In our first class we were asked "How do you think you will be changed after 8 weeks in Italy?" Well, I believe that I will be more aware of different cultures. At dinner last night, Danilo asked us if we wanted him to say thank you the Italian way or the American way. We told him to choose. He just said "uh huh," to point out how lazy Americans are even when talking. In different cultures, not saying "you're welcome" can be seen as disrespectful.
In The Italians, Luigi Barzini talks about how the Italians fell about the flood of tourists especially when the amount of tourists greatly surpasses their population. Barzini says that people flock to Rome because of some unknown urge. Most Italians try to stay away from the invaders from foreign lands, but some find love with them. Wealthier families sent their sons to Italy to lear Italian because it is the language of love, "following the Emperor Charles V's maxim: 'I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse.'" (pg 25)
We visited the Colesseum and Roman Forum on our excursion yesterday. I have never been that interested in history! I had heard of the Colesseum before, but I never realized how many people and animals were killed there. Most people went just to see people die! Even the people who had the "bad" seats, still came to watch the prisioners being put to death. I also was astonished to hear that it was built the the year 80AD! Even with technologies today, I don't believe that we could build something that would last that long.
The Roman Forum was also amazing! The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina had a door that was about 5 feet off the ground after you went up the steps. The Forum was built in a valley on a marsh land so over time the ground grew higher and higher and people built on top of it because they didn't know anything was underneath. All of the the structures, even though they were ruins, were beautiful and had a lot of history behind them.
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Andrea, I could tell tell that you are really getting into the Italian culture. I am very impressed by how well you remember names. We all know, though, that is not true when it comes to directions. Give it time. It will come. I feel like I learned from reading your blog, not only with the readings and sights, but also about how you see things. It is very interesting to see Italy from other's points of views. Ciao!
ReplyDeleteI think if I were an Italian and I saw nothing but foreigners around my city I'd probably get annoyed easily, especially camera friendly tourists. And the colisseum, man its baffling to think that people 2000 years ago were smart enough to build something so strong. Too bad it was a was a slaughter house.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, Nice work. I enjoyed the way you integrated the readings with the tour experience, along with your own experiences. Well done. A pleasure to read. Looking forward to more. And John, thanks for the thought about visitors. It is hard to imagine how it is to live in a city where there are so many people just walking around taking pictures.
ReplyDeleteI AGREE WITH JOHN; IF I WERE AN ITALIAN LIVING IN THE AREA, I WOULD TIRE OF THE TOURISTS AS WELL. WHEN TALKING WITH PEOPLE FROM THE SOUTH, IN AMERICA, THEY SAY THAT THEY GET TIRED OF THE TOURISTS AND AVOID CERTAIN AREAS AT CERTAIN TIMES.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I'm impressed with all the info you were able to pack into this blog. It is clear that you are going to enjoy your time in Italy. Best of luck to you!
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