Cultural Impressions

Italy

Italy was hot, humid, and big. Everything about Italy feels big, instantly commanding your attention and respect. The grandeur and majesty that was put into every detail of its architecture is astounding. From the forum and the Colosseum to the Aqueducts and St. Peters Basilica it seems that everything had its birthplace here. You can't help but notice the roots of Design, and watching through time as it reforms to what we have today. You feel a sense of Awe and inspiration in its city streets and daily life. The people are loud and happy. The food is savory and hearty. There is something about the light that shines in Italy that separates it from the rest of the world. Everything is bathed in a golden light that Midas himself would worship. It ropes you in and staggers you with romantic thoughts and sweet anticipation. Italy is a place never to be forgotten, a place that calls you back time and time again.

France

France is a country in which there is never enough time to devote to it. You feel the need to walk a little taller, be a little more poised and proper. Some would say Pompous but I say Prestigious. France in a word is Fancy. The architectural ambiance is romantic and flourished. France brings an understanding that everything is inspiration for something new. Gothic Cathedrals juxtaposed against modern architecture floods the mind with excitement. The French are not rude, but proud. Something it seems we lack in our own nation from time to time. To find something beautiful you have only to go to France to see something 100 times more beautiful than imaginable. The art is something to be revered; as the works of art I have seen in France have caused me to weep in a public place in honor of such refined beauty. The food alone is drive for one to visit, sweet custard and fruits wrapped in the lightest of pastry crust brings you senses to its knees. The bread and cheese is like manna from heaven. France will seduce you with its glamour and scintillate you with its history, to leave is to leave a piece of yourself, waiting to be reclaimed in your inevitable return.

England

England is sophisticated and diverse. Although it feels gray and chill it only adds to the drama. It seems to be a place of lovely secrets and fabulously interesting stories. The people are so polite and so nice you feel quite comfortable. Though the city life is busy and constant it is elegant in its daily rhythms. The food is delicious in its own right, and if you count scones and cream as a food group you will never be disappointed. The sheer volume of history and majesty really challenges the imagination. You never realize how young our home country is until you have seen where we have come from. The propriety is intoxicating and you find yourself wishing for tweed and Burberry. The fashion is classic. The architecture is a lovely sampling of the major influences and educating in its display. England is exhilarating, your mind is packed with the expanse of knowledge and your heart longs for more. England receives you a willing student and returns you a noble master. Always to be remebered and never to be compared, it will always be there.....London Calling.