The Gift of Hospitality

By: Thomas Wert '05

Editor’s Note: Thomas Wert, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art in 2005, participated in three different study abroad programs, including the Italian language and culture program in Siena, Italy; and two different sessions of the summer studio art program in Siena.

Thomas was initially worried that it would be difficult or impossible for him to study in Siena because he has a learning disability and a reading disability—for both of which he was able to receive accommodations on campus. However, in researching his options with the OIP, Thomas learned that some of the accommodations were possible within his particular program in Siena. He ended up participating and having one of the most transformative experiences of his life. He strongly recommends studying abroad to all students, including those with learning or other disabilities.

September 12, 2005

Motta-St. Anastasias is a town of about 10,000 people and is very quiet during the day. I started out in the modern section of the town and, at a quick pace, made my way toward the old part of the city. I was heading for the church that rose above the town.

Walking up a narrow street, I saw a little, old Sicilian woman sitting on a bench that was shaded by a tree. I didn’t make any eye contact but, as I walked by, I heard a little voice say “Hello.”

I turned to her and “Buongiorno.”

From that, she called me over to sit and talk—in Italian! I told her that my Italian wasn’t good, but she didn’t seem to mind. She wanted to know where I was from, why I was there in her city, did I like first her city, second Sicily, third Italy? Once I answered: Oregon, visiting friends, yes, yes and yes; we had a great time talking under that old tree.

She told me the history of her city and her family, some of which I didn’t fully understand. I told her about the type of art I do and showed her some of my sketches. Towards the end of the conversation, she got up and told me to wait where I was. She walked across the narrow street and entered a house sitting directly in front of me.

I wondered what she might be doing, and then she reappeared from the doorway. As she crossed the street, I noticed that she had a white plastic bag in her hand, and it was full of something. She sat back down next to me, handed me the bag, and asked if it was alright.

I looked in the bag, and all I saw was goodies. She had packed the bag with candies and fruit. I didn’t know what to say. I looked up and told her “Grazie.” I told her it was too much, but she wouldn’t have any of it. She told me that it was for when I got to the top of the hill. I thanked her again before heading on my way.

Update: Thomas recently returned to Europe, where he works at an American military rest lodge in the German alpine village of Gramisch. He continues to sketch, paint and write about his overseas experiences.

Colorful glass bottles in an Italian shop (Photo by Bergit Gann)

The Duomo (Cathedral) of Siena (Photo by Caitlin Sessa)

Students hiking in the Italian mountains (Photo courtesy AHA International)

The characteristic red bricks of Siena are made from the local clay, from which the color “burnt sienna” takes its name. (Photo by Caitlin Sessa)

A watercolor sketch of Siena by LCC art professor Satoko Motouji, who taught one of Thomas Wert’s two summer studio courses in Siena. (Image reproduced with permission of the artist)