Fifteen years of hurt.

As part of our Study Abroad programs, we try and introduce the students to a broad range of experiences and emotions.  This past week in Florence is a perfect example.

On Wednesday evening, all the students attended and evening class about Chianti Wine.  Todd Bolton from Tuscan Trails came in and told the story of wine in this region from the Etruscans to present day.  This was followed by the chance to sample three types of local wine.

Three types of Chianti on offer.

Hopefully all the students will look at red wine differently in the future.

On Friday, we had another daytrip, this time taking in Pisa and Lucca.  Tuscany has so much to offer in terms of daytrips and activities so it was fun to see the tower and stroll the walls of Lucca.

Nicole and Jordan from Oregon.

The group just before they scatter to take "the" picture...

Then on Sunday, October 20 we introduced all the students to another aspect of Italian Culture.  Calcio.  The city had been brimming with anticipation all week and the stadium was sold out for Fiorentina v Juventus.  December 1998 was the last time Fiorentina beat Juventus in Florence, in Serie A.  Juventus are reigning champions but Fiorentina had gotten off to a good start to the season, so the match was well balanced.

Pasadena City College students proudly display their colors before the game.

A full house against Juve.  The empty seats are to creat a buffer to the traveling support.

The balance disappeared during a one sided first half that saw Juventus score two goals. Fiorentina did not play well at all and at half time, the stadium was silent.

Things did not improve much at the start of the second half, with a couple more chances for Juventus.  However luck began to change for la viola with a penalty which brought the score to 1-2.  At this point most in the stadium would have settled for a draw, even if that would have been undeserved.

The tifosi (including the students) start to believe.

Maybe the Curva Fiesole never stopped believing?

4-2 final score.  An amazing day.

However Giuseppe Rossi, the American born Fiorentina player had other ideas with a devastating display of skill and confidence, he brought Fiorentina level before claiming his hat-trick making it 4-2 to Florence.  From despair to euphoria, the entire ground was in disbelief at the turn around.  The final whistle brought jubilant scenes with the entire city cheering and taking to the streets with an outpouring of joy.  Fifteen years was a long time to wait.

You can watch the match highlights here. 

This coming week the students from Pasadena have midterms before starting their break on Thursday evening.  Our Oregon students have regular classes, including a visit to Santa Croce church as part of their Italian Life & Culture class.