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.