This fall I am taking a diverse combination of courses, this being; roman civilization, intercultural communication, and an array of Italian spoken courses. At first glance my fall schedule doesn't seem too off beat, but I find myself struggling with the simplest tasks. Not only am I taking classes in a different institution, and in a new country, but I am being taught to think in a completely different way. In the beginning I found myself resisting the changes and because of that I felt overwhelmed and discouraged.
The Italian system and way of thinking is not the same as that of the U.S. Our habits, our approach to life are very different. Even more than I expected them to be, but recently I have come across something very profound (or at least I think it to be). We are all affected by our history. Not just that of an individual, but of a people who have evolved for centuries.

In Italy the idea of time is very different to that of the U.S. this is influenced by the fact that the Italians have such a vast, extensive history. Their history dates back to B.C. whereas the U.S. only dates back to the 17th century. This makes a big difference on our perspectives. Did you know that this year marks the 150 year anniversary of unification of Italy. In the grand scheme of the Italian and Roman history this makes Italy seem like a baby state and most Italians feel patronage to their towns and regions instead of the country itself. They view themselves as Venetians, Florentines, Romans, Sicilians, Sardinians, Viterbese, among many others.

The University at a Distance

The Main Courtyard

Entrance to the University with my friend Mary Kay

Using the Free Wifi at School

A corridor w/ Frescos remains

I feel like I am at Hogwarts ^.^