Rome via Brooklyn

DOUBLE POST

With Quote, Words: 1051

Without Quote, Words: 1041

Read Time: 6 minutes

What did you see on your journey from the airport to your accommodation? Keep your eyes open and reflect on ways modern and ancient intertwine.  Did anything you learned in CultureSmart! come true for you in your logistical interactions along the way? What is your strongest taste or scent memory of today? Why? Did anything today remind you of life in NYC what was the most familiar part of the day?

I have structured this paper by responding to each question separately!

1. What did you see on your journey from the airport to your accommodation?

On our way to the airport I was able to view lots of different things that led me to feel different emotions. In the beginning of the trip I would like to say that we were “in the middle of nowhere.” Though a bit harsh, in the beginning of the taxi ride it was a bit underwhelming but, this was the perfect lead up to see this great city. I reminded myself that JFK is much the same, and the main attraction, Manhattan, is very far from what you first experience when landing in NYC.

Entering the city made me extremely happy. From the architecture of the buildings to the curving of the roads, each sharper than the previous, the city of this kind is something I have not previously experienced. I would say that where we are staying is extremely beautiful because we are right next to and overlooking the Tiber river. 

2. Keep your eyes open and reflect on ways modern and ancient intertwine.

There are two ways that I directly–meaning consciously–reflected on how modern times and ancient times intertwine/intersect. The two ways that I found most compelling were: the water fountains and Hadrian’s temple. 

For the water fountains I felt like this was the work of the “Gods,” like seriously! The engineering genius of the Romans is surely well recorded and has been improved upon, yet there is still something mystical about the way the whole aqueduct system works. Also, I must insert my opinion here and say: THE WATER IS AMAZING. I have truly never had such a refreshing experience. During day one I went most of the day without water and forced myself to keep pushing until I found a water spout. It took hours, countless opportunities to buy bottled water which I denied, and cotton mouth to finally reach one. When I did and took that sip of water it was SO refreshing. It was cold, and tasted, for some reason or another, like the best water I have ever had! I enjoyed that sip that I returned and filled up my water bottle. I wanted to test if the first drink was just a fluke, due to me being so thirsty. Yet, on the morning of day 2 the exact same feelings as day one, when regarding the taste of the water, came up. 

The aqueducts, in an urban setting, are hubs for people to gather around. This is what makes them so powerful. They act as catalysts for introduction among strangers and I am sure that this could be seen throughout antiquity. Almost all of the aqueducts that we saw were being used and that just shows the popularity and necessity of water/this system. Another cool thing was that the water, a human right and necessity, is available for free. The water is actually better than the bottled versions, even though I have only tried sparking water here. When we take this system and compare it to the water that is “free” in Michigan, we immediately see the difference. Michigan and its water system is unwelcoming, while Rome’s water system is inclusive. The latter should not be understated and under examined. For any urban planner or one that studies urban systems, the aqueduct system of Rome is a dream. 

As for Hadrian’s Temple, the connection between the modern and the ancient must be the walls themselves. The temple hides and protects the people inside in a grandiose fashion. This act both builds a community inside, yet keeps the “unwanted” out. This phenomena is seen in gated communities, which are modern, yet can be traced back to the beginning of time. Very interesting and would love to see if anyone knows or has done research on this?!

3. Did anything you learned in CultureSmart! come true for you in your logistical interactions along the way?

The quote from CultureSmart!: “Even today, a degree of assertiveness is necessary,” (Tomalin 142) came true immediately exiting the airport. As we headed towards some taxis, some taxi drivers were extremely loud and assertive and would not take no for an answer from one of our handlers. At one point they–the handler–turned around and in a very cold and assertive manner said “no”. They–the taxi drivers–immediately backed down. This was a new yet startling experience. I thought to myself: how rude from the handler. Yet, if they didn’t respond in such a way we would probably still be getting heckled at. Very interesting experience. 

4. What is your strongest taste or scent memory of today? Why?

I must say that the taste of gelato is very DANGEROUS! It is so tasty that you could very easily overeat and overindulge yourself. That is why I claimed that gelato is DANGEROUS. After dinner, the guys and I went out to grab some gelato, and we very quickly asked ourselves why we didn’t start our day off in such a tactful manner. It was great. Also, the amount of different flavours was great and gave the customer, us, the ability to choose and mix things together. This was a pleasant surprise!

5. Did anything today remind you of life in NYC what was the most familiar part of the day?

The only thing that reminded me of NYC was a restaurant that is nearby which has “American” in its title. So, not much has reminded me of NYC which is a good thing because it means that I have immersed myself fully in this experience. This is helpful because I am viewing Italy through a lens that is not “American” or New York Citian”. Made the latter up! 

Great day!

–Moussa Toni Cissé