A Magical Day in Assisi: Jan Term in Italy
During our Honors Jan term trip to Italy, we had the opportunity to visit the city of Assisi. To arrive in Assisi, we traveled by train. Traveling with this mode of transportation opened a new cultural experience for our Jan term class. First, traveling by train felt very straightforward and simple compared to driving by car. Additionally, the trains were incredibly clean and well taken care of. They also had outlets, comfortable seating, trash bins, and bathrooms, adding a sense of convenience and luxury. Furthermore, riding the train enhanced our understanding of what the Italians call “piano,” which means “to take things slow.” While the train was time efficient, the people on the train did not seem to rush. They were content and you could tell the train was an everyday or at least frequent occurrence for them, as opposed to in America where trains are more often for special occasions.
We feel cars are less common in Italy, because people here tend to work to live, whereas Americans live to work. In America, we take a lot of pride and self-worth in our careers. We spend less energy exploring hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and building a home. Many of us do not possess or engage in time-consuming activities like a manicured yard, plants, large family gatherings, going for long walks, having a leisurely meal that has cooked all day with care, going to a market daily to find groceries, buying necessities from local shops as opposed to same-day delivery. Not to say that our way of living is less than, rather, we pride ourselves more on our career and the impact our jobs have in bettering our world. In Italy, people work so that they can afford to engage in these activities that bring them joy. As a result, they do not rush, but value savoring every moment and interaction they have.
While in Assisi, we explored the Basilica di S. Chiara (Church of St. Claire) as well as the Basilica di S. Francesco (Church of St. Francis). Both were stunning and rich with detail. It was incredible to see the tombs, but equally incredible to examine the stories painted throughout the Churches. Al Fresco artwork filled the walls and ceiling and gorgeous statues served as tributes to impactful religious leaders. When entering the churches, a wave of emotion overtook us. Everyone in the church was respectful and content with just living in the moment. Time seemed to slow as no one rushed, but rather savored the shared experience and history. The church offered a time for reflection, appreciation, and hope. Additionally, the stained glass held artistry that enhanced the ornate architecture of the churches. Overall, the experience of both churches was eye-opening to the profound traditions Catholicism values. It was a cultural experience, filled with beauty. Being in both spaces was a privilege. It really opened our eyes to how much emotion and experiences we share as a human race. Though distance, religion, ethnicity, language, and experiences differ among us, we share commonality in emotional expression. We have a natural desire to be loved and show love. We all have passions that move us to stand up for our beliefs. Whether that gesture is seen as big or small to society, we truly believe every effort we make to create positive change benefits others. Both Santa Chiara and Saint Francesco demonstrate and support this belief.
Assisi is truly a place worth visiting and savoring. It far exceeded our expectations in both beauty and history. Just seeing the city on the hill transports you to a different place in time. Then, as you venture into the streets, you feel as if you have entered every film depicting Italy you’ve ever seen:cobblestone streets, winding paths, stone houses, verdant foliage, window boxes, locally owned shops that value craftsmanship above all else, mouth-watering scents of garlic and herbs that waft from charming restaurants, and delicately designed terraces that overlook the breathtaking Italian countryside. Assisi is not a town to miss.