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