A Different Type of Journey

No prompts, no guidelines- Simply me

Side note: (Created back in October 0f 2010)  I decided to make my own prompt, “Lost and Found- The real meaning of the phrase.”  This is not a journal for a class, but my own personal thoughts spewed across the page.  I felt the need to write, to create, to express the culminating experience I have had throughout my European journey.  And here it goes.

The class I just came from, the culminating class to Stories and Traditions, got me thinking- which is not all that surprising considering these entire past eight weeks have kept my mind in a constant frenzy.  Every single day I wake up to learn, not just about the culture surrounding me, but about myself.  Someone in class brought up the topic of finding yourself here.  I have said that phrase as well in these past couple of weeks as I sat on a roof talking to my newly dear friend Maria.  I have sorted through endless thoughts that burdened me back home in the States.  Every buzz and ring of the cell phone I leapt at, and every boyfriend I had ever had remained in the back of my thoughts as I contemplated why things turned out how they did.  However, sitting in Castel Gandolfo, for the first time in my life, I felt nothing but freedom.  Freedom from obligations- whether it be picking up that cell phone and responding, heading off to work bright and early in the morning, or even sitting down to unwind and watch my favorite television shows.  Yet instead of needing to relax from a day of distractions, I unwound from the constant input of new information and learning I found in every moment here. 

But to be honest, I do not believe anyone is ever truly found.  Life is an entire journey of finding and being on an endless expedition of "Who am I?".  Every person one talks to, one learns a little bit about themselves or life in general.  Whether it be a good friend or family member and having a deep, meaningful conversation, or dealing with that self-absorbed, hard to please customer you realize you never want to be.  There is always a fork in the road one must choose between, showing that you have not really reached that final destination- not yet.

 

Every conversation, every moment is new and fresh.  Do we catch ourselves in ruts of repetition and find ourselves stagnant?  Absolutely.  Back home, I have almost the same routine.  During the school year, I wake up at the same time for class, pour myself the same bowl of cereal, check my email address and facebook, wash my face and put on makeup the same way, change, and head to class.  I go to lunch and dinner at the same time with mostly the same people, go back to my dorm room and study from the same books, and repeat the very next day.  On the weekends I journey on home to spend time with my family.  I wake up going through the same routine, go to the same place I have worked at for the past five years, come home and maybe play with my dog or stop at the store nearby, and continue on back to school that Sunday night.  Here, in Italy, I found that even on this endless journey I have forced myself to develop my own routine.  I wake up, check online for any updates I am missing back home, get ready, head down to breakfast, and am off to class.  Afterwards we take the train into the city, take endless amounts of pictures, complete what we need to do, head back to campus, finish my work, and go to bed.  When it comes down to it, it seems that everyone loves a great routine, but my question is why?

Many people do not like to feel like they are lost.  People often want to be in control, avoid change and the unfamiliar, and stay with what they know.  Yet, here in Italy, many of us have found that being lost has created some of the best experiences possible.  Getting lost in Sorrento, Maria and I found ourselves on a beautiful stretch of God’s earth- a beach and boardwalk off of a boating dock.  We continued on back and found ourselves at a random hotel having a coffee and a three hour conversation about life and love.  Getting lost in Rome, I have found a slice of confidence and independence I did not know I had within.  Instead of plugging my GPS into my car, I walked around anywhere and everywhere- most commonly in the wrong direction.  I have been separated from the entire group and panicked, only to find that I had the ability to be on my own in a great big city and have everything turn out not just okay, but wonderful.  I found myself saying “dov’e,” the Italian phrase for “where is,” more often than hello and goodbye.  And by not understanding the directions given, I have found myself at the best gelaterias, having the heartiest, most genuine laughs with a great group of people I had not previously known. 

Possibly most importantly, getting lost in my thoughts has been the greatest journey of all.  I have written numerous personal journals of self-exploration, questions which may never be answered, and ideas I will cherish for a lifetime.  I have found what I believe to be important.  Sitting on the roof with a friend, sitting on beaches across the Italian coast, sitting on a train for forty minutes a day each way, I have had time for reflection and sorting out what was lost back home.  Instead of being tied down by obligations and stress, the ropes were loosened and I was free to go beyond the life I had back home.  I was and am able to see more clearly than before, and through that freedom to be lost, I have chosen paths which helped me to find.  I have found friendships in others, developed a love for myself, had dreams become reality, and discovered the potential of a boundless faith in God.  I have found that being lost is the best way to discover, to learn, and to see.  That to think you found yourself completely leaves out room to get lost again and continue to learn.  That routines are not bad, but should be broken now and again to free oneself from daily obligation.  I have found that even when life gets ugly and you do not know where to turn, life is beautiful because you are not there just yet.  You still have time to get lost, to find a little bit more on that path, and get lost yet again as you make that next turn in the road.  I am only in Italy for five more days, but I still have a lifetime of many more decisions to make, people to meet, and dreams to create.  The beauty of life lives on in that I still have time to get lost.            

Art that Lasts a Lifetime

Prompt:  How does art happen?

The vibrant splatter of paint on a daunting white canvas, the crack of a piece of marble with a carefully placed chisel, and the lead of a pencil streaking across an empty page are all moments of miraculous art waiting to be shared with others.  Art happens when an image is planted in the mind of someone craving to put an idea into reality.  Art can be created through paints, pastels, film, marble, and endless materials one may not even think of.  However, what matters is what hands these materials are placed in.  As long as this person is willing to create and express a piece of their self, art is happening.  After all, I have created both well done and not so well done work.  Yet regardless of the outcome, art has still occurred and a piece has implanted in the soul of the artist and the onlooker.  Once completed, the artist has freed themselves of the itching need for self expression- at least until next time- until the next idea fills the eager mind.

From the moment many people reach the ability to create, people desire to partake in art.  Though possibly unaware, even at a young age art happens frequently.  I know as a child I loved the feel of a crayon rolling along the smooth page of my brand new princess coloring book.  Though these colors ran together and did not even stay within the neatly placed lines as the creators intended, art happened.  After all, true art does not follow a rulebook of guidelines.  I just wanted to fill each spot on every page with my mark and my idea of beauty for dad to hang proudly on his desk at work, which he always did.  When the first colorful bin of chalk found its way in front of me, the driveway was quickly filled with endless sea creatures, stick-figure family portraits, and depths of my childlike imagination.  Once I shared these ideas across the recently washed driveway, art happened.  I created forts out of blankets and pillows, which to me was just as strong and brilliant as the towering Roman forums and palaces I see before me today.  Though not sturdy and substantial like the marble and bronze people of ancient times used, the cotton stitched blankets still expressed my artistic imagination brewing within. 

As time continued on, the materials and ideas of the artist changed but the action remained the same.  I graduated from crayons on up to markers, glue, and the oh-so desirable glitter.  I left my work on blue, red, and pink construction paper, and unfortunately for my mom, sometimes the carpet.  After all, nobody ever said art had to happen neatly.  When the first pair of scissors weaseled their awkward way into my still too small hands and I learned their ways, I created snowflakes of all shapes and sizes for a holiday extravaganza.  Afterwards, I compacted snow to form life-size creations of my own version of Frosty, decorated cookies with an assortment of frostings and sprinkles, and drew a picture for my parents in front of the cozy fire to hang on the fridge.  Seasons changed, and in the spring I made a bouquet assortment of the best dandelions and weeds all over town.  My mom placed the piece of art in our best vase in the center of our dinner table for all to appreciate and admire. 

Still, time waited for nobody, and instead of writing “To Mommy” on the top of my picture, I signed my name and handed works into Ms. Seitz, my middle school art teacher.  We wrote our name in huge block letters in the front of our booklets with colored pencils.  She taught me how to shade, use the color wheel, and distinguish when to use warm and cool colors.  I mixed primary paints together, and to my disbelief, made some of my favorite shades which she liked to call secondary colors.  We were taught that each person has their own perspective when creating art and that everything has shadows, depth, and varying composition.  We were graded on how well we used techniques and the time and effort we put into each one.  I could not whip out my crayon and color for pure enjoyment, but instead took out my carefully constructed plan and went to work. 

High school rolled around quickly and with that came diverse notions of art.  We learned what art was and meant, and how it changed with the time period and availability of materials.  We became aware of the fact that art happened differently in the eyes of van Gogh, da Vinci, Monet, and Picasso.  Not everything had to makes sense, as art now required interpretation.  Meticulously, we sketched, painted, and created for hours on end.  I was pleased when my art was not just hung upon our fridge with a magnet, but placed on a wall to be judged with an award winning certificate next to my name.  Art happened and I was pleased with the progression of ability I was attaining.

Finally, the time has come for my new definition of art.  I write to you sitting in Rome, surrounded by brilliant works I never thought I would have the liberty to see.  I have recently been introduced to a style of art known as etching by Gina Marziale and had the pleasure of attempting to create my own.  With my class, I have learned about art from the time of the Etruscans up until the Baroque period.  I have appreciated the statue of David soaring high above me, walked through the Uffizi Museum, and gazed in awe at the architecture of endless churches and synagogues.  I have not only witness, but been in and on the immense structures of the Coliseum, Pantheon, and Spanish steps.  The names Bernini and Brunelleschi have become commonplace in my life here the past eight weeks and I sit here finding myself truly blessed.  All of these artists have made art happen, not just for themselves, but for those who witness their art to this very day.  Art happens not only when the brush or chisel hits that piece of work but also when the onlooker deciphers what that piece of work means to them.  Art continues to happen as the message and idea first inspired by the artist connects with another and stays with them.  Art happens all around us and all of the time.  Whether art be a toddler grabbing that crayon for the first time or a fanatic viewing their favorite painting for the fiftieth time, art will persist and continue on.       

      

Nowhere to Turn

Journal Prompt: “Jews, Gypsies, North Africans and Mexicans.”

Piercing, relentless stares cloud the air when people do not know much about others and decide to stereotype a group of people.  Jews, Gypsies, North Africans, and Mexicans are just a few groups of people that face stereotypes and prejudice around Rome and throughout the world.  During my trip in the great city, I cannot say I have been free from subjecting all people to such stereotypes, for I have glared at more Gypsies these past six weeks than I can count on my fingers.  I justify it as ok since they are after my precious belongings of which I have worked so very hard for.  Yet there is an element of sorrow and distress lingering when I let a little boy in tattered, dirty clothes walk away empty handed with an empty stomach as I clutch my new leather purse to my stomach which was just filled with a mouthwatering panino and gelato.  The child knows not what he does.  He has been raised to beg, and as we are told, to steal when you are not looking.  So if everything you know is trying to stay alive day by day and the way to survive is through taking from others, who is to blame?  After all, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”  Is ignorance in the eyes of the Gypsy who was taught how to survive by the Gypsies before him, or in the eyes of the “victim” they stole from who may have all they need in the world and may not so much as glance back in the Gypsy’s direction?  The answer sadly is probably both with an unfortunately large amount of gray area in between.

Complex issues such as these may never get resolved and are a struggle for anyone and almost everyone in their daily life.  The people who live their lives through poor decisions ruin the potential trust one may have for an entire group of people.  However, many of these stereotypes do not arise as a result of the wrongdoing of anybody in the erroneously classified group of people.  Jews have been persecuted relentlessly over time for simply having a separate religion, North Africans have been conquered over time by Romans and Islam for the resources they have around them (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Africa), and many Mexicans face poverty but are unable to escape through the borders to the United States.  So where do we go when nobody has the right answer for justice and equality for all?  Can we actually help all of these people when we need to get by ourselves?  After all, as discussed in class, many tax dollars already go to the Gypsies who are in need and various countries allow for the immigration of numerous individuals. 

Immigration is a very important issue when it comes down to opening arms to the struggling groups.  A speaker came recently to our class in Rome and spoke of the issues regarding immigration into Italy.  22.4% of those coming into the country come from Africa, and although only one percent comes by boat from Northern Africa to Siciliy, the Italian government spends millions of dollars each year to keep this from happening.  So why spend such a large sum on such a small amount of people?  Could the money not be used to help these individuals so they would not need to come into the country to begin with or is it every man for himself?  This issue does not belong to Italy alone, as the United States also struggles with Mexican immigration.  One view is that “For most north of the border the question of who gets to come to the United States is, at base, a matter of law.  There is legislation, rules, regulations, criteria, waiting periods, and bureaucracies that should be respected” (http://mexidata.info/id350.html).  Another view is that the decision should not be based on law but on a basis of humanity and giving.      

I find myself walking on eggshells simply trying to write a response to the journal prompt and explain the situation.  Throughout even simple web searches I have found endless stereotypes and am afraid to accidentally and naively do so myself.  I have sadly come across websites saying we need people for “Mexican jobs,” and found that Anti-Semitism still is all too prominent.  I struggle to find the conclusion that the prompt hopes for when I realize that there is not actually an answer- not yet at least.  After all, if the right answer were here there would not be a debate to begin with.  Obviously, Anti-Semitism and discrimination are clearly wrong and immoral- or maybe not so obvious since the cycle of hatred somehow manages to perpetuate itself.  Evidence alone exists in how Jews have over and over again found themselves in situations unjustly bound down by rules, laws, and harm.  Rules and regulations try and compensate for this indefinite gray area and may in the long run just be complicating the situation and enforcing such stereotypes.  Referring to the issue at the Mexican and United States border, if we stop everyone at the border and ask to see documentation of their legalization in the country, are we not stereotyping and putting the idea in their head that they are not welcome?  On the other hand, if we do not stop anyone are we opening the country up for overpopulation and disaster?

The obvious answer is that we need a happy medium to accommodate for all of the various parties involved.  However, the all too noticeable problem is that none currently exists.  The issue is that we, not just as a country, but as a globe need to look into our brilliant minds and giving hearts to provide a decent life for all.  Though a solution may be far away, we can start heading somewhere for the benefit of all of the groups suffering from stereotypes.  Jews need to be treated as equals and Anti-Semitism must be kicked to the curb once and for all.  Gypsies need to have a pathway opened so they have the chance to get their life headed in the right direction.  North Africans and Mexicans either need a better solution to immigration laws or more opportunities in their home lands.  For starters, more education to the general population must be done to prevent lack of knowledge from brewing these unnecessary stereotypes.  With time and dedication, people can make a change as others have in the past for those struggling to be understood.           

Catholicism- Roman Background with a Global Reach

Journal Prompt:  The Pope’s address on Easter and Christmas always begins, “Urbi et Orbi”  - “To the City of Rome and to the World.” The term “Roman Catholic” also suggests that there is something “Roman” and something “universal” about the Church. In what sense is the Church “Roman” and in what sense is it “global?”

The ultimate purpose of the Church and of the Pope is to reach out to the global community and spread what they believe to be is the word of God.  After all, the actual meaning of the word Catholic is “universal” and is actually derived from the Greeks.  This correlates to the idea of Romans borrowing pieces of Greek culture and why Romans would use the term Catholic when originally naming the religion.  In order to fully understand how the Church and Pope have come to be, one must have an understanding of the Churches link to Roman history and divisions that have occurred over time. 

The phrase “Roman Catholic” came about for a reason, developing partly as a result of secular divisions throughout society and also due to the power Romans had initially during the time the church came to be.  After Jesus was persecuted on the cross, followers of Jesus Christ started developing Christianity.  Wikipedia explains that once the religious system was being set up, a hierarchy came to be within which strongly resembled and mimicked Roman systems.  Once arranged, Romans also were able to hold many of the positions further up in that hierarchy.  Though earlier Romans due to superstitions feared the Christians who believed in only one God, Constantine enforced the Edict of Milan making it the Empire religion in 313 AD. 

Even so, why is the title given mostly to Romans when numerous others devoutly follow the same faith?  Today people are divided into many different belief systems, just as people have almost always been.  Taking a step back in time to the ancient Roman days, one finds a division occurring between Protestants and Catholics.  “Following the Reformation in the 16th century, the church in ‘communion with the Bishop of Rome’ used the term ‘Catholic’ to distinguish itself from the various Protestant churches” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church).  Since the term Catholic set the Romans apart from everyone else including other Christians, the phrase Roman Catholicism enduring on today makes sense.  The church does after all prefer consistency and changing the name of an entire religion and group of people would cause controversy.

The history of the church is what makes the title Roman, however, when it comes down to the purpose and goal of the church, one finds the universal tone prevalent.  Looking around the Papal audience, one does not see only devout Catholics or Romans.  As I looked around, I saw people of all nationalities, religions, and belief systems excitedly gathered in one place and for one reason- to see the Pope.  The Pope addresses everyone, regardless of whether they follow the Catholic faith or not.  Though the Roman Catholic Church is not universal due to its fairly set belief system which excludes other religions, the church remains global because of its efforts to broadcast to all of the people of the world.  Just recently in London the Pope even made a large trip to continue the spread of the church’s teachings.  As we read in the London newspaper, the reports spoke of how the trip cost large controversial sums of money.  However, the other side of the argument is that the Vatican was reaching out to others and continuing the mission of Christ.  Regardless of what one believes and what stance is taken on the matter, the Roman Catholic Church will continue in their attempt to globalize and reach out.  

225 St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel

225 Journal Prompt: Your usual art journal with one object from St. Peter’s Basilica and some portion of the Sistine Chapel.

The Papal Altar and Baldacchino, located in St. Peter’s Basilica, stands soaring high, proud of its incredible design.  The structure is about thirty meters tall and is made of a compellation of metals, bronze, and marble.  Starting in the year 1624, Bernini continued for nine years working on the extravagant baldacchino in which “Bernini refers to the traditional ciborium of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, which was still being used during that period” (http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Altars/PapalAltar/PapalAltar.htm).  The website continues on to discuss how instead of making smooth poles, he decided to have a spiral design to make them different than the usual expected architectures, along with the brilliant décor of angels, keys of St. Peter, and sword of St. Paul. 
       

Part of what makes the altar and baldacchino interesting is all of what went in behind it.  Not only were many years put into building the beautiful architecture, but also large amounts of money.  Though previously the space was occupied by a separate structure, Urban VIII decided to give Bernini the position to create a better work using whatever means he needed.  Throughout the construction, they even went so far as taking 927 tons of bronze from the Pantheon to ensure the work of art would please everyone who looked upon it (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-peters-basilica).  The concept of Romans recycling parts of old buildings seems to continue on everywhere one looks and represents so much of ancient Roman culture.    

Another important note is all of the symbols present within the art.  When looking hard, one may find clues that represent all of the beliefs occurring around the time of its creation.  The website recognizes that “the baldacchino symbolizes the union of the Old Testament wisdom of Solomon, the Christian tradition of Constantine, and the rebirth of a triumphal church under the guidance of the Barberini family.”  The structure does so by incorporating the spirals as spoken of earlier representing a structure previously under Constantine, cherubs incorporating the Old Testament, and a sun and bees for the Barberini family.  Bernini was looking to please Urban VIII and did so very strongly.  By looking at ancient art, one finds so many hidden clues that could easily be overlooked by someone not as knowledgeable about the past.  The Papal altar and baldacchino are just one example of an artwork structure that leaves viewers searching endlessly for the history that makes up its very core.

Sistine Chapel- Michelangelo the Last Judgment

In the Sistine Chapel, one may find on the wall a magnificent painting done by Michelangelo.  His famous Last Judgment is hard to miss as it broadcasts its 539.3 in × 472.4 ingenious creation behind the altar.  Using a fresco and paint, Michelangelo took a step away from his usual chisel and set out on a mission to create a masterpiece.  Using his intellect and creativity, Michelangelo made a painting that easily stands out from the rest. 

During the time of which Michelangelo started, 1535, he ironically did not wish to paint since he was typically known for being a sculptor.  As our tour guide discussed, he was put on the mission anyway to be set up for failure.  Little did the Pope and church know how grand the outcome of his paintings would be.  Throughout the images, one may find many nude individuals which made many people uncomfortable.  One of the displeased individuals, Cesena, gave Michelangelo opposition at his audacity to paint people nude at a place of worship.  In retaliation, Michelangelo portrayed Cesena as the Master of Hell whom became enraged.  Pope Paul III was not concerned with this portrayal and responded cleverly, “I might have released you from Purgatory, but over Hell I have no power" (http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinations/lazio/rome/sights/vatican_sistine.html).  The artwork which is so well known manages to give insight to the life and humor of the man behind the paintbrush, making it that much more valuable. 

Though Cesena remains in Hell in the painting today, unfortunately for Michelangelo, one of his students Volterra was instructed to paint clothes over the figures in the end (http://www.italian-renaissance-art.com/Last-Judgement.html).  Not only was there controversy then, but the fight continues on even today.  During a restoration and cleaning, some of the clothes were removed from the painting to portray Michelangelo’s initial intentions.  However, nobody knows for sure which figures he actually wanted clothed and which naked so many people remain unhappy (http://www.reidsitaly.com/destinations/lazio/rome/sights/vatican_sistine.html).  Whether or not the work is currently what Michelangelo wanted it to be, the painting still brings out much emotion in others.  Portraying the coming of Christ along with martyred Saints and the depths of Hell, the fresco still inspires people, bringing out passion people did not know they had for art.             

Unnecessary Treachery

Prompt: What is the impact of the ghetto (in both the old sense and a contemporary sense) on the people inside and the people outside?

The Jewish ghetto, once packed full of people striving for some sense of a normal life, is now much more desolate with only tourists trying to picture what once was.  Walking around, I found it hard to believe that the places I saw which were radiating with beauty were once full of gloom, filth, and unjust discrimination.  Though the ghetto in the old sense was a place of suffering and unhappiness, the contemporary ghetto is a place full of history shouting to the current generations to learn from the past and make a difference for the future.  Observing the ghetto with my tour group, I saw enlightened faces, renovated buildings, and artifacts of the past- the past which tormented endless numbers of lives.  Today people look forward to getting inside the ghetto as they stroll along on their pleasant vacation away from the work they so gladly left behind.  However, in the past people wished nothing more than to get out of that ghetto and go back to the work they were forced out of. 

In the past, from an inside perspective, the ghettos impact was horrific.  You cram into rooms that are not your home or no longer belong to you, are put in a foreign job, and try to pretend that life is what it used to be.  However, life is surreal and not what you have been accustomed to.  You realize that you cannot wake up and that your worst nightmare has weaseled its ugly way into your daily life.  The nightmare is inescapable and no pinch will bring you back to what once was.  As the tour guide explains, the ghetto only fills with more and more people so much that there is no way to build living spaces but up.  The Jews are cramped, have markings on their clothing as if they are ravenous animals that need to be steered clear of, and stripped of all that made their life familiar and normal.  Not only are the basics taken but the attempt is made to even wipe out their very foundation.  The religion they have learned all of their life can no longer be taught and they must attend mass instead of being in the comfort of the temple.  They are forced to secretly pray and hope for God to snap away the pain.               

Moving on into the contemporary sense, the ghetto impacts us with astonishment and awe at the human behavior that was exhibited.  Though I found it particularly hard to picture the set-up of the past and how the buildings were, I found it easy to imagine how poorly the Jews must have felt.  The teachings given now throughout the Jewish ghetto and the museum allow people to take a step back into the footprints of those of the past and empathize with those who suffered.  The largest powers turned their back on innocent people and nobody was there to take a stand for what was right.  Whether speaking of the ghettos which existed from about 1555 to 1870 or history repeating itself during the Jewish persecution during the Holocaust, we are taught to not continue the cycle of pointless hatred (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Ghetto).  The same goes for those which existed outside of the ghetto.

We learn today that we should take a stand because those that lived outside of the ghetto did not.  The people living outside did not destroy the walls, make objections, or aid those living there.  Though there may have been some exceptions, the ghetto lasted for hundreds of years, portraying that efforts were clearly not widespread or enough.  Those that walk by the ghetto still today and remain on the outside have yet to learn from those that lived there before.  Learning about history of all kinds is vital, and by remaining ignorant people can only pave the pathway for disaster.  Does one have to actually witness the inside of the ghetto to understand its importance?  The answer is probably not.  However, the aid helps and as long as we continue to teach one another and evolve to higher levels of understanding and acceptance, we will restore humanity one piece at a time.  The nightmare of the past shakes us awake to the reality of what could happen if we allow histories unnecessary cycle to perpetuate.  

A New Line of Sight

Prompt: How does the Piazza provide a lens for Italian culture?

Laughter, gestures flying, the sweet aroma of Italian cuisine, ring-a-ling of church bells, and endless chit chatter fill any piazza one steps into.  The fact that the piazza is in itself a gathering place for people of all stations and types goes to show how it encompasses a wide variety of Italian culture.  Certain piazzas also seem to have a “personality” of their own, and by visiting different ones people can hear the whisper of what each one wishes you to take with you. 

The surroundings on the outskirts of the piazzas offer different people what part of Italian culture they are looking for.  For example, the Piazza di Spagna pronounces endless fashion by the streets that streamline into it.  Gucci, Prada, and Dior all show their high end faces, tempting those who walk by.  Even Danilo our Italian professor claims that Italians only like the best and that here you might as well live large or go home.  The Piazza del Popolo on the other hand seems to beckon “come on in and pray” with both its twin churches and Santa Maria del Popolo standing proud.  The piazza also has the Villa Borghese gardens calling out to everyone wishing for relaxation.  Through Piazza Navona you can often stroll leisurely and look at art of the most beautiful places in Italy- anywhere from realistic landscapes to a more modern style of famous landmarks.  However, many of these qualities overlap between varying locations.  Most piazzas do offer shopping, places of worship, beauty, and art.  After all, each one I have seen involves people partaking in all of these activities, not excluding eating, viewing sculptures, gathering around fountains, and people catching up with one another on their daily lives.  Can't find the piazza you are looking for?  Just look up in the sky for the soaring obelisk that marks each spot.  However, each one just seems to have a certain specialty and unique zest.  Through the all encompassing fulfillment of needs and desires offered, the piazza becomes a center of life for Italians.

What better way to learn of Italian culture than from the Italians themselves?  Piazzas provide some of the best “people-watching” around.  All you need is a bench, maybe a freshly made panino and cappuccino from the charming little shop next door, and time.  Granted, tourists filled much of the piazza during the August month and you are constantly seeing the flash of a camera, people staring blankly at maps, and people trying to pose as a native.  My friend Maria even stated “Sometimes I forget I am not from here.  I accidently told someone I was Italian and she gave me such a strange look.”  Tourists become enthralled with the new culture surrounding them and everything at times seems to come almost naturally.  Yet as much as one tries, the true Italians in the piazza see right through you.  Barzini notes “[The tourists] try hard to gesticulate wildly as they speak.  They usually manage it in the style of amateur comedians playing an Italian character” (6).  However, as the August month rolled to an end along with much of the radiating heat, the piazzas filled up with not only tourists, but again with the Italians themselves.  That is when the true magic of Rome started happening.

Just the other day we had a scavenger hunt in which we had to find various places and objects in the different piazzas.  I could not help but notice the variety of people we were now able to ask.  Before I looked around and saw people from almost every country but Italy.  Now the piazza was bursting full with true Italian life.  Through our new lens we could witness businessmen in suits talking over a little drink or two, the carabinieri standing tall by their vehicles making sure nothing has gone awry, teenagers jesting away, and gypsies with all sorts of goods ready to throw at the remaining tourists.  If you are studious enough to learn the Italian language and your lens is stronger, you can take away all of the conversations you hear and have a deeper understanding of everyday life.  Even if your lens is not strong enough, you still are able to perceive the endless gestures Italians are known for which manage to tell so much.  “Conversations can be followed at a distance by merely watching the changing expressions of those taking part in them… Reading facial expressions is an important art in Italy” (Barzini 61).  Since each expression is a piece of artwork as noted in The Italians, than they are also a clear view into Italian culture. 

Why does one have to go to a piazza though for a lens into that culture?  I have easily walked around side streets and found shops, churches lost in time, and mini fountains with sculpture décor.  I have walked around and seen people doing their everyday things as I am getting from point A to point B.  The train alone is a hotspot for Italian conversation used to pass the time away.  I have seen sites such as the Coliseum and Roman Forum which also give information on what has led to the culture of today.  The answer simply seems to be that you can have sights into Italian culture elsewhere, but everywhere else is only a piece of that lens.  In the piazza you have diversity and layers of what makes up the culture to complete the lens and obtain the bigger picture.  Italian religion, food, social etiquette, art, and even the tourists which at times compose much of Rome gather into one place called the piazza- and through this piazza can you really get the idea of why you have come to the beautiful place called Rome.