Buona Pasqua, or Happy Easter! If I thought Florence was amazing before, I hadn’t experienced it during holy week or settimana santa. Coming from a Catholic family it’s been incredible to experience first hand all of the religious rituals and traditions Italy has to offer. It’s been great to fully discover and understand how big a role religion plays in the history of Italy including, but not limited to, its politics, economy, and architecture. From the small town of Orvieto to the Walls of the Vatican, the religious richness of the tuscan region continues to draw the attention of the world. Walking through the towns of Tuscany is like walking through a storybook. Coming from an architectural background, I appreciate the history of the buildings so much, especially since I am studying about architecture and art in my classes here in Florence. I’ve learned to visually decipher the city, I just find myself constantly wishing I could travel back in time and see what was happening in these different towns hundreds of years ago.
What’s been most incredible is traveling to many parts of Italy that are within minutes of each other yet carry such a different history and evoke a completely different feeling. Not only has traveling enhanced my personality, culture, and understanding of the world but I have now arrived at a point in my study abroad experience in which I am reflecting. Traveling and being away from my everyday habitual life has untapped a different mentality. This experience has brought forth answers to questions I did not know I had. It’s prioritized my life, and had motivated me to continue on my career path. Being away has stripped me of doubt and has inspired me in a way that nothing else could.
There is still a lot to see and a lot to learn. Being away and taking the beauties and wonders of Europe has been a fantastic appetizer. It’s given me a small taste of travel, and I now know that this does not end here but I will be back to Italy after this experience. I will travel the world and marvel at all it has to offer.
Maday, Parsons The New School of Design
