Submitted by Amanda Sluzewski on the 2017 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of English…
I’ve nearly completed my first week studying abroad in Rome. Although, this is not my first time traveling to Europe, this is my first time traveling to Italy and traveling without my family. As my plane to Rome started nearing our destination, I made an observation that would be solidified during this first week. As I looked out the window of the plane, I saw a place unlike any I had ever been to. I saw the Coliseum as we neared landing, and even from such a distance, noticed the deep history that Rome has to offer. Rome is a place deeply rooted in history, literally. The ancient ruins of Rome are beneath the modern city which stands as a tribute to its past. As we began our walking tour of the city, I was exposed to new architecture which had so much to say about its past societies. When we entered the Coliseum a few days later, the monument itself spoke worlds of what it was like to live in ancient Rome. By observing the way that Romans were seated by class, gender or nationality or by simply thinking of the events that were held in such a place, I got a quick insight into another time. Never before have I been to a place with such historical significance. When walking through any state in America, you would never come across any architecture which is as old as those that are found in Rome. As I walked through the streets, I saw ancient ruins next to a casual bus stop. The history of Rome is such a normal custom to the locals, who simply wait at the possible location of Cesar’s death as they wait for a bus to work. Noticing the normalcy of this made me stop to think what great sites I may look past in my home, that others would find astonishing.