It seems as if living in Rome has
only become a palpable reality in the past few days. For me, this is
what has made this trip a true learning experience. I have lived in
Rome, not merely vacationing or sightseeing, but living and breathing
and relaxing in the same space as the Romans. I can walk with a
confidence in the morning to class. I can give directions to lost
tourists. I have soaked up the Italian culture and it has rewarded me.
Of course, over the five weeks I have been here I have learned many
facts about the Italian people, about the expanse of the Roman Empire
and the strength of the Renaissance and Baroque movements. But, I would
say none of these compare to the real lessons I have learned.
My favorite movie of all time is Good Will Hunting,
featuring Matt Damon, Ben Afleck, and Robin Williams. In particular,
there is a certain scene where Robin William's character is sitting on
the bench with Will Hunting (Matt Damon) and gives this naive youngster
(not unlike myself) a real lesson. Robin's character, Sean Maguire,
says, "So
if I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art
book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him. Life's work,
political aspirations, him and the pope, sexual orientations, the whole
works, right? But I'll bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the
Sistine Chapel. You've never actually stood there and looked up at that
beautiful ceiling." I can now say that I know that old musty smell of
the fresco.
I
will be honest with you, before college and especially before this
trip, I was just like Will Hunting, not in terms of genius, but in terms
of never letting experience be a predominant player in how I discovered
things. The concrete reality of the facts presented in books was
enough. But, after this time I have spent in the eternal city, I agree
with Sean Maguire. This trip has only been about experience. No amount
of reading or research can tell you how to experience Rome. No map can
be a guide if you do not develop your sense of direction. No theory or
idea can describe why the Sistine Chapel is beautiful. Only experience
can guide you through these things.
Travel has
been my greatest teacher. I am sure former teachers of mine will read
this and be slightly offended, but don't feel too bad. Travel has
brought me to a new part of the world and let that part remain with me
for awhile. Come Sunday, nostalgia will begin its slow process of taking
over the memories of my time here. I will remember this life I lived
here and remember it fondly. I will remember that the world is giant and
I am small, but people are good and people are welcoming This journey
has given me hope, a hope that is vital in this day and age when
pessimism runs rampant and people are losing hope in humanity.
Before
departing from the US in May, I was warned by almost everyone I met of
the threat various terror organizations posed upon Europe as a whole. I
was told to be weary. I was told to be afraid. It was time to lose hope.
But, for every scary experience I have had here in Rome (there have
been very few) there have been numerous more positive ones. Whether it
was the smile the homeless man on the Ponte Sisto gave me every morning,
rain or shine, whether I had change for him or not. Whether it was the
forgiving nature of the Italians to whom I spoke their language very
poorly. Whether it was witnessing the pope stand side by side with
refugees from Syria. I have seen why there is hope. There is hope and it
is my plan to live out that hope.
I will miss
everything about this place. Our humble abode at Vicolo Del Cinque 22.
The smallest shower in Italy, that greeted me with occasional warm water
on a good day. The rough feel of cobblestone on the base of my shoes.
The wonder of finding new and old things alike. The food. Yes, the food
will be missed. Especially, the pizza. I'll miss the experience of going
to the bar and watching Italians watch their team play soccer. It might
just be a religion. I will miss my Wednesdays with the Pope. I will
miss my city.
It
hurts to write this. I hurt knowing I have to leave behind a people I
attempted to blend in to for a month. I will no longer have the
Colosseum, or the Trevi Fountain, or the majestic beautiful Churches at
my disposal to enjoy and explore. But, I do have consolation in the fact
that I am going back to the place I call home. In fact, while Rome will
always be a small part of home, home will always be where mom and dad
are or where I can bug my sister. So, mom and dad, know that I am ready
to see you and hope you haven't had too much fun without me. Hopefully
my room hasn't become the next storage closet.
But,
in all seriousness, sometimes, even when you're having the time of your
life, you still need mom and dad. Specifically, to mom, dad, and
Hannah, I have had the privilege of going through the Holy Door at St.
Peter's Basilica four times. Obviously, once for myself (we all know I
need it!!), and once for each of you. Each of those times, I went
through with you in mind. I can't bring back to you gold and silver, or
even a nice Italian pizza, but I hope I can bring some hope and
consolation in the Mercy of God. I love you guys. Thank you for being
patient and being okay with texting only every once in a while and not
every moment of every day (that one is for you mom!).
I
leave for the States on Saturday morning. After finals tomorrow, we
will have a farewell dinner where I will get to enjoy a last meal with
all of the wonderful people I have met here. I will have to say goodbye,
but not forever, just until August. I'm not sure what I will feel the
morning of our flight out of Italy. I don't particularly want to think
about it. But, I am optimistic that this will be only the first of many
experiences abroad. The next time you here from me will probably be in
the States, so feel free to ask me about my time in the Eternal City. I
have enough to talk about for a lifetime.
Okay,
I made it through writing this without an emotional breakdown. Now,
just to make it till Saturday. I am always shocked with each subsequent
blog post that people are even interested in what I have to say. So, in
that way, I thank you for bearing with my rambling and philosophizing.
What I have to say is nothing compared to the vivacity of this city that
will never die, that lives on in the hearts and minds of all it has
welcomed for the three millennia it has existed. I have experienced a
small taste of that "Love that moves the Sun and the other stars" which
Dante found in Paradise.
From the Eternal City, with lots of love and plenty of thanks,
Jacob F. Maestri
Read more from Jacob at http://ablogaboutrome.blogspot.it/
For more on the U of A Rome Center: Summer Campus, check out http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecampus
