Submitted by Eric Szot on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in Italy sponsored by the Honors Program…
The second week of my study abroad experience found me saying good-bye to Rome and hello to Sorrento. The second to last day in Rome, Sunday, we traveled to Ostia Antica, one of the most well preserved ancient towns. It helps to give a great insight into how the people used to live. Monday, we spent a good deal of our day offering our time to men at a local refugee shelter at a church called Saint Paul Within the Wall. Continuing on the service motif, we dined at a restaurant operated by mentally disabled people for dinner. Tuesday, we made it into Sorrento. Wednesday was our day in Naples (and my day to blog for our group at http://uditaly2014.tumblr.com/). The main attraction there was El Museo Archeologico Di Napoli, home of the best collection of Ancient Roman and Pompeian artifacts in the world. Thursday, we went to Pompeii itself! Those people lived so well, I wouldn’t mind doing so today! That afternoon, we also had some class time in which we discussed the pros and cons of pluralism in a broad sense and then specifically in regards to religion. Friday, we climbed Mount Vesuvius! Some of us also went swimming in the Mediterranean even though it was freezing cold. At least now, I can say I’ve done it. Friday night, we also had class time, but it was for reflection of the past week, and specifically of our time spent with the refugees. Sunday, we leave for Florence!