Io Sono Qui

In my opinion, there is no better exercise than hiking. There is something about being surrounded by the beauty of nature and overcoming new challenges that  makes me feel incredibly alive. Whether it's a log jam, rock pile, or icy cold pool, the sense of accomplishment on the other side is tremendous. It's so much easier to push through that extra mile when you know there is a panoramic view at the finish.

Today my host dad and I went hiking with a local group in the hills surrounding Ostuni. It was a muddy and slippery trek, but not extremely difficult. Over the course of about two hours we visited two caves and enjoyed a picturesque landscape of cities and sea. The first cave was not far from the archaeological area where they found "The woman of Ostuni", a well preserved skeleton of a woman who died approximately 25,000 years ago. (link: http://www.ostuni.tv/English/Delia/Delia_En.htm ) It is amazing to visit places inhabited such a long time ago, rich with history and beauty. Every time, I find myself repeating in my head "I am here, this is real, this is unbelievable".

Another Video Update!

Two blog updates in one day, it's a miracle! This is another summary video of the last couple months. I visited lots of places, but really the video is mostly Matera. Enjoy :)

Ho vinto! Ho vinto!

For the past several years AFS Intercultura has put on a photography competition titled "Così vedo l’Italia" (So I See Italy). They invite year and semester students hosted in Italy to submit photos which represent true Italian culture. For five months, November through March, the participants submit three photos each. A single photo is chosen as a winner for the month and special mentions are given to other photos which did not win, but were well liked by the judges. At the end of the five months the top three of the five winners, as decided by a panel of judges, have the fees paid for them to travel to Ivrea and participate in some activities organised by the local chapter. I am excited and proud to say one of my photos was chosen as the winner for the month of December! Below is the official announcement, as well as my winning photo and caption.

English translation: 

"The History is still Alive"

One day my host family took me to see the living nativity of Pezze di Greco. In this place you can see people reenacting activities as they would have been done in the past. This experience gave me a new appreciation for the history of Italy and the way in which it lives on today.