Rome via Brooklyn

word count: 437

Hi Professor and Classmates! I’m most excited about pasta!! And to get to know you all a little more. Originally I was excited about cafes and visiting landmarks but now I want real food haha. I saw some classmates at the airport and also Mohamed which was nice. Glad Mohamed could check on us before we leave.

My family just wants me to take a lot of pictures and eat lots of food for them. I’m also just excited to learn about Italy and some of the things that make it beautiful, unique, and so powerful. Im intrigued by Augustus and his effect on Rome. ALSO I WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE WATER SYSTEM A BIT?!.

My favorite word so far is oceano. I love water and can’t wait for our visit to the beach!!!! I know you’re not going to like this but I did start learning on Duolingo but transferred over to Busuu don’t hate me please haha. I’m on the plane now, praying for a safe journey for our cohort. Amen! 

Update 6/17

I loved seeing the pine trees that Professor Yarrow told us about. I think I’m a little more excited about the walking now that I’m slowly adapting to the change in time, but barely. Something I noticed on our trip is that a lot of women prioritize beauty, and I feel Americans aren’t this stylish or committed to heels, makeup, nails, and hair care. But I didn’t see it as much in our neighborhood yet. As stated on chapter 2 page 46 of culture smart we see it there “Above all other European nations, the Italians epitomize style. Fare bella figura—“to look good, to make the right impression”—is a social imperative, not a fashionable option.” fashion is very serious and that is very inspiring for me because i love beauty and fashion and seeing it around me in new york is different because people are a little more laid back about it generally speaking. I’m just fascinated by the Italian devotion to beauty; it’s different, but it’s wonderful.

Something else I found interesting in the text is in chapter 1, where we learn about land and people, “The Italians are the most European-minded of nations, emerging as they do from a long history of regional fragmentation…” I noticed that there is a general comfort and sense of commonality that I can’t name yet. I don’t know if I can see the regional fragmentation just yet, it’s only been a day but I do have questions about how this plays out in a modern context.

With love,

Shamiqua