Although Harding university in Florence [HUF] had reached its thirtieth anniversary in 2010, students in the spring group of that year left Italy with a different story to tell. Members of the HUF group participated in more than one mountaintop experience, including climbing Mount Vesuvius, ascending a famous balcony overlooking the city of Florence, and growing closer to each other and to the Italians they met. Senior Matt Flowers said the group met with such an opportunity while touring Southern Italy, where students were allowed to climb Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. Though the hike was a challenging one, students were humbled and overwhelmed by the incredible view from the top. "A strange serenity came over me and I just felt so comfortable and at peace looking over God's creation while standing on such a fiercely famous mountain known for its destruction," Flowers said. HUF students were able to see the city of Florence in a different light-and from a different angle-as well when they were invited by the mayor of Florence to ascend the balcony of the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall in the heart of the city. "Even Robbie [Shackleford, director of Harding University in Florence] had never been on that balcony, which really impressed upon us how rare and special an occasion it was," junior Kathryn Arbuckle said. "This balcony in particular was special because in olden days, government officials would make proclamations and announcements from this perch above the Piazza della Signoria." According to Flowers, students saw the Piazza from a different perspective. "We made proclamations to the people walking by, much like they did in the old days," Flowers said. "Though I don't know that they ever announced, 'We love you, Florence! Good Night!' in a rock and roll front man voice before." Students also explored new places closer to the villa, like the Scandicci market where Italians sold food, clothing and other goods. "Most every Saturday, some of us would go to the Scandicci market and get bombolonis," junior Joanna Blake said. "They were the most delicious one-euro doughnuts that would have Nutella or cream filling in them. Because we did that so often, we were able to get ourselves acquainted with the people working the stand." While students grew closer to Ital ian culture, they learned to see each other from a different perspective as well. "One thing in particular that really created special bonds in my HUF group was the adoption of a theme song, 'It's a Great Day to be Alive' by Travis Tr1l,t/' Arbuckle said. "One line in the song says, 'I know the sun's still shining when I close my eyes.' This line in particular sh:x'Jel out to us, because the warmth and beauty of everything1liround us-of Italy-was ever present. We didn't have to see it to believe." Blake said the song came to symbolize the unity of their group through all their adventures into the unknown. "We would sing it almost everyday," Blake said. "Even through our differences, we were brought together through that song because deep down we were all truly blessed to be in such a beautiful place with our friends." Heidi Tabor HUF 49
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