Studying abroad for the past ten weeks in Rome was one of the most sensational and rewarding experiences of my life. After coming back to the states, I decided to reflect on some of the struggles I experiences in my storied quest to see all of the art in Italy.
1. When you finally see something you studied in a textbook in real life
I’m not crying at the Michelangelo. You’re crying!
2. Resisting the urge to take over tour groups when you hear them talking about your favorite works
“Thanks for the introduction, Bill, now folks buckle in because we’re going to spend the next hour and a half talking about Da Vinci’s use of sfumato here.”
3. Spending literally all your money on museum tickets
Who needs food? I have art.
4. Or on churches that make you pay to light up the walls
*Drops life savings into the light box to see a fresco*
5. Giving really specific recommendations
Person: So what’s fun to do in Rome?
Me: Well you obviously have to go to the Vatican Museum and see the Borghese Gallery and I definitely wouldn’t give the Church of Sant’Ignazio a pass—
Person: No, I meant for fun.
Me: Yes.
6. Wanting to touch all of the art
*Looks at a Bernini*
"I’m 98% sure that’s made of pillows, not marble"
7. Getting annoyed when tourists actually touch the art
Do you know how many gross things are on your fingertips? Congratulations, it’s now on 400 year old Egyptian granite.
8. Not being able to go into a church to see something because you’re not in appropriate attire
How can I use my scarf to cover both my shoulders and my knees at the same time?
9. When something you want to see is being restored
I’m sure it’s magical if I could only see through the scaffolding.
10. Or isn’t even in the country you’re visiting because it’s been shipped elsewhere for an exhibit
*Glares angrily at Caravaggio exhibit in Tokyo*
11. Having literally no chill when someone back home talked about something you’ve seen
Person: Well I’ve always wanted to see the Coliseum!
Me: I’ve seen it.
Person: Oh really? That’s cool-
Me: No like in person. Like I was there. Breathing the same air as it.
Person: …
Me: I studied abroad.
12. Not being able to decide what to write your final paper on
Can I write like eight mini essays on all the things I love?
13. When your entire iphone photo gallery looks like this:
14. Seeing so much in one day that you need to stare at a blank wall for a few hours
So… Much… Art
15. Knowing in the end that all the struggs were worth it and that you wouldn’t trade your experience abroad for anything
Take me back!
