Heading Abroad

As I eagerly anticipate the incredible semester in Venice I have awaiting me, I stop to imagine what it is my semester abroad will actually bring. Having never had the opportunity to travel overseas in the past, I have many hopes and preconceived notions of what this city will entail.

The first words that come to mind when I begin to imagine these islands are authentic, beautiful, and historical. I have seen dozens of pictures of Venice’s beautiful canals and architecturally detailed buildings. The stereotypes portrayed in photographs, movies, and other sources have put many images into my head about gondola rides and small cafés. While I have seen all of these things, I have a deeper feeling inside of me that knows Venice is much more than is portrayed by the different medias. While I’m sure that gondolas and beautiful canals are an essential part of Venice, I imagine a much stronger essence of the city as a whole. I picture a gorgeous ancient city with an enchanting history. I imagine a depth to Venice which often gets overshadowed by the tourism that floods the streets and buildings.

Although I feel as though I have a fairly accurate portrayal of the images of Venice (the buildings, the canals, and the architecture) I expect to be impressed by the vast amount of detail put into the architecture of the city. What I have a harder time imagining is the Venetian culture. I imagine a quiet lifestyle, but at the same time, have tried not to picture too much of what I will be experiencing. I want to take the days as they come and to immerse myself in the culture as I am meant to.