Traveling overseas to Italy is a trip I won't ever forget. It was my first time experiencing the culture, and I instantly fell in love. The year was 2009 and I was just finishing up middle school. These were my most social years where I only wanted to be out-and-about, hanging with friends. I refused to do anything if it involved hanging around my parents. They had to convince me to go on this trip, and I'm glad they did. Looking back, I can't imagine missing out on an experience like this. I have every intention to visit again. Having studied Italian during my undergrad years, I've now got a much deeper appreciation and understanding of their culture. It would also be fun to see how well I could make my way around using the Italian language. I'll definitely need some practice before going back. I hope you enjoy the pictures below, they showcase not only Italy, but my awful sense of style when I was in middle school.
2009
Rome, Naples, Pompeii
"The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel
The Colosseum was undoubtedly one of the coolest things I saw during our trip. Albeit one of the most cliché tourist attractions in Italy, it was so much more complex of a building that I previously thought. Hidden doors leading to underground passageways and rooms where they'd keep animals to be used in the battles. I can't imagine the scene when it was full of spectators watching gladiators fight to the death.
Outer walls of the Colosseum
Underground passageways revealed
Repping the Jordan brand overseas
My parents in the Colosseum
My family minus my dad who was taking the picture
I had to make sure to include an embarrassing picture, you can tell I was thrilled to take the one below...
My sister, brother, and I give our best impression of Roman gladiators
We visited Pompeii towards the end of our trip. It was extremely interesting to learn more about the ancient civilization so well known for being covered by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The city is so well kept since being excavated, most of the artwork and pottery still perfectly intact since AD 79. Most surprising was the significance and relaxed nature of sex at the time in their culture! Statues, pottery, and many pieces of the artwork had sexual images and symbolism. In 1819, a King of France visited Pompeii with his family and was so embarrassed by the sexual nature of the artwork that he ordered it to be locked up. In 2000, the museum where these pieces reside was finally opened back up to the public, where minors can only enter with parental supervision.
The remaining pillars
Ancient pottery preserved from the eruption
Artwork found on the walls in a crumbling building
Imagery displaying different civilians of the society
The Vatican is truly a sight to see, and remains to be some of the most beautiful architecture I've ever seen in person. The city state is as active religiously and politically as ever, making it a lively and powerful place to visit.
The statues along the Basilica railings
The guards paced around as we saw the famous Obelisk in St. Peter's Square that Caligula took from the Egyptians. The Basilica railings were adorned with lifelike statues and Latin phrases. Visitors we're told to keep talking to a hush within the buildings, and pictures were only allowed in specific areas to minimize disturbances.
The Christ the Redeemer statue and several others
Vatican guards keeping watch
