CULTURAL INTRODUCTION TO ITALY
FLORENCE ITALY
FALL 2017
Travel diaries
endicott! FUA Florence University of the Arts & Endicott College
endicott
college August 27th September 4th 2017
Fall 2017 CITI Pre-Semester Field Learning Week I had the great pleasure of participating in the Fall 2017 Cultural Introduction to Italy: Field Learning Week, and it is an experience I will not forget! On paper, this course is a wonderful exploration of Italy: Rome, Tuscany, and The Mediterranean Sea, among other places. Who doesn’t want to visit these locations? However, the week is so much more than sightseeing. It is a crash course in Italian history, with a peek at the “underground Italy” that exists in Rome. It is an art lesson, with frescoes, brilliant architecture and gardens that will amaze you. And yes, it is a lesson in an important topic of conversation: food. Make no mistake, by the end of this week, you too will find yourself talking about food…while eating. The faculty and staff at FUA (who are fantastic, I will add) have created a week that gives you a taste of what Italy has to offer, and once you have left your latest destination, you wish you had more time. You’ll want to know more about Rome, hope there is another agriturismo on the schedule, and REALLY wish you had more time to hike in Cinque Terre! I cannot say enough positive things about this week. I left Florence so happy to have participated, needing to go back, and wanting to learn Italian. Grazie di tutto, FUA.
Lexie Burgess Interior Design
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. Rome, being the first place we travelled to, was absolutely mesmerizing. As soon as we got off the subway, I was in awe by the colorful buildings and beautiful architecture everywhere. We were all smiling because we could not believe we would be experiencing all this for the next 4 months. The best moment I think I had was when we saw the Trevi fountain. We were walking down a side street and then all of a sudden it appeared out of nowhere. My stomach dropped and we were all at a loss for words. Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy and nature. Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and the Tarot gardens were each incredible in their
Florence, Italy
own way. They were all, aside from the Tarot gardens, in quaint little towns filled with little shops, and colorful houses. Villa Lante and Bomarzo shared similar gardens, incredible in size, art and history. The Tarot gardens were by far my favorite because I love 3D sculptures and mosaics. The fact that they were based on tarot cards made it even more mysterious and interesting and I loved the playful atmosphere it gave. Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. Bolgheri is the exact image that I have in my head when I think of Italy. The rolling hills and vineyard made it picture perfect. Personally, the town was very interesting because I worked at a country club all summer and learned all about wine, the taste, and where it came from. I was blown away by the wine that we tasted, and pleased with myself that I could actually
distinguish flavors and traits. I especially loved learning how the wine was made and seeing the production process behind the scenes. The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because‌ I learned so much about the Italian culture throughout travel week. I had the opportunity to immerse myself into the culture while also being guided through it. Little things like how to pay at rest stops, the proportions Italians eat or how they even walk around made me more feel comfortable with my surroundings.
Noelle Burns  Interior Design
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. We visited three styles of Italian gardens as well as the town of Caprarola. The gardens included Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi gardens. These gardens all beautifully displayed a combination of nature, architecture, and history. Villa Lante exhibited a traditional labyrinth styled Italian garden with a central fountain. Bomarzo was a more nature inspired garden with larger stone sculptures nestled within the foliage. While the Tarocchi garden was a completely different style that displayed interactive installations of contemporary mosaic sculpture. We got the chance to see a wide variety of Italian style gardens.
Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. We went to Carrara and traveled up a mountain to visit a marble quarry. We put our hardhats and safety vests on and went into the quarry site where men were extracting marble from the mountain. We went on a tour of the quarry and learned the process by which marble is extracted. There was a piece of marble that appeared to have the Virgin Mary and Jesus naturally carved into it and the spot was marked with a shelter and star. Ever since they found the carving there has not been a fatal accident in the quarry.
Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. We visited two of the five villages in Cinque Terre. We hiked from one to the next and it took about two hours but the views were absolutely worth it. After the hike along the water we had a nice Mediterranean lunch on the water in Monterosso and finished the day by swimming in the sea. The water was the most beautiful shade of blue I have ever seen. It was without a doubt the most beautiful place I have ever traveled to. Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... the way Italians drink wine. They do not drink to get drunk rather they always pair their wine with food as a way of enhancing the flavor, not for the alcohol content.
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Jessica Collins Business Marketing
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. We went to Caprarola and visited a family run farmhouse. The food was amazing, we had a plate with a bunch of different authentic appetizers to try and they were all delicious. We also had a red wine that was made at their vineyard. The next day was our garden day; we went to Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and the Tarocchi gardens. The architecture at all three were extraordinary. Villa Lante was more of a nature-based garden while the other two were based on architecture. Bomarzo had huge sculptures carved from stone. When Orsini’s wife died he constructed this garden to deal with his grief and his grief produced beautiful works of art. The Tarocchi garden was also based on architecture. All of the sculptures were made out of mosaics.
Florence, Italy
Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. We went to Bolgheri and visited a winery. We got to taste a few different wines as well as tour the cellar. We also got to see grapes being pressed and all the barrels that held the wine. In Italy, wine is always paired with food, and drinking wine is an important part of the culture. Each region we went to had a popular dish. For example Rome put emphasis on pasta while Tuscany emphasized seafood. In each region we had different wine because lighter dishes like fish pair well with white wine while a heavier dish like red meat pairs well with red wine. From traveling around I can see that wine is extremely important to the culture and has thus benefited Italy’s economy.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… The cultural intro week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen. I live thirty minutes away from school and have never been away from my family for this long before. Travel week pushed me out of my comfort zone because I was meeting new people, basically living out of a suitcase, and taking public transportation in a foreign country. I feel like a global citizen because I feel comfortable trying new things and being pushed out of my comfort zone.
Luiza Diana Interior Design
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. Rome is where we began our travel week. I loved going to see the Colosseum. Seeing how such an ancient structure that is handmade and is still standing even after an earthquake, amazes me. As well as how the Romans would make every little detail and space have a purpose. This practice resonated with me because I am an interior design major and therefore every area should have a purpose, so therefore it gives me inspiration. Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history The Carrara marble quarries was where Michelangelo would hand pick his marble for his amazing sculptures. While we were here we learned that the purest of marble was always white. We also learned that
each marble, based on its color whether green, pink, black etc., helps identify the location in which the marble was extracted. Pietrasanta is known as an artistic city. This is due to the close proximity of the quarries. Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. While we were here we visited various different burial tombs that were in the shapes of yurts. The Etruscan culture would burry families together. Inside their burial tombs there would be separate chambers for different objects for the after-life. Some of these items represented wealth such as money and jewelry while other objects would be useful if they needed protection such as swords, chariots and other weapons. This tradition was only practiced by the wealthy. Just as the tradition of cremating of the bodies and then placing the ashes within decorative urns was also
only practiced by the wealthy. The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… It has given me the chance to experience new forms of culture such as actually sitting down and enjoying a four course meal for 3 hours in which you eat all your food at the restaurant rather than the typical American habit of eating our food as quickly as possible and taking what we don’t finish to go.
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Jennifer Eldridge Interior Design
Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. Within Populonia and Baratti, the Necropolis of San Cerbone and the Necropolis of the Caves are the most popular sights to behold. The Necropolis of San Cerbone holds two circular tumulus tombs of the wealthiest families of Populonia. The wealthier families were usually cremated and placed in decorated jars which were put into large compartments within the tombs. The lower-class people had smaller tombs and very limited compartments to store the jars. It was quite the experience to crawl through a very small tunnel into the enclosed space where the cremated bodies used to be stored. It allowed me to reflect upon the culture of these societies and how important the burial of the dead was to them.
Florence, Italy
Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. The extraction of marble in the quarries of Carrara began in the early Roman times; however marble was first mined for production in the 20th century. Pietrasanta was an artistic city in the Middle Ages, known for its marble and bronze which created a prominent prescience of different sculpture and architecture throughout the city. Many artists including Michelangelo visited Pietrasanta to learn the skills of the local artisans and get the best white marble. There are many artisan studios around the town and they are usually run by families who have handed down their skills from generation to generation.
with terraces to cultivate olive trees and vineyards. The region of Liguria is known for its pesto sauce made from basil leaves, garlic, salt, olive oil, pine nuts and pecorino cheese. The rugged landscape and lack of vehicles make for a unique town that is only available by foot, bike, bicycle, or train. The hike across Cinque Terre was a breathtaking experience not only because of the amount of work, but the incredible views that appeared with each step.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... experiencing the difference between each culture wherever we traveled. Each region is known for different foods because it depends on the agricultural conditions and Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: availability of resources both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. The mountainsides of Cinque Terre are filled
Julia Ferraro Interior Design
Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. The mountainous area of Carrara was simply stunning and different from anything I have seen before. The quarries are located inland in Tuscany discovered in 44 A.D by Julius Caesar. We put on miner vests and protective hard hats and received a briefing of the quarries. A plethora of beautiful artistic design elements over time have been produced. The marble is cut with diamond wire. When entire areas of the caves can no longer be excavated, events and concerts are held there. We visited the nearby village of Pietrasanta for lunch and gelato afterwards. Pietrasanta is an ancient medieval city with historic buildings like many small villages in Italy and very well preserved over time. My favorite elements from here were the alleyways with the floating umbrella canopy installations and the little doorways lined with greenery.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… not only did we tour the most popular travel destinations, but we were lucky Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions enough to visit many smaller, special areas throughout Italy that would not normally to current pop culture. Seeing the Viareggio Carnival in the be on one’s list of typical destinations. works was extremely impressive. We had a demonstration on how the floats Something that changed my perspective are created in the massive warehouses about Italy was… using the basics of Papier-mâché. It was the welcoming, familial atmosphere at interesting and comical to see American each restaurant we dined at. They political propaganda depicting President Trump, Hillary Clinton and other political figures. Each immense float had intricate concepts stemming from many different cultures. I was taken aback by the size, bold detail, and thought put into these giant works. It was also particularly interesting to see that it holds modern monuments in the center squares which creates a beautiful juxtaposition.
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Delaney Ferry Interior Design
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. Rome was my first experience in Italy, and Europe for that matter, as well. Although a bit jetlagged and exhausted, I was in awe of the beauty of Rome. Walking around the city was a nostalgic experience, as everything I had learned about throughout my years in school came alive before my very eyes, and happened just by turning some corners and having it appear out of nowhere. Getting to see the city that Romulus and Remus so famously founded was an amazing experience. It was also interesting to learn about the Etruscans and their influence on Rome before it became a republic. Knowing that they had the capabilities to create such beautiful design and art so long ago was an outstanding experience for me.
Florence, Italy
Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. The Carrara marble quarries were an extremely amazing experience. I didn’t think we would physically be in the marble cave itself, so when we got in the car and went in, I was shocked. Learning and seeing them cut and extract the marble was something I never thought I’d find so interesting. I also really enjoyed hearing the story of how the Virgin Mary was found in the marble, and since then there has not been any accidents to occur in the quarry. Pietrasanta was a beautiful, quaint town, with old medieval style buildings and art, mixed with contemporary pieces on display throughout. I loved the celebration of old and new art, and I especially loved the installation of the umbrellas hanging over the street there.
Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. Cinque Terre was by far the most amazingly beautiful place I have seen thus far in life. The beauty of the colors of the buildings was breathtaking at first, but seeing the purely saturated color of the sea was even more breathtaking. I was surprised that they had built these five little towns into the sides of the mountains, and can understand how travel between them is hard, because they are all so sectioned off from each other. The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… It immersed me into a completely different culture, one that is beautiful in so many ways and very different from the only culture that I’ve ever known in the United States.
Katherine Giordano Studio Ar t
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. Our first destination on travel week was Rome. For myself, it was extremely exciting because I got to witness so much of what I learned in my art history classes, in real life. The most notable sites to me personally were visiting the colosseum and the pantheon. A text book doesn’t do either buildings justice. I could just imagine how lively and eventful the colosseum would be when events were hosted. One thing I also learned about the Pantheon is that the artist Raphael is buried inside. Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. Being an art major, Caprarola and Villa Lante were one of my favorite experiences throughout travel week. I was amazed by
the fresco’s in Caprarola and Villa Lante. The intensity and preservation of the paint was remarkable. Being a painter myself, I couldn’t even fathom the amount of effort and strain it took to beautifully paint all the walls and ceilings. Basically, every single room had a unique painting with a story. It was something you never get to see anymore so both of these places were extremely special.
when these towns were developed, and how the people built their homes into the hills and used the them to their advantage. To be able to experience it now was worth any struggle we had.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was… that although the culture is very different I have learned that the locals have very similar if not the same values as I do when Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: it comes to my daily life. both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. The day we went to Cinque Terre, we had the opportunity to hike the area and really take in the views the towns had to offer. The hike was challenging, mostly uphill and very steep, but once you reach the top the views of the town in the distance, water, and other mountains were truly breathtaking. I can’t even fathom back to Fa l l 201 7
Ashley Gresian Interior Design
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. Each of these gardens were picture perfect. Every garden was different in their own way and left me speechless. I felt like I was in a fairytale standing in each one. Symmetry, geometry, and serenity can be found in these Italian gardens. The gardens were my favorite part of travel week. Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. Food and wine are very important to the Italian culture and economy. We were exposed to the entire process of what goes into making the perfect glass of wine. We also got to see which Italian foods go with which wines. Everything was delicious and perfectly paired. Italians appreciate and take great pride in what goes on their plates.
Florence, Italy
Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions to current pop culture. The Viareggio Carnival was interesting to learn about. It is crazy to see how well the floats hold up and how big the artists make them. From the ancient traditions to the current pop culture, it has grown in size and popularity. Today, it is considered the largest Italian event. Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. I couldn’t believe my eyes when we were taking a large coach bus up the mountains to the marble quarries. It seemed like we were in a movie driving on the edge of the mountain taking 45 degree turns. Once we reached the quarries and went inside, I couldn’t believe how much marble they removed and how the process worked. I look at marble differently than I have before.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... how Italians get from one place to the next. Many people either take the train, a bus, bike, or walk to work.
April Herz Ar t Therapy
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. The gardens that we travelled to were filled with unique sculptures and beautiful plants that brought each of them to life. The Tarot Garden was my favorite because it was interactive and full of color that kept me engaged. Niki de Saint Phalle was the artist in charge of this project. She spent over 10 years and thousands of dollars on the construction of this garden just to heal others because she had experienced so much pain. Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. The passion that Italians have for wine and food is like nothing I have seen before. It is such a big part of their culture and lifestyle. Learning how much time goes into the production of wine, makes one appreciate
the process more. The manufacture is so natural it’s good to know that the wine is just made of grapes and nothing more. I personally did not like wine before coming to Italy but it began to grow on me after all of our tastings.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… I was able to join a different way of living.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions Experiencing a variety of different cultures within a one week time frame to current pop culture. I was not expecting to see the gigantic papier-mâché floats that were presented to us at the Viareggio Carnival. The history of the floats was interesting to learn about because there was such a difference between the first floats made and today’s floats. So much time and effort goes into each and every one of these sculptures to make them taller than buildings. Now they are able to make them move and light up for an even better performance.
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Keighley Higgins Interior Design
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. It was incredible to witness such historic works of art and architecture in Rome during travel week. After studying these places in school throughout my entire education, and learning about them extensively as a design major, it was breath taking to finally see them in person. It was fascinating to see architecture from thousands of years ago intertwined with modern buildings and technology. I was amazed both at the quantity and quality of the remaining historical elements. Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. It was very humbling to visit Populonia and Baratti during travel week. I couldn’t believe how well preserved the tombs were. We were able to enter the largest
Florence, Italy
tomb, and observe the funeral beds as well as learn about the construction and materials of the structure that had survived for so long. It was amazing to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Etruscans, and to be able to tangibly experience a part of their remaining civilization. Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions to current pop culture. The Viareggio Carnival was a very interesting glimpse into the Italian public’s creative and political self expression. We were able to view pictures of floats from the first carnival, to the actual floats of the most recent event. I was shocked and impressed by the amount of work and detail put into each float, as well as the sheer scale of the structures. It was very interesting to see America represented in these pieces, and to see the country that I’m from through an Italian perspective.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… It helped me step out of my comfort zone as I was pushed to be independent in international travel, take responsibility for my own safety and adopt a heightened awareness of my surroundings.
Maeve Kelly Interior Design
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. The Italian Renaissance garden was a new style of garden which emerged in the late 15th century. The design of the villas and gardens above were inspired by classical ideals of order and beauty, and intended for the pleasure of the view of the garden and the landscape beyond, for contemplation, and for the enjoyment of the sights, sounds and smells of the garden itself.Throughout each of the gardens there were places to sit for compilation and embrace the beauty of nature.
Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. The Etruscans were the first ancient civilization in Rome and their developments were the foundation of the ancient Rome. The Etruscans settled in Populonia and Baratti a location full of beauty and potential. They did things many Latin’s didn’t know how to do yet like built things from stone. Their huts varied in size depending on the importance of the family living within.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… I got to experience all aspects of Italian culture through its art, architecture, food and drink. I was able to expand my knowledge and develop a better understanding of Italian life. I especially appreciated the architecture and gained inspiration I can use throughout my career as an interior designer. Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... the various cultures that exist within the country itself. Region to region the occupations, food, fashion and architecture vary due to the landscape, location, and history.
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Kayla Kravchuk Interior Design
Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. Populonia is where the necropolis is. It was interesting to see the ancient burial tombs and learn about the area. The inside of the tombs were small but intricate. They had special chambers along the sides that held the possessions of those buried there. After the tombs, we visited Baratti. It was beautiful, and it was nice to have a break on the beach. The water was the perfect temperature and the views were amazing. Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. Hiking Cinque Terre was an experience like no other. This is one of the most unique places in the world where the mountains touch the sea, and being able to hike right over the sea was incredible. The landscape is breathtaking and the scenery is so quaint
Florence, Italy
and pretty. The colorful buildings along the coast are so aesthetically pleasing to look at, and make you happy. The beaches are so relaxing and the water is very refreshing. It is truly a unique place. The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… being emerged in the local culture forces us to learn how to adapt. Being in different situations in foreign countries makes you more aware of your surroundings and you pick up on things you might not usually if you were in your comfort zone. Observation is key. Watching those around you really helps guide you on how you should be behaving. Travel week was a great way to introduce us to a new country because we had a local tour guide who helped us with the transition.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was… that the lifestyle of the people who live here is so different from the daily life I am used to. The people here are so much more care-free and easy going. Hardly anyone here appears to be in a hurry. Italians also take their time to enjoy and appreciate the things around them such as food and friends. Dinners were one of the main things that stood out to me. They can go on for hours and are filled with multiple courses and that is the norm, unlike in the United States. Being here made me realize that life doesn’t always need to be on fast forward, and sometimes it’s nice to not worry about time and enjoy what’s in front of you
Janelle Levesque Interior Design
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and the Tarocchi gardens were my favorite part of the trip because the gardens were all detailed and intricate with greenery, patterns, color, and forms. They had different forms of bodies of water such as baths, fountains, or water inside a cave formation. Most of them had different levels and took up a lot of space. They all contained history and represented something; they were all unique and had their own special characteristics. Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. Visiting the Etruscan Tombs in Baratti was a different type of experience because we got to go inside one of the tombs and learned they were used for funerals; they
never buried bodies, but families had their own tomb and used them for the funeral ceremony where the ashes were the focal point. The size of the tomb was based on the class they were in; low class, middle class, or high class. They were all made out stone, and some of the tombs there were reconstructed because they had fallen apart. It was interesting to see what type of structure they used for ceremonies compared to what we use today. Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions to current pop culture. The carnival we visited has a different theme each year. The theme of the floats that we saw was political satire. They showed us how they make their floats; first they make the mold, then they Papier-mâché them, and lastly they paint on the specific characteristics and details. The carnival is a short period of time
where everyone comes together. After the carnival is over, they destroy the huge floats that they spent a lot of time working on. I interpreted it as a fun way to get some of the community together to celebrate. The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… I was able to experience a culture that has different customs than I am not used to. Paying attention to the language and attempting to speak it is a learning curve that has made me more aware of being in a different country. Along with their history because it is a large component of their architecture.
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Courtney Naughton International Studies
Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. In Bolgheri, they are famous for their food and red wine. This is because the characteristics of their soil and sunny climate allow them to grow grapes for their red wine production. The food we ate during our group lunch was amazing. We ate and drank great food and wine that were perfectly paired with each other. There are several wine tastings offered at different wineries in Liguria. Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. Cinque Terre is one of the most unique places to visit while in the Ligurian area. In Italian, Cinque Terre means “Five Lands.� They are made up of five small coastal villages that are scattered along an incredibly somewhat difficult hiking route.
Florence, Italy
The routes are dangerously thrilling with being rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea and natural landscape. You meet people all from around the world during this hike. It is quite a bonding experience with those who hike to these amazing villages. After completing this hike, it was a pleasure to eat some local pesto Genovese pasta that is well known throughout this area in Liguria. The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because‌ Completing travel week for a second time has only enriched my knowledge and appreciation for Italian culture and cuisine. I have grown to have a very special place in my heart for Italy and all the people that I have met that have made this experience even more incredible. I truly feel as though I am a global citizen. After studying at FUA
last fall 2016 semester and returning once again for an internship in their Educational Field Trips department in 2017, I can say with confidence that I am no longer out of my comfort zone. Italy feels like a second home to me. Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... how they live their lives differently than Americans. Italian way of living is more focused on health, family, art and love. These values are very important to the Italian people. Not always rushing to your next obligation was a bit of a culture shock for me. Their closeness and stride for happiness is inspiring. By living more simply, you appreciate a lot more. Italians take such pride in their family, food, and faith that it is hard not to wish you lived here for forever!
Madison Odryna Hospitality Management
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. The various artistic expressions shown through Villa Lante, Villa Farnese, the Bomarzo and Tarocchi gardens solidified the idea that art, architecture, and sculpture can tell a strong, valid story regardless of genre. For instance, the High Renaissance style of the villas juxtaposed the contemporary sculptures of the Tarocchi gardens. Each expression, however, told a story or was representative of the period in time in which it was built or created.
short period each year. Along with this, the political agenda behind the Viareggio Carnival, compared to other carnivals around the world, offers an interesting snapshot into the Italian worldview on controversial issues, such as Donald Trump or immigration.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because… I was able to travel around Italy before starting my semester abroad to allow myself to gain a stronger understanding of the country I will be living in for the next four months.
Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. All my life I have heard of the famous David, Pietà, and other famous works of Michelangelo. Finally, on travel week, I was able to see where it all comes from. This experience in the quarry underground Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions made each of these pieces of artwork come to current pop culture. to life, and I was able to appreciate the hard While viewing the warehouses in which work that’s needed to transform rock into the floats are made for the carnival, I beautiful sculpture. was taken aback by the insane amount of time and effort needed to create these massive, moving works of art just for a Fa l l 201 7
Jennifer Persichilli Photography
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. Being the capital city of Italy, Rome lives up to its name and history. Exploring the historical landmarks and sights was very enjoyable, and it was interesting to learn about the hidden gems of the ancient city. After all, we can only learn so much from reading about Rome in a history book. Experiencing it first hand, I was able to step into history and walk through ancient buildings like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, learning more about the history and Roman culture. Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. When thinking of ancient Italian history, my mind had always immediately thought of ancient Rome. However, I was very interested to learn about the years before
Florence, Italy
the Roman Empire, where the Etruscans helped to bring Italy into the global trade market, especially with wine. Walking the land and seeing the old Etruscan tombs, we were able to see how burial was even separated by the class system, demonstrating how separation was something that was consistent throughout time. Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. The history of food and wine within Italy is perhaps one of the first things I think of when talking about Italian culture. On a typical day, I would not think about pairing food and wine, but learning about the pairing and about what goes into the processes of making each product opened my eyes to the level of importance they play in everyday Italian life. Precision of technique is the most important key in the
creation of the food and wine products. Something that changed my perspective about Italy was‌ seeing how diverse the culture can be, and how important tradition is within the society. Moving between regions, I saw the change of landscape, food, and history, expanding my perspective on their way of life, and their strong adherence to tradition.
Maisie Ross  Communications
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. The birth of the Italian Republic was long and complicated. Its ruins remain seated in large sections of Rome. The Colosseum was powerful and large. Its interior, although destroyed over time, was pure. You could feel the existence of gladiators, wild beasts, emperors, and Etruscan people shouting within its walls. The wars between citizens and rulers left evidence in the ancient ruins. Their stories remain with the stone and your imagination is enhanced to realistic encounters.
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. There are so many different types of gardens around Italy. From maze hedges and fountains to large colorful women made of porcelain and mirrors, Italy’s complicated history was expressed through the characteristics of certain rulers and artists. Within each piece of architecture there was an element of the artist. In the Villa Lante, there were two separate homes that looked identical, but had different elements carved within the rim of the architecture that exposed the characteristics between two separate families. Each garden had an interesting and unique way of expressing its specific history.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because‌ I was allowed an incredible opportunity to learn about an entire culture by physically being able to discover and admire architecture and important figures that crafted the Italian lifestyle over 3000 years of history. Something that changed my perspective about Italy was... how massive and detailed every building, sculpture, artwork, and city actually is. Nothing is very simple and everything is colorful
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Taylor Saunders Ar t Therapy
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. The Italian gardens featured during travel week were absolutely captivating. From Caprarola and Villa Lante which transported you to the elegance of the Renaissance—to the Sacred Grove of Bomarzo and the Tarocchi Gardens which made you wonder and question the reality we live in. The architects and artists behind these gardens created them in such a way, it is as if the elegant stone architecture or the vibrant and psychedelic sculptures could not exist anywhere else. Populonia and Baratti. In the footsteps of ancient dominations in central Italy. It was a surreal feeling to walk through the land and tombs of the Etruscan people at the Archeological Park of Baratti. The Etruscan people held a strong belief in
Florence, Italy
the afterlife. The tombs featured were of different sizes, which represented the different classes of people. The larger the tomb the wealthier the family it belonged to. The tombs of the wealthy even had chambers to fill with belongings to bring along to the afterlife. Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. Each way you turn in Cinque Terre your breath is taken away. From the charming town streets to the unbelievably blue sea water to the towering rugged mountain terrain. The people of this region are famous for their ability to travel up and down the mountains to harvest their crops and transport goods. We joined hundreds of other travelers in the challenging hike though the mountains, high above the sea.
The Cultural Introduction Week has helped me step out of my comfort zone and feel like a global citizen because‌ it facilitated the opportunity to meet with and learn from the local people of each of the regions we traveled to.
Cassie Scaglione G raphic Design
Rome, 3000 years of art and history from Roman times through the birth of the Italian Republic. Rome is a very beautiful city with many ancient structures and works of art that still stand today. Walking around the city is like being in a history time vault. There are ancient structures such as the Colosseum, buildings, structures, and statues from the renaissance, and modern day creations such as cars, trains, and high end stores all integrated together throughout the city. The influence of the creation of Rome, going all the way back to the myth of Romulus and Remus, is at the heart of everything ancient and new. Bolgheri: the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy. In Italian culture, food and wine are two important aspects to everyday life. The vineyards and wines of Italy are a very
important source of income internally as well as externally. The wine is also a very important part of everyday life for Italians, most start out drinking wine at a young age and continue to drink it at meals and with family throughout their lives. Food is important too as it also brings family together along with being another important source of income. Products such as olive oil, limoncello, pastas, cheeses, and many others are exported all over the world.
culture events, especially political satire. The Italians take a light hearted jab at the serious events taking place in the world and bring them to life in an exaggerated and comedic way to make a statement. The floats are made primarily out of papiermâché and thin wood framing to keep them light and are then beautifully painted.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was… the history. Italy is a very historically Viareggio Carnival: from ancient traditions inclined country and everywhere you go it feels like you are stepping into a history to current pop culture. The Viareggio Carnival started out as a book, it is beautiful. regular celebration of festivities where decorated floats were paraded down the streets. Over the years, the methods of production and the choice in themes have changed. Nowadays, the theme of the Carnival floats tend to focus on pop Fa l l 201 7
Madeline Sulich Interior Design
Caprarola, Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Tarocchi Gardens. Architecture combined with history, philosophy, and nature. The gardens we visited mixed nature with mythology and imagination. Some of them, like Villa Lante, were ordered and organized combining sharply cut shrubbery with sculptures of characters from ancient mythology, while others were more chaotic using small winding paths that exploded into large intimidating sculptures. It was interesting to see how gardens that were designed in the same time period differed so much in the way they looked as well as the way they were used. Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta: Italian artists and artisans through history. Pietrasanta is known as “The City of Artists”. It became an artistic city because of its white marble quarries that Michelangelo and other famous sculptors chose marble
Florence, Italy
from. From there it bloomed into an art town. Even to this day, it houses many artisans and artists both contemporary and traditional. The extractions of marble in the quarries of Carrara began in the 16th century. Michelangelo would also come and handpick the marble he wanted to carve into sculptures. This paved the way for both of these sites in the artistic world.
the land however because it combined so many different landscapes to create a truly picturesque setting.
Something that changed my perspective about Italy was… emphasis on leisure time. Everything is slower here which I didn’t expect. Even for a simple coffee, there many “on the go” places. You have to take your time and sit Cinque Terre. Reflect on the landscape: down an enjoy a cup of coffee. both its beauty and challenges for the cultivation and livelihood of the people. The towns we visited in Cinque Terre were built on the Cliffside over the Mediterranean Sea. Being on the sea helped the hot temperature with cooling breezes. Cultivation was quite difficult for the local population though because there was no flat land. All of their vineyard and crops had to be built into the cliffs with their houses. This added to the beauty of
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CREDITS Photo Credit: Endicott Students Fall 2017 Production Coordinator: M. Olimpia Bozza Text editing and picture selection: Margaret Hartofilis
Endicott Fall 2017 C l a ss : Lexie Burgess
Maeve Kelly
Noelle Burns
Kayla Kravchuk
Jessica Collins
Janelle Levesque
Luiza Diana
Courtney Naughton
Jennifer Eldridge
Madison Odryna
Julia Ferraro
Jennifer Persichilli
Delaney Ferry
Maisie Ross
Katherine Giordano
Taylor Saunders
Ashley Gresian
Cassie Scaglione
April Herz
Madeline Sulich
Keighley Higgins