Endicott Fall 2014

endicott!F U A F l o r e n c e U n i v e r s i t y o f t h e A r t s & E n d i c o t t C o l l e g e

FALL 2014 Florence Italy

CULTURAL CULTURAL INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION TO ITALYTO ITALY

Travel Travel diariesdiaries

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A note from the staf f : A note from the staf f: Olimpia BozzaOlimpia Bozza

For me,

the opportunity to live

my country and explore it along with

the students is something that is invaluable and

really f ills my heart. Many of the places that I have visited

with the Fall14 students are places that I carry within me, in

my memory, places of my childhood and where I have created

important memories with my family. To be able to spend the pre-

semester week with students is really almost to donate a piece of me,

sharing the history of my family and that of my country. It ’s exciting

to repeat these familiar actions, which have shaped me for who I

am today, with a group of young people who live this experience

for the f irst time.I hope that I have been able to convey to

them something of who we are in Italy, and at the

same time I know I have learnt from them

more than they imagine!

Student Profi les

endicottendicottCOLLEGECOLLEGE

FALLFALL20142014

Rebecca BohlsI n t e r i o r D e s i g n

BOLGHERI. THE MEANING OF FOOD AND WINE

IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

I love that I am able to visit a country that appreciates

wine for its quality. In the states, wine is only for

the people of age and so the culture turned into

the younger population abusing drinking instead of

appreciating it. In Italy I have been able to learn the

proper ways to drink and appreciate the quality. What

I have taken away from this is that drinking wine is a

social experience to bond with your companions.

VIAREGGIO AND FORTE DEI MARMI. ITALIAN

LIFESTYLE DURING LEISURE TIME.

My time spent at Forte dei Marmi was some of my

favorite during the pre-semester travel week. During

then, we didn’t see any ancient architecture, but I

was able to observe the current Italian culture. I was

able to take a breather from the busy travel days and

appreciate the little things that make me love Italy.

It was our fi rst chance to go out into the city and

converse with other Italians. The language barrier

was tough, but it is shocking how much English

Italians know. It makes me feel bad that in America

we aren’t taught all the other languages very well

and almost expect other countries to all know English.

A PERSONAL GROWTH EXPERIENCE THAT I

WILL FOREVER REMEMBER WAS…

On the fi rst day in Rome. We had free time and I

was determined to fi nd Giolitti, the gelato place

recommended by my high school teacher. We got lost

around the Pantheon and asked for directions three

times, but it taught me that I can accomplish so much,

how independent I’ve become, and ways to overcome

the language barrier.

ONE SENTENCE/PHRASE THAT, IN MY

OPINION, ILLUSTRATES ITALY AND ITALIAN

CULTURE IS…

Italy is everyday walking through streets of history,

while taking the time to appreciate the quality of

what is around and embracing the companionship of

others..

T H E C O L O S S E U M


Danielle BoucherI n t e r i o r D e s i g n

CAPRAROLA, VILLA LANTE AND BOMARZO.

ARCHITECTURE COMBINED WITH NATURE.

These places were magical, to me. Something

you would see in a fairy tale or a Disney movie.

Flowers were draping from the balconies of homes

and everywhere along the street and across the

vast landscape of the more rural areas in Italy. The

architecture was a very old style, balancing the beauty

in the colorful plants. It only fi t that the people who

lived in this area could not speak a word of English.

They were simple, with a passion for their home, and

every part of these towns tied together perfectly.

IL GIARDINO DEI TAROCCHI. A CONTEMPORARY

CREATION OF IMAGINATION IN THE TRADITION

OF THE ITALIAN GARDENS.

When I stepped into line of sight to this garden, I was

not expecting anything I saw. The beauty of such large

mosaic pieces just screamed love in every section.

The gardens I went to were traditional, up-kept

gardens, leaving every hedge and branch trimmed

perfectly. But going to Il Giardino dei Tarocchi let go

of the traditional sense of “garden”, letting go of

expectations and going against the grain. I felt like a

child again, with a huge sense of wonder.

FLORENCE: MY NEW HOME FOR THE

SEMESTER. THE PREPARATORY TRAVEL WEEK

HELPED ME FEEL LIKE A FLORENTINE LOCAL

BECAUSE...

I felt more like a local at the start because I already had

a basic understanding of social etiquette, manners at

a restaurant, and simple words to communicate with

the community.

SOMETHING THAT CHANGED OR AFFIRMED MY

EXPECTATIONS/PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY

WAS...

The food. I have only heard how good it was, but now

I can know for myself that it is, in fact, the best food I

have ever tasted.

C A P R A R O L A

FALLFALL20142014

Rebekah Capece B u s i n e s s

ROME, 3000 YEARS OF ART AND HISTORY.

REFLECTIONS OF AN AMERICAN IN ROME.

Rome is a city that everyone needs to visit. Looking

at pictures and reading about the history does not do

this magnifi cent city justice. The Colosseum and St.

Peter’s Basilica were my favorite places we visited.

The Colosseum was so fascinating because of how

intact the amphitheater was after all of these years.

St. Peter’s Basilica was amazing and so beautiful. I

am a Roman Catholic so I really enjoyed the time we

spent inside the Basilica.



Forte dei Marmi is absolutely beautiful. I never

thought I would fi nd myself at a beach surrounded

by mountains. The views of the mountains from the

beach were breathtaking. After spending time in both

Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio you could instantly tell

that this was where Italians go on holiday.




BECAUSE...

I was able to familiarize myself with the Italian

lifestyle and fi gure out the best way to adjust to living

in a different country. By the time I arrived in Florence,

it immediately started to feel like my second home.



CULTURE IS…

The country of Italy and its culture can be illustrated

through fashion and food. Italy is the fashion capital

of the world and home to the best food I have ever

tasted.

T H E C O L O S S E U M


Kaitlin Desbiens I n t e r i o r D e s i g n



Rome was a great place to start our orientation for our

soon to be semester abroad in Florence. The history

of Rome has been maintained so well throughout

the city, and being an interior design major seeing

the iconic Roman architecture was a dream come

true. Aside from being so in love with the history of

Rome, I felt like the Roman locals made me feel very

welcome. The only thing I felt I needed to adjust to

was the time zone.



Although Caprarola was a small village, it was what

I had always pictured a true Italian village to be. I

found a family-run restaurant and ordered my fi rst

Italian meal. The Gardens that lead to the hunting

grounds were the most beautiful place we visited

throughout orientation. Caprarola was my favorite

stop during orientation; it was refreshing being in a

smaller town after visiting Rome for two days.




BECAUSE…

The travel week defi nitely helped me feel more

comfortable with living abroad because I felt more

knowledgeable about Italy. Being able to say I’ve

seen so many places in Italy after just one week made

me feel like I had more of an advantage over other

study abroad students.

ONE SENTENCE/PHRASE THAT IN MY OPINION

ILLUSTRATES ITALY AND ITALIAN CULTURE IS...

In my opinion I would describe Italian culture as

refreshing, because to me it is very refreshing

compared to what I have grown up with in the

US. Italians are very relaxed and care more about

personal relationships and face to face contact which

is refreshing to experience.

R O M E

FALLFALL20142014

Haley DiPietro L i b e r a l S t u d i e s E d u c a t i o n




Il Giardino dei Tarocchi was one of my favorite

places that we visited. It had a very modern feel to

it, yet can still be compared to the more traditional

Italian Gardens. Like Bomarzo, the sculptures were

all different and unexpected, but made out of

nontraditional materials. The variety of textures,

colors and materials helped to make each piece

interesting. Each sculpture was different from the

others and had its own personal style.

BARATTI AND POPULONIA. IN THE FOOTSTEPS

OF THE ETRUSCANS.

The Etruscans were not a topic I was highly familiar

with before this trip. I am used to learning about

something in school, and then going to experience it.

Getting the chance to learn about them while standing

in front of their ruins was a whole new experience. I

was surprised by how important the after life was

to them and how well built and preserved their

belongings were. I was also surprised by how small

the Etruscans were. I am considered short, but am

taller then a full grown Etruscan male!



Trying all of the new foods. During group dinners I was

served many foods that I had not previously tried, but

realized how delicious they were after trying them.


EXPECTATIONS/PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITALY

WAS...

Something that affi rmed my expectations about Italy

is how fresh all of the food is. All of the fruits and

vegetables I have bought are so fresh and delicious.

T A R O T G A R D E N


Christine DonohoeI n t e r i o r D e s i g n

ROME 3000 YEARS OF ART & HISTORY:


As I was traveling to Rome for the very fi rst time, I

felt apprehensive and exhilarated. I had no clue

what to expect. I had seen images of the incredible

architectural wonders that exist in Rome, but was

naive to their massive size and intricate details.

While walking the streets of Rome, I felt as though I

had traveled back in time. I would see large piazzas,

fountains, or a monstrous ancient structure with

every turn I took. Each new ruin I came across, I

became more excited for the next. With my map in

hand, I felt as if I was on a treasure hunt for ancient

Roman ruins scattered throughout the bustling city.

BOLGHERI: THE MEANING OF FOOD AND WINE

IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

While in Bolgheri, I observed that wine is a very

signifi cant part of Italian culture. Italian vineyard

workers are very meticulous in creating great

wines. As a result, Italians honor their hard work by

appreciating wine paired with a delicious meal. True

Italian food is always seasonal and prepared fresh.

Italians use mealtime as a social time to spend with

family and/or friends. They take their time to enjoy a

multi course meal, and great company.



CULTURE IS…

Italy is a beautiful country fi lled with many individuals

who take pride in its art, cuisine, fashion, and rich

history.




BECAUSE…

The travel week exposed me to a lot of Italian culture

and language. I believe it played a signifi cant role in

enabling me to ease comfortably into life in a new

country.

B O L G H E R I

FALLFALL20142014

Melissa DubeA r t



These three places include statues, fountains and

buildings to highlight the beautiful nature around

them. They include both nature that was planted

and nature that was already there. Water was an

important part of these gardens because it adds

movement and sound, so fountains and water chains

were very common. Nature was also used to frame

buildings or statues on the grounds, creating very

symmetrical lines in the layout of the gardens.


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

TThe Etruscans left behind many tombs in their village

right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. They built

them in such a way that they were able to survive all

of these years. They were excavated and many were

found to be in very good condition. They also found

some traces of items, like chariots, in the tombs,

leading us to believe that they buried their dead with

possessions to help them in the next life.

FLORENCE: MY NEW HOME FOR THE SEMESTER.

THE PREPARATORY TRAVEL WEEK HELPED ME

FEEL LIKE A FLORENTINE LOCAL BECAUSE:

By the time we arrived in Florence I felt like I already

knew a lot about the culture.

The travel week adjusted me to the Italian ways of

life.


EXPECTATIONS/PERSPECTIVE

ABOUT ITALY WAS...

Rome changed my expectation of Italian cities. I

pictured a peaceful, low-key city, not something as

busy as it turned out to be.

I T A L I A N G A R D E N W A T E R W O R K S


Lauren Ecker I n t e r i o r D e s i g n

ROME 3000 YEARS OF ART & HISTORY:


As a designer, Rome was incredible to see. Ancient

Rome was the foundation of architecture so standing

amongst so much history was very humbling. My very

memory of Rome was turning the corner and walking

up to the Pantheon. At that moment I had to step

back, put down my camera, and just take it all in and

realize where I actually was. As a designer it was so

important for me to have that moment in Rome and

take in all that ancient Rome has to offer.




Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, or the Tarot Garden, was also

one of my favorites. The designer had free range and

a blank palette for h er vision and it was very cool to

see it come to life. Walking up to the gardens, I had

a moment of “what the heck is this place?” However,

using all of the senses to touch and feel all of the

different patterns and colors was very stimulating for

a designer. I think we all could relate to this garden.

Sometimes you just want to use every pattern in the

book to make one crazy mess of art.




BECAUSE...

The fi rst week helped me get an understanding of

food traditions in Italy. We learned about the right

time to eat the bread, how much food you actually

need to consume, and how great Italian food is

compared to America.



CULTURE IS…

Italian culture revolves around food and the

importance of preparing and eating the food with

family and friends.

R O M E

FALLFALL20142014

Mallory FarleyH o s p i t a l i t y M a n a g e m e n t



Caprarola was one of my favorite places we visited

during our pre-semester travel week, it’s really a

place you don’t want to miss. I decided to take a turn

down a road that didn’t look like much, where I found

a quaint little coffee and gelato shop, where I tried

my fi rst espresso from Italy, and probably my favorite.

The worker at the shop proceeded to ask if we had

seen the church, got a key and let us in one of the

most beautiful churches I have seen. This thoughtful

act made my week, and I will never forget that little

church.



The coastal towns we visited were some of the

most beautiful places we stopped along the way to

Firenze. Many of these towns are inhabited by people

working in the marble industry. Also these towns

are very touristy with other Italians for leisure time.

So the atmosphere is much laid back compared to

being in Roma or Firenze. I had some of the best

Mediterranean food you can eat, saw amazing views

of the Apennines and the Mediterranean Sea.



FEEL LIKE A FLORENTINE LOCAL BECAUSE…

Traveling from Roma to Florence introduced me to the

Italian culture. It helped me learn to appreciate the

things that I never have before. Once we arrived in

Florence, I felt at home.



Italy is an absolutely beautiful country with an

incredible history, and a culture that will teach you

how to appreciate the little things in life.

C A P R A R O L A


Teagan FortuneI n t e r i o r D e s i g n




When I was told we were going to one last garden in

our travels I was most defi nitely not expecting what

the Tarocchi garden had in store for me. Pulling into

the parking lot at the very beginning and seeing

a sea of colors exploding over the treetops I could

not wait to actually go inside. I was amazed by how

contemporary all the designs of the sculptures and

buildings were. To think that someone had designed

an entire building out of tiny pieces of tiles and glass

was mind blowing. Not just a building but a piece

of art that you can step inside of. At fi rst I was kind

of taken back by all of the eccentric designs but as

I spent more and more time in the garden I grew to

love and appreciate each and every piece that was

there.



Visiting the carnival was so amazing to be able to

experience an event that is so important to the locals.

Seeing how much time and creativity goes into each

small aspect to pull it all together in the end and

have a spectacular show was incredible. I was not

expecting the fl oats to be at such a grand scale and

have such intricate details, so that blew me away.

Also, being able to spend a little free time in Forte dei

Marmi was very rewarding because it was a beautiful

town that was not too populated in tourists but it

had more of an Italian home town feel to it. I loved

going to the beach. I will never forget one couple that

came up to us after over hearing us speaking English.

They said they hadn’t heard anyone speaking English

at the beach all day and they wished us the best in

our studies in Italy. Right there I felt welcomed and

I knew these next four months will be an experience

of a lifetime.

V I A R E G G I O C A R N I V A L - A F L O A T

FALLFALL20142014

Brianna FullamA r t


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

Baratti was breathtaking with its rolling hills and view

of the sea. When we walked through the gravesite

and into the tombs, I really felt like I was with the

ancient Etruscan people. I could imagine the bustling

harbor and the people walking around in robes. I

will always remember how I felt when I walked into

the tomb. The fact that you had to crouch down and

walk down a long tunnel to get inside was a spiritual

experience that transported me into the past.

BOLGHERI: THE MEANING OF FOOD AND WINE

IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

Our day at Bolgheri was the perfect day. Beautiful

weather, food, wine and company. It amazed me at

how precise and careful the people at the vineyard

were at their job. They cared for the grape vines like

they were their children, in fact the lady we met kept

calling the grapes as a “him”. I enjoyed learning how

to correctly taste wine immensely. The whole process

is an art, from growing the vines all the way down to

tasting the wine.

A PERSONAL GROWTH EXPERIENCE

THAT I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER WAS...

I will always remember how much we did in a day

during the travel week. I will take it as a personal

lesson that anything is possible when you work hard

to get there.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

Something that affi rmed my expectations, maybe

even exceeded them was the beauty and love that

I have found in so many historical, spiritual, and

creative places that I have seen.

E T R U S C A N S I T E


Lauren GallagherA r t



Rome was my fi rst taste of Italy that I will treasure

forever. I was constantly being taken away by the

insanely complex architecture surrounding me at

all times; its elegance and sheer size was more

than enough to make one at a loss for words. Our

fi rst destination on day two in Rome will forever

be ingrained in my mind. Stepping into the piazza

where St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City

was one of the most surreal experiences of my life.

A feeling of beauty, stillness and peace washed over

me instantaneously while taking in the grandeur of

my surroundings.


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

Stepping into ancient burial grounds was creepy to

say the least but it was also a way for my mind to

open up and fi nally grasp the idea of how far human

civilizations go back in history. It was a reminder that

there is a connection between all civilizations because

we all walk on the same earth and although, we have

different rituals and traditions, there are still many

links between us. Walking in the footsteps of the

Etruscans and grasping what I could about these still

mysterious people helped me fi nd an interest in these

subjects that I never contained before.



FEEL LIKE A FLORENTINE LOCAL BECAUSE…

I was already accustomed to the new time schedule

and the crash course in culture and customs prevented

me from experiencing any serious culture shock.



A slower and more appreciative way of life.

R O M E

FALLFALL20142014

Chelsea GlynnI n t e r i o r D e s i g n



Caprarola was a beautiful small town on a hillside. I

enjoyed walking down the quiet, narrow streets and

meeting some of the locals. It was a very peaceful

place without any tourists. It was two very different

experiences walking through the gardens of Villa

Lante and Bomarzo. I really enjoyed Villa Lante, it

was full of beautiful greenery shaped into spirals

and detailed fountains. Bomarzo was not what I

was expecting. I was under the impression it was

another garden but it was a forest fi lled with monster

sculptures. I liked how each sculpture had a story and

along the way the sculptures refl ected the theme of

heaven and hell.


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

The archaeological tour through the ancient Etruscan

burial grounds had so much history. My favorite part

was walking into one of the tombs and seeing how

they buried their loved ones. I was surprised how

much history was still left. The Etruscans built their

tombs with stones and soil and some of them are

still there today. It was very interesting to see these

grounds and learn about the Etruscans.


WILL FOREVER REMEMBER WAS...

Facing my fear of fl ying. I’ve been scared of planes for

a few years now. It was a personal achievement for

me overcoming my fear to be able to come to Italy.



Their appreciation of food, art and history. I have

noticed Italians have so much respect for their meals

and where they’re from.

C A P R A R O L A - V I L L A F A R N E S E


Sabina GrassoI n t e r i o r D e s i g n



America, though fi lled with history and culture, cannot

begin to compete with a city like Rome. Arriving in

a place fi lled with architecture and history from far

before America was thought to have even existed

was one of the most mind-blowing experiences I

have ever had. Walking into Vatican City and being

surrounded by colossal columns was indescribable,

and taking our fi rst offi cial tour in St. Peter’s Basilica

only further emphasized the impressive nature of

Rome.




Visiting Il Giardino dei Tarocchi was as equally as

alluring as it was bizarre as it was enthralling. Arriving

to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere and

stumbling upon this glittering, fantastical scene was

the last thing our unexpecting group of American girls

had foreseen. Although the concept of this attraction

was eccentric, and at times even a little unsettling,

the incredibly beautiful effect that was created will

certainly stand out in our memories of our week.




BECAUSE…

Spending the week traveling was certainly benefi cial

prior to arriving in Florence, and became evident

when the other students arrived. While they were

experiencing the same overwhelming emotions that

we had the week before, we felt as though we had

settled in, and could manage the culture with more

ease.



My fi rst experience swimming in the Mediterranean

while visiting the Etruscan tombs was by far my

most memorable experience. It was my moment

of realization that I was, after all the anticipation,

fi nally in Italy, and I felt completely enveloped in the

countries’ beauty, culture, and history. It will forever

be my most eye-opening, magnifi cent memory of

our week.

V A T I C A N C I T Y

FALLFALL20142014

Kellie KerriganH o s p i t a l i t y M a n a g e m e n t



Caprarola, Villa Lante and Bomarzo were a great next

stop from Rome because we went from historical

site seeing to seeing beautiful gardens and castles.

Moving away form the bustling city to see the

gardens were very breathtaking because it was a new

experience of Italy that we had not come across yet.

These three gardens were so spectacular seeing the

different architecture and nature that were involved

to create these pieces.




Il Giardino dei Tarocchi was something I would never

imagine seeing while in Italy. We drove down a long

countryside road and ended up in one of the wildest

and craziest places I have ever seen. There were many

different types of structures that could be found on a

Tarot card. The way that the creators mixed the Italian

countryside and gardens into this contemporary

structure amazes me.



Learning that I have to adapt to where I am and be

respectful of that.


ILLUSTRATES ITALY AND ITALIAN CULTURE IS…

A phrase that illustrates Italy and Italian Culture is

walk to explore. This is because you have to take it

all in.

V I L L A L A N T E


Kimberly KnowlesA r t



Experiencing different forms of Italian garden

landscapes showed extravagance in different ways,

from subtle mazes and fountains in Caprarola to the

symmetry of the Villa Lante. The “monster gardens”

were the most impressive, with monsters and men

emerging from the bedrock marble itself. It played

on a combination of soft natural foliage and solid

towering forms, and captivated the mind as well

as the eye with a mythic narrative about a journey

through purgatory.




Our visit to Il Giardino dei Tarocchi was like going to

an amusement park inside someone’s imagination.

The colors and whimsical shapes of all the mosaic

forms were beautiful and so lively; wandering

through them was a great follow up to many days

only experiencing art in formal settings. It was an

inspiring departure from the classical to the modern,

and showed a different outdoor art form than the

previous gardens we had seen.


ILLUSTRATES ITALY AND ITALIAN CULTURE IS…

Slowing down to see the beauty all around you.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

I expected things to be different; I did not realize how

much I would change for the better, learning to take

each day slowly and enjoy it sunrise to sunset.

T H E T A R O T G A R D E N

FALLFALL20142014

Stephanie LoweI n t e r i o r D e s i g n


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

I enjoyed this visit, mainly because we had learned

so much about Etruscan Barrow Tombs in our art

history courses back home that seeing them up close

and actually being able to go inside of one was very

interesting. So much emphasis was placed on life

after death that these tombs were more signifi cant

than their actual habitations during a lifetime. Going

to the beach made the trip seem real; that I wasn’t

just a tourist is Rome but that I was actually visiting

places in Italy that not everybody would have a

chance to see.


IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

Probably one of my favorite stops during the week, I

really liked Bolgheri and the winery because I learned

how to appreciate the pairing of food and wine rather

than just eating and drinking as fast as possible.

When you slow down to really taste everything and

understand what you’re eating and why, it becomes

that much more signifi cant. In addition, hearing

about where each type of grape grows and why

based on season and weather makes learning about

the process interesting.



When I was forced to learn how to live on my own

without the support of parents or family. I had to

be smart about choices and act according to instinct

rather than curiosity.

SOMETHING THAT CHANGED MY

EXPECTATIONS ABOUT ITALY WAS....

Seeing that everybody wants to make you feel

welcome and at home in their country, and a lot of

people will go out of their way to make things easier

for you, which made the transition a lot easier.

B A R A T T I


Amanda MersereauI n t e r i o r D e s i g n



Caprarola was such a small little hilltop village but it

was so beautiful! The octagonal palace at the top was

particularly extraordinary. The history behind every

room and wing of the palace was incredible and the

garden was gorgeous. I enjoyed being in this small

town after being in the large city of Rome, it really

showed two different sides of Italy in the same day.



Before coming to Italy, I didn’t know they had their

own carnival, and it was so interesting to learn about

the festival and the extensive process behind the

giant fl oats! Some of them were so intricate and the

political and ironic stories and messages behind them

were powerful and funny. I wish I could attend one

of the carnivals myself to fully appreciate the art the

way it is meant to be shown.




BECAUSE...

I was exposed to so much about Italian culture and

traditions before even arriving in Florence, which

made me feel more prepared and educated about my

new home.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

The architecture! Learning about Italian architecture

and then seeing it in person really allowed me to

appreciate the quality of each amazing structure.

C A P R A R O L A

FALLFALL20142014

Andrea MountfordC o m m u n i c a t i o n


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

Standing in a grave bed in the middle of an ancient

tomb was surprisingly calming and refl ective, of

course that was after I got over the fact that I was

standing in a grave bed in the middle of an ancient

tomb… with spiders. The Etruscans’ architectural

abilities were incredible with the tools and supplies

available for their time, although I feel bad belittling

these people based on their era, I wouldn’t know how

to begin building those tombs in current day. I was

fascinated with the effort they put into burial sites,

shown by their longevity, and not their homes, which

no longer stood.


IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

Wine is seen as an art form here in Italy, which is a

new concept for me because it is not treated with

the same respect in America. The care in which the

owner talked about each grape, and how closely the

vineyard has to be monitored showed how much

passion is put in every bottle. Tasting it seemed like

even more of a process than making it. I never knew

how many steps went into a simple sip. The love they

have for a glass of wine at dinner makes you want to

be a part of the culture, to take in with such interest

every detail and to fully appreciate what effort has

been exerted for your dining pleasure.



Being unsure and lost and being okay with it. Many

times I wasn’t sure if what I was doing, which would

be seen as polite in my county, might be taken as rude

here. Near the end of the trip I realized those cultural

differences were always going to be there, I just had

to learn to be okay with it.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

Their love of food. It is a strong standing stereotype

that Italians are quite the foodies, but after my fi rst 3

hour meal I realized how true it really is.

C A P R A R O L A


Courtney MussellI n t e r i o r D e s i g n


IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

In Bolgheri, we were able to see the whole idea of

“farm to table” so clearly. Visiting the vineyard and

being walked through the process of making delicious

wine, allowed us to see all of the work that goes into

creating delicious, authentic Italian wine. Tenuta Di

Vaira also served us beautiful appetizers included

different meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables,

spreads, and of course, wine. Learning how to taste

wine made us all feel very Italian.



Being guided through all of the history was all so

incredible, but in Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi it

was refreshing to be able to explore on our own; then

again, spending time at the beach with great friends

is a perfect way to spend any day. I felt as if I was able

to absorb Italian culture on my own for the fi rst time.

Visiting carnival pieces and the marble quarry were

unforgettable experiences.




BECAUSE…

I knew so little before arriving in Italy and immersing

oneself in the culture and language is the best way to

start developing your sense of surroundings

in a new place.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

Recognizing that I would eventually feel at home

here, which had been a concern before our orientation

week.

F R E S H F R U I T I N B O L G H E R I

FALLFALL20142014

Sarah NarburghI n t e r i o r D e s i g n




As we approached Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, I was

instantly overwhelmed by all of the vibrant colors and

eye-catching materials. The artist of this sculpture

garden, Niki de Saint Phalle, certainly succeeded at

portraying tarot cards because I felt mentally and

spiritually connected to it. I suddenly felt like a young

child again as I leaped from one sculpture to another

in complete amazement. I loved how the imaginative

garden contrasted with the traditional views of the

vast Tuscan landscape.


OF THE ETRUSCANS.

The archaeological park of Baratti and Populonia

opened my eyes to the life of the Etruscans. As we

entered the small tomb, I felt like I had traveled back

in time. The construction appeared effortless and the

presence of natural light was incredible. At one point

I stood in an ancient funerary bath, which was made

of weathered stone. Although some of my classmates

were uncomfortable with this, I felt like I was truly

experiencing Etruscan history.


SEMESTER. HOW THE TRAVEL WEEK HELPED

ME FEEL LIKE AN ITALIAN.

I felt signifi cantly more prepared to live in Florence

compared to my roommates that didn’t have an

orientation week. I was adjusted to using a map (not a

GPS), using Italian phrases, and walking everywhere.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

The moments our orientation leaders and bus driver

encouraged us to learn Italian words. In Italy they

have the patience to teach foreigners their native

language.

E T R U S C A N T O M B


Hannah PicarielloI n t e r i o r D e s i g n



When I used to think of Italy before I came here places

like Caprarola were what I imagined it to be like, quiet

rustic little towns. When we went to the palace and

gardens at Caprarola it was amazing, the gardens

are breathtaking and everything about them was

perfect. When we visited Villa Lante, the amazement

continued. Each garden is unique and beautiful in its

own way. Visiting the gardens was my favorite part

of the fi rst week. There is something so serene and

peaceful about them. Bomarzo was a completely

different garden than the fi rst two that we visited, it

was defi nitely interesting to see all of the big stone

sculptures but I liked the way each of them had a

story and how the whole park had a story to it.



I would call this entire journey a personal growth

experience. I can’t really name one defi ning moment,

but I notice so many changes in myself that are so

important. Every day I feel more confi dent in myself

and this experience, I am becoming more independent

each day and learning so many things about myself. I

will forever be grateful for this opportunity.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

When coming to Italy, I expected to encounter great

food and a slower paced lifestyle. The food was better

than I expected. The lifestyle here is anything but

slow; people are swarming the streets at all hours of

the day and walk with a purpose. Italians defi nitely

take time to appreciate things more but their lifestyle

is pretty modern.

V I L L A L A N T E

FALLFALL20142014

Sydney RidderH o s p i t a l i t y M a n a g e m e n t



A city older than time itself fi lled with art, religion,

history, evolution and reform. Rome is the capital

of Italy and known for its eternal beauty. Inside its

walls holds some of the greatest masterpieces to

ever been seen to this world. The Spanish Steps, the

Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel

Sant’Angelo, Bridge of Angels and The Vatican City

are some of the beauties this city holds. When fi rst

entering Rome, I was hit with an overwhelming

feeling of excitement and this sensation of being

in a city I have grown up learning about. Being an

American in Rome was like trying to fi nd a needle

in a haystack. Things are in different languages,

street signs all look the same, and personal space is

nonexistent. I didn’t know where to fi nd the nearest

Starbucks nor how to order a panino, but that didn’t

mean that the citizens of Rome weren’t willing to

help. Italians would help me fi nd my way, explain

the ways of their lives, and show me that it doesn’t

matter what language you speak as long as you try.


IN ITALIAN CULTURE.

Traveling into the Prove of Livorno, we entered

Bolgheri. A town known for its food and amazing

wine. At the vineyard of Tenuta DiVaira, we

experienced traditional wine making and tasting,

along with traditional pairings. These food and wine

pairings allowed us to understand the real meaning

of food and wine together. The combination of the

small meals with wine in between bites allowed for

us to experience more fl avors. We were able to taste

all the fl avors of the meals and the wine. This taught

us that Italians drink wine with meals to enjoy more

fl avors and the culture.



Being able to travel a week early to learn about the

culture of Italian society if only a little. It was amazing

to be able to see so many different parts of Italian

culture in a short amount of time to further my

understanding on this country.

R O M E


Laura VarjabedianI n t e r i o r D e s i g n



Rome, a vast and intriguing city of history, art,

architecture, and society, immediately had me in awe

upon arrival. I was taken aback by the beauty and

complexity in the buildings simply passing them on

the street, not to mention the sites that we toured. So

much of this city I have only read and learned about,

that seeing immense and powerful structures such as

the Coliseum, Pantheon, and history enriched areas

like St. Peter’s Square left me completely speechless.

An understanding of ancient Roman history really

began to give me an appreciation for the country of

Italy, and I had only visited the one city so far. The

power of the history and the evolution of society in

Rome was setting into my mind as an enriching and

interesting realization.



The description of the Cittadella del Carnevale and

viewing of the celebration throughout the years was

rich in artistic talent and tradition. The essence and

dedication put into the festival is similar to events we

have in America and I found it extremely neat to learn

the political statements and motives of the entries!

Enjoying the leisure and lifestyle by the water, as well

as the historic tradition of beach life in Forte dei Marmi

and the Tuscan region was truly a treat.

A PERSONAL GROWTH EXPERIENCE I WILL

FOREVER REMEMBER WAS...

Losing myself in the beauty and religious power

of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican. I was moved

beyond words.



That it is built around the relationships of the society

and their ancestral connection to Italian history and

its traditions.

I T A L I A N A T T H E B E A C H

FALLFALL20142014

Courtney WilsonA r t

ROME 3000 YEARS OF ART AND HISTORY.

REFLECTIONS OF AN AMERICAN IN ROME:

Rome is an ancient city fi lled with architecture, Rome is an ancient city fi lled with architecture,

breathtaking art and amazing history. Being the

fi rst stop of our travel week I was overwhelmed

and wonderstruck by Rome. We visited places that I

have always dreamed of seeing. The Vatican and St.

Peter’s Basilica was my favorite because of the fi ne

architecture, Michelangelo’s Pieta being my fi rst piece

of famous art work to see, and it had such a religious

meaning to me.




The Tarot Garden was the most unique garden of

the gardens we visited. I enjoyed the contemporary

stylized approach to the place. The glass mosaic

sculptures were innovative and interactive. I found

it the easiest to explore freely and get lost within a

more creative individual imagination. This garden

is a creation of imagination amongst a history of

structured Italian Gardens. There is no exact pathway

to follow as there is no start and end to the garden. It

is an exploration of the individual’s journey.




BECAUSE...

I was able to become aware of the different cultural

aspects of art, food and wine. I was able to understand

the history and why Italians value it.



ABOUT ITALY WAS...

Witnessing everyday Italians living a simple lifestyle

appreciated through togetherness, family and food.

S K E T C H B Y C O U R T N E Y W I L S O N


Laura WunschI n t e r i o r D e s i g n


IN ITALIAN CULTURE

The wine tasting in Bolgheri was one of my favorite

things that the group did throughout the week.

Learning everything that goes into one bottle of wine

and how important certain steps are when making

wine made me appreciate the wine so much more.

Also, the food that was paired with the wine was

amazing and made me notice how different wines

pair with certain foods better than others. Being in

Bolgheri and learning all that we did showed me how

much more the Italian Culture appreciates their food.

In America, food is rushed and wine is drunk with no

gratitude. After being lucky enough to experience

this visit in Bolgheri, I plan on bringing the value of

food and wine in the Italian Culture back to the United

States with me and sharing it with everyone so they

realize how important the appreciation is.



When a little Italian lady approached us in

Caprarola speaking nothing but Italian. None of

us knew what she was saying or how to reply.

Someone who spoke a little English tried to help us to

understand, but the only thing any of us really got out

of it was that she told us to stop being so timid and

shy. When I understood what she said, it immediately

made me realize that as a group we all walk following

what we are told, but don’t fully expose ourselves to

the Italian Culture. Ever since this moment, I have tried

to be apart as much as I can and discover as much of

the culture as possible while I am in Italy. There’s so

much to see and learn in every part of Italy and time

shouldn’t be wasted being shy or questioning. The

lady made me realize how important it is to immerse

yourself into the surroundings if you want to learn

and understand the culture in the fullest and from

that point on, that is what I did.

C A P R A R O L A

endicott fall 2014

endicottcollege

Cultural Intro Pre-Semester WeekCultural Intro Pre-Semester WeekAugust 20August 20thth - August 27 - August 27thth

FALL 2014FALL 2014

CREDITSPhoto Credit: Endicott Students Fall 2014 - Profile pics by Silvia ManciniPhoto Credit: Endicott Students Fall 2014 - Profile pics by Silvia Mancini

Production Coordinator: M. Olimpia BozzaProduction Coordinator: M. Olimpia Bozza

Endicott Fall Endicott Fall 2014 Class:2014 Class:

Rebecca BohlsRebecca Bohls

Danielle BoucherDanielle Boucher

Rebekah CapeceRebekah Capece

Kaitlin DesbiensKaitlin Desbiens

Haley DiPietroHaley DiPietro

Christine DonohoeChristine Donohoe

Melissa DubeMelissa Dube

Lauren EckerLauren Ecker

Mallory FarleyMallory Farley

Teagan FortuneTeagan Fortune

Brianna FullamBrianna Fullam

Lauren GallagherLauren Gallagher

Chelsea GlynnChelsea Glynn

Sabina GrassoSabina Grasso

Kellie KerriganKellie Kerrigan

Kimberly KnowlesKimberly Knowles

Stephanie LoweStephanie Lowe

Amanda MersereauAmanda Mersereau

Andrea MountfordAndrea Mountford

Courtney MussellCourtney Mussell

Sarah NarburghSarah Narburgh

Johannah PicarielloJohannah Picariello

Sydney RidderSydney Ridder

Laura VarjabedianLaura Varjabedian

Courtney WilsonCourtney Wilson

Laura WunschLaura Wunsch

Documents

Endicott Fall 2014