Aside from the murderous, obsessive behaviors of Tom Ripley, I believe we have a few things in common and f course our differences.When I began reading The Talented Mr. Ripley, I thought for sure it would be boring with too many adjectives explain the sences and characteristics of places like Rome and Venice. Although I could list ten pages of words describing the places I have visited I did not care to actually read every word. I was seriously surprised when the book had an interesting story line and captured every essence of famous cities in Europe exactly how I would explain them.
In the last 8 weeks, I have experienced more things than I have in my entire life. Although the trip had a few negative aspects, I do not regret a single moment of it. It has also taught me more about myself than I would have ever guessed. I believe the experience has brought me closer to my Mom and has made me truly appreciate the life her and my Dad have worked so hard to give me. Don't get me wrong, I have always been grateful for what I have and know how lucky I am to be blessed with such a great life. In the book, Tom only had an abusive Aunt to go home too. Of course, spending the rest of his life exploring Europe was a great idea. If I had no one to return too and a bank account full of money (preferably I would not have killed someone to obtain said money) I would never want to return to my past life either! Europe, especially Italy, is fascinating and never stops surprising you.
Aside from becoming closer with my family, I also think this trip has made me more American. I of course have always been proud to say I am American but now, I have an overwhelming sense of pride. Italy certainly has flaws that I could never become accustomed too. After using public restrooms in Italy, I will never complain of a few paper towels on the bathroom floor again! As silly as that seems, it is the truth. My boyfriend is a police officer, firefighter, and EMT. I will always believe that people in this field of work should be paid more money than they make but, it makes me extremely proud to think that men and women all over our country work and volunteer for these difficult professions and our system is 100% more effective than that of European countries!
During my trip abroad, the views of Rome, Venice, Paris, etc. have taken my breath away. When walking out of the metro and seeing the Colosseum for the first time, I was literally speechless. I suppose it is views like this that also captured Mr. Ripley's interest. America, has beautiful scenery and landscapes but there is something about seeing ruins of old cities that leaves you awe struck. How could our ancestors that only had a fraction of the tools we have today build such structures that are still standing today! The history buried in the roots of Europe are incomparable.
As I finish up my last week here, I am anxious to get home to my family, the love of my life, and my quite farm life. I certainly will not miss the hustle and bustle of Rome or the itchy sheets on campus. I am however, sad to be leaving this country. Although, I could never live here there is something about Italy that keeps me drawn to it. When I watch movies based here I get chills thinking of the memories I have made and the places I have gone. Maybe my coin toss in the Trevi Fountain this week will bring me back to this amazing country and view the rest of the places Tom Ripley explored and loved. Well, I guess there isn't much else to say so as the Italians would say, Arrivederchi.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Soc 490, Week 6!
WOW! I can not believe I am typing the last blog for this class. This adventure is really coming to an end. Hm.
To begin I will quote; William Hoar, "The current healthcare system in this country has plenty of faults, but it's been proven time and again that there is no problem so grave that more government intervention cant make it even worse." Do you agree? I certainly do. History, if you haven't noticed, repeats its self. Yes, our economy is in a horrible state right now. Something needs to be done but, are we willing to take such a huge risk? The possibility of a new healthcare system is not certain to work. It may bring us out of debt now, but who is to say we will not end up like Spain? Why would we want to create a worse health care system then we do now?
After doing our interviews at the market, I do not want to end up like Italians and feel the way they do about their healthcare and hospitals. I reviewed my interview papers and almost everyone rated their doctors and hospitals low. Why would we want to make a similar problem in America? During our interviews I had a tough time finding real Italian citizens to fill out my surveys. When I finally spotted someone who appeared to be one, I was often turned down. At first, I was nervous to even ask someone the questions but was soon stalking people so they would fill out the paper! Half way through our alotted time, I ventured over to the university and was able to get my papers filled out very quickly and had the opportunity to meet some really interesting people! The interview activity was a great way to gather information but, it was also a terrific experience!
In class we discussed the power of prayer. I am currently trying to discover my own faith and it was interesting to hear about my peers beliefs in opinions. It is hard for me to pick one side or the other whether prayer works or not. If prayer does work, then why aren't all little kids with cancer still living after months of praying? Then again, what is a miracle? See my dilema? I like to believe that prayer does work and thats what miracles are. I will continue saying a prayer for the sick and hopefully, someone will get a miracle out of it.
Soc 490 has made me a more open minded person. Coming into this class I knew what I believed and did not even bother learning about the other side of the argument. Now, I feel like for every argument that arises I will learn about the other side and then base me decision off facts and not just what I believe. I still believe healthcare is a privelge but, I am open minded to the idea of it also being a right in some cases.
To begin I will quote; William Hoar, "The current healthcare system in this country has plenty of faults, but it's been proven time and again that there is no problem so grave that more government intervention cant make it even worse." Do you agree? I certainly do. History, if you haven't noticed, repeats its self. Yes, our economy is in a horrible state right now. Something needs to be done but, are we willing to take such a huge risk? The possibility of a new healthcare system is not certain to work. It may bring us out of debt now, but who is to say we will not end up like Spain? Why would we want to create a worse health care system then we do now?
After doing our interviews at the market, I do not want to end up like Italians and feel the way they do about their healthcare and hospitals. I reviewed my interview papers and almost everyone rated their doctors and hospitals low. Why would we want to make a similar problem in America? During our interviews I had a tough time finding real Italian citizens to fill out my surveys. When I finally spotted someone who appeared to be one, I was often turned down. At first, I was nervous to even ask someone the questions but was soon stalking people so they would fill out the paper! Half way through our alotted time, I ventured over to the university and was able to get my papers filled out very quickly and had the opportunity to meet some really interesting people! The interview activity was a great way to gather information but, it was also a terrific experience!
In class we discussed the power of prayer. I am currently trying to discover my own faith and it was interesting to hear about my peers beliefs in opinions. It is hard for me to pick one side or the other whether prayer works or not. If prayer does work, then why aren't all little kids with cancer still living after months of praying? Then again, what is a miracle? See my dilema? I like to believe that prayer does work and thats what miracles are. I will continue saying a prayer for the sick and hopefully, someone will get a miracle out of it.
Soc 490 has made me a more open minded person. Coming into this class I knew what I believed and did not even bother learning about the other side of the argument. Now, I feel like for every argument that arises I will learn about the other side and then base me decision off facts and not just what I believe. I still believe healthcare is a privelge but, I am open minded to the idea of it also being a right in some cases.
Monday, December 3, 2012
GL 350, Week 6!
Last weekend was our final group weekend. It is a bittersweet feeling knowing that I will be home in just 11days! I am over joyed to see my family and friends and excited to use clean restrooms but, I will miss Italy. Two months seems like such a long time to be somewhere but, when there are as many things to do as there is in Italy it doesnt seem like enough time. Hopefully, my coin toss in the Trevi Fountain next week will bring me back to Italy and I can share the experience with my family.
Last weekend we traveled to Sorrento and Pompeii. Although it rained almost the entire weekend, I still had a lovely time. Sorrento is beautiful and the perfect town to live in. It is quaint, but still has a lot of shopping and activity. With the dreary weather it was hard to enjoy all the beautiful views but, it was beauitfully decorated with Christmas decor! Sorrento has been the most decorated place we have been and put me in the Christmas spirit! My favorite part of Sorrento was traveling up the windy road to arrive in the small town and to our hotel. I was very impressed with our drivers control over the car and the people of Sorrentos driving!
On Saturday, we traveled to Pompeii to visit Mt. Vesuvius. Our tour guide was very funny and made parading through a thunderstorm a lot of fun! Pompeii is so interesting because of its history. It was destroyed when a volcano erupted covering the city and all of its population covered in thirty-five feet of ash! Archeologist have done a fantastic job at uncovering a lot of the city and have found a lot of preserved things such as buildings, brothels, and even people. It is sad walking through the remains but very cool to hear about it.
Last week we started reading a new book, The Talented Mr. Ripley. The book has an interesting story line but what makes it so enjoyable to read is being able to compare Tom Ripley's, the main character, experiences to my own. Experiencing siesta for the first time and riding his first public bus were just a couple of things that Tom and I shared. It is fun reading the book and hearing the names of places he has been too or train stops that I passed by. I am only halfway through the book but am hoping to finish it before I go to bed tonight! Speaking of, I should probably start getting ready for bed. Ciao!
Last weekend we traveled to Sorrento and Pompeii. Although it rained almost the entire weekend, I still had a lovely time. Sorrento is beautiful and the perfect town to live in. It is quaint, but still has a lot of shopping and activity. With the dreary weather it was hard to enjoy all the beautiful views but, it was beauitfully decorated with Christmas decor! Sorrento has been the most decorated place we have been and put me in the Christmas spirit! My favorite part of Sorrento was traveling up the windy road to arrive in the small town and to our hotel. I was very impressed with our drivers control over the car and the people of Sorrentos driving!
On Saturday, we traveled to Pompeii to visit Mt. Vesuvius. Our tour guide was very funny and made parading through a thunderstorm a lot of fun! Pompeii is so interesting because of its history. It was destroyed when a volcano erupted covering the city and all of its population covered in thirty-five feet of ash! Archeologist have done a fantastic job at uncovering a lot of the city and have found a lot of preserved things such as buildings, brothels, and even people. It is sad walking through the remains but very cool to hear about it.
Last week we started reading a new book, The Talented Mr. Ripley. The book has an interesting story line but what makes it so enjoyable to read is being able to compare Tom Ripley's, the main character, experiences to my own. Experiencing siesta for the first time and riding his first public bus were just a couple of things that Tom and I shared. It is fun reading the book and hearing the names of places he has been too or train stops that I passed by. I am only halfway through the book but am hoping to finish it before I go to bed tonight! Speaking of, I should probably start getting ready for bed. Ciao!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Soc 490, Week 4!
Yuck! Here I am for the fifth week sicker than I have been since we arrived. I started my third round of antibiotics this week and am taking a few other large pills for the pain and my fever. I'm pretty sure I am taking more medicine in one swallow than an entire retirement home gives out in a day. I had to miss class this week but it gave me a lot of time to read and to think.
Ever since I was in junior high I have been battling strep throat or other tonsil infections. I have gotten to the point that when I go to my doctor he knows me by name and usually skips the strep test and writes me a prescription for amoxicillin. Being sick here in Italy has been very interesting. I don't have to wait in a doctors office anymore because the doctor does house calls! The only downfall of a house call is, they can not take tests and give you the results all in one visit. When a test is needed you are sent to a lab and then told to come back for your results.... It makes getting better take longer because of all the days of waiting.
Another thing that was interesting to me is the way the ER works. At home, in the states, I was in a severe amount of pain or am concerned about what is going on I could drive to the closest ER for treatment. On Monday, I could no longer take the pain of my tonsils and was concerned that my airway was getting narrower by the hour. When I asked to see a doctor I was informed Italians do not go to the ER unless it is absolutely necessary (bleeding and broken bones kind of necessity) When I learned of this I began to panic because I had no clue what to do. The pain in my throat and lymph nods were getting worse and worse. Fortunately, someone got a hold of my doctor and she was able to prescribe a pain killer that I learned is similar to Vicodin. After the pain medicine kicked in I was feeling somewhat better but was still concerned about the swelling. The next day I saw my doctor again. She informed me I have pharyngitis. She prescribed me a stronger antibiotic and ordered me to stay in doors until the swelling goes down.
Staying indoors and resting are two luxuries that a Walsh Romer can not afford. We are constantly on the move and don't want to miss out on anything.
In class, ad out of class, we have been discussing if we have control over our health. Last week I wrote that we do have control over our health. While, I still agree that we can control our health with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good life style choices....Like not smoking or drinking, we do not have complete control over what bacteria or viruses we come in contact with. We are never fully in control of our health.
In our Universal Healthcare book, Gladwell discusses preventative care. If people went to the hospital for regular check ups, were tested for diseases that run in their family, or in my case had tonsils taken out when the opportunity was there, we could save a lot of money in the long run. Yes, surgery is expensive, but testing, lab work, a other care for diseases add up just as quickly as surgery.
Ever since I was in junior high I have been battling strep throat or other tonsil infections. I have gotten to the point that when I go to my doctor he knows me by name and usually skips the strep test and writes me a prescription for amoxicillin. Being sick here in Italy has been very interesting. I don't have to wait in a doctors office anymore because the doctor does house calls! The only downfall of a house call is, they can not take tests and give you the results all in one visit. When a test is needed you are sent to a lab and then told to come back for your results.... It makes getting better take longer because of all the days of waiting.
Another thing that was interesting to me is the way the ER works. At home, in the states, I was in a severe amount of pain or am concerned about what is going on I could drive to the closest ER for treatment. On Monday, I could no longer take the pain of my tonsils and was concerned that my airway was getting narrower by the hour. When I asked to see a doctor I was informed Italians do not go to the ER unless it is absolutely necessary (bleeding and broken bones kind of necessity) When I learned of this I began to panic because I had no clue what to do. The pain in my throat and lymph nods were getting worse and worse. Fortunately, someone got a hold of my doctor and she was able to prescribe a pain killer that I learned is similar to Vicodin. After the pain medicine kicked in I was feeling somewhat better but was still concerned about the swelling. The next day I saw my doctor again. She informed me I have pharyngitis. She prescribed me a stronger antibiotic and ordered me to stay in doors until the swelling goes down.
Staying indoors and resting are two luxuries that a Walsh Romer can not afford. We are constantly on the move and don't want to miss out on anything.
In class, ad out of class, we have been discussing if we have control over our health. Last week I wrote that we do have control over our health. While, I still agree that we can control our health with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good life style choices....Like not smoking or drinking, we do not have complete control over what bacteria or viruses we come in contact with. We are never fully in control of our health.
In our Universal Healthcare book, Gladwell discusses preventative care. If people went to the hospital for regular check ups, were tested for diseases that run in their family, or in my case had tonsils taken out when the opportunity was there, we could save a lot of money in the long run. Yes, surgery is expensive, but testing, lab work, a other care for diseases add up just as quickly as surgery.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
GL 350, Week 5!
Five weeks down, less than three to go! It's hard to believe how quickly time is going. It seems like only yesterday I was on a tour with Aubree and Gabby beig led around the Bourghesi gardens. It has actually been a week!
So many things have happened since my last blog I don't even know where to begin! Last week we had an American style thanksgiving dinner! I look forward to this time of year every year but, this year I could not get I out of my mind. I has been well over a moth since I have had American food and I felt like I could have put the entire table of food in me! Dinner was delicious!
With a long weekend ahead of us, I helped henna pack for London and watched my other fellow students pack for trips into Rome, Dublin, and Spain. I haven't been feeling the greatest again and was looking forward to a restful
weekend with Emily Cramer.
Friday we went to Albano to make a few purchases and ended up taking the wrong train home... Mike had to pick us up an hour away, in another province in the town of Cori. Although the journey was long and ruined all hopes of me beig in Bed before 10 pm I can't say I regret the experience. In The Italians book, Barzini discussed how you can not learn Italy through a classroom or textbook. You have to experience it to fully understand it ! I can't agree more with him. I believe I learned more being lost in Cori than I have been the entire time I have been here! It was a night I will never forget !
So many things have happened since my last blog I don't even know where to begin! Last week we had an American style thanksgiving dinner! I look forward to this time of year every year but, this year I could not get I out of my mind. I has been well over a moth since I have had American food and I felt like I could have put the entire table of food in me! Dinner was delicious!
With a long weekend ahead of us, I helped henna pack for London and watched my other fellow students pack for trips into Rome, Dublin, and Spain. I haven't been feeling the greatest again and was looking forward to a restful
weekend with Emily Cramer.
Friday we went to Albano to make a few purchases and ended up taking the wrong train home... Mike had to pick us up an hour away, in another province in the town of Cori. Although the journey was long and ruined all hopes of me beig in Bed before 10 pm I can't say I regret the experience. In The Italians book, Barzini discussed how you can not learn Italy through a classroom or textbook. You have to experience it to fully understand it ! I can't agree more with him. I believe I learned more being lost in Cori than I have been the entire time I have been here! It was a night I will never forget !
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Soc 490, week 4!
Here we are finishing up another week here in Rome. It is hard fathom I will be leaving for the States in just three weeks. The past two weeks have been crazy we visited two museums and each one was insanely interesting!
The first, museum of the mind, had a lot of history and blew my mind away with unique antiques. The museum was an asylum that was closed down in 1999. It it was a facility used for the mentally insane, criminals, and even orphans.
The second museum was the museum of medical arts! I was not looking forward to this museum because i thought it would be a lot of boring medical things. I was so wrong ! The museum enclosed a lot antique tools used back in the day and had preserved babies with birth defects. It was sad to learn about but filled me with pride that medicine has come so far since then!
Aside from museum visits, we also had a lot of interesting class discussions. Which has made me think whether we should "do as the Romans do." Have they had it right all along? America is always the leader but, maybe this time we should take other people's lead. Statistics prove that Romans are healthier and have lower infant mortality rates than we do. Is it universal healthcare that makes them that way or do we control our on health? I believe the latter. Even if an American learns from a young age what is healthier for us we still have so many options to be "fat". We know what is wrong and what is right, but given the opportunity we will always do what we want. It is a lot like what our book talks about in Canada. They have government funded healthcare but there hospitals are not the best. They choose to put money in other places rather than in hospitals. With universal healthcare Americans have the option to go to the hospital for a cheaper price but how many will take advantage of that?
The first, museum of the mind, had a lot of history and blew my mind away with unique antiques. The museum was an asylum that was closed down in 1999. It it was a facility used for the mentally insane, criminals, and even orphans.
The second museum was the museum of medical arts! I was not looking forward to this museum because i thought it would be a lot of boring medical things. I was so wrong ! The museum enclosed a lot antique tools used back in the day and had preserved babies with birth defects. It was sad to learn about but filled me with pride that medicine has come so far since then!
Aside from museum visits, we also had a lot of interesting class discussions. Which has made me think whether we should "do as the Romans do." Have they had it right all along? America is always the leader but, maybe this time we should take other people's lead. Statistics prove that Romans are healthier and have lower infant mortality rates than we do. Is it universal healthcare that makes them that way or do we control our on health? I believe the latter. Even if an American learns from a young age what is healthier for us we still have so many options to be "fat". We know what is wrong and what is right, but given the opportunity we will always do what we want. It is a lot like what our book talks about in Canada. They have government funded healthcare but there hospitals are not the best. They choose to put money in other places rather than in hospitals. With universal healthcare Americans have the option to go to the hospital for a cheaper price but how many will take advantage of that?
Monday, November 19, 2012
GL 350, week 4!
As I typed the tyke of my blog, I had to recheck the calendar because it does not seem like we are halfway through our program! The days are whizzing by so quickly now I feel like I can't keep up! -hence why I am typing this blog at 1 am...turns out it is now Tuesday ! This past week has been such a blur, a lot has been happening here in Rome!
This past weekend m friends and I traveled to Paris and Dublin.. All in the same weekend. It is pretty cool to say I have been in three countries in one day! We had breakfast in Rome, lunch in Paris, and enjoyed a Guinness with the Irish! What a day! Unfortunately over the weekend I came back to Rome Home with a lot more than just souvenirs... I had strep throat, again!
Monday evening I met with the doctor and she prescribed me four antibiotics, one that they no longer used in the U.S. It was interesting to go through the process of universal healthcare, especially because of our 490 class! It was also really difficult commuting sting because te doctor did nt understand everything I was saying!
The next day I had to stay home from our tour of the Pantheon. I was really disappointed because I was looking forward to this tour the most ! Hopefully I have time to go back and visit it on a free day! Muriel Spark says in the Smiles of Rome, "but, if I can get, say, a glimpse of the Pantheon-- even passing in a taxi on my way to fulfill some banal commission-- I find the journey worthwhile." I love that because that's how I feel at this point !
Thankfully, I am feeling much better now and was able to finish the week out strong! I'm looking forward to the coming events for week 5 especially because it involves a traditional American dinner for thanksgiving !!
This past weekend m friends and I traveled to Paris and Dublin.. All in the same weekend. It is pretty cool to say I have been in three countries in one day! We had breakfast in Rome, lunch in Paris, and enjoyed a Guinness with the Irish! What a day! Unfortunately over the weekend I came back to Rome Home with a lot more than just souvenirs... I had strep throat, again!
Monday evening I met with the doctor and she prescribed me four antibiotics, one that they no longer used in the U.S. It was interesting to go through the process of universal healthcare, especially because of our 490 class! It was also really difficult commuting sting because te doctor did nt understand everything I was saying!
The next day I had to stay home from our tour of the Pantheon. I was really disappointed because I was looking forward to this tour the most ! Hopefully I have time to go back and visit it on a free day! Muriel Spark says in the Smiles of Rome, "but, if I can get, say, a glimpse of the Pantheon-- even passing in a taxi on my way to fulfill some banal commission-- I find the journey worthwhile." I love that because that's how I feel at this point !
Thankfully, I am feeling much better now and was able to finish the week out strong! I'm looking forward to the coming events for week 5 especially because it involves a traditional American dinner for thanksgiving !!
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