My favorite week in the program,thus far, has been the week we took an overnight field trip to different cities in Umbria. Through the people I got to meet and the places I visited, I gained a new appreciation for a wide range of craftsmanships and perspectives.
The week started with a lecture from an interior designer and a lecture on architecture. Being in a major in a completely opposite field from these topics, I was starting with zero knowledge or understanding. I remained open, listened carefully, and learned many new things. Perhaps more importantly, I gained an appreciation for topics and fields outside my major and personal interests, to make me see things in a new way. For example, I gained an appreciation for the way rooms are designed and created. Now, I find myself noticing the format and architecture in places in ways I never would have before.
Once in Umbria, we visited St. Francis Basilica, a hand weaving studio, pottery studio, and a professional chef’s kitchen to make pasta from scratch. I gained an insight and appreciation for each of these places and art forms that I had never experienced. It is truly inspiring to witness another person’s passion for his or her craft and their delight in sharing it with others.
I am beginning to realize that one of the most important aspects of traveling is to appreciate. To deeply appreciate the new customs, beliefs, perspectives, and ways of doing things. There is much to appreciate about Italy’s beautiful way of life and I am so lucky to be able to fully emerge in it.
Judith Hornsby

Brozzeti Hand Weaving Studio in Perugia