Week 8: 325

As I sit here, staring out into the countryside of Italy, I find it difficult to write this blog. I don’t know why. I can’t figure out how such an awesome experience is leaving me speechless. I am literally writing exactly what I am feeling at this point. Excuse the random thoughts that might appear. I can’t control them.
When I think about how I have changed during this trip, I struggle to keep my mind focused only on myself. There is a constant interference of you guys; Ben, Clint, Andrea, Carol, Nicole, Eric, Pammers, John, Professor, Sara, and Danilo. The eleven of you have taught me so much without even knowing it. I have learned about myself through you. Every excursion, every meal, and every conversation has given me insight into each of your lives and I thrive on that. Your personal stories and experiences have made me question certain things in my own life, helping me to see what is really important. One experience I would like to focus on is my journey with Euchre. As insignificant as learning Euchre is, the journey is worth mentioning. I have had a bad experience with this game and had no desire to learn it. I cringed at the word “trump.” After seeing how much you guys loved to play and the passion you had for the game, I was determined to be part of that. I wanted to know what made Sara yell at Eric and why Clint would put cards behind his ears. Your continued support, patience, and assistance, even on the bad days, are what made me the player I am today. You guys would not let me quit and because of that, I can now officially raise my hand to the famous question, “Who here knows how to play Euchre?” I am proud to say that I now know how to play, but more proud to say of how I learned how to play.
When I sit here and think about the overall trip, I am stuck on the words “make an effort.” I have always tried new things and what not, but this trip has made me break out of my comfort zone even more than before. The one stand out experience of this was going to visit Fernando and the family. When my grandma gave me his address back in January, a little part of me never thought it would pan out. While I was in Italy, I would always see the number, but always put off making the call. Finally, one night at dinner, Danilo said, “Ok, so we will call them tonight.” I was so nervous about the phone call. So many questions of uncertainty, I couldn’t take it. Once Danilo finished speaking Italian ridiculously fast and got everything organized, he handed me the phone to thank Fernando. This is one moment I will never forget. Just hearing his monotone voice confirm times and say you’re welcome, I sensed his excitement and gratitude that shot a burst of emotions throughout my body. I was on a Fernando high for the next four days. After the trip, I realized where a little push and a little effort could get me. I had the time of my life experiencing my extended, Italian family. This was definitely an experience that taught me the value of family and confirmed the saying “You never know what life will bring.” (John Scheetz came with me on the trip. Who would have thought?)
Italy has shown me how to attack life. There’s no room for pretty good; you have to be “Da best.” This doesn’t mean you have to be the strongest, smartest, or richest. The measurement of the best is within you. Clearly things are not going to be perfect, but with so many ways of seeing things, maybe it is better that way. It is through imperfections that we discover the most about ourselves. In Smiles, Fellini states that one of the most striking things about Rome was its “monumental rudeness” and “gigantic vulgarity.” After reading this statement, I was convinced that he hated the city, but he turned these negative qualities positive. He later mentions that the vulgarity “is an enrichment, an aspect of the fascination that Rome inspires.”
While we were waiting outside the airport for our flight out of Palermo, I saw something that turned around my whole weekend and gave me a new outlook on the whole trip. It was a pigeon on barbed wire. When I saw this little bugger, I just got the feeling of freedom, independence, and confidence. This pigeon was going against what was socially acceptable and taking on a challenge that didn’t even make sense. Did he care that his pigeon friends thought standing on barbed wire was a stupid idea? No. He had a vision, got the urge to explore, and did it. I know he is a better pigeon because of it. That pigeon helped me to realize that that is the type of attitude I need to develop. Take that stand above negativity and doubt and confidently make moves towards knowing myself. It was a moment of inspiration and oddly enough it came from Europe’s most trusted bird.
“You only get one first shot at Italy.” This is a line taken from my first 325 blog and to be completely honest, I would not have wanted my first time to be any other way. From Johnny sandwiches and Danilo sayings to Kemps and To-Lido, we have made nothing but memories. It has been a pleasure and a true blessing to have been given this opportunity. Thank you.

Week 7: 225

After our walking tour of Bernini, we discovered many bees floating around on several fountains and monuments. For this art blog, I am going to discuss the importance and history of these bees.
To Bee or not to Bee. Is that really the question? For the Barberini family, it was no question that the bee was going to be their family symbol. As the family began to prosper, they moved to Florence. Once in Florence, they changed their last name Tafani (black horse-flies) to Barberini, which is taken from their home town of Barberino. After they changed their name from Tafani, they upgraded their family crest from three horse-flies, to three golden bees, which they felt was more appropriate for a high class family flourishing in Florence. The bees basically represent iconographic social climbing. Another interesting interpretation was that the bees represent teamwork and industriousness, which are two well-known characteristics of Barberini, but this interpretation came later.
Barberini’s bees can be found in many art pieces around the city. For example, one of the most popular places, other than the family coat of arms, that the bee is shown is at the base of the badacchino of Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica. It is also found on another one of Bernini’s works called the Triton Fountain, located in Piazza Barberini. Also in Piazza Barberini, there was the Fountain of Bees, which we were told was the best water in Rome. It is also interesting to note that the image of the bee is on vestments worn by priests, in the museum beneath the Santa Maria Maggiore.
It is clear that this symbol of the bee was very significant to Roman art and culture. The bees continue to appear around the city and represent more than we know. The Barberini family was determined to leave their mark and because of that will survive forever.

Week 7: 325

Last Wednesday, instead of staying in a big group, we split up and did each other’s walking tours. The tour that my group followed was to St. Paul’s. We had never been there before, so I was very excited to see the second largest basilica in Rome. (Second to St. Peter’s Basilica)
Our student group of three was accompanied by the “widely known” Professor Mustafaga. After getting a group Momento, we headed to the metro and began our tour. I kind of had the feeling like we were pirates on an adventure, guided by a map, looking for the hidden treasure. I wanted to commit fully to this tour, so I brought no distractions. Not even my camera. I just wanted to be free from everything and fully experience this walking tour.
After a pleasant lunch post up, we made our way to the back of the basilica where we saw several memorials honoring Italian soldiers. There was also a nice grassy knoll and playground set, which a couple of us took very seriously. It was finally time to enter the basilica, so we followed the path to the entrance.
As we entered the St. Paul’s, I was struck by its beautiful atmosphere. There was a courtyard that accented the entrance with a statue of St. Paul himself. The tour paper included specific information regarding this statue, which was very beneficial. When we entered the actual building, I was blown away by its size. I knew it was going to be big, but not this big. Wowzers! We discovered many frescos along the ceiling, portraits dedicated to the popes, and the chains of St. Paul. One area that we spend some time on was the dome painting. There were so many hidden ideas and messages that with the help of the tour information and high definition equipment, I was able to see and understand it all.
St. Paul’s was outstanding in every way, but not to the point where it intimidated me. I was almost comforted by its awesome atmosphere. There was something about the way it presented itself that made it my favorite church so far. This walking tour was different from our normal excursions and I really enjoyed it. Our tour definitely led us to the perfect treasure.

Week 6: 490

I have to say this might have been my favorite class all semester. We looked at religion and spirituality in respect to health; the pros and cons of too much or too little. When we discussed these topics, professor brought up two questions which were, “Can you be spiritual without being religious?” and “Can you be religious without being spiritual?” Thinking about these questions, I tried to find a category to put myself in. I attend mass regularly, for the most part, and have a certain sense of spirituality in my life, but I felt like I hadn’t quite found the answer I was looking for. That is when professor gave us the blog topic and I slowly began to realize where I stood in respect to religion and spirituality.
The topic for this blog focuses on the power of prayer. When I heard him say these three words, I had a rush of feeling come over my body. It was a mix of comfort, confidence, and faith. I couldn’t believe that I got that certain feeling from a homework assignment. I realized how much prayer really does play a role in my life, whether it is at mass or on my own. One experience in particular is during mass when there is anointing of the sick. When the priest goes from person to person, I watch the congregation reach their hands out to touch the person being anointed. The prayer and support that is transferred at that moment brings tears to my eyes and I know that something special is happening. The reading for this section actually provides evidence that many people depend on religion and spirituality when they cope with physical health and stress of surgery.
The power of prayer cannot be measured by any means. It provides people with different feelings and emotions and contains endless possibilities. I find prayer not only to be an outlet, but also a way in. It is an outlet from the world, where you can find a personal sense of peace and comfort. At the same time, it allows you to get involved in the lives of others, whether they know it or not. God’s presence through prayer is unexplainable, but it’s there. Prayer is public, private, spiritual, and faith-filled, and will never cease to amaze me.

Week 6: 225

For this week’s blog, we had endless pieces of artwork to choose from. I was very interested in the fresco by Raffaelo Sanzio called “The Fire at Borgo” and decided to give biographical information on Raffaello himself. The actual artwork is found in the Vatican Museum, with a width of 670 cm, and was created in 1514.
Raffaello was born on April 6, 1483, to a father who inspired and encouraged his artistic lifestyle. At a young age, he father began to notice his talent and found him a great teacher, Perugino. At the ripe age of seventeen, Raffaello left Perugino with the permission to practice the true lifestyle of a painter. His first major painting was The Marriage of the Virgin, which has Perugino’s influence in the perspectives and relationship of figures and architecture. After three more great pieces of work, Raffaello moved to Florence, where his main teachers were Leonardo and Michelangelo. There were many Madonnas created during 1505 and 1507.
In 1908, Raffaello made moves to Rome, where he created some of his greatest works. This includes the Stanza della Segnatura. There are four main fresco walls which have breathtaking art work. At the end of 1519, Raffaello completed ten large tapestries that were hung on the Sistine Chapel walls, which were woven together. From the frescos to the tapestries, Raffaello made great strides in not only the artistic world, but the whole world. He is a hero who died on his own birthday.

Week 6: 325

Before the pope starts two of his major speeches, he starts off with the line “To Rome and to the world.” This simple statement opens up many avenues into Italian culture. It creates an atmosphere of unity among all nations, while emphasizing the Roman bond.
After reading Barzini, he mentioned something in the beginning of chapter sixteen that caught my black eye. After talking about Rome’s aging beauty, he states, “He must not allow himself to be deceived. He must look beneath the surface.” Rome has more to offer than meets the eye. It silently creates a universal spirit, in which everyone is connected. What is it about this place that makes everyone feel like family? Is it the ruins? Is it the art? Regardless of the cause, Rome includes the world in all its glory.
One of the best examples of this universal quality is the papal audience. There were people from all over the world coming together for the same cause. Standing in front of what seemed like thousands of Spanish people, I felt comforted. Our language barrier and different cultures seemed to fade away. We were united. We were influenced by the universal spirit that Rome produces. If I could thank Rome for anything, it would be its ability to create an “and” rather than an “or.”

Week 5: 490

Last Thursday, I put away the whistle and kickball and instead of being called Ms. D, I was Dr. Daltorio. Our class excursion took us to Santos Spiritos, an Italian hospital. Our goal for the day was to observe the Italian hospital, noting its similarities and differences from the American hospital. Suited up in my white trench coat, I was ready for a day of delivery, surgery, and X-ray diagnosis.
As we walked up to the building, I honestly thought it was another historical building of Rome. I had no clue it was a hospital from the outside. When we walked inside, I was still confused because I did not feel like I was in a hospital. There were so many stairways and hallways we had to take before finally reaching our classroom destination. When we were in the classroom we talked with several doctors and nurses who were in charge of nursing students and got an idea of the Italian nursing program. Once we completed our discussion, it was time to explore the actual hospital.
As we walked down the stairs, I noticed that each floor had a certain aspect that it focused on. For example, one floor was cardiovascular while the other one was obstetrician. It was interesting to observe how Italians organize their health system and patient care. Speaking of organizing, I felt like the Italian way of organizing was less technologically advanced as Americans. I don’t want to say it was old fashioned, but like it was. Also, the overall atmosphere of the hospital seemed older and less modern than I expected.
After reflecting on the experience, I wondered how much religion played a part in the hospital’s mission. The hospital is obviously religious based on the name, but how much did they emphasize it. Did they pay more attention to religion because the hospital is set in Rome? Is religion a basic necessity to hospitals here in Rome? These questions were just a mixture of the readings and the hospital experience. In the readings, I realized that spirituality, religion, and health go hand-in-hand. The essay mentions Jesus’ healing and how religion provides tremendous benefits to a person’s well-being. I can almost assume that this hospital includes these beliefs and builds their foundation on faith and God.