Today’s post comes from SBCC student blogger Carly Schwan, who spent her Spring Break introducing her boyfriend to the wonders and beauty of Italy. Exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of Rome and Florence, the two spent an unforgettable week basking in the splendor of Italy’s architectural and artistic monuments.
While I have come to know my own corner of Rome, in all actuality I have only touched the surface of this magnetic city. It is shocking to think I only have a month left, for while I feel like I’ve been here forever I’m not even close to wanting to say goodbye.
So, when spring break started to approach I had no desire to leave the country, deciding to stay while many of my classmates flew all across Europe. And with my boyfriend coming to visit I was nothing but excited to explore my favorite gems of Italy as if for the time again. There is something magical about those first few moments it clicks that you are standing in an ancient world. Every time we went to a new landmark I would be watching to see that initial reaction of awe. When you finally experience Rome’s wonders first hand, you get so caught up in the revelation of history there is no time to perceive anything else around you. And while places like the colosseum still take my breath away, seeing his eyes light up as we approached reminded me of how fleeting my time here is. How much of a gift every second is, in this sprawling hub of history?
My favorite parts of Italy, however, reside in the bits I cannot plan for. Side street vendors I have stumbled upon, the fountains and parks I had no idea existed. The intricacy of the 900 plus churches scattered across Rome will always fascinate me, every few blocks there is a new one to be discovered. Over my 7 weeks here I have come to learn that no church in Italy should be overlooked, they are all small art centers, even if the outside is lackluster the inside of a church has never failed to amaze. Some of the churches adorned with gold trim, others intricate murals and sculptures and arches, I am yet to encounter one that was anything less than alluring.
And well there's just something wildly compelling about this city for artists, they flock here with their eyes wide, trumpets and paintbrushes alike held high. A stroll through Piazza Navona can be accompanied by the smooth melodies of jazz, a woman twirling a baton of fire and a man spray painting beautiful pieces of art. One of my favorite moments from this trip, however, was on our trip to the pantheon we happened upon a choir showcase. Their angelic voices ringing throughout the 2000-year-old building and sending chills down my spine. We could not pull ourselves away from the performance captivated by the lure of their voices and our extraordinary luck.
And while the vast city of Rome has become my home, my love for Florence’s small-town feel drew me back for the last portion of my break. My obsession for All'Antico Vinaio al favolosa sandwich drew me in every afternoon we were there, the line always worth waiting in.
Food adventures perpetually followed by delicious gelato halls and miles of walking to combat the pain of being so blissfully full. Simple strolls always made more interesting by the active graffiti artists within the Florentine community.
And of course, there is the majestic duomo, a sight that I am fairly sure will always leave me breathless. But as always it was the unexpected moments that made the trip so unbelievably remarkable. For on our walk back from dinner our last night in Florence we noticed that the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral was open with no line in sight (a shocking contrast to that of the mid-day’s 3-hour long wait). The cathedral stunningly white, the hush of the night adding to its majestic allure composed of sprawling arches, a flowery alter, and a beautifully painted dome. The train ride back was bittersweet, happy to have gone and sad to have left. Even now I ache for the moment I have to officially say goodbye to Italy as a whole. I have come to truly love my new home and all the knowledge and beauty to be found here.
Click here for more information about the next Rome Spring semester program in 2019.
Click here for the original post edited by Audrey Celenza
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