This is The End

Today marks the last activity and day of my Italian journey. This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I accredit my decision to take this trip to the President's Leadership Class. As I mentioned in my other blogs, I've always imagined studying abroad and now I get to say that I've done so. This has inspired me to create a list of places to travel, with Greece being the next destination at the top of my list. A quote on Pinterest I saw says, "you get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place like you'll not only miss the people you'll love but you'll miss the person are now at the time and place because you'll never the this way ever again." I feel as though I've found a different part of myself in Italy that I would love to bring back with me, but as the quote says,  there's a strange feeling that only takes place at that time and place. This exposure to a different culture and language has taught me a lesson concerning preconceived notions, acceptance, and open-mindedness. I thought I understood open-mindedness, but this experience redefined my ideology.

Today we visited the Five Star Movement, another activist group, that was very admirable and informative, but my focus for this last day was enjoying the moment, the scenery, the culture, and my fellow PLCers. I would have to say I accomplished this task at dinner as it was one entertaining night consisting of filing through the restaurant with tambourines and streamers, interacting with operatic singers, and singing the wrong lyrics to Amazing Grace. It was an unforgettable night. Following dinner, I even stepped out of my comfort zone an performed a Beyonce song onstage at a bar. (No I was not under the influence, I just wanted to create a memorable moment.) Italy will forever be ingrained in my heart.

Arrivederci Roma,

The {Hannah} Pope

The Day After Yesterday

You might be curious why I put the title the Day After Yesterday; it's because I don't want to think of tomorrow as my last day in Italy. With that being said, the learning content is beginning to lessen and the tears are starting to increase. The only academic event today was to attend an activism seminar. On the way to what we thought was a seminar, Kirk led us through another one of the epicenters of Italy, the Jewish ghetto. This term ghetto and its denotation has evolved as its initial meaning comes from the Italian word "ghettari" (sp). The ghettos were a place to manage foreigner; however they created their own thriving community. The Jews in 1943 were the backbone of the mercantile industry. This Jewish ghetto is so special not only because of the history but for the relationship and collectivism of the community. The loyalty to the neighbors of the community was eminent during the genocide of the culture. Because of the bravery and closeness of the community, only six thousand died when that number could have doubled. From there, we had a presentation with GreenPeace. The day was concluded with a group dinner.

Saturday and Sunday: A Weekend to Remember

This Saturday and Sunday morning began early and signaled the final weekend of my adventures in Italy. It marked the end of museums visits, underground cemeteries, and art officers saying "no photo," "shhhh," "silencio." For me, Saturday marked a day of history as I was able to visit the Vatican. Being a Pope, I felt as if I was right at home. On this day, we visited the museum within its gates with one of the most special memories being able to see the Sistine Chapel. The art inside was breathtaking, if not more spectacular and majestic than the other museums visited at the beginning of this experience.  With the hectic atmosphere and scurrying of the people inside the building, I almost became irritated, but I did not let that suppress the serenity and reality of being able to see one of the most esteemed paintings by Michelangelo. A lot of the artwork elaborated on by Kirk showed the juxtaposition of the physical and spiritual realm. Following the trek through the Vatican, yes I say trek as if felt like I walked half of a mile to reach the Sistine Chapel,  I went to the Bone Church. I had no idea what to expect, but I felt as though it would experience that I shouldn't pass up. Upon arriving, I realized that the place was not a church but a museum that housed the remains of many Saints and friars. The bones of these religious members in this place were arranged in such an artistic way that it created patterns and frames on the walls. One inscription that stayed with me was, "what your are we once were, what we are you will be." That quote gave me a chilling effect, making me understand that life is short and at any point you will cease to exist. It emphasizes how life should not be taken for granted.

Friday: The Colosseum

       Today has been one of the most adventurous and fast paced days of the week. From walking to the Pantheon, through hundreds of people to see the Colosseum, and running in the rain to eat lunch, I managed to create so many memories and understand that it's important to pack rain boots! It was the middle of the day before going to visits the activist groups and before lunch that the rain gods decided to crack the skies open. The rain started out as large droplets and then came the downpour. Three of the PLC girls and I found refuge and food in a café as we had to meet back with the group in an hour. Keep in mind, through this entire ordeal I was wearing a maxi skirt and open toed Clark sandals. It was inevitable that I was to get soaked even with an umbrellas. 

       When three o'clock rolled around, my wet feet screeched the floor as I walked into the day's activist presentation by Libera, an organization focused on spreading and education others about being anti-mafia and the strong influence that mafias have in the community. One way they spread information is by going to schools and neighborhoods to explain to the locals their rights as citizen ms and remind the students  of the opportunities available for work outside of the positions offered by the mafia. Another one of their big desires and projects are giving back to the community by acquiring the  litigated property of the mafia products from government and utilizing them in a way that benefits the people. Despite the slight language barrier through the presentation, the representative were very passionate about their cause and giving us reality check of how different mafias are depicted in the media. It was said that many of the problems with mafias originated in some U.S areas and come from the idea of corruption and payoffs among officials. This idea comes full circle to the points Dean Ray emphasized in class about how the Italian government is struggling to redevelop its political image and surpass the governmental deadlock with the amount of explicit corruption taking place

      Before visiting Libera, I was able to visit one of the topics of my childhood projects in school, the Colosseum. I walked up the steps of the Colosseum and was awestruck by the reality of standing where thousands of Romans and gladiators stood before me. The colosseum structure and architecture is amazing; however, the debauchery and heathen-like activities that took place were far from my version of entertainment and having fun. It was during Roman times that the Colosseum was used to house many fights that resulted in the slaughtering of an individual. The key here is that individual who died was almost, never a citizen. This goes to show the collective ethnocentrism of the Roman people that they have an intolerance for "straniero," or strangers. As a  PLC group, we visited the Pantheon where I was able to see the connection in the spirituality of the paintings and art of the time. The artist all had one mindset but different ways in expressing  the unified theme. The Pantheon was originally constructed under Agrippus, but after it was destroyed, it had been recommissioned under Hadrian. Furthermore, the arrangement and geometry of the building was magnificent. If you were to articulate the structure in layman terms it would be a circle within the square. This layout was a symbol of the relationship between the people and the gods.  The circle represents spirituality and the square represents the natural realm. 

       Each of the elements I was exposed to today ignited a desire for me to visit all of the other pieces of art and styles of architecture that I studied in middle school and high school. With that being said, my next stop is Athens, Greece as I thoroughly enjoyed Greek mythology. This trip is teaching me that you should take time in your life to explore the unknown and places that you have aspired to see , as you will regret not taking the chance later on in life.

Time Flies When You're On The Run... A Tues,Wed,Thurs Recap

Tuesday: This day would have to be my favorite so far in reference to art and camaraderie amongst my peers. I believe that we've come to value the experience of each moment rather than rushing through each activity and tour; at least that's my point of view. The hours in the days are really to starting speed up as well as how fast we are covering new information. It's Tuesday which means it's one week from our farewell dinner. I'm going to have to make the most of the rest of the days in Italy. I visited Florence again today, yet this experience consisted of visiting multiple museums that houses some of the most famous and popular Renaissance paintings and sculptures. In the first museum we visited, I was able to vividly look at the transition of the time period by the color, depth, and images in the painting. I am now understanding the information Kirk is drilling into our heads. In the Uffizi, which is now a museum but previously a three tiered offices space of the Medicee family. I was able to directly see the implementation of individualism after visiting the area that had three of the popular Madonna Enthroned paintings side by side. The biggest advancement in the art was the expression of emotion done through detail. I learned also that during the Renaissance death was one of the most reverenced and illustrated focuses on the lustrous depictions of the crucifixion, the glamor of the Medicee family sarcophaguses, and the creation of David symbolizing the death and defeat of the giant, Goliath. The David was one amazing sight (as it was divinely inspire) to see as I've only seen the sculpture in textbooks. The realistic vains, deep look, furrowed eyebrows, are all components that make the sculpture so great. After we left Florence, we headed back home to Arrezzo for a family dinner to enjoy our time as tomorrow is the last day in Arrezzo.

Wednesday: With today being the last day in Arrezzo, Kirk gave us the final history of Arrezzo with a 2 hour tour of the cathedrals and basilicas. The churches were used as a place to create community. We also learned that Arrezzo was one of the first Christian cities outside of Rome. Arrezzo holds a lot of history that we were fortunate enough to be exposed to as it could have remained submerged under layers of limestone like the Romans and Etruscans when ,in the 1560's, the Medicee family definitively destroyed the city. This tour was followed by a class period on activism where we capitalized the main correlations between the UnitedStates and Italy. Those correlations came from the fact that both countries are in debt, are governmentally deadlocked, and have low unemployment rates for recent college graduate students. I believe that it is important that we truly figure out the reasoning behind our inconsistencies and flaws  so that we can solve it  in way that successfully influences the most people. The rest of the day was spent with my PLC classmates at Kirk Duclaux's house. This Duclaux led barbecue taught me a lesson sent ,through one my advisors, that each moment requires full focus of your attention. Although you'd still have obligations it is necessary that sometimes you take a break. "There's a right time and place for everything." 

Thursday: Today was one of the most relaxed days yet. We took a day trip to Siena "The City of the Virgin." This city's epithet comes from the history of its troubled times where 3 people prayed to the Virgin Mary and the problems ceased. This miraculousness was also represented in the Battle of Montiperdi (sp) in 1260 where the Siennese beat the Florentine army even when all odds were against them. From that day, the Virgin Mary has been the theme of the church; she is often referred to as  "Queen of Heaven" because she has interceded on behalf of Sienna in so many ways. The city was even "wedded" to her. 

Once we reached the central square of Sienna, we were lead to the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana and the Siena Cathedral, as well as the Church of the San Dominico. My most breathtaking moment came when I stepped into the cathedral as I saw the most breathtaking architecture, marbled floors, and frescos. I felt as though I were looking directly at a picture from the text book. I have been so humbled to be exposed to such creativity and divinely inspired works of art. The specificity and collectivity of all of the proportions and artworks in the church to provide one message and theme blows my mind.  As I leave Sienna headed to Rome, I anticipate visiting the Colosseum tomorrow as I have dreamt of this moment since my middle school years. 

Stammi bene, arrivederci

Duel to Rule

Monday's Post

On Today's agenda we had a day trip to Florence a city that is home to the ground breaking of the Roman Empire and the colonization of mercantilism. We took a train from Arrezzo to Florence. This was my first time traveling by train and it wasn't an overwhelming experience; it seemed like I had done it before. The only thing I experienced differently was the change in speed that caused my ears to pop as we reach high speeds of 152 kilometers per hour. Unloading the train we made our way into the heart and center of Florence, the Piazza della Republica. As I previously mentioned, this area was where Roman re-birth began. The significance in this newness is the revival of classical antiquity, individualism, and vernacular. As a group we were able to see some of the prominent structures of the Catholic Church and Renaissiance history of this town from the high rise homes identifying the families in power as well as the areas that were being restored from the WorldWar. Not only were the city's structural buildings indicators of the Italian character it explained the culture that made us understand why they are so similarly ethnocentric as Americans and how difficult it is to overcome your sense of self. Kirk has explained that from the beginning unifying the people has been difficult from as there were so many wealthy families districts that at some point there needed to be a dictator that would require congeniality. This power control issue between merchants and aristocracies and tensions concerning the "so called" streets sparked creation of individualism in reference to looking at details and people in their own context. This idea of context is also applicable in leadership context. There is no way for a student organization or governing people to remain in existence if there are multiple people acting as the dictator rather than cohorts or a team. It takes the administration of one wise person and one unified idea. This city's breaking point for unification was solidified in the 1290 by the Ghibbelines and the additional influence of the church within the homes. 

The Renaissance was also a period and style in which the physical and metaphysical became yin and yang. The church was a place that offered life and light; therefore, throughout this time period, artists incorporated the individualistic style and depicted religious leaders like the everyday person, still showing some religious respect, which gave them the reminder that ministers are humans too. Everything starts to begin with opening the space and initiating communication between the object and the art. And in this case we students are the object. Furthermore it means, miracles can happen for the people as well which leads back to the fact that the church provides light or an understanding that each person can underwing. This brings me to the fact that artistry and the images sculpted in the side of the church and painted on the ceilings allowed for the revelation of the miracles that were performed by the saints in way that even the illiterate people's in the 1400s could receive. My favorite historical site and depiction of the life of Christ and judgment was in the St.John Baptistry (pictured below) 

This gold painted ceiling in the Baptistry is comprised of symmetry and history. The parables are arranged in a comic books sort of way. This choice of color immediately draws attention to the viewer and evokes a feeling of light from above as if God's light shines on you at all time. From the image you can see that it's more of an octagonal shape rather the traditional circle dome. There is great significance in this shape and the value of 8; eight is the number of judgment and beginning of new life as God created the Earth and on the seventh day he rested and a new life began. This is another connection why people went to the church to experience this "life." Although the shape is octagonal the story is being told in a round which represents God's eternity and continuity. I was amazed by this and I feel as though the reverence for these cathedrals and churches should be implemented in the United States. In today's time the same respect is not shown as people show up to churches with immodest clothing. Some people even host receptions there. This history and knowledge is important and I have much greater respect for the current architectures who are insistent on preserving this art so that others can become appreciative. 

Sunday Funday

Today's a new day and I have completed a full week in this beautiful country. This morning  was different for me as I'm used to waking up for Sunday School and going to church with my family; it almost made me become homesick but I didn't let that feeling stay long. At 8:45am PLC and I took a bus ride to Cortona where we were able to experience the beautiful cathedral overlooking the city, an ancient fortress, and many other shops. My favorite part of the experience was getting to see the beautiful church full with depictions of Christ's death and miracles being performed. The Corinthian style columns were meticulously and strategically placed. The ceilings were breathtaking. I could imagine being distracted by the artwork while the preacher is giving the homily. While sitting on one of the pews, I just began thinking how I couldn't fathom how much time was spent painting and concentrating on such an important job; I'm curious as to how long it took to for the artist or artist to complete their work. I left the Cathedral appreciative of the artwork and thankful for the downhill walk, because the trip from the city to the top was quite the workout (It totally reinforced my expectation for calves of steel by the time I leave). After leaving the church I explored  many shops and had lunch. I wish I had more time to explore Cortona. After returning to Arrezzo from the day run, I went to mass with my roommate Sarah. Although I am not Catholic, I felt as though it would be important in supporting her decision to go alone and would also expose me to a new point of view on faith and order of service. This experience was not intended to change my Christian denomination but an opportunity to see more art and culture. Initially the service was hard to follow as I just followed Sarah's lead and she was confused as well. We arrived and there was some sort of service going on, in Italian. We had no idea what was being said but it is our willing hearts and open mind that the holly spirit honors for even having the mindset to attend a service. Come to find out we went to the wrong church expecting service to start at 5:30 but this specific services started at 6.  It was a funny memory we had made together and a learning opportunity for me.  Once mass concluded, we had group dinner and my day was completed....right after I bought some arachide flavored gelato (snickers peanut butter flavored). I'm looking forward to this last full week of activism and art.

Should I Stay {in Arrezzo} or Should I Go?

Overall, Saturday has been an amazing day as I had the opportunity to sleep in and I'm feeling refreshed. (Finally adjusted to the Italian time). I slept way later than I anticipated, but I'm not complaining. Today's agenda called for doing whatever your heart desired; some people took the train to Pisa and others chose to hike and adventure in Stia. I was led to stay in the historic province of Arrezzo and experience the city in it's entirety. During the week, we were only able to see the shop owners but on Saturdays we get to see the elderly couples buying gelato and other groups visiting the museums. My roommate and I decided to begin the morning with a trip to the market which was much different than I imagine but that was my own fault as I allowed my preconceived notions to rule me again. This market wasn't much of a produce provider but more of textile items such as clothing, houseware, and shoes. It was an interesting set up that was similar to a flea market, but it was nice to see the people milling around. It was the skies that opened up as we walked down the crowded, vendor filled street that reminded us that we haven't had breakfast. Looking at the clock that read 12 made me realize that it was time for lunch. We went to a delicious pizzeria and ordered pizza (of course) and a cappuccino. From there we used the rest of the day to visit small shops and boutiques which is where I saw a huge difference in Italian and American culture. When purchasing clothing, I noticed that finding pants and shirts designed for my body type was difficult and that they didn't carry a large quantity of sizes greater than a medium. Italians are notably smaller than Americans. I believe that the American body type is attributed to our carb and refined sugar diets, sedentary lifestyle, and the tendency to be always on the go. In contrast, Italians have smaller portions, transport themselves by walking, and aren't in a rush when it comes to spending time with others and even preparing meals. Walking, I think, is one way that Italy and other European countries surpass the United States. The lack of exercise in our home country has a huge influence on the rise of the percentage of people developing chronic diseases and diabetes. This also comes from the fact that we let media and electronics captivate most of our attention. This trip I have yet to watch television and spend multiple hours on social media. Upon my return to the United States, I will implement my simplistic behaviors that I learned here and apply it there. Coming to Arrezzo has given me the epiphany that it is absolutely necessary to slow down, because life will pass you by and you will never cherish the moments because you're consumed with checking off what to do next on the "to-do" list rather than focusing on each task fully.

Stammi bene, arrivederci

Don't "Wine" Because You're Not in Italy

Blog Friday

You would think that after the fifth day in a different time zone that I would have adjusted to the change; unfortunately, I have yet to get my circadian rhythm in order. At 8:10 I peeled myself from under the covers to be downstairs dressed and have had breakfast at 8:45a.m to head to class. The festivities of the day commenced with a review of Rondine and how that could be applicable to the students at the University of Oklahoma. I believe that implementing a similar program at the University is great in teaching students to be aware of the diversity and how to integrate;  however, the process in selecting people in a way that Rondine does would limit the population that you would be able to educate and influence. Our recap was interrupted by a visit from the Comitato Aqua Pubblica which is an activist group who's initiative is to displace the control of the water supply business out of the possession of private management and into the hands of the people. With the responsibility of water, a public good, subject to the discretion of private entities, the townspeople pay are being forced to pay high taxes on water but receive a lesser quality not worth the money that's being paid. The apparent problem is that the private industries have taken this control as an opportunity to turn public services into a money making game. It's unethical for these companies to hold such a resource as they cannot relate to the lower and middle class citizens needs for water and then save their money while the "elites" have the ability to unquestionably meet their needs because of their influence and money. Because of this problem, Aqua Pubblica has been lobbying for the change in power. It was in 2007 that the organization was required to get 10,000 signatures to suggest a law against private industries. It was in 2010 when the shift came as the proposition moved up to more important officials and that Aqua Pubblica's law reached a referendum in which they had to obtain and reached a required 1,000,000 signatures in support of the new law. This group's law passed however there was one discrepancy, the policy of the passed agreement did not change; therefore, the legal obligations allow for the private entities to control the water system. 

  Although the issue remains, it has fueled an even greater passion within the people of this organization to put this to a stop. I would have to say that this relates to each one of our lives, sometimes it takes the clip of the last straw to fully exert yourself towards accomplishing something you want as a leader. I honestly believe that if you don't encounter problems and setbacks in your life you won't be able to learn how to persevere or understand the concept of motivation. Life isn't always "a fairy tale" and it's going to take hard work and a willing mind for things to happen. The activist from Aqua Pubblica has the definition of a willing mind as he has chosen to step up and run for mayor, where he would have more influence and a higher chain of command. He said, "let's take retake the services on the community side." The private companies tried to wait out their petitions and lobbying yet this organization still stands awaiting a breakthrough. From this class period, I have seen the definition of determination and dedication. If you are truly advocating change and pursuing something of great value,  a few "nos" and setbacks will not stop you. One over used saying that I love is "it's just a minor setback for a major comeback." I can attest to this for my senior of high school I faced a debilitating stomach condition that caused me to miss sixty plus days of school, quite a few activities, and scholarship opportunities to the point that I wasn't sure that I was going to graduate but I was determined to graduate and be at the University of Oklahoma in the fall. I pushed past my illness. One year later I'm studying abroad with one of the most prestigious freshman groups at the University of Oklahoma. 

 









After class, around 2:30pm, my group, San Fransesco and another; walked to La Stricia, one of the most beautiful vineyards in Arrezzo. The extended and rolling view of vines and green were picturesque. It reminded of how important is that we take time to admire nature. After a tour of the vineyards, we were able to see where the process to make wine takes place and treated to a wine tasting. I figured out that Welch's sparkling grape juice and virgin piña coladas are a better suit for me :) I am having such a great time in Italy and I feel as though this trip is giving me the chance to see myself and appreciate the cultural and academic opportunities that I have been fortunate enough to receive.

Peace, Love, and Pasta

It is Thursday which means that I am approaching the weekend, and that I'm much closer to completing my first of the two weeks in Italy. The first four days have definitely been a learning experience; one that does not compare to a lecture set in a large classroom of 300 plus people for 50 minutes (cough Dale Hall). The structure of the course requires active listening and participation. Kirk and Dean Ray have unlocked intellectual doors within my mind concerning Italian culture, art, and activism. It's more to each of these concepts than defining and knowing about them; it's about making it applicable to your life as well as other scenarios. As an audience member with these presentations, you get to be apart of the presenters stories as you can see and hear the passion behind their experiences. I think that our direct contact with activists foster a sense of reality that would not have surfaced if they were not brought in to speak. Today during our visit to Rondine, I was reminded of how jaded we (Americans) are when it comes foreign conflict and how people outside of the United States live such restricted lives on a daily basis; I don't say that to minimize other countries but in a way that shows how appreciative I am to live in a privileged nation.
Upon reaching Rondine, the PLC team was greated by four students who were apart of this community. To give a little history concerning Rondine, Rondine began  in the past it was place where soldiers during the Russian and Chechyn were able to go during the war conflict, while now it is a small community of 30 students from many countries who are in conflict . Students come here to study and make peace with their enemy nation and putting them in an environment that requires them to interact , which in return will initiate the dismissal of the stigma between them. The ultimate goal is for students to leave with a sense of clarity about his adversary's culture and to advance his or hers life in a way that could provide leadership in their home country. Although, the Rondine community has this place of refuge for 1 or more years, the students still returns to the destruction and chaos of their cities. One testimony from a Pakistani man said that he was harassed for speaking out about nine eleven in an interview that was unexpectedly published. He even voiced his concern about how much money their government invests on nuclear weapons instead of fund 12 hours of electricity. As students, we mentioned how the U.S. often intercedes in foreign affairs and wanted to know his thoughts. The biggest thing he said that spoke to me was that the U.S. and other governments are helpful, but they want to issue the money where they feel it should be issued rather than where the country needs the money or intervention the most.  This topic also reminds me of my dad when I'm assisting him at home, he says "help others how they want you to help them." And I feel as though more problems can be solved globally if we can pinpoint the need of the country and not the immediate want to make a quick fix.
To end on a high note, after the trip to Rondine,  I learned to make three types of pasta: tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi. I was a natural according to the workshop facilitator who said, "perfecto," while admiring my dough rolling and cutting skills. That's one nugget of culture that I can bring back to my family to experience (as well as another perk that I can put in my toolbox to pull out in my marital years). Pasta today and the winery tomorrow. Lo amo l'Italia.

Stammi bene, arrivederci

In Transition

Today's events commenced an hour earlier than yesterday. I definitely felt the effects of this time adjustment; however, I believe the sleep loss is worth much less than the gain that comes with the introduction of new, life-applicable knowledge. At 8:45a.m the group began the trip to Fraternitá Dei Lacia where we met activist Luca. Luca represents the Arrezzo area Caritas organization, which is an activist group that's non governmental and supported by the Catholic Church. Caritas' aim is to put their faith in action by following the examples of the Saints who typified the virtues of charity and service. Luca along with other volunteers apart of Caritas strive to assist those affected by humanitarian crisis by establishing a mutual project with their "refugees" that "teach a man to feed himself for a lifetime, rather than one day" per-say. The goal is to indirectly yet directly instill the Caritas' values and character by nurturing each person wholly, while also giving them freedom to see theirselves. The phrases that I extracted from Luca's definition of the organization are "common task" and "process of influence." To fix a large crisis such as poverty, or to initiate some variation of global reform, it takes a common goal or unified mindset pertaining to what, who, and why their needs to be altered. And the corporate mindset of activist groups ,such as the one previously mentioned, is the reason why they are successful because each volunteer's desire is to better the world. One thing we must also understand is that although reconstruction may have begun, we may not immediately see results, which is why leadership and activism is a "process of influence." It takes time and development.
Following this activism enlightenment, there was the normal second breakfast routine. Today I actually received a true meal rather than a crepe or pastry. Lunch was an admirable experience as the scorching sun was gracious enough to allow seven of my peers and I to dine out on the restaurant patio. From there, we traipsed towards the steps of the San Fransesco Church where I received a review of European history from the 1200s to1564 that I had learned about as a sophomore in high school. This was where Kirk began to paint a historic timeline with words and set the precedents of the style and message the artwork inside the church intends to communicate. This enrichment was really helpful as this gave me a better understand, after the artwork viewing, of the collectivity and interconnectedness of the past and the present religiously(spiritually) and historically. The specific revelation in the art was "the finding and the proving of the true cross." I was taken aback by the beauty, strategy, and how deeply rooted Catholicism and Christianity is integrated into Italian, early-Renaissance art, but how could it not as these religious happenings and miracles of the past prompted these instances to be illustrated and shared. Piero Della Fransesca's art became a vehicle for a reflection. He brought about an individualistic style in comparison to the previously universal approach by incorporating the physical and metaphysical. Art continues to be a conduit in which the viewer is able to channel and relive the emotion captured in a moment that, in reality, lasts forever.                        

Secondo Giorno

Today begins day 2 here in Arrezzo and I am starting to become accustomed to all of the hills and how many times that I will roll my ankle on the cobblestone roads if I'm not careful. This morning at 9:30 (European time) I started off with a traditional Italian continental breakfast and was faced with a culture shock, for when our advisors mentioned continental breakfast I expected to come downstairs to a hearty meal of bacon, scrambled, eggs, and oatmeal. My expectation failed me as I walked into the breakfast room to approach a breakfast bar filled with fluffy, golden pastries, jams, and fruit. This moment exemplified that even our unconscious thoughts can override reality and that our engrained way of life can interfere with the introduction of a new culture. Knowing that, I'm learning that is going to take a conscious decision to put aside all ore-existing schemes concerning the culture and just live on the edge, which according to my personal ideals is no way to live your life. Currently, I am living out what I don't believe. My UZoo animal is an eagle and these kinds of people, I, crave details, time, timelines, and schedules. As of right now, I  do not posses a schedule of events for tomorrow or the weeks activities and in return it is causing me to "live on the edge" as Clark Stroud suggested. I'm not sure if I like this ordeal yet, but I believe it's budding some sort of adventurous seed in my reserved personality.
  This morning I had orientation at 10 followed by second brunch which is the American comparison of lunch. During this time, some of my fellow PLC pals and I stopped at small bar or café to where I order a cappuccino and a chocolate filled croissant (healthy lunch right?). Ordering at the cafés these past two days has allowed me to pick up on some of the terminology and Italian vernacular which is another learning aspect outside of the classroom. Speaking of class, today was our first session where got our introduction of art, activism,a small leadership in one of the buildings called the Fraternitá Dei Laici in the grand piazza, or square. In reference to piazzas, I learned that these squares are often encased by small shops, ristorantes, cafés and churches. Piazzas are heavily concentrated areas as this is the area where people of all ages convene, converse, and indulge in delicatessens. Delicatessen over indulgence is one of my concerns but with the freights up and down the terrain I hope to burn off the calories (and have calves of steel by the end of the 3 weeks).
Reverting back the academic focus of my post, I can say the lesson introductory taught by Kirk on art history and Dean Ray on activism kept me engaged and brainstorming. The biggest take away form today was the recipe to foster leadership creativity for Kirk says that, we as "patrons depict the creative outcome." Those three words are virtuosity, imagination, and engagement; I believe those are principles on which we should live, especially as leaders who interact and "engage" with our peers daily. To me imagination is one thing that we all possess, for this is how we establish important goals that we aspire to achieve. We must dream and conjure an image of what we wish to see or change just as those artisans in the Middle Ages who framed a collective mindset within the people by painting certain pictures that evoked a message. Although artistry did not become a tool for political change until the period of the printing press, it still acted as a conduit for change. Furthermore, as leaders we must send the right message by framing and articulating the correct ordeals and virtues on which we stand explaining why we have been appointed as leaders. The big question that came up in discussion was "who gives value?" which brings me to the question of "how is it that we are leaders, what made us qualified?" My virtues and actions qualify me as a leader. That's why Kirk says virtuosity is a factor in leadership, for you must posses morals and values to be able to effectively make positive decisions for the people you represent. By engaging with the group, you can come to find out what's the greatest good to implement for the success of the group. Engagement also has the opportunity to "get the creative juices flowing." Once the imagination starts many things can happen. Often time my dad says dream and imagine big things, for if in mind I can conceive it, and in my heart that I can believe it, it is through Christ that these dreams will come into fruition. And my dream to study abroad has come to life.

Until tomorrow,
Stammi bene, arrivederci  

   

Welcome to Italia

Buongiorno from the {Hannah} Pope in Italia,

After arriving and passing through Italian customs from my 8 hour and 47 minute flight, that was delayed twice and then moved up, and then enduring traveling three more hours by a bus that wound the through the fields and across the countryside of Italy, I have arrived and settled into the heart and one of the most historic areas of Italy, Arrezzo. Upon arriving at my five star Italian hotel, Hotel Vogue, my fellow PLCers and I we were greeted with post travel refreshments and  then directed to dive directly into the culture and study abroad experience as we set out for a tour led by Charlotte Duclaux the wife of Kirk Duclaux, our program director for our time here in Arrezzo. From this tour, I began to absorb the spirit of diversity and adventure as this trip marks my first account with studying abroad and having a first hand experience with other cultures in their environments, which in this case means that I am not longer a part of the dominant American group but rather a minority in Italy. As a leader, I have learned that being a minority isn't always a negative thing, but it opens the curtains to the things we often overlook  yet it allows us to gain new knowledge. On that short tour aimed to get my bearings of the city, I saw foreshadowing and became excited and anticipatory of the other educational and historical learning opportunities to come.
To go in reverse, the last few minutes of the bus ride was the time in which I began my initial encounter with Italian history and cuisine. It was on our midway stop to Arrezzo from the airport that I had my first Italian snack, a curdo & mozzarella which was a toasted ham sandwich on baguette-like bread. This was only a small fraction of my tipoff of being apart of the Italian game for as we neared the "hillic" on which Arrezzo stands I learned of the birth of this country and how it was and is going through an industrial rebirth as the damage to this cities economy and ability thrive goes beyond just a couple years. Arrezzo was badly bombed during the World War and it's manufacturing and industry continues to carry out reconstruction each day to regain the success of its business. Out of thousands of manufacturing companies only few have managed to remain productive. With that being said, Arrezo is known for its gold industry and this position that it previously held as being one of the most influential and thriving places has motivated its people to redefine the countries heritage and history. Hearing about these events that often go untold and seeing the architecture of the city makes me ecstatic that I took interest in studying abroad as this has given me a different aspect on how important it is to interact with history, economy, politics, language, and people beyond my immediate environment. I look forward to what other events are to come and other 10 o'clock gelato runs like tonight.

Stammi bene, arrivederci