"It's so soft---I expected it to be hard" - Liz

So I tried to upload my picture for this blog but of course my computer won't let me right now. So I will keep trying to uplaod it in a different blog. Anyway..

Out of all the amazing statues and sculptures in the Capitoline Museum the one that I was drawn to and inspired by was of Athena. She is the Greek goddess of war, wisdom, arts, justice, industry and skill. As if all these things weren't enough to make her a big deal, she is also the daughter of Zeus who is pretty much the God of all Greek Gods, from his first wife. It's safe to say that since Athena is a Greek goddess this sculpture is a Roman copy of an original Greek sculpture. Not to mention the caption explaining the sculpture said so =) hehe

I am inspired by Athena because she is the ultimate example of a strong, talented and inteligent woman. Not only can she do anything physically, but she taps into every aspect of awesomeness and important things. She is all around just one bad booty.

"It just grows back?! Like the little lizzard's tails?"

I am one of those people who pretty much sticks to what I know and like. History has always been one of those subjects that I didn't exactly hate, but for sure didn't get excited about. I figured that when I came here I would think it was cool that pretty much our entire history was possible because of the history here pretty much and just learn whatever I had to/what was thrown at me. No way could I ever have imagined myself actually wanting to know about the history of something. Let alone actually making an effort to find out as much as I can. There's something special about actually standing where Julius Ceaser did instead of seeing a picture or hearing a story and trying to imagine it for real. There's no need to force imagination when it's right in front of you. It's a whole different feeling. I think we for sure take for granted a lot of the historical places we see in America. The things we see everyday that were once something important, special and new. Just because we see them everyday doesn't mean they aren't significant. I highly doubt that even the people of Rome just walk by the Coliseum without consideration of everything it is even if they have seen it everyday for their entire existence. I have a greater appreciation for history now for sure. When I'm at home I have always seen this sign that says "Historic Downtown Marysville" but I have not the slightest clue what is historic about it. Now I feel like when I go home I want to know what exactly what is historic about Mville. Probably nothing exciting at all. Chase Blackburn is from mville and the guy who shot Dime Bag Darryl from Pantera is from mville. I'm pretty sure that's as exciting as it gets. Nothing like Ceaser being murdered or being burnt to the ground while it's ruler watched. However, I still want to know all because of this last week. hehe =)

This should be an axe commercial

The first thing I think when I'm around all the old buildings and ruins is "please don't fall on me." Then I get a little more of that nostalgic feeling. You know that "oh wow" feeling where you realize that some of these buildings have been around for soooooo long. The real Julius Ceaser was here, walked here, even more importantly died and was cremated right where I'm looking. Then I start to think about what the Empire State building will look like in 2,000 years. Or better yet what my house or brand new high school will look like in a long time. Not even 2,000 years but 200 years. Will it even still be there? This is about the time where my vivid imagination takes flight and I wonder about flying cars and the crazy modern buildings that will replace the buildings I see everyday. I start to ask questions about the people in 2,000 years. Will they be looking at our buildins in awe the way I'm looking at the Arch of Titus or the Colosseum? I would imagine prob not. But who knows?

On top of the mushy gushy nostalgic stuff I am amazed at their ability to build such amazing, durable structures with nearly no technology. Certainly nothing like ours. We have learned so much from our ancestors yet we have new buildings fall apart everyday. Things are always needing fixed and houses that are 10 yrs old are condemned lying in disrepair. How did they do that? ha Like the basilica in the Forum there are those marks from the ropes where the soldiers tried to tear it down. Crazy. We could learn something from them on building things to last.

#1

Hopefully throughout this trip I learn a lot about everything considering I am in a place that I know virturally nothing about, with people I know next to nothing about. Mostly thought I think I will learn a lot about myself. Everytime I try something new I learn a little about myself that I couldn't have learned at home. I would imagine I will learn about the value of respect since it's such a foundational value in Italy whereas it seems to fall through the cracks an awful lot at home. Of course I will learn a lot about the people here that I may not have been able to learn at home. For example, Jon is allergic to Ibprophen, Kaleigh is the most adventurous picky eater ever, and Michelle is the most adorable Aunt ever. Not to mention all the awesome things we are going to learn about Italy and Europe itself. Not just in Rome and in class but by traveling all over the place. Most importantly I hope to learn lots about myself and the history that made America and my new friends possible! =)