Day 4 - Venice

We began our fourth day of the program by visiting St. Mark’s basilica.  St. Mark’s is probably best described as the Venetian equivalent of the Vatican, although it is not nearly as large.  In addition, it has Byzantium features in its architecture, so although it is quite lavish it is somewhat unique when compared to the St. Peter’s and other christian cathedrals.  After this brief visit, we then toured Doge’s Palace.  I must admit that I did not have any prior knowledge or expectations of Doge’s, but was extremely impressed by it.  By visiting Doge’s, it became apparent to me how our study abroad experience is beginning to come together.  Doge’s was the primary location of government and law making in Venice.  It was also the place where Venetians could file grievances against others, and it would appear primarily Jews from the Ghetto, amongst others would be tried and possibly imprisoned on site.  The overall architecture of Doge’s was meant to make an impression on all who visited there, and it still had that feel for me today.  As you made your journey to the courtroom or office you were scheduled to visit, you would pass through many chambers which, through various decor and artwork, gave you a sense of Venice’s power.  If you were tried and convicted, your attention shifted from the lavish building to the cold prison which awaited you.  It was quite an amazing place to visit and experience.

After touring Doge’s, professors Clasby and Mares provided us with a picnic lunch, which we enjoyed in the Ghetto.  At this point, it should be noted that, at least in Venice, the Ghetto refers more to an ethnic location, synonymous with segregation, rather than a type of slum that Americans generally think of.  We then discussed two other readings which were previously assigned, and the true value of a study abroad program became apparent.  Many times we have learned about a historical place or event by reading about it in a textbook.  During our picnic, I found it amazing that we were eating at the historic location which we had just read about the night before!  This was one of many examples where we “learned live” – with one of our professors bringing real context to what others can only imagine by reading, we get to experience it first hand.  I often read material and am concerned that I will not remember it in the near future; when learning in a study abroad program, I am confident that these will be experiences which I will never forget.

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