Submitted by Krysta La Bruna on the 2016 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Philosophy…
I can’t believe our second week in Italy has already flown by. Italy has continued to be full of beautiful sights and delicious food. On our last few days in Rome, we visited the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Ostia Antica and what is supposedly the best gelateria in the city. We even climbed 551 steps to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica to get an incredible view overlooking all of Rome.
Even though the busy streets and historical sights of Rome were amazing, I have to admit my favorite day was the day we left Rome and visited a small town just an hour away. The town was called Orvieto, and it was located on top of a mountain and featured a gorgeous view of the countryside below. As we walked around in wonder, we came across a huge church called the Duomo, which had a breath-taking façade decorated with art and intricate detailing.
We went to a restaurant that was recommended by both our hotel concierge and an old couple we met at the train station (they had been to Orvieto several times in 3 month intervals, so we figured they were a reliable source). We walked around for the rest of the afternoon, finding ourselves in several shops to admire the handy work of the local shopkeepers. Several of us bought beautifully decorated items from a ceramics shop, and we spent an hour in a leather shop talking to the owner and his wife. The people were extremely friendly and willing to talk to us, which was nice and refreshing from American store workers. It seems like since the stores here are less busy and typically run by the owners, as opposed to being big commercial places, the people have more time to get to know their customers; it doesn’t seem like you’re bothering them with questions or like they’re just trying to make a sale. Overall, it was a very nice day that gave us insight on the less touristy areas of Italy.
We left Rome this morning, sad to say good-bye to the streets, restaurants and people we have become so familiar with. Our next stop is Sorrento, and I’m hoping it holds just as much beauty and excitement as Rome!