Posted by meghan on Saturday, May 20, 2017 in 2017 Blog post.

Climbing up to the top of La Roca this morning was a truly phenomenal experience with an unparalleled view that simply could not be captured in a photograph.  As my friend and I made our way through the ancient ruins of the castle and archeological sites at the end of the trail, I was struck by two things.  On first glance, I was, yet again, in absolute awe of the structures that stood before me.  Being in their presence immediately transported me back in time as I imagined the life led by the inhabitants that once passed through the four foot doorways and sat around the floor of the cramped living quarters at the top of the hill.  Secondly, my focus turned to the preservation of the ruins in relation to the overall interaction between tourists and the archeological site itself.

On the top of La Roca, it occurred to me that most of the ruins/UNESCO sites that we had visited thus far had been relatively free from fences, ropes, or any other significant barriers to keep tourists from potentially destroying the relics.  By the same token, many of these sites were incredibly preserved and in relatively good condition.  This concept of trust and social responsibility as held between the guardians of the ruins and their visitors has become a nearly obsolete concept in the U.S.  On the contrary, most American historical landmarks, nature reserves, and museums have both physical barriers and top security teams that keep tourists from destroying the respective sites.  In contrast, I have observed that at the Sicilian ruins we have visited thus far, European tourists have not attempted to climb, graffiti, or otherwise damage the sites; rather, it has unfortunately been only American tourists that I have witnessed taking advantage of such freedom of trust and exhibiting disrespectful and destructive behavior.

In this manner, I have come to the conclusion that the European, namely Sicilian, culture instils more of a sense of individual responsibility and self-control than that of American culture.  With less supervision and more freedom, it is evident that Sicilian and other European visitors cherish the historical significance of such sites and refrain from causing any damages out of respect for the magnificence of the ruins and the country in general.  This silent agreement of trust that associates greater freedom with greater responsibility is made evident in much of Sicilian life.  Everything from driving through the streets without stoplights, lower smoking and drinking ages, and unregulated farmer’s markets and butcher shops suggests that Sicilian communities operate on a basis of autonomy, civic duty and self-control.  In the United States many of these practices are no longer in action due to the fact that our strict legal system, while largely effective, has also regulated nearly every minute aspect of daily life.  In America, many simple freedoms found in Sicily no longer exist as the result of detrimental lawsuits and the constant paranoia of liability.  To a certain extent I agree with the American style of regulation for the sake of the health and well-being of the population, however, living in Sicily has allowed me to come to the realization that it is principally one’s responsibility to take care of themselves by simply using common sense and practicing self-awareness.  With more freedoms and a true choice to be respectful and conscious of one’s own actions, Sicilians and Europeans have made it possible to let down the barriers and experience not only the archeological sites but also life itself without restraint.  Ultimately, I hope to live my life in this way—appreciating without taking advantage, being aware of the repercussions of my own actions, and respecting the beauties of nature and society in a manner that preserves them for future generations to come.

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