Giornale

               Our journey began with a rushed gathering at the Case bus stop bustling around either looking for the stragglers to arrive or getting a donut from Mark.  We then departed in our respective cars with the sun standing high in a clear sky illuminating our path to Albany.  The drive down is filled with cheerful banter amongst us recounting the semester so far, our unabated excitement for Rome, and the curiosity about what we would find atop the hill that houses the civic center of the state capital’s plaza.  Exiting the cars, we all gathered together and received our whispermophones and started following in tow of professor Spinner as he led us to our first site.  Quickly veering off the normal walkway we found ourselves entered a circular hedge ringed WWII memorial.  A somber serenity passed over the group as we took in the still pools of water filling the black stone pools etched with all the battles American’s fought in in the eastern and western theaters during the war.  The memorial did not glimmer as one might consider a monument to triumph like the great marble and bronze we would see in Rome, but it resided calmly in seclusion as a reminder to those who fought, were wounded, and gave their lives so that we might live the lives we do today. 

               After leaving this first site there is not much time before we reach our second on the steps of the New York Museum.  At first glance this piece of architecture was a monolithic obstruction of the surrounding space, and it wouldn’t be for some time that we gained a greater appreciation for its structure.  On these steps we looked out at our main enterprise for the trip, the grand plaza of Albany, the civil center of the capitol region.  This opening scene was much more desolate than what we anticipated when hearing about what the space was used for.  There were no throngs of people milling about relaxing from work or being with their family.  Only a handful of people populated the space meant to occupy over a hundred.  The first prominent points pointed out were great Orwellian structures named Agency Building 1,2,3, and 4 that loomed over the drained reflecting pools as if they were constantly monitoring the activity to maintain order.  At the far end of the plaza was the first piece structure that garnered some fascination from our wilting hopes.  The capitol building looked out at us with great architectural detail and care that showed us a brief glimpse of what we hoped to see in our journeys through Rome.  Traveling down the steps there was a group of practicing dancers bringing some sense of vitality to the space.  Odd wooden pieces scattered themselves in the background of the dancers and let our minds wander upon being intrigued by their purpose or meaning. 

               Entering the heart of the plaza the edges there was a uniquely bright piece of art surrounded by the all too familiar dull grey scale color palate that plastered itself across the scenery.    A bright yellow geometric oddity was placed at the edge of the space, and we instantaneously were drawn to such a bright spot in the otherwise bland portrait.  After being briefly delighted by this we drew away from it and continued towards our second memorial.  The firefighters who gave their life in service of the state stand etched into marble slabs.  A statue dedicated to them stands in bronze featuring three firemen two holding one who has been gravely injured in the line of duty.  Then we headed down to the concourse on the walk back to the cars and our dinner.  During this underground walk the walls were lined with incredible artwork and vibrant information about the state.  The stark contrast between above ground and below was slightly confusing given how there was practically nobody below to appreciate the art as oppose to a weather protected exhibit above ground were there were slightly more viewers.

               At the parking lot we turned in our tech and proceeded in our original cars to the long-awaited meal at Druthers.  After being seated vibrant conversation sprang up amongst all of us attending, and when the food began arriving laughter rose up as delicious flavors met our ravenous appetites.  Our meal ended with a debate which turned into a gauntlet of fun-fetti cake that perfectly completed an already mesmerizing day.  As we returned to the cars one last time, we waved goodbye to each other and set off back home.