-177401/
I want to notice the difference in housing from city to city, notice the age of stone buildings, and imagine the centuries of life revolving around the homes.
17. Friendships.
https://pixabay.com/en/ponte-vecchio-florence-italy-people-691789/
What if I could forge lasting friendships and communications?
18. Romance?
https://pixabay.com/en/engagement-couple-romance-bike-1718244/
Whether it be an Italian vineyard man, or a handsome chef, or a curious traveler, or an intelligent innkeeper; what if I could fall in love? Just for a couple weeks, what if I could make a memory I would never forget? Maybe I watch too many movies like Letters to Juliet.