Archives: June 2007
Fri Jun 22, 2007
Learning by experience
Learning is a continuing process that begins the day we are born and doesn’t stop until we pass away. Learning occurs in many different places, at different times and in various ways. While the fundamentals are learned in the classroom, I believe that some of the most important knowledge is acquired through experiences. For example, if you tell a child not to touch something because it’s hot he won’t learn until he touches it for himself and learns by consequence.
The CHS @ AU in Italy program is a compilation of many diverse forms of learning. During the week we have a combination of structured classes and excursions/fieldtrips. However, our learning never really stops as some of our greatest education comes from our interactions and experiences outside of class time. We learn through interacting, doing, feeling, seeing and hearing with people and the environment.
Our classes are held at the Chigi Palace, located about a half a mile from Hotel Villa Aricia. This is the perfect example of how this study aborad experience has been designed to incorporate structured presentations with experiential learning, which has proven to be the best form of learning. Not only are we surrounded by history every place we look around town, but our classroom is located in the former summer home of one of the most influential families in Rome, the Chigi’s. The Palace was built in the 16th century and was sold to the city of Ariccia in 1989. It has been restored to its original beauty and is still furnished with all the original art and furnishings. The experience of being in a palace while learning information only further goes to enhance the quality of our studies by recreating an atmosphere that reflects what we're learning. Our lessons are comprised of History taught by Marco, Italian taught by Mary Lou, Preparatory lessons for our field trips, art by Susanna, and philosophy by Rosella. However, on days that we don’t have class at the Palace we take excursions around Italy. I must admit that this is by far my preferred form of learning. While I have learned a great deal from our teachers, the first hand experience to the places that we have been is irreplaceable. I can drill myself and study all that we have learned in class, but it will never stick with me like the information that I learn from our excursions. The classroom lessons definitely have their purpose, as they help us gain a basic understanding of what we are about to see on the fieldtrips; but without the visits to the actual sites I don’t feel like I would retain nearly as much knowledge. For the major excursions we have had guided tours with Italian guides who speak English. This has helped us to better understand the history and stories behind what we are seeing, rather than just learning the basic tourist information. The guides have helped inform us on the meaning behind the paintings, the significance of the buildings, and how everything relates to Italian history and culture as a whole.
The Chigi Palace… Our classroom is the 4th window from the right on the first level.
To me, architecture is one of the most predominant aspects of our studies thus far. We have been afforded the chance to see some of the most fascinating architectural masterpieces of all times. I could sit in the classroom and be endlessly instructed about these buildings but without the first hand experience I would be unable to fully grasp the feeling and significance of what we are studying. While we have spent a majority of our time exploring Rome, we have also had the opportunity to see Naples, Florence, Positano, Sienna and numerous other small towns around Italy. While all these towns reside in the country of Italy, each one creates its own ambiance that cannot be replicated in a book. It seems with every corner you turn in Rome you are faced with another architectural masterpiece. Whether it is the Colosseum and the Roman Forum; the Pantheon; or one of the numerous churches and basilicas, there is always some amazing building that has withstood the test of time interspersed with the new. Pictures of these buildings are prevalent in a multitude of printed material, however, until you see them in real life with their surroundings and stand in their midst you will never fully grasp the magnificence of the presence that they command.
The Colosseum at first glance when coming out of the metro station.
Not only have we had the chance to visit the numerous architectural masterpieces within each city, but each city in itself has a unique style of architecture. Rome is one of the largest cities in Italy and has a very distinct feel about it. The city has a feel of classic antiquity, while at the same time having all the conveniences of a major metropolis. It is a large city that is filled with stores, restaurants and hotels, while at the same time holding some of the oldest buildings still standing today. In comparision, Florence, which is also one of the larger cities, has a completely different feel about it; it is quaint and calm and filled with historical significance and architectural masterpieces. To experience an even more drastic change one should visit southern Italy. Although many people find it to be a fasinating and vibrant city, my least favorite destination in Italy so far is Naples. The moment we arrived in Naples our group felt the change in the atmosphere. Much of the architecture in Naples is very poorly preserved, and the city itself appeared disheveled and dirty.
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Walking through Naples… I think the picture speaks for itself.
We had definitely lost the romantic and quaint feelings of Rome and Florence and had traded them in for fear and anxiety. However, just 30 min away is the Amalfi Coast and the towns of Positano and Sorento. It was astonishing how in such a short distance the architecture could change so dramatically. Positano was one of the most romantic and charming places I have been yet. The buildings form the side of the cliff and were filled with vibrant colors and tons of character. Smaller towns like Cortona, Sienna and Asisi are even more drastically different in their appeal and ambiance.
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Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
The Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
In addition to all of the historical knowledge we are gaining, we have also learned a great deal about cultural diversity. Our social skills have definitally been put to the test while being in Italy. Not only have we had to adjust to the Italian culture and the Italians, but also to living and traveling with 19 other people. These social skills can be taught: however, they have greater meaning if they are leanred through practice. Again, this is knowledge that can be obtained through direct experiential learning.
When first arriving here many of us had the notion that the American culture was far superior to that of any other country. As Americans, we tend to come in with a set of preconceived ideas on how a country should be and how people should act; this tends to alienate us from much of the world. Initially, we continually thought that our waiters were discourteous to us and felt that Italians in general were rude. The daily routine that Italians observe and scheduling of time was completely out of sync with what we were accustomed to and what we felt was appropriate. However, most of us soon were forced to accept the Italian way of life and come to an understanding of it. The waiters that we once thought were rude have now become our friends, and we have come to a realization that Italians are simply more direct in their form of interaction with others. We had to adjust to the time schedule of Italians and learn to embrace the “siesta” in the middle of the day instead of thinking of it as such an inconvenience. We have also had to take note of days in which stores are closed, as each store closes on a different day of the week, and all stores in our community are forced to close on Thursday afternoons by law. These are all “foreign” concepts to the average American. I’m not saying that the structured classroom learning isn’t necessary, because it lays down the foundation of knowledge. However, the information that you gain from the experience and interaction with the environment and its people is irreplaceable. I could not have formulated the intense feelings and appreciation for the cultural diversity and historical significance of Italy without seeing, feeling and experiencing it for myself.
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Wed Jun 20, 2007
"It's Amore!"
For the month that I’ve been here in the charming country of Italy, I can see why it’s known as one of the most romantic places in the world. There is such an unashamed sense of sexuality everywhere one goes that truly makes it worlds apart from what we’re accustomed to in America. Starting from dating, there are undeniable differences that stay with the Italians as they grow and mature.
Walking the streets of Albano (the next town over from Ariccia), it is normal to see old men waiting at the bus stop, shop owners standing outside welcoming business, and of course 15 year olds walking hand in hand, stopping every couple of minutes to make out. It would be shocking, not to mention inappropriate, in America to be walking through a mall and find such young teenagers groping and kissing.
Why is this? Is America "the Prude?" One theory is that Italians are used to seeing public displays of nudity, making them more comfortable with their sexual side and the skin they’re in. Italy houses more nude paintings/sculptures than you could find on the whole North American continent.
Also, while the typical American male would be putting his dignity on the line to squeeze into a tiny Speedo that looks like a 6 year old could wear, it’s the dress code for Italian men at the beach. Women, on the other hand, can be found proudly donning their "birthday suits," no matter what their age or weight... or if you’re lucky, perhaps a skimpy bikini. This nudity is what we Americans might call “indecent exposure”.
After getting through the whole puppy love phase of dating, it’s normal (and almost expected) for Italians to date for over five years before discussing marriage, much less actually tying the knot. There is a reason behind this, however. In the movie “Failure to Launch” (which I highly recommend seeing!), a woman gets paid by a 30-year-old man’s parents to make him "fly the nest." It is quite comical/pitiful in America to find a healthy 30 year old male still living with his parents. This is because there is a much greater rate of job stability in the U.S. as compared to Italy. Since Americans are reared to be very independent, it is expected that any male contributing to our economy should be self-sufficient. Due to the fact that not all countries are as fortunate as the great U.S of A., the job stability in Italy is not as reliable. For this reason, it is normal to find 40 year old men still living at home. When a guy is financially stable, it is then that marriage will come into play.
Typically in Italy, marriage comes straight after dating. There are not really any proposals or engagement rings like we have (so girls, if you’re holding out for that perfect ring, don’t marry an Italian!). What a contrast! In America, especially in the “Bible belt” (a.k.a. Auburn), it’s sort of the “plan” to be engaged by college graduation or you’re just destined to be an old spinster. The engagement time is a must for us American girls in order to achieve our perfect wedding (plus, we all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend!).
I think because of their later unions, Italy has a lower divorce rate than America. We tend to rush into marriage, often without really thinking of it as a lifelong commitment. At the same time that Italians are considering their nuptials, Americans are expected to have 2.5 kids, a dog and a white picket fence. Maybe Italians are on to something; while it’s rare to find an 80 year old couple in America walking hand-in-hand, it’s more rare to find one that isn’t in Italy. Based on my observations, their passion and affection seems to grow stronger, not apart, over the years.
I have learned so much about the Italian culture over the past month, and have especially enjoyed seeing how their relationship dynamics work. I am able to see some of the key points I learned in Marriage and Family in the College of Human Sciences and apply them to a completely foreign country (though other key points don't apply at all). Just remember when you’re in Italy and ‘the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s AMORE!’
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Mon Jun 18, 2007
An Italian Summer!
We have been living in Ariccia, Italy for a month. So far we have traveled to Rome, Capri, Positano, Assisi, Cinque Terre, and many other small towns around Ariccia. This past weekend eleven students and I went to Cinque Terre. We hiked the five towns on a trail that goes along the coast. We broke the hike down into two days. The first day we went to two different towns, and the next day we hiked the three other towns. The hike was extremely difficult and I personally had to push myself to finish the hike. Our guide toldl us to stop at different view points of the cities and the sea to take pictures. The views of Cinque Terre made the hike worthwhile.
One of the towns in the Cinque Terre.
Since I have been in Italy I have pushed myself to try new things. Hiking Cinque Terre is just one example. Another thing I have had to try is new foods. I did not like Italian food that much until I came to Italy. I now find myself wanting to eat pasta and bruschetta all the time. Something else I have had to learn since living in Italy is to be patient. America is a very fast-paced country and Italy is not. I have to remember this when going to restaurants, taking public transportation, and traveling in large groups.
Ariccia, Italy is starting to feel like a second home. After traveling on the weekends it is good to come back to Hotel Villa Aricia (not spelled like the town). I now feel very safe and comfortable with the city and the people who work at the hotel. Ariccia is also starting to feel like a home because of Mary Lou and Marco opening their home to the Auburn students. Mary Lou had all the students over one day for an Italian cooking lesson. She taught us how to make pesto and two pasta dishes. It reminded me of a home cooked meal with my family. Mary Lou and Marco’s son, Maurizio, who is also one of our teachers, was there with his family. Maurizio and his wife, Rossella, have three children: Mario, Bruce, and Vega. They remind me of my family because Vega is the youngest child, and I am the youngest child. It was fun watching the children play outside because that is what I did when I was a child. Vega is like me in another way- she follows her brothers around wanting to do whatever they were doing, and I also did that to my older brothers as a child. Meeting their family made me feel like I was not so far away from home. It was great to be able to interact with a family from a different culture. It made me realize how similar we are.
Hotel Villa Aricia, our second home.
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A Touch of Home in Italy
This week we visited Florence. I felt more at home there than any other city we have visited so far. Throughout our day we visited “The David,” “The Birth of Venus,” and the “Primavera,” all of which reflect the Italian culture and great stories about the history of Florence. But Florence is not just statues and paintings it is also about people with amazing stories.
One of the many statues of "The David."
From the food to the people there were pleasant reminders of the States. Our day started with a “War Eagle” across the Via del Corso. Then we had dinner at a quaint little restaurant that had a typical American staple--a steak--with a Tuscan twist, blueberry sauce.
A group of us savoring our wonderful blueberry fillet mignon.
The next day we went shopping, and met a leather salesman, a very nice man. Later we discovered that his brother-in-law graduated from Auburn, and he had Auburn stickers on his car in Italy. The next time we saw him in the square he greeted us with a warm “War Eagle.” Then I was able to donate money to an animal organization. I love to help out animals in any way I can, and I have not seen an opportunity to do that until we were in Florence.
Then, 17 of us had birthday party for Krista, and each one of us was served at the same time. The service in Italy is very different from the States; here people are served when the food is ready and eat when they are served. However, in Florence it is very similar to the U.S. Every meal we had in Florence, we were all served at the same time, so we could eat at the same time. It was nice to be able to eat together.
In general the people of Florence and the South are very similar. In the South we are cordial and friendly. Everywhere I went in Florence I felt a warm welcome. The hotel staff was friendly and helpful. The people seemed to be genuine in welcoming us into stores and restaurants. Overall the people of Florence reminded me of my Deep South roots.
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Sat Jun 09, 2007
Everyday I Wake Up Amazed
Italy is an amazing place to visit because there is so much history, architecture, and art everywhere. This week, our group was fortunate enough to get an exclusive tour through the Grazia family pottery factory in Deruta, Italy. The Grazia’s family factory is very prominent and has clients like Williams-Sonoma, Neuman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
We were able to see all the steps of production of the Italian pottery. Our tour guide led us through all the rooms of the factory and explained what the artisans were doing. In one room two artists were creating plates and bowls. One was using a foot wheel and a mold to create a perfectly round bowl. It was amazing because they were able to create shapes so fast and with ease. Our guide explained how they slowly let the pottery dry over twenty days. After the pottery has semi dried they are able to reshape and shave off imperfections. Another step in the process is coating the pottery with glaze before painting on the designs so they are more adhesive.
One room was abundantly decorated because it had collections of different artists so that someone who was interested in the artist’s work could order it from the factory. There were many different styles of designs on the pottery. Some were traditional and had historical symbols. Other pieces of pottery had modern designs and patterns.
We were able to meet an artist named Edmondo Zaroli, and his craftsmanship was exceptionally stunning. Most of the pottery had designs or patterns that followed a color scheme. Zaroli’s work was of Italian landscapes that had natural lines. It reminded me of Monet. One thing different about his work compared to the other artists featured was that his paintings were of landscapes and nature. It was very free hand and not meant to be perfect. His artwork did not have to be perfect lines because it had a flow.
After meeting my new favorite pottery artist our group was led into another room where there were about fifteen people with different projects in front of them. These were the artist’s assistants that replicated the paintings onto the pottery. They used a paper that would outline the artist’s designs. Then the skilled assistants used a very thin brush to outline the designs and color the patterns. Our tour guide explained to me how Zaroli had two assistants, the youngest ones in the room, who were able to mimic his free hand style. She also explained that the learning process of this craft took from five to nine years.
I was able to quickly go back into the show room where Edmondo Zaroli was working to get his business card. I was very excited that I was fortunate enough to catch him while working. His artwork was very inspirational, and I will definitely try some of his techniques in my own personal paintings.
Italy amazes me every day and this field trip provided an insightful view into one of the forms of Italian art. Italian pottery is historical and very beautiful. I also got to meet and buy a piece of pottery from my new favorite pottery artist, Edmondo Zaroli. He was an inspirational artist and field trip was one of my Italian experiences I will never forget.
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Thu Jun 07, 2007
A Whole Different Meaning of Transportation
In the US, the first thing we think of as transportation is the car. We drive ourselves everywhere, to work, to class, to shop. We go to Sam’s and fill up our cars with jumbo packs of food and paper towels. Without cars, we would be completely lost. I will tell you this; that is not the case in Italy. What cars they do have are very different. The personal cars are much smaller; we rarely see SUV’s. There are definitely no emission laws here, and some of the older little three-wheeled trucks wouldn’t have passed, much less have fit a grown American man in them.
On our recent trip to Naples, Positano, and Capri, we used nearly every type of transportation available. On the way to Naples and Positano, we had a chartered bus, which we realized later was a lifesaver. Our driver picked us up from the hotel, dropped us off at the Naples Archaeological Museum, dropped us off at Pompeii, then took us to our hotel in Positano. That was the good life.
From Positano we took a ferry over to the island of Capri. Obviously the only way to get to Capri is by boat, so we took our Dramamine, and braved the Mediterranean. The ride was beautiful, with rocky shores and islands dotting the trip. The water is a clear sapphire blue, and the wake of the boat made it stand out even more. As we approached the island, the Faraglioni (the big famous rocks) could be seen. Yachts, sailboats, and tour boats greeted us as we approached the harbor. Once on the island, the real adventure of transportation began.
The harbor area was full of people trying to get a bus up to the town of Capri. We were actually staying in Anacapri, a town on the other side of the island. It is about a 7-10 minute bus ride from Capri. We stood in line waiting for the bus, and it was a very slow line. After about half an hour, we decided to pay a few more Euros and get a chartered bus. That was much better, but the ride was scary. The roads in Capri are winding, full of switchbacks, and hardly fit two cars on them, much less two buses. Often during travel, two buses would meet and one would have to reverse until the other could get by. It was always a bit of a game of chicken to see who would eventually be the one to back up. In the US, if roads aren’t big enough, they build bigger ones. In Capri there isn’t anywhere to expand. Many of the roads seem like there is no railing, and you can nearly see below the bus.
In order to get around on the island of Capri, you must either take a bus, taxi or walk. The public transit system is used much more here. The fare for each time you rode was Euro 1.30, and while it sounds cheap, it can add up. The buses are great though. They come very frequently, and usually you can get on. The only time it was hard to get on was when we were at the bus stop at the main square of Anacapri. That is where the tourists all were waiting, and the buses were often packed full before they got to that stop. We would wait as three or four buses full of people would pass us up. If you wanted to take a taxi it was usually 15-20 euros, so that method of transportation wasn’t used much by our group.
To splurge on our last day, Krista, Dana, and I decided to take a taxi from Marina Piccola to Marina Grande, where we caught the ferry. The taxis are these cute convertibles with two benches in the back seat. The whole thing is covered with a linen cloth to shade the passengers. It was a fun trip with just the three of us and much quicker than taking two different buses.
On our way back to Ariccia, we took a ferry from Capri to Naples, a bus from the harbor to the train station, a train to Rome’s Termini, a Metro to Anagnina bus stop, and a bus back to our hotel. It was a bit of a trip to say the least!
We are getting used to the public transit in Italy. We have learned that you have to allow for a bit of extra time to get places. In the US, we are used to leaving with just enough time to get where we need to be. Here, you must allow for extra time because you are relying on something else who might have unforeseen problems. Sometimes there is traffic, sometimes the buses are too crowded and you must wait for another. Sometimes you will have a seat, while other times you must stand. On Sunday you can just forget about getting anywhere on time unless you leave hours in advance. There basically is no schedule on Sunday, so traveling is an adventure.
We just go with the flow. Sometimes because we don’t know any better, and sometimes we are just living the Italian way!
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Mon Jun 04, 2007
A country divided
Much like in the States there is a clear divide between the north and south of Italy. People in the north think that the southerners never work, and the people of the south think that the northerns never have fun. This past weekend we took a group trip to southern Italy,specifically Naples, Pompei, Positano and Capri.. Naples is a lot dirtier then Rome and other areas in the North; they have a huge trash collection problem. Safety is also an issue in the southern part of the country mostly due to the mafia presence. However, there are also many positive aspects about the south. Naples is filled with culture. During our trip we went to the National Archaeological Museum which is home to many of the restored Pompeii artifacts, as well as famous sculptures. The sense of family is also really important to southern Italians. Many families walk around together and have "ma and pa" stores/restaurants that get passed down from generation to generation. Religion is very prevalent in the lives of those that live in the south. They celebrate many religious holidays and have beautiful churches. Though those of the south are very religious they are also very superstitious. For example, they sell good luck charms which consist of a horn and the bell all over though south.
A view down one of the bustling streets in Naples.
Our stay in Positano was very relaxing and had the most amazing views. Positano is a town on the Amalfi Coast iset on cliffs. The main street is a clear shot down the cliffs. It is different from the confusing streets of Rome, and is filled with shops and restaurants. As Rick Steves says all there is to do in Positano is to shop, eat and enjoy the view--sound likes heaven to me. People there were very relaxed and laid back, I believe, because of the atmosphere that the place creates. That somewhat changed when we traveled to the island of Capri the next day. Maybe it was the fact that we were on an island, but all of a sudden we were in a tourist city. The city was packed with people, all types too--a very hot tourist spot for sure. This was an island of high fashion and style, as well. We had an encounter with Valentino one evening, and all the people are very well dressed and each shop has pictures of all the famous people that have been there.
My preference--small town or big city? I would have to say small town. When I think if Italy I think of the slow pace lifestyle with the friendly old man that sitson the street bench every day. I believe that the true Italian culture shines through more in the small town settings then the larger tourist areas.
A view from our hotel in Positano where we could see the bright blue water and all the houses built into the mountain.
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