Our third week here in Italy revolved around the idea that Rome is a city of faith. I honestly have lost count to how many churches we have actually been in. But I can say they have all been fascinating. In The Smiles of Rome, Margaret Visser states, "A church stands in total opposition to the narrowing and flattening of human experience, the deviation into the trivial, that follow from antipathy towards meaning, and especially meaning held in comming. Meaning is intentional: this building has been made in order to communicate with the people in it."
Coming from someone who is not Catholic, and with 90% of Rome being Catholic, I can honestly say I was moved by the churches. Later in the book Visser explains how these spiritual buildings effect people by saying, "The building is trying to speak; not listening to what it has to say is a form of barbarous inattention, like admiring a musical instrument..." There is a reason they ask you to be quiet, for this reason and in certain churches not to take pictures. The silence and focused attention away from the camera makes the experience more meaningful and makes you actually pay attention to what you're looking at.
One of the sites we visited was the "Holy Stairs". You climb 28 steps on your knees and say a prayer at each step. Most Catholics say a Hail Mary at each step; however, not being Catholic I chose to pray for the ones I love and think of. By the time I got to the top of the stairs, I was sweating however it was worth it and very meaningful. Among the Holy Stairs with visiting many other churches last week, they were all a part of the student tour led by Dave and Emily.
Friday morning was filled with excitement. Sydney and I hopped on a plane and headed for Spain. Prior to our trip I honestly did not know the city we were staying in, and actually did not know how to correctly pronounce it until we arrived there. Everyone was extremely confused and concerned but I just laughed. We stayed with Leire, who was an exhange student two years ago, lived with my aunt, uncle, and cousin for over a year, and we became inseperatable. Friday morning her family picked us up at the airport, and we spent the entire weekend with them. To say Sydney and I were spoiled with food and hospitality would be an understatement. For never meeting either of us, her parents were more than amazing.
One thing I learned this weekend that Americans suffer from a language barrier, and I honestly think schools should start teaching foreign languages at an earlier age. Leire's friends were all almost fluent in English, and have been learning it since age four; where as, American's generally don't start learning a second language until middle or high school. I truly wish I could say I am fluent in another language, but I took German for four years and would not come near to being fluent.
Aside from the language barrier being partially obvious, it is not impending on my trip personally at all. The majority of people are patient and very caring and love playing schrades. I am also finding that when we travel out of Italy, my mind is set on Italian phrases and I have no filter when I say them. Luckily this weekend we will be in Italy and I can use as much Italian (well, as much as I know and remember) and others will understand me.
After another fantastic week here in Rome, we will be leaving for Florence Friday and will finally get to ride the fast train...weee!!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
SOC490: Week Two
As the discussion on whether healthcare is a right or a privledge carries on, I still choose to believe it is a privledge. Although many of us know our own views and positions, we were asked to take the other side and defend it. As well as the privledge side, there are also many reasons others choose to believe it is a right.
One reason healthcare should be considered a right is because many people have little to no control over certain health conditions. Some examples of these conditions would be pre exsisting and genetic, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, among many others, and genetic disorders such as down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and neurofibromatosis (type 1). Why should these people be punished to unequal healthcare because they cannot pay for treatments for a disorder they had no control over. In Opposing Viewpoints, Helen Redmond brings up a valuable question. She asks, "If you had a suspicious mass in your brain would you put the MRI on your Visa?" I asked myself this same question, and the answer would be yes. But what about those who do not have the same opportunity? Will they potentially suffer from something out of their hands, that could have been prevented with equal healthcare benefits?
Another reason it healthcare should be considered a right is because more people would benefit from it. Many argue that other government programs are abused by many, but there is really no way to show it. There is no test that one has to pass, or a way to filter out the abusers. An example of this would be a mother who was on welfare, and medicaid for her and her young daughter. She goes to work everyday and makes sure her daughter does well in school. They are no longer on it, and did not abuse it. They used the assisstance from the government to help get them on their feet. Why should healthcare be any different? Not everyone should be punished for those who are neglecting the system. Some just need the help of the government to help get them on their feet, get healthy, and escape the "vicious cycle".
The second half of this promt was concerning a statement professor brought up in class, and asked us to explain. "People from all over the world come to the Cleveland Clinic for care and the Clinic is rated the best hospital in the US, yet not everyone in Cuyahoga County is healthy, explain." I think the first question should be concerning what the definition of 'health' is. There are so many factors that could be weighed into the definition of 'health'. To say "not everyone is healthy" is a very broad statement. Last semester I took my Nursing220 class and we were asked this same question and had to come up with our own definition. Out of the thirty people in my class, not one person had the exact answer. This was just one class, imagine scaling that to all the residents of Cuyahoga County. Another concern is not every person in Cuyahoga County has a special medical condition or is in need of a surgery that they must go to the Cleveland Clinic for. Many people who are coming from all over the world are coming for a reason. They are coming for a breaking surgery or treatment that the Cleveland Clinic is known for and fantastic at. They don't fly across the world for a Z-Pak for their sinus infection, or for a couple stiches.
Another reason not all of Cuyahoga County is not 'healthy' is because great healthcare does not just radiate off of a hospital. Look at the location of the Cleveland Clinic....downtown Cleveland. Not everyone even living in that city has excellent living conditions, let alone healthcare. Healthcare is not as high of a priority to some as it is to others. Another thing to look at is the age percentage. Many people living in inner city Cleveland are at somewhat of a younger age, where mid-thirties is the average. Many people young enough to not necessarily need healthcare choose not to pay for it because they either, a) can't afford it, or b) just don't want to pay for it in general and have higher priorities.
On another note, the Cleveland Cinic is not cheap, and I know this from personal experience. Both of my parents have had major surgeries and treatments there and to this day we are still paying for them. Why? Because "being healthy" to my family is a number one priority and we place it very high, all cost set aside. I cannot say the same for others. Some people choose to get by with the bare minimum and stay clear from the Cleveland Clinic after they see the price tag. Getting by with the bare minimum may leave those residents "unhealthy", I believe it all comes down to two questions you should ask yourself, "What is the definition for health?" and "Where do you place 'health' on the list your life priorities?"
One reason healthcare should be considered a right is because many people have little to no control over certain health conditions. Some examples of these conditions would be pre exsisting and genetic, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, among many others, and genetic disorders such as down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and neurofibromatosis (type 1). Why should these people be punished to unequal healthcare because they cannot pay for treatments for a disorder they had no control over. In Opposing Viewpoints, Helen Redmond brings up a valuable question. She asks, "If you had a suspicious mass in your brain would you put the MRI on your Visa?" I asked myself this same question, and the answer would be yes. But what about those who do not have the same opportunity? Will they potentially suffer from something out of their hands, that could have been prevented with equal healthcare benefits?
Another reason it healthcare should be considered a right is because more people would benefit from it. Many argue that other government programs are abused by many, but there is really no way to show it. There is no test that one has to pass, or a way to filter out the abusers. An example of this would be a mother who was on welfare, and medicaid for her and her young daughter. She goes to work everyday and makes sure her daughter does well in school. They are no longer on it, and did not abuse it. They used the assisstance from the government to help get them on their feet. Why should healthcare be any different? Not everyone should be punished for those who are neglecting the system. Some just need the help of the government to help get them on their feet, get healthy, and escape the "vicious cycle".
The second half of this promt was concerning a statement professor brought up in class, and asked us to explain. "People from all over the world come to the Cleveland Clinic for care and the Clinic is rated the best hospital in the US, yet not everyone in Cuyahoga County is healthy, explain." I think the first question should be concerning what the definition of 'health' is. There are so many factors that could be weighed into the definition of 'health'. To say "not everyone is healthy" is a very broad statement. Last semester I took my Nursing220 class and we were asked this same question and had to come up with our own definition. Out of the thirty people in my class, not one person had the exact answer. This was just one class, imagine scaling that to all the residents of Cuyahoga County. Another concern is not every person in Cuyahoga County has a special medical condition or is in need of a surgery that they must go to the Cleveland Clinic for. Many people who are coming from all over the world are coming for a reason. They are coming for a breaking surgery or treatment that the Cleveland Clinic is known for and fantastic at. They don't fly across the world for a Z-Pak for their sinus infection, or for a couple stiches.
Another reason not all of Cuyahoga County is not 'healthy' is because great healthcare does not just radiate off of a hospital. Look at the location of the Cleveland Clinic....downtown Cleveland. Not everyone even living in that city has excellent living conditions, let alone healthcare. Healthcare is not as high of a priority to some as it is to others. Another thing to look at is the age percentage. Many people living in inner city Cleveland are at somewhat of a younger age, where mid-thirties is the average. Many people young enough to not necessarily need healthcare choose not to pay for it because they either, a) can't afford it, or b) just don't want to pay for it in general and have higher priorities.
On another note, the Cleveland Cinic is not cheap, and I know this from personal experience. Both of my parents have had major surgeries and treatments there and to this day we are still paying for them. Why? Because "being healthy" to my family is a number one priority and we place it very high, all cost set aside. I cannot say the same for others. Some people choose to get by with the bare minimum and stay clear from the Cleveland Clinic after they see the price tag. Getting by with the bare minimum may leave those residents "unhealthy", I believe it all comes down to two questions you should ask yourself, "What is the definition for health?" and "Where do you place 'health' on the list your life priorities?"
Monday, November 5, 2012
GL350: Week Two
When we first got here, Professor said after the first week the next seven weeks were going to fly by....he wasn't joking! We're already on to week three, and this past week has been unbelievable. We started out the week with a free day, so Rachel and I decided to visit our site for our tour. We eventually found it and went into some of the buildings, trying to sketch out our route. It started raining and the temperature and our moods dropped quickly; however, this changed after we realized Italy has a Subway (which we have yet to try, fingers crossed it's as good as America) and we went to a super cool gelato place, all for the sake of our tour. We wanted to make sure we reccomment good places. Tuesday and Wednesday flew by, we had a student led tour by Sydney and Ciarra of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Thursday after class we went biking on the Old Appian Way, and it was definatly worth all the random bruises I am just now starting to find. We biked 8 miles on cobblestone and dirt paths. It was a lot more fun than it sounds, and I wish we could've stayed longer.
This past weekend, we had our first group trip to Venice. I successfully set the correct alarm and woke up on time to be out the door at 4:15am to get to the airport. (accepting high-fives here) I honestly don't really remember the flight, I fell asleep and woke up and we were there. Venice is beyond beautiful, and so much different than Rome. Water, water, water...everywhere. It was much different than the trains and subways we usually use everyday in Rome. Ferrys and "water taxis" took us everywhere we needed to go. Although this was super cool, by the end of the weekend I was ready to come back to campus. Coming from someone who grew up on a lake and has a boat, by the end of the weekend I was starting to spin when I sat down. Constant on and off the boats, having to fight for seats, and getting off on the right stop was starting to get to me.
Among the neat things we did while in Venice, going to the Morano glass factory and getting a "behind the scenes" tour and taking a gondala ride at night were at the top of my list. After hearing Justin Timberlake recently got married in Italy, and being obsessed with a video of Jason Mraz singing on a gondala in Venice, I was on top of my game searching for both of them. Although this was far from reality, my eyes read every single call button on doorsteps, looking for J.Timberlake or J.Mraz....hey, a girl can try. We also visited the Peggy Guggenhiem Collection/Museum. It was cool, and I recognized some pieces such as the giant neon sign that states, "Changing Place Changing Time Changing Thoughts Changing Future." I remember pinning it on one of my boards on Pinterest, so it was super cool to actually see it in person.
Although I am having the time of my life, I am definatly starting to miss certain things from home. Not necessarily getting "homesick" persay, but my stomach is. People think I'm crazy to say I miss American coffee and food. I'm not talking about McDonalds here...I'm taking my mom's crockpot ham, fresh green beans, and redskin potatoes. And let's not forget about BREAKFAST and yummy flavorful coffee (not hazelnut, that is seriously the only flavor they have here; and salt....hazelnut and salt). I never thought I'd say this, but Nutella and pizza are getting the best of me; I am over them. Don't get me wrong, we have had some great meals here, espically the two three course meals we had in Venice and lunch at the Hard Rock. Having BBQ suace on my chicken and ice in my drink put a smile on my face.
In The Italians, Barzini states that, "Man must have many things, a great confusion, in his head, one must allow contradictory tendicies to proliferate, one must cultivate opposite ideals, one must follow reason alone, one must not fret over the imperfections of life on earth. One must carry on." I agree with this entirely, and believe that the confusion and imperfections of this trip is just adding to the experience. Whether it be forgetting to get off the ferry and getting lost in random roads in Venice, I continue to keep a smile on my face and laugh in the moment. I am trying to keep an open mind and immerse myself in this different culture, but I will admit I have great confusion in many things; not all being bad. Getting lost is a part of the journey, because I've found so many wonderful places one would have never found with a map.
After this weekend, I hope these next weeks slow down...it's been flying by to say the least. This upcoming weekend, Sydney and I are traveling to Spain to see Leire, who was my family's exchange student two years ago. She is like a sister to me and I can't wait to reunite with her, and introduce her to Sydney. There is so much more exceitement that is waiting. In meantime I'm going to keep a smile on my face, wait for my parents to send my "peanut butter care package" and carry on.
This past weekend, we had our first group trip to Venice. I successfully set the correct alarm and woke up on time to be out the door at 4:15am to get to the airport. (accepting high-fives here) I honestly don't really remember the flight, I fell asleep and woke up and we were there. Venice is beyond beautiful, and so much different than Rome. Water, water, water...everywhere. It was much different than the trains and subways we usually use everyday in Rome. Ferrys and "water taxis" took us everywhere we needed to go. Although this was super cool, by the end of the weekend I was ready to come back to campus. Coming from someone who grew up on a lake and has a boat, by the end of the weekend I was starting to spin when I sat down. Constant on and off the boats, having to fight for seats, and getting off on the right stop was starting to get to me.
Among the neat things we did while in Venice, going to the Morano glass factory and getting a "behind the scenes" tour and taking a gondala ride at night were at the top of my list. After hearing Justin Timberlake recently got married in Italy, and being obsessed with a video of Jason Mraz singing on a gondala in Venice, I was on top of my game searching for both of them. Although this was far from reality, my eyes read every single call button on doorsteps, looking for J.Timberlake or J.Mraz....hey, a girl can try. We also visited the Peggy Guggenhiem Collection/Museum. It was cool, and I recognized some pieces such as the giant neon sign that states, "Changing Place Changing Time Changing Thoughts Changing Future." I remember pinning it on one of my boards on Pinterest, so it was super cool to actually see it in person.
Although I am having the time of my life, I am definatly starting to miss certain things from home. Not necessarily getting "homesick" persay, but my stomach is. People think I'm crazy to say I miss American coffee and food. I'm not talking about McDonalds here...I'm taking my mom's crockpot ham, fresh green beans, and redskin potatoes. And let's not forget about BREAKFAST and yummy flavorful coffee (not hazelnut, that is seriously the only flavor they have here; and salt....hazelnut and salt). I never thought I'd say this, but Nutella and pizza are getting the best of me; I am over them. Don't get me wrong, we have had some great meals here, espically the two three course meals we had in Venice and lunch at the Hard Rock. Having BBQ suace on my chicken and ice in my drink put a smile on my face.
In The Italians, Barzini states that, "Man must have many things, a great confusion, in his head, one must allow contradictory tendicies to proliferate, one must cultivate opposite ideals, one must follow reason alone, one must not fret over the imperfections of life on earth. One must carry on." I agree with this entirely, and believe that the confusion and imperfections of this trip is just adding to the experience. Whether it be forgetting to get off the ferry and getting lost in random roads in Venice, I continue to keep a smile on my face and laugh in the moment. I am trying to keep an open mind and immerse myself in this different culture, but I will admit I have great confusion in many things; not all being bad. Getting lost is a part of the journey, because I've found so many wonderful places one would have never found with a map.
After this weekend, I hope these next weeks slow down...it's been flying by to say the least. This upcoming weekend, Sydney and I are traveling to Spain to see Leire, who was my family's exchange student two years ago. She is like a sister to me and I can't wait to reunite with her, and introduce her to Sydney. There is so much more exceitement that is waiting. In meantime I'm going to keep a smile on my face, wait for my parents to send my "peanut butter care package" and carry on.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
SOC490: Week One
It wasn't until I started reading and researching after we started this class that it really opened my eyes about the argument on Universal Healthcare. It's an on-going debate that never seems to end, with both sides making their valid points. On the back of our book states the following statement, "Those who do not know their opponent's arguments do not completely understand their own." After reading this book I completely agree with that statement. I feel like I could ramble on forever and bring up branching topics off of the healthcare idea.
After reading the different view points and thinking about my own opinions, I believe that healthcare is a privledge and not a human right. Donald J. Boudreaux argues that, "...it would make poor economic sense to treat access to health care as a human right...idividuals would use more health care than they actually needed, driving up the cost of care, and creating a very inefficient system." I agree with this statement because if universal healthcare were to be put in place many indivuals would be getting excess care that is not a priority and considered "essential" just becuse they don't have to pay for it. An example of this is a classmate of mine, David Honeck who states that, "If universal healthcare passes and goes into effect, I will be going to physical therapy for my shoulder and will probably get one or not more of my joints worked on, simply because I won't be paying for it." David, who is under his parent's healthcare and receives the essential and primary care that he needs would be abusing the system. That makes me think, what about all the others who currently do not have healthcare and or are already relying on other government sources of income and programs that they already abuse? This would create a very inefficient system.
A large debate that was brought up concerning healthcare concerns what our Founding Fathers set out our rights to be. Those rights consist of life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. Leonard Peikoff asks, "Why only these?" and answers by saying, "...they are rights to action, not to rewards from other people." I agree, and feel as though it shouldn't be my actions, hard work, and money that make up for other people's decisions and negative health concern for themself. Peikoff also argues that, "the system guarantees you the chance to work for what you want- not to be given it without effort by somebody else. I should not be obliged to pay for someone else's healthcare.
To say that I feel that no one should receive any medical help that is considered essential, would be a false statement. But what excatly is considered "essential"? This word is very vague and needs to be narrowed down and answered. At the same time, I do not feel it is my responsibilty to pay for someone's healthcare, when they have no interest in their own and live a poor lifestyle. And by poor I do not mean by their income, I mean by the poor choices and decisions they are making. A particular case would be people who are using their food stamp (EBT) money for sugary sweets and food that is NOT considered "essential". I am a cashier at a fruit farm where there is a large variety of fresh produce available year round. It kills me to see families come through my line and spend $50 on donuts, cookies, and other sweets when they're babies aren't wearing shoes or a coat. This is just another abuse of the system that would only peak if healthcare were to become free to everyone.
The last point I have and that was brought up multiple times in class is education. Education in particular about teaching the population about their health. Yes, schools mandate that certain grades are required to take a "health" class...but how much is this really teaching them? The obeseity rates are skyrocking in America and only getting worse. We need to stop sugar coating things, literally and in education. Not only the issue of obesity and unhealthy eating habits, but also teen pregnancy. A major agent of socialization is the mass media. For younger age groups, it idolizes teen pregnancy. Why? Yet again, I am going to work to pay for a mistake that was not mine and could be prevented by better education. The demand for universal healthcare in my opinion cannot be met and is unrealistic that the government would be able to guarantee this right to everyone. As Peikoff states, "You have a right to work, not to rob others of the fruits of their work, not to turn others into sacrificial, rightless animals laboring to fulfill your needs."
Sunday, October 28, 2012
GL350: Week One
Someone pinch me! It's surreal to think that we're actually in Italy, and get the opportunity to live in this beautiful country for the next two months. Just this first week has already been more than I had expected it would be. As soon as we got off the plane, it was clear the entire atmosphere was different and we weren't in good ol' Ohio anymore. Whether it be the language, the food, and the Italian way of life as a whole, it is incredible how many differences there are. Although we may not fit in, that is what I love about it. Learning a new way of life and toatlly immersing ourselves into another culture is part of the experience. I hope to gain new perspective on my own values and way of life while keeping an open mind to the new one I am learning.
As Barzini questions in The Italians, "Why Italy?" Why do so many tourists, couples, and students choose to come here? He answers by saying, "...(people) are attracted by a certain quality in Italian life. Whether they know what it is or not, it somehow quickens their blood. It still gives them a Saturnian feeling of liberation." I can definitly agree to this. There are so many other places I could have chosen to study abroad, which means Rome was not just a random draw from a hat. This was my number one choice for multiple reasons. A clear one would be the expierences, not only in Rome but also having the opportunity to travel to nearby countries on free weekends. The feedback from previous students was nothing but positive and I was highly encouraged to come (which I am glad I did). Barzini argues that a reason so many people are attracted to Italy is, "the sweet life, la dolce vita." I needed to find for myself just how sweet Italy is, and if it lives up to the words of many others enchanting experiences...and so far it has.
This was the first free weekend we have had, three other girls (Rachel, Sydney, & Ciarra) and I opted to go to Perusia and Assisi. Friday morning was a blur. The night before I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning, thinking "YOLO, I have to wake up in four hours anyways who cares!" More like "NONO". Missed my 5am alarm and got a knock on my door at 5:58 from everyone else who was packed and ready to leave at 6 to catch our 6:24 train. All I remember is throwing on clothes, tossing hopefully the right stuff in my bag and literally running to the train station. Once we got there and caught our breaths I brushed my teeth with my water bottle...I can't say I'm proud of this.
Our first stop was Perugia, where EuroChocolate was taking place. Chocolate vendors lined the streets selling all types of chocolate from truffles and nutella pizzas to liquors...I was in heaven. We also may have taken the "free samples" to the next level. Milka, a well-known chocolate company, had relay races where teams raced on long wooden skiis, to reach a man dressed in a popcorn suit for a free sample of their chocolate covered popcorn. Looking back I don't think it was actually supposed to be a race (more along the lines of 'gliding'), but I thought it would be more fun if we split up in teams of two and made it competitive. It may not have ended well, but at least we got the free sample, which was a mere two pieces each. (See video link below for full tumble coverage)
Our final stop on our first free weekend adventure was the beautiful city of Assisi. Assisi is well known for it's religious connection with Saint Francis, and famous landmarks such as the Rocca Maggiore. The church of Saint Francis is breaktaking. Although we were not allowed to take pictures, the paintings and images are still very clear and vivid in my mind. As Barzini states in The Italians, "Catholics and non-Catholics flock to Assisi, where the poetic memory of Saint Francis is still fragrant and where Giotto's frescoes depicting his life are well preserved." This is entirely true, where as I am a non-Catholic; however, I was completely taken and moved by the monumental complex of the Basilica di San Francesco. After viewing the church and burial site of Saint Francis, we made the thirty minute trek to the Rocca Maggiore. The after hiking all weekend to our hotels, I was over the whole 90 degree hill walking and was a little salty when our hotel manager told us the route; however, once we made it to the top it was well worth the travel. The pictures I took of the views do little justice to how breaktaking it really was. Simply amazing. Besides the lack of sleep and the fact that I miss my cat, I am definitly living "the sweet life."
Ciao, Ciao, Ciao!!
Milka Tumble
As Barzini questions in The Italians, "Why Italy?" Why do so many tourists, couples, and students choose to come here? He answers by saying, "...(people) are attracted by a certain quality in Italian life. Whether they know what it is or not, it somehow quickens their blood. It still gives them a Saturnian feeling of liberation." I can definitly agree to this. There are so many other places I could have chosen to study abroad, which means Rome was not just a random draw from a hat. This was my number one choice for multiple reasons. A clear one would be the expierences, not only in Rome but also having the opportunity to travel to nearby countries on free weekends. The feedback from previous students was nothing but positive and I was highly encouraged to come (which I am glad I did). Barzini argues that a reason so many people are attracted to Italy is, "the sweet life, la dolce vita." I needed to find for myself just how sweet Italy is, and if it lives up to the words of many others enchanting experiences...and so far it has.
This was the first free weekend we have had, three other girls (Rachel, Sydney, & Ciarra) and I opted to go to Perusia and Assisi. Friday morning was a blur. The night before I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning, thinking "YOLO, I have to wake up in four hours anyways who cares!" More like "NONO". Missed my 5am alarm and got a knock on my door at 5:58 from everyone else who was packed and ready to leave at 6 to catch our 6:24 train. All I remember is throwing on clothes, tossing hopefully the right stuff in my bag and literally running to the train station. Once we got there and caught our breaths I brushed my teeth with my water bottle...I can't say I'm proud of this.
Our first stop was Perugia, where EuroChocolate was taking place. Chocolate vendors lined the streets selling all types of chocolate from truffles and nutella pizzas to liquors...I was in heaven. We also may have taken the "free samples" to the next level. Milka, a well-known chocolate company, had relay races where teams raced on long wooden skiis, to reach a man dressed in a popcorn suit for a free sample of their chocolate covered popcorn. Looking back I don't think it was actually supposed to be a race (more along the lines of 'gliding'), but I thought it would be more fun if we split up in teams of two and made it competitive. It may not have ended well, but at least we got the free sample, which was a mere two pieces each. (See video link below for full tumble coverage)
Our final stop on our first free weekend adventure was the beautiful city of Assisi. Assisi is well known for it's religious connection with Saint Francis, and famous landmarks such as the Rocca Maggiore. The church of Saint Francis is breaktaking. Although we were not allowed to take pictures, the paintings and images are still very clear and vivid in my mind. As Barzini states in The Italians, "Catholics and non-Catholics flock to Assisi, where the poetic memory of Saint Francis is still fragrant and where Giotto's frescoes depicting his life are well preserved." This is entirely true, where as I am a non-Catholic; however, I was completely taken and moved by the monumental complex of the Basilica di San Francesco. After viewing the church and burial site of Saint Francis, we made the thirty minute trek to the Rocca Maggiore. The after hiking all weekend to our hotels, I was over the whole 90 degree hill walking and was a little salty when our hotel manager told us the route; however, once we made it to the top it was well worth the travel. The pictures I took of the views do little justice to how breaktaking it really was. Simply amazing. Besides the lack of sleep and the fact that I miss my cat, I am definitly living "the sweet life."
Ciao, Ciao, Ciao!!
Milka Tumble
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