Endicott fall 2015

CULTURAL INTRODUCTION TO ITALY

FLORENCE ITALY

FALL 2015

Travel diaries

endicott!

FUA Florence University of the Arts & Endicott College

endicott

college A note from the staff: Olimpia Bozza

Each year paves the way for a new journey to expose students to a country many will be experiencing for the ďŹ rst time. It is a privilege to share a piece of my home with them and witness the transformation they go through the travel week and within just a few months in Florence.

Spring 2015 CITI Pre-Semester Field Learning Week August 26th - September 2nd 2015

Forte dei Marmi - Photo Credit Christie McInnis

Angela Carlson i n t e r i o r d e si g n At the Marble Quarry

The Pantheon - Photo Credit Amelia Papadakis Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Arriving in Rome and experiencing Italy for the first time was surreal.

In all my classes back home I always learn year after year about the history and art of Italy and now I have the opportunity to experience it first hand and visit the places I’ve seen in my textbooks. As an interior design major, Italy is the best place for me to study because it is known for its architecture and design. Studying and traveling in such a place is a great opportunity for me both as an individual and a designer.

FALL 2015

Bolgheri. The meaning of food and wine in Italian Culture. I come from a large Italian-American family and so I knew previously how important food and wine are in Italian culture but being able to have my first taste of it here in Italy was amazing. Here, food and wine is a symbol of family and friends, socialization, and enjoyment. The Italians make quality food and wine and take pride in their traditions because its typically passed down through families.

Florence: My new home for the Semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because… It allowed me to become accustomed to my new setting and experience the different regions of Italy.

Something that changed or affirmed my perspective about Italy was... The fact that the land of Italy is so diverse from mountains to vineyards and big cities.

endicott COLLEGE

Jesse Chmiel In t e r i o r d e si g n At Villa Lante

Streets of Rome – Photo Credit Emily Reera Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Rome is truly like no other city.

Strolling down the streets and seeing the Colosseum and the Pantheon was an incredible experience.

I think as an American, it is difficult to imagine how much history the city has compared to any of the U.S cities. Getting to see parts of the Roman Forum gave me a glimpse into the Roman Empire. I really enjoyed seeing St. Peter’s Basilica especially, Michelangelo’s Pieta. Rome is like a living textbook.

Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. Villa Lante was a picturesque Italian garden that was more than I could have even expected. Fountains and sculptures were placed perfectly in the gardens that were manicured to perfection. Symmetry and order seemed of high importance in the Gardens of Villa Lante. In contrast, the gardens of Bomarzo were much more organic. I liked how the gardens took the viewer on a journey through the woods. It was as if I stepped into another world.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was… Navigating around unknown places was something I had been nervous for before coming to Italy. Once I did it on my own in Rome, I felt very accomplished.

Something that changed or affirmed my perspective about Italy was... Seeing how much love goes into the things they care about, like food, wine, art and architecture affirmed my belief that Italians cherish their history.

Nicole Chronister I n t e r i o r d e si g n At Bomarzo

Il Giardino dei Tarocchi - Photo Credit Lauren Muldoon Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Stepping into Rome reminds me of stepping into Time Square on a busy afternoon.

However, if you walk a couple blocks down the road, you are brought back 2,000 years where the gladiators used to fight to the death in the Colosseum.

Then if one crosses the Fiume Tevere, he or she will step into the Vatican State, a completely separate country from Italy. No matter where you go in Rome, you will find yourself completely submerged in a sea of art and history.

FALL 2015

Il Giardino dei Tarocchi. A contemporary creation of imagination in the tradition of the Italian Gardens.

When one pictures a traditional Italian garden, one does not think of esoteric symbolic figures. However, Niki de Saint Phalle seamlessly created these figures deep in the woods of Italy. When entering the Tarot Garden, you step into the mind of Niki. You are able to witness how she took shelter in art by creating these contemporary figures. Each and every figure is covered with bright colors and radiates life. It is purely a once in a life time experience to enter the imagination of Niki de Saint Phalle.

Florence: My new home for the Semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because… It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself into a completely new surrounding while becoming familiar with the Italian lifestyle/culture before I began my time in Florence.

I felt I gained a lot of knowledge about myself and how far I am willingly to push myself past my boundaries.

Something that changed or affirmed my perspective about Italy was… Wine is not abused in this culture.

It is appreciated in a time of leisure with family and friends.

endicott COLLEGE

Sarah Ferry In t e r i o r d e si g n AT THE COLOSSEUM

Sacred Woods Bomarzo The Temple of Eternity, carved out of one stone. Photo Credit Angela Carlson Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. The most captivating part of Rome was seeing the historic sites. When learning about the Colosseum and the Pantheon, I never expected that they would be tucked within a modern city. The preservation of Italian history is something to be admired and appreciated. It was impressive to learn about the technology from Ancient Rome; Berkley is currently studying Roman cement because is it more resilient than what we use now.

Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. Palazzo Farnese, Villa Lante, and the Sacred Woods demonstrated status and a story through architectural elements and large scale gardens. Palazzo Farnese was filled with frescos, telling stories of the family and the city. My favorite part was the fountain going up to the hunting lodge.

Villa Lante, a traditional Italian garden, included multiple tiers and elements of an outdoor living space, such as the dining table. Finally, the Sacred Woods in Bomarzo was not a traditional Italian garden but provided organization through the representation of the levels of earth, heaven, purgatory, and hell.

The most impressive part about that garden was that the enormous sculptures were carved from one stone!

Florence: My new home for the Semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because… it provided me with knowledge of Italy’s past, traditional food and wine customs and etiquette, and common Italian greetings.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was… leaving the airport and entering a foreign country for the first time in my life.

Sofia Filippi I n t e r i o r d e si g n In Rome

A view of the beach from the Archeological Park in Baratti - Photo Credit Jesse Chmiel Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Roman Architecture left me speechless by the overwhelming scale and detail. It was amazing to see these oversized ancient buildings amidst the bustling city of Rome. Turning a corner and being presented with these buildings was sheer astonishment to me, but as I looked around the natives would walk by and not even glance at these amazing landmarks, this truly made me feel like a tourist.

FALL 2015

Baratti and Populonia. In the footsteps of the Etruscans. After exploring the lives of the Romans, it was a great change to learn about the Etruscans and their history. Being able to not only see these ancient tombs where families were buried, but to actually enter them was amazing. Standing in the tombs of the Etruscans helped picture how this culture used to be hundreds of years ago. As we ended our tour of the tomb I was glad to be able to take in the beautiful scenery of Baratti from the beach down below.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was... I will remember starting my journey abroad traveling and learning about a foreign country with past friends and creating new friendships, and learning more independence, as I won’t have my family for four months.

One sentence/phrase that in my opinion illustrates Italy and Italian culture is... The way in which Italians take time to enjoy their meals with the people around them creates a more relaxed gratifying atmosphere.

endicott COLLEGE

Jade Harrington In t e r i o r d e si g n At the Vatican

Street market at Cinquale - Photo Credit Jade Harrington Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Rome is such an incredible city, always bustling and filled with so many historical sites. The Colosseum, ancient ruins, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain - there was not a dull moment the whole time visiting. It is quite busy, with people everywhere, and you can definitely tell who the tourists are. It was fun exploring during free time and going out at night, seeing the Colosseum lit up and visiting little markets on the water. Rome was also the first place I experienced Gelato.

Il Giardino dei Tarocchi. A contemporary creation of imagination in the tradition of the Italian Gardens.

I honestly thought this place was so fascinating and incredible. Just the fact that this woman was able to create such amazing masterpieces while in her state, and live in one of her masterpieces. Each sculpture is abstract, which is what gives the viewer the power to use his or her imagination to conclude what they are viewing. Each piece was so different and intriguing, everything was absolutely beautiful. My favorite was the house with all the mirrors.

Florence: My new home for the Semester.

The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because… It helped me to not feel like a complete fish out of water. I was able to start acclimating myself to the bustling streets and taste all the wonderful foods.

Something that changed or affirmed my perspective about Italy was...The food in Italy is definitely even more incredibly tasty than everyone said. It is so fresh and you can definitely tell.

Samantha Hensel Studio art At the Colosseum

The Colosseum - Photo Credit Angela Carlson Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Rome to me has always seemed like another world to me, filled with triumph, defeat, tragedy and majesty. It was overwhelming passing massive groups of people, cars, everything moving around you, but the history and magic of the place brings you right back. Nothing more beautiful has been in front of me then the Colosseum and the Pantheon. It’s flabbergasting to think all the things we were told are true about said places, but going there and seeing and touching it in person makes fairy tales real.

FALL 2015

Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. Caprarola, Villa Lante, and Bomarzo each had their own individual qualities and atmospheres, but each had an aspect of human creation mingling within nature. In Villa Lante, I learned the patrons wanted symmetry and control, even over things like nature. Perfection these gardens seemed, and that’s how they were intended to be perceived as. It was beautiful to see the marble against the green surroundings.

Bolgheri. The meaning of food and wine in Italian Culture. Learning about wine culture was one thing that I was really looking forward to. I have always loved having a sip of wine on Thanksgiving, but here it is a huge part of their world. In Bolgheri, I was able to learn the grapes themselves, production, and tasting of wine. The food was amazing, and the wine more than satisfactory. I can still imagine the salty taste on my lips, the Bolgheri sun on my skin.

endicott COLLEGE

Christina Jocelyn Cr i mi na l j u stice On the Apuan Alps

Sala del Mappamondo at Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola - Photo Credit Stephanie Leone Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reections of an American in Rome. The culture everywhere was mesmerizing as an American walking around Rome. The rustic looking streets intrigued me. I wanted to know the type of people that live in these apartments. I felt myself constantly thinking of what it was like to actually live there full time. I thought of myself as a guest as I did not speak Italian and there were many Italian norms that I was not accustomed to before going to Rome.

Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo were so spectacular because there were so many layers and levels to the gardens and stories behind the frescos. There was a lot to look at and study. I enjoyed walking around and seeing these beautiful sculptures before me in Bomarzo. I enjoyed learning about the history behind the frescos in Caprarola. The water rushing through the garden we unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Florence: My new home for the Semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because‌ The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because I was accustomed to some Italian norms and tendencies. I was more of how to blend in more than other American students.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was... Realizing that I was on my own when I stepped onto the plane and instead of panicking I stayed calm and content.

Stephanie Leone G ra p h i c d e s i g n A t th e A p u a n A l p s

The Roman Forum - Photo Credit Jesse Chmiel Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reections of an American in Rome. While in Roma, I was struck most by the age of everything. From the Coliseum to the Pantheon it is truly shocking to think how long they have been around. It makes me think about how young of a country America is. I had never seen any buildings older than a couple hundred years prior to studying abroad.

Bolgheri. The meaning of food and wine in Italian Culture. This was perhaps my favorite day for one reason: the food. The vineyards were absolutely beautiful and the grapes were the best I have ever tried. The wine tasting was very interesting to learn how to smell and to properly hold/taste the wine. The wine paired with all of the delicious foods was molto bene! I especially enjoyed the meats and cheeses with honey.

Florence: my new home for the semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because... I was able to appreciate the different regions of Italy before settling into my home for the next four months. I also think that throughout travel week more people spoke Italian to us and I really appreciated getting the gist before settling here.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was‌ Being able to navigate my friend and I out and about in Rome to a place to eat supper.

Previously I had been getting lost and this was a big step for me.

FALL 2015

endicott COLLEGE

Christie McInnis In t e r i o r d e si g n At The marble Quarry

Villa Lante - Photo Credit Emily Reera Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Spending time in Rome as an American was an unforgettable experience because I saw such amazing sights that I had only previously studied in textbooks. It is such a big and unfamiliar place that I had to be very careful not to get lost in, but all of the streets are so beautiful; each building was like a work of art. The moment I saw the Colosseum is when it really hit me that I was in Italy.

Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. The gardens we visited in Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo all showed different ways that architecture has been combined with nature throughout history. These gardens are created solely to demonstrate power, entertain, or make some sort of statement. Whether they are following strict societal rules of what a garden should be or they are deliberately defying the norm, the gardens are amazing environments that really allow visitors to connect with nature on a large scale.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was.... Standing in ancient places like the Colosseum and the Pantheon and realizing how small and insignificant I am in the grand scheme of the world and how impressive Romans were without any modern technology.

Something that changed or affirmed my perspective about Italy was… Italian culture is taken as seriously as any religion; it unifies and connects the people of Italy and keeps tradition alive in a world that is constantly changing. I never realized how important it was to follow cultural rules/traditions while dining!

Lauren Muldoon I n t e r i o r d e si g n At the Colosseum

Carrara Quarries - Photo Credit Angela Carlson Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. Rome is a very ancient, unique and fast paced city that has some of the most famous architecture in the world. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon are some of the famous highlights that we were able to see. These are each unique in their own way and draw millions of people from across the world to come see them.

The meal that we had the first night with multiples courses was my favorite meal from the whole week.

FALL 2015

Florence: my new home for the semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because... It was able to show me how to live the Florence lifestyle by teaching me useful Italian words, the meaning of food and wine, and the history of architecture.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was… My trip to the marble quarry that Michelangelo used for his works. Even though the bus ride there was terrifying, it was worth the view.

Something that changed or affirmed my perspective about Italy was… The various gardens and architecture affirmed that Italy is one of the most unique and beautiful countries in the world.

endicott COLLEGE

Kristin Neal In t e r i o r d e si g n At Bomarzo

The Ogre and the Ballerina – Viareggio Carnival float against child abuse - Photo Credit Sarah Ferry Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. As a U.S. citizen coming from a small town Rome was a cultural shock because everything moved quickly which was a way to make us step out of our comfort zones and explore a new way of living. There are a number of architectural constructions that leave an impact on the world, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. Italian Lifestyle during leisure time. At Viareggio each float had a very strong meaning that was incredibly thought through and meant to arise a reaction out of the viewer. One that stuck with me the most was the one about child abuse, and how they decided to incorporate a live dancer onto the float. Leisure

time at the open market had a variety of items and vendors, and really showed how this type of business affects daily life.

Bolgheri. The meaning of food and wine in Italian Culture. Gaining insight at Bolgheri into the process of making wine and how long it takes to prepare was amazing. Rose bushes are planted at the end of each row of grapes to be able to detect any contamination in the grapes. The thoughtful eagerness of the employees allowed me to learn the proper ways to drink wine and gain a better understanding of how wine should be experienced in the Italian culture.

Florence: my new home for the semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because... During the preparatory week I was able to experience more places, food, and cultural that I don’t believe I would have otherwise.

Visiting gardens, showrooms, and other Italian landmarks allowed me to better understand Italy itself and its effect on the people living and visiting here.

Molly O’Hearn I n t e r i o r d e si g n At the Vineyard

Wine Tasting at Bolgheri -Photo Credit Jade Harrington Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. The Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola was my favorite site of the travel week.

To learn about the Farnese family and to see how that ties into Villa Lante created a whole loop of education for me. The interior as well as the garden revealed the everyday lives of Italian elites during the Renaissance. Bomarzo was a more creative and boundary-breaking garden of its time.

The representation of heaven and hell is such an interesting concept.

FALL 2015

Bolgheri. The meaning of food and wine in Italian Culture. At Tenuta di Ventura I learned how to truly experience food. I have always loved tasting food and pairing food but to feel transported through taste has changed the way I see food and wine in particular.

The white wine was especially interesting because of the way aeration opened up the hidden flavors of the wine. When the wine moved around my palette I could taste the ocean spray and the ashy undertones.

To then see how the wine is produced shows how truly delicate the process is.

Florence: My new home for the Semester. The preparatory travel week helped me feel like a Florentine local because… I began to understand how to handle cultural barriers and pick up on Italian social cues.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was... the wine tasting at Bolgheri because I was taught a new way to experience something I do every single day...eating.

endicott COLLEGE

Amelia Papadakis In t e r i o r d e si g n In Caprarola

A view of Caprarola - Photo Credit Christina Jocelyn Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. Standing at the top of the Villa Lante in Caprarola overlooking the area felt like a movie. The garden was so different than ones I’m used to. We learned that Italian gardens are more about geometry and symmetry rather than following the organic qualities of nature. This is to show that man has control and power. This concept was very unique and clearly was portrayed beautifully. I have a new respect and fondness for Italian gardens.

Il Giardino dei Tarocchi. A contemporary creation of imagination in the tradition of the Italian Gardens.

One of the statues in the Tarot Garden really stuck out to me. They all represent different emotions and stages of life, as this was the artist’s way of expressing herself throughout her battle with depression. One appeared to be a female figure wrapped in snakes which I have interpreted as the part of your young life when people are telling you constant lies and you’re struggling to find your own truth rather than fall for what others say.

Bolgheri. The meaning of food and wine in Italian Culture. In Bolgheri we experienced not only amazing food and wine, but some history about it that made it all the more special. I guess I never realized how time consuming the process can be, especially since the workers at Tenuta DiVaira hand pick every single grape in their vineyards for the production of wine.

The entire procedure, however, is realized after just one sip of the drink. I love how much they appreciate it here and don’t abuse the alcohol content but rather slowly enjoy and savor it.

Emily Reera I n t e r i o r D e sig n At the Colosseum

Versilia - Photo redit Molly Ohearn Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. I loved seeing the architecture and sculpture integrated with nature. Garden and landscape enhance the beauty of architecture. The fountains, lawns and gardens that you see before even entering the Villa create an impression that makes you want to see more. Gardens serve as a soft, natural contrast to the harder materials of the sculptures and buildings and make for a place of peaceful escape.

FALL 2015

Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. Italian Lifestyle during leisure time. The area of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi was another favorite. Learning about the carnival of Viareggio was cool because it was unlike anything in that happens in the States. I had one of my favorite meals at a restaurant in Viareggio.

These areas deďŹ nitely displayed a slower-moving side of Italy, a side of leisure and relaxation. People were out taking casual walks or enjoying a nice meal and it seemed like a place where people might go to remove themselves from the typical business of larger tourist areas.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was‌ My personal growth experience this far was coming over to a completely foreign place that I had not yet been, without my parents or family or closest friends. I have learned to reach out and have been able to make the best of the experience and adventure as a whole.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was‌ Italy is a place that prides itself on its rich culture; food, art, and fashion in particular.

There is a refreshing difference in Italian culture versus the American culture that I am used to.

endicott COLLEGE

Larissa Thoin In t e r i o r d e si g n At Villa Lante

Wa t e r w o r k s a t t h e M a r b l e Q u a r r y - P h o t o C r e d i t A n g e l a C a r l s o n Rome, 3000 years of art and history. Reflections of an American in Rome. From a design and architectural standpoint, I found my time in Rome awe-inspiring.

The juxtaposition of ancient and modern architecture is truly beautiful and reflective of the cultural collision within the modern city of Rome. The smells, flavors, and sights of rome overwhelm the senses in the most profound ways. During a four course meal at a delightful Roman restaurante I experienced a wide variety of Italian flavors from pomodoros, olio, pane, carne, and a velvety raspberry panna cotta.

Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo. Architecture combined with nature. Caprarola was an introduction to the lavish architectural heritage of Italy. A large and gorgeously painted entry enveloped us and transported us back to the era of the noble inhabitants.

Though the winding journey of the timeless halls and art we began our understanding of the Italian lifestyle. Villa Lante combined our knowledge of architectural elements with an introduction to the architectural control of a noble garden. In contrast with the seamless connections of Villa Lante’s natural and architectural elements, the works or he secret garden at Bomarzo are gargantuan and awe inspiring.

Two dimensions collide in the mythical forest statues.

A personal growth experience that I will forever remember was… My introduction to the ancient city of Rome. I was in awe of the grand scale of the architecture and of the lifestyle that once occupied the ground I stood on.

Something that affirmed my perspective of Italy was… The diversity of life and culture within such a small country.

CREDITS Photo Credit: Endicott Students Fall 2015 Production Coordinator: M. Olimpia Bozza

End i co t t Fa l l 2 01 5 C l a ss :

Carlson Angela

Leone Stephanie

Chmiel Jesse

McInnis Christie

Chronister Nicole

Muldoon Lauren

Ferry Sarah

Neal Kristin

Filippi Sofia

O’Hearn Molly

Harrington Jade

Papadakis Amelia

Hensel Samantha

Reera Emily

Jocelyn Christina

Thoin Larisaaa