Maddie's Final Blog Post

    Before coming to Italy, I imagined history, art, amazing food, and the excitement of being somewhere completely new. I was especially looking forward to everyday life, walking through neighborhoods, hearing Italian all around me, and seeing how history shaped the present. After spending this month here, I can say the experience was everything I hoped for, but also much more.

    In Rome, our readings about Roman life and power in the ancient world came alive. Standing in the Colosseum made me realize how architecture was used not just for function, but to influence emotion, identity, and social order. The scale of Roman engineering and city planning showed me how geography and design shaped daily life, just like we discussed in class. History no longer felt like a distant story. It felt like it was right under my feet.

    Fontecchio helped me understand a different side of Italy. Through our conversations about rural life and sustainability, I saw how culture is preserved through small communities and strong local traditions. It showed me that Italy is much more than big tourist cities and monuments. It is also a place where history is lived quietly through daily routines, local relationships, and care for the land.

    The everyday moments I was excited for before the trip became some of the most meaningful parts of the experience. They helped me feel immersed, not just like a visitor but like someone briefly living within another culture.

    Italy taught me to slow down, notice my surroundings, and understand that culture lives in daily routines as much as in famous landmarks. What started as excitement to see a new place turned into a deeper awareness of how history, geography, and community shape the way people live.

Ciao Italia 🇮🇹