CULTURAL INTRODUCTION TO ITALY
FLORENCE ITALY
FALL 2018
Travel diaries
endicott! FUA Florence University of the Arts & Endicott College
endicott
college August September 2018
Fall 2018 CITI Pre-Semester Field Learning Week I had the great pleasure of participating in the Fall 2018 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.
Gabrielle Lee Aleksa
ROME: When I was walking down the cobblestone streets I was blown away by the history of Rome and all the art that invades it. It was hard to comprehend that I was seeing and walking in parts of history from 3000 years ago.
BOLGHERI: When visiting Tenuta Di Vira (the vineyard) I was most taken aback by the amount of passion that the employees had for their field of work. Each bottle of wine produced was carefully curated and done with perfection.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO, ORVIETO: There was so much to grasp when viewing the beautiful landscapes. Each had a story, filled with history, personal stories, and of course exquisite use of sculptures and nature.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: I was lucky enough to see the behind the scenes preparation that went into the carnival. One aspect that stuck out is how the artist and creators of the floats are very witty in their representation of popular culture and the controversial issues of the times.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: What resonated with me most was how tradition has carried itself down over 3,000 years. The tombs we have in cemeteries today are a lot like the ones they built back then. They were also built with the same intention, to honor love ones who have died. Florence, I t aly
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES, PIETRASANTA: The marble studio and the town of Pietrasanta were filled with amazing sculptures. The studio had all these abstract creations and caused my appreciation for the art and the artisans themselves to grow.
LE CINQUE TERRE: When I was hiking I could not help but notice the vineyards and houses that were way up on top of these hills and how the lives of the people that lived there must require a lot of physical labor and challenges to be able to travel around their home landscape. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to see so many parts of Italy that took me away from the tourist spots and truly immersed me in the Italian culture. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… being able to visit the beautiful gardens and the realization that there is a lot more beauty to Italy other than the cities and the beaches.
Gillian Butler
ROME: Although Rome was a crowded and busy city, its old architecture and streets caught my attention. The Colosseum, made centuries ago with care, is still standing. I was also amazed by the structure and interior of the Saint Peter’s Basilica. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO, AND ORVIETO: During these visits I learned about the different elements that combine to make these gardens have a grand effect. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: During our visit to Populonia, we saw the ancient tombs of wealthy families who lived in 7th century B.C. They lived in the mountains known as the acropolis, and used the lower valley, the necropolis, as their final resting spot. BOLGHERI: The wine tasting introduced us to three different types of wine; a white, rose, and red. We were taught the proper
way to pour a glass, and told to hold the LE CINQUE TERRE: Although challenging glass by the stem so that the cup itself does in the beginning, this hike unveiled beautiful not warm the wine. views around every turn. We visited two of the five towns that create the area known as VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: It can take up Cinque Terre. These beach towns consisted of to 9 months for these large floats to come colorful apartments, shops and restaurants. together, and can need up to 50 people helping to make the float move. All of these THE CULTURAL INTRODUCTION WEEK floats are made by the paper cache process, HAS HELPED ME TO STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A and represent current political satire. GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE... it has taught me to be patient and keep an open mind. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: Seeing the artists cut rough stone to SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY reveal the beautiful inside of the rock was PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... interesting to watch. Even though visiting the transportation. The trains can be very the studio was fun, I enjoyed our free time busy and confusing if you are not paying in the town of Pietrasanta more. Surrounded attention. by tall mountains, this colorful small town was very inviting.
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Christian Collum
ROME:In my opinion, the Colosseum is the most impressive piece of art in all of Rome. The fact that this structure that was established in roughly 70-80 AD is still standing nearly 2,000 years later is amazing. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: I could not help myself from becoming extremely impressed with the precise symmetry that encompasses Villa Lante. Furthermore, The Sacred Wood of Bamarzo was one of the most unique areas we traveled to during Cultural Intro week. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The two main sites at the Archeological Park are the ecoplus and the two necropolis sights. However, not only was I impressed by the ancient dwellings, I was also taken aback by the beautiful beach located along the park.
Florence, I t aly
BOLGHERI: Wine is so important to the Italian culture and economy that two forms of wine classifications were established in Italy to help consumers decipher between which wines are appropriate for each occasion.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Both the cities we explored throughout our journey are famous for their wine and lemon production. The mountains, steep slopes, and small islands in the area are all areas in which grapes are grown to make high end wines.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: While touring the site, we were able to observe the enormous floats, made out of papier-mâché́ and other materials, that are paraded throughout the Carnevale.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… it gave me the amazing opportunity to visit several historical landmarks and structures, where I was able to learn about the Italian culture; one that is much different than my own.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES, PIETRASANTA: Pietrasanta is considered to be an artistic city because it has deep roots in the legacy of art and sculpture as the town has been a place for artist and spectators to gather since the 15th century. It is famous for its marble and bronze workshops, artists and monuments.
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… our first group dinner in Rome, where we enjoyed a four-course meal. Before this, I was unaware that this was the way in which Italians enjoyed their food
Kristina Cooley
ROME: I was personally astonished by the architectural detailing within every building. As an interior design major, the characteristic through each structure we visited inspired me to design everything with a purpose.
amongst themselves. On this trip, we learned how to properly taste wine and pair it with certain foods. This is something I will be able to carry on in life and know what cheese and meat to blend with certain wines.
LE CINQUE TERRE: On my hike, I learned all about the olive trees and vineyards that surrounded the region. After the hike, we got to swim in the ocean while enjoying the view of the beautiful cliffs.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: These gardens showed various expressions demonstrated by different architecture and design elements. Each plot was created with a purpose and represented the time period they were created in.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Each float had a unique design and many included politics. As for the Papier-mâché, it amazed me how much material went into the floats for only a short time.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I got to experience the difference between each culture and region and this has helped me become more familiar with the area I’ll be living in for the next 4 months.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: Visiting the quarry underground made me appreciate the works of Italian art so much more. I found it fascinating that someone like Michelangelo could transform this rock into such an intricate sculpture. The process and calculations that went into these steps were BOLGHERI: Italians truly spend their time so important to follow. enjoying the meals along with the company POPULONIA AND BARATTI: We got to enter the tombs and observe the construction of material. Building in stone was an advanced technique that the Etruscans discovered and allowed these structures to last for so long.
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… The quality of life where they sacrifice the possibility of making business at their store for the peaceful alternative of having a home cooked meal or a nap at home.
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Emily Cronin
ROME: We walked miles per day exploring historical landmarks like the Colosseum, the Fountain of Trevi, the Pantheon, and many more historical landmarks from ancient and Renaissance times. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: After Rome we ventured through Tuscany, where some really interesting and beautiful Medieval Villas (villages) were located. All villas had an Aristocratic power whom typically lived more privately away from commoners and such in each Villa. Each aristocratic estate had fountains galore and symmetry value within their gardens. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: I learned so much about the culture of those who lived here 7th-4th centuries B.C. The group and I had an intimate tour as we were allowed to actually enter an ancient aristocratic tomb and walk on the burial beds where the Florence, I t aly
family was actually buried.
walked us on a tour of the quarry where custom sculptures are created with highBOLGHERI: As a group, we visited a tech machines and hands - and even water! Vineyard and proceeded with a wine tasting! Not only did we get to taste but we got to LE CINQUE TERRE: We then hiked through learn. Those in charge of the tasting said Monterosso, we took a path alongside heroic that wine can take years to ferment and turn vineyards and a lovely view of the blue grapes to wine. ocean the whole way through. My breath was taken away with each glance I took at VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: After learning the ocean bay that hugs the rocky shoreline that these masks have been crafted for and surroundings of the two villages centuries I was truly blown away! Hearing themselves. The landscape was so effortless about the creativity and process that and embodied natural beauty. I would love happens during the months prior to Carnival to go back soon. It was as if I were living was interesting. in a dream walking within its welcoming atmosphere, and I never wanted to wake CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND from it. PIETRASANTA: Towards the end of travel week we honed in on the beauty and importance of marble and the key role it played in Italy’s culture and history. We met with an artist and she
Gianna D’Aprile
ROME: Rome was the most historically rich location we visited. You pass so much history just walking down a street. There is so much to see and to do in Rome and its an ancient city that continues to thrive.
BOLGHERI: Bolgheri introduced me to the wine culture that is prevalent throughout all of Italy. Creating wine is a slow and serious process that can take up to 6 months to a year. Different grapes have different flavors that can be paired with different foods. There VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: is a set of guidelines to follow while tasting The renaissance gardens were gorgeous wine. with symmetrical design, unique plants, fountains, and detailed stonework. This Villa VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Artists spend was a calming change from the fast pace months creating large papier-mâché floats of Rome. Bomarzo, was the location on the that can move or deliver a political message. Sacred Woods. This park was very unique My favorite float was created in 1973 relating because of the large monster sculptures to the Olympic Games. throughout. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: I learned about CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND the Etruscan’s lifestyle, their relationship PIETRASANTA: with wine, and their gender roles. The At the Carrara quarries we witnessed artists Baratti beaches have beautiful black sand, carving and designing sculptures. Then in and mountain views. It was interesting the town of Pietrasanta, we noticed the use to compare the Ancient Etruscans to the of sculptures in an urban setting. Pietrasanta was one of the most artistic small cities we visited. modern day civilians of Baratti.
LE CINQUE TERRE: We hiked from Vernazza to Monterosso, which allowed use to see the most beautiful views of the coast. During our hike we passed by small vineyards, which shows the great dedication Italians have towards wine. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE... I experienced new foods, activities, cultures, and places. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... the many coastal towns we visited. Italy is known for its vineyards and farm lands, but the coastal areas deserve more recognition because they are so stunningly beautiful.
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Benjamin Dages
ROME: The conversion to a republic is what saved Italy from Rule under Benito Mussolini and the binding ways of Fascism. While it is true Mussolini saved Italy from its political and economic instability, he also tangled the country in his military fantasy and involved them in a world war with the Germans they didn’t want. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Bomarzo, the Forest of Monsters, was exciting to walk through. The town of Orvieto was beautiful. I found some time to simply walk around and experience both the city and the countryside. The church was full of murals and frescoes that had faded with age. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia used to be a large ancient and industrial city that was densely populated in the Etruscan times. Currently, it is home to mass burial grounds with numerous tombs that have crumbled with age. Florence, I t aly
BOLGHERI: Meals can often take upwards of two hours to complete because it is more of a social event where people can interact, laugh and enjoy themselves. Digestion is very important too, which is why Italian courses are spaced out over typically five to eight. Numerous wines are also served in between courses.
LE CINQUE TERRE: The rugged landscape poses problems with transportation over the land. Cars cannot travel easily and the towns have to be made according to the landscape. Trade is made possible however by way of sea travel.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The carnival is FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… heavily connected to the ideas, culture and I’ve interacted with these people. By doing events that have permeated Italy over the so, I see that they are not so different. I’ve learned some Italian, which has helped span of its history. immensely. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: Pietrasanta is a town of SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... marble and art. All along the streets are I learned people are very funny, and they statues, sculptures and complex art pieces. love to talk! It grew to importance in the 15th century due to its connection with marble and Michelangelo was the first artist to notice its sculpting properties.
Emily De La Rocha
ROME: Humanism was a concept spreading throughout society, pulling away from the old collectivist views. During this time Michelangelo and Raphael blossomed as artists and created many works that we still appreciate today.
BOLGHERI: Etruscans used the wine as a trade offer with other societies, which allowed for a kind of culture swap. The use of wine in this way then began to establish wine making as a craft, because people formed a taste for wine.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Orvieto all contained architecture that was deeply linked with history, philosophy and nature, conveying messages of family power to whimsy and play. The pieces interact with the nature around them and seem like they had been there since the dawn of time.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The floats made are absolutely spectacular. They are all built out of paper mache and manually operated. Each float has a certain amount of time to be constructed, and is judged at the end to THE CULTURAL INTRODUCTION WEEK HAS win a prize. HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND BECAUSE‌ I was immediately thrown into PIETRASANTA: Carrara and Pietrasanta have been places many different aspects of Italian life. This that artists have flocked to for centuries. was very overwhelming, but being with my Michelangelo got the marble from his classmates as well as with very helpful and sculptures from Carrara, and artists fun professors made it much easier to adjust. today are still creating from that marble. Pietrasanta is a town perfect for artists.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: This glimpse at the ancient peoples of Italy provides a better look at life in Italy at the time, and fills in gaps that may otherwise occur in history. A whole culture preserved in one field.
The community supports their work and is also a perfect place for sculptors to have close access to their material. LE CINQUE TERRE: The towns were all built onto the sides of cliffs, meaning that no matter where you were there was always a breathtaking view. The cultivation of grapes in Cinque Terre is described as heroic because one had to be quite brave to farm on the side of a cliff.
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Julia DeAngelis
ROME: Gothic and Romanesque art had been replaced and by Renaissance art which was interesting because realism and humanism had soon been brought into art and in the Italian history and culture. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: At all three of these locations it was amazing to see the extreme detail that went into the gardens that accompanied the Villas that were shared. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: It was amazing to learn about the Etruscans and to learn about how much women were worshipped in the Etruscan culture which was very different from other Italian cultures during the Renaissance and before then. BOLGHERI: After learning about the process of wine cultivation, we got to taste four different wines with different Tuscan foods. Florence, I t aly
Learning which wine you pair with different LE CINQUE TERRE: Cultivation of crops is foods was interesting and not something something that is extremely challenging that is significant in American culture. because of the steep hills and mountains that make up the five lands. The landscape VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Going to tour the also makes it challenging for people to get Viareggio Carnival museum as well as the from one place to the next. whole base of where all of the karts are created was quite the experience. At first THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED it made me think of a circus and I couldn’t ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND imagine what all of these different float like FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE... sculptures were for. throughout the week we got to learn about the importance of art and architecture in the CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND Italian culture. PIETRASANTA: After learning that Carrara marble was used to make the statue of David made it surreal SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY to see and learn about. In Pietrasanta, the PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... different sculptures placed throughout the how much art and architecture is well center of the town were much different than respected and something that is worshipped. the architectural sculptures that we had seen throughout the duration of the week but the detail that was put into each one was incredible.
Molly DeCarlo
ROME: The Colosseum and structures in the Roman Forum are still standing today, and even though there are only ruins left, it is still fascinating that the architecture is still there today for people to visit and enjoy. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: All four gardens that we visited during the week demonstrated how architecture, history, philosophy, and nature can all be combined in a beautiful way. Each garden was different and unique. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia was located high above on top of a hill in Baratti and then below was their burial ground. It was interesting to see how and where people from that time period got buried and compare it to how people get buried today.
BOLGHERI: Wine is an essential part of Italian culture. Wine is more than an alcoholic drink to Italians, it is a way to bring people together. When having wine, people sit together and enjoy each other’s company which is an important aspect of the culture. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Going into the warehouses to see where all the floats were created made me realize just how much time and effort is put into preparing for the carnival that will only be on display for a month or so each year.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Hiking from Vernazza to Monterosso was incredible because to our left was the bluest waters of the sea and to our right was the mountain sides where olive trees grow. The landscape of Cinque Terre poses some challenges with cultivation. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to learn how to navigate and live in a foreign country while at the same time being guided along the way.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PIETRASANTA: Visiting the marble workshop was interesting PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… to me because I got to see firsthand how how important art is to the country’s culture. large blocks of marble get transformed into beautiful sculptures. Actually getting to witness artists sculpting the marble right in front of me was fascinating. Fa l l 201 8
Julia DiCecco
ROME: The art of Rome has changed throughout the decades. Humanism was a big factor in this change as well. People started to create art that resembled more like humans did instead of fictional characters. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: I found it fascinating how the architecture was purposely made the way it was to resemble wealth and power. These homes were huge almost too big to even describe accurately. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: During our trip we go to view many different sights during this day. The bigger the tomb meant the more money the family had and then what was placed in the tomb when someone was buried was for what the family think they would need in the afterlife.
Florence, I t aly
BOLGHERI: The meaning behind food and wine is very different in Italy than it is in American culture. Having a meal here is much more valued than it is in America.
how people us this land to grow a garden is really impressive. These crops are literally on the side of a mountain and these people successfully grow the crops they need too.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: I thought it was cool to see how the sculptures were made and how much time and work actually go into making one. I like the idea of destroying the old sculptures and making completely news one each year.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I learned a good amount of Italian while on travel week because my tour guides both spoke fluent Italian and were so helpful when teaching us how the culture worked.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: What I found really interesting was that Michelangelo used this type of marble to carve his master pieces. LE CINQUE TERRE: Just walking up on the hike was difficult for the one day I did it. I couldn’t imagine people doing that walk everyday with things in their hands. Seeing
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... how Italians respect food and wine. I like the concept of taking my time to eat rather than eating just to eat.
Lindsay Dieterich
ROME: Rome is the home of one of the oldest and most innovative civilizations in the world. Along with being a powerful and historical society, the Romans were pioneers of many stylistic art forms and architecture. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Part of Italian culture is having an appreciation for architecture and nature. This love, combined with historical influence or mythological beliefs, led to some unique and intriguing parks and gardens. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia is an important town for the beginning of Italian civilization. Within this area, there are the remains of multiple Etruscan homes, buildings and a necropolis with many ancient graves.
around the world for their cuisine and wine culture. This culture is also a very important part of the Italian economy, as there are an abundance of restaurants and vineyards that produce the food and wine that people desire. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The Carnival celebration in Viareggio is a tradition that dates back more than a century ago. Floats and people with masks would fill the streets and the floats would be judged and a winner would be crowned.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: During the Renaissance, marble sculptors would use this marble to create grand statues for churches, villas, and wealthy people. This allowed the art form to flourish and become BOLGHERI: Food and wine are enormous more widespread and appreciated. parts of Italian culture and Italy is known
LE CINQUE TERRE: Cultivation is a challenge because there is no flat land. Terrace farming is commonly used so that the sides of mountains can be utilized. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I’ve been able to experience everything that the Italian culture has to offer such as the history, the food, the architecture, and the language. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... being around Italian locals. Being able to talk to them and interact with them made me realize that Italians are very friendly people and not as different from Americans as I had expected.
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Kerry Driscoll
ROME: Rome transformed in the 15th-16th of Bolgheri. These foods were acceptable century and rebuilt with the use of fountains, to eat during the wine tasting because they beautiful streets and palaces. match well. The view was beautiful, with nicely arranged rows of grape trees with the VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: mountains in the background. Villa Lante had a lot of symmetry, fountains, statues, terraces and straight lines that made VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: This place had it a classical italian garden. This was one of large scale characters/ figures that were my favorite places we visited because there molded from paper mache. Large elaborate was a very friendly stray cat that greeted us floats with characters and art made from as we arrived. paper maché go through the streets where crowds celebrate and admire the work. The POPULONIA AND BARATTI: crowd picks their favorite floats and awards The architectural park of Baratti features a winner. many tombs from centuries back. This environment is both coastal and hilly. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND The main sites of the Archeological Park PIETRASANTA: of Populonia and Baratti are tombs of Today we visited the marble quarry called significant people during that time. “Cava” in Carra, italy. It was interesting to learn about how marble can be cut and BOLGHERI: After, we went to a wine formed to get it to a desired shape and size. vineyard called Vanuta di Vaira in the area Florence, I t aly
LE CINQUE TERRE: Farmers use Cinque Terre as a farming location because the soil is rich and perfect for certain types of agriculture such as olives, fruits, peaches and apricots. The location poses challenges against farmers because they must move crops and materials up and down the mountain sides. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… we visited many locations and experienced culture from many different perspectives. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the wine and food culture. Italians have different etiquette than Americans.
Jessica Dubois
ROME: The preservation of the historic sites located throughout Rome completely amazed me. Walking down streets of new high rises and fancy restaurants to turn and see the Colosseum standing after almost 2,000 years was like nothing I had experienced before.
would be buried to where city life occurred.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The mix of water features with the green plants and sculptures setting along the city skyline made me understand why those who were very important had these Villas created. They had a sense of serenity and calmness unlike any others.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The large scale of the floats was amazing, some seemed so realistic it blew my mind. We were educated on the construction of these floats, coming from an art/architecture background, this was very interesting to me.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia was the site of the Etruscan necropolis and acropolis where daily activities occurred until death. At this point the burial sites were located in the same vicinity which really surprised me how close the dead bodies
BOLGHERI: I really enjoyed learning about the process of the wine production and learning how everything was hand done and the small amount of bottles that were actually produced in a given year.
LE CINQUE TERRE: The landscape of the area poses lots of challenged for those living there and the crops growing there. The steep incline and climate of the area allows for the soil to support the olive trees and vineyards located there. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE‌ I was able to immerse myself in a completely new culture and experience traditions and customs I have never experienced before.
S O M E T H I N G T H AT C H A N G E D M Y CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS‌ PIETRASANTA: During our visit to The pride for the culture and the adoration PietrasantaI learned an important tradition for all things Italian. in Italian culture which is the break taken during the lunch hours where shops close down allowing workers to eat meals with their families before returning to work. Fa l l 201 8
Aradia Dumas
ROME: Physically looking up at the Colosseum and learning that it was built for the entertainment of the Roman people was such an amazing experience. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Walking into this villa, there are two buildings built next to each other as soon as you enter. Bomarzo is an area of woods full of statues created from stories of mythology. This area was made for people to enjoy and not envy. All three destinations used a mix of history and nature to show the world their wealth and importance, not really philosophy in my opinion. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia and Baratti is an area of an ancient civilization on the coast of Italy. The property that was owned by this group of people is now filled with tombs. Florence, I t aly
BOLGHERI: Wine in Italy is just as common as water. It is a customary drink to have during meals. Wine is also a big part of the Italian economy because it brings in so much money. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: During ancient times, the first years of this festival, a lot of the floats were based off of political issues. This was a way to get the attention of the people of Italy. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: The Carrara marble quarries and Pietrasanta are the small heart of the Italian artists. It is said that these two destinations lay in the area where Michelangelo came to hand pick his marble for all of his great creations, including the David.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Each village is quite small and sine the mountains are at such high altitudes it is hard for people to make a living. There are small vineyards in the mountains but they are not the likely conditions for this type of business. THE CULTURAL INTRODUCTION WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… it was a big push toward the culture and the history of the country. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE OF ITALY WAS…the fact that the people who live here are so pleasant, unlike the majority of people back home.
Amanda Erickson
ROME: Exploring Rome was an amazing experience and a great introduction to Italy. The mixture of the old and the new makes it such a unique place to explore. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Villa Lante is a beautiful symmetrical garden on the top of a hill filled with greenery and beautiful waterfalls and fountains. The view from the bottom allows you to see the beautiful town of Bagnaia. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Here, we toured the Necropolis where they buried their dead. We were able to explore the interior of the tombs and learn about the burial traditions in their culture. BOLGHERI: We were able to explore a winery and learn about the process of making their amazing wine. Viareggio Carnival: The themes behind the floats created images that confused me
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… It allowed me to view and explore Italy in a way that let me feel more like a local and less like a tourist and prepared me for my CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND semester in this beautiful country. PIETRASANTA: Carrara marble from this region is extremely popular throughout the SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY whole world and is often used in people’s PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… homes. Although we didn’t visit a marble being able to explore so many parts of Italy quarry, we were still able to take home a that the average foreign visitor won’t see such as Villa Lante and the Carrara marble little piece of marble from the workshop. quarries. LE CINQUE TERRE: Looking out onto the ocean from the trail felt like you were standing at the end of the world. Once at the town of Monterosso al Mare we spent time at the beach exploring the beautiful Mediterranean waters and walking along the shore collecting seashells and little pieces of marble rocks. a little bit. Even though they weren’t my favorite, it was an interesting and unique experience to get to see how Italian culture differs so much from the American culture I am used to.
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Lainey Erwin
ROME: I was amazed to learn that it only wine are made in each region. took 10 years to build it. For such a gigantic structure with so much detail, I thought for VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: They take this very sure it would take longer than that. seriously and pay attention to every detail between the molding and the painting. I VILLA LANTE AND BOMARZO: I found liked that we got to see first-hand what the the symmetry of the buildings to be very process looks like. I didn’t know that floats so interesting. The family who this garden big could be done out of paper Mache. belonged to were one of the most prominent CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND families. PIETRASANTA: I enjoyed that we got to POPULONIA AND BARATTI: When we first go into the workshop and see artists in the got to the Etruscan Necropolis I was confused process of making a sculpture. We even as to what we were going to be doing there got to touch the marble to see the textural because I could not see many buildings. I differences throughout the process. thought that going inside the big tomb and LE CINQUE TERRE: The water springs seeing the inside was very cool. throughout the hike were fascinating and BOLGHERI: The amount of thought and the views were nothing like I had ever seen effort that goes into making their wine is before. Although the beach was rocky, the incredible. I also enjoyed learning about the water was so refreshing and so blue. pairings of food and wine and which types of Florence, I t aly
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… It allowed me to be Immersed In many different aspects of the culture and history of Italy. Without this travel week I would not have been able to see all these beautiful sights. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… learning about the food and wine culture. I was never fully aware of how serious they take not only production of wine and food but also the event of eating and drinking.
Makayla Fleming
ROME: I was completely taken back by how enormous the Colosseum actually was, in fact, it was the largest amphitheatre ever built. When the Colosseum was first built it was used for entertainment such as gladiator contests, famous battles, animal hunts, executions etc. and held between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Villa Lante was visually pleasing as it was very symmetrical, geometric and linear. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: During travel week we visited Bay of Populonia and Baratti to see the Etruscan Necropolis as well as the beach. The transition to the beach was very short and refreshing. The water was super warm compared to what it is normally like at home.
BOLGHERI: Along with many other facts, I was able to take away the two main wine classifications, DOC and DOCG. I learned about how to mix and match different cheeses, spreads, breads and meats with different wine. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: We visited the carnival that is celebrated in Viareggio. This carnival takes place from the beginning of February and carries through into March. I thought it was amazing that these massive floats are made of strictly painted, paper mache. The floats would take about a year to plan and build. These artists were very talented and proud of their work. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: I loved the different marble sculptures as well as seeing how objects can be shaped and made. It was crazy to see how many different forms of art could be made from marble.
LE CINQUE TERRE: I learned that the viticulture of the area was defined as heroic because the vineyards are cultivated on the steep slopes of the high altitude mountains. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE…I was able to adapt to a new culture and try new things that I would have never done on my own. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the exercise. I was shocked with how much walking we accomplished within one week. I did not realize that Italians walked everywhere to get around the city.
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Kristine Folsom
ROME: I was truly amazed by Rome, as being in this city was the first time I had walked on the same streets that civilization did thousands of years ago.
BOLGHERI: The wine tasting we did at Villanoviana was one of the most interesting experiences I’ve had. Seeing all of the vineyards and grapes growing truly felt unreal, I felt like I VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: was ina movie. Architecture: Villa Lante was so interesting, initially because it was my first time VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: I was amazed at all in an Italiancountryside. Also an older of the gigantic statues and structures that Renaissance garden, I was amazed by the were built for the parades. extravagance of CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND everything PIETRASANTA: The marble quarries were POPULONIA AND BARATTI: I was really truly unique and overall breathtaking. I impressed with how the Etruscan culture learned that this marble was extracted was so feminist, especially for that time from the same places that Michelangelo got period. This culture promoted women to marble for his famous sculptures. complete the same jobs as Etruscan men, and the women was much more valued than LE CINQUE TERRE: I loved this place and its natural beauty so much that I will be taking other ancient civilizations of friends and family back for a hike when they that time period. come to visit this semester. Florence, I t aly
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to soak up the culture of Italy through travels to all differenteducational sites, of all backgrounds and historical significance. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the initial culture shock and how differently and authentically the Italian people live their lives.
Kathryn Frasier
ROME: I found it interesting that all of the statues, sculptures, and buildings were built so close together over long extended periods of time. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Villa Lante felt like a movie scene with its exceptional upkeep and how well all of the gardens, fountains, and statues were maintained despite their age. I appreciated the intricacy and precise engineering of the mansions. I found it elegant and graceful. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: It was very helpful to walk around and get to go inside the tombs and temple and view the architectural capabilities that people had so long ago. I found the clarity of the water stunning as well as the warm temperature of the calm water.
BOLGHERI: It was interesting to see how long it takes to produce the wine and learn about how different factors influence color, taste, and smell of the different wines.
LE CINQUE TERRE: One thing I noticed was how many stairs they had carved into the mountains that connected the five towns. This lifestyle, and the viticulture that encompasses it, is often referred to as VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The artists seem “heroic” by Italians. to be very in tune with all different types of events that are going on, or have occurred, THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED throughout the world as well as the various ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND different relevant popular culture in relation FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… to different countries and groups of people. I got to experience Italy in ways that I could have never imagined. Had it not been for CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND the Cultural Intro travel week, I truly believe PIETRASANTA: It was interesting to see I would have an entirely different view and the large marble blocks in their raw form understanding on Italy and Italian culture. in the workshop because we had already seen so many different finished products of SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY marble in the gardens, houses, mansions, PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… seeing how much value and effort is put into monuments, and statues around Italy. each and every thing that Italians do.
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Kellie Hart
ROME: we visited places like the colesseum, the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain. My favorite part about the history of Rome was the myth of Romulus and Remus, which we learned about during the tour. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: A common theme among Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and Orvieto was the grandness and details put into these places. Villa Lante largely consisted of big bushes and fountains. Villa Lante also had lots of trails and many people hang out there to enjoy the beautiful nature. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: During our tour, we got to see lots of tombs from the 7th-6th century BC. These tombs, which were apart of villages, were very cavelike and allowed people to see how the Etruscans lived. Iron was very rich in these villages and thus was the main economic activity of Etruscan and Roman civilizations. Florence, I t aly
BOLGHERI: It is very important to always have a meal with wine in Italian culture. Also, Italians often have long meals consisted of multiple courses. The Etruscans also improved the fermentation process by experimenting with the temperature in the fermentation vessels. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The reason people dress up is because it is often a time to do things you don’t usually do and a symbol of promiscuity. The floats are based off Italian and international politics and other current events. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: A large portion of the mountain in Massa is entirely of marble. It is also important because it employs about 6,000 men and is the sole support of the population in this part of Italy.
LE CINQUE TERRE: The five towns in Cinque Terre include Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The significance of Terre means five lands and the five villages are all connected strictly by walking paths. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… it introduced me to Italian culture by ways of meals, communicating with Italians, and using the metro. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… how much art and history there is. I knew that there was going to be a lot of art in Italy but I did not know that there would be so many details in all the art and artwork everywhere you go.
Kerrie Janvrin
ROME: Thoughout the time spent in Rome, I learned that there are many monuments and sculptures that were build right next to each other from many different time periods.
BOLGHERI: The vineyard is so close to the sea that the wind carries the salt minerals and the grapes soak it up. The salt gives the fruity flavored grapes and also suddle salty flavor.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The late renaissance garden is organized using symmetry. I learned about another material called lime stone that was used by architects of the past in this area whereas marble was the main material used in Rome.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: In the float warehouse, there was floats from last years parade. When you first walked in there was a tree women reaching the height of the ceiling. I could not imagine how many hours it took to build a float that big.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: I found it very interesting learning about the Etruscan people and the village that use to occupy this area. After we transferred to the Bay of Baratti. The water of the bay was very warm and salty and the panorama was breathtaking.
LE CINQUE TERRE: After visiting the town of Vernazza, we began our hike to the neighboring town of Monterosso al Mare. The views from the side of the mountain were absolutely remarkable, I have never seen anything like it before.
THE CULTURAL INTRODUCTION WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to see many different aspects of the Italian culture. Without this class I believe that I would not of gotten the CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND opportunity to see the gardens and art that PIETRASANTA: Being able to see all of the different ways Italy has to offer. that artists have chosen to use the marble in their masterpieces was extraordary to see. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the appreciation that the people have for food and wine. Fa l l 201 8
Kylie Kolodziej
ROME: The Colosseum held more than 50,000 people in which were placed in their seats by their social status. Women were placed in the highest part of the Colosseum.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: These are all made out of paper mache which is amazing because the scale of these floats are out of this world. The floats often have something to do with what is going on in the current VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: time period. With the artists being able to create such elabrate sculptures this helps the space CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: really have something special to it. The area of Carrara located in Tuscany and is POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The main known for marble quarries. The extraction of sights of the Archeological Park of Populonia marble in Carrara started in the 5th century and Baratti is a place where people that B.C. The Carrara is so important because it were ranging in their levels of wealth would was used by the great Michaelangelo when be buried in tombs. All of the tombs had he created his sculpture “the David”. different shapes and sizes. LE CINQUE TERRE: This is considered BOLGHERI: The significance of wine for the a Heroic Viticulture because it meets Etruscans was that they used it to preserve the criteria of the CERVIM (Centre for their food. They would use the wine to Research, Environmental Sustainability and preserve by adding it to their fruits and also Advancement of Mountain Viticulture. they would add it to their cheeses. Florence, I t aly
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was pushed to do new things I might not normally do. When have to find dinner on out on in Rome I felt more connected with the culture having to order myself. S O M E T H I N G T H AT C H A N G E D M Y PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… having meals with the whole group during this week. It showed me how big of a deal it is for people to eat together and make a night out of eating out rather than just eating and leaving within an hour.
Sara Labodycz
ROME: Vatican City, a personal favorite, also embodies the intertwining of religion, art, and history through its frescos, stylized buildings, and immense religious significance of being home to the Pope and center of Catholicism. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Within the architecture of the garden the use of imported botanical plants display the importance of the garden and was organized with flowing water and statues into a series of terraces all leading to the tea rooms and the most important site at the top representing the famous Giambologna.
BOLGHERI: Bolgheri Italy illustrated the meaning of wine and food in Italian culture and economy through the visit to the Di Vaira vineyard. Within the grounds of the vineyard, olive trees, fig trees, and grape vines, all main staples of Italy, grew to be used in the products of the company. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The paper mache mask creations tradition was started by young aristocrats and now is a parade tradition consisting of massive floats that need 5-6 artists and 500 people to create the work of art.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The areas PIETRASANTA: of ancient dominations in Central Italy, The contrast of old and modern was also Populonia and Baratti were home to the first seen in the works in the marble art exhibit. Etruscan people and a major site of Italian LE CINQUE TERRE: The mountains were trading and exporting. lined with grape vines and crops that posed
issues for growth and cultivation being so high in the mountains as well as at steep angles, yet were expertly planted in a step like fashion up the mountain sides. The area was so jaw-dropping in beauty and functional landscapes. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… we got to immerse ourselves in so many aspects of the culture and become educated while doing so. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the general heart of all the culture. Italians are proud to be Italian and have such a deep rooted culture and customs.
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Danielle Mann
ROME: Having ancient relics juxtapositioned near the modern elements of the city is a contrast seen nowhere in the United States. The bustling tourists gather to see wonders of the world such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forums, the Trevi Fountain. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The architecture of Villa Lante, Bomarzo and Orvieto are prime examples of how wealth and extravagance used to be displayed. The very controlled gardens in Villa Lante exemplify the classical renaissance style and need for control of even the natural elements.
BOLGHERI: Wine is a widely appreciated substance, that not only inspires social interaction, but also the science and process of creation sparks intellectual conversation. Viticulture is a commonly discussed topic, and widely known.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: During the period FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… of Lent, these decorative carnival floats are I was able to expose myself to different created by artists from around the world. environments and try new things that I would have otherwise not thought to involve Winning floats become instantly famous. myself in. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: Even today, it is a place SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY where artists gather to collaborate, gather, PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… and produce their work in an environment How much artwork and art history that the that allows them to push the boundaries of people of Italy coexist with, interacting with everyday. creativity.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia and Baratti are places that the roots of ancient civilizations of Italy can be seen. The Archeological Park is made up of large LE CINQUE TERRE: Le Cinque Terre is expanses of land that hold the tombs of breathtakingly beautiful, with clear waters, various families, ranging in levels of wealth. brightly colored buildings, and amazing, Florence, I t aly
yet steep trails to hike and see the amazing views. The viticulture of this areas seems to have been considered very challenging due to the difficult conditions.
Rita McVeigh
ROME: When I first arrived in Rome, I was absolutely amazed by the art and especially the architecture. It was surprising when we turned the corner on the first morning of being there, and the Colosseum was right in front of my eyes.
BOLGHERI: When we went to the wine tasting, I was really able to see and live in true Italian culture. I did not realize that there was so much that went into wine tasting, and it was cool to meet someone that was a professional wine taster.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: As I went through the different levels, I was more and more amazed by the views that I saw. The gardens were symmetrical and it was evident that they are very well maintained because the shrubbery is perfect and very evenly trimmed.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Watching the process that it takes to make paper mache was very cool, and to think that the figures that are over forty meters high are made like that, it was unbelievable.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia was interesting because we saw how the very early italian people lived. The houses were uncovered and we were able to see the tombs and the culture of how people lived.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: The use of technology shows how it has improved and advanced throughout time. Pietrasanta was a beautiful town and I feel that I was really able to see how Italians live and the history that the town had.
LE CINQUE TERRE: I enjoyed walking through the beauty and as we got higher and higher I could see the view and it just go more and more beautiful. We learned about the landscape and how olives and grapes were grown there and they were the very best. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… It allowed me to see places of the world that I would never have been able to see before. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the beauty that it has to offer including the people and food, and the way that Italians treat and see life.
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Caroline Neacy
ROME: Spending a day touring many ancient sites in Rome opened my eyes to the talent and hardships that the Romans faced in the past. I was intrigued by their talents and the beauty of all of their works that inspired so many other cultures as well. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: After visiting the gardens in Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and the town of Orvieto I learned about the importance of gardens to Italy. Each garden usually consists of the same characteristics. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: At the Etruscan Necropolis site it was very interesting to see how the Etruscans treated the higher and middle classes after their deaths. The sandstone tombs built for these classes proved the importance of life after death. BOLGHERI: After visiting the Bolgheri wine Florence, I t aly
region, I realized the importance of food difficulty of growing crops due to the and wine to the Italian culture as well as the geographical location. Italians work so hard economy. to grow the vineyards located along the hillsides, but due to being next to the ocean VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: I was amazed by the rich soil produces amazing crops that the hard work and dedication from these Cinque Terre is known for. artists, who spend the whole year creating these multi-sized paper mache floats for the THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED month long festival that takes place at the ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE‌ beginning of each year. after spending a week traveling throughout several areas and sites in Rome and the CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND Tuscan region, my eyes opened to the how PIETRASANTA: From the extraction of the marble from the different Italians live and work. nearby mountains to the computerized drawings to carve the marble sculptures, I SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY realized the intense process that these artists PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS‌ the simplicity of life here compared to go through to create these pieces. America, between the size of my living LE CINQUE TERRE: Cinque Terre was spaces, conserving electricity and water, and an absolutely beautiful and interesting the overall food and wine culture. experience between the views and the
Emily Norman
ROME: After arriving in Rome, I was overwhelmed with all the history and culture. There was so much to see in such a short amount of time. At Endicott, we had learned so much about the Colosseum and all the entertainment/fights that had previously happened there.
BOLGHERI: One of my favorite moments from the past week was the wine tasting at “Tenuta Di Vaira” in Bolgheri. I was very surprised to learn all the steps when it comes to making wine. The process is very long and precise but, these steps are necessary when it comes to making such high quality wine.
LE CINQUE TERRE: I had never been swimming in the Mediterranean before and was so happy to be in the water after a long week. This day was by far my favorite of the entire Travel Week and it was a perfect way to end the experience before heading to Florence.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The gardens were so well kept and were so symmetrical with each opposing side. Bomarzo was great too because the Sacred Wood contained so much history.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: It takes artists months to create these elaborate papermache floats that are interactive and immense.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to experience the Italian way of life.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: I can only imagine how much work went into creating those sculptures. The specific quarries we visited held a lot of significance in that artists from all over the world have visited and created their own pieces.
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the food and wine culture. Italians value the ingredients and will take their time while eating
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: I found it interesting that the ancient people chose to bury the dead next to the water and below sea level. Typically, the ancient Italians would live life above sea level before their death.
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Nicole O’Rourke
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The Villa Lante garden included symmetry everywhere. The symmetry created an eye touching experience when I was looking down at the entire garden from the top. I felt like I could have observed the Villa Lante garden for hours, It was truly amazing to see. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The unique settlement built just along the Sea was interesting to observe. Walking in the same space as the Etruscans was something I found difficult to grasp. It was an amazing experience to realize how much of an impact people can create in just a small area.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The Viareggio Carnival tour was different from the other tours we had. The type of art that was prepared for the Viareggio Carnival parade is completely handmade. Artists use paper mache to create large sculptures of funky looking people or objects.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: I found it fascinating to watch the artists carve large pieces of marble into something so marvelous looking. I saw large sculptures of marble and smaller sculptures of marble, but each piece of art had a meaning. The artists put time BOLGHERI: I was surprised to learn the and dedication into their sculptures. proper way to swish, smell, and hold wine before you actually taste it. It created a LE CINQUE TERRE: The Mediterranean delicious taste before I actually took a sip sea was the most beautiful site to see. The of the wine. It was the best wine I had ever water was crystal blue and the buildings tasted, I bought a small bottle to bring to were colorful. In each five towns there are vineyards and bright buildings all around. Florence, Italy! Florence, I t aly
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… It prepared me for the next four months in Florence, Italy. I learned about the language, culture, people, and history of Italy. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… How much Italians genuinely appreciate food, meals, and the time they spend with friends and family for each of their meals.
Emily Pereira
ROME: As we traveled throughout Rome, it was interesting to note the time periods of each site. For example, the Ancient Roman Forum compared to the Vatican was vastly different in design and intent.
BOLGHERI: Since winemaking is such a large industry within Italy, it is also a large part of the Italian economy. At dinner every night, wine is typically drank and paired based on the main dish served.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: During renaissance times, people felt the need to control nature in a beautiful way and how they deemed fit. So, the overall organization of the gardens felt extravagant and as if they were flaunting their wealth through the amount of land and how well kept it remained.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The Viareggio Carnival visit was an interesting site to see. When the group observed how the floats were created, it was rather fascinating to learn that three different types of newspapers were used in the paper mâché process.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Populonia and Baratti were ancient burial sites in Central Italy. These sites were dedicated to tombs and graves that were mainly for merchants or powerful people. Depending on their class, they had either larger or smaller tombs.
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: Visiting a Carrara marble quarry and workshop, it was incredibly interesting to me to see the process. I was humbled to know that Michelangelo would visit this city specifically for the marble material he preferred to sculpt with.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Viticulture in the area of Cinque Terre is defined as heroic because the terrain was clearly not ideal. On the hike, I quickly realized how difficult the terrain was, especially to travel on as I climbed uneven stairs, narrow walkways, and steep cliffs. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I am now aware of Italian etiquette, culture, and history. Through this introductory course, I was gradually submerged into the culture. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… how delicious the food truly is here. The best food is fresh and handmade with no added preservatives.
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Savannah Pierce
ROME: Rome was an incredible city that was so diverse, yet so filled with history. This was one of my first experiences being able to just walk down the street or through the city and stumble upon ginormous historical buildings such as the colosseum.
BOLGHERI: Italian food and wine culture is so different than American food and wine culture. To italians food is a way to socialize and is highly valued through their multiple course meals, and long savoring of the food. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: I wish that I was able to experience this parade for myself, however seeing the enormous paper mache art and how it was made using wet paper and glue while forming it around pieces of metal was incredible.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Both gardens we saw during travel week had stunning fountains, running water or waterfalls, and geometric shapes carved into the greenery. We learned that these bushes were carved into geometric patterns to show CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND that man has more power over nature. PIETRASANTA: Marble is such widely used POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Learning material in Italy and it was so fascinating to about the ancient burial grounds at the get to experience how some of these marble archaeological site was fascinating. To learn pieces were made. about the history of a society through dug up tombs and rediscovered burial grounds LE CINQUE TERRE: Cinque Terre is not was eye opening to the realities of their only known for its beauty, but also for its production of high quality olives and society. Florence, I t aly
grapes in order to make some of the best olive oil and wine. This place was absolutely incredible to see, however must not be easy for people to live in these towns. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE‌ I was able to experience and immerse myself into the Italian lifestyle by actually living as an Italian would, while navigating cultural differences, new social norms, and language barriers. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS‌ getting to experience the Italian culture through lifestyle changes to my own and being able to appreciate their different outlook on life as a whole.
Madeline Powers
ROME:. Walking around the Colosseum and its surrounding monuments was very enlightening for it brought to life the city that ruled the world for many centuries. Being in the presence of the monuments and buildings that were present at the time of its rule is very different than reading about it in a history book.
BOLGHERI: Wine is a crucial part of their meals and their gatherings with family and friends. This is why it was so interesting to see how the wine was made and what it means to the people who make it.
LE CINQUE TERRE: I feel as though they may feel the same that I did throughout my hike, that it is difficult at times and hard work, but the beauty of the landscape makes it worth it.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: For every year, a new float would be created depending on what the popular topic of that year was. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: This was a very interesting way to bring Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and Orvieto were together the traditions of the past with what gardens in Italy that represented much of is currently going on in the world. the history of Italy as well as the ideals of the Italian people. Art has always been an CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND important aspect of Italian culture, and these PIETRASANTA: The town of Pietrasanta gardens displayed that beautifully. was an amazing town that was considered POPULONIA AND BARATTI: These trips the center for art and it made sense why. introduced me to history beyond anything There were amazing sculptures that really else I have ever seen. The Etruscans were displayed the variety of art that Italy holds. a very important aspect of not only Italian history but also the general history of most of the world.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I feel as though learning about a location and being in the location provide completely different outcomes. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the different forms of art
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Zoe Rose
ROME: Although the size may look intimidating from the outside, but once you’re in you feel 48 meters tall just like the Colosseum itself.
BOLGHERI: After this visit I can definitely say I’ve learned to appreciate wine so much more now. We learned the proper way to hold a wine glass and the proper way to taste wine and we were expected to follow VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: this culture throughout the rest of our time The Gardens of Bomarzo is a memorial art here in Italy. piece that was dedicated to the artist’s deceased wife. The most special thing about CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND this art was that his wife was buried in one of PIETRASANTA: The new way of designing marble pieces by computer allows for less his final masterpieces in the garden. marble to be thrown away because lasers POPULONIA AND BARATTI: We went on cut the marble where there are no broken a guided walk and explored a thousand- pieces. year-old story of the Etruscan people. We were even able to go inside some of these LE CINQUE TERRE: The uphill hike from historical sites. After exploring the history of town to town requires a lot of physical and Populonia we had some time at the Bay of mental strength so those who accomplish Baratti to enjoy the water and of course the this must have a strong drive within them. Additionally, once the hike is over you get magical view. to experience the beauty of the beaches and foods throughout each little town. Florence, I t aly
Montorosso’s rocky beaches are the perfect place to relax after miles of uphill hiking. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to first-hand experience many different Italian life styles which made me feel more comfortable with adapting to new environments here in Europe. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... Visiting the Italian Renaissance gardens because it allowed me to see that Italy is all about creativity and expression and it has been from the start.
Rebecca A Rose
ROME: Humanism changed the face of roman art and architecture. Sculptures and paintings began to take on realistic humanlike features. Both forms of art, realistic and abstract, godly and humane, can be seen all over Rome.
BOLGHERI: Bolgheri is known for its wines particularly its red wines. This is because the climate in Bolgheri is perfect for growing grapes such as Cabernet. Because of the large export of wine, Bolgheri’s economy is strongly reliant on it.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The Sacred Garden of Bomarzo was made to astound people, and that it did. The large stone monsters are unlike anything I have seen before. The same could be said about the Orvieto Cathedral. The unique architecture and elaborate artwork is breathtaking.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Being able to explore the retired floats within the Viareggio Carnival warehouse was extremely mesmerizing. The sculptures were huge and more often than not extremely political.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: During our time in Populonia and Baratti we saw the only Etruscan city by the sea, and the abandoned tombs. The tombs were especially unique because they were above ground in domes.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Landscaping on the side of the mountain is known as “heroic viticulture”. This is because to landscape on the side of the mountain is to risk one’s life; heroic.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to experience different cultures and people as an independent person and thinker without the assistance of wellknown adult influencing my thoughts and CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND opinions. PIETRASANTA: The marble factory was beautiful. We went to the land of SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY Michelangelo’s favorite marble. Although, PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS...the there are various mountains that marble can large difference between the rest of the cities be excavated from, and they all claim to be and Florence. Florence is very authentically Italian with little familiarity. Michelangelo’s favorite.
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Michael Rotiroti
ROME: Walking down the street and seeing the contrast between modern apple stores and the crumbling Colosseum just a blocks over is something that is hard to find anywhere else in this world.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The giant clown mask and creepy old vibe of the place was unsettling to say the least. Once inside it didn’t get much better. You walk in and see an amazing paper mache puppet that seems to never end.
VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: This park was full on green, perfectly cut, CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND bushes that even to today standards are PIETRASANTA: This was extremely immaculate. interesting because it’s such an industrial POPULONIA AND BARATTI: This was also place, it seems like art should be the last the Burial sight for the people. This Town thing that happens in the building, but was created on hills, this means that land amazing sculptures are created in this that could be used for building was scars, factory looking building. because of that they had to bury their dead LE CINQUE TERRE: This long, hilly, exciting very close to the city itself. hike really helps you to understand what the BOLGHERI: After a short tour of the land our people of these towns used to go through. tour guide started to explain how everything These paths where the only way to connect about this aria affects the way the grapes the 5 towns. This helped me to put myself in grow and taste, ultimately affecting how the their shoes and walk the paths they walked. wine tastes and sells. Florence, I t aly
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… It made me understand that it is okay to feel confused and worried, because those feeling only last for a short time, and once they pass a world of fun begins. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… The act of living in Italy alongside with the locals change my perspective quite a bit. It’s one thing to read about life in Italy but once you’re living it you begin to understand it more.
Shyla Smith
ROME: At the beginning, it is said that Romulus and Remus, two twins raised by a wolf founded Rome. Romulus got angry and killed Remus and began ruling himself and naming his kingdom after himself – Rome.
has been arguably the largest part of Italian Being close to the water gives the wine a culture since it was first introduced by the salinity while having the mountain next to Greeks. the ocean creates a constant breeze that supports the plants. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: It originally started as a way for citizens to show their detest with THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: the current government raising taxes. Today, ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND By creating structures that interact with and it stills holds its original political parody. In FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… manipulate nature, it was a way for people the current Viareggio Carnival, floats usually it gave me the opportunity to adjust to to flaunt their power and wealth. poke fun at current political drama in either Italian culture while still having the comfort of people I knew from school. Italy or other counties. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Specifically, we SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY visited the tombs in southern Tuscany, the CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… necropolis of Populonia, where the Etruscans PIETRASANTA: Carrara marble was so Coming into Italy I was under the impression once settled and were eventually buried in plentiful in ancient Italy that artists unitized that Italy was overall similar to America with intricate tombs. Many people were buried it as an art medium for all of their time different cultural aspects. in these stone and grass tombs which had including today. Marble was used an art material, building material and so on. inner ‘beds’ for the dead to rest on. BOLGHERI: Wine and food are such vital LE CINQUE TERRE: Cinque Terre has a aspects of Italian culture that, without them, landscape of steep hills and lush foliage that many aspects of Italy would be lost. Wine makes it an ideal spot for heroic viticulture. Fa l l 201 8
Jesse Trudeau
ROME: It made me have a deeper was great, not only were we able to try the appreciation for the architecture due to their wines. monumental size, stature, and purpose. VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: After layers VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: and layers of paper mache it is then held The buildings surrounding it shared similar together after drying and decorated with qualities such as symmetry, lines and paint. Steel parts also are incorporated for patterns. As well as the use of limestone and the finish product to add movement and wood to construct the buildings. functionalbility.
entered the town of monterosso where we enjoyed lunch and an afternoon by the sea. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… Travel week has allowed me to branch out and get excited about all Italy has to offer.
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… PIETRASANTA: At the Carrara marble quarry Something that has changed my perspective gallery we learned a lot about how marble on Italians is how much they take pride in extracted from the land and mountains was the things they do and their culture. then transformed into works of art.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: At this site we toured the grounds learning about those buried there and how the structures were built. Some of the tombs you had to observe just from the outside, but one we were able to explore what the inside of the tombs LE CINQUE TERRE: We took a footpath for looked like. about 4 miles up and over town of vernazza BOLGHERI: The grapes are then aged for at to monterosso. Although it was a long and least 10 years where they then go into the uphill hike to sights were breathtaking being fermentation process of large steel cylinders able to look over the edge to the sea, and the for a remainder of months. The wine tasting surrounding towns. After the hike we then Florence, I t aly
Madison Ventresca
ROME: The sculptures were intriguing, and I was in awe of how large and intricate they were. It is clear that Rome holds history through the great artwork and ancient ruins seen throughout the city. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: Villa Lante, Bomarzo, and Orvieto are classic representations of how architecture combines with history, philosophy, and nature. Every sculpture was original and placed in specific spots throughout the woods. The nature helped emphasize and focus the artwork. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The Archeological park of Populonia and Baratti demonstrated the way of life of ancient dominations, such as the Etruscans, in Central Italy.
BOLGHERI: Wine culture has been greatly significant since the period of the Etruscans. The production of wine making is an art and takes time and effort. It has become a job and part of the Italian culture and economy.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Viticulture of the area is defined as “heroic” because people were considered brave to be able to produce wine and have vineyards on the steep slopes of the mountain. The name is a representation of the extreme conditions of the land where VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The Viareggio the vineyards are located. Carnival is an ancient tradition that still runs through current popular culture. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED The principle elements of the Carnival ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND celebration in Viareggio are the extravagant, FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… it provided me with opportunities to be fully large, and colorful parade floats. immersed in the culture. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PIETRASANTA: The area of Carrara in Tuscany demonstrates PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the development of Italian artists and how they take great pride in their food. artisans throughout the history. The Every time we went to dinner the chef extraction of marble in the quarries began would expect you to finish everything on thousands of years ago. It was clear that your plate. the town is small and holds artistic passion within it, which dates back centuries. Fa l l 201 8
Amber Vuilleumier
ROME: The Colosseum demonstrated the strength of such architecture which was carried out through other monuments that we visited. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: The Villas illustrated the power of the wealthy families by the vast expansion of their garden. The manors had frescoes of maps that depicted their land. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The ruins emphasized how important people were to the civilization, even when they had passed. The rich had their own house of sorts to protect their dead body, and any other deceased loved ones who followed.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The floats are more than just a great version of artistic expression, they share a message, often a political opinion about any officials or large issues that are going on in the world, all the way from the end of the 1800’s. It was a way of communicating to the public in a creative way that has now become a grand part of the Italian culture.
THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE…I made new friends and together we worked together to overcome our culture shock and explore the sites and area together. Our CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND individual time pushed us to interact with PIETRASANTA: Pietrasanta was a quiet, the Italian community. beautiful town that really illustrated what an old Italian town is like. The bell tower SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY and the entrance gate explained the town’s PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... defense, controlling who entered in and out the wide variety of locations we visited. of the city.
BOLGHERI: Wine is a sacred product in Italy LE CINQUE TERRE: The hills, because that the Italians take a lot of pride in. They let unfit for residential buildings and travel their grapes and wine age until perfection. practicality, are used for agriculture, mainly vineyards that are controlled by larger Florence, I t aly
companies. The salty air and long duration for aging makes these rural, reserved spots perfect for the industry.
Victoria Walder
ROME: Historical staples of Roman society, such as the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon were astonishingly beautiful and give a glimpse into the ancient city, especially as we learned about the purposes and histories of these places. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: While visiting these beautiful areas in Italy, we were able to experience the magnificent gardens that represent some of Renaissance Italy’s most significant works of art.
BOLGHERI: Bolgheri is one of the many areas in Tuscany that is famous for its wine production. While visiting Bolgheri we went to a vineyard and were able to not only learn about the process of wine production but also wine tasting and pairing.
VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: The carnival originated in 1873 with aristocrats who showcased their wonderfully decorated carriages in the heart of the town. Since then, the carnival has only gotten bigger and more prominent, as people travel from POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The Etruscans all over to visit the carnival. were ancient rulers of some of Italy’s most important territories before the Roman CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND Empire flourished in Italy. The location of PIETRASANTA: In Carrara, marble artistry Populonia was significant to the Etruscan is significant. Going to the marble quarries, society because of its proximity to the sea as it was amazing to see the ways in which Italians use the resources around them, like well as its high elevation points. the marble, to create beautiful masterpieces of art.
LE CINQUE TERRE: From the path, you can see the vast view of the ocean, stretching out as far as the eye can see, the hilltop houses, the tourist towns that have sprung up around the base of the villages, and the intensely difficult but unique agriculture of the villages. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to experience a new culture by immersing myself in its history, language, and lifestyle. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… the opportunity to see the innovation and dedication that so many Italians have.
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Alexandra Whipple
ROME: One of my favorite moments was seeing Trevi Fountain because did not know what It looked like. As soon as we walked into the square I was in awe. It didn’t help that I was super thirsty though.
BOLGHERI: Going to my first wine tasting was super exciting because I never understood how certain wines had certain underlying flavors. Touring the vineyard and facility made me appreciate just how much work and craftsmanship goes into making VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO: just one bottle of wine. I absolutely loved going to the Garden of Bomarzo, also known as the Garden of VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: I had never heard Monster. Being immersed in the woods of Viareggio Carnival until Travel Week. I with these astonishing sculptures of was impressive to see just how much work monsters, battling giants, and tilted houses goes into making these floats and it pained was something I never thought I would me knowing that they had to be destroyed experience. before the next carnival. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: T h e Archeological Park of Populonia and Baratti (the Etruscan Necropolis) consisted of tombs that the Etruscan families built. The size of the tomb depended on the family’s wealth. Florence, I t aly
CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: We got to see a marble workshop where talented artists were in the middle of carving amazing designs into the marble. Then at Pietrasanta, we got to see the same marble used in their historical buildings.
LE CINQUE TERRE: The beginning of the hike to Monterosso was challenging but the views we saw more than made up for it. I spent the day at the beach with people that I had only met six days before, yet it felt like I had known them for years. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE… I was able to go and experience a bunch of different places within Italy, when I had previously never been out of the country. SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS… that they accommodate people instead of businesses. Life is much more relaxed that way.
Alexandra Williams
ROME:In the midst of a thriving city there are pieces of massive historical architecture. Everywhere you turn you see traces of the historical Roman times. It is almost hard to believe, turning a corner and seeing the Colosseum towering over you, it does not seem real. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO:Â The typical elements that were included in these gardens like symmetry, inclusion of water elements and the overall harmony of the environment makes the entire place extremely peaceful. POPULONIA AND BARATTI: Even though not much is known, the architecture that survived for so many years does show that there was hierarchy, and funerary rituals that they followed.
BOLGHERI: The care and attention to detail that they put into the wine production is unlike anything that I could have ever imagined. The fact that everything they produce is done completely by hand makes the entire process so much more personal.
consuming process makes the pieces even more amazing.
LE CINQUE TERRE: Not only were the views of the sea amazing and the towns picturesque, but the fact that people actually live in these towns built into the side of VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Once I learned mountains amazes me. about the history behind this parade it amazed me that something of this size and THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED proportion has been in existence for as long ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE as it has. Looking through the museum, it AND FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BY‌ seemed that every year it became more and fully immersing me into the Italian culture. Everywhere we went, everything we did was more extravagant. Italian. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY PIETRASANTA: I was always so shocked that artists were PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... able to produce such lifelike and intricate the food culture. Eating is so much more laid sculptures out of a hard piece of stone. The back in Italy than it is in America, and meals pieces that people create are beautiful and can last for hours. knowing that it is such a tedious and time Fa l l 201 8
Lauren Wutka
ROME: The Romans took pride in their artwork and everything had a distinct meaning to it. The architecture and artwork around the city gave great meaning to the civilization at the time. VILLA LANTE, BOMARZO AND ORVIETO Bomarzo used natural materials to sculpt creatures out of stone in the middle of the woods. Even though these were found in nature, each place and layout.
BOLGHERI: When it comes to wine, you is known for their pesto and fish as well know where and when it came from and because of the location of the towns. drink it to enjoy it with other people. THE CULTURAL INTRO WEEK HAS HELPED VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL: Each of the big ME STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND floats needed 500 people to operate it, FEEL LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN BECAUSE‌ which was shocking, but as far as traditions I was able to submerge myself in the culture go, they have used the same process since by getting to see and experience different parts of Italy I would not have had the the start of it. chance to otherwise. CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES AND PIETRASANTA: The workshop had many SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY different projects that were being worked on PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY WAS... and the artists that were working on them the way that all Italians take pride in their were taking their time and making sure country and everything that has to do with being made in Italy. every detail of their work was perfect.
POPULONIA AND BARATTI: The Etruscans led a different kind of life and had a different way of celebrating life in general. For example, they had a place for life that you were physically living, and a place for the afterlife once you had died and they were LE CINQUE TERRE: The hike was around separated. the mountain along the sea, which is a great setting for the grapes to grow because of the climate. The salty air and the hills all contribute to the crops. Cinque Terra Florence, I t aly
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Fall 2 018
CREDITS Photo Credit: Endicott Students Fall 2018 Production Coordinator: Alice Cini Text editing and picture selection: Samantha Suriani