It began in second grade. I was sitting in my art class, learning about a crazy Italian artist who supposedly painted an entire church ceiling with paint and wet plaster while on his back. To demonstrate the point, the art teacher gave us each our own little tray of wet plaster, which we taped to the bottom of our desk and painted our own masterpieces while lying flat on the floor. Whether or not the method of creation was true to fact, the lesson stuck. And from that day forward my bucket list began.
Three years ago, that was checked off (thanks to Mrs. McConnell and her AP Art History class and excursion to Europe). That is not where the story ends however. That trip did not just achieve an aspiration, but added many more to "The List."
See the Sistine Chapel - Learn to speak Italian
- Live in Italy, not just visit as a tourist
- See an Italian Opera
- Learn to cook authentic Italian food
- Visit Sicily where my heritage is from
Thus you see start of long love affair between Italy and I. Since the moment I first set foot on Roman soil as a sixteen year old, something in the air has spoken to me. And every since I left it, I have ached to return to it. I craved the smell of citrus and basil, the innocent flirtations and passionate expressions of the people, the hustle and bustle of cities that coexist with their ancient beginnings, the richness if a culture surrounded by the masterpieces of great artists.
Some people ask me, "So Why Italy?" Ummm..why NOT Italy?! Have you seen this place??
But beyond its romantic charm and beauty, there truly is something about this place that speaks to me. The call of my ancestors perhaps...? Yeah we'll say that. So after three years of yearning to be back, here I am! Spending three months in a country that I love, equipped with a bit of experience with the language and my blessed Italian genetics that help me blend in (Thank you Nani Mary Rose!!). Let the adventure of a lifetime BEGIN...
