CAS Rome -Traci

Reflection on my blog’s themes

2008-06-27T01:16:00.000+02:00

As I wrap up my blog, and these three themes I chose in Italy, it forces me to look back on all my experiences with in them. Graffiti on the walls will remain forever, some more colorful and artistic than other, but still a certain attraction is met. The graffiti throughout the city is consistent. Many people represent their groups/gangs, some express their inter feelings and some just write their name for fun; all a form of art. I have seen graffiti in pictures, on bridges, on walls, cars, and doors; appealing to the eye yet distracting from the city of Rome itself. Italian love (my second theme) is everywhere. You can not escaping the kissing, touching, groping, and tenderness, but then again why would you want to. Love is in the air and many times you too will fall victim to it. It is a bit overwhelming at first, but at the end of seven weeks you too look through the eyes of a Roman and see it as passion, many not romance, but definitely an expression of love. The Pantheon was an amazing place to pick as a theme, never did I think so many stories and new ideas would be able to go through my cleared mind in such a place of chaos. Little boys running around, flashes from snapshots of pictures at every angle and the entwinement of 30 languages being spoken at once; memorable. The building is a church, but really more than that, it is a place of expression, of meeting and of learning about yourself. Sitting in front of the building broadened my horizons more than any other experience in Rome. It is truly a place to remember, as it has been for the past centuries.

Church of the Gesu

2008-06-27T01:06:00.001+02:00

I wanted to go to the Gesu church, and so I did. I was a little embarrassed when I realized that it really was not far from the school I have been attending for the past 6 weeks, and it made me feel lazy for having not gone before. It was everything I remembered it to be and more. My favorite feature, that I must have over-looked years before when I stood in the exact same spot, was the ceiling fresco, named The Triumph of the Name of Jesus by Gaulli. The different chapels within the church were astonishing, each with its own unique flare. I decided to seek out the Madonna Della Strada, which had remained in my memory for the past five years, I found it in the chapel, Cappella della Passione, even more exquisite than I remember. I walked around the church for a bit longer, it was not too crowded, rather enjoyable. I am so glad I went to this church just one last time if I never see it again.

Monday morning’s Café tour

2008-06-27T01:03:00.001+02:00

Monday morning, myself and six classmates took a café tour/walk around Rome, accompanied by our teachers assistant, Mia and guided by my classmate Carley. We decided to meet at the Giordano Bruno statue which stands in the center of Campo de’ Fiori. During which at this time we got to experience their morning market. We shopped around, gathering souvenirs and such and after about 30 minutes set off to our next destination, La Tazza d’Oro. This café was quaint and one of my classmates suggested we try their famous granita de caffé con pannas, I drank up every drop, although I must say the coffee was a little too gritty for my liking. On our way to the second destination (not counting Campo) we realized we were in the “ritzy” part of town where the name brand stores stood in a line, I felt my pocketbook lighten already. Then we reached our second destination, the Antico Greco Caffé, which to my dismay was closed, of course that would happen the one day we decide to go. It is said to be the oldest café in Rome, so I was a little disappointed I could not get that experience at this particular time. We walked on to our final destination, Piazza del Popolo, In this piazza were two rivalry cafes, one of my classmates explained; one left wing, Café Rosati and one right wing, Café Canova. Politics are important here in Rome, even at cafes. The left wing seemed to be a lot more popular that the right at this point in the day. We went into the less crowded café, dismissing the politics from our decision. I was just about sick of coffee at that point and ordered a coca-cola light instead. We left the café and chatted in the piazza until we dismissed class and decided to go our separate ways. It was a beautiful Monday walk.

Trash vs. Class

2008-06-25T15:03:00.002+02:00

Everywhere I turn I see the word “BUS” written in Graffiti. It is all over Rome and in no particular pattern. I have come to the conclusion it is probably a gang name and they mark territory everywhere. I start to wonder how many of these graffiti words, are not works of art, but instead simple acts to display their name and group all over the town. There is quite a distinction between word graffiti and picture graffiti. I have come to find I have an appreciation for the picture graffiti for those who have artistic abilities, although they choose to show it in the wrong way. However word graffiti adds to the city’s trashiness, in Rome as well as America. As I stated earlier, these need to be removed. It would be smart to set aside a piazza or wall where graffiti can be displayed freely, legally; as they have done in Paris. Graffiti art has been around for centuries as you see it evolve throughout time. I see a future for graffiti, it just needs to be presented in the professional way.

Absence of People

2008-06-25T15:02:00.004+02:00

As a group we walked by the Pantheon on or morning Monday walk. The place was very quiet, peaceful, and almost vacant. It was about 10am and I was surprised to see this. I have never been to the Pantheon and felt it be so big above me! I stood there in awe, and appreciated the old building more that day and any other of the seven weeks. It was a great last way to see the space in a new light, one without flashing camera, children running, and the chaotic mess of 40 different languages being spoken at one time.

Enough PDA already!

2008-06-25T15:02:00.002+02:00

Looking back on all the love moments I have captured for my blog I see the same theme reiterated. I have come to the conclusion I am overwhelmed by all the PDA (public displays of affection) I now see the acts of vulgar grabbing and intense kissing as trashy, more so than romantically. I do however respect that it is their culture and all the Romans seem very accustom to it. I presume to think that I would too, had I been introduced to it at birth, and grown up around it my whole life. I look forward to going back to America where just the simple act of holding hands in enough; not to say people there do not have their moments of Italian love, but they are less frequent and more tamed.

Emanuel at the cafe

2008-06-24T17:10:00.001+02:00

One of the bar men that works at a café right beside our school as been trying to make conversation with me for six weeks now. He is so cute, and I love to talk to him, but then the other day he asked me for a kiss. I told Emanuel that I can’t kiss him because that is not appropriate and to stop making me blush by saying that. I wonder why Italians come on so strongly. After he makes my coffee in the morning he puts two cocoa hearts on top and tells me one heart is his and one is mine and that he loves me. I laugh, but he keeps his face so serious. I am pretty sure he is not in love with me, but I wonder why Italians feel the need to be so forward with the girls. Is this how they meet girls and do the girls go along with it or is it just because I am American that they act this way? Maybe if I was more romantic I would be swept off my feet to this ploy of cocoa, but I am not. This was my first real encounter with Italian love first hand and I have to say, I did not buy into it.

Graffiti clean-up!

2008-06-24T17:06:00.002+02:00

Graffiti in Rome as I have stated before, is overwhelming. Ever via and piazza is covered with one’s self expression. I still ponder why they do not clean this up; clean Rome up. It is such a beautiful city and yet they allow for these messy distractions to cover their walls of restaurants, hotels, and monuments. Rome is know for its historic, almost antique sites, yet the colors of the rainbow and painted everywhere around it. Re-paint a wall or two, I know in New York City they have groups and volunteers who help clean this up, scrubbing and painting to restore till the walls look new, or old. I did some research and could not find specific groups in Rome that volunteer to do this. I think that it would be a very good idea to start a project of the sort.

Information on the three sites plus an extra stop!

2008-06-18T18:24:00.000+02:00

Tempio di Giove (Temper of Jupiter)

The Temple of Jupiter is the most important of Ancient Rome. It was founded in honor of the arch-god. It was destroyed over time and then reconstructed in its original Greek rectangular shape. The original temple use to be about the same size as the Pantheon, but now it is much smaller. Its original remains are spread in different museums through out Rome.

Gesu

The Gesu is the first Jesuit church to be built in Rome. The design itself reflects Baroque architecture and has been imitated through out the Catholic world everywhere. The layout of the church consist of two major parts; a large nave with side pulpits for preaching to crowds, and a main altar which is used at mass, and also seen as a beautiful center piece in the church. It also houses the famous 15th century image, Madonna della Strada, or Madonna of the road.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is the only building that was constructed during the Roman Empire that is still standing today. It is exactly 142 feet tall and measures the exact same at the base. It was originally constructed in 27 B.C. It was constructed with sort of a hole in the top which is said to symbolize the eyes of the gods. It is truly a piece of art and has so many different symbols and meanings with in it.

Extra Time:

Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola

If you have time after the Pantheon head over to the church of Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola. It is another example of Baroque architecture and houses a painted dome on the inside. It is truly a piece of art.

Directions from Tempio di Giove to Gesu to the Pantheon, and some extra!

2008-06-18T18:11:00.003+02:00

First we are starting at Tempio di Grove (Temple of Jupiter) which is located next to Palazzo dei Conservatiori, along side Via del Monte. After you spend about 45min to an hour here your next stop is Gesu. Come out of the temple and turn left, walking until you hit the street Via di Villa Caffarell. This street will soon hit Via D Arracoeli, stay on this street passing Via D Teatro Marcello and continue until you get to Piazza del Gesu; this will be a little bit of a walk. Once in the piazza the Gesu is to your right. Here you will want to spend about an hour and a half to two hours to get through all the paintings and artifacts. The final stop is the Pantheon. Go back into the Piazza del Gesu and walk north till you hit the street Via D Gesu. At the end of the street turn left and you will be in Piazza Delia Minerva. Keep walking north and get on Via D Minerva. Follow this street all the way up, even as it curves. The Pantheon will be on your left. Here you will want to spend approximately two hours if not more to cover St. Peter’s tomb, etc.

If Extra Time
Head over to Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola. It is easy to get to from the Pantheon just walk out and to your right, pass the street you were on (Via D. Minerva) and hit Via del Seminario, stay on that road and walk straight. You will run right into it. You can spend an hour to an hour and a half here.

Castel Sant’Angelo

2008-06-17T01:13:00.001+02:00

According to Rick Steve’s guide Castel Sant'Angelo was built as a tomb for the emperor and used through out the middle ages as a castle, prison, and a place of refuge for popes under attack. Ancient Rome allowed no burials within the walls of the City; so instead Emperor Hadrian built a huge tower that could be seen from the walls where the emperors’ ashes are now kept. The place is filled with stairs to climb. It is located near Vatican City and cost 5 euros to enter. It is open Tues-Sun.

Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace)

2008-06-17T01:12:00.000+02:00

According to Rick Steve’s on January 30 9 B.C priests sacrificed an animal thanking the gods for helping Augustus defeat barbarians at home and out of the country. This marked the dawn of the Golden Age. Ara Pacis continued to host annual sacrifices which were preformed by the emperor until the area was flooded by the Tiber. Mussolini reconstructed the altar putting the ancient pieces back together. It resembles how it would have originally looked. The altar is located in Via di Ara Pacis and it is 6.50 euros to enter and see, it is open Tues-Sun.

The after-math of Boys Town

2008-06-15T18:38:00.004+02:00

Absolutely AMAZING! After reading up on Boys Town before we went I was expecting to see these poor boys with nothing to their name, depressed, and forsaken. I acquired the exact opposite! These boys were just as happy, if not happier than me, it seemed! It was interesting to watch them run their own government and abide by their own rules. They elect a new mayor of the town every two months and they hold city council meetings three times a week where they discuss all of the towns’ problems. The place seemed very organized and was laid out quite beautifully. I almost felt as though I was on a college campus except their bedrooms were much nicer than our dooms. The current mayor’s name is Najib and he accompanied us on our tour of the town. The boys of this town were regular boys who wore regular clothes and went through the motions of a regular life. Although I did not get to any of their stories, which I’m sure are tear-jerking, about how they came to Boys Town, the place seemed to have changed their lives for the better. I was in love with their sense of humor and how they interacting with each other as if they were all one big family; which I honestly think they were. This experience was life changing and I honestly can’t think of anything better I would have liked to do on a Friday in Rome! In this picture is me to the far left, the mayor Najib next to me, and one of his fellow "citizens".

Graffiti on canvas!

2008-06-15T18:38:00.001+02:00

I saw a picture today that a man was selling. It looked like graffiti art. I was pleased to see that someone who probably started out writing on walls was now selling his artwork. This was even more interesting to me because in my previous blog I pondered the idea of making a profession out of this type of art. The man was amazing with all of his colors overwhelming the canvas. Incorporated in his work he had a lot of words written in Italian, so I could not understand what it meant. I tried to take a picture, but he quickly scolded me; serves me right I guess, but it was worth a try! I think this is a much better way to express yourself without ruining your surroundings by writing all over everything, and at the same time you can make some money. Each piece was so original and almost impossible to duplicate.

Paris is the place for love!

2008-06-15T13:29:00.004+02:00

In Paris I decided to take a look at their love scene, just because everyone seems to fall in love in Paris, or at least that’s what the media tells us. Being in Paris, I saw the city more like New York City than Rome is comparable too. The people are so busy and as long as you mind your business they mind theirs; it’s a “New York state of mind”. The Eiffel Tower just has a stigma that you must kiss in front of it. The beauty of its antiqueness and the modernism linked together puts everyone in a different mood then before they laid their eyes on it. Since I am very single and traveling with a girlfriend of mine, it made me feel as though I must have someone to kiss too. To stay from feeling so lonely I studied other couples as the light show went off at what happened to be midnight. They looked happy, infatuated with each other in fact. People who had just been standing side by side were now holding one another and kissing in between their occasional glance up at the Tower. I could feel the love, the freshness of it and routine at the same time. It was beautiful and I think that is a moment I will never be able to recapture. Love is everywhere in the world and I think certain places give you a different persona to play, such as right in front of the Eiffel Tower, there is absolutely no way you can do anything else, but smile.

A Pantheon picture is worth a thousand words?

2008-06-15T13:27:00.000+02:00

Today I took a picture of myself at the Pantheon. As I looked at the picture I studied my smiling face and came to the conclusion that is not really how I felt at that time. Do pictures really capture how you really feel at that moment in time? I would have to say 90% of the time…no. You would never be able to look at this picture and say “oh, Traci must have been very hot in this picture and it looks like she is a little homesick in fact.” Something about the Pantheon is making me analyze all these different aspects of life I had yet to think of. I think I get more out of just sitting in front of the Pantheon and scoping the area than I do taking a picture in 2 seconds and leaving the place. My memory of being in the area will surpass any picture I could have ever taken and for that reason I am so glad I picked this place to blog about. I have a sense of holiness around that church, yet the people seem so much livelier. It reminds me of what a New York City’s church sermon is like. I wanted run around and tell all these people to appreciate the Pantheon, more than a picture, but instead a memory for a lifetime. A picture is NOT worth a thousand words, but a memory is. Needless to say I erased my picture.

Paris' twist on graffiti

2008-06-15T13:22:00.001+02:00

I saw this graffiti in Paris and I must say I was very impressed. It was located in a courtyard and the entire courtyard had tactful graffiti the whole way around it. It almost looked like a mural as you circled the land. It must have been permitted on this ground because there was a boy standing there continuing his graffiti artwork in the middle of the day. I tried to talk to him, but he spoke no English and my French vocabulary consists of “oui” which means yes. The drawing is so detailed and seems to be of anime characters. I wonder why the people who do these displays of graffiti aren’t drawing for a comic magazine or a painting the Eiffel Tower. How can you take such a talent and not put it to the utmost use. Since being in Europe this is the most artistic and eye capturing graffiti art I have seen.

Love in the subway

2008-06-15T13:16:00.002+02:00

There was a couple in the subway station, the girl sitting on her presumably boyfriends lap. They kissed passionately for about five minutes until finally I decided it was worth a picture. To have such strong feelings in an underground subway station was amazing to me, for the air smells stale and dirty, a mixture of trash and urine. The walls are peeling the last bit of paint that remains on them and are covered with vulgar graffiti and gang signs. If you can remove all this from your mind and remain in you love story world, you are truly something. I couldn’t get over being in disgust from this underground mess, but to this couple it did not even seems to phase them. Perhaps it is because they are use to it or perhaps it is because they are just that much in love. I began to wonder, were they even waiting for the tram? I have been on the underground subway many times in NYC and perhaps it is because I have been oblivious to it and many New Yorkers could argue with me, but besides on New Years Eve, no one kisses. Even the tourists wait till they are in the daylight to continue their love affair. Culture difference or personality trait, I am not sure, but the distinction between Italian love and American love grows more defined everyday.

Good Morning Pantheon

2008-06-15T13:14:00.003+02:00

I decided to go in the morning/early afternoon time on a Saturday to avoid too much of a crowd. However, to my dismay there were people everywhere; it seemed they had shared my grand idea of avoiding a swarm and with that purpose in mind we had in fact had created their own. I watched as people shot their photos along the fountain, which stands in front of the Pantheon. One girl seemed dissatisfied with every picture being taken of her and would pace back and forth from looking at the camera’s picture to asking her friend to do a retake. She reminded me of myself and I had to chuckle a little at how silly I must look when I do the same thing. She was a very pretty girl and at that moment I had an epiphany that it isn’t about the Pantheon in the back round of the photo, but it is instead how you think you look in the photo; seems very vain to me. I realized how absurd it looks to keep taking a picture over and over again because you don’t look like you think you should, when in fact you have this marvelous piece of architecture in the picture right behind you that surpasses everything about you. Oh the vanity of the human race. (I found this picture under Risultati illustrati per pantheon pictures)

Ostia Antica Mosaic

2008-06-11T20:01:00.004+02:00

I chose the mosaic of Terme di Nepttuno. The plaque explaining it says it portrays marine repertoire, exploiting the aspects tied to both the nature and myth. In this mosaic the god appears on a quadriga (four horse chariot), surrounded by dolphins, Tritans, and other sea animals. In the adjacent to this room is a mosaic of Neptune’s wife Amphitrite, heading him toward herself. These mosaics are tied together and in a sense tell a story about the times and the gods themselves. These mosaics are based on a pattern book from which an artisan interoperated, which was very common at the time.

Preview of Boys' Town in Rome, Italy

2008-06-11T19:52:00.002+02:00

Boys' Town is a establishment for needy boys from all around the world. The town is self-governed in attempt to teach the kids about democratic participation or responsibility solidarity. The foundation is supported by service and activities of special education, health, etc. The boys go to both an indoor and outdoor school. They are also involved in sports, music, theater, and many other scholastic opportunities to expand their minds and grow. To find out more information about this town, please visit their website at http://www.citrag.it/ehome.htm.

Directions to the Colosseum (from the train station) and what to look for.

2008-06-03T19:01:00.003+02:00

Facing Piazza dei Cinquecento make a left onto Via Cavour, be on the look out for one attraction called the Lateran church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Keep walking and you will pass a metro station and shortly after make a left onto the street of via de Fori Imperiali, you will see St. Pietro in Vincoli on your right. Then as you turn down Via de Fori Imperiali you will see the Forum directly in front of you; if you continue walking straight along this road you will soon see the Colosseum on your right.
Once at the Colosseum some interesting facts to know would be the founder was Vespasian, who was a professional soldier who became emperor in AD 69. The Colosseum was the place to witness deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights were staged here by the emperor. The combats within were absolutely free to the public. The building itself was built with 80 arched entrances and was constructed to hold about 55,000 spectators. It is certainly a amazing attraction to see!

Directions to Borghese Gallery in Villa Borghese in northern Rome

2008-06-03T19:01:00.001+02:00

While in Piazza Venezia, look for a big main road called Via Del Corso. You can see down the road extremely long, which has awesome shopping and a great environment. It will give you a real feel of the city. It is much easier to walk rather than take public transportation because there is not a close bus station, making buses less convenient. Plus, you save a euro. Take Del Corso all the way to Piazza del Popolo. About half way there you will pass a church called San Carlo al Corso on your left. Continue up the Corso through Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Flaminio. You may have to walk up a winding hill to get to this specific piazza which is at the foot of Villa Borghese. In order to get through the museum, take a stroll through Villa Borghese following Viale del Murotorto. This winds through the park, as you will pass Galoppatoio and come to Piazzele Brasile. Continue in the same direction down Via Pinciana until you get to Viale dell’ Uccelliera, and make a left. This will take you right to the Borghese Gallery.

In order to be able to view the gallery, reservations are mandatory. To find out more information about reservations and cost, visit http://www.ticketeria.it/ticketeria/borghese-eng.asp. In the gallery, the amazing art you will find is divided into two sections: a sculpture collection and picture gallery (collection of paintings). A few of the more important works included here are Bernini’s David, his Apollo and Daphne (his most famous sculpture), and Titian’s painting called Sacred and Profane Love. Within the two hours you are allowed here, Rick Steves suggest to spend at least an hour and a half in the ground floor sculpture gallery.
Within a four mile circumference in addition to the gallery and many other attractions, there is a zoo and schools of archeology. It may be quite enjoyable to cover this distance with a nice bike ride (bikes available to rent in the villa).

Directions to the Synagogue (from the train station) and what to look for.

2008-06-03T18:59:00.000+02:00

Facing Piazza dei Cinquecento go straight onto Vie L. Einaudi. Turn left at Fontana Naiadi (which you might want to stop at for a moment, for it is a piece of art) onto Via Nazionale. Then you will want to veer around Lgo. Magnanapoli, which is a good landmark, and turn right onto Novenbre. Make a left onto V.C. Battisti and then head straight until you make another left onto Piazza Venezia toward Piazza Si Marco and then straight onto Via del Teatro di Marcello. At S. Nicola in Carcere, which you will want to stop into, make a right and then once at L. Pierleoni make another right. The synagogue will be on your right.
Some background on the synagogue is the following; it was built in honor of Octavia and is the only surviving portico of the monumental piazza of Circus Flaminius. It looks like a church, but can be differentiate by its rectangular dome (which is dedicated to Jupiter and Juno). The synagogue stands right beside the old Jewish ghetto, which was established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV and where many Roman Jews still reside today.

The Pantheon vs. Beaver Stadium

2008-06-03T18:56:00.003+02:00

I took notice of a couple who walked right up to the Pantheon stood in front of it for a second as they re-grouped and the lady removed lipstick from her purse, talked for an estimated three minutes and then turned to and continued on their walk. This would seem normal beside they fact they did not look at the Pantheon once; not once! No glance upward or even in the proximity of its direction to their left.
This gave me the notion that they were Romans, desensitized to the ancient history all around them. I can’t imagine talking advantage of such amazing cites; however I guess after being raised with ruins all around you, they would become nothing but a familiar building. For example moving the scene from Rome to State College, PA and turning from the Pantheon to Beaver Stadium. The stadium is something we are all very proud of in that town. I’ve driven by or walk past it a million times and I can’t say every time I stop and look at it in awe of its mastery and vastness! I guess a lot of cultures are very similar when it comes to not really appreciating what they have right in front of them, until if one day it should be gone.

Americans hypnotized by Italian love

2008-06-03T18:56:00.001+02:00

I have begun to see and even more so read about American girls falling into the trap of Italian romance. I’ve seen a few of them walking together, the girl is awe of her new found Italian’s broken English, with his heavy accent still carrying through. In many stories from true life and fiction, the Italian buys them a cheap cup of coffee, makes up a story about some old building when in actuality he has no idea what it is; and in the end he wins the girls heart and affection. Makes for a terrific story when the American girl returns home, but why is she so stiff when she gets back. She thinks no one can be like her Italian lover and she holds a false pretense in her heart. Is it something in the air in Italy that makes you eat, breath, and sleep love? I have come to the conclusion that although I am not this typical American girl, I must say the romance in Italy is thick in the air and it is easy to fall under the spell of love.

Graffiti dates back to ancient times!

2008-06-03T18:55:00.001+02:00

Graffiti in Italy dates back to ancient times. Wikipedia. Com talks about some religious graffiti written in Latin. A lot of the graffiti used very grotesque words such as; mentula and verpa, colei and cunnus. These words refer to different genitals on the male and female. However old Latin and new Latin can translate the words different so the messages are a little misconstrued. We take these words for being obscene, but in ancient times they could be considered simple jargon. Many examples of this type of language was discovered and preserved on the walls of Pompeii itself!

Homosexual or just close friends?

2008-06-01T21:42:00.000+02:00

Right off the bat I want to state that in America this would NOT be acceptable in way, shape, or form in any circumstance, unless you were in fact homosexual. As we went out for a gelato the other night (which by the way was one of the most amazing sensations my mouth has tasted since I got to Italy) we saw a couple linking arms. We automatically formed out closed-minded stereotype that these fellows were in fact gay. Until one of them approached me and started flirting with me. He spoke broken English and wanted to take me out for dinner, and his friend would do the same for my friend. I was flatter because he was cute, but I was so confused at this point all I could say was “I have a boyfriend” which in fact I don’t. He finally gave up and his close male friend and him walked away chatting in Italian and laughing after every sentence. I wondered if they knew the impression they had given me at first. Did they care? The question I asked myself the most was if I had not had that stereotype locked in my head would I have in fact accepted their dinner invitation? I guess now I will never know. There truly is such a difference in proximity limits here in Italy as I stated in previous blogs, but its hard to know how far is too far? It seems America’s stereotype is not always correct outside of the country. What are some actions or habits gay Italians do that give off the impression they are homosexual? If it is not linking arms then what is it? I am still very intrigued on this topic of Italian love and how people show their affection for one another here in Italy.

Boy with the balloon in front of the Pantheon

2008-06-01T21:39:00.001+02:00

I sat by the Pantheon, on the ground, basking in the sun. My personal space was not too bombarded with tourist and travelers, but instead I had a good scope for what I really wanted to do, people watch. I decided it would be a nice change to look at not just the building itself but the affect it has on the environment around it. Not to mention I was sick of looking at buildings and paintings, columns and altars. I decided to get a good look at the people who were still intrigued by all that I just named. One little boy caught my eye, mostly likely because he was being tugged across the cobble-stones like a lifeless rag-doll. His mother held his left arm and pulled while he grasped a polished red balloon in his other. The balloon caught my attention first, mainly because I don’t think I have seen one since I got here. The little boy did not want to be rushed and cried as his mother ignored it.
Maybe he would not listen, maybe he was being punished, or maybe he just wasn’t walking fast enough to his stern mothers standards. She looked old, old in the sense of worn down. This trip to the Pantheon was not an enjoyable one for her, more like an errand she must run. She wore her dark brown hair in a low bun; she was skinny and pale compared to others; although you could tell she was a native by the under tone of her natural oil colored skin. Her frail frame continued to drag her son.
They got the doors of the Pantheon where the mother wanted the boy to get rid of the balloon. No balloons in church sounds like a respectable rule. The boy would not. Within two seconds she snatched the balloon and let it go into the air as she presumed to look around to see if she had any audience; I was her greatest, yet she did not see me. The boy’s old sniffles turned into new tears as she dragged him into the church. His eyes never broke away from the floating balloon until he was inside the Pantheon. I continued to watch the balloon, in a sense, for him until it was completely out of sight.

I got my image from fotosearch.com

Car Graffiti

2008-06-01T21:36:00.001+02:00

I see this car everywhere, especially in the morning. It is usually parked right along the Tiber and I can spot it from outside my apartment window. It looks like it had professional graffiti spray-painted on it as the cover coat that is put on cars. It repeatedly shows the number 2 or writes it out “two”. There are other letters written on it everywhere. We have been calling it the alphabet car. I think it is very unique but want to know that significance it has to the person. Not only is the graffiti on it humorous, but it is done on a smart car to top it off! Every time I see this car I can’t help but smile. Maybe that is the point, it makes other smile and because it does that there is no real need to go further and figure out why this person has an alphabet car.

Mother & Daughter Love

2008-05-26T01:31:00.004+02:00

Today when it was raining I saw what appeared to be a mother and daughter, who looked like she was at least 13 if not older, walking in the rain together under one umbrella. In my opinion, I saw this as them showing their compassion for eachother. They each had one arm around eachother and it was obvious they had a pretty close, family relationship. I thought about this in terms of Italy compared to America and I see this to be a different culture norm. In America we usually see a family each have their own single umbrella and are walking with a certain distance between them.

I don't remember ever sharing an umbrella with my mother at that age and if I did we never had our arms around eachother, holding eachother in. Not to say my mother and I don't have a close, loving relationsip, because we do. It is the Italian culture, the European culture for that matter, that their proximity from eachother is much closer than ours. The online Oracle states that most Europeans need about 8-12 inches of personal space whereas Americans need about 14-16 inches. They feel comfortable being very close to eachother and actually see too much distance as a sign of distrust. Their personal space difference is basically non-existent when you think about how close 8 inches is. I think this to be a good thing, however it is strange to Americans and I feel very uncomfortable when strangers stand so close behind me. I feel like I am getting my wallet stolen, which could be the case sometimes, but mostly it just has to do with my judgement of what personal space should be.

Beautiful Original or Replica?

2008-05-22T12:22:00.003+02:00

The Pantheon is Greek and it actually means “Temple of the gods”. The original Pantheon was destroyed in a huge fire in 80 AD. The building which is now standing dates from about 125 AD. Marble has also been removed from the Pantheon through out the centuries. Barberini removed the bronze ceiling of the portico and replaced the medieval campanile with the twin towers built by Maderno which are the towers you see in this picture.
However, through all this renovation, the marble interior and the great bronze doors have survived, although they have both been extensively restored. When I was in there it was interesting to see people’s reaction to the dome. They seem fascinated. I also am in awe, on the other hand not as impressed. It is difficult for me to feel the same fascination knowing that all this has been restored and it is not actually the original. I feel almost as though it is a fake, just a simple replica even. It is beautiful though; I can not argue with that, but it is hard for me to have a true appreciation for it as I would if I knew I were standing in the first one built. I know you must restore the building in order to keep it in tact, but I feel that it just takes away from the true original vision of the place.

Holy man fishing?

2008-05-22T11:48:00.004+02:00

I saw this graffitti picture along the inner walls of the Tiber River. It was fascinating to me. It appears to be a man holding a bent rod with a hook on the end. It almost looks like he is fishing? The rod is hooked on to some device from which something else hangs. I’m really not quite sure what this picture really represents, but the man also appears to have a halo on his head, representing someone holy. The colors they used are very dark tones, but the center is almost flesh color. Unless you are looking very closely along the Tiber, you will miss it! It almost blends in; differentiated itself from all the other colorful graffitti surrounding it. The detail is pretty immense and even more so I wonder how did they get this on the wall? I imagine it has been there for awhile and the river has swelled up, covering a sidewalk where they might have stood to draw it. There’s no other possible way that I can find. Not even a boat would be able to go against the current for a person to have time to draw this on the wall. This to me is the most amazing piece of graffiti I have seen in Rome. It is truly artwork.

Appropriate PDA?

2008-05-20T16:59:00.004+02:00

It is said by many that there is no love like Italian love and that Rome is the city of ROMANCE. The Italians social norms and expectations are just different from the ones we hold close to us in the United States. For example I saw a young couple, probably in the age range of 15 or 16, sitting on the steps kissing, or in more modern terms “making out”. As I observed people around them, no one was even paying any attention. Only us Americans walking by seemed to be the ones who noticed. Is this because our culture norms are so different or because we just happen to be more aware of our surroundings? Perhaps both… I then realized that not only were they just making out in public acting like they were alone in the world, but they were doing so on the steps of a church! Isn’t that considered to be disrespectful not only here in Italy but everywhere? I’ve moved around quite a lot growing up because my father was in the Army, doing so I acquired a grand total of 12 different schools I attended all around the world (including Germany) before I graduated high school. With this experience I must say I have never seen something like that in my life. I wouldn’t necessarily condemn them for what they did, but I just don’t see why no one else saw it as a problem. It just doesn’t sit well with me, being brought up the way I have. I wanted to get some other people’s opinions on this matter so please feel free to leave a comment!

The Pantheon is really a church?

2008-05-20T16:35:00.004+02:00

I went to the Pantheon today. It was pretty crowded, it was manageable but definatelty uncomfortable. When I commented about it I was told this was nothing compared to most days! It was awkward to know you are standing inside a church that really seems NOTHING at all like a church. The huge doors were propped open for anyone to enter. There were no signs that I saw that said the dress code, and regardless of the ‘silence’ sign outside, everyone was still very LOUD. These are all characteristics very different from the norm you find at most European churches. Many people were bunched off in groups and a lot of heads were turned upward toward the ceiling. There is a small area towards the back end of the dome where there are pews and an alter, however this only takes up about an eighth of the church altogether. Everything else is an open space. It just did not seem like a church to me. I am so much more accustom to spaces in churches being filled to the max with pews and such. It was a nice change and I was thinking how amazing it would be to go into the Pantheon and be the only one standing in there. Don’t think this is possible, but it is something I’m going to try to do before I leave.

MOB

2008-05-20T15:42:00.005+02:00

I saw this graffitti on the wall beside my building.

It says "MOB". This use to be the term used by the gang members bloods. It stands for 'Member of Bloods'. Since then it has coined many other meanings. It is interesting how detailed the lettering is. The colors used are white, black and yellow. These three colors can be seen as meanings of wisdom, purity, and death. Compared to other graffitti I have seen in Rome, this one is semi-artisitic. The font gives the letters some flare and it is appealing to the eye. I also wonder why Romans keep the graffitti on the walls and don't paint over it and such. Especially this one which is located beside an old convent. It seems to me there is more graffitti in Rome spread through-out the city, than in other major cities in the United States.

Swastika graffitti

2008-05-18T17:24:00.003+02:00

I saw graffitti on the wall of an apartment today. It was about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. It was a Swastika and beside it, it read in English "Never without you". A swastike is a figure used as a symbol or an ornament in the Old World and in America since prehistoric times, consisting of a cross with arms of equal length, each arm having a continuation at right angles. This figure as the official emblem of the Nazi party and the Third Reich. I was very puzzled by this and have yet to come to some reasoning for the two together. Are they honoring the Italians murdered by these Germans or are they embracing the Nazi Party?

Pantheon on a Sunday

2008-05-18T17:15:00.003+02:00

The Pantheon was quite crowded today. I dont think I will go again on a Sunday. There were people everywhere doing everything from eating to walking to sitting, even playing with their childing. It is such a beautiful place.

I found out today that it is the only building that was constructed during the Roman Empire that is still standing today. It is exactly 142 feet tall and measures the exact same at the base. It was originally constructed in 27 B.C. It was constructed with sort of a hole in the top which is said to symbolize the eyes of the gods. It is truly a piece of art and has so many different symbols and meanings with in it.

love on the Tiber

2008-05-18T17:10:00.002+02:00

Today I saw some couples laying on eachother, basking in the sun, by the Tiber River. It was such a beautiful day and they were together, spending it together. I watched them for awhile and they just seemed so content with not a care in the world. It's rare to see Americans showing such affection especially on an average Sunday. Usually there must be a special occasion or they're on vacation. I feel that it is much different than the Italians way of life...

Amore Italiano!

2008-05-17T14:14:00.004+02:00

There IS such a thing as Italian love and you don't even have to be Italian to experience it. Many Americans deal with their affection in such a different way than most Europeans; we hold back alot more. However something about being in Italy makes you feel the romance everywhere, even breath it. Love really is in the air! I see couples kissing everywhere, they appreciate PDA (public displays of affections) and in fact embrace it. Love is a beautiful thing and people in Rome don't seem to mind if everyone else can see them showing their feelings for eachother.

Graffitti

2008-05-17T14:11:00.003+02:00

Graffitti in Rome is EVERYWHERE. There's gang signs, politcal, artistic, etc. They all make some kind of statement and many even have graffitti on their cars. It is not uncommon to see it on the sides of all buildings and alley-ways. It's an expression being made by the people. Many use different fonts, colors, and designs in just one expression. It is amazing to see the beauty that can be found in some graffitti!

Pantheon

2008-05-17T14:05:00.005+02:00

The Pantheon is the Roman temple of "all the gods". It became a church in the middle ages. It has a domed interior which became a symbol of Rome itself. From the outside you would never be able to tell how beautiful it really is. It screens the interior design completely. It is one of many focal points in Rome and a common area for people to go.