Rome via Brooklyn

Word count: 715

Time to read: 4 minutes

We started the morning walking hastily to the train station. If there was one day we simply couldn’t be late, it was this one! Luckily, we made it just in time, and I found out from Danielle afterward that my walk toward the station was very determined and hurried. What can I say? You gotta do what you gotta do, especially since lateness meant I’d have to figure out transport in another city. For that reason, thank God we weren’t late, but more on that later.

In the station, we validated our tickets and made our way to our platform. I was trying to pay attention to every little thing about how to use the trains so as to ensure my upcoming weekend trip to Amalfi would be smooth sailing (no pun intended, but ferries were involved!). The train came and we went with it. The ride there made me all the more excited to have a group trip, as we all sat together. It was amazing seeing Professor Yarrow and Arden knit!

As we got off the train, we were greeted by two awesome people whose names I’ve forgotten in thanks to my memory. Regardless, we stood, now waiting for the bus to take us to see an artist skilled in making replicas. We waited, waited some more, and then waited even more time. The buses just weren’t coming! In this time, though, we planned a horseback riding trip and the stress of thinking we’d lost out on tickets made time go by much faster than it would have in normal circumstances. In the end, we got them! I was glad more than ever that I made it in time to go with my group. I can’t imagine the logistical stress that would come with students being separated.

With its passengers in tow, the bus took off and got us to a beautiful little town. We got to see the talented artist create a masterpiece in real time. His work is seriously seminal and I feel so pleased that we got to see it! I resonated so much with his philosophies and I felt especially vindicated by his dad’s words. He said, “If you can successfully paint a little vase, you can successfully paint a big vase.” I didn’t realize that smaller pieces were harder to make until I’d finally decided to make my first large piece. It was truly a moment where I both kicked myself for waiting so long to make one, while recognizing that I’d just discovered something magical!

After seeing the impressive live demo, we checked out his shop — could it get more awe-inspiring?! He’s truly a visionary and I’m so chuffed that we got to enjoy his work in person.

We had lunch reservations but still some time to kill, so my classmates and I walked around town. Very expectedly, I snapped some photos. They’re memories, I need them! We had plans to see Necropolis, but the bus decided we weren’t going to be so quick to do that. While I know it’s a headache to deal with when it comes because of delays, I’d never pass up a minute to just sit and silence and look out; you might really notice a beautifully casted shadow, a nicely shaped rock, or the biomechanics of a pigeon’s wings as it takes flight. All of this observational work makes for creating better paintings.

I was worried we wouldn’t make it in time for the beach, but I’m so glad we did. There’s nothing as freeing as swimming in water, and to allow it to humble you. In an instant, its tides can take you with them. You’re powerless, and you have to be willing to accept that as your feet inch from the dampened sand to the first wave drifting off.

Staring into the glistening waves dancing up and down in perfect line with the sun awakened me spiritually. That traceable line is unlike anything else. Each wave takes a part of the sun with it, turning it from a burning sphere into a melting and moving bridge, and when the sun is low enough, the illusion makes you think you can swim towards it; I want to be blinded by its never-ending horizon; I want to feel its kiss forever. In the moment I realized where I was, I breathed and knew this is where I needed to be.

That night, we all went home together, exhausted but smiling. I’ll always remember the walk from the beach to the train station. In front of me walked newfound friends, arms swinging as we walked downhill. We’ve become so comfortable with each other in such a short amount of time. I heard laughter, smelled sea salt, and felt peace. There’s more I can say, but I’ll hold that in my heart for now. What a good end to a Friday!