Before today, I have never really been interested in history. To me, history is history and I just did not care for it. But even just one day of being in the city, I have changed in the sense that I am interested in how everything came to be. I am interested in who built things, and the stories behind sculptures. Even though I before did realize the significance of history, I think seeing what you are learning about helps me to understand it more, and appreciate it more.
The Colosseum was incredible. The Colosseum, along with the Forum, was what helped me to realize that if you do not know the history, you cannot truly appreciate the importance of what has happened in the past. I went to the Colosseum knowing what is was, and what happened there, but the small details I did not. Small details such as all the holes in the walls are where gold lamps where, that have fell off, and were recycled, or people took them and reused them. Professor Mustafaga asked us this morning how we wanted this experience to change us, and the history was not something that I said. But after today, and seeing the history that Rome has to offer us, I want the history of this astonishing place to change the way I view history, not only of Rome, but that the world has to offer me.
When I think about how this Rome experience is going to change me, I think about routines that I have formed throughout my life, and the difference between my habits and the habits of the Italians. I do not want to say that I hope Rome, and Europe, changes my habits, but I am interested in finding the customs that are unconsciously changed from being in a different environment. I have already noticed traditions of the Italians that I find odd. Such as having to wear slippers or shoes insides, no bare feet or even socks. As well as meals being 2 or 3 courses buffet style, and bread is only allowed to be consumed during the second course. Small traditions such as these make you realize that there are huge differences in the way people do things.
Not only habits, but also culture. I like to observe people, how they dress, walk, talk, act. Even though there are numerous tourists in the city, you can still tell the Italians apart. I liked watching them, and how the interacted not only with each other, but with the tourists as well. I want to change in the sense that I can increase the value of differences in cultures.
I also like to observe people. I think that we can learn a lot about the culture in Rome just by doing what the Romans do! I honestly couldn't always tell the italians apart. I agree with the not liking history thing. In high school I never felt like history was that interesting because it always seemed to be the same thing they were teaching us and that gets boring!
ReplyDeleteNicole, Glad to hear you are feeling differently about history. Nice work on the blog. Be sure to integrate the readings along with the experience with your personal perspective. I know I wasn't really clear originally about that. Just keep in mind for the next blog. A blog I am looking forward to reading.
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