2–3 minutes

14: Handling History

394 words, 2 minutes read time.

This morning, some of us got the great fortune of visiting the American Academy in Rome. It’s a beautiful property, with amazing grounds. Every corner was filled with history. The Rome prize fellowship winners on the walls, the fact that Galileo used his telescope there, so many students learning within. The energy was unmatched. I loved the garden outside where they grow herbs, tomatoes, figs, etc. I would love to take a cooking class in this type of setting, or just have my own garden one day. Every single piece we got to touch and interact with was so special. The beauty tools (applicator, Q-tip/cuticle pusher tool, tweezer) helped once again reinforce the idea that humans are not all that different, and when something works, we feel it. The mirror was stunning, it is beyond words. The careful tracing of the imagery, the real weight to it, it felt so real. That is how I would explain it, as if everything we have been learning and seeing from somewhat of a distance became close and real. That wall between fully understanding came down, and I was one with this history. Seeing the fingerprints of the people who made the oil lamp was so surreal, that same real feeling. Amazing experience, and I am so grateful to be able to be there. We then got some coffee and sipped it, looking at the walls filled with the Roman prize winners, so inspiring. 

Had a long walk to do some last-minute shopping with Jessica, where on the way we stopped to have a bite to eat, something very yummy that I forgot the name of, but it was fresh bread with pizza topping,s so like a middle ground of pizza and sandwich. Jessica got her tote bag from the cat sanctuary (4th time the charm), and I shopped for an airplane book (Metamorphosis thank you Jessica and Moussa for the rec) and found lots of books to get from the library to read in July. We got a Too Good to Go bag (recommend to everyone in New York it’s such a magical app and reduces food waste) and got some yummy things! Such a fun and amazing day 🙂 Its also hit me walking around that its one of the last days so we have to appreciate every little thing and hang on to every memory.

4 responses to “14: Handling History”

  1. jeyanov02 Avatar
    jeyanov02

    Hi Rachel! I totally agree it was such a privilege being able to see so many artifacts and handle history! I also agree that it was such a different experience from seeing all these objects in musuems and behind glass to finally being able to see them with our own eyes and touch them with our hands. I felt so much more connected to the history that we have been learning these weeks. Also, I’m so happy to have finally buy this tote bag from the cat sanctuary, but I think I would have to go for the fifth time to buy another one…

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  2. jahmad Avatar
    jahmad

    Hey Rachel, this post gives me major FOMO, and I wish I would have came! Moussa and I had gotten home late the night before, and would not have woken up that early to make it. Those plate’s designs were probably amazing to see up close.

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  3. Julia F 🌸 Avatar
    Julia F 🌸

    OMG I wish I had known they had too good to go bags in Rome!! I love getting them in the city because you get to try such delicious things that way for so cheap! Also – did you have focaccia by chance? Does that name ring a bell?

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  4. isabelherrera79 Avatar
    isabelherrera79

    I agree that it was such a privilege to be able to handle history and the mirror was incredibly beautiful. I do want to try too good to go so you definitely influenced me to download the app.

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