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Published: January 9th 2006
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This morning we toured the Roman Forum with our usual tour guide, Francesca. I was excited for this particular tour because the forum is something that I have studied often in the past in school. I had seen some of the ruins before during walks through the city, so I knew what some of them were, but wanted to see and learn more on the tour. As we walked through the ancient Roman ruins, I found it difficult at first to imagine what these places would have looked like long ago. Unfortunately, my honest first impression of the ruins was that it was just a bunch of rocks. However, as I mentioned before, I realize how important it is to pay attention to details here! If you looked closely you could see the different carvings and symbols in the rocks and marble, and if you thought hard enough and used your imagination, you could envision what ancient Rome may have looked like.
I think the reason why I had such a difficult time with this concept at first is because of the idea that in our country at home, imagination seems to be a lost characteristic or skill. In the United States, everything is at the tip of your fingertips. Monuments, for the most part, look like what they are, television shows are getting more realistic every day, and even textbooks and schools are all about experiental learning instead of having to use the imagination. I realized today how important it is to have to stop and think and understand what something may have once looked like in order to appreciate it most. In our fast-paced and demanding culture, it's easy to say, "ok. it's a bunch of rocks, I don't get it. Show me the live movie reinactment" However, it is so important to stop, imagine, and really think about the historical elements that are present within this city.
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Jenna
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That is such a wonderful point you made about using your imagination. I had never really thought about it much before, but it's so true! It's actually pretty sad how little even young children use their imaginations nowadays--so I'm glad that you're getting a chance to make it stronger over there!!