PLU J-term Study Away 2024 - Italy

  It is a difficult position writing for the last “official” day of this class. We are all required to write a follow-up blog post to discuss the trip, but that is for a future day. My other classmates who lead this day have already done an excellent job describing their experiences within Vatican City, so I will keep my overall discussion of the day shorter to avoid stepping on their toes.                Walking through the gates of Vatican City was surreal and the reason for some jokes about the fact that we were entering a new country. Yet upon arrival, we were told to disperse; the day's activity was just to get us into the city; it was up to the individual to go out and see whatever they wanted. Of course, that meant it was time to find the Sistine Chapel, a place that has been a major source of excitement throughout the trip. So, with two friends by my side, we set out to find it.   The exit from t...

A Terraced Hillside on the Amalfi Coast A Terraced Lemon Grove On January 16th, we discussed various environmental aspects of Italy. On this day, we focused on readings detailing the culture and environment surrounding olive production, some important issues concerning sustainable farming, and rural landscapes of historical interest. These topics made me reflect on many of the site visits that we have had throughout our time in Italy. For example, while reading the article about sustainable farming, I reflected on the times that we witnessed these practices and the effects of climate change when we took tours through the olive grove, the lemon orchard, and the sheep farm. During our visits to these sites, we witnessed the beautiful and often fragile relationship between human cultivation/development and the natural environment. At the olive grove, the guide discussed the way that she and her family have had to adapt to the changes in the climate over the generations. From when her ance...

While the program has ended, I am still exploring the northern coast of Italy in Cinque Terre! I fly back to the US in two days and I will miss this country. I enjoyed exploring the different regions of Italy and learning about the region's history.  To summarize my month, I saw many cathedrals, art museums, vineyards and lemon groves. I enjoyed many cappuccinos, pasta dishes, glasses of wine and cones of gelato. I picked up some basic Italian phrases and most Italian people were very welcoming and kind. Italy is a historic country and I have always dreamed of visiting it. I plan on visiting again in the future, hopefully in the summer!  Ciao,  Abby Mebane 

January 10th, Venice, Emma Penick          One of the first things that I noticed when we arrived in Venice was how quiet it is. In the majority of Venice, there are no cars or buses, only boats; even boats as taxis and buses! Venice is an absolutely beautiful place, and the most striking feature is the plethora of canals going through the city. Throughout these canals, there are gondolas, water taxis, trash collecting boats, and even market boats, which seamlessly integrate these waterways into the city.      In the readings for January 10th, the focus was on environmental problems in Italy, which was interesting because on first impression when going into Venice, there's not too much litter compared to other areas, and there's extremely little noise pollution. It also feels very natural because of the constant presence of the canals. However, one thing that I noticed after a little bit was the effects of climate change on the water. Especia...

  Visiting the Vatican Sage Warner As is obvious to everyone I spoke with about it, I like Pope Francis. I am also a history and religion major, so our classes on religious history were some of my favorites, as well as our various site visits. So, as a fan of Pope Francis, art history, and the prospect of adding another country to the list of countries I’ve visited, I was looking forward to visiting Vatican City.  For our class, we read about the history of the papacy, from the Renaissance to the Reformation (and Counter-Reformation) to World War 2. Learning about the Catholic Church and how it changed throughout the centuries, it is clear that the role of the Pope has changed over the centuries while remaining the authority of the Catholic Church. Our readings describe how in many ways the Popes of centuries past were very similar to corrupt monarchs, rather than pious religious leaders. They took bribes, engaged in debauchery, and used their authority to pursue personal inte...

I have left this ancient and charming country, feeling grounded and with a new understanding of Italian culture and history. While there are so many stories and photos I want to share, I must first report that the lemon gelato was amazing. This program has allowed me to explore the local gems of Italian life, from wandering the narrow streets in Venice to eating fresh goat cheese and tomatoes from a shepherd on the Amalfi coast. In these moments I am reminded of the priorities I wish to hold close to me — to be present. Too often I get swept up in the hustle and bustle of every day, but in these surreal moments, I was reminded to sit and savor the moment, to really breathe in the fresh air. In this way, I feel rejuvenated by this program, and fell ready to take on the spring semester.  Additionally, it has been enlightening to connect these beautiful moments to our readings, bridging words on a page to the real world. In doing so, I’ve learned so much about local history that I nev...

 Lilly Prestemon Wow, this trip has been truly amazing and I can’t believe it’s already come to an end. We started this trip in Venice and got to see all the amazing things the city has to offer. We got to take boats on the canals and view the historic buildings that make up the city. It was so incredible to see and hear about the history of the city, especially how it was built. I can’t even comprehend how the idea of the city was thought up, but I’m so glad I got to experience a place that is so truly unique! Next we went to Orvieto, which was also and amazing experience. I loved the beautiful city on a hill. Orvieto had so many things to do and was so full of beauty. I think Orvieto might just be my favorite place we visited! Also seeing the underground tunnels was so interesting, we got to learn how the city was built and see all the artifacts they’ve found of ancient societies! Next on our trip we went to the beautiful city of Fontecchio. This city had not only amazing views, ...

 Italy feels like a museum dedicated to itself.  As much as any other country, Italy has to contend with its past. What do we memorialize, and what do we tear down? When we're forced to expand, what are we willing to bulldoze? The United States has shown an unending willingness to bulldoze its own history in order to make way for new innovation; essentially the entire country is built on the flattened ruins of its indigenous population, and that's not even to mention how often buildings are torn down to build new buildings, with no regard to the age of those buildings. Italy has taken the exact opposite position on the matter. History requires preservation in Italy. Ancient buildings must have clear lines of demarkation between the parts that are original and the parts that have been restored. Ancient buildings used for nothing more than memorialization take up vast swaths of land in cities where housing is becoming increasingly scarce. Italy's portrayal of itself focuses l...

  Coming back from Italy there are many things that I love. I am in awe of the Italian countryside and I can imagine myself purchasing a retirement home in a small town like Fontecchio where we stayed. I love the hospitality and kindness of local Italians living in these small towns like Alessio and Louisa (our guide and his wife). I have seen the breathtaking views of the Amalfi coast and have sung with a Shepard who invites people from all over the world into his home and spreads his kindness through food. There is so much that I love about this country.  That being said, I lost my wallet with one week left, had food poisoning, cannot remember the last time I had a vegetable, and have clothes that are in desperate need of washing. However, these are all trivial things compared to the amazing experience I had while in Italy. In 10 years, when I look back on this trip, I will remember all of the culture and history that I gained a greater appreciation for and the people I met...

  When going to Italy, the Colosseum stands out as the quintessential tourist attraction. As a result, this was what I most imagined when I signed up for this trip to Italy. Upon our arrival in Rome on the first night, Alessio, our guide made sure to show us a glimpse of the Colosseum from far away. I must say, it was just as grand as I imagined. It lived up to all of these big expectations. The next morning when we had our guided tour of the Colosseum, while walking around, I envisioned its past of busting crowds gathering to watch elaborate theatrical performances or gladiator combat.  The prevalence of arenas was not just exclusive to the Colosseum in Rome. We were lucky to be able to visit the ancient city of Pompeii. While walking into the city we heard a tourist belting a song which we first greeted with confusion. Our guide jokingly told us that tourists like to show off their skills and get their five seconds of fame at the main amphitheater in the city. When we walked...