Activism in Athens

By Samm Carbone

Athens is the largest city in Greece with a population of up to 3 million people. Tall buildings and cars are packed together on each side of the narrow streets with barely enough room for our bus to make it through. I'm not exaggerating, our bus drivers had to lift and move a car out of our path in order to scrape by. The people who live in the city seemed to be well-adjusted to the overflow of people.

During our visit, we were warned that we might experience some delays in our plans due to a general strike and protests that had been taking place in the center of the city. While I was hoping that we would not have to miss out on any of the archeological sites due to the demonstrations, I was intrigued to learn more about how the public interacted with the Greek government and vice versa.

We learned that the strike was organized by the civil transportation workers of Athens in response to a deadly train crash that occurred as a result of negligence. This tragedy had come even after warnings from railway unions that there weren’t the necessary safety measures in place, and it required attention. Transportation services such as railways, buses, ferries, etc., were shut down for periods of time.

We did not end up encountering any interference, and there was no protesting taking place in the areas we traveled through, but the tension could be felt looking at the signs and the enforcement who were prepared for whatever was to occur. Rallies like this one are not new to Greek society and this was one of many related to this specific incident. I sympathize with the citizens of Greece as they fight against injustice, especially because of how reminiscent this situation is of the Ohio train derailment that happened recently. Gross negligence resulting in the loss of lives deserves to be taken seriously by the government, so hopefully the people that come together in protest pile enough pressure on that they finally do so.

Onward to Florence, Back to the Renaissance

By: Kirk G.

Florence (Firenze), known as the birthplace of the renaissance, is a city of personality. From the dashing waves of the Arno River to the remarkable scale of Il Duomo, to the famed Ponte Vecchio, Florence has plenty of sights to see. The cobblestone streets are often flooded with foot traffic by travelers and locals alike, periodically intervened by cars and horse-drawn carriages attempting to navigate through the crowd.  Of the many sights in Florence, those that were most awe-inspiring to me were the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo di Pitti, and Il Duomo.   

Standing three stories tall overlooking the Arno River, the Uffizi Gallery boasts a macroscale collection of works from the renaissance period and earlier including over one-hundred busts of Roman emperors, and thousands of paintings including and dating as early as Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “Annunciation”, completed in 1472 A.D.   

The Palazzo di Pitti or Pitti Palace was created by Luca Pitti in 1468 A.D., but was later inhabited by the Medici Family during their reign in 1549 A.D. The palace has been museumized to contain hundreds of artworks and sculptures of the renaissance period.  Behind the palace lies the Boboli Gardens, encompassing a massive size of one-hundred eleven acres! If Boboli Gardens isn’t impressive enough, the views it offers overlooking Florence are sure to take your breath away.  

Il Duomo (which translates to “the cathedral” from Italian) is assuredly the most incredible cathedral you will ever see. Its gothic exterior is meticulously designed. The facade of the cathedral is clad in green, white, and red marble and adorned with arches and ribs to add visual texture. The dome of the cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is the tallest structure in the city reaching a height of 114.5 meters (375.7 feet). With a line over an hour long to enter, Il Duomo is the definition of a tourist attraction, and a must-see for anyone planning to visit the city known as “the birthplace of the renaissance”.   

At the Drop of a Mountain

 By Clem Latham

The landscape of Delphi in Greece was incredibly striking to me. Although as a group we spent less than a day in the city, one of the most memorable things about the area was how high up we were in the mountains. When looking off of balconies, it almost felt as if you were scaling a cliffside because of how vertical of a drop there was. On the one night we spent there, two friends and I went to a bar that our tour guide recommended. I don’t particularly like loud music, so the three of us decided to take our drinks out to the deck they had– and I cannot even express how pretty the view was. Beneath the deck felt like a straight drop, and even in the dead of night, you could see how far down the mountain valley went. I wish I could’ve taken pictures then and there, but alas, my phone doesn’t like the dark all that much. As we were up in the mountains, there was a damp chill outside but it created the perfect late night mountainside ambiance. The morning after, as I was rushing to get ready and get out the door, I still had to take a second and pause once I saw the view from our hotel. It was absolutely breathtaking in real life. Nothing makes you feel truly small like a miles-long valley that seems so far below you. 

            Going to Athens after that was like a whole different world. It was much flatter, and much more urbanized to the point that I can’t remember much about the landscape. To me, all cities have the same kind of feel, and Athens was no different. It was certainly nothing like Delphi! Although cities are nice in their own way, nothing can beat that beautiful view and feel of being up in the hills in Delphi.

Rome: The City of Marble

 By Luis Leon

Surrounded by  marble structures both ancient and Neo-classical, Rome was a breath-taking city. In the nighttime, when the flooded streets calmed down, you could truly appreciate its quiet parts. Marble stone reflected the street lamps and night sky to make the cobble sidewalks glimmer while you walk by. Looking like your average city, there were ancient sites like training fields or fountains found at any corner with excavation. These sights block off public grounds, but they welcomed any wandering eye to admire its history. Integrated naturally with modern architecture, these sites push the reverence for Roman history. 

My favorite area to catch a glimpse of the beautiful city’s energy is down the Via del Corso, the longest shopping street in the city. When approaching, my group was expecting the regular tourist trap or mom-and-pop shops to cover every corner. But to our surprise, the street was illuminated with lamps and windows that almost looked like daylight when walking up. It had luxurious, high end clothing stores, restaurants, and bars. 

At the end of the path were the Spanish Steps, which connects the Spanish Embassy to the rest of the area. At the top we caught a fascinating sight of the entire street, going down a long incline.   

It was other worldly to see the bright glow and dense history the city had to offer. Visually, it was stunning and told you everything you needed to know that this was a place where empires thrived.

School of Athens: Its Meaning Revealed

 By: Luis Leon

Most people who have heard of the Vatican know that it holds Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel, depicting the biblical figure, Adam, lying down and reaching to touch the finger of God. The Sistine Chapel, however, is just one exhibit held in the giant array of art within the Vatican Museums. It is open to the public, but with no planned tour guide it would take a very long time to get in and difficult to navigate on your own. 

Creator: joeblack564 | Credit: Image by joeblack564 Pixabay

Crowds swarmed like cattle. From one end of a wall to the next, people took up any breathing space. There was no stopping, as we continuously waddled like penguins, shoulder to shoulder. Our tour guide and dozens of groups around us got a breakdown of the art pieces spoken through headpieces as one pushed ahead of the other. All this commotion organized and endured just to admire the iconic and beautiful pieces the Vatican Museums held. 

The products of the Vatican have exposed themselves to me at an age before I could even conceptualize their significance. In almost every History class, I have seen that famous painting, “School of Athens” printed on some textbook when talking about Greek philosophy. While the picture is used everywhere, the Vatican Museum holds the original.   

Seeing it in person for the first time was like seeing a family member you’ve only ever heard about but never met. Within the Raphael Rooms exhibit, it was displayed on the same wall it was painted on half a millennium ago. It had the dry, detailed style Raphael became famous for using. His work stood out by using muted colors and grainy textures. His personality differed  from his art peers as he was much younger than them. He would poke fun at them and represent this voice through his work.

In all my years of observing the painting, I never realized that Raphael  inserted himself  among the scholars. Within the crowd, he looked directly at the observer. This is the equivalent to “breaking the fourth wall” where an actor looks at the camera. This showed his humor, stating how he was an intellectual like the great thinkers. Meanwhile he painted his peer, Michelangelo, alone sitting by himself. This represented Raphael's sentiment towards him. He was much older, serious, and often isolated himself.

I also had my bigger question answered. What was a piece that represented secular thought and philosophy doing in a place of worship? Parallel to this wall was another mural. It was an extension of the staircase the scholars were walking on showing angels and other biblical figures. The scholars, possibly representing humanity, were walking toward theology to accept it as the truth of life. The entire room told a story, as the Vatican Museum did as a whole. The entirety of the tour was an experience that showed off the products of history and stories hundreds of years old.

Spanakopita: A Greek Staple

By Samm Carbone

A staple food for many Greeks is Spanakopita or spinach pie. This dish was offered to us twice as an appetizer before the main meal in two cities in Greece: Delphi and Athens. I had heard the name before but had never tried it prior to traveling, so I didn’t know that it was a signature Greek dish or what to expect from the texture and flavors. Spanakopita is a part of Greek culinary history and is traditionally made during celebrations and family gatherings. With how popular it was there and seeing it on every single menu, I will never forget it. 

When I think of a pie, I usually envision a pastry filled with sweet foods like fruits that would be served for dessert. Unlike sweet pies, which are golden with a smooth and glossy crust, Spanakopita has a wrinkled, fluffy appearance. This type of pie is served before the main dish or as a side and is savory in flavor. Spinach is definitely the most prominent ingredient contributing to the filling of the dish, and it is typically paired with good-quality feta cheese. Onions, garlic, and herbs like parsley and/or dill are added and combined into a filling with some eggs. Although depending on the region, the ingredients of the filling may be tweaked slightly. The filling is casseroled between layers of phyllo dough brushed with extra-virgin olive oil and baked to a golden brown. It comes out with a crispy, flaky crust and warm, savory filling that makes it the perfect comfort food, and it’s relatively healthy. 

Each time I was served this in Greece, the taste and texture followed the same basic ingredients and form, aside from whether it was served as a triangle or square piece. As an appetizer, it was plated by itself and cleared once the main dish was brought out. I like that it can be a meal by itself or a side dish for something else. It is a great plant-based meal option. The versatility, irresistible flavor, and cultural significance of Spanakopita make this dish one of the staples of Greek cuisine.

Quality Craftsmanship

By Samm Carbone

In Florence, genuine leather was the cultural product that spoke to me the most. Street carts and stores lined the busy streets selling leather bags, belts, and coats just about anywhere you go, but I was interested in purchasing genuine Florentine leather because of its high quality and durability. As a tourist, it was difficult to tell the difference between who was selling leather that was synthetic vs. genuine until one of the stops on our tour, where we were shown a demonstration of how genuine leather products were made and showcased the care and detail of their process. At Leonardo Leather and Gold shop, the passion and skill for leatherwork have been passed down for generations and they still use traditional methods of handcrafting leather goods as well as incorporating some modern methods. Immense care is invested into the molding, carving, sewing, and stamping processes so that the quality of each piece lasts.   

Translation: "True leather made in Italy Florence"

To me, the dedication to the craft increases the value of the product and I went home with a personalized leather bag knowing that it would last a lifetime. And while Italy is a top exporter of quality leather products to other parts of the world and is therefore accessible outside of the city, I believe that the experience that came with learning about and selecting a genuine product added to its cultural value and I am excited to be able to carry a piece of Florence’s history and culture with me whenever I use my bag.

In Vino Veritas

By Matthew Kodnia

    One cultural product I encountered in Italy was of course wine. Italy is known for wine, and I was able to finally try the wine that I feel so many people have said to get a taste of. Let me tell you the hype for their wine was not missed. The taste is very unique to the country. As soon as you arrive in Italy you see vineyards littered everywhere. These vineyards provide boosts in flavor that accompany every meal. In Florence I had a Florentine steak, with it came a whole bottle of Chianti wine. Chianti wine Is native to Florence. The Chianti wine had an earthy aroma to it and tasted like smoked dry strawberry. The wine's flavors mixed with the steak very well. It made my meal so much more enjoyable. This is why I feel like the wine in Italy speaks a different language compared to the rest of the world. Wine in Italy is more about the bonded culture between the excellent food and the great tasting wine. Every restaurant in Italy that I had a chance to dive into always had a wine menu. The wine they had always was suggested with a certain dish they cooked. For example, the Chianti wine that I had in Florence is also called the “Ultimate pizza wine”. I Can also say that is true. I was able to stop at a pizza restaurant for lunch and the waiter immediately suggested “Chianti Classico”. The Chianti Classico is a different version of the chianti that I had in Florence. This Chianti had a more of a dry herb and vegetable flavor with notes of red fruit. My pizza immediately loved the wine. You will not find this language between the wine and the food anywhere else except Italy. 

Speaking, the Italian Way!

By: Kirk G.

In Italy, communication plays a vital role in the lives of all people. Interactions between people drive the (very-much-so interpersonal) Italian society whether it be between vendors and patrons, friends, family members, or strangers. Italian communication styles, therefore, vary. Amongst friends, informal greetings (“Ciao, come va?”) often accompanied by a fist-bump, handshake, or embrace are customary. In more formal settings, slang and other forms of informal language is avoided. Family members will greet each other with a customary due baci (two kisses), first on the right cheek, then on the left.  

Body language also has significance in Italian communication. I observed that Italians tend to maintain attentive and respectful body language when conversing, no matter the situation. Eye contact is preserved and meaningful. Earbuds are not worn in situations where one may need to converse with others. Italians maintain a relaxed but proper posture when conversing, and face toward whomever they’re speaking to. Particularly during explanations and stories, I observed that Italians commonly tend to use gestures and hand communication to provide more color and emphasis to their speech.   

Vocally, Italians speak with an almost musical flow. Spoken in the region of Lazio, the Romanesco dialect is used and interchanged with standard Italian during informal conversation, though the differences between the two can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.  

In general, I observed communication in Italy as more proper than in the United States. Italians speak in a direct manner, avoiding ambiguities or “beating around the bush”.  Full attention is given to whomever is speaking, and manners are followed. Italian communication is also precise and flows well; “uhh”s and other interjections don’t clutter sentences as they commonly do in the United States.  

Gelaterias Galore!

By: Kirk G.

Before going abroad to Italy, I wrote a list of things I must do before I embark back on a plane to the United States. Topping that list… was tasting as much authentic Italian gelato as possible. Luckily, there was no shortage of gelaterias amid the bustling cities of Rome and Florence. So naturally, I had to try them.

On my first day in Florence, I observed seemingly hundreds of gelaterias each nearly within one-hundred meters of the last. Many of the flavors I recognized, such as cioccolato al latte (milk chocolate), cioccolato fondente (dark chocolate), vaniglia (vanilla), pistacchio (pistachio), fragola (strawberry), caffè (coffee), but there were also many flavors that I had never seen in the form of gelato or ice cream. As it piqued my curiosity, I ordered one of such novel flavors called “ferrero”. The ferrero flavor gets its name from the renowned Italian chocolate and hazelnut candy: Ferrero Rocher. Growing up, Ferrero Rochers were always my favorite sweet-treat, so I couldn’t resist trying ferrero gelato. Of course, as the reputation of both gelato, and Ferrero Rocher would hint at, the ferrero gelato was phenomenal. The first thing I noticed different about gelato in comparison to ice cream was the texture. Gelato is much creamier and denser than ice cream, resulting in a much richer taste with every bite. The difference in texture is also the reason why ice cream scoopers are not used to serve gelato, instead, a spade is used.  

After falling in love with ferrero gelato, I was ready to conclude my search for the best gelato flavor, but I resisted the urge and tried tiramisu flavored gelato next. Tiramisu is a layered Italian dessert cake, with mascarpone cheese and savoiardi alternating between layers, then finally topped with coffee powder. Like the ferrero flavor, the tiramisu gelato tasted incredibly faithful to the actual dessert and is a must try for anyone who loves tiramisu like I do.  

Finally, the last of the unconventional gelato flavors I tasted was what I call “the Italian take on ‘cookies n’ cream’”, more correctly known as stracciatella. Stracciatella (not the soup) is mainly vanilla gelato with chocolate chunks mixed inside. All-in-all, of every flavor gelato I tried, there was not one that I wouldn’t happily have again. Though, my top pick has to be ferrero flavored gelato.