Emma McLane
Reflection Letter #1
June 4th, 2017
Traveling
to Grado from Venice by myself was a very liberating and tiresome journey. As I
finally approached my stop at Ciravignano, my arm felt like it was about to
fall asleep from dragging my bag from the airport to a bus and then onto the
train. I got off the train and felt optimistic about being one step closer to
my hotel room. I approached an Italian man who was standing outside of a bus
that was parked in front of the train station. I stumbled over the little
Italian that I knew to ask if this bus was going to Grado. He replied by
saying, “No Grado, you must go right and then left.” I said thank you and
proceeded down the street to the right. When I came to my first left I could
tell that I was very lost, so I headed back towards the station. I walked up
and down that same road two more times until I decided to stop and ask for
directions at one of the cafes next to the station. The women that I approached
did not speak any Italian, so I proceeded out the door. With a last hope
effort, I asked the people sitting down at the café if they spoke any English.
Luckily they were Austrian and very helpful. They let me use their phone to
call for a taxi. When I finally made it to the hotel Abbazia in Grado, I
slummed on my bed and fell right asleep.
I woke back up around 6pm and was famished. As
I walked along the street of Grado taking in the Italian beauty, I sat down at
a restaurant and had my first pizza in Italy. It was everything I hoped for and
more. By coming to Italy a day earlier than everyone else, I was able to make
mistakes and learn from them. I did not know how much of a language barrier
there would be, but after spending over a week in Italy I feel confident in
navigating in a different country by myself.
Emma McLane
Reflection letter-2
June 8th, 2017
After
spending time in Grado, Lake Como, Verona, and Venice, I have realized that I
prefer smaller and less touristy locations over large cities. Although Venice
is a spectacular city with rich history, I was overwhelmed by the large groups
of people in St. Marks square. I was in complete awe when going through the
various churches and museum, but I was often distracted from the beauty of the
historical locations by all of the people visiting. Although Verona felt
touristy at times, I was able to picture myself walking along the roads and in
the piazza as if it was still the 13th century.
After
hearing and seeing the different houses of the Romeo and Juliet story in Verona,
I felt as if I was living during their time. It has been one thing to learn
about history second hand, but it was another and a completely eye opening
experience, to be able to see the history in front of you. I love how each of
these cities incorporates the past with the present and even future. While in
Venice, I was mesmerized by the sculpted hands along the grand canal that I had
previously saw on Facebook this year. The statue fit with the history of the
city while incorporating a symbol for the modern issue of climate change.
Overall
Italy has been a trip of a lifetime. Every experience has been unique while the
people have been kind. After returning to Grado last night, eight girls and I
went to “Speedy’s” restaurant and got pizza. I was very touched that the staff
of the amazing pizzeria remembered us and then gave us a discount. I admire the
connections and relationships that the Italian people recognize and respect.
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