Everything is Fine!
A couple of weeks ago I had asked our students a few questions regarding their experiences during their first month in Rome. It is always interesting and fascinating for me to hear what the students'experience in a foreign country is like and whether coincides with my observations of how I think they are doing or feeling about things. For the most part, I am right on the dot and I am able to have their pulse of how things are going and be able to assist them and support them when necessary.
Among the students'favorite site or places they have seen so far are the Basilicas of St. Peter's, Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Cecilia. "It is a pilgrimage each time I make my way to the basilica because I can simply feel the presence of God as soon as I enter through the massive doors,"said Seth Gogolin refering to the St. Peter's Basilica. "The beauty of the Church is unmatched and I am blown away by the details of all the statues and mosaics".
And as far as the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, John Norman identified two aspects that according to him make the basilica amazing; "First, the mosaics that are so much a part of this major basilica come alive with the stories that they tell. I spent over an hour looking at the stories on the wall. Additionally, each major basilica has relics from their namesakes or other prominent apostles. But there are no relics of Our Blessed Mother, thus, what is more fitting to have at the heart of the basilica than the relics of the crib, which held Christ as our Blessed Mother held Christ. It was a very moving experience for me."
As far as notable cultural differences, students noted among others, the following:
1. "Definitely the driving" said Kelsey Askwith. "The lack of traffic and parking laws is very different from the US. In the US, police are everywhere to catch you doing something wrong while you're driving".
John Norman said that "In America, we are always into doing this or that, checking things off on our To Do Lists, etc. We hate wasting time. In Italy, they begin with a trust in the fact that what needs to get done will get done. They practice an "active waiting." They are ready for traffic jams where they may be stuck for several minutes. They don't get upset if the culprit is not in view. They're OK with not being on time. Things start when they get there. That's there life."
"Walking just about everywhere", added Seth Gogolin. "Unlike in the United States where we drive just about everywhere even if it is less than a mile, there are very few distances even if they are very far which you do not walk"
"Motorinos!!" added John Lodoen "They can go anywhere and do anything and no on cares."
"The siesta time demonstrates a 'go with the flow' attitude the Italians seem to have. They get their rest and take breaks to visit. We push through the day and 'get things accomplished', said Anne Carpentier
"Fashion" said Jenna Lavold, "Everyone here is more sophisticated. People spend more money on clothes than food and it shows. Even sweat pants become a designer statement. Another big difference is the way that people portray their affection for each other. It isn't accepted in America to make out on a park bench...or in front of a church"
"Italians are much more reserved, especially when out eating. When we go out, we tend to be louder, and this is obviously looked down upon. Also, they do everything so much more slowly here; in America, we rush through our meals and just do everything at a much faster pace," said Vanessa Fangmeier
"Eating is very different here than it is in the states. In the states you are in and out of a restaurant in less than an hour. Here you are expected to "unwind" with your meal, and fully realizes its delicacy and fulfillment," said Connie Hafner
For me who's been living and working in Rome for several years now, I have become used to the way of life here and I have adapted and even though for people who are here only for a short period of time, it might seem that the city and the people might just be going with the flow like the waters of the Tiber river and everybody is just laid back and does what he/she wants, that's really not the case....In fact, there are laws and policies and guildelines and standards and consequences for those who do not follow them. The people really work and everybody goes to work in the morning and things are happening and are moving forward. Perhaps it is the difference in the way of how things get done or how people go about with their daily routine, but all notable 'differences'' that one might catch and notice right away are what makes this culture and its people so special and so unique that with the right attitude one can embrace and become a part of this beautiful way of life.