Miss You Badly, Sicily

When I look around as I walk the streets of Sicily, I see the walls of each building washed over by both time and history. The Greeks, the Romans, Saracens, Normans, not to mention countless others have had such an influence on the culture and the aesthetic that we now see here today. The same streets I walk have been tread by armies and royalty, slaves and merchants. Before traveling I had no idea what was in store. I promised myself I would go into this study abroad trip with a clear mind and do my best not to look at it with an ethnocentric point of view. Had I not been enrolled in the italian language and history courses, I would most definitely be missing the allure and depth of such a place, where in every corner there is a story written in the stones, the ground, the plants and trees, the physiology of the people. Historically, this place has seen alot of conflict, where the terrain has changed ownership many times with either surrender or the spilling of blood. Churches have gone from synagogues to mosques, back to whichever was the place of worship for the current rulers. I have seen the Aeolian Islands, Palermo, Monreale, Acireale, each with their own unique layout and history. The blending of each period and each culture has produced an overwhelming energy that surrounds this place. It is totally unlike anything I have ever seen back in the United States. Everything there is so new and uninterrupted. It is easy to see what happened there whereas here in Sicily it can be hard to tell exactly what happened at what time. I can honestly say that the history lessons have enriched my experience in such a tremendous way. My thoughts lean towards the beauty of this place, as I have spent many days traveling by foot, observing the wildlife, the greenery, the beach. I can see why this place looked so attractive to all those who made their way here. I can see why peoples have fought over it and died for it. I understand that this place is a paradise in which hard-working people toil everyday without the conveniences I so regularly take for granted. I never thought ice would be so hard to find. I must admit that previous to going on this trip, I told myself I would do it for myself, alone if I had to. I never thought I would be in the company of so many good people, who now share with me the sadness I feel as we prepare to leave this paradise. I wonder if they, when thinking of this place, allow their memory to find room for me also. It has been a true pleasure, and I will always remember the things we shared, a true highlight in my lifetime. This last mention goes to my ship crew. The message in the bottle says that we all share the same sun. We share something special and unique to our lifetimes, and I hope that from the experiences we have had, that our destinies are moreso aligned than before.Peace and Prosperity. Love Z

Last Impressions

Even though I have been here for a month, it is still surreal. I cannot believe I wake up to a view of Sicily's coastline and the Mediterranean Sea and I go to bed with a view of the coast lit up in lights and the Mediterranean Sea glistening from the moonlight. I feel I got the most out of my time here having visited places like Palermo, Tindari and the Aeolian Islands. Each place is full of history and beautiful sights. For example, there is a legend in Tindari regarding the Black Madonna. In Palermo, the maginificent churches have Greek and Arab influences. The Aeolian Islands were key in the 1st Punic War as they were allied with Carthage until Rome conquered then in 252BC. Taormina was the perfect place to study. Even though Taormina is a beautiful city filled with historical sights, it does not represent true Sicilian life (due to tourism). I experienced true Sicilian life when I visited my uncle in Venetico. I was introduced to the many friends and family he is close with. I was able to see how Sicilians truly live (close-knit families living in close proximity eating a delicious Sunday lunch). It has been one of my favorite experiences here in Sicily.

Impressions...

I had always wondered why my Sicilian friends insisted on being called Sicilian rather than Italian. Now I understand. Upon my arrival here, I became immediately aware of the island's richness and diversity in culture. To be Sicilian is to be unique. The island could be its own country because of its difference in comparison to the mainland. I doubt there is another place quite like Sicily in the world. Each culture left its own mark whether separately or by building on previous ideas and structures so that you end up with a conglomeration like sedimentary layers of rock. Each layer is a discovery of treasure that describes the period in which it was created. Each people brought its own art, laws and social systems. However, we could say that on this island, the Greeks are known for having brought art and drama; the Romans organized the cities and instituted a legal system; the Byzantines brought with them Christianity and produced incredible religious art; and the Muslims added to the variety of structures here with their mosques and other buildings, as well as adding to the knowledge and systems in literature, religion, law, arts, sciences, maths and philosophy. Of the Normans, we find their additions to the existing strutures and can attribute to them the unity of the Catholic religion on this island and the beginnings of the language change to Italian. How does one describe Sicily in just a few words? Last night as I watched the swallows swoop and soar over the vision of the sea framed by a backdrop of the misty mountains of mainland Italy, I was filled with a bittersweet feeling -- joy for this experience but sadness over its inevitable end. The strongest of my emotions right now is deep gratitude for being able to experience a place like no other in the world. I am not of Sicilian descent. I came here because I wanted to know the land and the people and because I wanted to study history in its pure form. Sicily is as rich in natural color as it is in history. It is one island but it holds a universe of culture and beauty.

The End

Sicily is the jewel in the crown for the ruler of the Mediterranean world. This crown has been passed on from civilization to civilization, each of which left a distinctive mark on the land. The quaint charm of Taormina, the ruins in Agrigrento, the dignity of Syracuse, and the urban capital of Palermo all come together to paint a portrait of an island touched by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, French, and Spanish--an unexpected combination which created an island oasis. At first, I came to Sicily with the expectation of experiencing Italian culture. Through our classes, field trips, and independent explorations, I have come to realize that Sicily is unique and has a culture all on its own; a product of so many peoples, yet still part of Italy. I am overjoyed with our experience and thrilled that I chose a semester in Sicily over any other destination. Tomorrow I will sadly say to Sicily, "This is the end, beautiful friend..."

Reflections and Salutations --Robert Guarino

When the study abroad program came to my attention in December of 2005, I didn't hesitate to sign up. In America my impression of Italy never really included Sicily. It was foreign to me that this island could be so beautiful, so rich, so fertile and so ancient. I did not comprehend what it could be like out here in Taormina. I was far from an optimist, and expected much less than what actually came about. During the spring semester at MSU, I had no knowledge of which I was sharing the trip, and how the classes would reflect on the Italian culture, and language. Yet, combining the two types of learning in Babolonia, with an array of teachers all having energetic personalities, school became fun rather than a chor. The international classmates give it a flare, while you all share one thing in common for about 2 hours a day. And then you find out you have more in common with that person as you begin to converse with them over a Panini and a Moretti after class. The Italian culture exposes foreigners to indulge in once in a lifetime experiences, including meeting international friends, traveling along coastlines and touring ancient cathedrals, walking at night (fare un passagato) and even just eating the most incredible meal one night after another. The precious views at Isola Bella will last forever in you mind. But none of this is reflective unless one can understand the concept of Sicilian culture. While studying at Babolonia, you can pick up some important Italian phrases, along with grammar, and live the culture by taking a week and studying the vegetables and minerals that this fertile land produces and have produced for centuries. The town of Taormina is stunning. The history that precedes this town is blended between Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arabic influence, and now most well know as a tourist town, people can view the different cultures and learn how this city remained through the last 2000 years. Babolonia Universita in Taormina and Montclair State University should continue to straighten ties, and should absolutely continue the program as is. Offering students to obtain a complete knowledge of Sicily's background in History 401 with Dr. Hayes, which you will find is one of the most interesting classes you will ever take. Then adding the essence of Babolonia, and touring and seeing what you just learned can not be topped. The whole experience is life changing, and when you return you will have gained knowledge you never thought you would gain. I would like to thank those who made this happen for the first group of Montclair State students to reach the Italian Island known as Sicily. I would like to thank those who made this happen for the first group of Montclair State students to reach the Italian Island known as Sicily. And a special Thank You to Dr. Dawn Hayes Dr. Nancy Carnevale Salute! -- Robert Guarino

My Final Thoughts

I have to say that I do not want to write any final thoughts because I don't want my time here to end. I have spent the past four weeks in paradise and the thought of going back to New Jersey, even though I miss my home, is not easy to adjust to. Sicily has so much history and culture that going back to America seems like such a let down. I have walked through ancient ruins and slept on a beach that was conquored by ancient Greeks. I really have had the time of my life here and I've learned so much about Sicily that I never knew before. I've taken many ancient history classes and Sicily is made out to be important in the Punic Wars and then never spoken of again. After taking a class on Sicilian history I find the omission of it from the rest of history very troubling. It was so important to so many major players in history that to not mention it is a serious oversight. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to take this class because it has opened my eyes to an entirely new culture that I haven't had any experiance with before. Also living in Sicily while learning about its importance to history was an amazing experience. I was able to see with my own eyes the places talked about in books. I don't know how to express how that changes your perspective on things. All in all this trip was amazing and I don't know how I will ever readjust to life in fast paced, self centered America.

Arrivederci, Taormina. Buona fortuna a tutti!

How time flies. I wonder how Mt. Etna feels with millions of years under its belt, it's witnessed everything here! Words cannot express how wonderful this experience has been. This was the opportunity of a lifetime and I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. The lessons I learned, whether it be personal or in the classroom, have accumulated into one truly phenomenal journey. From coming here, knowing next to nothing about Sicilian culture and history, I am leaving this beautiful country with a deep appreciation and respect for the culture, people, and history that has taken place here over thousands of years. Because of our Kingdoms in the Sun class with Dr. Hayes, I was able to see Sicily from more than a tourist's point of view. We learned about all of the different cultures and powers that controlled Sicily since ancient times, and the fact that there were so many that had control over this island amazes me. It amazes me even more to travel around town and see those culture's influences still remaining in the ruins and buildings that are a part of everyday life here. We don't have history like that in the U.S. This is mind-blowing history right here beneath our feet that we got the chance to live with for one month. I feel honored, as if the past has chosen to give us a special invitation to look into its sacred and precious story. I feel as though it was yesterday that we arrived and the first thought I had was 'I can't believe I'm here'. And now, as we get ready to depart, feeling as if we were only here for the blink of an eye, I still cannot shake that feeling. I can't believe I am here, I can't believe I was able to share this with some of the most wonderful and unforgettable people, and I can't believe the majestic beauty history radiates as it sits patiently waiting, watching, and collecting more beneath its surface every moment of every day. Forever thanks to all for everything. Ci vediamo!

My Impression of Sicily at the End of the Program by Denise Nickels

After having spent four weeks in this charming town my view of Sicily has changed a great deal. When we first arrived arrived I was facinated with the appearance of Taromina, the food, the lifestyle and all of the stuff on the "surface". However, after having studied the migrations that took place in and out of Sicily and the acient history with regard to Greem, Muslim and Roman influence my view has completely changed. After having studied the some of the influential acient culture that took place here, I began to walk around inspecting my surroundings much more closely then when I first arrived. As we dug deeper and deeper into the courses it was amazing to see the history before my eyes. I came here blind to the culture and being introduced to the art, history and culture has been an experience of a lifetime. At times the art and history was overwhelming, but it only makes me want to come back and learn more. Taromina was the ultimate location for this program because it offers everything. It offers the coast and an atmosphere condusive to holiday. It offers ancient ruins free of cost all throughout the city. (Many other cities in Sicily charge to view the sites.) In Taromina the acient history can be absorbed by simply walking a few blocks. Taromina historically has been blessed in that it has not experienced any natural disasters, unlike many of the surrounding cities which were destroyed from natural disasters and war. However, Taromina is like a museum in which one could come to Sicily and only visit this city and experience a tremedous amount of ancient historty, together with the modern day Sicilian culture. Overall, after having submerged myself here amoungst all of this art and history I find myself not wanting to leave. Ciao Sicily! Baci Baci

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Luraleo - July 19, 2006

 

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Luraleo- July 19, 2006

 

Taormina and Bay of Naxos from Piazza IX Aprile

 

Final thoughts By Jay

Ok so this blog stuff is all screwed up, but I guess no matter where I go computers hate me. But that's the only down side here. The truth is that everything is better in Sicily. I love it here in the land of my heritage. But I am sad that I was not able to explore the Western half of the island. I did get to explore Greek runes and spend alot of time at the beach. Getting the nice Sicilian tan I should always have!!! I would like to stay here but unfortunately I can't. However I do intend to come back many times, both for a vacation and academic reasons. I have found many things to study for my future as an anthropologist. Now to just track down grant money. I'm keeping this short and sweet. Until Next Time Kiddies Ciao!!!!

My Journey (Really Posted by Jay)

Heyyo folks it’s me Jabio!!! (Hair by Kate Tattoo by Zack) So I’m here doing my blog and I’ve decided to tell and show you good people out there in internet land about my long long walk. I guess you could call it my Odyssey. It didn’t last 10 years only about a few hours. But I did see some cool things. Let’s start at the bottom in Isola Bella. I walked down to the shores of the Ionian sea and sat for a few minutes, feeling the nice sea air. After the heat wave was over this day was perfect for a walk. Nice cool, and sunny. So I decided it was my mission to walk from the beach to the mountains I had often seen and back again. And so I began my journey up the first of many sets of stairs. I decided that instead of taking the stairs to Taormina I’d take the street. In doing so I found the scenery to be almost as nice. But more importantly I got a taste of how old and eclectic this town, much like this island truly is. Take for instance this hotel not that far up the road. You can see the Arab style windows and Norman style architecture. Continuing on my journey I reached the stairs to the church and fort that over look Taormina. Most complain about the steps coming from the beach but these stairs were at least triple. The stairs were old and well traveled. And at evenly placed intervals along the path there were stations of the cross. While half way up I stopped to look at the view. You could see the whole town. I finally made it to the top, but to my chagrin everything was locked up. The view and the architecture was nice but the one thing that stood out most to me was the final station of the cross. It just looked creepy, Jesus with vines or something entangling him. My next stop would be the old Arab fort. But again to my chagrin everything was locked. The main iron door bound and chained. L So I contemplated, scanning spots where I could hop over the wall and I found one. But I could not see a way to get back over, So I thought this a problem. Against my character I decided not to try. After all had I got stuck there I’m sure Dr. Hayes would be upset. So I rested on a ledge and took some pics. Spotting a town up on another peek I decided to continue my trek. I was heading to a town called Castlemola. This was actually quite significant because I was leaving what many locals called Fantasy Sicily (Taormina) and going toward real Sicily, heading into the less tourist area. More steps lead me to Castlemola and although it was still touristy the local population had a less of a grasp on English. From the older generation and some of the younger locals I got strange stares. It must have been a strange sight for them to see a 6ft 1 American in shorts and a muscle-shirt walking through there town covered in sweat. But I ignored it and walked up to the castle. The view was amazing. You could see many of the surrounding towns and the coast. I walked to the top and was treated to a birds of prey show. With 2 owls, 2 falcons, a hawk, and a turkey vulture. When it was over I decided to head a little father into the mountains. I would wind up in a town called Monte Venere. This was a true Sicilian town. No tourist and nothing to attract them. The walk was not an easy one. Steep roads that were hardly paved and sharp turns and corners that were at the edge of a very long fall. Walking these roads I understood how well Italian drivers must be as a few cars and mopeds whisked by me going about 30. Turning sharp corners as they look curiously at me wondering why this stranger was in their town. One of the first things I noticed was every one had dogs, one very pretty signora had 4. But one family had a horse. It wasn’t till I turned back and looked, that I realized how far I had come. (Castlemola from Monte Venere) It was here in this town that I heard the Sicilian dialect for the first time. The first thing I noticed was that they replaced O with a U in some words. I heard a family arguing, I think about a moped couldn’t make it out. Another family was dinning outside. I then came to a strange park. It was called the park of remembrance. There was a stone figure of an old monk holding a rosary. In the back up a short flight of stairs was a obelisk. Walking up the road more I came to a small church, behind it was a cemetery. The first thing you notice when looking at the graves is they are above ground. The second is the person’s picture is engraved on the headstone and solar powered fake candles. This will come as very strange to some as this is very rarely done in the states. There are the usual mausoleums. Also new graves are near very very old ones, much older then any I had seen. And what I term the wall of the dead. A large wall where people are placed like in one of the old card catalogues you used to find at the library. I left the cemetery and continued on. I didn’t continue on much father as the road came to a fork which lead to two houses. As I approached up the road a girl saw me and ran in the house to tell her parents. I decided that having no where to go and a less then warming welcome waiting for me I decided to turn back to fantasy Sicily. The walk back was much easier, it took about an hour and a half to get back down to the beach. As I walked down the stairs to the beach I heard singing and mandolin. Something I had been waiting for since arriving here. I sat on the steps and listened as the sang some Italian songs, and some Italian American songs. It was interesting to here that’s amore in half English and Italian. When they were done I followed the coast in the darkness until I hit the highway and there was no where for pedestrians to walk. Then I turned around and ran into the group again singing the same songs but I listened again anyway. Once they were done I walked back up to my room took a well deserved shower and went to bed!!!

I am truly blessed to be a part of the study abroad program in Sicily. The students here are equally as lucky to have two great MSU professors who encourage us to explore the island and to think outside the box. I have visited so many historical sites in the short time I have been here. Sicily is overlooked so many times in history and our courses give Sicily and the Italian culture the attention it deserves. Many of us have Sicilian or Italian origins. Studying in Sicily is such a unique way of learning about family history and culture. Even if students are not of Sicilian decent, I encourage students next summer to take full advantage of this unique program in Sicily.

Video Clip of volcano "burp" on Stromboli

Video Clip of World Cup Celebration in Taormina

Isole Eolie: Un Splendid Fine Settimana

thoughts...

Studying on the top terrace of Babilonia with Mt. Etna for a vista, or reading in the peace of the public gardens of Taormina is quite an experience compared to studying in one's bedroom. Our history course, "Civilizations in the Sun" helps us to better comprehend the history that surrounds us here, while "Modern Migrations of the Mezzogiorno" explains why people left this paradise and eventually came back. It is a paradise to us because we are used to a fast-paced consumer society. Sicily is a land where time slows down, where it's not just the sun that's full of warmth and where the cerulean sea beckons one to come closer. Yet to the young people who have lived here all their lives, while they may be fiercely proud of home, it may also be a bit provincial to them; like a small midwestern town in the U.S. There may be a desire to "make it big" elsewhere. It's funny how perspectives vary. In terms of the past, Sicilians must be one of the most unique peoples on earth. Not Italian in the way of those on the mainland, but a mixture of the various cultures who made their homes here or conquered and reconquered, leaving their mark in various ways. The original Sicels absorbed or were absorbed by Greek culture. Later, the Romans took this island prize before Byzantium left its impression. The various cathedrals and castles we saw in Palermo attest to the great many influences upon this island. In a Catholic cathedral, one will find Muslim, Byzantine and Latin elements placed together in harmony among the mosaics which drape the walls and ceiling. A question brought up in a class presentation keeps coming back to me: Are Sicilians defined by a lack of definite identity? In cultural multiplicity, in past and present, we find the definition of Sicily.

Daily Study Sessions at the Splendid Pool

FORZA ITALIA!

Italy wins the 2006 World Cup in soccer vs. France!! A once in a lifetime experience for us to be in Italy when they win for the first time since 1982. The pride shown before, during and after the game was indescribable. People were walking around the streets with huge flags and soccer banners; men, women and children alike were adorned with team attire and face paint; and even tourists were displaying Italian patriotism! After the game, everyone congregated in the streets to show their pride and excitement about this historical victory. Droves of motorscooters and mini-European cars formed parades that led from one end of town to the other down the main road, Corso Umberto. Vehicles showed strong support of the Italian team, also called Azzura, and a few even had sound-systems and a mini-dance floor. And, in Piazza Aprile, home of the infamous Wunderbar, people were chanting the National Anthem and showering the crowd with champagne! The joy among the crowd of natives and tourists was extraordinary. This was definitely a powerful display of country pride that we all wished was alive in the US today.

The first night in Taormina

The first group of Montclair in Sicily students, our first night in Taormina! The picture is a little late, but never the less important. At the time of this picture, we had just arrived at Hotel President Splendid and were going out for our first Sicilian meal. Our mouths were watering! And, it turned out to be well worth the wait; we had platters of gnocchi, frutta di mare (seafood salad), swordfish, spaghetti normale, and much much more! This evening was only the beginning of our month full of Sicilian culture!  

Hopping the Aeolian Islands

I took the most extraordinary trip this past weekend hopping the islands of Lipari, Panarea, Volcano, and Stromboli. The things I saw in two days were enough to fill the corners of my mind for years. Volcano was like a strange combination of untamed, prehistoric land mixed with a dilapidated mini-golf course. The terrain was rough and varied. I saw black sand for the first time in my life. I saw a sleeping volcano. Oddly shaped flowers filled a panorama, but the only scent carried by the wind was a heavy cloud of sulfur. We stayed in the ugliest habitation ever created and were bitten all night by bed bugs as we slept on thick wool blankets with snowflake designs. Yes, snowflakes on Volcano. When I woke in the morning, I was still pleased by all of this, taking in everything the experience had to offer. That morning we indulged in sulfuric mud baths and geothermal spas. Volcano had great things, but Stromboli was the main attraction. The hydrofoil and boat rides allowed us a view of some of the most beautiful vistas I have ever seen. We stopped off at Stromboli for a quick bite and something to drink. We saw the volcano up close but the real treat came as we left on the boat. As if saying goodbye, the volcano preceded its eruption by spewing a giant black cloud before it showered molten lava. A few of us sat outside on the top deck of the boat to watch the volcano disappear. My giant Heineken bottle was now finished, and I thought it an opportune time to have a classic moment. I asked my fellow traveling companions for a piece of paper and pen and proceeded to write a wish of prosperity and wellness for whoever would receive this message. My fellow travelers also included their wishes, and once they were done, they placed the gift in the bottle and we cast it into the Mediterranean. It was clichéd, but unique to our time and path on earth, totally independent of the cheesiness we see on TV.

Isole Eoile

From taxi to boat, island to island our first stop, an island about 40 km north of Milazzo, Sicily is Vulcano. You will find a resort like atmosphere, surrounding palm trees and black sand beaches that will scorch your feet in middle of the day. While you will find your self searching for a cool refreshing body of water, instead why not jump in to a detoxifying pool of sulfur. THE MUDD BATHING is something else!! Jump out of the Mudd, hop on a boat. Stromboli here we come!! Second stop though was Panerea. Possibly the best dish of pasta on the face of this Earth. While overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a family-owned ristorante allowed us to enjoy this wonderful meal within a thirty minute time frame. As the boat tooted its horn, we ran down the mountain and just made it to the next island which was about 2 hours away. Time was non existent, and Volcanic eruptions are active on Stromboli. Though our entire trip was surrounded by wonder, the lava explosions were not the height of the trip. Was it the message in the bottle on the returning trip? Or was it the Smell of sulfur through our pores? Not one particular event can describe the entire two day adventure, but certainly the spontaneity and the collectivities of our group let us enjoy like none other.

Stromboli

The two days six of us spent in the Aeolian Islands were more than just relaxing. I experienced things I never imagined I would have the opportunity to see or do and gained perspective on the vastness and depth of history. Being amidst places that reach so far back in time have produced memories that I will never forget. Friday, we took a boat tour around a few of the islands: Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli. We swam a little, ate on a few of the islands and shopped around a bit, all leading up to the 'grand finale'-the nightly eruption of the volcano that makes up the island of Stromboli. As we approached Stromboli, gazing up towards its peak made me feel very small, and not only in size. The volcano has seen and withstood over 100,000 years of this earth's history. Standing 2400 meters at its highest point, the calming sight provided me with one of the most unforgettable and surreal moments I have ever experienced. As we began our journey back to Vulcano (our starting point), we rounded Stromboli, and as expected, the smoking peak began to erupt against the darkening sky. The constrasting fluorescent liquid was mesmerizing and still I can find no words to express the awe I'm sure we all felt. The eruptions are new to our eyes, no matter how many pictures and videos we may see, sitting before it is incomparable. To the natives and inhabitants of these islands over the years, since the Neolithic period, the eruptions are as normal as rainfall, just a part of home. Being able to share that experience with fellow students made it even more special and unforgettable. On our trip back I recognized the same look of reflection in the eyes of those around me as we all left attempting to grasp the beauty of nature, for the short amount of time we were given at Stromboli was not enough. I can't be sure if any amount of time would ever suffice, but I am sure that I will never forget the feeling the experience produced.

Agrigento

Friday, 7/7/06, we took a lengthy bus trip to Agrigento, and it was well worth the time it took to get there. I was originally interested in coming to Sicily to see ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and the trip to Agrigento did not disappoint. The ruins in the Valley of the Temples were extraordinary, and we were amazed to find out that we could not only touch the marble slabs but also at times climb all over them. It was an amazing adventure, and hopefully not my last opportunity to see classical ruins in person rather than in textbooks. Seeing both Greek and Roman temples in one site, side by side, illustrated the early history of Sicily and the synchronicity of both cultures in a way that text descriptions could not.

Pics From Agrigento

Aeolian Islands

This weekenda group of us (Katie, Zach, Tracy, Denise and Rob) visited the Aeolian Islands. We went to Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli. We learned that the islands have been inhabited since the neolithic era. The deposits that were found on the island were important in understanding the Mediterranean civilization from the prehistoric period to the classical period. During the first Punic War, Carthage and the islands were allies until Rome conquered then in 252BC. During Roman rule, the islands were exiled. As soon as we stepped off the boat in Vulcano, the smell of sulfur filled the air. We relaxed in mud bathes, which also had an interesting smell. This natural bath had hot water deposits shooting up from under the water. The mud is supposively good for your skin, so we all wore mud masks. At night, we took a boat ride around Stromboli and witnessed lava shooting up from the volcano. While is was an enjoyable weekend, it was interesting to read that the islands related to our class of Sicilian history. It tied the weekend perfectly together.

Friday in Agrigento

Blog for Agrigento/Syracuse: I have to say that last Friday goes down as one of the best days of my life. Julie, Jason, Kat and I went to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples. I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen pictures of the site but pictures are often misleading, especially when it comes to ancient ruins. This time though the pictures didn’t give the place justice. We had to wake up at the crack of dawn in order to catch the buses that would take us the four hours to Agrigento. I wasn’t looking forward to spending eight hours on a bus to only spend four hours in the city but after getting there and seeing the ruins it was totally worth the trip. When we got to the site and bought our tickets I literally ran through the gates in order to get near the ruins. I was like a kid in a candy store. The first part of the valley was open and you could run and climb all over the fallen blocks of temples and baths. I did just that. I climbed on these ruins like I was on a playground. I felt like a kid all over again running and jumping all over the place. I couldn’t get enough of all these ruins that used to be places of worship. Standing there for a second and touching the rocks I could really feel the history of the place. It’s hard to describe the feelings I had actually seeing and touching places that these ancient peoples had been. Its one thing to learn about these ancient cultures and see the structures they built in pictures and quite another to actually be able to touch them. It has confirmed for me just how much I love ancient history and how much I want to be able to work in places like this discovering new things about the lives of these people. One thing that shocked me was the size of these temples. I climbed on the ruins of the temple to Castor and Pollex and stood next to one of the columns that was still standing. I tried to hug the column and my arms barely made it half way around. I can only imagine what this looked like when it was all still standing. It must have been a site to behold. The four of us went to Syracuse on Saturday in order to complete a Greek weekend. Syracuse was everything I imagined an old Greek city to be. The streets were clean and beautifully paved. The buildings were amazingly well kept and everything about the city screamed old. The one thing I was disappointed with was the way the ancient temple to Athena was converted into a catholic church. The columns were filled in with concrete what used to be an amazing building was now nothing more than a church. The classicist in me was screaming at the way it was changed, but if it was either change it or knock it down than I'm glad it was at least somewhat preserved. All in all this was a great weekend filled with amazing sites and wonderful adventures. It was exactly what I imagined staying in Sicily would be like.

Visit to Palermo (*Really* Posted by Denise!)

Our trip to Palermo was extremely emotional for me at times. Having my family's roots there I caught myself wondering if my Great Grandparents and their relatives had walked down the streets we were roaming. I tried to take many photographs in an attempt to show my family in America what Palermo is like, due to the fact that none of my family has travelled to Europe since our family's arrival through Ellis Island. I was completely overwhelmed with the sights in Palermo. At The Cathedral in Palermo once again I found myself completely emotional as I knelt and prayed for my family. I sure my family at one point in the lives in Palermo prayed at the Cathedral for my ancestors and I sat there staring at each pew trying to invision the presence there. I have been warned what a rough city Palermo could be. However, I felt completely safe there maybe because the sense of family I was emerged in. I forgot about the warnings and was embracing the city as we went from sight to sight. The hopeless romantic that I am, I went off on my own fantasizing at the fountain (Fontana delle Vergogne) in the Piazza Pretoria wondering if any of my ancestors may have experienced a kiss or maybe even a proposal. Palermo to me was an amazing experience because everything seems to be so hopelessly romantic. Needless to say, I was impressed and overwhelmed with Roger II of Sicily Palace and summer home. It gave us a true sense of the history we are here studing. While we were at the Palace and summer home I tried to envision the daily occurances that may have occured there. Its all so fantasic.

A Final Shot from Castelmola, 7/8/06

 

A Restaurant's Garden and Neighboring Church in Castelmola, 7/8/06

 

The Bay of Naxos from Castelmola (A Village Just Above Taormina), 7/8/06

 

Ciao from the Students in "The Many Manifestations of Italian Culture"! (7/6/06)

Another Shot of Students Attending "Kingdoms in the Sun" (7/6/06)

Students Attending "Kingdoms in the Sun" (7/6/06)

Taormina

Our lovely place of residence is quaint - strewn over the mountains of the northeast coast and criss-crossed with alleys and cobblestone streets. The observant visitor will notice that this quaintness is a mask as Taormina is also worldly with its bartering shopowners and array of touristica. It can be likened to our very own New York City because of the variety of languages we hear when we walk the streets. While one can find any modern amnenity desired in Taormina, the city is ancient as well. The stone arches bordering the north and south sides of the main street, aptly named Porta Messina and Porta Catania for the cities north and south of here respectively, actually date to the medieval period when the entire city was walled for protection. In the midst of hotels and gelaterias, one finds the entrance to the Teatro Greco used during both the Greek and Roman occupations. The Romans actually added to the Greek theater as they used it for a different purpose: gladiators! While sitting on the carved stone seats, one gets the impression that the Greeks were experts in finding the perfect places to build. The deep blue Mediterranean can be viewed on one side while the monstrous size of Mt. Etna looms on the other. A discussion of Taormina must include the view of the sea. We have some of our classes in Padri Maristi which is actually a grammar school. Close to this structure is an overlook and steps leading down to the beach. The trip down the side of the mountain takes at least fifteen minutes but one glance from overhead motivates the viewer to run down those steps! It is the breathtaking Isola Bella, a small island connected by the smallest strip of stony beach. The variety of sea colors are visible from hundreds of feet above. The furthest the eye can reach can be described as midnight and as one scans the area inward, the colors alter from emerald to aqua. Taormina is definitely a Sicilian slice of paradise.

Tindari

Yesterday, a few of us went to Tindari. There we were able to see the Black Madonna. The church it was in was absolutely beautiful. The ceiling had intricate art work and the mosaics along the walls were beautiful. After that we saw ruins from ancient Roman civilization. The remains of a church had some Greek influences. We saw Roman apartments and saunas and the actual road the Romans used was still intact. Tindari also had a Greek theatre which the Romans later used. Next we swam in the laghi (lake), which are man-made. We also swam in the Mediterranean Sea and most of us enjoyed a little siesta on the beach.

Mt. Etna from Babilonia's Terrace

 

Chapel of Santa Rosalia, Cathedral of Palermo

 

Cloister, Monreale

 

Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, Monreale