Ancient Rome and Pompeii Scavi

We have spent most of the last seven weeks exploring Rome. The traveling has granted me great insight on ancient Rome. Most of the time it has been hard to picture what Rome was like due to the damage the surviving sites have endured. This past weekend we spent a day in Pompeii Scavi, which is notorious for the great preservation it has due to the effects from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79.

Pompeii was amazing. I felt like I was in the first century as I walked through the ruins; however, I admit it was not what I expected. I had this pre-formed visual that the site would have people frozen in whatever activity they were doing when the Vesuvius erupted. I couldn’t have been more wrong; the ruins were mostly buildings. They were extremely interesting but not what I expected. I was shocked to see all the ancient pottery and people gathered together in a shelter and blocked off; they had people lying on shelves!

I was also very surprised to learn Pompeii was essentially a town of pleasure as in sexual pleasure! This ancient city, which is so well known for its survival, was entirely set-up to make money and please people in sexual ways. The name actually originates from the word pimp. I was not surprised by the fact people openly had prostitution since it was simply the culture; I was astounded by the fact this town I desired so much to learn about was so different from what I expected.

Ancient Rome has been exactly what I expected. I suppose movies like Gladiator aided me in the visuals. Walking through the Coliseum cannot be topped by many experiences. The only problem I encountered is visualizing what its original makeup was like. Luckily, we have been fortunate to have guided tours and been shown pictures of what is believed to be the original views of ancient Rome.

Rome has the best collection of art thanks to legendary artists and sculptors such as Bernini and Michelangelo. The work is everywhere throughout the city and it makes Rome truly special. Visiting Pompeii Scavi is not a wasted trip due to the great preservation, but I prefer to see places where great events such as gladiator battles and war took place. These sites can be found in Rome; the homes of pimps and prostitutes can be found in Pompeii Scavi.

The Church a Roman Institution?

Is the Catholic Church a Roman institution or does it have influence worldwide? Living in Rome for the last six weeks has given me the chance to observe the strength of the church in Rome. The power and brotherhood of the Church is undeniable. Every area has a church or basilica located within it. Also, the church has a hand in everything that goes on in Rome. I am taken aback sometimes when I see the portrait of the Pope on things such as shot glasses; however, the church operates like a business. The Church is fully aware of the desire that members of the church have to visit historical locations like St. Peter’s Basilica. They capitalize by being involved with everything including these souvenirs that tourists seek. The question is does the Church extend outside of Rome.

I get the impression that people in Italy would agree that that the Church is a Roman institution. While attending the Papal audience I had an encounter with an Italian woman. She yelled at me to go back where I came from because I was in her way. I explained to her that if she came just to see the Pope then she does not understand what the catholic church is about. I feel a lot of Italians fall victim of the way the Church operates in Italy like a business. We are not spoiled with the Church’s headquarters located in are country like Romans are. We focus on the values of what Jesus wanted us to have opposed to being a part of the Church.

I have always felt the Church was a worldwide organization. I was brought up in a Catholic household, and completed my education at a Catholic school. Of course Rome was always looked to as the heart of the Church since the Pope is there, but I did not feel any less a part of the church living in Ohio. The Church is always involved in things such as giving food to the less fortunate which is a core value of the church. Also, I remember countless speeches at mass by my priest to donate money among other financial statements relating to the Church as a worldwide community.Attending the Papal audience was an amazing experience. I feel even stronger now that the church is a worldwide association. There were people from all over the world in attendance. The Pope speaks ten different languages, which shows that the church must branch out all over the world. The speech alone was read in many languages. Every time the Pope said his statement in a new language there would be uproar from the people who understood. The environment was amazing; the enthusiasm of the people in attendance while waiting and during the event was unbelievable. They sang anthems and played music; it felt like I was at a rave. One gaze around the audience and one would see the effect the church has all across the world.

The Catholic Church has always been feared by the world. The particular fear is that the Pope will call upon its clergy which is located around the world and the people will do the Pope’s bidding despite the best interests of the country the person lives. This fear shows that the influence of the church is great worldwide or there would be no issue. This historical fear coupled with my experiences through my life as a Catholic leaves me no doubt that the church is a worldwide institution.

Leisure

When I hear the word leisure, I think about recreation and relaxation. Moreover, I think about activities that relieve stress. I relieve stress by working up a sweat through playing basketball or going for a run. Other ways I accomplish leisure is through taking a nap or watching a movie. Essentially, I consider leisure any activity where I am able to temporarily alleviate everyday stresses and recharge my body or mind. The length or specific way I achieve this goal varies depending on the amount of time I have free; as well as, the intensity of the stress I have.

During my time in Italy, I have noticed that Italians’ leisure activities are different then what I consider typical. Generally, an Americans’ leisure activity requires the newest technology but an Italians’ leisure activity does not. With their free time, Italians meet friends for lunch or espresso; they go to the park and spend time with loved ones or just walk. Rome is set up for its’ people to do these activities. Piazzas are located all over enabling people a common meeting ground to relax with friends.

Recently I visited the Borghese gardens where I attempted to appreciate Italian leisure activities. First, I had a sandwich and espresso. Then I walked all around the park admiring statues and nature. Next, I rented a bike and rode around the park for an hour. I ended my day of leisure by laying out a blanket and taking a nap under a tree. As I was enjoying the latter, I realized how clear my mind was.

Do the Italians know something about leisure that we do not? I do not think that they know something we do not rather they remember something we forgot. Often caught up with materialistic desires or money-oriented goals, we forget to stop and take that deep breath and appreciate everything we have as well as the beauty of life. My view of leisure hasn’t dramatically changed; however, I would not be shocked if I wake up on a Saturday and walk to the park for a day of relaxation. I am going to put emphasis on spending time with my family and friends when I return home.

Piazzas: Center of Culture and Life in Italy

Italy is filled with town squares called piazzas. These piazzas are the center of each area; they are the epicenter of all culture and social. Great restaurants and bars are located around the edges of Piazzas. Events often taking place in these piazzas range from socializing on the edge of a beautiful fountain, such as Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Novona, to people haggling at small markets and clothing stands. Italian culture can be witnessed in its truest form by spending time in one of Italy’s many piazzas.

The piazzas are where Italian’s go for entertainment; this is a long-standing tradition in Italy. For example, Piazza Novona was once purposely flooded in the 19^th century so water sport competitions could be held there. Recently when visiting Piazza Novona on a Friday, a live concert was being held. Piazza Novona was filled with people enjoying the beautiful day and sound of the band. The mayor of Novona was even in attendance to give a short speech. The Piazza is where all the neighboring people spend their recreation time so naturally the piazza on a sunny day in November was the perfect place for a politician to connect with the people.

The bigger piazzas are often littered with artists. While walking through a piazza, one can admire the paintings and drawings of artists. They gather in these piazzas in hopes of selling their work since they know all tourists will come to the piazza since it is the nest place for entertainment. Piazzas located in main areas like Venice and Novona are crowded to the extent that it is hard to fully enjoy the piazza. Not because of the great number of people but because where people are where one has to be extremely cautious. Everyone in Italy knows the piazza is the best place to find ignorant tourists and gypsies and scams are in constant motion. Danger is not an issue if one is aware, but it takes away from truly being free and calm. Due to this I prefer going to smaller piazzas like the one located in Castel Gandolfo. Here I can experience drinking a glass of wine outside or grab a gelato. I can walk and admire local kids playing soccer or stop and shop for scarves and souvenirs.

Piazzas have great history behind them. They are repetitively coming up in are readings. While reading about Margaret Fuller, who visited Italy in the 19^th century, a reference to soldiers and protests in the Piazza del Popolo were made. The fact that all the people gathered to the piazza shows insight into the differences of our culture in the past and present to that of the Italians. Americans turn on the radio or television to hear news, but in Italy the piazza is the best place to go find out what is going on and to be heard. The people of Italy just walk to the nearest piazza when they want to find something out. I strongly recommend visiting a piazza if experiencing genuine culture of Italy is desired.

History Influencing My Faith

The history of Rome can be rivaled by very few places in the world. The historical heritage is not limited to political history; rather, Rome contains a vast collection of the most historic religious locations. After all, The Roman Empire did inspire the phrase “all roads lead to Rome”. It is not surprising that such an important location, which Rome was and is still today, contains such a powerful history of religion, which is held in upmost importance within a person’s life.

The history of Rome bolsters my faith. As an example, visiting the catacombs helped me grasp how great one’s faith was in the past. Christians believed that they needed their bodies preserved because they were certain salvation was coming; early Christians believed Jesus would awaken them all from the dead, deeming their bodies necessary. Walking through these catacombs, where the first Christian’s once lay to rest and still remain, made me delve into my own theory of death. I realize that the Christians were wrong in assuming Jesus would return so soon; however, the fact they had such strong faith bolsters my own faith despite the arguable foolishness of their belief at the time.

Ascending up the Santa Scala steps was the most powerful experience I encountered so far in Rome. The stairs have so much history. The mother of Emperor Constantine had these marble steps brought to Rome from Jerusalem, believing that they were the very same that Jesus once walked on. Historians now argue that Jesus, but even the possibility that Jesus walked on them made me feel like I was with Him when I ascended the staircase on my knees never walked on the Santa Scala steps. Being surrounded by fellow believers made me feel like I was a part of a bigger family than that which I knew in the United States. Fredrick Douglass, an African American writer and activist, wrote about Christians belonging to a bigger organization and I fully felt this as I crawled, painfully, up these stairs so often visited on religious pilgrimages.

Rome has always been home to the leader of the church. The history of former Popes and their reign is fascinating. It is great to have your religious leader where you reside. The history of the Catholic Church, however, hinders my faith. I have read about Pope Pius IX, for example, who abandoned his people during the unification wars. During this reading, I began to have new thoughts toward the Church. Contemporary Vatican is inspiring to me and makes me feel wholesome. Unfortunately, the history of St. Peter’s Square and of Popes also hinders my faith. We read about Pope Pius IX abandoning his people during the unification wars and I began to have new thoughts toward the church. I have great faith, but I doubt the aim of some of the religious leaders. Studying the history of the Church makes me begin to think the Church is run too much like a business and not enough like a family, as it should be.

Thoughts on Rome: A Traveler’s Perspective

Rome is a magnificent city. The greatest treasures of art are found here. A traveler who is attempting to appreciate or study these fantastic works of art may find Rome a little oppressive due to the constriction of these exhilarating works. For example, there is breathtaking art with tons of history behind it such as the Colloseum and the Forum; however, these exhibits can only be visited through purchase of tickets, which translates, to an allotted time of free reign within these sights. In addition, many tourists flock to these sights hindering the true beauty of them.

Some of these exhilarating pieces of history are even unjustly placed in unwanted places. Specifically, the Ara Pacis Augustae has been placed in an ugly glass building. The fact that it is being preserved and is still intact is amazing but how can its beauty and breath taking presence be felt if it is not how it originally was presented? This is a big issue within Rome. Many Romans are offened by this piece of ‘art’ and the fact that it cost a small fortune does nothing to help its cause. They are currently working to get rid of it all together due to the way it disrupts the city’s beauty. Also there are exhibits that take place in the glass structure itself that don’t belong there such as fashion exhibits be Valentino which demean the true intent of the structure

The examples of how Rome is oppressive are greatly overshadowed by its open museum construction. What do I mean by this? Inspiration can be found everywhere in Rome. During a simple stroll through Rome, one will notice the great architecture of the buildings or a beautiful random fountain. Fountains are everywhere! Not to mention its’ the only place a Pyramid and cemetery can be found next to each other and easily accessible.

Rome is a great place to visit as a tourist because it does have remarkable sights and historical buildings. However, what makes Rome special is that it has a vast surplus of culture and art that can only be found here. Italy is the best place in the world. Everything is designed cohesively. This is probably because it is so old and great minds are behind it.

First Impressions and Visits in Italy

Shock and awe… These two words are often used throughout cathoclism to describe the feeling of a person when being blessed with the Lord’s presence. I cannot help but be reminded of these words as I travel throughout Italy. Since I have arrived, I have been incapable of fully absorbing he truly amazing experiences because it is so overwhelming that fully taking in everything is impossible.

I woke up Monday feeling as at “home” as I ever have in my life. I walked down to the dining hall and was presented with fresh fruit, yogurt, nutella, cappuccino and more. Once I finished eating my breakfast. I walked up stairs into my art history class where Dr. Selby enlightened me that once the hour class was completed, the group would be traveling to the Colloseum and Forum in Rome! Instantly, I became too excited to sit still. I wanted class to be over so we could begin our journey. I was just flabbergasted with the fact I would actually be in the Colloseum in hours. I wasn’t going to be watching Gladiator or visiting some convention; I was going to the actual Colloseum. The same one built by Nero where the people of the Roman Empire gathered for entertainment. Only one day in Italy, and already I would soon be surpassing any experience I ever had.

The group traveled by metro to Rome where we met our guide Laura. We were given a tour of the Colloseum and of the Forum. Throughout the tour, I attempted to look at everything I could from every angle and of course take as many pictures as possible. I felt like if I did not do this then I would not be fully experiencing this great place where so much history had occurred. The Colloseum was difficult to envision during the ancient time due to the fact all the marble was removed long ago from the structure and the lack of sections that were destroyed such as the battlefield. Thanks to pictures by our guide, I was able to see what the people of Rome saw during the peak of the empire. This tour was really cool but my heart did not race as I expected. The realness of the situation did not come until we were being showed the Forum. I realized I was standing where Julius Ceasar was cornered and killed. Images started running through my mind like a movie. This was the first time since arriving where I felt the full greatness and uniqueness of visiting this country.

Luigi Barzini talks of a minority in his book The Italians who “… avoid the heat and dust” and “… go at convenient hours”; luckily, Danilo Mori’s experience and the Walsh global learning program place us in this minority. Of course, I have had times where I felt nervous or more like a tourist rather than a traveler but it is undoubtedly awesome to not have to walk around without any destination or wisdom. Plus, as every day passes the culture is becoming easier to grasp and excel in.