Time seems to only speed up in Rome. It is already midterm season and fall break on the horizon is palpable. Clocks go back one hour this Sunday. Mornings and evenings are starting to cool down but the rhythm in the city isn’t missing a beat. Fall is beautiful in Rome.
My time abroad has been going by so fast. Next week is the midterm break and after that, there’s only a month and a half left in the semester before it’s time to return to the states. My classes are going well. Thankfully my mid-term season wasn’t too hectic. It was bearable. I think I’m just now catching the rhythm of taking more than three classes. It’s difficult and I find it harder to retain the material even though the slower pace is nice.
A few weekends ago I went to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. I hadn’t known much about the Vatican before my Art of Rome and Italian Sketchbook classes. We learned all about the different art periods and how they reached Rome and manifested in the city.
The Vatican Museums were rich in art history. There were hours of pottery, paintings, sculptures, and more to see. I saw the Museums with a tour and we seemed to power through the museum, and in doing so, we passed a lot of interesting material I would’ve liked to spend time at to absorb. Even so, I learned so many great things about Roman narratives, especially those pertaining to art.
And of course, the Sistine Chapel was absolutely breathtaking. I’m still trying to dissect all of the intricate concepts and details Michelangelo wove into the literal masterpieces. They’re so many clues and calls to the world outside of religious thought. I mean the composition of the Last Judgement still rattles me mindless. Patrons of the museum aren’t allowed to take pictures or speak above a soft whisper in the chapel, and the guards on duty won’t let you forget either of those two rules. But photos couldn’t even attempt to capture the essence of Michelangelo’s work.
I wasn’t able to see much of the Vatican city save for a few glimpses outside the museum windows. From what I saw though, I would like to visit again before I return home. The city is so strikingly clean and beautiful.
I’m heading to Sicily next week for midterm break. I’m going with my Magna Graecia class where we will be exploring all of the monuments, sights, and places we’ve been talking about so far this semester. Each student in the class will be presenting on a topic during the trip and my subject is the Theatre in Taormina. I’m excited to be able to do more learning, and this time, on site.
Until next time,
Robert