DePauw 2017 May Term in Italy

Emma McLane Reflection Letter 3 June 11 th 2017             Italy allowed me to live outside of my comfort zone and challenge my fears. While in the Dolomites, I contemplated staying on the ground and not taking the lift up the mountain due to my fear of heights. Since I knew I had the support of my friends and the group, I was able to challenge my fear of heights and take the lift up the mountain, and I am beyond happy that I did so. Although the altitude made me a little nervous the views were absolutely breath taking. It was amazing to be able to stand on top of a mountain and to be able to see Austria in the distant horizon.             Besides expanding my comfort zones, I was mesmerized by the history of ever city that we visited. For example, I was shocked to see how far the city of Verona has risen from when it was a roman city based off the the exposed roman...

Brad Leftwich Third Reflection June 15, 2017   For the last reflection, I just wanted to look back and talk about some of the places we went and what my favorite places and parts of the trip were.      One aspect of history, ancient Italy and Rome especially, is the advanced forms of architecture present. It always leaves me perplexed as to how any of these things could be built.  My interest was sparked almost immediately on the trip when we visited the church in Grado on one of the first nights during the walking tour. However, in my mind the most magnificent and breathtaking part of of the trip, regarding architecture, was our visit to Venice and St. Marks cathedral. The whole day I could hardly process what I was seeing, from the fact that it is a large city where all transportation is by boat to the impressive architecture that surrounded me at every corner.     While Venice was amazing, my favorite part of the trip was hands dow...

Vance Berry 6/14/17 Reflection 3 For my third reflection, I am going to write about our final nights in Grado. I honestly did not want to leave. Being in Grado for roughly a week helped create a very solid connection between me, the people, and the culture. Once that connection was established, it was hard to say goodbye and move on to the unknown with Tim and Ben. That being said, we tried to make the last nights in Grado the best of them all. We would always hang with the locals as much as possible at night either at Fifty or the Hamburgeria. One night Fifty had the best DJ they've hired during the whole trip and we became friends through our mutual interest in Motown and soul music. I went up to him first and he was astounded when I asked him to play Earth Wind and Fire and Four Tops. He was confused as to why a person my age was asking about these songs and I told him it was what my parents listened to during car trips. Later that night we met up with Michael...

Vance Berry 6/11/17 Reflection 2 I wrote my first reflection about things that happened a little later in the trip. For my second reflection, I will reflect on our excursions to Bellagio, Cortina, and Venice. Bellagio and Lake Como was unlike any lake I have ever seen in the States. Having the mountains right next to the beautiful and large lake was surreal to wake up to every morning. Also the breakfast at the hotel we stayed out was one of the best with the freshly squeezed orange juice to top it all off. I really enjoyed the difference between all the meals from the US to Italy, however the biggest difference of them all was for breakfast. At any hotel in the US, we would have staples like cereal, juices, eggs, bacon, and muffins. In Italy and in Bellagio especially (like Hotel Fonzari) there were spreads of meats and cheeses. Additionally the pastries that would be set out were all fresh and delicious. Sitting down for the meal in front of a huge, beautiful lake w...

Tim Spichiger Reflection 3 My time in Italy was very enlightening and I am very grateful for the experience. I commented in an earlier reflection that I really admired the people but, even more so, I really came to love the culture. There is a sense of calmness and love for many aspects of the culture, especially for my favorite part of the trip: the food. At dinner, for instance, can consist of a few courses that are well spaced out. You do not realize how fast time passes after you walk out of one of these meals that has lasted for three or four hours. It makes it very easy to enjoy a very large meal, especially when it is eight courses. In addition, an espresso, a croissant, a desert limoncello or glass of prosecco is not something you consume in a short period of time in Italian culture. These small staples of Italian cuisine are all treats that you enjoy slowly. I heard once that the average American eats a meal in about eight minutes while the average European averages a hal...

Shirley Tandy June 13, 2017 My last reflection is bittersweet because I am sad to leave but excited to return home. This trip has been a lifelong experience and I plan on going abroad again. The Dolomite mountains were surreal and the views were beautiful. I am not an outdoors person but the hikes changed that. I enjoyed climbing the mountains and being outdoors. I am going to incorporate rock climbing and hiking into my exercise routine. Grado is a relaxing town where I would return but not live.  The slow-paced environment is nice for short periods but not suitable for extended living. I would get bored of the same routine each day.  I enjoyed Venice and Verona because of the pace and crowds. It made me miss the states because of all the movement. Those cities lacked Grado’s authenticity and calm feel.  I enjoyed the boat ride and the seafood dinner on our last day. I enjoyed looking at the renovated fishermen houses and water. The dinner tasted delicious and fresh. ...

Annie Stevenson Third Reflection June 12, 2017 A few days ago, I took a 2 hour walk around Grado by myself and it was very relaxing. I walked along the boardwalk all the way down and went on the rocks, admiring the sea view and sailboats. Then I walked around town and saw people sitting outside enjoying their day and people-watching. It was a beautiful day, with the smell of fresh cut grass in the air, and it was nice to explore the town on my own. People here bike a lot which I love and everyone has dogs. The shop owners would be outside fixing displays or sweeping the ground. It was interesting walking around throughout the trip because a lot of people would look at us when we walked by, probably because they knew we were tourists. Coming into the trip I thought I was going to get a lot more gelato than I did because I was planning on getting it almost everyday but only got it twice. I'm sad the trip has come to an end but it's been some of the best 2 weeks I've had i...

Brad Leftwich First Two Reflections June 12, 2017 Reflection 1: Upon arrival in Grado, one of the most apparent cultural differences I noticed was the size of just about everything. It really showed me how Americans live lives of excess in just about every facet of life. Cars are bigger, meal portions are massive, and the largest quantity of beers that you could buy at one time is 3.      Although the majority of the meals we have had have been very large and massive, the individual portions of courses have been rather small compared to individual portion sizes in the US.  Often times in America, you will leave a single course meal feeling extremely bloated and full, while in Italy a single course meal will leave you feeling satisfied, yet not too full. I think this is one of the factor that contributes toward the overall healthier lifestyle lives by Europeans.       The other most obvious difference I saw in size of things here was from th...

Katie Ferriss June 12, 2017         The past two weeks have given me only a brief insight into the art history, culture, language, and views of northern Italy. I have come to understand the culture here is more casual and calming rather than upbeat, fast paced America. The people are gentle and kind with warm hearts, and they reserve and respect their history and faith. I have come to love and care for the people and culture here in Grado and everyone I have met on this trip. Our last excursion made me feel the most immersed on this trip. We went to the Dolomites and took a tram up into the mountains. As we stood a top the mountain looking over endless lands and views, I felt all of Italy just absorbed within me. It was amazing seeing the amounts of people climbing all of the mountain ranges, going down different trails and pathways just to find more views and beautiful sights of Italy. Throughout the excursions I also have come to appreciate how much of Italy has...

Betsy MacNeille 3d Reflection June 12, 2017 Going on this trip, I’ve learned so much about Italian culture. One thing that stood out to me on this trip was how kind the employees are. For starters, in America I have had my fair share of crabby and rushed waiters. However, in Italy they are all very personable and nice. I initially thought it would be the other way around considering that they don’t have the tips to work for. Thus, rather you’re nice or mean you can still make the same amount of money. However, I then discovered that their kindness is due to the fact that this is their full-time career unlike in America. I’ve also seen this recurring with employees at stores, the hotels, and bars. I’ve also generally discovered how much Italy appreciates their environment. I briefly touched upon this point in my past reflection, but I also saw this occurring in the Dolomites. My family and I went hiking the week before I left for Italy, and we were disgusted by the amount of tras...

Carli Maddock June 12, 2017 Part 1:             My initial impression of Italy was not the most positive, but that quickly changed. I was overwhelmed by the lines to get through customs at the airport, my attempts to buy a train ticket, and the hustle to catch the bus to Venezia Mestre. When I missed the earliest train, I had to settle in and realize that I had two hours to spend at the station. I was hungry, which meant I needed to try to order from the café. No one spoke English, so I took out my handy Italian phrasebook to prepare to order. It was obvious that I was struggling, because I ended up with a random assortment of foods. The train ride was my first true interaction with Italian culture. Kids were hopping on and off the train at each stop, and would look at me strangely. It was obvious that I was not from the area. The style and mannerisms of those around me was so foreign to me. The smiles that I extended were t...