Colosseum
Italy: A Semester Experience from Megan Fowle
My name is Megan Fowle. I am a junior at Gettysburg College, and I am a history major with a minor in education. Eventually, I hope to attend grad school to study library science. This semester, I am studying at the Syracuse University of Florence.
Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
1.Where have you been in Italy?
I am living in Florence, so I have been all around the city, but I have also traveled to Ravenna, Assisi, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, Venice, Perugia, and Rome.
2.What’s it like?
Wow, I can barely begin to describe how awesome it is. At first, it was a little scary. I had taken Italian, but I would always be a little nervous when I had to use it in a real situation. I am living with a host mom, and that is one of the greatest experiences. It really gives me a chance to practice my Italian, and to get a better understanding of the culture, more so than if I was in an apartment. Now that I have been here for three months, the city is definitely beginning to feel like home. It was weird when I realized that, because I had been traveling over fall break for ten days, and I came back to Florence, and realized that I had really missed it, and that it felt like I was coming home.
3. Favorite place in Italy?
My favorite place in Italy is definitely Florence. That is the city that I have seen the most of, obviously, but I really love the feel of it.
Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
4. Least favorite?
My least favorite that I have seen was probably Venice. When we went, it was raining and the square was flooded (which was a little cool, but kind of a nuisance after a while.) Also, the only way to really get around is the vaporetto (watertaxi), and it is super crowded. Plus, a gondola ride is actually around 70 euro, so we did not get to do that. (Sorry that sounded like a rant, Venice is beautiful, just not everything I thought it was going to be. )
Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
5. What have you been doing over the semester in Italy?
I am taking classes at the Syracuse University of Florence. Aside from studying, I have been traveling a lot. Our school has free weekend trips to all of those towns that I mentioned earlier. If there is no weekend trip, I have been trying to see as much of Florence as possible. During the week, I have class, but the school offers a lot of other activities that I have been taking part in. There are cooking classes, and those are definitely my favorite extra activity that I have taken part in.
Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
6. Favorite thing that you’ve eaten?
My favorite thing that I have eaten is definitely gnocchi. It is potato pasta. I learned how to make it at one of the cooking classes, and it is relatively easy to make. I also have a great love for balsamic vinegar. Italians put that, and olive oil, on everything!
Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
7. Most amazing thing that you’ve seen?
Wow, there have been so many, it is going to be hard to choose one! I think that the most amazing thing I have seen was when I was in Rome, and I watched the sunset over the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It was absolutely beautiful!
Italy: Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy. It brings many joys and wonders to the eye and there’s always a story to tell.
Rome is most known for The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, St. Peters Square, Spanish Steps, and most importantly, the Colosseum. People from all over the world come to see these main spots to experience the history and to touch pieces of it. Rome without a doubt, is the heart of Italy.
Personal Story: In 2005, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel overseas to Italy for the first time. Id’ never been out of the United States and this was an amazing way to see where my family was from and to be touched by the Italian culture. And while I could go on and on about my experience, the point I wanted to make was that Rome was my favorite spot. When I walked around Rome, I felt like I was a part of the history that had been made hundreds of years ago. I saw buildings that had been standing for over 200 years. I would like to point out that Rome isn’t the prettiest spot in Italy, only because there is literally graffiti on everything you see. Walls and buildings were covered in it. And being in Rome made me feel at home. But truly, I was most excited about the Colosseum.
When you walk into the arena, the first thing you see is this giant open area where the floor used to be, so you’re able to look down upon where the gladiators used to wait and the animals would sit until it was time to fight. There is a lot of mud and grass/moss that is now covering the bottom and it isn’t a very attractive sight, but it’s stunning to see what is still standing, and to picture what went on during that time period. There are ropes tying it off, so little kids don’t fall in. But the steps are preserved and the Colosseum itself is gorgeous. And just for reference, if you are given the opportunity to go, DON’T talk to the people dressed up in Gladiator costumes, they’ll charge you a ton of Euro’s to get your picture with them.
How many of you have seen Gladiator, the movie? Directed by Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen? While the movie didn’t actually get filmed in Rome, the story took place in Rome. And if you have never seen that movie, take the time to see it. It will temporarily fulfill your dreams of visiting Italy/Rome.
While also visiting Rome, many people travel to the Trevi Fountain to see and experience the romance that goes with it. The idea is to toss a Euro in the fountain and make a wish to someday come back to Italy. You turn around, flip the coin, close your eyes, and make a wish and it should come true.
If you ever get a chance to go to Italy, put on your list to visit Rome, you won’t regret it!!!!
Of The Italian Life 