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The Long yet calming Walk |
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written
by minhan / 10.24.2005 |
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Part 1: |
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Each site strives to create an atmosphere that evokes a unique and desired feeling from visitors. The method and goal may be different but the big picture stays the same, each wants to leave an imprint on all those that enter.
The hill to Aventino tells of something of great importance at the top but what exactly is still a mystery. Through the gates, the walkway beckons me to enter, to explore, and to open myself to the view around me. The walkway leads straight to an area where exactly in the middle, the view of the great St. Peter’s Basilica can be seen, high above all the other buildings, standing alone in its own powerful glory. The area is covered with a canopy of trees that provides a comforting shade, welcoming me to sit and contemplate the sight I see. As I sit and let my eyes wander, they keep stopping at St. Peter’s, its distinction now only more magnified. Sitting at this high position, the view accentuates the church’s power as all who are welcomed into this area have the power to overlook the whole city.
The Basilica di Santa Sabina uses the effects of light and the high ceilings decorated with a simple pattern of stars to bestow the beauty of the goal of the church. The sun shines through the high windows, making the ceiling stars magically sparkle. The sun rays lands on one row of columns and lights it up while leaves the other side of columns in shadows, portraying the pairing of light and dark, right and wrong, hinting at the message of which side are you on. Throughout the play of the sunlight, the silence is very soothing, and even the buzzing of a bee does not disturb me but only accentuates the possibility of the great power echoed as the priest gives his sermon.
Although, both the church and cemeteries want to leave each visitor a lasting memory, the church wants the visitor to remember the power of the church while cemeteries want to remind the visitor of the past achievements of the permanent residents.
The two cemeteries have the same function, to provide a sanctuary for the dead; however, the surroundings of each provoke a different spiritual contemplation. The Protestant cemetery like Aventino uses the comforting trees and their arrangement to provide a soothing environment for thought. In the cemetery, instead of thinking about the power of the church such as in Aventino, the feeling of respect towards those that lie in this serene place, filled with many artisans, is inspired. The curvy trails lead all around each distinct tombstone; the image screams the importance of creativity. As the residents rest in their final destination, they can lie in peace knowing their individuality has not been lost. The British cemetery, however, is much more orderly and is more focused on unity than distinction of individuals. The rows of identical shaped tombstones, groups the death of all as one, emphasizing the overall defeat of the unit. The area is not filled with random trees but more of an open area. The lasting impression is of a solemn stiff place, there to act as a remembrance of the results of war.
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Part 3: |
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Entering at a seemingly hidden corner of a building complex, I see glimpses of green and gray metal booths unopened. It reminds me of a market in Vietnam that I had visited exactly a year ago. As I slowly walk deeper in, feeling like a trespasser, the sounds heighten my curiosity to see its similarity to Vietnam’s market. What a site. Random shops scattered about: meat shops next to shoes, cheeses next to clothes and any other combination you could imagine. However, other than the similar rows of booths filled high with cheap random things, the Piazza Testaccio market had a life of its own, distinct from the market in Vietnam.
As I spend more time interacting with the people, I realized the uniqueness of the marketplace. It is the people that add the spark to the atmosphere, and in turn upon entrance into this space I become one of the people in the market. As I interacted with friendly shopkeepers and practiced my Italian, I felt less of a stranger and more like a part of the market atmosphere made from the interaction of two people, whether it is shopkeeper to fellow shopkeeper or a shopkeeper with a customer. This connection was made even more when I entered into a cheese store where the shopkeepers welcomed me in, proud of their products, and excited to share. Willing to be patience and make an effort to find out a little bit more about us and build a small connection. The vibrant energy of the people of the market transformed me from a cautious trespasser to a part of the market, however small the role may be.
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