Writing Assignment #10

Dear Group,

Your final writing assignment is about memory. What is your most striking visual image that is now attached to a memory about Rome (or Naples, Florence, Venice, Prato).

Here is a prompt to get you started:

Suppose you lost all your photos from Italy (!). What “image” would stay with you without a photo to reference. What do you want to remember about Italy and how would you share this "image" of Italy with others now that you are back in Seattle? Again, take your time with this assignment. Find a quiet moment to think back on your time in Rome, What is a specific memory that brings with it sensory images and sounds (it does not have to be a "dramatic" moment or experience; it can be a subtle thing that might tell you a lot about the depth and complexities of your experiences in Italy).

Remember the details of this memory and the nuisances of the images that come to you.

For example, I dropped and broke my camera midway during the program. I was reliant on others to take photos, and, now I am realiant on my memories of Rome to deconstruct the experiences and my discoveries. Now, that I am in Marrakech, I remember vividly the image of St. Peters from my apartment window. St. Peters is layered with the images of the mosques and the sounds of the "call to prayer" that I hear several times a day in this city. The memories of Italy are now combined with my current experiences in Marrakech. When I return to Seattle, there will be more layers to add.

This last assignment does not have to be a long assignment. Make it meaningful to you and dig deep, be honest, and reflective. What did you gain from your time away? What did you bring back with you and what will stick?? Are you different now? How is Seattle now that you are back in the "comfort zone"? Is it comfortable or does the familiar now seem foreign?

Again, take your time and sit with all of this, then write....

It was a pleasure sharing this experience in Rome with all of you. Please do come visit me in Seattle. Honors Suite, Mary Gates Hall. I will be there!

I will send comments on your writings when I am back in Seattle next week.

ciao, and salaam,

Julie