My second travel studies adventure with Ashford University proved to be just as enlightening as the first. Although the course design contributes to the experiences we have on the trip, it is the unexpected and unscheduled events that I find most memorable. 
The Greek culture is very deeply based on philosophical thinking which was expressed to us in Nina's discussions at all the archaeological sites but was felt most intensely at Delphi. During the bus ride to the site, as Nina described the history and events surrounding the ruins, I was especially drawn to the inscriptions that had been on the entrance of the temple - "Know Thyself" and "Nothing in Excess". I was struck by how relevant these statements are today and how they will be just as pertinent hundreds of years from now. As I reflected on how the Greeks relied on mythology to help them understand life's important and difficult ideas, I came to understand how the stories such as Oedipus give us, even today, a view into concepts we many not be able to clearly understand or comprehend.
The Greek culture is very deeply based on philosophical thinking which was expressed to us in Nina's discussions at all the archaeological sites but was felt most intensely at Delphi. During the bus ride to the site, as Nina described the history and events surrounding the ruins, I was especially drawn to the inscriptions that had been on the entrance of the temple - "Know Thyself" and "Nothing in Excess". I was struck by how relevant these statements are today and how they will be just as pertinent hundreds of years from now. As I reflected on how the Greeks relied on mythology to help them understand life's important and difficult ideas, I came to understand how the stories such as Oedipus give us, even today, a view into concepts we many not be able to clearly understand or comprehend.
As we explored the various archaeological sites in Greece, Nina would, on more than one occasion, tell us about how the Greeks were survivors. I came to see what a proud culture they are and how they have held on to the lessons of the past to help shape them into the people they are today. Although the same could be said of our American culture, we are a relatively new culture compared to that of the Greeks. They have held on to important believes but have also moved into a modern age, finding a balance between yesterday and today.
The experiences in Rome were equally profound but, for me, held a stronger connection than that which I felt in Greece. I was awestruck by the art and architecture everywhere we went. The 
paintings and tapestries at the Vatican were like nothing we find in our country today. I had to wonder if there is an artist today who could be known to have the skill and talent of Bernini or Michelangelo. The works of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel exceeded my expectations as our tour guide told us of all the hidden meanings and details behind the beautiful works of art. The walking tour of Rome with our Italian guide was again enlightening with the stores behind the sites we visited. His reference to Bernini validated my new found appreciation for this legendary artist. I was again in awe of the age of the buildings, fountains and sculptures we had the opportunity to experience. The Italians have taught the world about the beauty of art and how it should be preserved and adored for all and for generations to come.
paintings and tapestries at the Vatican were like nothing we find in our country today. I had to wonder if there is an artist today who could be known to have the skill and talent of Bernini or Michelangelo. The works of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel exceeded my expectations as our tour guide told us of all the hidden meanings and details behind the beautiful works of art. The walking tour of Rome with our Italian guide was again enlightening with the stores behind the sites we visited. His reference to Bernini validated my new found appreciation for this legendary artist. I was again in awe of the age of the buildings, fountains and sculptures we had the opportunity to experience. The Italians have taught the world about the beauty of art and how it should be preserved and adored for all and for generations to come. I'm struggle to find anything in American culture that has left me with the same sense of awe as I had in Greece and Italy. Perhaps natural sites such as Yosemite or Lake Superior have the same impact on me, but I do not get the sense of amazement and significance associated with the history we observed in our explorations.
I walked away from this experience with a sense of appreciation for art and history that I had not had prior to the trip.I also came home with a sense of adventure to explore the art and history that is moments and hours away but to also learn more about the artists I came to know in Italy.
I enjoiyed reading your post, I was a little more understnading of the purpose of the trip when we went to Delphi, I think it really spoke a lot about their culture and who they are as people. You can also see the richness of the culture after having read the text and then visiting. I like you enjoyed when Nina talked about the thought process of the greeks, I enjoyed the "nothing in excess" thought, sometimes we can work so hard to recieve so much but for what, almost at the expense of our soul.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.