Coming into this course, I expected to learn more about Rome and many of its significant monuments. I did not expect to learn all that I have this semester and more. I came into the class with a general knowledge of what Rome was at least in its early Christian days. I had a pretty good understanding of who Julius Caesar was and what affect he had on Rome. After completing this course, I realized I knew very little about Rome, and would probably not be aware of a lot of the hidden but important monuments in Rome. Reading Rome allowed me for the first time, to be able to see the different layers that make up a city over time.
Learning about the different layers of the city has definitely helped shape the perspective I intend to bring to Rome. I originally was planning on visiting a few ancient Rome structures, and a majority of Christian ones. Now that I am aware of these multiple layers, I will be more critical of what ill be looking at. As I look around the city I will try to determine what layers are what, and what has been layered over. I think this brings a better perspective than just a regular tourist, because not only do I see what’s underneath, I also know the significance of what’s underneath, as well as why it may still be around.
Getting to know my classmates has also broadened my perspective on seeing Rome. Having many of us come from different academic principles I think was an important part of the class. As we mentioned once in a discussion group, while we are all learning about Rome the same way, we are all going to be seeing Rome differently. This can be for many reasons, but I think our own academic background and interest can play a key role in whether or not one chooses to focus on seeing ancient Rome or maybe the modern city. Having all theses different perspectives is important as well for when we discussed the soft city.
As we begin our journey through Rome, we walk through a small park, just outside the St. Johns campus. Dan and Jackie ask what t he group wants to do before we embark on our first tour. They tell us we have half an hour before we have to begin. A few people mention eating, but Dan quickly reminds us that our dinner is all set for later in the evening. Alissa then asks “How about a snack?” Amari quickly jumps in and pleads for gelato at which point I agree and ask to get gelato as well. The group seems to be on the consensus that we want gelato. Dan moans about not spoiling our appetite, but Jackie reassures him that it would be a nice introduction into Italian cuisine. Dan begrudgingly agrees and Jackie leads the way to the nearest gelato store.
As we walk the streets of Rome, I quickly notice how different the cars that drive by are different than those here. I see my first motorino, and I remember the first time I heard it mentioned in class. As I stare at the man on the vehicle, I bump into an older woman. I quickly say excuse me, and she looks at me with an annoyed face. I notice that she dropped her groceries, and I help her pick it up. She mumbles some stuff in Italian that I don’t fully understand. As we continue walking, I feel incredibly embarrassed and Guerry makes a joke to me about the situation. Erika gives me attitude about needing to pay attention before she starts to complain about being tired.
As we arrive at the gelato shop, Jackie points out how the shop is rather small and we will have to eat outside. Dan organizes us to go in groups of three. I end up in one of the final groups, so I wait with Erika and Guerry outside. We talk about how amazed we are that we made it here, to Rome finally. I joke about how this has been a dream come true since I was a little girl. The first group comes out with their gelato, and Amari states that’s its even better than what she remembered. Jackie tells us we can sit at the outside tables around and eat our gelato. When its finally my turn, I enter this small shop which looks like its completely made of wood. In the shop there are murals and paintings of historical Italian people and places. There is a young man at the counter and older man by the gelato.
I see all the flavors that they have but true to who I am, I stick with basic vanilla to test this gelato thing out. Ask Erika and Guerry how to say vanilla in Italian but the young man understood right away. I casually say I wished I had been able to order it in Italian. He tells me in his broken English, that it isn’t much of big deal, and they get many Americans in their store. When the old man finally gives me my gelato, I am excited to take my first bite. As I walk outside, I begin to take my first bite. I am amazed with the richness of the flavor, and enjoy the gelato. As I look upon the rest of the group, we are all just sitting around socializing, eating gelato. In my mind I realize that after a rigorous semester, we finally made it to the eternal city. We made it to Rome.
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