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International Profile
International Excursion: Italy with Leah Halsey & Kitty Doolittle
Local Cultural Events
Where in the World: International Education at NRCC
1. International Profile: NRCC is an internationally diverse college with faculty, staff and students
from all of the world. South Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea, China, Bangladesh,
Columbia and Mexico are some of the many countries represented. Diffusion would like to
showcase the lives and cultures of the NRCC international community. If you are an
international faculty, staff or student that would like to share your culture with the NRCC
community, please contact Heidi Morehead at [email protected].
2. International Excursion: Italy, a land rich in history, culture, and cuisine. A trip well worth the
expense and travel. The beginnings of Italy date to the Paleolithic period around 200,000 years
ago. Rome, the capital of Italy, was founded in 700 B.C. Legend says the founders of Rome; twin
brothers, Romulus and Remus, left for dead by a jealous king, suckled from a she-wolf and
raised to become the forefathers of Rome. Through the years, many leaders came to power;
Constantine, Nero, Julius Caesar, Augustus, and many, many more have created and shaped
Italy as it is today. Italy has many ancient ruins to experience. From the coliseum, to Pompeii,
there are ruins and ancient architecture that seem to jump out of the pages of the history
books.
Italian cuisine is huge must try. The homemade sauces passed down through generations.
Perfected by time. The hand rolled pasta, boiled and tossed in the sauce can leave you feeling
that pasta in America will never be the same. America’s mac and cheese cannot compare to the
Italian’s known as cacio de pepe. Spaghetti noodles tossed in a rich Pecorino Romano cheese
and topped with freshly grated pepper can make you see the art of true Italian food. My
personal favorite pasta is an authentic Italian dish known as mushroom risotto. A pasta that
must be tried when in Italy. Experience your meals with wine made from local vineyards or a
shot of limencello. The pizzas, the baked chickens, the calzones, but let’s do not forget about the
gelatos. A desert closely like ice cream but only much better. Gelatos come in a huge variety
from chocolates, tiramisu, and strawberry to even unexpected flavors. Who would’ve ever
thought pistachio would taste exquisite as a gelato? I never thought so until I tried it.
The Italian coastline is one that should be considered one of the wonders of the world. With its
majestic cliffs jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, the beauty is breath taking. The Beaches
are not sandy but rocky. Along with these rocks small pieces of tile and sea glass made from
bottles have been tossed and eroded through the waves of the sea crashing against the
shoreline. The beaches seem to have treasures scattered throughout. It is amazing what you can
find. Every city in Italy has something to experience, from gothic cathedrals with the flying
buttresses and vaults, their golden tiled murals, and marble statues is a must see, but a city that
must be experienced is the city built on water, Venice. This city with its building that are
hundreds even thousands years old sits on the Grand Canal. To see buildings with their front
steps leading to water and the taxis are speedboats is like something out of a dream. And who
cannot help but love the venetians.
Let’s also not forget about art. Italy is a land that seems to be nothing but art. Italian artist like
Leonardo Davinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, just to name a few, created masterpieces such as
the Sistine chapel, the statue of David, the mother Mary and Jesus and so many more. These art
pieces can be seen when in Italy and should be at the top of your do list.
A few tips when traveling to Italy. Experience Italy like true Italians. Walk the streets to get
where you need to go. Take the metro. Don’t always go to the tourist spots. Find a small café or
shop and experience their culture. Touristy areas, can become crowded, overly priced and many
times not as authentic. Go where the crowds aren’t going. But always make sure your money,
passport, etc. are on you and secure. Pick pocketers are known to steal from tourist. Also if you
do eat at a restaurant and you’re with a large group you need to calculate what each person’s
bill will be. Almost all Italian restaurants will not split checks, which is part of their culture. Also
be sure if you buy from a seller in the streets, it is against the law and you can be fined if caught.
So if you are going to take a chance here is another tip, you can haggle them to a good deal and
you walk away with an awesome souvenir. Just keep an eye out for policia. I hope you plan a trip
to Italy. It’s an experience of a lifetime and memory that won’t be forgotten.
Written by Leah Halsey, NRCC Student
----------------------------I have wanted to visit Italy since my 6th grade Social Studies teacher made it come alive.
In the art travel course, we visited churches, cities, towns, city buildings, outside arts, business
art, buildings, opera house, and museums all throughout Italy. We looked at how a country
holds onto such a stellar past and still lives in the present. We traveled a huge circle from Rome
and back again, north and south and east and west. We went as far south as Pompeii and into
Switzerland in the north. The traveling was easy. We had help with directions, finding hotels,
luggage and transportation to and from the airport.
Favorite Food: I had the best filet mignon ever. The gelato was fabulous. The food was very
good.
Cultural Caveats: If you sit down at a table, there is a service fee on your ticket. If you stand at
the bar, you will not be charged a fee.
Favorite Place: Sienna, I loved this walled city with the beautiful murals in the city hall. This city
has a steeple chase in the center of the square every year. The almond cookies were a delight.
Favorite Building: The Pantheon in Rome, built by the Emperor Hadrian for the gods around 126
BCE, with its incredible drainage system for a building with an oculus.
Travel tips: Get prepared to walk a great deal during the trip. Exchange more money than you
think you will need. I did not exchange enough and found it frustrating to use my credit card all
the time. Try the public transportation, most of the larger cities have a subway that is easy to
use. Be flexible and enjoy the differences in how things are done wherever you are. Take a
watch if you do not plan to use your cell phone. You will need it to meet up with the group. Take
fewer clothes than you think you will need. Have fun, allow the experience to be enjoyed.
Written by Kitty Doolittle, NRCC Adjunct Instructor, Middle College Facilitator, Life Coach and
Middle College Local Coordinator
---------------------------------What to go on your own excursion!?! If you would like to participate in your own international
excursion, Professor Tammy Parks is taking students to Britain (May 23rd – June 3rd, 2015) to
learn about British art and architecture. To learn more about this great opportunity, please
check out the attached flyer, BritianTrip.
3. Local Cultural Events:
 Hacienda, Roanoke Latino Festival: October 12th
http://www.roanokelatinofestival.com/
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National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China: October 15th at 8pm
http://www.radford.edu/content/cvpa/home/performance-season/performanceseries.html/
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American Indian Heritage Month: October 15th – November 15th
http://www.mps.vt.edu/cultural_celebrations/american_indian_heritage_month/index.htm
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Blue Ridge Folklife Festival: Saturday, October 25th
http://blueridgefolklifefestival.com/
Where in the World, International Education at NRCC: To learn more about international
happenings both locally and abroad, please like “Where in the World: International Education at
NRCC” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nrccinternationaleducation
ITALY PICTURES