Wow - we're almost halfway through this trip! But, in the madness of the Palio, it's easy to lose focus on the schedule . . .
First of all, if you're interested, the city has a website through which they post the prove and news about the Palio: www.sienanews.it
The tratta on Sunday morning was really interesting - there were some great horses (#21 lost his rider on the first turn, but still surpassed the rest of the horses, then kept running at the same speed for three extra laps before someone could stop him), many of which, including 21, weren't chosen by the Capitani. And the Selection was as usual - some groups were excited, and some not so pleased by the draw. My contrada, Aquila, hasn't won since 1992, and I think they were hoping for a winner this year, but it doesn't seem to be so. The kiddos have taken on their own chosen (or, perhaps, not so chosen - where they live?) contrade for the competition - Mark was mentioning that, with his Valdimontana flag on, he passed through a Nicchio group, who immediately got silent the minute he approached their previously-spirited conversation.
Your kiddos had a great weekend! Florence was HOT. Miserably. Even worse than Siena. But we got to see David (the real one), and enjoyed a great viewing through the Uffizi (and, I hope, they learned a little about Florentine art from me as we prepared to enter the museums). One of my roommates joined us, and we also met a friend of mine who is on sabbatical in Rome (she teaches Latin at the University of Vermont). Thank you again to SPI for getting reservations - ALL of the kids made a comment about how pleasant it was to pass the lines!
Sunday, while the first day of the Palio, was also the kids' first free day. Some stayed in town and experienced the craziness of the events, and some chose to walk a little out of town to enjoy a countryside picnic in perhaps a little cooler temperature. It is good to mention that these days are a little more crazy than usual - far more tourists, the locals are in their Palio frenzy . . . things can feel a little disorienting to the kids. Especially this week, with the overbearing heat. At least it's only until Wednesday, then we can get our beautiful, TRANQUIL Siena back for the last week and a half!
There are still opportunities to experience the treasures of Siena, too. This afternoon, we're going to do a little walk around town to see the two places sacred to St. Catherine (yes, they are going to see her head), and perhaps all head out to the Fortezza for a brief reprieve from the city's heat. Tomorrow, we start a three-day experience in the Piazza del Duomo, to see the view from the Museo dell'Opera and to see the beautiful interior of the Duomo itself (the floor has very interesting sections - all pictures of secular - sibyls, Latin-Greek authors - references to the coming of Christ). Wednesday will be the Palio, and all the madness which ensues with that. Until then, there will be prove at 9 AM and at 7:45 PM every day. I'll share with you more about the actual Palio day on Wednesday!
The kids are all doing well - enjoying their homestays, enjoying the city, enjoying being Italians - the first week has passed, and mostly so has their homesickness and culture shock. There still may be a little of it (admittedly, I REALLY miss my husband), so know that they still need you to be a sympathetic ear!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this time with them - what a great experience we're all having!!!
Grazie tanti,
L :)
Again, please feel free to check out the Siena News online to see what we're seeing . . . you may even see us standing there among the crowd!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
la prima settimana . . . finito!
Wow - we have finished our first week! I mentioned to the kids that today is the end of the first third of the trip, and they couldn't believe it. In one way, it feels like time is flying through the trip, but, on the other hand, they're feeling so settled in and comfortable that it's like they've been here for a long time!
Yesterday was the kids' first free day, and, besides seeing me at the breaks between class, they didn't have to deal with me at all. Well, Stephen and I had a laundry date (everything of mine is stained from the sweating in this heat), but besides that.. . . Today, we will be heading to the Fortezza which is located just on the edge of town to do a little journaling and share our experiences from this first week, plus look forward to our opportunities this weekend and next week.
A little aside about the Fortezza - most cities in Tuscany have a "Rocca", or small fortress which sits on the highest point of town, and overlooks the countryside, defending the town. Siena is a little different - their biggest foe in the medieval times was Florence, and, to defend themselves, they simply don't have any gates on the north side of the city (which is the way it is still today)! They were such rivals with Florence that, when the Guelfs overthrew the Ghibellines in Florence, Siena embraced the outcast Ghibellines with open arms. When Florence finally subjected Siena (one of the last cities in that area of Tuscany to give into the Florentine expansion), the Medici family of Florence had the Fortezza built, so that they could live there and keep an eye on the Siennese, to avoid any fumes of rebellion.
This week, we learned about the difficulty of finding ourselves in a new world, having to live a new lifestyle in a new home. This transition is extremely challenging and difficult, even for me, who returns to the same family every year! I have been so impressed with the fortitude and maturity with which your kiddos have handled these changes (in diet, in lifestyle, in living space) - truly, they made this the easiest first week for me. They appreciate the differences, but still have found a way to make themselves comfortable and settled into this new lifestyle, as well as to develop a relationship with their homestay families. We also learned a little about Siennese art history and the politics of Siena during the medieval times through the art which we have viewed. It really differs greatly from Florentine art - sure, you see the development of the incorporation of perspective, but the Siennese actually used more of the dichotomy of light and dark to emphasize and focus.
Tomorrow, we are headed to Florence for our day of culture there. For the first year ever, SPI has booked reservations for us for both the Accademia and Uffizi (no more 3-hour lines! Thank you, Jeremy and Becca!). Many tourists choose to stay in Florence, and then travel out to other cities in Toscana, but, to me, it's just another big dirty, dusty city for us to honor for a day, then return to the beauty and cleanliness of Siena. However, there are some great works we can't deny (THE David - none of those in-the-streets copies for us; the works of the great painters such a Botticelli, Raphaello, and the Dutch painters; sculptures of great artists, as well - Bernini is my favorite) which exist there, so we go! I'll also be sharing a history of art in Florence with them during our journey, so perhaps they can take something home to you afterwards!
Sunday is our official first "free day", where the kids have time to themselves to rest or to take opportunities of the events around them. Sunday is a big holy day for the Church, as well - the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, where, in Rome, the new archbishops are dedicated by the Pope outside in the Piazza di San Pietro (Vatican Square). And, in Siena, the 29th is the first official day of the Palio events. I'll share far more about the Palio on Monday with you, but here's a little about what's going to happen this weekend:
Tonight - Presentation of the drappelone, where all of the contrade's flags will be posted on the front of the Palazzo Pubblico, and will stay there until after the day of the Palio. This also means that the colors will be posted throughout the contrada - lamps are placed up on the walls, flags hung outside their windows . . . we don't decorate like this for Christmas in the U.S.!
Tomorrow - at 5 PM, the trial run on the Palio. Every year, there are about 30 horses which are chosen to be the best in the area (by veterinarians). The horses are released on the track (which is the gray part of il Campo - they laid a full packed-sand track down yesterday) to let them try out the turf.
Sunday - at 9 AM, the horses are divided into various batterie (groups), and the 10 jockeys who will compete will all wear the colors of Siena (the shield is simple - white on top, black on the bottom). Just like in every prova (practice run) and the actual Palio race on the 2nd, the last horse to enter determines the start of the race (he's called the rincorsa). At the end of this, the 10 Capitani (chosen leader of each contrada for this Palio) will meet together inside the Palazzo to choose the 10 best horses for the race.
THEN, at 1 PM is the Selection, where the 10 horses are assigned by lottery to each contrada. Each competing contrada marches in, with the jockey and Capitano at front, the leading men following along with them, the younger men just behind them, then the women and children in the back, all wearing the colors of their contrada, all singing the city Palio song. The Lottery is exactly as you'd imagine it - literally, there are 10 balls, each of which has the colors of the 10 competing contrade (out of the 17 total contrade), and 10 numbered balls, one for each horse (the number is painted on its rear). They come rolling down out of a big tumbling machine, done by the city officials in front of the Palazzo Pubblico, and a contrada is paired to a horse. From now on, the horse is the center of the celebration, treated like a king (they have their own personal human to take care of them the whole time - the barbaresco). In fact, the horse determines the winner of the Palio . . . even if it crosses the line first without its jockey, it wins. This event is quite a spectacle - if a contrada is paired with a good horse, people will be jumping for joy and yelling as they drag the terrified horse (by their jumping and yelling) back to their contrada. If a group is paired with a weaker (still one of the best among hundreds of others) horse, you'll see grown men crying in the streets, moping all the way pack with the horse to their contrada.
Finally, at 7:45 is the first trial run - the prima prova. This is the first time to have the jockey paired with the horse on the actual track, but jockeys aren't geared up - no nerbo (whip, made of a bull's tendon . . . NERVE) with which to hit each other (they tend to do this more than use it on the horse), nor zuccoto (metal helmet to keep their heads guarded from the nerbo). The starting order of the jockeys is determined days before in another lottery. Each practice run has myths attached to it, too - the first one, they say, often determines who the winner of the actual Palio will be. Last year, there was a big to-do - one of the horses got tangled up at the starting line, got its leg caught in the rope, and fell, hurting its leg (the contrada didn't get to compete, but the horse lived on) and taking a few other horses and jockeys down at first. The entire city had an ominous feeling about it. In fact, when the actual Palio happened, there was a discrepancy for about 20 minutes in the town before they determined the actual winner - and they felt that the fall in the first race was almost something that cursed the whole festa.
More to share about this event next week, but I'll be encouraging the kids to join me for everything on Sunday in town!
Off to Florence!
Grazie,
Laura :)
Yesterday was the kids' first free day, and, besides seeing me at the breaks between class, they didn't have to deal with me at all. Well, Stephen and I had a laundry date (everything of mine is stained from the sweating in this heat), but besides that.. . . Today, we will be heading to the Fortezza which is located just on the edge of town to do a little journaling and share our experiences from this first week, plus look forward to our opportunities this weekend and next week.
A little aside about the Fortezza - most cities in Tuscany have a "Rocca", or small fortress which sits on the highest point of town, and overlooks the countryside, defending the town. Siena is a little different - their biggest foe in the medieval times was Florence, and, to defend themselves, they simply don't have any gates on the north side of the city (which is the way it is still today)! They were such rivals with Florence that, when the Guelfs overthrew the Ghibellines in Florence, Siena embraced the outcast Ghibellines with open arms. When Florence finally subjected Siena (one of the last cities in that area of Tuscany to give into the Florentine expansion), the Medici family of Florence had the Fortezza built, so that they could live there and keep an eye on the Siennese, to avoid any fumes of rebellion.
This week, we learned about the difficulty of finding ourselves in a new world, having to live a new lifestyle in a new home. This transition is extremely challenging and difficult, even for me, who returns to the same family every year! I have been so impressed with the fortitude and maturity with which your kiddos have handled these changes (in diet, in lifestyle, in living space) - truly, they made this the easiest first week for me. They appreciate the differences, but still have found a way to make themselves comfortable and settled into this new lifestyle, as well as to develop a relationship with their homestay families. We also learned a little about Siennese art history and the politics of Siena during the medieval times through the art which we have viewed. It really differs greatly from Florentine art - sure, you see the development of the incorporation of perspective, but the Siennese actually used more of the dichotomy of light and dark to emphasize and focus.
Tomorrow, we are headed to Florence for our day of culture there. For the first year ever, SPI has booked reservations for us for both the Accademia and Uffizi (no more 3-hour lines! Thank you, Jeremy and Becca!). Many tourists choose to stay in Florence, and then travel out to other cities in Toscana, but, to me, it's just another big dirty, dusty city for us to honor for a day, then return to the beauty and cleanliness of Siena. However, there are some great works we can't deny (THE David - none of those in-the-streets copies for us; the works of the great painters such a Botticelli, Raphaello, and the Dutch painters; sculptures of great artists, as well - Bernini is my favorite) which exist there, so we go! I'll also be sharing a history of art in Florence with them during our journey, so perhaps they can take something home to you afterwards!
Sunday is our official first "free day", where the kids have time to themselves to rest or to take opportunities of the events around them. Sunday is a big holy day for the Church, as well - the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, where, in Rome, the new archbishops are dedicated by the Pope outside in the Piazza di San Pietro (Vatican Square). And, in Siena, the 29th is the first official day of the Palio events. I'll share far more about the Palio on Monday with you, but here's a little about what's going to happen this weekend:
Tonight - Presentation of the drappelone, where all of the contrade's flags will be posted on the front of the Palazzo Pubblico, and will stay there until after the day of the Palio. This also means that the colors will be posted throughout the contrada - lamps are placed up on the walls, flags hung outside their windows . . . we don't decorate like this for Christmas in the U.S.!
Tomorrow - at 5 PM, the trial run on the Palio. Every year, there are about 30 horses which are chosen to be the best in the area (by veterinarians). The horses are released on the track (which is the gray part of il Campo - they laid a full packed-sand track down yesterday) to let them try out the turf.
Sunday - at 9 AM, the horses are divided into various batterie (groups), and the 10 jockeys who will compete will all wear the colors of Siena (the shield is simple - white on top, black on the bottom). Just like in every prova (practice run) and the actual Palio race on the 2nd, the last horse to enter determines the start of the race (he's called the rincorsa). At the end of this, the 10 Capitani (chosen leader of each contrada for this Palio) will meet together inside the Palazzo to choose the 10 best horses for the race.
THEN, at 1 PM is the Selection, where the 10 horses are assigned by lottery to each contrada. Each competing contrada marches in, with the jockey and Capitano at front, the leading men following along with them, the younger men just behind them, then the women and children in the back, all wearing the colors of their contrada, all singing the city Palio song. The Lottery is exactly as you'd imagine it - literally, there are 10 balls, each of which has the colors of the 10 competing contrade (out of the 17 total contrade), and 10 numbered balls, one for each horse (the number is painted on its rear). They come rolling down out of a big tumbling machine, done by the city officials in front of the Palazzo Pubblico, and a contrada is paired to a horse. From now on, the horse is the center of the celebration, treated like a king (they have their own personal human to take care of them the whole time - the barbaresco). In fact, the horse determines the winner of the Palio . . . even if it crosses the line first without its jockey, it wins. This event is quite a spectacle - if a contrada is paired with a good horse, people will be jumping for joy and yelling as they drag the terrified horse (by their jumping and yelling) back to their contrada. If a group is paired with a weaker (still one of the best among hundreds of others) horse, you'll see grown men crying in the streets, moping all the way pack with the horse to their contrada.
Finally, at 7:45 is the first trial run - the prima prova. This is the first time to have the jockey paired with the horse on the actual track, but jockeys aren't geared up - no nerbo (whip, made of a bull's tendon . . . NERVE) with which to hit each other (they tend to do this more than use it on the horse), nor zuccoto (metal helmet to keep their heads guarded from the nerbo). The starting order of the jockeys is determined days before in another lottery. Each practice run has myths attached to it, too - the first one, they say, often determines who the winner of the actual Palio will be. Last year, there was a big to-do - one of the horses got tangled up at the starting line, got its leg caught in the rope, and fell, hurting its leg (the contrada didn't get to compete, but the horse lived on) and taking a few other horses and jockeys down at first. The entire city had an ominous feeling about it. In fact, when the actual Palio happened, there was a discrepancy for about 20 minutes in the town before they determined the actual winner - and they felt that the fall in the first race was almost something that cursed the whole festa.
More to share about this event next week, but I'll be encouraging the kids to join me for everything on Sunday in town!
Off to Florence!
Grazie,
Laura :)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Settling in
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Today is our third day of class, so I thought I'd share with you a little about normal life here in Siena (especially since, beginning Sunday (Domenico) and going through Wednesday (Mercoledi), nothing will feel normal around here due to the Palio).
In the mornings, we awake to a very nice, fresh, cool morning (mid-60's), where strolling through the city is comfortable. I met Lauren and Grace this morning on our stroll to the school, and they mentioned, "Why can't it always be like THIS?" In fact, it is hotter in Siena than usual right now, which, just like in Texas, when the weather is hot, tempers flare and patience is tried. (Dina, my homestay mom, just told me today that I needed to have more patience with things - what can I say? I'm a Leo - everything should go the way I want it, right?) But, as in the north U.S., people don't have air conditioning here, and complaining about the heat really feels ridiculous (as if the person I'm standing next to/complaining to is standing in some other individually-cooled zone). At least it's not as hot as it was in 2002 - in June, the temperature soared to 40 degrees centigrade (around 102-105) in Rome, and caused the death of many French people. Talk about feeling ridiculous - I, in a small skirt and tank top, complaining about the heat to a full-habited nun who is waiting for the same bus? I often find myself echoing the same words she told me - You know, I'm standing here, too. Really, when the sun doesn't touch your skin, it's never too uncomfortable (as opposed to the heat-carrying humidity of Texas) - it's something the kids quickly learned - if you're going to be outside standing around, be in the shade!
Classes start on usual days at 9 AM, and the kids learn about grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and culture, all integrated. The school diligently works to stay on top of the most recent research about learning language and immersion - it's cool to sit in on classes and see what they incorporate into just a 30-minute lesson. There is a break around 10:30 or 11 for 30 minutes for a snack-stroll, then classes resume for another 1.5 hours. We're all released at 1:30 for the day. But that's not the end of our day.
I don't want the kids to ever feel that I monopolize their time, and that they don't have any "free time", but I do want them to know what the city here has to offer - amazing art, history, opportunities! Yesterday, we went to the Pinacoteca to view the city's collection of religious art by artists from this city. Then, around 5 PM, one of the teachers at the school gave a lecture about the Palio, the Contrade, and Siena. (I'll share more with you about this during the event next week) Home for dinner, then out for a stroll in the evenings - a standard plan every evening! Again, once the sun is down (even as early as 6 PM), the city is very pleasant. In fact, that's the time you see the locals.
At 7 AM - 9 AM, before the tourists arrive, the locals sit out, chatting in the streets, and enjoying the beautiful morning. When it's hot, they're hiding in their homes. Then, from 6 - 9 PM, there is la passegiata every evening, where the locals come out from their homes to the comfortable evening to chat and enjoy each other's company. Tourists are enchanted by Siena, but it's really most charming when you're there overnight, to enjoy the true spirit of the locals.
Today, we're going to visit the Palazzo Pubblico, and the kids will have a chance to climb the Torre del Mangia (right on the Campo) to get one of the two awesome views of the city itself. Lots of pictures to follow! The frescoes in the palace are very famous, and depict allegories, scenes from history, and recollections of authors and artists. With the weather as hot as it is, I'm choosing for us to visit indoors spots, and hope that we'll get slightly cooler weather next week to do our "gire" around town. The kiddos are becoming familiar with those important saints of the city (Catherine - in the black and white with the lily - and Bernardino - the guy with the IHS symbol), and they're going to get a brief lecture about the history of the city today before we enter the palace.
Don't worry - they get a day or two every week (Thursday afternoons and Sundays, usually) for themselves. I do have to do laundry eventually! But seeing as we haven't reached those days, yet, I'll just have to keep you in suspense until then . . .
L :)
Today is our third day of class, so I thought I'd share with you a little about normal life here in Siena (especially since, beginning Sunday (Domenico) and going through Wednesday (Mercoledi), nothing will feel normal around here due to the Palio).
In the mornings, we awake to a very nice, fresh, cool morning (mid-60's), where strolling through the city is comfortable. I met Lauren and Grace this morning on our stroll to the school, and they mentioned, "Why can't it always be like THIS?" In fact, it is hotter in Siena than usual right now, which, just like in Texas, when the weather is hot, tempers flare and patience is tried. (Dina, my homestay mom, just told me today that I needed to have more patience with things - what can I say? I'm a Leo - everything should go the way I want it, right?) But, as in the north U.S., people don't have air conditioning here, and complaining about the heat really feels ridiculous (as if the person I'm standing next to/complaining to is standing in some other individually-cooled zone). At least it's not as hot as it was in 2002 - in June, the temperature soared to 40 degrees centigrade (around 102-105) in Rome, and caused the death of many French people. Talk about feeling ridiculous - I, in a small skirt and tank top, complaining about the heat to a full-habited nun who is waiting for the same bus? I often find myself echoing the same words she told me - You know, I'm standing here, too. Really, when the sun doesn't touch your skin, it's never too uncomfortable (as opposed to the heat-carrying humidity of Texas) - it's something the kids quickly learned - if you're going to be outside standing around, be in the shade!
Classes start on usual days at 9 AM, and the kids learn about grammar, vocabulary, conversation, and culture, all integrated. The school diligently works to stay on top of the most recent research about learning language and immersion - it's cool to sit in on classes and see what they incorporate into just a 30-minute lesson. There is a break around 10:30 or 11 for 30 minutes for a snack-stroll, then classes resume for another 1.5 hours. We're all released at 1:30 for the day. But that's not the end of our day.
I don't want the kids to ever feel that I monopolize their time, and that they don't have any "free time", but I do want them to know what the city here has to offer - amazing art, history, opportunities! Yesterday, we went to the Pinacoteca to view the city's collection of religious art by artists from this city. Then, around 5 PM, one of the teachers at the school gave a lecture about the Palio, the Contrade, and Siena. (I'll share more with you about this during the event next week) Home for dinner, then out for a stroll in the evenings - a standard plan every evening! Again, once the sun is down (even as early as 6 PM), the city is very pleasant. In fact, that's the time you see the locals.
At 7 AM - 9 AM, before the tourists arrive, the locals sit out, chatting in the streets, and enjoying the beautiful morning. When it's hot, they're hiding in their homes. Then, from 6 - 9 PM, there is la passegiata every evening, where the locals come out from their homes to the comfortable evening to chat and enjoy each other's company. Tourists are enchanted by Siena, but it's really most charming when you're there overnight, to enjoy the true spirit of the locals.
Today, we're going to visit the Palazzo Pubblico, and the kids will have a chance to climb the Torre del Mangia (right on the Campo) to get one of the two awesome views of the city itself. Lots of pictures to follow! The frescoes in the palace are very famous, and depict allegories, scenes from history, and recollections of authors and artists. With the weather as hot as it is, I'm choosing for us to visit indoors spots, and hope that we'll get slightly cooler weather next week to do our "gire" around town. The kiddos are becoming familiar with those important saints of the city (Catherine - in the black and white with the lily - and Bernardino - the guy with the IHS symbol), and they're going to get a brief lecture about the history of the city today before we enter the palace.
Don't worry - they get a day or two every week (Thursday afternoons and Sundays, usually) for themselves. I do have to do laundry eventually! But seeing as we haven't reached those days, yet, I'll just have to keep you in suspense until then . . .
L :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Slideshow at bottom of page
Ciao, Tutti!
Just a quick note - I figured out how to download pictures from our trip, so all pictures at the bottom of this blog are from our trip so far! Enjoy!
This afternoon, we're going to get a brilliant art history lesson (from me) on our visit to the Pinacoteca of Siena!
More to share tomorrow . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
Just a quick note - I figured out how to download pictures from our trip, so all pictures at the bottom of this blog are from our trip so far! Enjoy!
This afternoon, we're going to get a brilliant art history lesson (from me) on our visit to the Pinacoteca of Siena!
More to share tomorrow . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
Monday, June 23, 2008
We have conquered Campania
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
What a great first weekend we had! We were so busy that I didn't get a second to steal away to an internet stop. So, here it goes . . .
Everyone met up at Newark airport, over a stretch of about 5 hours. They were all excited to head out, and even more ready to meet each other. The flight to Fiumicino was very comfortable and pleasant, but the kiddos had a hard time going to sleep, knowing that the next place we'll plant our feet was Italy! The plane was nice, and service was great - everyone even had their own small TV screen for watching TV shows, movies, or even playing games, which made the flight pass far more quickly.
We landed into FCO, and easily passed through Passport check and Customs, to find our bags arriving on the belts as we were coming to baggage claim. And everyone's bag arrived!!! This could possibly be my first time to have not problems with bags!!! We met our driver (Franco) after a little bit of a hunt, and piled onto the nice, comfortable bus to head to Pompeii. A good opportunity for everyone to have a 2-hour rest before hitting the cobblestones of Pompeii! We walked through the entire city, from the Theatre to the Amphitheatre, to the Forum, then up to the Villa dei Mysteri! Slightly jetlagged, very tired, sweaty, and covered in Pompeiian dust, everyone climbed onto the bus to enjoy the beautiful drive along the Sorrentine peninsula, until we arrived at our hotel (fancy - 5-star). The kids wanted to simply crash then, but I gave them an hour to clean up, and we went into town for our first night's stroll - dinner at a pizzeria, and the best gelato in town, plus a nice visit to the sunset! Upon returning to the hotel, I don't think anyone saw 10 PM (including me)!
Saturday brought us an EARLY rising - we had to catch 7 AM taxis to get to the Marina Piccola in Sorrento for a boat out to Capri. Again, just like Friday, the kids willingly took on every opportunity and chance to experience Italy. We took the Funicolare up to Capri, then walked from Capri to the Villa Jovis, one of Tiberius' twelve villas on the island. Even had a little chat about architecture and archaeology of the first century, A.D. We then strolled back, stopping at a spot for my treat of granite di limone (refreshing and sweet!), and caught a bus back in Capri up the cliffs to Anacapri. From there, we caught a chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the other peak of Capri island (Villa Jovis is on the other one), and got FABULOUS pictures of the view of the island, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Bay of Naples completely. With swollen feet and exhausted kiddos, we returned to the marina grande of Capri and caught a boat back to Sorrento. Some kids chose to immediately return to the hotel, where they spent some time at the pool and snack bar. Barbara and Stephen joined me for a few more hours around Sorrento, visiting the lemon grove and having a nice lunch. We all met back at the hotel, cleaned up again, and returned together to Sorrento to enjoy a great dinner (and an entertaining waiter) at Zi'Ntonio's, located near the Piazza Tasso. We all then enjoyed another sunset on the cliffs, and had a few hours of free time to stroll the streets with the locals of Sorrento before returning to the hotel, exhausted and filled with the spirit of Sorrento.
Sunday morning, we slept in, and several of us met for breakfast (very nice spread) before our bus picked us up at 12 noon for a 6-hour drive to Siena. That traffic-filled, winding ride out of Sorrento to Naples always takes down a group, and, as usual, we were all pale-faced and weak by the time we got up from the cliffs. We arrived into Siena around 6:30 to meet our homestay families, and everyone headed to their Siena home to have their first dinner and a good night's sleep before classes today!
The kiddos are almost already done with their first day of classes, and we'll go for a stroll through town to learn about the city of Siena, and the basic services they have for us! I can't express to you how proud I have been of them this far in the trip. You have some amazing kiddos - appreciative, mature, adventurous - as I told them on our bus ride yesterday, they have given me the best experience I've ever had as a Director this far!
As I shared in past blogs, this week offers many big transitions for the kids - they're truly learning how to live a completely different life! Homesickness and culture shock will plague them. Some situations will be challenging for them, and others will be fascinating. If you hear from your kids, offer an open ear and share your love with them, as you always would. Ask them questions (rather than offering solutions) if they seem to be challenged by a situation. If you have concerns, please feel free to contact Jeremy, who will get to me immediately. Again, your kids are so mature and such great communicators that I feel very confident in their ability to work with me and the school in making their experience in Italy as safe and comfortable as possible!
Please know that I will be spending all my internet time on these blogs, and not looking at the group. You have the ability to post comments about any blog, and, believe me, if you're thinking of something, another parent has the same thought. Please post comments here, and I can easily reply to them!
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my own love for Italy with your students - I can already see them developing the same apprecation . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
What a great first weekend we had! We were so busy that I didn't get a second to steal away to an internet stop. So, here it goes . . .
Everyone met up at Newark airport, over a stretch of about 5 hours. They were all excited to head out, and even more ready to meet each other. The flight to Fiumicino was very comfortable and pleasant, but the kiddos had a hard time going to sleep, knowing that the next place we'll plant our feet was Italy! The plane was nice, and service was great - everyone even had their own small TV screen for watching TV shows, movies, or even playing games, which made the flight pass far more quickly.
We landed into FCO, and easily passed through Passport check and Customs, to find our bags arriving on the belts as we were coming to baggage claim. And everyone's bag arrived!!! This could possibly be my first time to have not problems with bags!!! We met our driver (Franco) after a little bit of a hunt, and piled onto the nice, comfortable bus to head to Pompeii. A good opportunity for everyone to have a 2-hour rest before hitting the cobblestones of Pompeii! We walked through the entire city, from the Theatre to the Amphitheatre, to the Forum, then up to the Villa dei Mysteri! Slightly jetlagged, very tired, sweaty, and covered in Pompeiian dust, everyone climbed onto the bus to enjoy the beautiful drive along the Sorrentine peninsula, until we arrived at our hotel (fancy - 5-star). The kids wanted to simply crash then, but I gave them an hour to clean up, and we went into town for our first night's stroll - dinner at a pizzeria, and the best gelato in town, plus a nice visit to the sunset! Upon returning to the hotel, I don't think anyone saw 10 PM (including me)!
Saturday brought us an EARLY rising - we had to catch 7 AM taxis to get to the Marina Piccola in Sorrento for a boat out to Capri. Again, just like Friday, the kids willingly took on every opportunity and chance to experience Italy. We took the Funicolare up to Capri, then walked from Capri to the Villa Jovis, one of Tiberius' twelve villas on the island. Even had a little chat about architecture and archaeology of the first century, A.D. We then strolled back, stopping at a spot for my treat of granite di limone (refreshing and sweet!), and caught a bus back in Capri up the cliffs to Anacapri. From there, we caught a chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the other peak of Capri island (Villa Jovis is on the other one), and got FABULOUS pictures of the view of the island, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Bay of Naples completely. With swollen feet and exhausted kiddos, we returned to the marina grande of Capri and caught a boat back to Sorrento. Some kids chose to immediately return to the hotel, where they spent some time at the pool and snack bar. Barbara and Stephen joined me for a few more hours around Sorrento, visiting the lemon grove and having a nice lunch. We all met back at the hotel, cleaned up again, and returned together to Sorrento to enjoy a great dinner (and an entertaining waiter) at Zi'Ntonio's, located near the Piazza Tasso. We all then enjoyed another sunset on the cliffs, and had a few hours of free time to stroll the streets with the locals of Sorrento before returning to the hotel, exhausted and filled with the spirit of Sorrento.
Sunday morning, we slept in, and several of us met for breakfast (very nice spread) before our bus picked us up at 12 noon for a 6-hour drive to Siena. That traffic-filled, winding ride out of Sorrento to Naples always takes down a group, and, as usual, we were all pale-faced and weak by the time we got up from the cliffs. We arrived into Siena around 6:30 to meet our homestay families, and everyone headed to their Siena home to have their first dinner and a good night's sleep before classes today!
The kiddos are almost already done with their first day of classes, and we'll go for a stroll through town to learn about the city of Siena, and the basic services they have for us! I can't express to you how proud I have been of them this far in the trip. You have some amazing kiddos - appreciative, mature, adventurous - as I told them on our bus ride yesterday, they have given me the best experience I've ever had as a Director this far!
As I shared in past blogs, this week offers many big transitions for the kids - they're truly learning how to live a completely different life! Homesickness and culture shock will plague them. Some situations will be challenging for them, and others will be fascinating. If you hear from your kids, offer an open ear and share your love with them, as you always would. Ask them questions (rather than offering solutions) if they seem to be challenged by a situation. If you have concerns, please feel free to contact Jeremy, who will get to me immediately. Again, your kids are so mature and such great communicators that I feel very confident in their ability to work with me and the school in making their experience in Italy as safe and comfortable as possible!
Please know that I will be spending all my internet time on these blogs, and not looking at the group. You have the ability to post comments about any blog, and, believe me, if you're thinking of something, another parent has the same thought. Please post comments here, and I can easily reply to them!
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my own love for Italy with your students - I can already see them developing the same apprecation . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Last-minute Packing Tips
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
This could be my last entry before our departure on Thursday . . . how quickly this time has flown!
So, here's my philosophy on packing: As long as you have your passport and deodorant, you can get anything else when we arrive. Now, with that said, you'll see that even I perform the crime of overpacking (but I'm working on whittling down the piles right now) - it's innate to want to make sure that you have not omitted anything before our fun trip!
Jeremy included a great packing list on pages 5 and 6 of the Orientation folder which you received to prepare for the trip. Follow it closely (yes, I think it's madness to pack such few tops and bottoms, too, but believe me, it preserves your sanity and strength). And even though the bolded section in "Electronics" seems madness, too, please take it seriously. You can buy a hairdryer when you arrive into Siena (we'll have them in our hotel in Sorrento) - your homestay may even already have one there!
As for the rest of the list, let's dissect it a little for clarification:
Clothes - believe me, you'll think you've overpacked if you put in more than what's recommended. You'll have time to do laundry (or have laundry done) at least once a week. Definitely want a swimsuit - I think we just got upgraded to a hotel with a pool in Sorrento, and you may want to journey out to the Tuscan beach for one of our free Sundays! Also, I choose to wear my swimsuit on our heavy touring days (Capri), rather than pit out another pair of underwear. Much easier to clean in the shower. You can combine the sweater/sweatshirt/jacket combination - I am bringing a cardigan to help me with that magic. And, my best advice, pack in themes. Almost all of my skirts/capris will go with any of my tops I'm packing. As I said before, pick out your favorite pair of dress shoes, and pack your "nice" outfit to match with it.
Toiletries - Everything on there is good. Be sure to pack any medication in your carry-on, and, if it's prescription, have it in its original bottle (for custom's sake).
Miscellaneous - great suggestions here. May I add one or two more? Bring a keychain so that you'll have a way to carry any keys to your homestay (we aren't tourists anymore!). If you need something to use to read at night, or for the sake of just having light around when it's dark at night, consider bringing a mini flashlight or maglight . . . wait . . . aren't there ones with a keychain link on them? :) And the more you can combine, the better (watch with an alarm clock? Windbreaker jacket which doubles as a raincoat?). I'll take you by a school supply store the first day we're in Siena, so don't overload with the supplies before we're there.
Do not bring - Seriously, if you can't live without it, you can probably live without it during our three weeks together. Every year, I leave behind my engagement ring just to make sure it's not going to become an Italian trade piece - ensured as it is, it's still in better shape sitting in my jewelry box at home. And if it's a "just in case" thing, you can buy it there. We are living in a civilized area of the world where there are grocery stores and department stores.
Carryon - This isn't mentioned much in the orientation folder, so I thought I'd give you my "from an experienced traveler" carryon packing list, and reasons (for those of you who doubt):
Passport - once we get through customs in Roma, I'll take this from you, and you'll get it back from me the day of our return to the US. thus...
Copy of Passport
Master Checklist - to turn in to me when we meet at Newark
Few favorite snacks - our first day of arrival is going to feel like the LONGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. Your schedules will be totally off - it'll feel to your body that we're landing in Rome at midnight, and I'll expect you to pick up and hop to the bus, hop to Pompeii, and hop through over half of Pompeii before we stop at the cafeteria for lunch. Remember those cheese and cracker combos I gave you in the baggie (Maddy, you're getting yours when we meet in Newark)? They're for our first day.
Change of clothes - just pack your cute outfit for Capri in the carryon. That way, if our bags are lost and we can't get them until Sunday, you're still looking cute. But with good sturdy walking shoes. Which brings to mind...
Necessary toiletries - not your entire makeup kit from home, or the large bottles of shampoo. Just what you'd need if we lost our bags. And please remember that we're staying in a NICE hotel in Sorrento - they'll have the usuals (shampoo, soap, etc.).
Prescription medicine - if you'll need it within 48 hours, it should be in your carry-on. And please be sure it is in that original container!
Whatever you need for plane entertainment/comfort - Kids, it's a long trip. We'll get movies, and I'll encourage you to sleep on the plane, but you'll be too excited. And I'm not perky on flights, thanks to Dramamine. Sudoku? Crosswords? My monthly newsletters (you've GOT to know some of those Italian words by now)? A good novel? My husband just bought me a hand-held Solitaire game, which will get me through ALL the travel on Thursday! :) Also, I make it a point to bring comfy socks, and quickly get out of my shoes when we board. Perhaps earplugs or an eyemask for those of you who can't do noise or light?
I am so thrilled to see all of you on Thursday! Please feel free to COMMENT to this blog for any last-minute questions - I'll be doing all updates through this blog only, rather than with the group.
BIG HUGS,
Laura :)
This could be my last entry before our departure on Thursday . . . how quickly this time has flown!
So, here's my philosophy on packing: As long as you have your passport and deodorant, you can get anything else when we arrive. Now, with that said, you'll see that even I perform the crime of overpacking (but I'm working on whittling down the piles right now) - it's innate to want to make sure that you have not omitted anything before our fun trip!
Jeremy included a great packing list on pages 5 and 6 of the Orientation folder which you received to prepare for the trip. Follow it closely (yes, I think it's madness to pack such few tops and bottoms, too, but believe me, it preserves your sanity and strength). And even though the bolded section in "Electronics" seems madness, too, please take it seriously. You can buy a hairdryer when you arrive into Siena (we'll have them in our hotel in Sorrento) - your homestay may even already have one there!
As for the rest of the list, let's dissect it a little for clarification:
Clothes - believe me, you'll think you've overpacked if you put in more than what's recommended. You'll have time to do laundry (or have laundry done) at least once a week. Definitely want a swimsuit - I think we just got upgraded to a hotel with a pool in Sorrento, and you may want to journey out to the Tuscan beach for one of our free Sundays! Also, I choose to wear my swimsuit on our heavy touring days (Capri), rather than pit out another pair of underwear. Much easier to clean in the shower. You can combine the sweater/sweatshirt/jacket combination - I am bringing a cardigan to help me with that magic. And, my best advice, pack in themes. Almost all of my skirts/capris will go with any of my tops I'm packing. As I said before, pick out your favorite pair of dress shoes, and pack your "nice" outfit to match with it.
Toiletries - Everything on there is good. Be sure to pack any medication in your carry-on, and, if it's prescription, have it in its original bottle (for custom's sake).
Miscellaneous - great suggestions here. May I add one or two more? Bring a keychain so that you'll have a way to carry any keys to your homestay (we aren't tourists anymore!). If you need something to use to read at night, or for the sake of just having light around when it's dark at night, consider bringing a mini flashlight or maglight . . . wait . . . aren't there ones with a keychain link on them? :) And the more you can combine, the better (watch with an alarm clock? Windbreaker jacket which doubles as a raincoat?). I'll take you by a school supply store the first day we're in Siena, so don't overload with the supplies before we're there.
Do not bring - Seriously, if you can't live without it, you can probably live without it during our three weeks together. Every year, I leave behind my engagement ring just to make sure it's not going to become an Italian trade piece - ensured as it is, it's still in better shape sitting in my jewelry box at home. And if it's a "just in case" thing, you can buy it there. We are living in a civilized area of the world where there are grocery stores and department stores.
Carryon - This isn't mentioned much in the orientation folder, so I thought I'd give you my "from an experienced traveler" carryon packing list, and reasons (for those of you who doubt):
Passport - once we get through customs in Roma, I'll take this from you, and you'll get it back from me the day of our return to the US. thus...
Copy of Passport
Master Checklist - to turn in to me when we meet at Newark
Few favorite snacks - our first day of arrival is going to feel like the LONGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. Your schedules will be totally off - it'll feel to your body that we're landing in Rome at midnight, and I'll expect you to pick up and hop to the bus, hop to Pompeii, and hop through over half of Pompeii before we stop at the cafeteria for lunch. Remember those cheese and cracker combos I gave you in the baggie (Maddy, you're getting yours when we meet in Newark)? They're for our first day.
Change of clothes - just pack your cute outfit for Capri in the carryon. That way, if our bags are lost and we can't get them until Sunday, you're still looking cute. But with good sturdy walking shoes. Which brings to mind...
Necessary toiletries - not your entire makeup kit from home, or the large bottles of shampoo. Just what you'd need if we lost our bags. And please remember that we're staying in a NICE hotel in Sorrento - they'll have the usuals (shampoo, soap, etc.).
Prescription medicine - if you'll need it within 48 hours, it should be in your carry-on. And please be sure it is in that original container!
Whatever you need for plane entertainment/comfort - Kids, it's a long trip. We'll get movies, and I'll encourage you to sleep on the plane, but you'll be too excited. And I'm not perky on flights, thanks to Dramamine. Sudoku? Crosswords? My monthly newsletters (you've GOT to know some of those Italian words by now)? A good novel? My husband just bought me a hand-held Solitaire game, which will get me through ALL the travel on Thursday! :) Also, I make it a point to bring comfy socks, and quickly get out of my shoes when we board. Perhaps earplugs or an eyemask for those of you who can't do noise or light?
I am so thrilled to see all of you on Thursday! Please feel free to COMMENT to this blog for any last-minute questions - I'll be doing all updates through this blog only, rather than with the group.
BIG HUGS,
Laura :)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Homesickness and Culture Shock
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Last Thursday, while in my dorm room at cheer camp (yes, I'm alive and in one piece), I realized that we have only TWO weeks left. And now, that's just 1.5 weeks left. If you're in Dallas, be sure to come by Penne Pomodoro at noon on Thursday, June 12, for final chats and questions. Those of you who are not in the Dallas area, please send out e-mails with comments and questions! You can always access each other's information through the SPIItaly 2008 Google group, if you'd like to get to know your roommate!
Parents, this one is more for you, while, students, these are good signs to watch out for, especially during our first week or so.
Homesickness and Culture shock are real, and can really affect your point of view whenever you're experiencing life in another place than the comfort of your home. Those of you who have been to camp or have spent an extended time traveling understand this feeling. It's that irritibility with everyone and everything around you, for no explicable reason. Or perhaps it's a terrible longing for something you can't determine. It can even get so severe as to cause physical problems, including gastro-intestinal problems or headaches. Anyone (and probably everyone) can be a victim to culture shock. I know I have a little bit of it every time I get to Italy, and I've been going almost every summer since 1995!
Parents, when you speak to your kiddos during their first week's stay in Siena, they may say some things which are strongly indicative of culture shock or homesickness. When you hear these phrases, you need to understand that they're just wanting you to listen to them, and be compassionate with them. Let me share some standard phrases which indicate homesickness, and the actual translation of these things you'll hear:
What they say: "They don't feed me enough/The food is terrible"
What they mean: "I'm not being fed what I want"
What they say: "They yell (at me) a lot"
Translation: It's a tendency to raise one's voice in common conversation in Italian, but it doesn't indicate anger - rather, it's just part of the excitement of speaking Italian.
What they say: "I'm bored/There's nothing for me to do"
What they mean: "I'm hiding away in my homestay/Not getting out at all or meeting people/not taking advantage of the many opportunities Laura is offering"
What they say: "I can't understand anything"
What they mean: "I'm not practicing the language or seeking out help with learning Italian"
What they say: "I live SO far away from everyone"
Translation: Siena is a VERY small town. And even the homestays outside of the wall are never more than a 1/4 or 1/2 mile walk from the walls. "I'm not used to using something besides a car to transport myself"
What they say: "I don't like my homestay (for whatever reason)"
What they mean: "It's not home" (what a wonderful experience for a teenager to realize how much they appreciate what YOU have created for them!)
Of course, if your child is bringing up issues of discomfort, they probably haven't spoken to me about it yet. Please contact SPI if you hear about anything which truly concerns you. In the Parent Departure Powerpoint, I ask you to please contact SPI if you hear about anything inappropriate/unsafe, or if you want to share anything great/inspiring (Jeremy really needs it during these months of management). They will contact me immediately (even if it's in the middle of the night), and I'll speak to your child the very next time I see them. My first question to the student will always be, "Are you inconvenienced, or are you uncomfortable?"
I'm here to always be a support to your child. Always. My number one job is to ensure your child's safety and well-being on this trip. I also am in daily communication with the homestays (through the school homestay secretary - yes, they have a person at Dante Alighieri whose job is JUST to be in communication with homestays and me). As my theme has been throughout these blogs, COMMUNICATION will keep all people happy.
With this said, what a WONDERFUL experience for your child to learn appreciation for the comforts of home by living in such a beautiful other world for a few weeks! And in Tuscany - truly, a paradise not many people have the chance to experience. I can't wait to share this time with all of you!
Hugs,
Laura :)
Last Thursday, while in my dorm room at cheer camp (yes, I'm alive and in one piece), I realized that we have only TWO weeks left. And now, that's just 1.5 weeks left. If you're in Dallas, be sure to come by Penne Pomodoro at noon on Thursday, June 12, for final chats and questions. Those of you who are not in the Dallas area, please send out e-mails with comments and questions! You can always access each other's information through the SPIItaly 2008 Google group, if you'd like to get to know your roommate!
Parents, this one is more for you, while, students, these are good signs to watch out for, especially during our first week or so.
Homesickness and Culture shock are real, and can really affect your point of view whenever you're experiencing life in another place than the comfort of your home. Those of you who have been to camp or have spent an extended time traveling understand this feeling. It's that irritibility with everyone and everything around you, for no explicable reason. Or perhaps it's a terrible longing for something you can't determine. It can even get so severe as to cause physical problems, including gastro-intestinal problems or headaches. Anyone (and probably everyone) can be a victim to culture shock. I know I have a little bit of it every time I get to Italy, and I've been going almost every summer since 1995!
Parents, when you speak to your kiddos during their first week's stay in Siena, they may say some things which are strongly indicative of culture shock or homesickness. When you hear these phrases, you need to understand that they're just wanting you to listen to them, and be compassionate with them. Let me share some standard phrases which indicate homesickness, and the actual translation of these things you'll hear:
What they say: "They don't feed me enough/The food is terrible"
What they mean: "I'm not being fed what I want"
What they say: "They yell (at me) a lot"
Translation: It's a tendency to raise one's voice in common conversation in Italian, but it doesn't indicate anger - rather, it's just part of the excitement of speaking Italian.
What they say: "I'm bored/There's nothing for me to do"
What they mean: "I'm hiding away in my homestay/Not getting out at all or meeting people/not taking advantage of the many opportunities Laura is offering"
What they say: "I can't understand anything"
What they mean: "I'm not practicing the language or seeking out help with learning Italian"
What they say: "I live SO far away from everyone"
Translation: Siena is a VERY small town. And even the homestays outside of the wall are never more than a 1/4 or 1/2 mile walk from the walls. "I'm not used to using something besides a car to transport myself"
What they say: "I don't like my homestay (for whatever reason)"
What they mean: "It's not home" (what a wonderful experience for a teenager to realize how much they appreciate what YOU have created for them!)
Of course, if your child is bringing up issues of discomfort, they probably haven't spoken to me about it yet. Please contact SPI if you hear about anything which truly concerns you. In the Parent Departure Powerpoint, I ask you to please contact SPI if you hear about anything inappropriate/unsafe, or if you want to share anything great/inspiring (Jeremy really needs it during these months of management). They will contact me immediately (even if it's in the middle of the night), and I'll speak to your child the very next time I see them. My first question to the student will always be, "Are you inconvenienced, or are you uncomfortable?"
I'm here to always be a support to your child. Always. My number one job is to ensure your child's safety and well-being on this trip. I also am in daily communication with the homestays (through the school homestay secretary - yes, they have a person at Dante Alighieri whose job is JUST to be in communication with homestays and me). As my theme has been throughout these blogs, COMMUNICATION will keep all people happy.
With this said, what a WONDERFUL experience for your child to learn appreciation for the comforts of home by living in such a beautiful other world for a few weeks! And in Tuscany - truly, a paradise not many people have the chance to experience. I can't wait to share this time with all of you!
Hugs,
Laura :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)