Submitted by Daniella Restrepo on the 2017 winter session program in Siena, Italy sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
Ever since my first Italian class, I knew that Italy was a country that I had to go adventure and explore. Learning and reading about it is one thing, but actually being able to see and experience it for yourself is completely different and unimaginable.
My first couple of days were pretty crazy because of the fact that we had a lot of traveling to do. We first arrived in Rome, then went to Pompeii, Naples, Montecassino, and then to Siena where we are taking our classes. Although it was a lot of travelling, it was definitely worth it. The one city that had me in shock was Pompeii.
When you read and see pictures or even movies about Pompeii, nothing prepares you for the city when you see it in person. Since it is a city, we couldn’t cover all of it in just one tour. It was personally difficult for me to grasp the fact that this place used to exist as a society. The streets definitely made it feel real because of the tire marks from the wagons. The best part was seeing the snow on top of Mount Vesuvius because our tour guide said that’s only something you’re able to see every 30-40 years!
All in all, I can definitely say that my program has been an exciting one so far.