Montclair State University in Sicily

2007-07-20T19:04:00.000+02:00

Panarea & Stromboli

2007-07-20T18:30:00.000+02:00

On thursday the girls of Sicily '07 decided to do a mini cruise to Panarea and Stromboli. It started off with a hour and a half bus ride, followed by another hour and a half boat ride to the first island, Panarea. The water was beautiful. Perfectly clear. You could see almost straight down to the bottom. We had 3 hours at Panarea, but the problem was, there wasn't much to do. We could have paid a few euro to take a taxi to the good beach, but we didn't bring our bathing suits because we didn't want to walk around all sweaty with the added bonus of the mediterranean sea salt sticking to our bodies. So we went out to eat and ordered our favorite dish of Sicily, pasta alla norma. However, they make it much better in Taormina. We basically sat in the shade eating magnums until it was time to go back on the ship. It took another 30 or more minutes to get to Stromboli, but I couldn't really tell you because I was so tired I fell asleep. Once we got there we had the same problem. Nothing to do. So we whne and got granite and Tina and Jessica took sand from the beach. The beach, I must say was really nice. Especially since the sand was black. We were hoping the ever-fathful volcano would erupt, but 3 months ago there was an earthquake and it hasn't erupted since. And we didn't get home till 1am. So much for that, but at least I saw two new beautiful islands that I never would have seen before.

Agrigento

2007-07-19T23:10:00.000+02:00

On July 15, 2007 the whole class went to Agrigento. It was an amazing trip for me, even though I already had been there a few years before. This time I wanted to know more about the history behind all the monuments that I have seen. I had no idea the names of temples and this time I actually found out. There names are the temple of caster and pollox, Hercules, Zeus, and June. I thought the temple of June was the most interesting out the bunch, and that was due to the fact that it wasn’t destroyed as the other ones were. And Pepe our astonished tour guide told us that they were destroyed by a conquering people. If they only kept them in tack how much more knowledge we would know about them. Also while there we got to see the landscape which is breathtaking, and I understand why the Greeks built all these temples there. There is a lot more there but you need a few days to see everything. So take it from me you really need to go and see them. Even if you don’t understand history you will love this.

Scuba Diving

2007-07-19T23:04:00.000+02:00

The first weekend here in Taormina Ben, Frank, and I all went scuba diving. It was an eye opening experience for us all. It was one of the best things I had ever done in my life, and it only cost 40 euro. We first all woke up at 8:30 in morning and was picked up in a little van that when we first looked at it we thought there was no way that it would make it to Isabella, but it thankfully did. We got there and got suited up with wet suits, but Ben and I didn’t realize that we put them on backwards but it really didn’t make much of difference in the scheme of things. We got the small boat and went away to a deeper part of Isabella, and thankfully there were no jelly fish which somewhat hurts if you get stung. But we then got our first lesson right once we got into open water which was definitely something that was pretty funny to watch if you know how to scuba dive, because we had no idea what we were doing with the weights and the button red button you press to take air and the white to loss it. But we get into the water and we learn all the signs like go down, up, and running out of air. Then we spend the next forty minutes underwater and it was definitely a top moment in my life and I hope to get certified so I can do many more times.

Reflections/Bar Life

2007-07-19T22:56:00.000+02:00

What did I think about Sicily? Well I can tell you that it has been a great time here and that I have definitely learned a lot. From going on all the different field trips and just getting a sense of the culture that exists here is amazing. It really helps you too remember things a lot better when you are physically standing in front of the history you are learning about. What will I miss the most about this trip well? The answer to that question will become extremely obvious to you when you arrive here. I will miss the people I have met the most. Although I am with 10 others from the U.S. let’s be honest we probably won't see each other much after this, and we all live relatively close to each other. What will be even harder is leaving people behind either in Sicily that live here, or watching people leave to go to other countries where the odds of seeing them are slim. The people you will meet here will last in your mind forever, and all I can say is take lots of pictures and get emails. Now for the fun stuff. The bars in Taormina and small and quaint and there are not that many to go to. Here are the list of my favorites in order. 1st is Time Out, it is an Irish type bar that is reasonably priced and has the best hamburgers in town. 2nd is Morgana which is a really nice place to go and hang out. If you go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, you can probably dance which is nice because there are no clubs, or discoteches as they call them here in Taormina. 3rd is the Piliere concept bar, 4th is Déjà vu. It’s a far walk from the hotel which knocks it down on my list and sometimes you can dance too. 5th is O’sevens Irish Pub its an ok place to go sit near corso umberto and admire the people walking. This is the information that I think you will find most helpful. P.S. the roof of the hotel is amazing you must see the sunrise at least once

~that guy

Driving in Sicily

2007-07-19T22:51:00.000+02:00

Let me tell you about my experience driving in Sicily. Ben and I went to the car rental place right around the corner from Babylonia, where the sign claims to say they speak English, Italian, French, and German. Well we went in there and the guy only spoke German and Italian. Lucky for us we had someone with us who spoke enough Itailan to figure it out. After we went through some paper work a person who spoke English came and the first thing that he said to us was “So you wish to risk your life in Sicily.” That made me a little nervous, and after walking around for two weeks and seeing how people drove it didn’t help the situation. So we get in the car on our way to golf and hit the main road. After a few scooters pass us my nerves went down a little. Then we make it to the A 18 and I start to really loosen up doing about 140km/hr. We get off the exit and we think that the course is only 800 meters away, but soon we realize it’s a few kilometers and I have to do some more in town driving. Well it went well and I even passed some cars on our way there and it was a good feeling since that’s what everyone does over here. So many people may tell you don’t rent a car if you don’t have too. Well I completely disagree if you really want to explore this island get 4 people and pay 15 euros each and enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity.

~that guy

Final Impressions

2007-07-19T22:12:00.000+02:00

I have now been in Sicily for 24 days, with only a few days left. Time has flown by as I knew it would; so thankfully I did everything I had wanted to and lived each day to the fullest. Being my first time in Sicily, and Europe as well, I feel like I have had an enlightenment from learning about a different way of life than my own. One of my goals coming here was to gain the knowledge of a different culture, and that I did. I learned about the rich history of this land, and how so many cultures have come here and left their influence on this island.

I learned and experienced so much here that New Jersey cannot offer, Including: the Greek ruins at Agrigento, the roman mosaics at the Piazza Armerina, as well as the churches in Palermo. In addition to Sicilican culture, from those I met from other parts of the world I have also learned what it is like in their respective cultures. I can honestly say coming here has been one of the best decisions in my life. I definitely think I'll be returning here and to many other parts of the world. Thank you so much Sicily, I will remember this for all my life.

Robert Plant Concert at the Teatro Antico

2007-07-19T21:38:00.000+02:00

On July 16th some of us went to see Robert Plant live at the Teatro Antico. It was absolutely amazing. Going into it, I had no idea what to expect. I had heard he was not going to do a lot of Led Zeppelin songs and didn't know if he could still pull off some of the notes he hit in his prime. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard how good his voice is still. He opened with a slower song, then he and the band, the Strange Sensation, did a remake of Black Dog; which really got the crowd going. They did a few more songs of his new stuff with some classic Zeppelin songs mixed in. I loved it, and couldn't believe I was witnessing this in person in a theatre 2,500 years old. They ended and left the stage, but no one would leave. We chanted for them to come back and sure enough they did. They came out with one of their new songs and then they did what was my favorite part of the night; an extended version of Whole Lotta Love. Everyone there went crazy and I felt like the music was giving me a kind of high. Led Zeppelin is my father's favorite band and one of mine as well. And even though it was only Robert Plant, the band was fantastic and I felt like I was able to see a part of history from my dad's time; especially in a historical theatre. I can't wait to tell him about it.

Catania Market

2007-07-19T00:18:00.000+02:00

We went to the markets in Catania and this was one of the wonderful sights. One side of this maze of a market, are all differnt foods. They have fruits and vegetables, as well as strange meats. As you can see there was a giant swordfish head that was cut off and for sale. It freaked me out as I walked by it, but there were also other animals there like rabbit and chickens that were basically just skinned. Not what we are use to seeing in the states. The other part of the market consists of jewelry, bathing suits, underwear(which was extremely cheap but, ,I just couldn't bring myself to buy panyies from an open market0 and of course clothes. I got so many T-shirts as gifts from 2-3 euros each. Talk about a steal! These were actually really nice shirts too. You just have to dig for them, which is half the fun. Catania is also great if you want to shop in actual stores. The prices are no where near as high as they are in Taormina and they have really cute shops and department stores right by the market so you don't have to walk far. By far, this was te best shopping day I had in Sicily. I got so many gifts for my family and for myself in that one day and it was all so cheap. With out a doubt, Catania should be on your to do list if you come to Sicily.

Pupi!

2007-07-19T00:08:00.000+02:00

Our first friday in Sicily we took a trip to the city of Acireale to view a performance of Sicilian marionettes, called "pupi". There are two different schools of pupi performance, centered in Catania and in Palermo. The pupi theater at Acireale is in the style of Catania.

The Catania pupi are larger then the Palermo Pupi, and have less mobility in the joints. Because of their large size and weight they must be operated from above, much like other types of marionettes. However the pupi are manipulated by iron poles, instead of strings, and the operators stomp their feet for emphasis of the puppets movements. Because the knees of this type of pupi do not bend, they seem to move about in lurching movements. However because of the skill of the puppeteers even this seeming impediment becomes a graceful and surprisingly lifelike action. The pupi lunge on stage and smash their swords against their shields and do fearsome battle against their foes.

The pupi theater depicts the stories of Charlemagne and some of his knights, or paladins, namely Renauldo and Orlando. The paladins fight against arab enemies, giants, and dragons, all in the name of their king and their god. I found these action sequences most interesting because I can only imagine the difficulty of manipulating these heavy (wood and iron) puppets.

Renauldo and his paladins are eventually betrayed, bringing the story to a tragic end. However the heroism and valor of the paladins makes it easy to see why this tradition has persisted and remained popular. Though the performance we saw centered on this betrayal and ultimate defeat, there are many other stories which can be acted out in the pupi theaters.

I would look forward to the opportunity to see a pupi performance in the Palermo style; where the legs and arms are jointed, the swords can be sheathed, and the lighter, smaller pupi are manipulated from the side of the stage rather then above it.

Golf in Sicily

2007-07-18T23:27:00.000+02:00

Mike and I had a great experience golfing in Sicily. On a friday after class we rented a car and drove out to Il Piccolo golf resort. We were a bit apprehensive when renting the car because Mike's not 21 and I can't drive stick. In America they never would have let me rent the car in my name and then let someone else hop in the driver's seat, (at least not without a significant fee added on!), so we weren't sure how picking up the car would play out. However our worries were needless as the gentleman who rented us the car just smiled and waved us out as I hopped in the passenger seat and Mike Drove us away.

The drive through the countryside was quite scenic and, again, easier then we had anticipated. Babilonia gave us directions and the route took us through several towns far smaller then Taormina but very pleasant in their architecture and locale. We ended up on a windy road looking for the golf course entrance "800 meters" from the turn for Castiglione Sicilia. This part was somewhat confusing because the course and resort at Il Piccolo are only about 3/4 completed and so lacking a sign indicating that the rough stone gate was in fact the entrance we wanted.

Golf in the U.S. is played with yards, but it is also played with yards in England, Scotland, and Canada; all countries that use the metric system. So I bet Mike (gentleman's bet) that in Sicily we'd find the course in yards as well. Yeah, I definitely lost that bet. Not only was the course in meters, but with roughly the same numerical distance it was a looong course. (A 500 meter par 5 is significantly longer then a 500 yard par 5!)

The course was extremely nice, we had been afraid of a dry dusty 18 holes but in fact the whole course was a rich, wet green and there were even water hazards on the back 9! While we were playing it was almost possible to forget that we were in Sicily and imagine that we merely were playing a nice course back home. I say almost because the piles of lava stones and Mt. Etna looming in the background served as pretty effective reminders.

Ironically, the hardest part of the trip was getting back to the car rental garage from entering Taormina. Because of the irregular nature of the streets here we had to circle virtually the whole city in order to reach the street we needed and headed in the right direction. This was a fun experience though because until then we had only experienced the city as pedestrians and had a less then beneficial view of the "crazy" drivers here. After our trip though I gained a new respect for the drivers of Taormina who have to navigate extremely narrow streets and avoid hitting the hordes of people walking in the middle of most thoroughfares.

All in all the golf trip was a great experience. Even though after car rental, greens fees, and club rentals the cost was significant I would highly recommend taking a trip out of Taormina to play 18 in the beautiful Sicilian countryside; especially to anyone who might share my passion for golf.

2007-07-18T23:11:00.000+02:00

Dr Salvo took us on a complete and thorough walking tour of Taormina. My favorite part of the tour was when we revisited the Teatro Greco, or “Greek Theatre.” Dr. Salvo referred to the teatro as the most beautiful ruin in all of Sicily and I could not agree more. It is so well preserved and has the most spectacular view of Mt. Etna. Dr Salvo explained to us that although a Greek structure, the bricks inside were a Roman contribution. I could only imagine myself as a person at the time watching a performance at the teatro Greco. Dr. Salvo also explained that Mt. Etna had a much different meaning to the Greeks than it does to us today. The Greek did nit have the technology then that we do today, and must have been mystified as to why Mt. Etna was erupting. Dr. Salvo took us to some areas of the teatro that we had not been on our previous tour, and I thoroughly enjoyed the views.

Piazza Amerina

2007-07-18T23:05:00.000+02:00

Piazza Amerina was by far the most beautiful sight I have even seen. I was quite impressed that most of the mosaics were well preserved, with the exception of a few rooms. Pepe pointed out that one room appeared in poor condition because it was built over sand and that over time the earth had shifted. It was interesting to see how certain rooms such as the hallways (The Great Hunt), the workout room, and the erotic room appeared virtually untouched, yet other rooms were completely destroyed. During Dr. Ponturro’s lecture the other day we asked how these beautiful mosaics were built. She explained that a drawing of the mosaic was first drawn up on cardboard, and then copied onto the floor. Finally the cement and tiles were strategically placed on the floor. I can only imagine how much time, money, and slave labor went into making such a beautiful work of art. Each room was filled with vibrant mosaics which sparked in me a new interst for Roman art and culture. I particularly enjoyed the hallway which Pepe pointed out represented people and animals from both Eat and West. From what I can recall, Pepe stated that this hallway represented “The Great Hunt”, in which animals from all over were brought back to Rome. I remember this mosaic being particularly breathtaking because it was well preserved and because it depicts a variety of animals. The intention of this mosaic was to show all animals that were captured throughout the empire.

Godfather

2007-07-18T22:58:00.000+02:00

I throw the rice!!!!

Olive Oil and Marzipane

2007-07-18T22:45:00.000+02:00

On 17 July 2007 our class went to the Bistro and learned about olive oil. It was very interesting to listen to the mythology of the olive tree. The myth is based around a competition between Poseidon and Athena over the naming of a city in Greece. Both would offer a gift to the local inhabitants. Poseidon gave them cracked the ground with his trident and a spring of water was created, however, it was salt water and of no use to them. Athena gave the locals the olive tree which offered them a source of food, oil, and medicine. Athena obviously won out and the city was named Athens. The olive tree originated 6000 years ago and arrived in the Mediterranean via Persia. We learned of the different ways in which olives were cultivated and produced. This was very interesting and the tradition of olive oil to Sicily is still evident today. After this lecture, we went back to Babilonia where we met with Miguele, a man who had made marzipane since he was 14 years old and he is now 76. Marzipane is a very sweet delicacy that is made of egg whites, rose water, sugar, and almonds. However, it is more of art than anything else. These pastries can be made in the shape of fruits and they are brushed with different colored sugars that make them look real. All of the students had the opportunity to attempt to mold the “pasta” into different shapes. Ben’s was the best though. Afterwards we walked down to Miguele’s shop where all of the pastries were on display. We got to walk behind the counter and see the machinery they use to mix the ingredients just right.

Palermo

2007-07-18T22:40:00.000+02:00

On 02 July 2007 our group traveled to Palermo and Monreale. It was about a three hour bus ride both ways, but was well worth it. The city of Palermo is not a luxurious as it once was; however, it still offers visitors a glimpse of its rich history. Palermo is a city that was founded by the Phoenicians in 7th century B.C., and followed by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. The city’s golden age occurred under Arab rule in the 9th century when it underwent the most significant expansion and had the largest population in all of Europe (100,000). Despite this rich history, the city today is in decay with little restoration taking place. Our tour began at the Sicilian parliament where we were not allowed to take pictures. This building was very ornate; there were paintings on the ceilings and unique rooms that each had special functions. The parliament was connected to a church that was under restoration, but many of the beautiful mosaics were able to be seen. Almost all of the mosques erected by the Arabs had been converted into churches following the re-Christianization of the city. Therefore, noticeable Arabic architectural influences are visible on churches today. My favorite site on the trip was the Quattro Canti or four corners, which is located at the heart of the city at the intersection of Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. It is a blend of Arabo-Norman and baroque influence. Each of the corners celebrates a season, patron, and Spanish king.

Our Farewell Dinner

2007-07-18T22:36:00.000+02:00

Mercato di Catania

2007-07-17T22:00:00.000+02:00

The market in Catania is very different than any market you will find in Taormina. Catania as a city is a raw and rugged place than a lot of the more tourist spots you will find in Sicily. The market reminded me of New York’s SoHo market in the summer but on a far larger scale. There was clothing, shoes, wooden sculptures, and a whole bunch of fresh foods. I felt as if I had been thrown back in time roaming markets that lined the streets. Vendors yelling at each ear; pushing their merchandise in front of your eyes-baiting you to buy more. One needs to walk outside of the market to enjoy Catania even more. There is a beautiful park about five minutes from the market as well was an old amphitheater that is in the middle of a busy street. I really enjoyed this different glimpse of Sicily through its market as well as the park and amphitheater.

Gambino Wine Experience

2007-07-17T21:09:00.000+02:00

One of the more memorable experiences of the trip for me was our group trip to the Gambino winery The bus ride up to the vineyard was amazing leaving the tourist hustle and bustle of Taormina for the small village life was entertaining. Gambino is a relatively new vineyard compared to others around the area. The owner’s son, Francesco, showcased five wines in total and most of them were really good. The vineyard felt like a really well run family business and although it was of nice size I still got the feeling of a strong family run winery. It was a good experience to get a taste of the true Etna wine culture from those who are very passionate about their land (Mt. Etna) and Sicilian wine. I would recommend this trip to future students. Regardless of the wine one gets to see some beautiful sights and gets to enjoy a great meal at a Lowenbraü pub that is also included in the Etna wine tasting tour.

Forza D'agro

2007-07-17T10:48:00.000+02:00

The trip to Forza D’agro was great; it was a short bus ride away from Taormina, and it felt a lot more like a true Sicilian neighborhood. In this small town we found ourselves surrounded by narrow streets and little houses built right next to each other. We also were able to see the church where Pacino gets married in the Godfather, which was one of the reasons that brought me, Jay, and Matt to Forza D’agro in the first place. But, besides that, there were plenty of other things that amazed us about the area. As we traveled through the town, I was surprised to see just how deserted it was around siesta time; there was pretty much no one out at all, and the only thing that could be heard was a random conversation coming from one or two houses. Towards the top of the town, we saw many abandoned homes which made us wonder how someone could have actually lived there at one time. At the very top we also came across the ruins of a medieval castle that had been recently converted into a cemetery. While it did feel strange to be walking around the graves, it was very peaceful up there. There was also an incredible view of the town from the castle, and the church bells ringing in the background made it even better. After we climbed around the castle for a little while, we came back down and had an interesting conversation with an old Sicilian lady. We tried our best to understand what she was saying, but it was fun just sitting down and trying to communicate with someone. Then, after the conversation, we found ourselves in what seemed to be the only restaurant in town. Not even 2 minutes after we sat down we had our first course, it was delicious. We didn’t even order at all. After we had finished one dish, they brought us another. Each dish seemed better than the last, and we finished with dessert. We kind of grew curious about what the actual bill was going to be, but when we saw what it was we were in shock…all that food plus a couple bottles of wine and water was only 25 euros per person. It was definitely the best meal I have had on the island, and it just topped off the end to a perfect trip.

Snorkeling Trip

2007-07-17T09:47:00.000+02:00

We Climb

Traveling to Sicily has been extraordinary. I am definitely having one of the best times of my life, and it is great to finally experience a different atmosphere than New Jersey. Everyone who came on the trip is really nice, and I am glad to have made some great friends. Throughout the trip we have spent a great deal of time hanging out together, and it has been fun doing things as a group. Even though it has been interesting traveling around town and talking to different people, there have been many memorable times hanging around with the group and taking excursions…especially the snorkeling trip. Going on the snorkeling trip was one of the coolest things I have ever done (Thanks Ben for planning the trip and getting everyone together). Not only was it something that I had never expected to do while being over here, but it was also interesting and fun at the same time; I got to experience different parts of the island, and it was relaxing just spending some time out in the water. While I didn’t see a lot of fish, I did happen to run into a ton of jellyfish or “medusa.” But even with a sting or two, it was still a good time. And, right before heading to the beach for the on-shore bbq, we spotted a huge rock which we decided to try to leap off of into the ocean. Making our way up it was a challenge, but the thrill of jumping off was well worth it. After the dive we pulled up on shore for the bbq. As our tour guide Alex (really great guy) prepared our meal, we just relaxed on the beach. The meal itself was very delicious, and I really enjoyed the fish that was served. After that we went back on the boat and drove out to deeper walker. There we spent about 20 minutes just swimming and lounging around. It felt great just drifting in water, and looking back on the coast is a sight I will never forget. I definitely could not have asked for a better trip.

Ben at Agrigento

2007-07-16T21:47:00.001+02:00

The Guys in Front of the Temple of Concord, Agrigento

2007-07-16T21:37:00.001+02:00

Le Regazze at Agrigento

2007-07-16T21:28:00.000+02:00

Justin and Dr. Hayes

2007-07-16T21:23:00.000+02:00

Frank in a Thoughtful Pose

2007-07-16T21:17:00.001+02:00

Justin at Agrigento

2007-07-16T21:11:00.000+02:00

Jessica and Ben at the Temple of Castor and Pollux, Agrigento

2007-07-16T21:03:00.000+02:00

Matt at the Temple of Castor and Pollux, Agrigento

2007-07-16T20:54:00.000+02:00

Mike Next to a Telemon at Agrigento

2007-07-16T20:46:00.000+02:00

Jason at the Roman Villa

2007-07-16T20:33:00.001+02:00

I Ragazzi at Piazza Armerina

2007-07-16T20:21:00.000+02:00

The Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina (3rd - 4th Century AD)

2007-07-16T20:00:00.000+02:00

Alcantara Gorge, July 13, 2007

2007-07-13T21:01:00.000+02:00

Where the Alcantara River (which separates the provinces of Messina and Catania) and the volcanic basalt rock made from Mt. Etna's lava meet.

Another View of Mt. Etna . . .

2007-07-13T20:31:00.001+02:00

Same time, same location, same altitude . . . .

Mt. Etna on July 13, 2007

2007-07-13T20:11:00.001+02:00

A smoking Mt. Etna from the south on Friday, July 13, 2007 at approximately 9,000 feet above sea level.

Welcome to the 2007 MSU in Sicily Participants!

2007-07-11T22:35:00.000+02:00

A warm welcome to Ben, Bryan, Frank, Ian, Jessica, Justin, Kristi, Matt, Mike, and Tina. And it is wonderful to have Jason with us for the second year in a row. Very much looking forward to viewing everyone's thoughts and images. And please invite your friends and family to have a look. All the best, Dr. Hayes

Miss You Badly, Sicily

2006-07-20T11:50:00.000+02:00

When I look around as I walk the streets of Sicily, I see the walls of each building washed over by both time and history. The Greeks, the Romans, Saracens, Normans, not to mention countless others have had such an influence on the culture and the aesthetic that we now see here today. The same streets I walk have been tread by armies and royalty, slaves and merchants. Before traveling I had no idea what was in store. I promised myself I would go into this study abroad trip with a clear mind and do my best not to look at it with an ethnocentric point of view. Had I not been enrolled in the italian language and history courses, I would most definitely be missing the allure and depth of such a place, where in every corner there is a story written in the stones, the ground, the plants and trees, the physiology of the people. Historically, this place has seen alot of conflict, where the terrain has changed ownership many times with either surrender or the spilling of blood. Churches have gone from synagogues to mosques, back to whichever was the place of worship for the current rulers. I have seen the Aeolian Islands, Palermo, Monreale, Acireale, each with their own unique layout and history. The blending of each period and each culture has produced an overwhelming energy that surrounds this place. It is totally unlike anything I have ever seen back in the United States. Everything there is so new and uninterrupted. It is easy to see what happened there whereas here in Sicily it can be hard to tell exactly what happened at what time. I can honestly say that the history lessons have enriched my experience in such a tremendous way. My thoughts lean towards the beauty of this place, as I have spent many days traveling by foot, observing the wildlife, the greenery, the beach. I can see why this place looked so attractive to all those who made their way here. I can see why peoples have fought over it and died for it. I understand that this place is a paradise in which hard-working people toil everyday without the conveniences I so regularly take for granted. I never thought ice would be so hard to find. I must admit that previous to going on this trip, I told myself I would do it for myself, alone if I had to. I never thought I would be in the company of so many good people, who now share with me the sadness I feel as we prepare to leave this paradise. I wonder if they, when thinking of this place, allow their memory to find room for me also. It has been a true pleasure, and I will always remember the things we shared, a true highlight in my lifetime. This last mention goes to my ship crew. The message in the bottle says that we all share the same sun. We share something special and unique to our lifetimes, and I hope that from the experiences we have had, that our destinies are moreso aligned than before.Peace and Prosperity. Love Z

Last Impressions

2006-07-20T11:45:00.000+02:00

Even though I have been here for a month, it is still surreal. I cannot believe I wake up to a view of Sicily's coastline and the Mediterranean Sea and I go to bed with a view of the coast lit up in lights and the Mediterranean Sea glistening from the moonlight. I feel I got the most out of my time here having visited places like Palermo, Tindari and the Aeolian Islands. Each place is full of history and beautiful sights. For example, there is a legend in Tindari regarding the Black Madonna. In Palermo, the maginificent churches have Greek and Arab influences. The Aeolian Islands were key in the 1st Punic War as they were allied with Carthage until Rome conquered then in 252BC. Taormina was the perfect place to study. Even though Taormina is a beautiful city filled with historical sights, it does not represent true Sicilian life (due to tourism). I experienced true Sicilian life when I visited my uncle in Venetico. I was introduced to the many friends and family he is close with. I was able to see how Sicilians truly live (close-knit families living in close proximity eating a delicious Sunday lunch). It has been one of my favorite experiences here in Sicily.

Impressions...

2006-07-20T11:41:00.000+02:00

I had always wondered why my Sicilian friends insisted on being called Sicilian rather than Italian. Now I understand. Upon my arrival here, I became immediately aware of the island's richness and diversity in culture. To be Sicilian is to be unique. The island could be its own country because of its difference in comparison to the mainland. I doubt there is another place quite like Sicily in the world. Each culture left its own mark whether separately or by building on previous ideas and structures so that you end up with a conglomeration like sedimentary layers of rock. Each layer is a discovery of treasure that describes the period in which it was created. Each people brought its own art, laws and social systems. However, we could say that on this island, the Greeks are known for having brought art and drama; the Romans organized the cities and instituted a legal system; the Byzantines brought with them Christianity and produced incredible religious art; and the Muslims added to the variety of structures here with their mosques and other buildings, as well as adding to the knowledge and systems in literature, religion, law, arts, sciences, maths and philosophy. Of the Normans, we find their additions to the existing strutures and can attribute to them the unity of the Catholic religion on this island and the beginnings of the language change to Italian. How does one describe Sicily in just a few words? Last night as I watched the swallows swoop and soar over the vision of the sea framed by a backdrop of the misty mountains of mainland Italy, I was filled with a bittersweet feeling -- joy for this experience but sadness over its inevitable end. The strongest of my emotions right now is deep gratitude for being able to experience a place like no other in the world. I am not of Sicilian descent. I came here because I wanted to know the land and the people and because I wanted to study history in its pure form. Sicily is as rich in natural color as it is in history. It is one island but it holds a universe of culture and beauty.

The End

2006-07-20T11:26:00.001+02:00

Sicily is the jewel in the crown for the ruler of the Mediterranean world. This crown has been passed on from civilization to civilization, each of which left a distinctive mark on the land. The quaint charm of Taormina, the ruins in Agrigrento, the dignity of Syracuse, and the urban capital of Palermo all come together to paint a portrait of an island touched by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, French, and Spanish--an unexpected combination which created an island oasis. At first, I came to Sicily with the expectation of experiencing Italian culture. Through our classes, field trips, and independent explorations, I have come to realize that Sicily is unique and has a culture all on its own; a product of so many peoples, yet still part of Italy. I am overjoyed with our experience and thrilled that I chose a semester in Sicily over any other destination. Tomorrow I will sadly say to Sicily, "This is the end, beautiful friend..."

Reflections and Salutations --Robert Guarino

2006-07-20T11:26:00.000+02:00

When the study abroad program came to my attention in December of 2005, I didn't hesitate to sign up. In America my impression of Italy never really included Sicily. It was foreign to me that this island could be so beautiful, so rich, so fertile and so ancient. I did not comprehend what it could be like out here in Taormina. I was far from an optimist, and expected much less than what actually came about. During the spring semester at MSU, I had no knowledge of which I was sharing the trip, and how the classes would reflect on the Italian culture, and language. Yet, combining the two types of learning in Babolonia, with an array of teachers all having energetic personalities, school became fun rather than a chor. The international classmates give it a flare, while you all share one thing in common for about 2 hours a day. And then you find out you have more in common with that person as you begin to converse with them over a Panini and a Moretti after class. The Italian culture exposes foreigners to indulge in once in a lifetime experiences, including meeting international friends, traveling along coastlines and touring ancient cathedrals, walking at night (fare un passagato) and even just eating the most incredible meal one night after another. The precious views at Isola Bella will last forever in you mind. But none of this is reflective unless one can understand the concept of Sicilian culture. While studying at Babolonia, you can pick up some important Italian phrases, along with grammar, and live the culture by taking a week and studying the vegetables and minerals that this fertile land produces and have produced for centuries. The town of Taormina is stunning. The history that precedes this town is blended between Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arabic influence, and now most well know as a tourist town, people can view the different cultures and learn how this city remained through the last 2000 years. Babolonia Universita in Taormina and Montclair State University should continue to straighten ties, and should absolutely continue the program as is. Offering students to obtain a complete knowledge of Sicily's background in History 401 with Dr. Hayes, which you will find is one of the most interesting classes you will ever take. Then adding the essence of Babolonia, and touring and seeing what you just learned can not be topped. The whole experience is life changing, and when you return you will have gained knowledge you never thought you would gain. I would like to thank those who made this happen for the first group of Montclair State students to reach the Italian Island known as Sicily. I would like to thank those who made this happen for the first group of Montclair State students to reach the Italian Island known as Sicily. And a special Thank You to Dr. Dawn Hayes Dr. Nancy Carnevale Salute! -- Robert Guarino

My Final Thoughts

2006-07-20T11:18:00.000+02:00

I have to say that I do not want to write any final thoughts because I don't want my time here to end. I have spent the past four weeks in paradise and the thought of going back to New Jersey, even though I miss my home, is not easy to adjust to. Sicily has so much history and culture that going back to America seems like such a let down. I have walked through ancient ruins and slept on a beach that was conquored by ancient Greeks. I really have had the time of my life here and I've learned so much about Sicily that I never knew before. I've taken many ancient history classes and Sicily is made out to be important in the Punic Wars and then never spoken of again. After taking a class on Sicilian history I find the omission of it from the rest of history very troubling. It was so important to so many major players in history that to not mention it is a serious oversight. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to take this class because it has opened my eyes to an entirely new culture that I haven't had any experiance with before. Also living in Sicily while learning about its importance to history was an amazing experience. I was able to see with my own eyes the places talked about in books. I don't know how to express how that changes your perspective on things. All in all this trip was amazing and I don't know how I will ever readjust to life in fast paced, self centered America.

Arrivederci, Taormina. Buona fortuna a tutti!

2006-07-20T10:55:00.000+02:00

How time flies. I wonder how Mt. Etna feels with millions of years under its belt, it's witnessed everything here! Words cannot express how wonderful this experience has been. This was the opportunity of a lifetime and I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. The lessons I learned, whether it be personal or in the classroom, have accumulated into one truly phenomenal journey. From coming here, knowing next to nothing about Sicilian culture and history, I am leaving this beautiful country with a deep appreciation and respect for the culture, people, and history that has taken place here over thousands of years. Because of our Kingdoms in the Sun class with Dr. Hayes, I was able to see Sicily from more than a tourist's point of view. We learned about all of the different cultures and powers that controlled Sicily since ancient times, and the fact that there were so many that had control over this island amazes me. It amazes me even more to travel around town and see those culture's influences still remaining in the ruins and buildings that are a part of everyday life here. We don't have history like that in the U.S. This is mind-blowing history right here beneath our feet that we got the chance to live with for one month. I feel honored, as if the past has chosen to give us a special invitation to look into its sacred and precious story. I feel as though it was yesterday that we arrived and the first thought I had was 'I can't believe I'm here'. And now, as we get ready to depart, feeling as if we were only here for the blink of an eye, I still cannot shake that feeling. I can't believe I am here, I can't believe I was able to share this with some of the most wonderful and unforgettable people, and I can't believe the majestic beauty history radiates as it sits patiently waiting, watching, and collecting more beneath its surface every moment of every day. Forever thanks to all for everything. Ci vediamo!

My Impression of Sicily at the End of the Program by Denise Nickels

2006-07-20T10:51:00.000+02:00

After having spent four weeks in this charming town my view of Sicily has changed a great deal. When we first arrived arrived I was facinated with the appearance of Taromina, the food, the lifestyle and all of the stuff on the "surface". However, after having studied the migrations that took place in and out of Sicily and the acient history with regard to Greem, Muslim and Roman influence my view has completely changed. After having studied the some of the influential acient culture that took place here, I began to walk around inspecting my surroundings much more closely then when I first arrived. As we dug deeper and deeper into the courses it was amazing to see the history before my eyes. I came here blind to the culture and being introduced to the art, history and culture has been an experience of a lifetime. At times the art and history was overwhelming, but it only makes me want to come back and learn more. Taromina was the ultimate location for this program because it offers everything. It offers the coast and an atmosphere condusive to holiday. It offers ancient ruins free of cost all throughout the city. (Many other cities in Sicily charge to view the sites.) In Taromina the acient history can be absorbed by simply walking a few blocks. Taromina historically has been blessed in that it has not experienced any natural disasters, unlike many of the surrounding cities which were destroyed from natural disasters and war. However, Taromina is like a museum in which one could come to Sicily and only visit this city and experience a tremedous amount of ancient historty, together with the modern day Sicilian culture. Overall, after having submerged myself here amoungst all of this art and history I find myself not wanting to leave. Ciao Sicily! Baci Baci

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Luraleo - July 19, 2006

2006-07-19T23:44:00.000+02:00

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Luraleo- July 19, 2006

2006-07-19T23:41:00.000+02:00

Taormina and Bay of Naxos from Piazza IX Aprile

2006-07-19T23:35:00.000+02:00

Final thoughts By Jay

2006-07-19T12:02:00.000+02:00

Ok so this blog stuff is all screwed up, but I guess no matter where I go computers hate me. But that's the only down side here. The truth is that everything is better in Sicily. I love it here in the land of my heritage. But I am sad that I was not able to explore the Western half of the island. I did get to explore Greek runes and spend alot of time at the beach. Getting the nice Sicilian tan I should always have!!! I would like to stay here but unfortunately I can't. However I do intend to come back many times, both for a vacation and academic reasons. I have found many things to study for my future as an anthropologist. Now to just track down grant money. I'm keeping this short and sweet. Until Next Time Kiddies Ciao!!!!

My Journey (Really Posted by Jay)

2006-07-19T11:36:00.000+02:00

Heyyo folks it’s me Jabio!!! (Hair by Kate Tattoo by Zack) So I’m here doing my blog and I’ve decided to tell and show you good people out there in internet land about my long long walk. I guess you could call it my Odyssey. It didn’t last 10 years only about a few hours. But I did see some cool things. Let’s start at the bottom in Isola Bella. I walked down to the shores of the Ionian sea and sat for a few minutes, feeling the nice sea air. After the heat wave was over this day was perfect for a walk. Nice cool, and sunny. So I decided it was my mission to walk from the beach to the mountains I had often seen and back again. And so I began my journey up the first of many sets of stairs. I decided that instead of taking the stairs to Taormina I’d take the street. In doing so I found the scenery to be almost as nice. But more importantly I got a taste of how old and eclectic this town, much like this island truly is. Take for instance this hotel not that far up the road. You can see the Arab style windows and Norman style architecture. Continuing on my journey I reached the stairs to the church and fort that over look Taormina. Most complain about the steps coming from the beach but these stairs were at least triple. The stairs were old and well traveled. And at evenly placed intervals along the path there were stations of the cross. While half way up I stopped to look at the view. You could see the whole town. I finally made it to the top, but to my chagrin everything was locked up. The view and the architecture was nice but the one thing that stood out most to me was the final station of the cross. It just looked creepy, Jesus with vines or something entangling him. My next stop would be the old Arab fort. But again to my chagrin everything was locked. The main iron door bound and chained. L So I contemplated, scanning spots where I could hop over the wall and I found one. But I could not see a way to get back over, So I thought this a problem. Against my character I decided not to try. After all had I got stuck there I’m sure Dr. Hayes would be upset. So I rested on a ledge and took some pics. Spotting a town up on another peek I decided to continue my trek. I was heading to a town called Castlemola. This was actually quite significant because I was leaving what many locals called Fantasy Sicily (Taormina) and going toward real Sicily, heading into the less tourist area. More steps lead me to Castlemola and although it was still touristy the local population had a less of a grasp on English. From the older generation and some of the younger locals I got strange stares. It must have been a strange sight for them to see a 6ft 1 American in shorts and a muscle-shirt walking through there town covered in sweat. But I ignored it and walked up to the castle. The view was amazing. You could see many of the surrounding towns and the coast. I walked to the top and was treated to a birds of prey show. With 2 owls, 2 falcons, a hawk, and a turkey vulture. When it was over I decided to head a little father into the mountains. I would wind up in a town called Monte Venere. This was a true Sicilian town. No tourist and nothing to attract them. The walk was not an easy one. Steep roads that were hardly paved and sharp turns and corners that were at the edge of a very long fall. Walking these roads I understood how well Italian drivers must be as a few cars and mopeds whisked by me going about 30. Turning sharp corners as they look curiously at me wondering why this stranger was in their town. One of the first things I noticed was every one had dogs, one very pretty signora had 4. But one family had a horse. It wasn’t till I turned back and looked, that I realized how far I had come. (Castlemola from Monte Venere) It was here in this town that I heard the Sicilian dialect for the first time. The first thing I noticed was that they replaced O with a U in some words. I heard a family arguing, I think about a moped couldn’t make it out. Another family was dinning outside. I then came to a strange park. It was called the park of remembrance. There was a stone figure of an old monk holding a rosary. In the back up a short flight of stairs was a obelisk. Walking up the road more I came to a small church, behind it was a cemetery. The first thing you notice when looking at the graves is they are above ground. The second is the person’s picture is engraved on the headstone and solar powered fake candles. This will come as very strange to some as this is very rarely done in the states. There are the usual mausoleums. Also new graves are near very very old ones, much older then any I had seen. And what I term the wall of the dead. A large wall where people are placed like in one of the old card catalogues you used to find at the library. I left the cemetery and continued on. I didn’t continue on much father as the road came to a fork which lead to two houses. As I approached up the road a girl saw me and ran in the house to tell her parents. I decided that having no where to go and a less then warming welcome waiting for me I decided to turn back to fantasy Sicily. The walk back was much easier, it took about an hour and a half to get back down to the beach. As I walked down the stairs to the beach I heard singing and mandolin. Something I had been waiting for since arriving here. I sat on the steps and listened as the sang some Italian songs, and some Italian American songs. It was interesting to here that’s amore in half English and Italian. When they were done I followed the coast in the darkness until I hit the highway and there was no where for pedestrians to walk. Then I turned around and ran into the group again singing the same songs but I listened again anyway. Once they were done I walked back up to my room took a well deserved shower and went to bed!!!

2006-07-16T15:10:00.000+02:00

I am truly blessed to be a part of the study abroad program in Sicily. The students here are equally as lucky to have two great MSU professors who encourage us to explore the island and to think outside the box. I have visited so many historical sites in the short time I have been here. Sicily is overlooked so many times in history and our courses give Sicily and the Italian culture the attention it deserves. Many of us have Sicilian or Italian origins. Studying in Sicily is such a unique way of learning about family history and culture. Even if students are not of Sicilian decent, I encourage students next summer to take full advantage of this unique program in Sicily.

Video Clip of volcano "burp" on Stromboli

2006-07-10T21:09:00.000+02:00

Video Clip of World Cup Celebration in Taormina

2006-07-10T20:20:00.000+02:00

Isole Eolie: Un Splendid Fine Settimana

2006-07-10T18:55:00.000+02:00

thoughts...

2006-07-10T18:45:00.001+02:00

Studying on the top terrace of Babilonia with Mt. Etna for a vista, or reading in the peace of the public gardens of Taormina is quite an experience compared to studying in one's bedroom. Our history course, "Civilizations in the Sun" helps us to better comprehend the history that surrounds us here, while "Modern Migrations of the Mezzogiorno" explains why people left this paradise and eventually came back. It is a paradise to us because we are used to a fast-paced consumer society. Sicily is a land where time slows down, where it's not just the sun that's full of warmth and where the cerulean sea beckons one to come closer. Yet to the young people who have lived here all their lives, while they may be fiercely proud of home, it may also be a bit provincial to them; like a small midwestern town in the U.S. There may be a desire to "make it big" elsewhere. It's funny how perspectives vary. In terms of the past, Sicilians must be one of the most unique peoples on earth. Not Italian in the way of those on the mainland, but a mixture of the various cultures who made their homes here or conquered and reconquered, leaving their mark in various ways. The original Sicels absorbed or were absorbed by Greek culture. Later, the Romans took this island prize before Byzantium left its impression. The various cathedrals and castles we saw in Palermo attest to the great many influences upon this island. In a Catholic cathedral, one will find Muslim, Byzantine and Latin elements placed together in harmony among the mosaics which drape the walls and ceiling. A question brought up in a class presentation keeps coming back to me: Are Sicilians defined by a lack of definite identity? In cultural multiplicity, in past and present, we find the definition of Sicily.

Daily Study Sessions at the Splendid Pool

2006-07-10T18:45:00.000+02:00

FORZA ITALIA!

2006-07-10T17:40:00.000+02:00

Italy wins the 2006 World Cup in soccer vs. France!! A once in a lifetime experience for us to be in Italy when they win for the first time since 1982. The pride shown before, during and after the game was indescribable. People were walking around the streets with huge flags and soccer banners; men, women and children alike were adorned with team attire and face paint; and even tourists were displaying Italian patriotism! After the game, everyone congregated in the streets to show their pride and excitement about this historical victory. Droves of motorscooters and mini-European cars formed parades that led from one end of town to the other down the main road, Corso Umberto. Vehicles showed strong support of the Italian team, also called Azzura, and a few even had sound-systems and a mini-dance floor. And, in Piazza Aprile, home of the infamous Wunderbar, people were chanting the National Anthem and showering the crowd with champagne! The joy among the crowd of natives and tourists was extraordinary. This was definitely a powerful display of country pride that we all wished was alive in the US today.

The first night in Taormina

2006-07-10T17:26:00.000+02:00

The first group of Montclair in Sicily students, our first night in Taormina! The picture is a little late, but never the less important. At the time of this picture, we had just arrived at Hotel President Splendid and were going out for our first Sicilian meal. Our mouths were watering! And, it turned out to be well worth the wait; we had platters of gnocchi, frutta di mare (seafood salad), swordfish, spaghetti normale, and much much more! This evening was only the beginning of our month full of Sicilian culture!

Hopping the Aeolian Islands

2006-07-10T13:51:00.000+02:00

I took the most extraordinary trip this past weekend hopping the islands of Lipari, Panarea, Volcano, and Stromboli. The things I saw in two days were enough to fill the corners of my mind for years. Volcano was like a strange combination of untamed, prehistoric land mixed with a dilapidated mini-golf course. The terrain was rough and varied. I saw black sand for the first time in my life. I saw a sleeping volcano. Oddly shaped flowers filled a panorama, but the only scent carried by the wind was a heavy cloud of sulfur. We stayed in the ugliest habitation ever created and were bitten all night by bed bugs as we slept on thick wool blankets with snowflake designs. Yes, snowflakes on Volcano. When I woke in the morning, I was still pleased by all of this, taking in everything the experience had to offer. That morning we indulged in sulfuric mud baths and geothermal spas. Volcano had great things, but Stromboli was the main attraction. The hydrofoil and boat rides allowed us a view of some of the most beautiful vistas I have ever seen. We stopped off at Stromboli for a quick bite and something to drink. We saw the volcano up close but the real treat came as we left on the boat. As if saying goodbye, the volcano preceded its eruption by spewing a giant black cloud before it showered molten lava. A few of us sat outside on the top deck of the boat to watch the volcano disappear. My giant Heineken bottle was now finished, and I thought it an opportune time to have a classic moment. I asked my fellow traveling companions for a piece of paper and pen and proceeded to write a wish of prosperity and wellness for whoever would receive this message. My fellow travelers also included their wishes, and once they were done, they placed the gift in the bottle and we cast it into the Mediterranean. It was clichéd, but unique to our time and path on earth, totally independent of the cheesiness we see on TV.

Isole Eoile

2006-07-10T12:47:00.000+02:00

From taxi to boat, island to island our first stop, an island about 40 km north of Milazzo, Sicily is Vulcano. You will find a resort like atmosphere, surrounding palm trees and black sand beaches that will scorch your feet in middle of the day. While you will find your self searching for a cool refreshing body of water, instead why not jump in to a detoxifying pool of sulfur. THE MUDD BATHING is something else!! Jump out of the Mudd, hop on a boat. Stromboli here we come!! Second stop though was Panerea. Possibly the best dish of pasta on the face of this Earth. While overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a family-owned ristorante allowed us to enjoy this wonderful meal within a thirty minute time frame. As the boat tooted its horn, we ran down the mountain and just made it to the next island which was about 2 hours away. Time was non existent, and Volcanic eruptions are active on Stromboli. Though our entire trip was surrounded by wonder, the lava explosions were not the height of the trip. Was it the message in the bottle on the returning trip? Or was it the Smell of sulfur through our pores? Not one particular event can describe the entire two day adventure, but certainly the spontaneity and the collectivities of our group let us enjoy like none other.

Stromboli

2006-07-10T12:39:00.000+02:00

The two days six of us spent in the Aeolian Islands were more than just relaxing. I experienced things I never imagined I would have the opportunity to see or do and gained perspective on the vastness and depth of history. Being amidst places that reach so far back in time have produced memories that I will never forget. Friday, we took a boat tour around a few of the islands: Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli. We swam a little, ate on a few of the islands and shopped around a bit, all leading up to the 'grand finale'-the nightly eruption of the volcano that makes up the island of Stromboli. As we approached Stromboli, gazing up towards its peak made me feel very small, and not only in size. The volcano has seen and withstood over 100,000 years of this earth's history. Standing 2400 meters at its highest point, the calming sight provided me with one of the most unforgettable and surreal moments I have ever experienced. As we began our journey back to Vulcano (our starting point), we rounded Stromboli, and as expected, the smoking peak began to erupt against the darkening sky. The constrasting fluorescent liquid was mesmerizing and still I can find no words to express the awe I'm sure we all felt. The eruptions are new to our eyes, no matter how many pictures and videos we may see, sitting before it is incomparable. To the natives and inhabitants of these islands over the years, since the Neolithic period, the eruptions are as normal as rainfall, just a part of home. Being able to share that experience with fellow students made it even more special and unforgettable. On our trip back I recognized the same look of reflection in the eyes of those around me as we all left attempting to grasp the beauty of nature, for the short amount of time we were given at Stromboli was not enough. I can't be sure if any amount of time would ever suffice, but I am sure that I will never forget the feeling the experience produced.

Agrigento

2006-07-10T12:25:00.000+02:00

Friday, 7/7/06, we took a lengthy bus trip to Agrigento, and it was well worth the time it took to get there. I was originally interested in coming to Sicily to see ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and the trip to Agrigento did not disappoint. The ruins in the Valley of the Temples were extraordinary, and we were amazed to find out that we could not only touch the marble slabs but also at times climb all over them. It was an amazing adventure, and hopefully not my last opportunity to see classical ruins in person rather than in textbooks. Seeing both Greek and Roman temples in one site, side by side, illustrated the early history of Sicily and the synchronicity of both cultures in a way that text descriptions could not.

Pics From Agrigento

2006-07-10T11:32:00.000+02:00

Aeolian Islands

2006-07-10T11:17:00.000+02:00

This weekenda group of us (Katie, Zach, Tracy, Denise and Rob) visited the Aeolian Islands. We went to Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli. We learned that the islands have been inhabited since the neolithic era. The deposits that were found on the island were important in understanding the Mediterranean civilization from the prehistoric period to the classical period. During the first Punic War, Carthage and the islands were allies until Rome conquered then in 252BC. During Roman rule, the islands were exiled. As soon as we stepped off the boat in Vulcano, the smell of sulfur filled the air. We relaxed in mud bathes, which also had an interesting smell. This natural bath had hot water deposits shooting up from under the water. The mud is supposively good for your skin, so we all wore mud masks. At night, we took a boat ride around Stromboli and witnessed lava shooting up from the volcano. While is was an enjoyable weekend, it was interesting to read that the islands related to our class of Sicilian history. It tied the weekend perfectly together.

Friday in Agrigento

2006-07-10T11:15:00.000+02:00

Blog for Agrigento/Syracuse: I have to say that last Friday goes down as one of the best days of my life. Julie, Jason, Kat and I went to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples. I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen pictures of the site but pictures are often misleading, especially when it comes to ancient ruins. This time though the pictures didn’t give the place justice. We had to wake up at the crack of dawn in order to catch the buses that would take us the four hours to Agrigento. I wasn’t looking forward to spending eight hours on a bus to only spend four hours in the city but after getting there and seeing the ruins it was totally worth the trip. When we got to the site and bought our tickets I literally ran through the gates in order to get near the ruins. I was like a kid in a candy store. The first part of the valley was open and you could run and climb all over the fallen blocks of temples and baths. I did just that. I climbed on these ruins like I was on a playground. I felt like a kid all over again running and jumping all over the place. I couldn’t get enough of all these ruins that used to be places of worship. Standing there for a second and touching the rocks I could really feel the history of the place. It’s hard to describe the feelings I had actually seeing and touching places that these ancient peoples had been. Its one thing to learn about these ancient cultures and see the structures they built in pictures and quite another to actually be able to touch them. It has confirmed for me just how much I love ancient history and how much I want to be able to work in places like this discovering new things about the lives of these people. One thing that shocked me was the size of these temples. I climbed on the ruins of the temple to Castor and Pollex and stood next to one of the columns that was still standing. I tried to hug the column and my arms barely made it half way around. I can only imagine what this looked like when it was all still standing. It must have been a site to behold. The four of us went to Syracuse on Saturday in order to complete a Greek weekend. Syracuse was everything I imagined an old Greek city to be. The streets were clean and beautifully paved. The buildings were amazingly well kept and everything about the city screamed old. The one thing I was disappointed with was the way the ancient temple to Athena was converted into a catholic church. The columns were filled in with concrete what used to be an amazing building was now nothing more than a church. The classicist in me was screaming at the way it was changed, but if it was either change it or knock it down than I'm glad it was at least somewhat preserved. All in all this was a great weekend filled with amazing sites and wonderful adventures. It was exactly what I imagined staying in Sicily would be like.

Visit to Palermo (Really Posted by Denise!)

2006-07-10T11:13:00.000+02:00

Our trip to Palermo was extremely emotional for me at times. Having my family's roots there I caught myself wondering if my Great Grandparents and their relatives had walked down the streets we were roaming. I tried to take many photographs in an attempt to show my family in America what Palermo is like, due to the fact that none of my family has travelled to Europe since our family's arrival through Ellis Island. I was completely overwhelmed with the sights in Palermo. At The Cathedral in Palermo once again I found myself completely emotional as I knelt and prayed for my family. I sure my family at one point in the lives in Palermo prayed at the Cathedral for my ancestors and I sat there staring at each pew trying to invision the presence there. I have been warned what a rough city Palermo could be. However, I felt completely safe there maybe because the sense of family I was emerged in. I forgot about the warnings and was embracing the city as we went from sight to sight. The hopeless romantic that I am, I went off on my own fantasizing at the fountain (Fontana delle Vergogne) in the Piazza Pretoria wondering if any of my ancestors may have experienced a kiss or maybe even a proposal. Palermo to me was an amazing experience because everything seems to be so hopelessly romantic. Needless to say, I was impressed and overwhelmed with Roger II of Sicily Palace and summer home. It gave us a true sense of the history we are here studing. While we were at the Palace and summer home I tried to envision the daily occurances that may have occured there. Its all so fantasic.

A Final Shot from Castelmola, 7/8/06

2006-07-08T16:36:00.000+02:00

A Restaurant's Garden and Neighboring Church in Castelmola, 7/8/06

2006-07-08T16:34:00.000+02:00

The Bay of Naxos from Castelmola (A Village Just Above Taormina), 7/8/06

2006-07-08T16:28:00.000+02:00

Ciao from the Students in "The Many Manifestations of Italian Culture"! (7/6/06)

2006-07-06T16:22:00.000+02:00

Another Shot of Students Attending "Kingdoms in the Sun" (7/6/06)

2006-07-06T16:13:00.000+02:00

Students Attending "Kingdoms in the Sun" (7/6/06)

2006-07-06T16:06:00.000+02:00

Taormina

2006-07-03T16:27:00.000+02:00

Our lovely place of residence is quaint - strewn over the mountains of the northeast coast and criss-crossed with alleys and cobblestone streets. The observant visitor will notice that this quaintness is a mask as Taormina is also worldly with its bartering shopowners and array of touristica. It can be likened to our very own New York City because of the variety of languages we hear when we walk the streets. While one can find any modern amnenity desired in Taormina, the city is ancient as well. The stone arches bordering the north and south sides of the main street, aptly named Porta Messina and Porta Catania for the cities north and south of here respectively, actually date to the medieval period when the entire city was walled for protection. In the midst of hotels and gelaterias, one finds the entrance to the Teatro Greco used during both the Greek and Roman occupations. The Romans actually added to the Greek theater as they used it for a different purpose: gladiators! While sitting on the carved stone seats, one gets the impression that the Greeks were experts in finding the perfect places to build. The deep blue Mediterranean can be viewed on one side while the monstrous size of Mt. Etna looms on the other. A discussion of Taormina must include the view of the sea. We have some of our classes in Padri Maristi which is actually a grammar school. Close to this structure is an overlook and steps leading down to the beach. The trip down the side of the mountain takes at least fifteen minutes but one glance from overhead motivates the viewer to run down those steps! It is the breathtaking Isola Bella, a small island connected by the smallest strip of stony beach. The variety of sea colors are visible from hundreds of feet above. The furthest the eye can reach can be described as midnight and as one scans the area inward, the colors alter from emerald to aqua. Taormina is definitely a Sicilian slice of paradise.

Tindari

2006-07-03T16:22:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, a few of us went to Tindari. There we were able to see the Black Madonna. The church it was in was absolutely beautiful. The ceiling had intricate art work and the mosaics along the walls were beautiful. After that we saw ruins from ancient Roman civilization. The remains of a church had some Greek influences. We saw Roman apartments and saunas and the actual road the Romans used was still intact. Tindari also had a Greek theatre which the Romans later used. Next we swam in the laghi (lake), which are man-made. We also swam in the Mediterranean Sea and most of us enjoyed a little siesta on the beach.

Mt. Etna from Babilonia's Terrace

2006-07-02T23:11:00.000+02:00

Chapel of Santa Rosalia, Cathedral of Palermo

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Cloister, Monreale

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Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, Monreale

2006-07-02T23:04:00.000+02:00

Lori, Christine, Julie, Katerina and Denise Get Ready to Watch Italy's World Cup Match Against Australia (6/26)

2006-07-02T22:56:00.000+02:00

Katie, Dr. Hayes, Nicole, Tracy and Dr. Carnevale Get Ready to Watch Italy's World Cup Match Against Australia (6/26)

2006-07-02T22:48:00.000+02:00

Peppe Introducing Us to Taormina's Teatro Greco

2006-07-02T22:41:00.000+02:00

The Entire Crew (Plus a Few) at the Teatro Greco

2006-07-02T22:37:00.000+02:00

Settling In

2006-06-27T16:26:00.000+02:00

Caio dagli Stati Uniti! Taormina is beautiful and full of history! We saw the Teatro Greco yesterday and from there Mount Etna is visible. Our hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The sights are indescribable. We enjoyed watching the World Cup at the piazza and we are looking forward to Friday's game. We are enjoying the cuisine and nightlife. Some of us took the trek to the beach and swam in the Mediterranean Sea and others have been relaxing poolside.

Something To Look Forward To

2006-06-02T22:22:00.000+02:00

Twenty-One Days and Counting . . . .

Montclair State University in Sicily

Panarea & Stromboli

Agrigento

Scuba Diving

Reflections/Bar Life

Driving in Sicily

Final Impressions

Robert Plant Concert at the Teatro Antico

Catania Market

Pupi!

Golf in Sicily

Piazza Amerina

Godfather

Olive Oil and Marzipane

Palermo

Our Farewell Dinner

Mercato di Catania

Gambino Wine Experience

Forza D'agro

Snorkeling Trip

Ben at Agrigento

The Guys in Front of the Temple of Concord, Agrigento

Le Regazze at Agrigento

Justin and Dr. Hayes

Frank in a Thoughtful Pose

Justin at Agrigento

Jessica and Ben at the Temple of Castor and Pollux, Agrigento

Matt at the Temple of Castor and Pollux, Agrigento

Mike Next to a Telemon at Agrigento

Jason at the Roman Villa

I Ragazzi at Piazza Armerina

The Roman Villa at Piazza Armerina (3rd - 4th Century AD)

Alcantara Gorge, July 13, 2007

Another View of Mt. Etna . . .

Mt. Etna on July 13, 2007

Welcome to the 2007 MSU in Sicily Participants!

Miss You Badly, Sicily

Last Impressions

Impressions...

The End

Reflections and Salutations --Robert Guarino

My Final Thoughts

Arrivederci, Taormina. Buona fortuna a tutti!

My Impression of Sicily at the End of the Program by Denise Nickels

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Luraleo - July 19, 2006

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Luraleo- July 19, 2006

Taormina and Bay of Naxos from Piazza IX Aprile

Final thoughts By Jay

My Journey (Really Posted by Jay)

Video Clip of volcano "burp" on Stromboli

Video Clip of World Cup Celebration in Taormina

Isole Eolie: Un Splendid Fine Settimana

thoughts...

Daily Study Sessions at the Splendid Pool

FORZA ITALIA!

The first night in Taormina

Hopping the Aeolian Islands

Isole Eoile

Stromboli

Agrigento

Pics From Agrigento

Aeolian Islands

Friday in Agrigento

Visit to Palermo (*Really* Posted by Denise!)

A Final Shot from Castelmola, 7/8/06

A Restaurant's Garden and Neighboring Church in Castelmola, 7/8/06

The Bay of Naxos from Castelmola (A Village Just Above Taormina), 7/8/06

Ciao from the Students in "The Many Manifestations of Italian Culture"! (7/6/06)

Another Shot of Students Attending "Kingdoms in the Sun" (7/6/06)

Students Attending "Kingdoms in the Sun" (7/6/06)

Taormina

Tindari

Mt. Etna from Babilonia's Terrace

Chapel of Santa Rosalia, Cathedral of Palermo

Cloister, Monreale

Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, Monreale

Lori, Christine, Julie, Katerina and Denise Get Ready to Watch Italy's World Cup Match Against Australia (6/26)

Katie, Dr. Hayes, Nicole, Tracy and Dr. Carnevale Get Ready to Watch Italy's World Cup Match Against Australia (6/26)

Peppe Introducing Us to Taormina's Teatro Greco

The Entire Crew (Plus a Few) at the Teatro Greco

Visit to Palermo (Really Posted by Denise!)