yea, college essay! here we go!
It is often said, "When in Rome -- do as the Romans do." However, when such a civilization has already begun, climaxed, and fallen, one may find it exceedingly difficult to mimic these people -- especially when he or she is a seventeen-year-old American transatlantic for the very first time.
This past summer I was presented the opportunity of a lifetime -- to physically experience a topic I have studied. Throughout my high school career, I have taken various courses centered on Roman culture, for example, Western Civilization and Latin. Yet neither of these subjects could have foretold what a boot-shaped country thousands of miles away held in store -- a life-altering experience.
There I was, exhausted and noisome; timidly stepping off of the plane after a grueling six-hour flight full of turbulence when I realized this trip was not going to be the average vacation. I was not going to seek rest and relaxation by the poolside, or build sandcastles on the beach, or even consider wearing a bathing suit for that matter. The lyrics to a Minus the Bear song immediately popped into my head: "Hey! Let's cross the sea, and get some culture." That was exactly what I intended to do. Whether I was staring out across the Mediterranean from Ana Capri, indulging myself with the world's finest gelato, frolicking down the Spanish Steps, or leaning along side the Tower of Pisa, I was living history, beholding my studies.
Several instances that considerably defined the Italian excursion stand out in my mind. To begin, there has never been a time when I have been so eager to learn than at the Archaeological Museum of Naples, where I examined ruins from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Secondly, the grandeur of the David, its magnificence is absolutely indescribable! I can attest that never has a work of art moved me to tears; or, at least I was capable of saying that until I had visited Florence. Finally, the Amalfi Coast, swiftly winding along such a narrow pathway as I ascended the mountains, it was adventurous and thrilling; leading to that cathartic moment when I would look out across the sea's vastness and realize how small I truly am. As far as I am concerned, Italy has granted me new perspective.
July twelfth I boarded Air France Flight Five both ignorant and self-centered; ten days later I returned having realized there is so much more to life. Mark Twain once exclaimed, "Lump the whole thing! Say that the Creator made Italy from designs by Michael Angelo!" Isn't it amazing that even American Literature's finest novelist could not do Italy justice?
critique it. thanks.
This past summer I was presented the opportunity of a lifetime -- to physically experience a topic I have studied. Throughout my high school career, I have taken various courses centered on Roman culture, for example, Western Civilization and Latin. Yet neither of these subjects could have foretold what a boot-shaped country thousands of miles away held in store -- a life-altering experience.
There I was, exhausted and noisome; timidly stepping off of the plane after a grueling six-hour flight full of turbulence when I realized this trip was not going to be the average vacation. I was not going to seek rest and relaxation by the poolside, or build sandcastles on the beach, or even consider wearing a bathing suit for that matter. The lyrics to a Minus the Bear song immediately popped into my head: "Hey! Let's cross the sea, and get some culture." That was exactly what I intended to do. Whether I was staring out across the Mediterranean from Ana Capri, indulging myself with the world's finest gelato, frolicking down the Spanish Steps, or leaning along side the Tower of Pisa, I was living history, beholding my studies.
Several instances that considerably defined the Italian excursion stand out in my mind. To begin, there has never been a time when I have been so eager to learn than at the Archaeological Museum of Naples, where I examined ruins from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Secondly, the grandeur of the David, its magnificence is absolutely indescribable! I can attest that never has a work of art moved me to tears; or, at least I was capable of saying that until I had visited Florence. Finally, the Amalfi Coast, swiftly winding along such a narrow pathway as I ascended the mountains, it was adventurous and thrilling; leading to that cathartic moment when I would look out across the sea's vastness and realize how small I truly am. As far as I am concerned, Italy has granted me new perspective.
July twelfth I boarded Air France Flight Five both ignorant and self-centered; ten days later I returned having realized there is so much more to life. Mark Twain once exclaimed, "Lump the whole thing! Say that the Creator made Italy from designs by Michael Angelo!" Isn't it amazing that even American Literature's finest novelist could not do Italy justice?
critique it. thanks.