Yes, I know - this is an ITALY blog - says so in the title! However, after 15 years of going to Italy (yes, friends - since 1995, with Baylor - the first Baylor in Italy group), I am finally branching out and heading to France this week!
First of all, thank you, Mlle. May (http://spienfrance.blogspot.com/) for your French talk with me earlier this week! I can't wait to share this experience with you and whatever random other person wants to see ME in culture shock. Yes, kids - I do expect it - remember those feelings you had at the beginning of the Italy trip, and you wished I could sympathize? I did, and I REALLY will this time - the only phrase I really have down is "je ne parle pas Francais", and maybe "ou sont les toilettes?". Maybe "je voudrais deux croissants, sil vous plait".
Upon our arrival, Jay and I immediately head to the Loire Valley, where we join family and friends at the end of their week's stay at a chateau - www.loirechateau.com - and I can't wait to see what is in store for us in this experience! Already have done a few firsts:
1. Pre-reserved train tickets. Craziness to me. And bigger craziness that the price changes, like airfare, as you get closer to the departure? No more 18E 3-hour a/c'd bus rides for us - we're paying over 10 times than that for a two-hour train ride!
2. Accepted the fact that I'm not the super-tourist. My mother-in-law found some rockin' awesome fares and trains which would get us into Tours a few hours' earlier, but, upon realizing that I'd never navigated CDG, nor the shuttles, nor Montparnasse Gare, I knew I couldn't make those trips in the time given. AUGH
3. Set important goals for the trip. I'll be teaching an English class along with my Latin classes in the next academic year, so I have a novel to complete. Also, knowing the delicacies France has to offer, I MUST have a cheese and wine every day. Crepes will happen sometime during the trip, but probably not every day - I'm saving myself for fromage. Also, we are there for two Sundays. I'd love to be able to attend Mass or Vespers at least twice during our stay - one Sunday is in Avignon, after all! I was thinking it would be fun to pick up some papal stuff during my few days in Avignon (we are there two days during the cruise), but I hesitate, being the self-respecting Roman I am ("City of the Popes" belongs to one city only, thank you!!! At least St. Catherine shares the same opinion)
Our second night is in Villeneuve des Avignon (SP?), at a BEAUTIFUL hotel which Nancy (suocera mia) found - http://www.hostellerie-la-magnaneraie.com/ - and, yes, I will be doing some pool time there.
So, see - we all have the fun of newness for this summer! I hope to find a computer - our boat is wireless - and get a posting or two during this trip! But until then . . .
Laura :)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Il giorno ultimo!!!!
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Wow - I can't believe it's our last day in Siena! How time has REALLY flown by!!! Yesterday was a "free" day for the kids - some did a little shopping at the market, some enjoyed hanging around town, some caught up on e-mails.
Today, the kids will be taking a test in class. I absolutely LOVE how they handle examinations and grading here (it's how I think we should do it) - the teacher scores the test, and considers the student's improvement as an individual (not on a score of 1 - 100), and decides if the individual has been putting in the effort to learn something.
Can I just stop and say how many times the kids' teachers have told me how impressed they are with our group's performance this year?
This afternoon, we all return to our homestays to get everything packed up (mettere - it's such a great verb - with one verb, you can make the bed, pack your suitcase, clean your room, and organize papers) before we meet at 4:45 for the festa di pizza, where we'll make pizzas and dessert from scratch, then enjoy it together. It's so much fun, and we'll be getting lots of videos and pictures of the kids making everything. Oh, and they can enter the kitchen, only after they are able to conjugate the verbs "to have" and "to be". What a great last-night-in-Siena experience!
Tomorrow morning, we meet at the train station at 8 AM, and take a private bus (thank you, SPI) directly to our hotel in Rome, which is in an AWESOME location (thank you, again, and even more, SPI). We will tour all the ancient stuff of Rome tomorrow - the Imperial Fora, the Colosseum, the Forum, the Mamertine Prison, the monument to Vittorio Emanuele, the Theatre of Marcellus, the Forum Boarium, the Bocca della Verita) - it's a sweat fest, but very interesting. When I used to get homesick when living in Rome over the summers, I'd always find comfort by sitting in the Forum, reconnecting myself with my ancient Roman family. Friday night, we'll eat at a great restaurant - Pancrazio - which is located right over the foundations of the Theatre of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was really killed (not in the Forum, as according to Shakespeare).
Then, on Saturday, we get to take a nice morning stroll through the center of town - the Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza del Popolo, the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), the Cappucin Crypt, Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon, and then stop for lunch at the Piazza Navona. Everyone gets Saturday afternoon to do their own thing - I'll encourage most people to go to the Vatican museums with Dana, but I've got an idea for those few others who have already been to the Vatican. In the late afternoon, we'll meet up at the Vatican to suffer the security lines and enter into the beautiful Basilica, then return to the hotel for showers and a last night's dinner at a great pizzeria, Montecarlo.
Oh, and Tartuffo at Tre Scalini will happen sometime in there, too.
Then, the flight home on Sunday!!!
I want to thank all of you for blessing me with such a great group of kids this year - really, this has been the best experience for me, in all seven years I've done this. I can't wait to show them around Rome - my second home.
Grazie tanti,
Laura
Wow - I can't believe it's our last day in Siena! How time has REALLY flown by!!! Yesterday was a "free" day for the kids - some did a little shopping at the market, some enjoyed hanging around town, some caught up on e-mails.
Today, the kids will be taking a test in class. I absolutely LOVE how they handle examinations and grading here (it's how I think we should do it) - the teacher scores the test, and considers the student's improvement as an individual (not on a score of 1 - 100), and decides if the individual has been putting in the effort to learn something.
Can I just stop and say how many times the kids' teachers have told me how impressed they are with our group's performance this year?
This afternoon, we all return to our homestays to get everything packed up (mettere - it's such a great verb - with one verb, you can make the bed, pack your suitcase, clean your room, and organize papers) before we meet at 4:45 for the festa di pizza, where we'll make pizzas and dessert from scratch, then enjoy it together. It's so much fun, and we'll be getting lots of videos and pictures of the kids making everything. Oh, and they can enter the kitchen, only after they are able to conjugate the verbs "to have" and "to be". What a great last-night-in-Siena experience!
Tomorrow morning, we meet at the train station at 8 AM, and take a private bus (thank you, SPI) directly to our hotel in Rome, which is in an AWESOME location (thank you, again, and even more, SPI). We will tour all the ancient stuff of Rome tomorrow - the Imperial Fora, the Colosseum, the Forum, the Mamertine Prison, the monument to Vittorio Emanuele, the Theatre of Marcellus, the Forum Boarium, the Bocca della Verita) - it's a sweat fest, but very interesting. When I used to get homesick when living in Rome over the summers, I'd always find comfort by sitting in the Forum, reconnecting myself with my ancient Roman family. Friday night, we'll eat at a great restaurant - Pancrazio - which is located right over the foundations of the Theatre of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was really killed (not in the Forum, as according to Shakespeare).
Then, on Saturday, we get to take a nice morning stroll through the center of town - the Mausoleum of Augustus, Piazza del Popolo, the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), the Cappucin Crypt, Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon, and then stop for lunch at the Piazza Navona. Everyone gets Saturday afternoon to do their own thing - I'll encourage most people to go to the Vatican museums with Dana, but I've got an idea for those few others who have already been to the Vatican. In the late afternoon, we'll meet up at the Vatican to suffer the security lines and enter into the beautiful Basilica, then return to the hotel for showers and a last night's dinner at a great pizzeria, Montecarlo.
Oh, and Tartuffo at Tre Scalini will happen sometime in there, too.
Then, the flight home on Sunday!!!
I want to thank all of you for blessing me with such a great group of kids this year - really, this has been the best experience for me, in all seven years I've done this. I can't wait to show them around Rome - my second home.
Grazie tanti,
Laura
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Homestay Experience
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Seeing as we'll be leaving for Rome on Friday morning, I thought I'd give you two more entries, today and Thursday!
When your child returns home, you can probably have a week's worth of discussion about their homestay family, experience, and communication lessons. I know that I have a LOAD of them, just from my own homestay, and I thought I'd share a little about my own with you!
My homestay mom is generous, loving, caring, and hospitable. She wants every person who stays in her home to be comfortable and well-cared for. She's also an excellent Italian teacher, always wanting to help us improve in our speaking (seeing as that's our biggest goal here). She has had a blessed life, but not without difficulties - her husband passed away around 11 years ago (I think), and she just lost her son - who is just a little older than I - about a year and a half ago. Seeing as I have stayed with her for five years out of the past six (took one year off to get married to a WONDERFUL, UNDERSTANDING husband - I love you, Jay), I have seen her life go through changes, and appreciate her even more now that I did at my first stay. And she has seen me go through changes, too - going from single and dating, to married (and graciously inviting my husband to stay with me and enjoy living in her house and eating at her table). She's been with me through many challenges with students (I haven't said enough about how wonderful your kiddos in this group are), and with my inability to communicate with her as well as I wish I could.
Just as in any house, there are quirks with the house. The shower head leaks if you don't push the handle all the way up against the hot direction, or else the hot water drips out and is wasted (miscommunication on my part the first year - I took cold showers the entire time, thinking that she didn't want me to WASTE the hot water), and the button on the upstairs handle needs only be pushed a few millimeters to work, or else the toilet quits working (not good, when you have post-travel tummy fun). When, in my third year there (and my husband's first year), I thought she was upset about our both taking showers every day, but it turns out she just wants to be able to clean the shower between each person's use, to assure good cleanliness in the house! Even this year, I have had more misunderstandings, all on my part, but care for Dina so greatly that I want to make sure there's always peace in the house.
When we eat, well, it's a beautiful and miserable experience, all at once. Dina is a great cook, and her food is always delicious. She generously serves us HUGE servings (cracks me up to see our roommate get served the large bowl of pasta - and he eats it all!), and talks about the fact that if you don't eat well, you can't study and learn well. At the end of dinner, every night, we have to go for a walk after dinner, because a human can't sleep well with as much good food as is on our stomachs (Jay learned that in his first year).
While I'm really happy that we're going home on Sunday, I do leave behind a little myself with Dina every year. I care greatly about her, and wish her well, hoping that I get the privilege to stay with her again the next year. She's my mama Italiana. ;)
L ;)
Seeing as we'll be leaving for Rome on Friday morning, I thought I'd give you two more entries, today and Thursday!
When your child returns home, you can probably have a week's worth of discussion about their homestay family, experience, and communication lessons. I know that I have a LOAD of them, just from my own homestay, and I thought I'd share a little about my own with you!
My homestay mom is generous, loving, caring, and hospitable. She wants every person who stays in her home to be comfortable and well-cared for. She's also an excellent Italian teacher, always wanting to help us improve in our speaking (seeing as that's our biggest goal here). She has had a blessed life, but not without difficulties - her husband passed away around 11 years ago (I think), and she just lost her son - who is just a little older than I - about a year and a half ago. Seeing as I have stayed with her for five years out of the past six (took one year off to get married to a WONDERFUL, UNDERSTANDING husband - I love you, Jay), I have seen her life go through changes, and appreciate her even more now that I did at my first stay. And she has seen me go through changes, too - going from single and dating, to married (and graciously inviting my husband to stay with me and enjoy living in her house and eating at her table). She's been with me through many challenges with students (I haven't said enough about how wonderful your kiddos in this group are), and with my inability to communicate with her as well as I wish I could.
Just as in any house, there are quirks with the house. The shower head leaks if you don't push the handle all the way up against the hot direction, or else the hot water drips out and is wasted (miscommunication on my part the first year - I took cold showers the entire time, thinking that she didn't want me to WASTE the hot water), and the button on the upstairs handle needs only be pushed a few millimeters to work, or else the toilet quits working (not good, when you have post-travel tummy fun). When, in my third year there (and my husband's first year), I thought she was upset about our both taking showers every day, but it turns out she just wants to be able to clean the shower between each person's use, to assure good cleanliness in the house! Even this year, I have had more misunderstandings, all on my part, but care for Dina so greatly that I want to make sure there's always peace in the house.
When we eat, well, it's a beautiful and miserable experience, all at once. Dina is a great cook, and her food is always delicious. She generously serves us HUGE servings (cracks me up to see our roommate get served the large bowl of pasta - and he eats it all!), and talks about the fact that if you don't eat well, you can't study and learn well. At the end of dinner, every night, we have to go for a walk after dinner, because a human can't sleep well with as much good food as is on our stomachs (Jay learned that in his first year).
While I'm really happy that we're going home on Sunday, I do leave behind a little myself with Dina every year. I care greatly about her, and wish her well, hoping that I get the privilege to stay with her again the next year. She's my mama Italiana. ;)
L ;)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Dolce Senesi
In the midst of all the trip business I've been sharing with you, I have completely overseen the priorities - DAILY LIFE, which is so beautiful in Siena!
First of all, the Campo is the center piazza of the city. Siena is situated on two hills (and surrounding areas), with the Campo in the center (they call it the "drain", and there really is a central drain in there). When it rains, it's a crazy-good drainage system.
And rain, it has. It has rained on us practically every day. In other places, and on other touring experiences, this may seem like a hindrance, but the kids have learned to really appreciate it. Often, the day starts off stifling and warm (when you have A/C nowhere, your body learns to handle the weather differently), then the clouds blow in, and we get a little cloudburst (this stay, usually with some thunder, even we rarely see lightning), then it's cool with a nice breeze the rest of the time. The weather groups say that this is supposed to stop tomorrow, and it'll get a little warmer, but that's fine - we can pit out our clothes this week, and bring them back home for cleaning in our washing machines at home. Dirty laundry is the best packing material for pricey gifts - no one's going digging through that!!!
And the kids are learning to appreciate the sweets of Siena. We're still on the search for the best gelateria (I know my favorite one, but often students challenge me on this by the end of the trip), and we have some avid seekers. But, in Siena, baked goods are the BOMB. There are:
Ricarelli - soft, sweet cookies which are dusted with powdered sugar. I bring these home every trip, but they often harden before you can serve them to family, so they're probably not coming home with me this time (sorry, Mom);
Cantucci - really hard cookies which look (and are made) like biscotti. Caveat: if your child brings these home, don't eat them straight up - you'll break your teeth on them! They're intended to be served with vin santo, a very strong after-dinner wine - you fill shot glasses halfway with the vin santo, then put the cantucci in the glasses to soak, before eating them. I guess you could use regular wine to serve these, if your kiddo brings them home without vin santo, but it's just not the same . . .
Panforte and Panpepato: I am not the biggest fruitcake fan (even though I AM a fruitcake - parrotheads!!!), but this is something completely different. It's a small, round cake, but far thicker in consistency than cake, with nuts and candied fruit in it. I serve this in small slices to friends and family - a little goes a long way. The ingredients differ a little between the two, but they both have the same intent, which is totally accomplished - YUM
If your child brings anything else home (ciambelli or ciambellini - little cookies; dolci tipici - typical sweets), feel free to share on these, or ask questions! Above are the standard, common ones.
Of course, there are Baci ("kisses"), which are sold throughout Italy. It's something I encourage kids to buy when we're hanging out in the international lobby, waiting for our flight, to bring home to you. They're a little bigger than Hershey's kisses, and always have little bits of hazelnuts in them. Several of the kids on the trip have discovered their love for Nutella (seriously, Alex, Nutella on goldfish?), so you may see some containers of that in their bags, too. Please know I DON'T enourage that! :) It sits right next to the peanut butter at home . . . DUDE
This week, the music school in town (Chigiana - originally sponsored by the Chigi family) is hosting the beginning of their summer music program, and they have concerts every night. Each concert (like at home) is sponsored by a different group or company, and sometimes they give great discounts for students (i.e. our kids), so I encourage students to check out the concerts, if they're interested. Actually, during our last night (when we have our pizza-making party at the culinary school), they have a concert in La Piazza di Jacopo Della Quercia, which is pretty much an open locale. They have a small amount of seating, but the public can sit on the steps by the Duomo and still enjoy the beautiful concert. We may just go there together after our fabulous dinner of pizza, to enjoy our last evening in Siena!
Then, there's always the option to just hang out at home or in the Campo in the evenings, an absolutely enchanting experience!!!
Grazie tanti!
Laura :)
First of all, the Campo is the center piazza of the city. Siena is situated on two hills (and surrounding areas), with the Campo in the center (they call it the "drain", and there really is a central drain in there). When it rains, it's a crazy-good drainage system.
And rain, it has. It has rained on us practically every day. In other places, and on other touring experiences, this may seem like a hindrance, but the kids have learned to really appreciate it. Often, the day starts off stifling and warm (when you have A/C nowhere, your body learns to handle the weather differently), then the clouds blow in, and we get a little cloudburst (this stay, usually with some thunder, even we rarely see lightning), then it's cool with a nice breeze the rest of the time. The weather groups say that this is supposed to stop tomorrow, and it'll get a little warmer, but that's fine - we can pit out our clothes this week, and bring them back home for cleaning in our washing machines at home. Dirty laundry is the best packing material for pricey gifts - no one's going digging through that!!!
And the kids are learning to appreciate the sweets of Siena. We're still on the search for the best gelateria (I know my favorite one, but often students challenge me on this by the end of the trip), and we have some avid seekers. But, in Siena, baked goods are the BOMB. There are:
Ricarelli - soft, sweet cookies which are dusted with powdered sugar. I bring these home every trip, but they often harden before you can serve them to family, so they're probably not coming home with me this time (sorry, Mom);
Cantucci - really hard cookies which look (and are made) like biscotti. Caveat: if your child brings these home, don't eat them straight up - you'll break your teeth on them! They're intended to be served with vin santo, a very strong after-dinner wine - you fill shot glasses halfway with the vin santo, then put the cantucci in the glasses to soak, before eating them. I guess you could use regular wine to serve these, if your kiddo brings them home without vin santo, but it's just not the same . . .
Panforte and Panpepato: I am not the biggest fruitcake fan (even though I AM a fruitcake - parrotheads!!!), but this is something completely different. It's a small, round cake, but far thicker in consistency than cake, with nuts and candied fruit in it. I serve this in small slices to friends and family - a little goes a long way. The ingredients differ a little between the two, but they both have the same intent, which is totally accomplished - YUM
If your child brings anything else home (ciambelli or ciambellini - little cookies; dolci tipici - typical sweets), feel free to share on these, or ask questions! Above are the standard, common ones.
Of course, there are Baci ("kisses"), which are sold throughout Italy. It's something I encourage kids to buy when we're hanging out in the international lobby, waiting for our flight, to bring home to you. They're a little bigger than Hershey's kisses, and always have little bits of hazelnuts in them. Several of the kids on the trip have discovered their love for Nutella (seriously, Alex, Nutella on goldfish?), so you may see some containers of that in their bags, too. Please know I DON'T enourage that! :) It sits right next to the peanut butter at home . . . DUDE
This week, the music school in town (Chigiana - originally sponsored by the Chigi family) is hosting the beginning of their summer music program, and they have concerts every night. Each concert (like at home) is sponsored by a different group or company, and sometimes they give great discounts for students (i.e. our kids), so I encourage students to check out the concerts, if they're interested. Actually, during our last night (when we have our pizza-making party at the culinary school), they have a concert in La Piazza di Jacopo Della Quercia, which is pretty much an open locale. They have a small amount of seating, but the public can sit on the steps by the Duomo and still enjoy the beautiful concert. We may just go there together after our fabulous dinner of pizza, to enjoy our last evening in Siena!
Then, there's always the option to just hang out at home or in the Campo in the evenings, an absolutely enchanting experience!!!
Grazie tanti!
Laura :)
Firenze e il giorno libero
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Saturday, we headed to Florence for a day of culture, art, and pushy vendors! We all met EARLY - caught an 8 AM bus (Firenze Rapida - the diretto takes 30 minutes longer and stops in all the towns between) and wove through the countryside to Florence. Since SPI had booked reservations, we didn't even have to sweat in lines! We strolled by the Duomo of the city (BEAUTIFUL), then into the Piazza della Signoria, with the Loggia della Signoria, which has some great ancient pieces in it. The kids had some free time before we entered the Uffizi to see infamous works by artists like Lippi and Botticelli. The Uffizi is no small place - you could spend DAYS in there if you wanted to take the time with each piece of artwork!
After a lunch break and some more free time (gotta get in that shopping - at the leather market near San Lorenzo, or at other random markets throughout the city - they know how to keep tourists busy!), we met at the Accademia to visit the David and see some other great works. They also have a museum of musical instruments in there (Natalie went there to check it out), then we had time to make an easy stroll back to the bus station to return to Siena. Some students even chose to stick around and check out other parts of Florence, and return home a little later.
But everyone was happy to be back in Siena - we all agree that we like it better!
Sunday was a "free day" for everyone. The note says to hang out with your homestay, but, with our adventurous group, they were ready to see Tuscany at its finest! Several students went to the beach (Amanda, Chelsea, and Rose actually went with their homestay; others caught the bus themselves, and had a great time - I saw them all at the bus station upon their return, some ruddy from the sun, some hardly touched, Clint's face looking a little strange, with small stripes of red on the sides - a tough lesson to learn, how to apply sun block FULLY - I had the same stripes on my arms from Capri for a week!). A few of the guys went to Arezzo, to see the Roman Amphitheatre and the Antiques market. Some girls went to Volterra (with help from their wonderful homestay family) to check out the palace . . . something with "Twilight!? I'm so out of the loop), and others checked out San Gimignano, and enjoyed even some countryside strolls! I think everyone returned, happy to be back home in Siena, and receive a little rest.
Today is the beginning of our second week. The kids can't believe how the time is passing! Today, we'll go on a stroll of St. Catherine's life, and learn about pilgrimages and the idea of patron saints. We will see the Church of San Domenico, where they have a relics of hers, then we'll go to her house, where we will see the floor on which she actually walked. Her house has been turned into a sanctuary (with scenes in her life, described in Latin), with a church in the courtyard. It's the central church for the Oca (goose) contrada. We'll then stroll down to Fontebranda (familiar to Sara and Shannon!), where the largest of the four great fountains of the city is located.
The weather seems to be getting a little warmer here, but in the shade it's still comfortable, with the breeze. We'll be enjoying Siena in its normalcy, and life in normalcy. We will be dealing with even laundry or packing up, as everyone will have to be packed before we meet to have our pizza-making party at the cooking school on Thursday afternoon-evening, seeing as we catch our bus to Rome early on Friday morning!
Speaking of Rome, please feel free to contact me if you'll be in Rome (Ralph!) when we're there - I'll be calling (on Wednesday) to make reservations at the restaurant and pizzeria for Friday and Saturday nights, and would love to include any of you who will be present! And, please, you can join us for our ancient Rome stroll on Friday or our medieval-Renaissance stroll on Saturday morning (or our Vatican visit on late Saturday afternoon).
Off to the fun of the week!
Laura :)
Saturday, we headed to Florence for a day of culture, art, and pushy vendors! We all met EARLY - caught an 8 AM bus (Firenze Rapida - the diretto takes 30 minutes longer and stops in all the towns between) and wove through the countryside to Florence. Since SPI had booked reservations, we didn't even have to sweat in lines! We strolled by the Duomo of the city (BEAUTIFUL), then into the Piazza della Signoria, with the Loggia della Signoria, which has some great ancient pieces in it. The kids had some free time before we entered the Uffizi to see infamous works by artists like Lippi and Botticelli. The Uffizi is no small place - you could spend DAYS in there if you wanted to take the time with each piece of artwork!
After a lunch break and some more free time (gotta get in that shopping - at the leather market near San Lorenzo, or at other random markets throughout the city - they know how to keep tourists busy!), we met at the Accademia to visit the David and see some other great works. They also have a museum of musical instruments in there (Natalie went there to check it out), then we had time to make an easy stroll back to the bus station to return to Siena. Some students even chose to stick around and check out other parts of Florence, and return home a little later.
But everyone was happy to be back in Siena - we all agree that we like it better!
Sunday was a "free day" for everyone. The note says to hang out with your homestay, but, with our adventurous group, they were ready to see Tuscany at its finest! Several students went to the beach (Amanda, Chelsea, and Rose actually went with their homestay; others caught the bus themselves, and had a great time - I saw them all at the bus station upon their return, some ruddy from the sun, some hardly touched, Clint's face looking a little strange, with small stripes of red on the sides - a tough lesson to learn, how to apply sun block FULLY - I had the same stripes on my arms from Capri for a week!). A few of the guys went to Arezzo, to see the Roman Amphitheatre and the Antiques market. Some girls went to Volterra (with help from their wonderful homestay family) to check out the palace . . . something with "Twilight!? I'm so out of the loop), and others checked out San Gimignano, and enjoyed even some countryside strolls! I think everyone returned, happy to be back home in Siena, and receive a little rest.
Today is the beginning of our second week. The kids can't believe how the time is passing! Today, we'll go on a stroll of St. Catherine's life, and learn about pilgrimages and the idea of patron saints. We will see the Church of San Domenico, where they have a relics of hers, then we'll go to her house, where we will see the floor on which she actually walked. Her house has been turned into a sanctuary (with scenes in her life, described in Latin), with a church in the courtyard. It's the central church for the Oca (goose) contrada. We'll then stroll down to Fontebranda (familiar to Sara and Shannon!), where the largest of the four great fountains of the city is located.
The weather seems to be getting a little warmer here, but in the shade it's still comfortable, with the breeze. We'll be enjoying Siena in its normalcy, and life in normalcy. We will be dealing with even laundry or packing up, as everyone will have to be packed before we meet to have our pizza-making party at the cooking school on Thursday afternoon-evening, seeing as we catch our bus to Rome early on Friday morning!
Speaking of Rome, please feel free to contact me if you'll be in Rome (Ralph!) when we're there - I'll be calling (on Wednesday) to make reservations at the restaurant and pizzeria for Friday and Saturday nights, and would love to include any of you who will be present! And, please, you can join us for our ancient Rome stroll on Friday or our medieval-Renaissance stroll on Saturday morning (or our Vatican visit on late Saturday afternoon).
Off to the fun of the week!
Laura :)
Friday, July 3, 2009
Tartuca ha vinto!!!
Yesterday was a LOAD of fun! And the weather was perfect, too! So nice that I even joined the group in the center!!!
Early on the day of the Palio is La Messa del fantino, where each horse rider is blessed and given communion (along with the top of the city) in the Campo. at the small chapel which is attached to the front of the Palazzo Publico. We attended class, as usual - 9 - 11, 11:20 - 12:30, 12:40 - 1:30 (a standard day - Mondays are a little different - start an hour late because of the new students taking placement tests). Then, we all split from each other and went out to attend the Benedictione del Cavallo. At each of the competing contrada's church, they all meet in the church or courtyard, then bring in the horse to give it a blessing, before everyone parades through town, winding through the streets with their contrada's flag and standard bearers, drummers, and representative and horse, all in 13th C garb. One stop is in front of the Duomo, where the flag throwers (two per contrada) do a routine in front of the Bishop of the Duomo (who is up in his window), and they receive a blessing from him. Then, everyone marches into the Campo, with much regalia, a large procession, more flag throwing, and horn playing (the city band marches along, too, playing the city song).
Then, around 7 pm, the Palio itself comes through, pulled on a cart by these ENORMOUS white bulls (seriously - their backs are taller than most men) through the Campo, and everyone waves their scarves at it, hopefully putting their own contrada's luck the most onto the Palio. Then, the fun begins. For an hour to an hour and a half, you suffer false starts, confusion, and frustration, until finally the race happens, and it's all over in 1.5 minutes (three times around the Campo).
This year's race had no contest - Tartuca was at the beginning for the entire race (as you can see on YouTube). Many of our students had chosen Tartuca for their contrada - first of all, our school is located in Tartuca, plus their colors are HP blue and gold, not to mention they were the favored group, and it is the American way to favor the winner! After the Palio, everyone returned home, except for Tartuca, who marched throughout the streets. All night. They woke me around 3 AM.
From today on, the kids might see some Tartuca members (they're all still wearing their scarves) with pacifiers - it's a symbol that this is their first time to be winners - they're "Babies" to victory. Tartuca will hold a celebration dinner in a few nights, but they'll parade through the city every day from now for the next three weeks. Then, there's another Palio on August 16, and it starts all over again, until next July.
Today, we begin normalcy (Grazie Dio - I'm happy to get to start taking regular SHOWERS). We'll go out to the Fortezza Medicea to do a little sharing at the end of our first week, as well as share our plans for this weekend! Tomorrow morning, we head to Florence for a day of fun art and history. We'll visit the Uffizi (Botticelli!) in the morning, then head over to the Academia (Il Davide!)in the afternoon, which will fill our day before we must head home in time for dinner at the houses.
Sunday is a free day for everyone. I know that many of the kids are headed to the beach (which is nice, and the return home, smelly), and some are thinking about going as groups to Pisa or San Gimignano (for which I will be giving them schedules). I do pursue a personal experience of my own, as well - I take a tour with a group, just to remind me of how it feels to be on the other side of a tour.
As we hit the mid-way point of this trip, I just want to thank you for sending us with such AMAZING kids. We are all having a wonderful experience because everyone in this group is so respectful, fun-seeking, adventurous, responsible, and considerate. Next week will be a more normal week - piu tranquilita, piu normalita, piu come la citta di Siena. The kids are loving their teachers, and learning Italian so quickly!!! I can't believe it's just a week until we head to Rome!
Hugs to you all,
L :)
Early on the day of the Palio is La Messa del fantino, where each horse rider is blessed and given communion (along with the top of the city) in the Campo. at the small chapel which is attached to the front of the Palazzo Publico. We attended class, as usual - 9 - 11, 11:20 - 12:30, 12:40 - 1:30 (a standard day - Mondays are a little different - start an hour late because of the new students taking placement tests). Then, we all split from each other and went out to attend the Benedictione del Cavallo. At each of the competing contrada's church, they all meet in the church or courtyard, then bring in the horse to give it a blessing, before everyone parades through town, winding through the streets with their contrada's flag and standard bearers, drummers, and representative and horse, all in 13th C garb. One stop is in front of the Duomo, where the flag throwers (two per contrada) do a routine in front of the Bishop of the Duomo (who is up in his window), and they receive a blessing from him. Then, everyone marches into the Campo, with much regalia, a large procession, more flag throwing, and horn playing (the city band marches along, too, playing the city song).
Then, around 7 pm, the Palio itself comes through, pulled on a cart by these ENORMOUS white bulls (seriously - their backs are taller than most men) through the Campo, and everyone waves their scarves at it, hopefully putting their own contrada's luck the most onto the Palio. Then, the fun begins. For an hour to an hour and a half, you suffer false starts, confusion, and frustration, until finally the race happens, and it's all over in 1.5 minutes (three times around the Campo).
This year's race had no contest - Tartuca was at the beginning for the entire race (as you can see on YouTube). Many of our students had chosen Tartuca for their contrada - first of all, our school is located in Tartuca, plus their colors are HP blue and gold, not to mention they were the favored group, and it is the American way to favor the winner! After the Palio, everyone returned home, except for Tartuca, who marched throughout the streets. All night. They woke me around 3 AM.
From today on, the kids might see some Tartuca members (they're all still wearing their scarves) with pacifiers - it's a symbol that this is their first time to be winners - they're "Babies" to victory. Tartuca will hold a celebration dinner in a few nights, but they'll parade through the city every day from now for the next three weeks. Then, there's another Palio on August 16, and it starts all over again, until next July.
Today, we begin normalcy (Grazie Dio - I'm happy to get to start taking regular SHOWERS). We'll go out to the Fortezza Medicea to do a little sharing at the end of our first week, as well as share our plans for this weekend! Tomorrow morning, we head to Florence for a day of fun art and history. We'll visit the Uffizi (Botticelli!) in the morning, then head over to the Academia (Il Davide!)in the afternoon, which will fill our day before we must head home in time for dinner at the houses.
Sunday is a free day for everyone. I know that many of the kids are headed to the beach (which is nice, and the return home, smelly), and some are thinking about going as groups to Pisa or San Gimignano (for which I will be giving them schedules). I do pursue a personal experience of my own, as well - I take a tour with a group, just to remind me of how it feels to be on the other side of a tour.
As we hit the mid-way point of this trip, I just want to thank you for sending us with such AMAZING kids. We are all having a wonderful experience because everyone in this group is so respectful, fun-seeking, adventurous, responsible, and considerate. Next week will be a more normal week - piu tranquilita, piu normalita, piu come la citta di Siena. The kids are loving their teachers, and learning Italian so quickly!!! I can't believe it's just a week until we head to Rome!
Hugs to you all,
L :)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Events of the Palio
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Ah, what an exciting week we're having! It's been a little crazy on me, personally, with the chaos of homesickness-culture shock, plus the Palio frenzy which takes over the city. It's possible your child doesn't sense this at all - even after returning to Italy every year since 1995, I'm still sensitive to these emotions (maybe because I'm recently married . . .).
The weather here has been gorgeous! Cool in the mornings, a continuous breeze, and raining every afternoon. For those of us who don't mind feeling like wet rats (or even Tony-Brent-Will, who did a picnic in the rain . . . PAZZI), we enjoy the coolness of the rain and the freshness of the evenings after the rain. In the center of town is the one large square, Il Campo (una piazza), where people may meet up in the evenings, and random events happen there throughout the summer (band or choir concerts, etc.). After it rains, there's almost a hazy quality of Il Campo, because the bricks are steaming off the rainwater. Also, there is a great drainage system in town. Nowhere does water really sit for longer than a few minutes, as the entire city is built on two hills, and the roads are even designed to direct water into small rivulets in the center. All the water runs down roads in the most efficient path, all towards the Campo, where there's a huge drain right at the bottom (center of the bottom of the shell).
The shell can be found throughout the city, and is super-important. The Campo itself is in the shape of a shell, fountains have the shell collecting the falling water . . . Siena was the last stop for pilgrims as they made their way to Rome, back since early medieval times, and the shell was the welcoming symbol of baptism for them as they made their last break before getting to Rome. How similar it is for us, feeling like children (nay, babies), as we learn a new language, and learn to live with new families for this brief time! But this, too, is a much-needed break from the business of our American lives, a way to help us recenter and find ourselves before we return home to take on our last year (or two years) of high school, before entering the world.
The rain has brought a little excitement to the Palio events, too - there are several practice runs (prove) which happen between the selection and the actual race (which happens around 7:45 PM on Thursday - you can actually find it online, and watch it in real time). Each evening, there's a prova at 7:45, and each morning, there's one at 9 AM (but we're in class). On Monday night, the Campo was a mud pit because of the rain, so there was no race (which is a big deal - lots of myths behind each race - if anything bad happens during the Prima Prova, something bad will happen at the actual race . . . you've got to imagine how people feel when it's been rained out!). The kids hear large "boom" noises in the mornings during classes - there's a cannon-type thing they use to give signals to the crowd. It booms when it's time to clear people from the track. It booms when it's time to bring the horses out from their holding area, it booms every time there's a false start (usually 7 - 10 times during the actual race), and it booms when the first horse crosses the finish line. The race itself is only three laps around the Campo (about 1.5 minutes), but the events leading up to the race take 4 days!!!
If you know horses (I grew up in Midland, with friends who had them), you know how terrible the Palio event is for the actual horses. Thousands of people sitting or standing around, cheering and yelling. Some large booming noise. Ten horses fitting on a track the width of about 8 horses. Lining up the horses takes longer than any race - the official reads out the contrada's names in the order of lineup, from one to ten. Position one has a good spot, as they're on the inside of the track. And position ten has a great spot, because he actually determines when the race starts. Once the nine other horses are lined up, the position ten can wait-circle around as much as he wants, then, runs in, and the race starts. While in lineup, jockeys are hitting each other, and bumping horses against each other. If one of the jockeys has a nervous horse, sometimes it falls completely out of line, and they have to all exit and re-line-up.
Then there are the 1.5 minutes when the race actually is happening. The Campo, in the shape of a shell, has two sharp corners which they have to take. One, corner, San Martino, is the most dangerous, and a spot where many jockeys are thrown. Last year, a jockey fell off into the crowd because his horse took the corner too sharp, and caught the jockey's leg against the turning post. There are medics in bright green everywhere near San Martino (there's a church just behind there dedicated to the same saint), if you look at pictures of the Palio, ready to pick up any fallen jockeys. As long as they're not too hurt, it's no big deal - the horse is who wins the race, anyways.
I'll encourage your kiddos to attend all the Palio events tomorrow:
Benedicione dello Cavallo: 2:30 - each competing contrada has the blessing of the horse in the contrada's church. Seriously - they take the horse into the church (everyone's shooshing and quieting everyone else, yelling at tourists who are using flash, etc.), where it receives a blessing and communion.
La passegiata storica: Everyone processes from their home church to the Duomo, the church of the city, where the bishop sits at his window and puts a blessing onto each horse and the contrada. Representative flag throwers and drummers do a flag-tossing routine. Then, a large lineup of people in garb from the Middle Ages process - representatives of every town in Tuscany, representatives of qualities (virtues), and representatives of each contrada, with their horse. Everyone (after the parade passes, the locals follow behind) processes down into the Campo from there, to have the parade circle around the campo, and exit.
Il Palio: The Palio is in that procession, and it's lifted up and posted in the corner near San Martino. For an extended period of time, flag throwers and drummers circle on the track in the Campo, doing their routines for the crowd. Then is the race. Like the prove, they must process out, then line up in the given order, then, after about 1.5 or 2 hours of false starts, they have the 1.5 minute race.
I will be letting you know who wins on Friday! Draco seems to have a pretty strong horse - it took off with a great start. Lupa's horse had good consistency in speed, as well as the Owl's group.
al' Venerdi!
L :)
Ah, what an exciting week we're having! It's been a little crazy on me, personally, with the chaos of homesickness-culture shock, plus the Palio frenzy which takes over the city. It's possible your child doesn't sense this at all - even after returning to Italy every year since 1995, I'm still sensitive to these emotions (maybe because I'm recently married . . .).
The weather here has been gorgeous! Cool in the mornings, a continuous breeze, and raining every afternoon. For those of us who don't mind feeling like wet rats (or even Tony-Brent-Will, who did a picnic in the rain . . . PAZZI), we enjoy the coolness of the rain and the freshness of the evenings after the rain. In the center of town is the one large square, Il Campo (una piazza), where people may meet up in the evenings, and random events happen there throughout the summer (band or choir concerts, etc.). After it rains, there's almost a hazy quality of Il Campo, because the bricks are steaming off the rainwater. Also, there is a great drainage system in town. Nowhere does water really sit for longer than a few minutes, as the entire city is built on two hills, and the roads are even designed to direct water into small rivulets in the center. All the water runs down roads in the most efficient path, all towards the Campo, where there's a huge drain right at the bottom (center of the bottom of the shell).
The shell can be found throughout the city, and is super-important. The Campo itself is in the shape of a shell, fountains have the shell collecting the falling water . . . Siena was the last stop for pilgrims as they made their way to Rome, back since early medieval times, and the shell was the welcoming symbol of baptism for them as they made their last break before getting to Rome. How similar it is for us, feeling like children (nay, babies), as we learn a new language, and learn to live with new families for this brief time! But this, too, is a much-needed break from the business of our American lives, a way to help us recenter and find ourselves before we return home to take on our last year (or two years) of high school, before entering the world.
The rain has brought a little excitement to the Palio events, too - there are several practice runs (prove) which happen between the selection and the actual race (which happens around 7:45 PM on Thursday - you can actually find it online, and watch it in real time). Each evening, there's a prova at 7:45, and each morning, there's one at 9 AM (but we're in class). On Monday night, the Campo was a mud pit because of the rain, so there was no race (which is a big deal - lots of myths behind each race - if anything bad happens during the Prima Prova, something bad will happen at the actual race . . . you've got to imagine how people feel when it's been rained out!). The kids hear large "boom" noises in the mornings during classes - there's a cannon-type thing they use to give signals to the crowd. It booms when it's time to clear people from the track. It booms when it's time to bring the horses out from their holding area, it booms every time there's a false start (usually 7 - 10 times during the actual race), and it booms when the first horse crosses the finish line. The race itself is only three laps around the Campo (about 1.5 minutes), but the events leading up to the race take 4 days!!!
If you know horses (I grew up in Midland, with friends who had them), you know how terrible the Palio event is for the actual horses. Thousands of people sitting or standing around, cheering and yelling. Some large booming noise. Ten horses fitting on a track the width of about 8 horses. Lining up the horses takes longer than any race - the official reads out the contrada's names in the order of lineup, from one to ten. Position one has a good spot, as they're on the inside of the track. And position ten has a great spot, because he actually determines when the race starts. Once the nine other horses are lined up, the position ten can wait-circle around as much as he wants, then, runs in, and the race starts. While in lineup, jockeys are hitting each other, and bumping horses against each other. If one of the jockeys has a nervous horse, sometimes it falls completely out of line, and they have to all exit and re-line-up.
Then there are the 1.5 minutes when the race actually is happening. The Campo, in the shape of a shell, has two sharp corners which they have to take. One, corner, San Martino, is the most dangerous, and a spot where many jockeys are thrown. Last year, a jockey fell off into the crowd because his horse took the corner too sharp, and caught the jockey's leg against the turning post. There are medics in bright green everywhere near San Martino (there's a church just behind there dedicated to the same saint), if you look at pictures of the Palio, ready to pick up any fallen jockeys. As long as they're not too hurt, it's no big deal - the horse is who wins the race, anyways.
I'll encourage your kiddos to attend all the Palio events tomorrow:
Benedicione dello Cavallo: 2:30 - each competing contrada has the blessing of the horse in the contrada's church. Seriously - they take the horse into the church (everyone's shooshing and quieting everyone else, yelling at tourists who are using flash, etc.), where it receives a blessing and communion.
La passegiata storica: Everyone processes from their home church to the Duomo, the church of the city, where the bishop sits at his window and puts a blessing onto each horse and the contrada. Representative flag throwers and drummers do a flag-tossing routine. Then, a large lineup of people in garb from the Middle Ages process - representatives of every town in Tuscany, representatives of qualities (virtues), and representatives of each contrada, with their horse. Everyone (after the parade passes, the locals follow behind) processes down into the Campo from there, to have the parade circle around the campo, and exit.
Il Palio: The Palio is in that procession, and it's lifted up and posted in the corner near San Martino. For an extended period of time, flag throwers and drummers circle on the track in the Campo, doing their routines for the crowd. Then is the race. Like the prove, they must process out, then line up in the given order, then, after about 1.5 or 2 hours of false starts, they have the 1.5 minute race.
I will be letting you know who wins on Friday! Draco seems to have a pretty strong horse - it took off with a great start. Lupa's horse had good consistency in speed, as well as the Owl's group.
al' Venerdi!
L :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
In Siena
This morning, we began classes. There was a little confusion about schedules, but no big deal - it's a good learning experience to realize that they should always follow MY schedule, not a different schedule given by others. :) Everyone had a good dinner, a good night's sleep (I think a few of us were excited about today), and came to the school bright-eyed!
They have already been placed into their classes, and are laughing . . . a lot. So, I thought I'd share with you the excitement of today.
June 29th is a holy day everywhere in Italy, first of all. It's the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, when the Pope inaugurates (right word? inducts?) the new archbishops. Seriously - in the Vatican Piazza (Piazza di San Pietro), throngs of people crowd in to see the Pope and all the excitement! In Siena, it's an important day, too, as it's the first day of the Palio. The city is set up for the festival - everyone has their flags and lamps up, decorating their contrada, and the track and all the important regalia is all placed around the Campo. The dirt track makes it fun on years like this - it has rained for a week in Siena, and it's supposed to rain a little every day. Which Rose and I don't mind, at all.
ANYWAYS, this morning, everyone is out, wearing their contrada's scarves (which you receive when you're little) and excited about today. Today, at 9 AM, they let the 30 chosen horses make a few laps around the Campo, just to let everyone see the potential of the horse (as if it really means anything - without a jockey, an excellent horse could just stroll around). THen, at 1, is when they do the selection of the horses. If you don't know what's going on, it means nothing. Numbers are matched to colored balls (each, the color of each competing Contrada), which sets the jockey with the horse for the next four days. The BIG event today is at 7 PM this evening, where they have the Prima Prova (first trial-run). This is the first time the jockey gets to publicly ride the horse around the Campo. Even though they've had quality time already - from the minute the selection is made, the jockey and horse are together. Eating. Sleeping. Bonding. There are a few myths surrounding the Prima Prova, one especially that, if something goes wrong during this one, the Palio is CURSED. A few years ago, a horse got tangled up in the starting-line ropes, and broke a leg. The owner of the horse promised to honor the horse (he, the rider, and the Contrada didn't get to compete) by not putting it under, but you and I both know what happens to horses with broken legs . . .
I just realized - I never said what a CONTRADA is!!! Siena, as tiny as it is, is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade, throughout town. Each contrada is assigned to an animal (usually, but there are a few, like "tower"), and has its own special colors. And people take major pride in the maintenance of their contrada. Someone using graffiti? Some child misbehaving? They can expect to be reprimanded by any random person within that contrada. It's really pretty cool. I wonder what our city would look like if everyone had such pride in their own neighborhood. Anyways, there are actually two Palio events each year, one on July 2, and one in August. They have NOTHING to do with each other. There are ten teams who compete on Thursday, and the other seven are promised a spot in the next July 2 race (and three others who are drawn sometime in October). I haven't heard about anything promising yet, but all the gossip starts while hanging around for the Prima Prova tonight.
If you never hear from your kiddos, keep a big list of questions which may arise from this experience, and from what you read, and you'll have conversation to share for MONTHS following!!!
Hugs,
Laura :)
They have already been placed into their classes, and are laughing . . . a lot. So, I thought I'd share with you the excitement of today.
June 29th is a holy day everywhere in Italy, first of all. It's the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, when the Pope inaugurates (right word? inducts?) the new archbishops. Seriously - in the Vatican Piazza (Piazza di San Pietro), throngs of people crowd in to see the Pope and all the excitement! In Siena, it's an important day, too, as it's the first day of the Palio. The city is set up for the festival - everyone has their flags and lamps up, decorating their contrada, and the track and all the important regalia is all placed around the Campo. The dirt track makes it fun on years like this - it has rained for a week in Siena, and it's supposed to rain a little every day. Which Rose and I don't mind, at all.
ANYWAYS, this morning, everyone is out, wearing their contrada's scarves (which you receive when you're little) and excited about today. Today, at 9 AM, they let the 30 chosen horses make a few laps around the Campo, just to let everyone see the potential of the horse (as if it really means anything - without a jockey, an excellent horse could just stroll around). THen, at 1, is when they do the selection of the horses. If you don't know what's going on, it means nothing. Numbers are matched to colored balls (each, the color of each competing Contrada), which sets the jockey with the horse for the next four days. The BIG event today is at 7 PM this evening, where they have the Prima Prova (first trial-run). This is the first time the jockey gets to publicly ride the horse around the Campo. Even though they've had quality time already - from the minute the selection is made, the jockey and horse are together. Eating. Sleeping. Bonding. There are a few myths surrounding the Prima Prova, one especially that, if something goes wrong during this one, the Palio is CURSED. A few years ago, a horse got tangled up in the starting-line ropes, and broke a leg. The owner of the horse promised to honor the horse (he, the rider, and the Contrada didn't get to compete) by not putting it under, but you and I both know what happens to horses with broken legs . . .
I just realized - I never said what a CONTRADA is!!! Siena, as tiny as it is, is divided into 17 neighborhoods, or contrade, throughout town. Each contrada is assigned to an animal (usually, but there are a few, like "tower"), and has its own special colors. And people take major pride in the maintenance of their contrada. Someone using graffiti? Some child misbehaving? They can expect to be reprimanded by any random person within that contrada. It's really pretty cool. I wonder what our city would look like if everyone had such pride in their own neighborhood. Anyways, there are actually two Palio events each year, one on July 2, and one in August. They have NOTHING to do with each other. There are ten teams who compete on Thursday, and the other seven are promised a spot in the next July 2 race (and three others who are drawn sometime in October). I haven't heard about anything promising yet, but all the gossip starts while hanging around for the Prima Prova tonight.
If you never hear from your kiddos, keep a big list of questions which may arise from this experience, and from what you read, and you'll have conversation to share for MONTHS following!!!
Hugs,
Laura :)
Siamo in Siena!!!
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
WOW - what a great first weekend!!! And I'd like to thank you, in advance, for sending me such an awesome group of kiddos. Really, this weekend was the best experience I've ever had (not just saying that).
On Friday, the kids arrived en masse into Fiumicino Airport, but not without a little excitement. I know the kids' flight out of Chicago was delayed due to technical issues (thank you, thank you, thank you Moores, for meeting them at the airport and seeing them on!!!), but their flight was comfortable, and I think they slept NOT AT ALL. :) Amanda, fresh from Paris, was eager and excited about arriving first. We were planning to meet Grace and Caroline considerably earlier than the rest of the group, but, responsible young ladies they are, when they were in customs, they decided to stay in there (3 hours) and meet the rest of the group and walk out together. Tony and his mom met us, as well (they had been enjoying Rome for a week already), and we all headed to the bus! The bus ride was very nice, and we had a pretty successful attempt at all having lunch at the AutoGrill. An AutoGrill is like a truck stop, "but SO much nicer" (according to Sara).
Pompeii was actually pretty pleasant. I must admit, I didn't give them a killer death-march tour (due to time limits), and the breeze was nice, so we enjoyed a nice stroll through town, going from the Theatre district, through the Forum, up to the Villa of the Mysteries. Our bus ride from Pompeii to Sorrento was also longer than usual (they were having a "protest" in some small town outside of Pompeii, which blocked the streets - when it's one main street which takes you along the entire coastline, you can have some problems with that . . .), and after two hours of winding along the beautiful coastal road of the Bay of Naples (without any travel sickness - BRILLIANT), we arrived to our hotel in Sorrento.
I must suggest this spot - the Hotel Mignon Meuble is a great hotel, with wonderful service. It might have also been because of your wonderful kiddos being so well-behaved and mature (or my being slower than usual, due to jetlag), but we had no behavior problems the entire weekend. We were all hungry as horses when we got into the hotel, so we quickly cleaned up (10 minutes) and headed to dinner at the Pizzeria da Franco. It's a fave of mine - nice, family establishment, and GREAT pizza. You'll have to ask your own child about what kind of pizza they had - I had the house pizza (yes, Jay, I was indecisive), with parmesan, arugula (which they call "rocket" - the British call it "rockette", I think?), and tomatoes.
We then took a stroll down to the city park, which overlooks the entire Bay of Naples, and returned to the hotel, stopping, of course, by Davide, the best gelateria in town. Ah, yes, that's what real gelato tastes like . . .
Everyone was in their room by 10, and crashed (if not earlier).
Saturday, wake up call was at 6:00 - we had to get to the marina piccola (the tourist marina of the town, near the center of town - all arrows point to calling this the "marina grande", except for the fact that the actual marina grande is a serious fishing spot) for a boat departing at 7:30 for Capri! And what a great day! Upon arrival, we hitched a ride onto the funicolare, which took us into the piazzetta, the main centre of Capri proper. We sweated-grunted-climbed all the way up to the Villa Jovis, the southern summit of the island, then returned, making a stop at my favorite spot for Granite di Limone (talk about refreshing!!!). We strolled through Capri, over to the bus stop, where we took the bus up to Anacapri (ask your kiddos about the bus ride on the cliffside). I invited any willing students to join me on the chairlift to Monte Solaro (the northern peak of the island), and then gave them free time. Lots of fun had in the afternoon on Capri - some students headed straight to the beach, some shopped, some enjoyed a leisurely afternoon lunch, and some took one of the strolls suggested in my Capri brochure (sorry about the whole street-name-changing thing, girls!). Sea-soaked and sunburnt, we returned by boat to Sorrento, then all went out for a nice dinner at Zi'Ntonio's. A little strolling for some, a little more gelato for others, and we were all back in our rooms before midnight!
Sunday:
We had the opportunity to have a little more leisure on Sunday morning. Everyone enjoyed a nice breakfast at the hotel (YAY - no misery from the prior day-evening!), and we slowly headed to the bus around 10 AM to head north. We made another brief stop at an AutoGrill (for the bus driver's break - they get those every two hours or so), where the kids got some snacks and did a little shopping (as much as can be done at a truck stop). We then journeyed 1:30 and made another stop at Orvieto, a beautiful walled town which sits at the top of a hill. With a limited time, they were treated to an hour in Orvieto, enjoying a little walking and visiting the Duomo of the city (BEAUTIFUL!!!). We then journeyed another 1:30 and arrived into Siena at 6 PM, just in time to meet all of our homestay families (and Dana had arrived earlier, too)! I did get lots of pictures, and once I have a computer where I can download all my pics, I'll have them cycling through on this blog! It was raining a little (see below), but no one minded, and everyone headed home for a nice dinner with their homestay families and a good night's sleep.
Today has so much to share that I've got to put that onto another entry . . .
Thank you for your patience with the transportation on Thursday - I'm happy to have my assistant director with us, and until the end of the trip!
Grazie,
Laura :)
WOW - what a great first weekend!!! And I'd like to thank you, in advance, for sending me such an awesome group of kiddos. Really, this weekend was the best experience I've ever had (not just saying that).
On Friday, the kids arrived en masse into Fiumicino Airport, but not without a little excitement. I know the kids' flight out of Chicago was delayed due to technical issues (thank you, thank you, thank you Moores, for meeting them at the airport and seeing them on!!!), but their flight was comfortable, and I think they slept NOT AT ALL. :) Amanda, fresh from Paris, was eager and excited about arriving first. We were planning to meet Grace and Caroline considerably earlier than the rest of the group, but, responsible young ladies they are, when they were in customs, they decided to stay in there (3 hours) and meet the rest of the group and walk out together. Tony and his mom met us, as well (they had been enjoying Rome for a week already), and we all headed to the bus! The bus ride was very nice, and we had a pretty successful attempt at all having lunch at the AutoGrill. An AutoGrill is like a truck stop, "but SO much nicer" (according to Sara).
Pompeii was actually pretty pleasant. I must admit, I didn't give them a killer death-march tour (due to time limits), and the breeze was nice, so we enjoyed a nice stroll through town, going from the Theatre district, through the Forum, up to the Villa of the Mysteries. Our bus ride from Pompeii to Sorrento was also longer than usual (they were having a "protest" in some small town outside of Pompeii, which blocked the streets - when it's one main street which takes you along the entire coastline, you can have some problems with that . . .), and after two hours of winding along the beautiful coastal road of the Bay of Naples (without any travel sickness - BRILLIANT), we arrived to our hotel in Sorrento.
I must suggest this spot - the Hotel Mignon Meuble is a great hotel, with wonderful service. It might have also been because of your wonderful kiddos being so well-behaved and mature (or my being slower than usual, due to jetlag), but we had no behavior problems the entire weekend. We were all hungry as horses when we got into the hotel, so we quickly cleaned up (10 minutes) and headed to dinner at the Pizzeria da Franco. It's a fave of mine - nice, family establishment, and GREAT pizza. You'll have to ask your own child about what kind of pizza they had - I had the house pizza (yes, Jay, I was indecisive), with parmesan, arugula (which they call "rocket" - the British call it "rockette", I think?), and tomatoes.
We then took a stroll down to the city park, which overlooks the entire Bay of Naples, and returned to the hotel, stopping, of course, by Davide, the best gelateria in town. Ah, yes, that's what real gelato tastes like . . .
Everyone was in their room by 10, and crashed (if not earlier).
Saturday, wake up call was at 6:00 - we had to get to the marina piccola (the tourist marina of the town, near the center of town - all arrows point to calling this the "marina grande", except for the fact that the actual marina grande is a serious fishing spot) for a boat departing at 7:30 for Capri! And what a great day! Upon arrival, we hitched a ride onto the funicolare, which took us into the piazzetta, the main centre of Capri proper. We sweated-grunted-climbed all the way up to the Villa Jovis, the southern summit of the island, then returned, making a stop at my favorite spot for Granite di Limone (talk about refreshing!!!). We strolled through Capri, over to the bus stop, where we took the bus up to Anacapri (ask your kiddos about the bus ride on the cliffside). I invited any willing students to join me on the chairlift to Monte Solaro (the northern peak of the island), and then gave them free time. Lots of fun had in the afternoon on Capri - some students headed straight to the beach, some shopped, some enjoyed a leisurely afternoon lunch, and some took one of the strolls suggested in my Capri brochure (sorry about the whole street-name-changing thing, girls!). Sea-soaked and sunburnt, we returned by boat to Sorrento, then all went out for a nice dinner at Zi'Ntonio's. A little strolling for some, a little more gelato for others, and we were all back in our rooms before midnight!
Sunday:
We had the opportunity to have a little more leisure on Sunday morning. Everyone enjoyed a nice breakfast at the hotel (YAY - no misery from the prior day-evening!), and we slowly headed to the bus around 10 AM to head north. We made another brief stop at an AutoGrill (for the bus driver's break - they get those every two hours or so), where the kids got some snacks and did a little shopping (as much as can be done at a truck stop). We then journeyed 1:30 and made another stop at Orvieto, a beautiful walled town which sits at the top of a hill. With a limited time, they were treated to an hour in Orvieto, enjoying a little walking and visiting the Duomo of the city (BEAUTIFUL!!!). We then journeyed another 1:30 and arrived into Siena at 6 PM, just in time to meet all of our homestay families (and Dana had arrived earlier, too)! I did get lots of pictures, and once I have a computer where I can download all my pics, I'll have them cycling through on this blog! It was raining a little (see below), but no one minded, and everyone headed home for a nice dinner with their homestay families and a good night's sleep.
Today has so much to share that I've got to put that onto another entry . . .
Thank you for your patience with the transportation on Thursday - I'm happy to have my assistant director with us, and until the end of the trip!
Grazie,
Laura :)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Small alteration for Departure
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
First of all, if you're a weather.com fan like I am, you'll have noticed how BEAUTIFUL the weather will be during our first weekend in Italy! (caveat: weather.com almost NEVER posts the right temperature of Italian weather, from what I can tell - it was 55 and rainy, and weather.com said we were 76 and sunny, and vice versa, on the usual day)
As you will hear from Celeste, we've had a slight change for the trip. Instead of Dana Caron coming as the assistant Director, we will have Liz Schnautz for the first part of the trip, then an actual Siennese teacher for the rest of our stay! The one big change for you is that you won't have Dana on the flights with you coming over to Italy. But we're all experienced travelers, and, with a few notes from me, I know this will be SO easy for you!
Kate, with you as our senior traveler (actually, GRADUATE traveler!), I'm going to make you the shepherd for the trip! Please feel free to print off this blog for reference during your travel day. :)
I figured this would be good for those of you who are traveling on your own, anyways!
Check-in
You should be at check-in 2.5 hours before departure, as stated many times before. That means that most of you will be at DFW between 7 and 7:30 AM. During this time, parents will check in their own student, then afterwards take group pictures, have hugs, etc., before you all go together through the security checkpoint.
BAGS SHOULD BE CHECKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO ROME – we lose bags almost every year because of this miscommunication.
At the Departure Gate
Set up camp at the departure gate, which means EVERYONE's carryon bags are to be neatly gathered together into one spot. From now on, if you go out in a group, a group is THREE PEOPLE from our SPI group. If you want to get breakfast, eat something like what you’d usually eat for lunch. And to get lots of water or juice. Pick up food, and bring it back to the gate to eat it. Be at the gate, ready to board, at 8:45.
On the Chicago Flight
You all need to stay awake on this flight - talk, play games, share what you're excited about, take pictures . . . and be super-nice to the flight attendants!!!
In Chicago
Here’s where the fun starts. You are supposed to arrive around 11:50 AM. When y’all disembark, find the location of your departing flight, and take the whole group there to set up camp. Again, in groups, go to pick up lunch (dinner), and, with food, return to the gate quickly. Determine a group of five of you (at least) who will camp out with the bags at the departure gate. Then, head out to meet up with later arrivals:
Shannon: AA 2348 from DFW
Abbie and Carly: AA2486 from AUS
These are close-timed flights – if the gates are too far from each other, send Sara and Natalie to meet Shannon (make sure they have your cell phone #), and you can meet Abbie and Carly with another group of HP kids. Again, EVERYONE should have their SPI shirts on, so you'll be easily recognizable. Everyone is to return to the departure gate as quickly as possible – international flights start boarding 1 hour to 45 minutes ahead of time. Try to find out where everyone is sitting, and write it down here, so that you can say hi to everyone during the flight.
On the Flight
Eat ALL your dinner. SLEEP. A lot. However you need to do it. EVERYONE. Whenever you awake and pace around, stop by to visit each other, wherever you’re sitting. Plan to meet as a group immediately outside the gate. And eat ALL of your breakfast (no matter WHAT you're served).
Forms? Last time we flew to Italy, we received no forms entering the country. If they do hand out Customs forms, make sure you are filling everything out (you should have NOTHING to claim), and placing the form in your passports, for easy access. Have your passports in a quick-access spot, because that's the first stop you'll make once you get off the plane.
Disembarking
When you get off the flight, the minute you enter the airport, get the group together. Have any necessary potty breaks happen between there and the passport check.
Passport check: Be sure to get into a NON-EU line, and y'all can wait for each other as soon as they get through there. It’s a quick thing – they just check your passports, and you head to baggage claim. No one in our group has an international passport this year (Gratias Deo), so this should be smooth.
Baggage Claim: With the whole group with you at the end of passport check, just around the corner is the baggage claim. Everyone is to get his own bags, then head over just past the last carousel, to wait as a group for everyone to get their bags. Determine a spot to meet, before exiting customs. During this time, you can stop by the ATM inside the baggage claim if you want to get cash (make sure your bag is secure with someone else in the SPI group), but mostly, wait with the group until everyone has received their bags.
If there is a lost bag, go to the American desk right by the baggage claim. We’re headed directly to Sorrento, which could make things interesting . . . I’m right outside of the Customs exit door (just metres away) if there’s a problem – call my cell phone or have them come and get me.
Customs: You should just pass right through. If someone is stopped, it’s a random search, and shouldn’t be a problem – just let the rest of the group go ahead and stay nearby, Kate.
As soon as you pass through the Customs doors (big sliding glass doors), you should see me and Liz – I’ll have my pink SPI sign and green t-shirt, just like yours! We’ll be ready to load everyone up on the bus by then (Amanda, Grace and Caroline arrive before you – we'll be ready for everyone with the bus, to head directly to Pompeii!!!)!
Can you believe it??? See you in a few days!!! Parents, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (e-mail is the best) before Wednesday morning, when I depart!
BIGGEST HUGS,
Laura :)
First of all, if you're a weather.com fan like I am, you'll have noticed how BEAUTIFUL the weather will be during our first weekend in Italy! (caveat: weather.com almost NEVER posts the right temperature of Italian weather, from what I can tell - it was 55 and rainy, and weather.com said we were 76 and sunny, and vice versa, on the usual day)
As you will hear from Celeste, we've had a slight change for the trip. Instead of Dana Caron coming as the assistant Director, we will have Liz Schnautz for the first part of the trip, then an actual Siennese teacher for the rest of our stay! The one big change for you is that you won't have Dana on the flights with you coming over to Italy. But we're all experienced travelers, and, with a few notes from me, I know this will be SO easy for you!
Kate, with you as our senior traveler (actually, GRADUATE traveler!), I'm going to make you the shepherd for the trip! Please feel free to print off this blog for reference during your travel day. :)
I figured this would be good for those of you who are traveling on your own, anyways!
Check-in
You should be at check-in 2.5 hours before departure, as stated many times before. That means that most of you will be at DFW between 7 and 7:30 AM. During this time, parents will check in their own student, then afterwards take group pictures, have hugs, etc., before you all go together through the security checkpoint.
BAGS SHOULD BE CHECKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO ROME – we lose bags almost every year because of this miscommunication.
At the Departure Gate
Set up camp at the departure gate, which means EVERYONE's carryon bags are to be neatly gathered together into one spot. From now on, if you go out in a group, a group is THREE PEOPLE from our SPI group. If you want to get breakfast, eat something like what you’d usually eat for lunch. And to get lots of water or juice. Pick up food, and bring it back to the gate to eat it. Be at the gate, ready to board, at 8:45.
On the Chicago Flight
You all need to stay awake on this flight - talk, play games, share what you're excited about, take pictures . . . and be super-nice to the flight attendants!!!
In Chicago
Here’s where the fun starts. You are supposed to arrive around 11:50 AM. When y’all disembark, find the location of your departing flight, and take the whole group there to set up camp. Again, in groups, go to pick up lunch (dinner), and, with food, return to the gate quickly. Determine a group of five of you (at least) who will camp out with the bags at the departure gate. Then, head out to meet up with later arrivals:
Shannon: AA 2348 from DFW
Abbie and Carly: AA2486 from AUS
These are close-timed flights – if the gates are too far from each other, send Sara and Natalie to meet Shannon (make sure they have your cell phone #), and you can meet Abbie and Carly with another group of HP kids. Again, EVERYONE should have their SPI shirts on, so you'll be easily recognizable. Everyone is to return to the departure gate as quickly as possible – international flights start boarding 1 hour to 45 minutes ahead of time. Try to find out where everyone is sitting, and write it down here, so that you can say hi to everyone during the flight.
On the Flight
Eat ALL your dinner. SLEEP. A lot. However you need to do it. EVERYONE. Whenever you awake and pace around, stop by to visit each other, wherever you’re sitting. Plan to meet as a group immediately outside the gate. And eat ALL of your breakfast (no matter WHAT you're served).
Forms? Last time we flew to Italy, we received no forms entering the country. If they do hand out Customs forms, make sure you are filling everything out (you should have NOTHING to claim), and placing the form in your passports, for easy access. Have your passports in a quick-access spot, because that's the first stop you'll make once you get off the plane.
Disembarking
When you get off the flight, the minute you enter the airport, get the group together. Have any necessary potty breaks happen between there and the passport check.
Passport check: Be sure to get into a NON-EU line, and y'all can wait for each other as soon as they get through there. It’s a quick thing – they just check your passports, and you head to baggage claim. No one in our group has an international passport this year (Gratias Deo), so this should be smooth.
Baggage Claim: With the whole group with you at the end of passport check, just around the corner is the baggage claim. Everyone is to get his own bags, then head over just past the last carousel, to wait as a group for everyone to get their bags. Determine a spot to meet, before exiting customs. During this time, you can stop by the ATM inside the baggage claim if you want to get cash (make sure your bag is secure with someone else in the SPI group), but mostly, wait with the group until everyone has received their bags.
If there is a lost bag, go to the American desk right by the baggage claim. We’re headed directly to Sorrento, which could make things interesting . . . I’m right outside of the Customs exit door (just metres away) if there’s a problem – call my cell phone or have them come and get me.
Customs: You should just pass right through. If someone is stopped, it’s a random search, and shouldn’t be a problem – just let the rest of the group go ahead and stay nearby, Kate.
As soon as you pass through the Customs doors (big sliding glass doors), you should see me and Liz – I’ll have my pink SPI sign and green t-shirt, just like yours! We’ll be ready to load everyone up on the bus by then (Amanda, Grace and Caroline arrive before you – we'll be ready for everyone with the bus, to head directly to Pompeii!!!)!
Can you believe it??? See you in a few days!!! Parents, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (e-mail is the best) before Wednesday morning, when I depart!
BIGGEST HUGS,
Laura :)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Top Ten Final Things
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
This MIGHT be my last blog entry before our departure. Be watching the blog, though - I plan to take pictures at our lunch this Friday at Campania Pizzeria, just to show some of our bright, happy faces from Dallas!
For our final pre-departure blog, I thought I'd share with you 10 things to make sure you've done before departing. Totally giving cred to Mlle. May, the Director of SPI-France - great idea, Morgan!!!
10. Communication: If you want to contact me directly, be sure you're using my personal gmail address.
9. Preparation: Check out the June newsletter (which I'm e-mailing to each of you, but it's also posted on the Google group).
8. Expenses: Keep an eye on the current exchange rate: http://xe.com/ucc
7. Packing: Make sure you're well packed. See prior blog entries for this.
6. Culture: Find one museum/artist/art piece you REALLY want to see, either in Siena, Florence, or Rome, and write it down. Also, in the same place, write down one experience you absolutely want to have as an Italian.
5. Spending: Make sure you know how to use your debit/ATM card (it's Bancomat in Italy) - codes and all - and, if you choose, obtain some Euro cash from a local American Express or other exchange group. Remember: 150E per week should have you set, if you live in moderation. The most we'll spend is during our two excursion weekends, where you will buy your own meals.
4. Exercising: An athlete in Siena has many options available to them. Are you a runner/walker? Head to the Fortezza to get in some laps! Swimmer? There are two local pool clubs to which you can join. I'm sure there are aerobic classes somewhere, but with the sloping hills of the town, you'll get your cardio in, just walking around town and back to your homestay.
3. Packing: Something to ALWAYS remember when packing? ZIPLOCS (or similar bags) in several sizes - you'll be amazed about how you'll use them!
2. Carryon: Make sure all medication is labeled appropriately, and that you have all your travel documents organized and grouped together. I believe I have a copy of everyone's passport, but if there are copies of any other documents you'd like me to keep stored away, I have an envelope for every person attending the trip!
1. Gratitude: EVERY DAY (heck, every moment you see them) - hug your parents, and thank them for the sacrifices they had to make to send you on this trip. Believe me, they're wishing they could be in your place! And promise them you'll get the most out of this experience.
Parents, I'm sending out hugs daily to each of you, too, for giving your child this experience. And I promise that I'll make SPI Italy a wonderful trip for us all!!!
Grazie mille,
Laura :)
This MIGHT be my last blog entry before our departure. Be watching the blog, though - I plan to take pictures at our lunch this Friday at Campania Pizzeria, just to show some of our bright, happy faces from Dallas!
For our final pre-departure blog, I thought I'd share with you 10 things to make sure you've done before departing. Totally giving cred to Mlle. May, the Director of SPI-France - great idea, Morgan!!!
10. Communication: If you want to contact me directly, be sure you're using my personal gmail address.
9. Preparation: Check out the June newsletter (which I'm e-mailing to each of you, but it's also posted on the Google group).
8. Expenses: Keep an eye on the current exchange rate: http://xe.com/ucc
7. Packing: Make sure you're well packed. See prior blog entries for this.
6. Culture: Find one museum/artist/art piece you REALLY want to see, either in Siena, Florence, or Rome, and write it down. Also, in the same place, write down one experience you absolutely want to have as an Italian.
5. Spending: Make sure you know how to use your debit/ATM card (it's Bancomat in Italy) - codes and all - and, if you choose, obtain some Euro cash from a local American Express or other exchange group. Remember: 150E per week should have you set, if you live in moderation. The most we'll spend is during our two excursion weekends, where you will buy your own meals.
4. Exercising: An athlete in Siena has many options available to them. Are you a runner/walker? Head to the Fortezza to get in some laps! Swimmer? There are two local pool clubs to which you can join. I'm sure there are aerobic classes somewhere, but with the sloping hills of the town, you'll get your cardio in, just walking around town and back to your homestay.
3. Packing: Something to ALWAYS remember when packing? ZIPLOCS (or similar bags) in several sizes - you'll be amazed about how you'll use them!
2. Carryon: Make sure all medication is labeled appropriately, and that you have all your travel documents organized and grouped together. I believe I have a copy of everyone's passport, but if there are copies of any other documents you'd like me to keep stored away, I have an envelope for every person attending the trip!
1. Gratitude: EVERY DAY (heck, every moment you see them) - hug your parents, and thank them for the sacrifices they had to make to send you on this trip. Believe me, they're wishing they could be in your place! And promise them you'll get the most out of this experience.
Parents, I'm sending out hugs daily to each of you, too, for giving your child this experience. And I promise that I'll make SPI Italy a wonderful trip for us all!!!
Grazie mille,
Laura :)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Journaling
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
One great way to remember this trip is by keeping a journal. With technology as it is today, there are many ways to do this:
1. Written in a book - the classic way, one which I prefer (helps me settle in to go to sleep at night), writing out your memories is such a personal and effective way to preserve your emotions at that moment. In my written journal, I don't just write out sappy stuff - in here, with the day still fresh on my mind, I also write out a list of places we visited, things we did, a record of expenses, and things I've heard of which I might want to check out later.
2. Postcards - what a great way to send someone else (or even yourself) your memories! I sent Jay a postcard a day during this experience a few years ago - what great memories for both of us when I returned home! Postcards are sometimes the best gifts for family and loved ones - shows them you were thinking of them during your stay, and that you wanted to share a little part of your trip with them.
3. E-mails - before blogging was available, I would write home mass e-mails to family and friends about the experience. Everyone appreciated receiving them, and it saved me LOADS of time!
4. Blogging - with so many blog servers out there, consider keeping a blog, which you can share with your family and friends (Margaret, I am "following" your blog on my blog site!). Like sending out mass e-mails, this saves you a lot of time, is considerably cheaper than mailing, and you can really personalize the site to your own tastes. Who knows? When you get home, you may want to continue this GOOD habit of writing!
No matter what form of media you choose, please do plan to journal on this trip. Things pass so quickly and busily that you'll blink, and realize that the experience has passed. Journaling is such a sacred thing - we will actually have two of our afternoons in Siena dedicated to this experience! I even like to find a spot to which I regularly return to do my journaling (like the Fortezza in Siena) - takes me away for a moment each day to reflect on what I've experienced that day, and what it means in the overall scheme of the trip!
abbracci,
Laura :)
One great way to remember this trip is by keeping a journal. With technology as it is today, there are many ways to do this:
1. Written in a book - the classic way, one which I prefer (helps me settle in to go to sleep at night), writing out your memories is such a personal and effective way to preserve your emotions at that moment. In my written journal, I don't just write out sappy stuff - in here, with the day still fresh on my mind, I also write out a list of places we visited, things we did, a record of expenses, and things I've heard of which I might want to check out later.
2. Postcards - what a great way to send someone else (or even yourself) your memories! I sent Jay a postcard a day during this experience a few years ago - what great memories for both of us when I returned home! Postcards are sometimes the best gifts for family and loved ones - shows them you were thinking of them during your stay, and that you wanted to share a little part of your trip with them.
3. E-mails - before blogging was available, I would write home mass e-mails to family and friends about the experience. Everyone appreciated receiving them, and it saved me LOADS of time!
4. Blogging - with so many blog servers out there, consider keeping a blog, which you can share with your family and friends (Margaret, I am "following" your blog on my blog site!). Like sending out mass e-mails, this saves you a lot of time, is considerably cheaper than mailing, and you can really personalize the site to your own tastes. Who knows? When you get home, you may want to continue this GOOD habit of writing!
No matter what form of media you choose, please do plan to journal on this trip. Things pass so quickly and busily that you'll blink, and realize that the experience has passed. Journaling is such a sacred thing - we will actually have two of our afternoons in Siena dedicated to this experience! I even like to find a spot to which I regularly return to do my journaling (like the Fortezza in Siena) - takes me away for a moment each day to reflect on what I've experienced that day, and what it means in the overall scheme of the trip!
abbracci,
Laura :)
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TWO MORE WEEKS!!!
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Oh, all these e-mails to me - you're getting me so excited about the trip!!! Can I share my answers to some of your recent e-mails with the group?
1. Departure - PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR GREEN SHIRTS - While most students are taking the same flight over as Ms. Caron, a few of you have slightly different itineraries. If you are taking a different flight to ORD or flying out of another airport, a great idea is to e-mail Ms. Caron/SPI your cell phone number (if you're going to have your American cell with you while you travel). I find that it's a great idea to take your American cell with you, to handle all the transfers while in the U.S., then turn it off when you board the international flight. (this way, you'll have it with a little working battery when we return, to let you call your folks at the connection gate)
If you're meeting us in ORD, plan to meet Ms. Caron (or a group of SPI fellow travelers) when you arrive into that airport. If not, please call Ms. Caron when you arrive at the location of your international departure, to let her know you're at your departure gate. We'll do the same thing when we all return to the U.S. - call me on my cell phone as soon as you get to your connecting gate (we'll talk about the fun of customs when returning to the U.S. later).
2. Katerina, we won't get as far north as you were hoping, but, believe me, there is HISTORY everywhere, even what you're looking for! The one thing that always strikes me, wherever we are, whether strolling during the evening passegiata, or in one of our tourist stays, is the reminder that, for centuries, people have been doing the exact same stroll as I do then. When we tour through the Forum, think of how many people have placed their feet exactly where you are. When we visit the Vatican, consider how many pilgrims visit - and have visited - this place, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for so many (and so many more who don't even get the chance). You can almost feel people of past ages passing by, smiling, as you experience the same path as they had. What a great connection with history and humanity!!!
3. Margarita, how inspiring it is to see everything on your blog - just shows me what this trip means to so many of you this year (and it certainly means as much, and more, to me!). You had mentioned that you'd like to see a daily agenda. Out of personal inspiration, I'm designing brief devotionals - just 10 - 15 minutes at the end of each of our touring day for anyone who is interested. We will read the passages, however, from the Italian bible and the Vulgate (no meager English translation for us), and discuss topics related to whatever place we visit that day. I'm going to see if I can post the devotional (and events) calendar on the blog, but general schedules for each day is also posted on the SPI Italy Google calendar (linked, I hope, to this page). :)
4. Shannon, I appreciate your wanting to work in advance to make the most of our brief time on our last weekend!!! No need to buy any tickets in advance - the Musei Vaticani lines should be moving at just the right speed when y'all get there, so that you can just enter directly and head to the ticket booth! If you've never been to Rome, I must insist that you go to the Musei Vaticani, and if you've already been there, another group will go to Villa Borghese (we'll meet in the Piazza di San Pietro a few hours after we divide up for a tour of the Basilica itself). Again, as I mentioned before, please inform me if you plan to go to the Villa Borghese - we need to book a reservation before we depart!
One last time to meet before we depart? See you at Campania Pizza for lunch at noon on Friday, June 19! Please feel free to e-mail me on my personal e-mail if you have more questions, and I'll make one last posting just before our departure date!
HUGS to all of you!
Laura :)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Three Weeks, and Counting
In three weeks from now, some of you will have already departed on your first flight! Woo Hoo!!!
I thought I'd chat with you about what to expect during your travel day. International travel is TOUGH on your body, and the more preparation you do, the better your first day of touring will be.
To start with, consider beginning to change your internal clock by an hour a day a few days before departure. Italy is 7 hours ahead of most of us, so if you start on Monday waking up early and going to bed a little earlier, it'll be easier to get to sleep on the international flight on Thursday night. If you're not that disciplined, consider doing something crazy like sleeping very little on Wednesday night, and getting up super-early. You need to be at the airport 2 1/2 hours before departure, anyways, to be sure to make it through all the check-in stuff for international flights. Yes, that's a 7 AM check-in, my 9:30 AM departure friends.
At the airport, stay on your feet as much as possible, and try to get your eating habits on Italy time. That means you want to eat something lunch-ish for breakfast. And drink lots of water/juice. When you arrive into the connecting airport and get to your Italy departure gate, wait to eat anything until you get on the flight - they'll feed you dinner within the first two hours. But keep drinking lots of water/juice. On the international flight, try not to snack throughout the night, but keep drinking lots of water/juice. Sleep as much as possible. If you find you're restless, get up and walk for about 10 minutes, then return to your seat to attempt sleeping again. And have some water every time you wake up. Getting my drift? An hour before you arrive, breakfast will be served to you - eat all of it, whether you like it or not - it'll tell your body that it's morning (and not midnight, American time).
Once you get through passport check (be sure to take the NON-EU lines), get your bags at the baggage claim, and go through Customs (nothing to claim, my friends), you'll see me there on the other side of the sliding doors, with a pink SPI sign and the same Green SPI t-shirt. And we'll be off! No stops until we break at an AutoGrill for lunch right before going to Pompeii.
Again, a list of reminders for fighting jetlag:
1. A few days before departure, start changing your internal clock - wake up earlier, go to bed earlier
2. Force yourself to sleep/be still/rest during the international flight
3. Eat a lunch-type meal at breakfast, a snack-type meal for lunch, and eat your entire served breakfast on the international flight
4. LOTS OF FLUIDS for hydration - water and juice - as often as they offer it to you, and more!
We'll see you in three weeks!!!
Hugs,
L :)
I thought I'd chat with you about what to expect during your travel day. International travel is TOUGH on your body, and the more preparation you do, the better your first day of touring will be.
To start with, consider beginning to change your internal clock by an hour a day a few days before departure. Italy is 7 hours ahead of most of us, so if you start on Monday waking up early and going to bed a little earlier, it'll be easier to get to sleep on the international flight on Thursday night. If you're not that disciplined, consider doing something crazy like sleeping very little on Wednesday night, and getting up super-early. You need to be at the airport 2 1/2 hours before departure, anyways, to be sure to make it through all the check-in stuff for international flights. Yes, that's a 7 AM check-in, my 9:30 AM departure friends.
At the airport, stay on your feet as much as possible, and try to get your eating habits on Italy time. That means you want to eat something lunch-ish for breakfast. And drink lots of water/juice. When you arrive into the connecting airport and get to your Italy departure gate, wait to eat anything until you get on the flight - they'll feed you dinner within the first two hours. But keep drinking lots of water/juice. On the international flight, try not to snack throughout the night, but keep drinking lots of water/juice. Sleep as much as possible. If you find you're restless, get up and walk for about 10 minutes, then return to your seat to attempt sleeping again. And have some water every time you wake up. Getting my drift? An hour before you arrive, breakfast will be served to you - eat all of it, whether you like it or not - it'll tell your body that it's morning (and not midnight, American time).
Once you get through passport check (be sure to take the NON-EU lines), get your bags at the baggage claim, and go through Customs (nothing to claim, my friends), you'll see me there on the other side of the sliding doors, with a pink SPI sign and the same Green SPI t-shirt. And we'll be off! No stops until we break at an AutoGrill for lunch right before going to Pompeii.
Again, a list of reminders for fighting jetlag:
1. A few days before departure, start changing your internal clock - wake up earlier, go to bed earlier
2. Force yourself to sleep/be still/rest during the international flight
3. Eat a lunch-type meal at breakfast, a snack-type meal for lunch, and eat your entire served breakfast on the international flight
4. LOTS OF FLUIDS for hydration - water and juice - as often as they offer it to you, and more!
We'll see you in three weeks!!!
Hugs,
L :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Travel-Sized
Now that we're less than two months away, and I've clearly been in packing mode, let's talk about the benefits of travel-sized packages. I don't know about your house, but the guest bathroom in my house has more travel-sized toiletries than an entire boat of Caribbean pirates could use.
When preparing for a trip like ours, consider packing two or three travel-sized amounts of whatever you need (soap, shampoo, deodorant), rather than packing a large container which you won't use up. Smaller containers take up less room, and leak far less if they do open in your bag . . . and you can throw away the containers when they're emptied. Plus, our first weekend is spent at a hotel, so you can always use their hospitality products (rather than getting into your own stuff).
Carry-on or in the luggage? What do you HAVE (really - not just what you WANT) to have, if you should not have your luggage for two days? Pack your carry-on well:
1. Basic first-aid and hygienic needs: band-aids, prescription medicine (and the doctor’s order), antigas/antacids, hygenic products, travel sickness medicine?
2. Change of clothes (in case of loss of luggage) - our second day is Capri, so pack light clothing and a swimsuit
3. Your family gift (if meltable or fragile)
4. Healthy snacks: fruit-based snacks, crackers with cheese/PB, protein bars
5. Copies of necessary documents - passport, all credit cards and IDs (both sides), prescriptions - one to give to your Director, one for yourself
6. Comfort items for long-distance travel - warm sockies, inflatable pillow, earplugs
7. Something for writing - you'll fill out several documents during your journey, plus you WILL be taking Italian courses (for university credit) when you get to Siena
Please be sure you're learning some Italian, too, before we depart - that will be the MOST important carry-on you have - your brain!
Hugs,
L :)
P.S. This Thursday is our departure info meeting. For those of you who cannot attend, I will be posting an audiocast of the meeting on this blog (if I can - if not, I'll send it out by e-mail and post it on Quia or the Google Group page)!
When preparing for a trip like ours, consider packing two or three travel-sized amounts of whatever you need (soap, shampoo, deodorant), rather than packing a large container which you won't use up. Smaller containers take up less room, and leak far less if they do open in your bag . . . and you can throw away the containers when they're emptied. Plus, our first weekend is spent at a hotel, so you can always use their hospitality products (rather than getting into your own stuff).
Carry-on or in the luggage? What do you HAVE (really - not just what you WANT) to have, if you should not have your luggage for two days? Pack your carry-on well:
1. Basic first-aid and hygienic needs: band-aids, prescription medicine (and the doctor’s order), antigas/antacids, hygenic products, travel sickness medicine?
2. Change of clothes (in case of loss of luggage) - our second day is Capri, so pack light clothing and a swimsuit
3. Your family gift (if meltable or fragile)
4. Healthy snacks: fruit-based snacks, crackers with cheese/PB, protein bars
5. Copies of necessary documents - passport, all credit cards and IDs (both sides), prescriptions - one to give to your Director, one for yourself
6. Comfort items for long-distance travel - warm sockies, inflatable pillow, earplugs
7. Something for writing - you'll fill out several documents during your journey, plus you WILL be taking Italian courses (for university credit) when you get to Siena
Please be sure you're learning some Italian, too, before we depart - that will be the MOST important carry-on you have - your brain!
Hugs,
L :)
P.S. This Thursday is our departure info meeting. For those of you who cannot attend, I will be posting an audiocast of the meeting on this blog (if I can - if not, I'll send it out by e-mail and post it on Quia or the Google Group page)!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Packing - Liquids and electronics
Probably one of the most (few) brilliant ideas by the flight companies was to limit sizes of liquid containers to 3 oz on carryons. Really, what person is so attached to their GIANT shampoo bottle that they can't move into a small bottle for traveling? Which is my fun, quick point for today. Girls (or guys), if you have a favorite liquid - shampoo, perfume, lotion - which you HAVE to take on your travels, please move it into a 3 oz. travel bottle (and it's even better if the bottle is already labeled with its size). For a 2.5-week trip, you won't use more of that liquid, whatever it is. Plus, if it breaks open or leaks in your bag, that's a far smaller issue than if you took your original bottle, right? And weigh your giant shampoo bottle right now to remind yourself of how much weight you're NOT carrying through Italy.
I'm sure this goes without saying, but we're not headed to the center of Africa or the remote desert. People live in Siena and Italy (and we're living with them), which thus necessitates grocery stores. Buy your mouthwash/body soap/hand soap/toothpaste/shampoo at the grocery store, and share it with your roommate. Get your small electronics - hair dryer, fan for room if you need it - in town, too, rather than taking your own and bringing an adapter (with which you WILL blow our your electronic device). If you must bring an Ipod, get an European plug at the Apple store (and do the same for your cameras, or just bring extra charged batteries). Pack lightly, and you'll be rewarded in the end by being able to bring more gifts/regalia home to share with your loved ones!
Just my input (like the cell phone thing) . . .
L :)
I'm sure this goes without saying, but we're not headed to the center of Africa or the remote desert. People live in Siena and Italy (and we're living with them), which thus necessitates grocery stores. Buy your mouthwash/body soap/hand soap/toothpaste/shampoo at the grocery store, and share it with your roommate. Get your small electronics - hair dryer, fan for room if you need it - in town, too, rather than taking your own and bringing an adapter (with which you WILL blow our your electronic device). If you must bring an Ipod, get an European plug at the Apple store (and do the same for your cameras, or just bring extra charged batteries). Pack lightly, and you'll be rewarded in the end by being able to bring more gifts/regalia home to share with your loved ones!
Just my input (like the cell phone thing) . . .
L :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Cell Phones: To Rent or Not to Rent?
Just had an e-mail from a parent, asking about cell phones and general communications access for while we're in Italy (ah, such a brief stay). Over the years, I've seen kids handle communications during the trip in many ways:
1. Renting a cell phone (but it takes serious control on the part of the kiddo - can get expensive if they have to keep in touch with their friends) - a good way for you to immediately be able to reach your child at all times (but the homestays all have their own phone lines, which you can call directly). Personally, I'm not a fan of cell phones, but SPI has a leash to me, too. :) Those kids without a cell phone never mention any regrets - they make plans as everyone leaves to return home for dinner, and they meet up in the Campo after dinner at their homes. I think the ones without the cell phones feel a little more freedom than the others.
Life in Italy is community-based, not the American individual-based style we're so accustomed to. I discourage students bringing anything which isolates them from others (Ipod, handheld games, etc.), both for the regret of losing something so expensive, but also for the reason of losing out on an opportunity to meet someone new or find a new experience to communicate (which is REALLY why we're here).
2. By computer - not only does Dante Alighieri have computers available for the students, but there are so many cheap internet spots throughout the city. It's how I do most of my communication. And, kids, you can write one e-mail and send it to everyone, then get out of there faster and enjoy more of your time in Siena!
3. Cheap International calling spots - my favorite one is just $.10 a minute to call home directly. How I keep in touch with my husband during my Italy stays. There are several in the center of town.
4. Calling Cards - it's a MUCH better deal to use a calling card from the US to call Italy, rather than the other way around. A $20 international phone card will last a full 3 week trip, with my husband calling me. 20E schede internationale might last me a week, calling my husband in the US. You can get an international calling card from anywhere like Walgreens or CVS, and call to the homestays. Make plans for specific times when you'll call (usually around 6 PM in Italy - 11 AM in Dallas - is a good time - after touring, before dinner . . . during homework time?).
I hope this helps you in making your decision as to whether an investment in a cell phone is worth it to you . . . could be more gelato money, my friends!!!
abbraci,
L :)
1. Renting a cell phone (but it takes serious control on the part of the kiddo - can get expensive if they have to keep in touch with their friends) - a good way for you to immediately be able to reach your child at all times (but the homestays all have their own phone lines, which you can call directly). Personally, I'm not a fan of cell phones, but SPI has a leash to me, too. :) Those kids without a cell phone never mention any regrets - they make plans as everyone leaves to return home for dinner, and they meet up in the Campo after dinner at their homes. I think the ones without the cell phones feel a little more freedom than the others.
Life in Italy is community-based, not the American individual-based style we're so accustomed to. I discourage students bringing anything which isolates them from others (Ipod, handheld games, etc.), both for the regret of losing something so expensive, but also for the reason of losing out on an opportunity to meet someone new or find a new experience to communicate (which is REALLY why we're here).
2. By computer - not only does Dante Alighieri have computers available for the students, but there are so many cheap internet spots throughout the city. It's how I do most of my communication. And, kids, you can write one e-mail and send it to everyone, then get out of there faster and enjoy more of your time in Siena!
3. Cheap International calling spots - my favorite one is just $.10 a minute to call home directly. How I keep in touch with my husband during my Italy stays. There are several in the center of town.
4. Calling Cards - it's a MUCH better deal to use a calling card from the US to call Italy, rather than the other way around. A $20 international phone card will last a full 3 week trip, with my husband calling me. 20E schede internationale might last me a week, calling my husband in the US. You can get an international calling card from anywhere like Walgreens or CVS, and call to the homestays. Make plans for specific times when you'll call (usually around 6 PM in Italy - 11 AM in Dallas - is a good time - after touring, before dinner . . . during homework time?).
I hope this helps you in making your decision as to whether an investment in a cell phone is worth it to you . . . could be more gelato money, my friends!!!
abbraci,
L :)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Packing and Prepping
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
With the fun of TAKS and other pandemics this week, it completely passed me that we're now less than two months away from our departure!
This month, Jay and I have three different roadtrip weekends. I'm always amazed at how much we pack when doing a weekend road trip - it's so different from when I'm traveling abroad! Which brings me to this month's topic - PACKING.
Right now is a good time to start thinking about how you'll pack for the trip. In one of my monthly newsletters, I give you a good challenge on how to judge if your suitcase is suitable. But what to pack in it? Department stores are offering outrageously good prices on seasonal clothing, all which would be great for Italy (no gashes, no ads, and no cleavage, please). You might have a homestay who will do one load of laundry for you (mine doesn't - come join me at the laundromat one afternoon the second week if this is the case). Either way, pack clothes which don't have to be dry-cleaned. I forget this rule every year, and always slap my forehead at the mid-way point in the trip. If it's machine-washable, it's sturdy enough to be washed during our trip. And I definitely expect you to pack so little that you need to get your clothes washed once (even though our trip is brief).
I'm a sweat-er. Seriously. Like a PIG. The Meta Sudans has nothing on me. Which means that I seek out clothes which breathe well (like linens and cottons) but hold up under a lot of movement. And I don't bring anything brand-new on the trip. If I've bought shoes for the trip (one of the two pairs which I bring), I've worn them since early May. Actually, this is my first year to NOT buy a new pair of sandals - I've totally fallen for Merrell shoes! Prior years' travelers can tell you . . . no matter the brand of "high-performance" shoe - birkenstocks, sofft, clarks, etc. - I've always ended up on our Capri day with bleeding, blistered feet. And that's just our second day of the trip! Last summer, I invested in some Merrell sandals, and, well, I'm a loyal fan now. Besides these shoes, I'll bring one nice pair of sandals to wear in the evenings.
Not to sound shallow - my focus when we're traveling is appreciation for people, language, food, and the experience - but the most important thing to focus on as you prepare for this trip (besides learning necessary Italian phrases and terms) is to pack sparingly and smart. No one should come off the plane with more than one suitcase, and a backpack or small carry-on bag (if you must).
a piu tardi!
L :)
With the fun of TAKS and other pandemics this week, it completely passed me that we're now less than two months away from our departure!
This month, Jay and I have three different roadtrip weekends. I'm always amazed at how much we pack when doing a weekend road trip - it's so different from when I'm traveling abroad! Which brings me to this month's topic - PACKING.
Right now is a good time to start thinking about how you'll pack for the trip. In one of my monthly newsletters, I give you a good challenge on how to judge if your suitcase is suitable. But what to pack in it? Department stores are offering outrageously good prices on seasonal clothing, all which would be great for Italy (no gashes, no ads, and no cleavage, please). You might have a homestay who will do one load of laundry for you (mine doesn't - come join me at the laundromat one afternoon the second week if this is the case). Either way, pack clothes which don't have to be dry-cleaned. I forget this rule every year, and always slap my forehead at the mid-way point in the trip. If it's machine-washable, it's sturdy enough to be washed during our trip. And I definitely expect you to pack so little that you need to get your clothes washed once (even though our trip is brief).
I'm a sweat-er. Seriously. Like a PIG. The Meta Sudans has nothing on me. Which means that I seek out clothes which breathe well (like linens and cottons) but hold up under a lot of movement. And I don't bring anything brand-new on the trip. If I've bought shoes for the trip (one of the two pairs which I bring), I've worn them since early May. Actually, this is my first year to NOT buy a new pair of sandals - I've totally fallen for Merrell shoes! Prior years' travelers can tell you . . . no matter the brand of "high-performance" shoe - birkenstocks, sofft, clarks, etc. - I've always ended up on our Capri day with bleeding, blistered feet. And that's just our second day of the trip! Last summer, I invested in some Merrell sandals, and, well, I'm a loyal fan now. Besides these shoes, I'll bring one nice pair of sandals to wear in the evenings.
Not to sound shallow - my focus when we're traveling is appreciation for people, language, food, and the experience - but the most important thing to focus on as you prepare for this trip (besides learning necessary Italian phrases and terms) is to pack sparingly and smart. No one should come off the plane with more than one suitcase, and a backpack or small carry-on bag (if you must).
a piu tardi!
L :)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Off the usual path
The experience of the sacred is so important to Christian pilgrims when visiting Italy. And the opportunities abound. Of course, there are the standard spots - The Vatican and the three other big basilicas in Rome, the burial sites of saints and holy people, the relics which are interred around and under altars in churches all over Italy . . .
I have been fortunate to see some of the less-visited sites with Reginald Foster, who is not only a great Latin teacher, but an inspiring leader of pilgrims. If you have the opportunity and time during your visits in Rome, may I suggest visiting a few of the following by train:
1. History buff? Visit Cicero's tomb in Formia (along the train line going from Rome to Naples - take the Regionale), and enjoy seeing the ancient fish-holding tanks down by the shore. A day in Formia is totally worth it - they have a nice archaeological museum, and it's always nice to spend an afternoon by the seashore. Just allow time to walk back up to the train station!
2. Seeking the sacred? Fossanova Abbey, located near the Priverno train stop (along the same line as Formia), is the location of St. Thomas Aquinas' death. The walk to the Abbey is beautiful, and remote, but not without a great family-owned pizzeria on the way. While the church itself is BEAUTIFUL, you can also find St. Thomas' mule's hoofprints and a beautiful upper-room chapel where St. Thomas stayed until his death.
3. Lake Albano has some beautiful small towns around it - even the Pope agrees - which is why he summers at Castel Gandolfo. CUTE spot to visit!!! It also appeases you if you're a history buff - they say that it's where the city of Alba Longa was located . . .
4. WWII fan? You can't go to Italy without visiting Monte Cassino, which was a long-standing Monastery in southern Lazio (just before you get to Campania). In WWII, rumors were that it was housing important Axis powers' stuff, and the Allies bombed it, to learn that there was nothing in there worth the destruction. On the Cassino train stop, you can make the stroll all the way up to the modern monastery for a tour of an amazing historical location! From the freeway, it's a forbidding-looking fortress.
SPI friends, we'll be driving by Monte Cassino, and might get a quick glimpse of Formia, but these are definitely experiences to have when you return to Italy to do your own traveling (and use your Italian skills)!
L :)
I have been fortunate to see some of the less-visited sites with Reginald Foster, who is not only a great Latin teacher, but an inspiring leader of pilgrims. If you have the opportunity and time during your visits in Rome, may I suggest visiting a few of the following by train:
1. History buff? Visit Cicero's tomb in Formia (along the train line going from Rome to Naples - take the Regionale), and enjoy seeing the ancient fish-holding tanks down by the shore. A day in Formia is totally worth it - they have a nice archaeological museum, and it's always nice to spend an afternoon by the seashore. Just allow time to walk back up to the train station!
2. Seeking the sacred? Fossanova Abbey, located near the Priverno train stop (along the same line as Formia), is the location of St. Thomas Aquinas' death. The walk to the Abbey is beautiful, and remote, but not without a great family-owned pizzeria on the way. While the church itself is BEAUTIFUL, you can also find St. Thomas' mule's hoofprints and a beautiful upper-room chapel where St. Thomas stayed until his death.
3. Lake Albano has some beautiful small towns around it - even the Pope agrees - which is why he summers at Castel Gandolfo. CUTE spot to visit!!! It also appeases you if you're a history buff - they say that it's where the city of Alba Longa was located . . .
4. WWII fan? You can't go to Italy without visiting Monte Cassino, which was a long-standing Monastery in southern Lazio (just before you get to Campania). In WWII, rumors were that it was housing important Axis powers' stuff, and the Allies bombed it, to learn that there was nothing in there worth the destruction. On the Cassino train stop, you can make the stroll all the way up to the modern monastery for a tour of an amazing historical location! From the freeway, it's a forbidding-looking fortress.
SPI friends, we'll be driving by Monte Cassino, and might get a quick glimpse of Formia, but these are definitely experiences to have when you return to Italy to do your own traveling (and use your Italian skills)!
L :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Price - Travel Days
Just a last few thoughts as you prepare to leave:
1. Are you renting a car or taking the train for your travels? Either way, consider making the following stops during your travel days:
Rome to Florence - (depending on if you have reservations for the Uffizi/Academia in Florence) consider stopping in Orvieto on the way up - a SUPER-charming little town! There's always Tivoli, too, and the Villa d'Este (I'd personally stop at Hadrian's Villa, but it's a bunch of rocks for most people).
Florence to Chianti - it will take you no time to get to wherever you're going (probably 2 hours at the most), so make a nice lunch break/afternoon stop at one of the small towns like Montalcino or Montepulciano, and visit a neighboring vineyard.
Chianti to Emilia Romano - Arezzo is right on the Northern border of Tuscany, as you head towards this new region of Italy. Very manageable city, and I've got to recommend going to the Archaeological museum (which is built into the ancient Amphitheatre of the city). Plus, the art on the northern side of the city is cool!!!
Emilia Romano to Venice - by all means, stop by one of the auto producers on your way to Venice! SERIOUSLY!!!
From what I hear, the drive from Venice to Lake Como, then on to Milan, is beautiful enough for its own view.
Please, if anything comes up during your stay, feel free to write me (by this blog or by e-mail), and I'll be happy to look up anything for you!!!
BUON VIAGGIO!
L :)
1. Are you renting a car or taking the train for your travels? Either way, consider making the following stops during your travel days:
Rome to Florence - (depending on if you have reservations for the Uffizi/Academia in Florence) consider stopping in Orvieto on the way up - a SUPER-charming little town! There's always Tivoli, too, and the Villa d'Este (I'd personally stop at Hadrian's Villa, but it's a bunch of rocks for most people).
Florence to Chianti - it will take you no time to get to wherever you're going (probably 2 hours at the most), so make a nice lunch break/afternoon stop at one of the small towns like Montalcino or Montepulciano, and visit a neighboring vineyard.
Chianti to Emilia Romano - Arezzo is right on the Northern border of Tuscany, as you head towards this new region of Italy. Very manageable city, and I've got to recommend going to the Archaeological museum (which is built into the ancient Amphitheatre of the city). Plus, the art on the northern side of the city is cool!!!
Emilia Romano to Venice - by all means, stop by one of the auto producers on your way to Venice! SERIOUSLY!!!
From what I hear, the drive from Venice to Lake Como, then on to Milan, is beautiful enough for its own view.
Please, if anything comes up during your stay, feel free to write me (by this blog or by e-mail), and I'll be happy to look up anything for you!!!
BUON VIAGGIO!
L :)
Tempus fugit
Wow - I can't believe it - Orrocks are already in Italy (and I hope you're enjoying every SECOND of it - if anything comes up, just e-mail me, and I can get you advice as quickly as possible), and you're headed out next week, Price!!!
I've almost officially hit my limit as to advice and suggestions, simply because my standard touring area is Tuscany and south!!! I've got a little about Venice in this passage, but when it comes to those beautiful spots north of there, I've yet to visit myself (ah, when I have a year to travel with Jay as ADULTS) . . .
REALLY enjoy your time in Emilia Romano - for the time you'll spend there, you probably be able to allow a day of peace (rest, do laundry, catch up on upcoming plans). Get to know the area, and find out from your concierge (or your town's tourist stop) about concerts which are happening during your stay. May is a ripe time for Spring Festivals, too, and many small towns are honoring their patron saint during this time! And, for this region, the most important goal for you is to eat, and eat well. Hit those indoor food markets, and drink the wine (yes, Dad will tell you that lambrusco's not my favorite, but when you're in the place where it's made . . .). Stuff yourself. And, by all means, eat Parmesan every day. Sprinkled with pepper and drizzled with honey, it makes a perfect dessert.
Don't worry - you'll walk it all off while in Venice. Be sure to plan a day to take the vaporetti out to Murano (and buy lots of glass pieces), and possibly spend another 1/2 day checking out the lace in Burano. Expect to spend a few hours touring St. Marco's. And, for the rest of the time, enjoy the personality of the city - the back, winding corridors; the hidden churches; the small facades of random buildings. As I mentioned in my Transportation blog, be sure to use the 24-hour Vaporetti tickets and save money for wine and dinner!
Lake Como? I can't even write anything here - too jealous. Just enjoy the very beauty of it all.
And, finally, Milan. Of course, you will see the Last Supper. You'll visit the Duomo. You'll check out the fashion. Please be sure to take the time to savor your last few days in Italy, though. You've had an INCREDIBLE trip!!!
L :)
I've almost officially hit my limit as to advice and suggestions, simply because my standard touring area is Tuscany and south!!! I've got a little about Venice in this passage, but when it comes to those beautiful spots north of there, I've yet to visit myself (ah, when I have a year to travel with Jay as ADULTS) . . .
REALLY enjoy your time in Emilia Romano - for the time you'll spend there, you probably be able to allow a day of peace (rest, do laundry, catch up on upcoming plans). Get to know the area, and find out from your concierge (or your town's tourist stop) about concerts which are happening during your stay. May is a ripe time for Spring Festivals, too, and many small towns are honoring their patron saint during this time! And, for this region, the most important goal for you is to eat, and eat well. Hit those indoor food markets, and drink the wine (yes, Dad will tell you that lambrusco's not my favorite, but when you're in the place where it's made . . .). Stuff yourself. And, by all means, eat Parmesan every day. Sprinkled with pepper and drizzled with honey, it makes a perfect dessert.
Don't worry - you'll walk it all off while in Venice. Be sure to plan a day to take the vaporetti out to Murano (and buy lots of glass pieces), and possibly spend another 1/2 day checking out the lace in Burano. Expect to spend a few hours touring St. Marco's. And, for the rest of the time, enjoy the personality of the city - the back, winding corridors; the hidden churches; the small facades of random buildings. As I mentioned in my Transportation blog, be sure to use the 24-hour Vaporetti tickets and save money for wine and dinner!
Lake Como? I can't even write anything here - too jealous. Just enjoy the very beauty of it all.
And, finally, Milan. Of course, you will see the Last Supper. You'll visit the Duomo. You'll check out the fashion. Please be sure to take the time to savor your last few days in Italy, though. You've had an INCREDIBLE trip!!!
L :)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Public Transportation in Italy
It seems everyone has picked up on this in Europe, and, the Italians, for all their brilliance in their public transportation systems, have totally embraced the idea of the INTEGRALE in tourism.
In Rome, the Romapass (15E) offers you a three-day bus/metro pass with a card which gives you two free entrances into most of their major museums (totally rocks to avoid the long Colosseum lines), then discounted prices on any entrances past then. I LOVE the bus system in Rome (Metro will be great for you April/May travelers, but I'll only use it upon absolute necessity in July) - so many routes, all the way to midnight, then there's always a route you'll find midnight to 6 AM for you late-night goers (like me). Remember, as long as you know where you're going, the bus signs all read from top to bottom. If you want to plan out bus routes during your stay, check out Rome's ATAC website online. You can buy a cheap bus map at any of the Tobacchi, too, when you arrive.
If you choose to just get the daily bus passes at the Tobacchi (don't do it!!!), remember that a Giornaliero bus pass ends at midnight, and you have to validate a new ticket to get home after an evening out.
***Want to get a good tour of the whole city, then decide where you want to spend your time? The 110, starting and ending at Termini, is a city-wide route where you can get on and off along the route, then just board the next bus when you're ready to move on. A great way to tour heavily in one day, then enjoy the rest of your days.
In Florence, they have the Amici degli Uffizi card, but with your short stay there (smart idea), you can more easily simply get reservations at each museum, and schedule your day appropriately that way. And, really, for as central as Florence is, you probably don't have to use the bus system - the train and bus stations (SMN) are so central!
***Florence, too, has a city tour bus which will take you around town - a nice way to rest your feet for an hour or two!
In Venice, they have this thing called the "Venice Connected" (check out http://www.veniceconnected.com/ - it's a great idea, but you have to book in advance), but unless you're a crazy pre-planner, you might want to consider just getting a vaporetto ticket. These run from 12-hours all the way to 7-days (I love how the 24-hour tickets REALLY are that - once you've validated it, you have a full 24 hours - no expiring at midnight like the Cinderella-style day-long Roma tickets). And, really, the vaporetto is a great system - frequently comes, and they don't mind if you bring your bags on . . . briefly. Gondolas are cute, but the difference in price is SO worth the better wine at dinner.
For the other areas, there are regional systems, whether by bus (Sena, for instance, out of Siena) or by train (the Circumvesuviana around the Bay of Naples) - just check out what's available in the area through websites and tour books!
And, of course, there's nothing wrong with falling in love with one spot, and sitting still for a good three days in a pleasant piazza somewhere . . .
L :)
In Rome, the Romapass (15E) offers you a three-day bus/metro pass with a card which gives you two free entrances into most of their major museums (totally rocks to avoid the long Colosseum lines), then discounted prices on any entrances past then. I LOVE the bus system in Rome (Metro will be great for you April/May travelers, but I'll only use it upon absolute necessity in July) - so many routes, all the way to midnight, then there's always a route you'll find midnight to 6 AM for you late-night goers (like me). Remember, as long as you know where you're going, the bus signs all read from top to bottom. If you want to plan out bus routes during your stay, check out Rome's ATAC website online. You can buy a cheap bus map at any of the Tobacchi, too, when you arrive.
If you choose to just get the daily bus passes at the Tobacchi (don't do it!!!), remember that a Giornaliero bus pass ends at midnight, and you have to validate a new ticket to get home after an evening out.
***Want to get a good tour of the whole city, then decide where you want to spend your time? The 110, starting and ending at Termini, is a city-wide route where you can get on and off along the route, then just board the next bus when you're ready to move on. A great way to tour heavily in one day, then enjoy the rest of your days.
In Florence, they have the Amici degli Uffizi card, but with your short stay there (smart idea), you can more easily simply get reservations at each museum, and schedule your day appropriately that way. And, really, for as central as Florence is, you probably don't have to use the bus system - the train and bus stations (SMN) are so central!
***Florence, too, has a city tour bus which will take you around town - a nice way to rest your feet for an hour or two!
In Venice, they have this thing called the "Venice Connected" (check out http://www.veniceconnected.com/ - it's a great idea, but you have to book in advance), but unless you're a crazy pre-planner, you might want to consider just getting a vaporetto ticket. These run from 12-hours all the way to 7-days (I love how the 24-hour tickets REALLY are that - once you've validated it, you have a full 24 hours - no expiring at midnight like the Cinderella-style day-long Roma tickets). And, really, the vaporetto is a great system - frequently comes, and they don't mind if you bring your bags on . . . briefly. Gondolas are cute, but the difference in price is SO worth the better wine at dinner.
For the other areas, there are regional systems, whether by bus (Sena, for instance, out of Siena) or by train (the Circumvesuviana around the Bay of Naples) - just check out what's available in the area through websites and tour books!
And, of course, there's nothing wrong with falling in love with one spot, and sitting still for a good three days in a pleasant piazza somewhere . . .
L :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Chianti
There's a reason I choose to take students back to Siena every year . . . even though my heart belongs to Rome. The cities in the Chianti region of Tuscany are THE most charming, beautiful ones anywhere in Italy. I'll talk about a few here, but you really can't miss out, no matter where you choose to go.
West of Florence (not really Chianti territory) is Lucca, a small, walled city, famed for touring by bike. It's a rare spot where people will cancel their travel plans upon arrival, just to get more time in that city. Lucca and Siena are those kind of towns. Of course, west of Florence is also Pisa. Don't have much to say about that city (when the kids ask if, on their off-day, they can go to Pisa, I reply, "Go ahead."). I'm not a fan of tourist traps.
South of Florence is everything else.
San Gimignano is a must-do, even if only for a few hours. Visit the church where Sta. Fina is buried, and spend some time admiring the frescoes. Climb the Torre Grosso, and be sure to stroll up to the Rocca. And you HAVE to have gelato in the Piazza della Cisterna (it's the one on the west side of the piazza, with all the neon, which claims to have the best Gelato in the world - they really do).
Consider staying in Siena. It's absolutely magical, especially from sunset on. There are great museums, great palaces, and great people there. The food is incredible - one of my favorite spots is in the Piazza del Mercato - the one with the brown umbrellas - try any of the roasted meats or sausages on the menu. Also, the Pizzeria Quatro Venti (I think), located just down the street from the Duomo, right at the intersection of Aquila and Pantera, is a personal recommendation. (With this short mention, I'm doing no justice to this amazing city. Just know what kind of love I have for this town, that I return every year - this will be my sixth year to return to Siena for homestays. And my homestay mom is the best - Dina embodies all that is beautiful about Siena - her hospitality, her generosity, her full-hearted-ness, her amazing cooking skills . . .) Siena even has their own special Chianti, which, I argue, is better than the rest. It's grown in the crete Senesi, the clay fields just outside of Siena, which gives it a great flavor. Look for the black rooster on the label.
Smaller towns, like Montalcino, or Montepulciano, are surrounded by vineyards. All of them have their own beautiful charm and personality. One famed town is Cortona (Under the Tuscan Sun), but anywhere else similar is as wonderful.
If you go super-south in Tuscany, you'll love Orvieto. What a cute town!
Out east, consider going to Arrezzo - the Archaeological museum is actually built into the standing amphitheatre. And their art collections are incredible (not to mention, the churches). Really, a beautiful town, which carries many Tuscan qualities, yet has its own personality, too. Ever seen "La Vita e Bella"? Some earlier scenes were shot there.
In Siena, just to the south of Il Campo, is a tourist office, where you can book afternoon-long wine tours (2 - 7 PM), perfect for the wine experience (and with a pro). I'm sending my hugs out to Marco on this.
Never can say enough about the Tuscan wine country. Just be sure to enjoy your time there, and never allow the tourist rush to ruin your peaceful strolls!
Grazie,
Laura :)
P.S. Most of my monthly newsletters for the kids mentions something about Siena or Tuscany in them. Pillage all you'd like from the SPI 2009 group.
West of Florence (not really Chianti territory) is Lucca, a small, walled city, famed for touring by bike. It's a rare spot where people will cancel their travel plans upon arrival, just to get more time in that city. Lucca and Siena are those kind of towns. Of course, west of Florence is also Pisa. Don't have much to say about that city (when the kids ask if, on their off-day, they can go to Pisa, I reply, "Go ahead."). I'm not a fan of tourist traps.
South of Florence is everything else.
San Gimignano is a must-do, even if only for a few hours. Visit the church where Sta. Fina is buried, and spend some time admiring the frescoes. Climb the Torre Grosso, and be sure to stroll up to the Rocca. And you HAVE to have gelato in the Piazza della Cisterna (it's the one on the west side of the piazza, with all the neon, which claims to have the best Gelato in the world - they really do).
Consider staying in Siena. It's absolutely magical, especially from sunset on. There are great museums, great palaces, and great people there. The food is incredible - one of my favorite spots is in the Piazza del Mercato - the one with the brown umbrellas - try any of the roasted meats or sausages on the menu. Also, the Pizzeria Quatro Venti (I think), located just down the street from the Duomo, right at the intersection of Aquila and Pantera, is a personal recommendation. (With this short mention, I'm doing no justice to this amazing city. Just know what kind of love I have for this town, that I return every year - this will be my sixth year to return to Siena for homestays. And my homestay mom is the best - Dina embodies all that is beautiful about Siena - her hospitality, her generosity, her full-hearted-ness, her amazing cooking skills . . .) Siena even has their own special Chianti, which, I argue, is better than the rest. It's grown in the crete Senesi, the clay fields just outside of Siena, which gives it a great flavor. Look for the black rooster on the label.
Smaller towns, like Montalcino, or Montepulciano, are surrounded by vineyards. All of them have their own beautiful charm and personality. One famed town is Cortona (Under the Tuscan Sun), but anywhere else similar is as wonderful.
If you go super-south in Tuscany, you'll love Orvieto. What a cute town!
Out east, consider going to Arrezzo - the Archaeological museum is actually built into the standing amphitheatre. And their art collections are incredible (not to mention, the churches). Really, a beautiful town, which carries many Tuscan qualities, yet has its own personality, too. Ever seen "La Vita e Bella"? Some earlier scenes were shot there.
In Siena, just to the south of Il Campo, is a tourist office, where you can book afternoon-long wine tours (2 - 7 PM), perfect for the wine experience (and with a pro). I'm sending my hugs out to Marco on this.
Never can say enough about the Tuscan wine country. Just be sure to enjoy your time there, and never allow the tourist rush to ruin your peaceful strolls!
Grazie,
Laura :)
P.S. Most of my monthly newsletters for the kids mentions something about Siena or Tuscany in them. Pillage all you'd like from the SPI 2009 group.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Earthquake!!!
You probably have heard of the terrible earthquake which happened just outside of L'Aquila ("the eagle") this morning. It was a beast - killed many people, and left thousands homeless. One part which hits close to home is the fact that there are several American universities' campuses located in L'Aquila, including a school very near to my heart. Plus, it's not far from where the Pope spends his summers - let's hope that beautiful site doesn't fall!!!
Earthquakes and other earth-moving natural disasters aren't foreign to the Italians. Italy is located right on a shifting plate - it's what causes the Appenines to exist so close to the ocean. It's what causes things like Vesuvius to blow. It's what causes places like the Basilica di San Francesco to be rattled so hard that its timeless frescoes become . . . well . . . time-threatened. It's also what brings such beauty to the region, as well - many of the ancient buildings still standing today had foundations of tufa rock, and we wouldn't have Pompeii if it weren't for the burying.
With this week being holy week, I wanted to talk about some of the great sacred locations in Rome and the vicinity. One NOT-TO-BE-MISSED spot - make it an intentional part of your everyday stroll in Rome - is the Bridge of Angels, just near the Castel Sant'Angelo. You can easily view it online - to be visually reminded of those devices of torture used against Christ is incredibly moving for a Christian in her Lenten spirit. You quickly realize that these physical devices are metaphors for our own behavior, and, while looking each angel in the face, you see your own self. What an amazingly graceful loving Savior we have, who was the innocent sacrifice on behalf our own sins!!!
Consider entering the Castel Sant' Angelo, as well - it is an amazing structure, from the original tumulus of Hadrian, all the way to the ornate ceilings of the Papal apartments. And to view Rome from the Angel Michael's viewpoint . . . wow . . . a great place to feel a little freedom after being tourist-cattle in the Vatican!
Did I say I was continuing on to Chianti? Tomorrow . . .
Earthquakes and other earth-moving natural disasters aren't foreign to the Italians. Italy is located right on a shifting plate - it's what causes the Appenines to exist so close to the ocean. It's what causes things like Vesuvius to blow. It's what causes places like the Basilica di San Francesco to be rattled so hard that its timeless frescoes become . . . well . . . time-threatened. It's also what brings such beauty to the region, as well - many of the ancient buildings still standing today had foundations of tufa rock, and we wouldn't have Pompeii if it weren't for the burying.
With this week being holy week, I wanted to talk about some of the great sacred locations in Rome and the vicinity. One NOT-TO-BE-MISSED spot - make it an intentional part of your everyday stroll in Rome - is the Bridge of Angels, just near the Castel Sant'Angelo. You can easily view it online - to be visually reminded of those devices of torture used against Christ is incredibly moving for a Christian in her Lenten spirit. You quickly realize that these physical devices are metaphors for our own behavior, and, while looking each angel in the face, you see your own self. What an amazingly graceful loving Savior we have, who was the innocent sacrifice on behalf our own sins!!!
Consider entering the Castel Sant' Angelo, as well - it is an amazing structure, from the original tumulus of Hadrian, all the way to the ornate ceilings of the Papal apartments. And to view Rome from the Angel Michael's viewpoint . . . wow . . . a great place to feel a little freedom after being tourist-cattle in the Vatican!
Did I say I was continuing on to Chianti? Tomorrow . . .
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Firenze
So, you're staying in Florence for just one day? TOTALLY a smart move! Not that I have that much Florence disdain, but the rest of Tuscany is just far more charming (and peaceful)!!!
If you're using your own transportation, you should be able to park somewhere designated by your hotel. However, I prefer to use public transportation (again, direct your expenses towards food and wine, not traveling!), which is perfectly comfortable. In fact, if you can use busses, they're the best option - you're still gambling for A/C if you take a train.
Museums and churches have really figured it out by offering the ability to make reservations, and, for ease, I'd recommend that you get reservations for the places where you absolutely MUST visit - the Uffizi and the Academia (to see Il Davide). I'd suggest that you plan to spend two hours in the Uffizi - but you could spend DAYS in there - and at least an hour in the Academia (there are many other great works in there besides the statue), and it takes about 20-30 minutes to get between the two in a comfortable stride. Once you've done those must-dos, there are some amazing churches to visit in this Art-breathing town. (Based on the Duomo, which is more beautiful outside than inside, but totally check out the Bapistery next door) To the east is Santa Croce, a beautiful church and piazza, where you can see the graves of several famous people. Just near the train/bus stations is Santa Maria Novella, which possesses amazing frescoes inside, and, if you go around behind the church, you'll find their Pharmacia, which has amazing perfumes, soaps, etc. Great gifts to take home.
Looking for a great view? Piazzale Michaelangelo, to the south of the river, is AMAZING, and has some really nice restaurants in the area. The Palazzo Pitti is beautiful, and worthy of its own time, but if you're in town for only a day, I'd take on the above mentioned museums instead.
Just like in any big city (like Rome), look out for pickpocketing - more caused by the visiting student population than the locals. You'll find recommendations for restaurants everywhere, but, again, often the best restaurant you'll find is the one you see when you're wanting the rest and snacks! I always recommend wandering off the path to find a good spot, to take some time away from the rush of covering such an amazing city in such a few hours.
I forgot to mention this in the Rome passage - be sure to take time every day to enjoy some peace. There's a reason why Italians have their rest time in the middle of the day, and there's nothing wrong with you doing the same thing. Savor the time to renew yourself after a morning of hard touring, and you'll enjoy your late nights out so much more!!!
You're heading to Chianti after this - have you booked a hotel in a city yet? If you're headed to Siena, there is a cheap and comfortable bus (departing often - almost every hour in the middle of the day and evenings) for 6-7E per person which will take you directly to the train station or Piazza Gramsci, the central bus station of town. Check out the SENA bus line website. There are many trains going out of Florence to the Chianti countryside, too - if you check out the schedule on the Trenitalia website, you might just find the perfect train to get you out of Florence, too!
On to Chianti!!!
L :)
If you're using your own transportation, you should be able to park somewhere designated by your hotel. However, I prefer to use public transportation (again, direct your expenses towards food and wine, not traveling!), which is perfectly comfortable. In fact, if you can use busses, they're the best option - you're still gambling for A/C if you take a train.
Museums and churches have really figured it out by offering the ability to make reservations, and, for ease, I'd recommend that you get reservations for the places where you absolutely MUST visit - the Uffizi and the Academia (to see Il Davide). I'd suggest that you plan to spend two hours in the Uffizi - but you could spend DAYS in there - and at least an hour in the Academia (there are many other great works in there besides the statue), and it takes about 20-30 minutes to get between the two in a comfortable stride. Once you've done those must-dos, there are some amazing churches to visit in this Art-breathing town. (Based on the Duomo, which is more beautiful outside than inside, but totally check out the Bapistery next door) To the east is Santa Croce, a beautiful church and piazza, where you can see the graves of several famous people. Just near the train/bus stations is Santa Maria Novella, which possesses amazing frescoes inside, and, if you go around behind the church, you'll find their Pharmacia, which has amazing perfumes, soaps, etc. Great gifts to take home.
Looking for a great view? Piazzale Michaelangelo, to the south of the river, is AMAZING, and has some really nice restaurants in the area. The Palazzo Pitti is beautiful, and worthy of its own time, but if you're in town for only a day, I'd take on the above mentioned museums instead.
Just like in any big city (like Rome), look out for pickpocketing - more caused by the visiting student population than the locals. You'll find recommendations for restaurants everywhere, but, again, often the best restaurant you'll find is the one you see when you're wanting the rest and snacks! I always recommend wandering off the path to find a good spot, to take some time away from the rush of covering such an amazing city in such a few hours.
I forgot to mention this in the Rome passage - be sure to take time every day to enjoy some peace. There's a reason why Italians have their rest time in the middle of the day, and there's nothing wrong with you doing the same thing. Savor the time to renew yourself after a morning of hard touring, and you'll enjoy your late nights out so much more!!!
You're heading to Chianti after this - have you booked a hotel in a city yet? If you're headed to Siena, there is a cheap and comfortable bus (departing often - almost every hour in the middle of the day and evenings) for 6-7E per person which will take you directly to the train station or Piazza Gramsci, the central bus station of town. Check out the SENA bus line website. There are many trains going out of Florence to the Chianti countryside, too - if you check out the schedule on the Trenitalia website, you might just find the perfect train to get you out of Florence, too!
On to Chianti!!!
L :)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Files?
Want to see the newsletters which I make for my students' edification? After April 3, I'll have all of my newsletters/handouts posted on the SPI Italy Group (see the menu on the left?) - feel free to check these out for yourself!
Hugs,
L :)
Hugs,
L :)
Roma
Ahhhhhhh, Rome. My second home. And where my heart was, until I met my husband. Really, it was the closest thing to a marriage which I had in my life in my 20's - the one place I KNEW I'd return year after year, and always have the same love for it as I did the prior year.
Whenever I hear of someone going to Rome, I get that warming feeling in my chest, and recall how I feel for the city. Rome is amazing - so many places to see, so many levels to understand! Unless you live there for an extended period of time, you're not going to see everything, so instead of draining yourself of every ounce of energy, enjoy Rome for what she has to offer - her beauty, her culture, her food!
When you arrive into Rome by airport, DON'T TAKE THE TAXI to the airport - be a self-respecting tourist and save your money for food and wine! After you exit Customs (be sure you get Euros from the Bancomat while waiting for your bags), look for signs hanging from the ceiling "AI TRENI" - to the Trains. You'll have to take some escalators down, then back up, to get there, but you'll arrive at a small train station (get a snack/drink in the Bar). At the Tobacchi (big T sign - you can always get subway/bus tickets from these spots), request two tickets for the Termini Express. Find where the next Fiumicino/Termini Express train will arrive, and be sure you stamp/validate your ticket before boarding!
When you disembark from the train, you'll walk a LONG way (it seems) before you arrive into the terminal of Termini. You can buy your Romapass in the offices there, or at least get bus/metro tickets there (full-day, multi-day passes are available). Go through the front of Termini (large glass facade), and you'll see the Taxi stop on your right! Take a far cheaper taxi to your hotel.
First day in: drop off your bags, shower if you must, but eat when it's TIME to eat (not when you're hungry), and stay on your feet.
The Rocks: If you want to get over jetlag, here's a great way to stay on your feet your first day. Of course, you have to endure the old stuff - the Forum is a necessity. The Palatine is cool (and you get a great view of the Circus Maximus). Enjoy stepping along paths where people - CIVILIZED PEOPLE - have trod for almost three centuries. People were giving timeless speeches right there on the Rostra ("Friends, Romans, Countrymen . . ."), and saints were imprisoned there (Carcer Mamertinus). But enjoy being in the dust only until you're tired of it. If you MUST go into the Colosseum, do so, but please be sure you've bought your RomaPass elsewhere, so that you can pass through on the right side line! Just past the Colosseum is the church of St. Clemente, which has four levels of Rome under it (WAY COOL). The courtyard of this church has been the same one since the 11th century! Just north of the Forum/Imperial Fora - off of Via Cavour - is the church of St. Pietro in Vincoli, where you not only see the chains which held him, but you see the infamous "Moses". Take the Subway line from Colosseo down to visit the Basilica of St. Paul Fuori i Muri (I think the stop itself is St. Paolo), where you'll find Paul's remains - the best of the four major Basilicas, I think.
Take the metro back to your hotel. Shower up and head to a nice filling dinner. Can I recommend Trattoria del Pallaro, located just next to the church of St. Andrew, right between the Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona? It's about 30E per person for a five-course fixed price menu - FABULOUS food, and wine and dessert are included. Or, if you choose to stay near your hotel, let me share my philosophy on Roman restaurants (as Mom says): if it's open, it's good. But you might want to avoid places who have five languages on their menu.
Day two: Get up at an early time, and head to the Vatican! If you can get there early enough, you beat the crazy tourist lines. (but, of course, there's the Gelateria Old Bridge - a local fave - where you can stop while waiting in line) If you can't, head there around 1:30 PM, when everyone has gone through there. Maybe take a morning in at the Villa Borghese? Make it a totally cultural day? Consider having dinner at Pancrazio's, located just on the edge of the Campo dei Fiori - if you go down into their basement, you see some cool stuff. If you go through that doorway from their basement, you'll see the foundations of the Theatre of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was murdered (not in the Forum, like Shakespeare claims). And their signature dish is AMAZING.
Day three: Here's a fun morning walk: start at the river - the Ara Pacis and the Mausoleum of Augustus. Walk up to the Piazza del Popolo (go into that church on the far north side - famous Caravaggios), stroll down to the Spanish Steps, then walk down to the Piazza Barberini, and go into the Cappucin Crypt (just north of the large shell statue on the north corner of the piazza). See my favorite fountain (the Triton), then stroll (watch your pockets) to the Trevi Fountain, head across to the Pantheon (take a stop at Tazzo d'Oro for a Caffe Granita), then head to Piazza Navona for lunch! There are so many gems between each of these major points - fountains, picture ops, churches - it could take you a day to do this stroll. Cafe Pancotto is just east of the Piazza navona - they have mom's favorite salad!
Also, just west of the Piazza Navona, on the Via Vittorio Emanuele, is my favorite pizza place - Montecarlo's. A local favorite. Consider going there for dinner.
Day four: Tired of walking? Head up to the Piazza Garibaldi on the Gianicolo for a beautiful view of the city! Take a train to Naples, then get to the harbor and take a boat to Capri (be back in time for bed)! Take the 110 (starts and ends at Termini) around town to see if there's another spot you've missed which you HAD to see! :) Or, do what I prefer, and find a nice, hidden table somewhere in Trastevere or in the Piazza Navona, and watch people all day long. Be sure that you've had tartuffo at Tre Scalini (in Piazza navona) during your evening stroll before you leave Rome behind.
Oh, no - I've got to head to professional development training! Next on the list: Florence!
Whenever I hear of someone going to Rome, I get that warming feeling in my chest, and recall how I feel for the city. Rome is amazing - so many places to see, so many levels to understand! Unless you live there for an extended period of time, you're not going to see everything, so instead of draining yourself of every ounce of energy, enjoy Rome for what she has to offer - her beauty, her culture, her food!
When you arrive into Rome by airport, DON'T TAKE THE TAXI to the airport - be a self-respecting tourist and save your money for food and wine! After you exit Customs (be sure you get Euros from the Bancomat while waiting for your bags), look for signs hanging from the ceiling "AI TRENI" - to the Trains. You'll have to take some escalators down, then back up, to get there, but you'll arrive at a small train station (get a snack/drink in the Bar). At the Tobacchi (big T sign - you can always get subway/bus tickets from these spots), request two tickets for the Termini Express. Find where the next Fiumicino/Termini Express train will arrive, and be sure you stamp/validate your ticket before boarding!
When you disembark from the train, you'll walk a LONG way (it seems) before you arrive into the terminal of Termini. You can buy your Romapass in the offices there, or at least get bus/metro tickets there (full-day, multi-day passes are available). Go through the front of Termini (large glass facade), and you'll see the Taxi stop on your right! Take a far cheaper taxi to your hotel.
First day in: drop off your bags, shower if you must, but eat when it's TIME to eat (not when you're hungry), and stay on your feet.
The Rocks: If you want to get over jetlag, here's a great way to stay on your feet your first day. Of course, you have to endure the old stuff - the Forum is a necessity. The Palatine is cool (and you get a great view of the Circus Maximus). Enjoy stepping along paths where people - CIVILIZED PEOPLE - have trod for almost three centuries. People were giving timeless speeches right there on the Rostra ("Friends, Romans, Countrymen . . ."), and saints were imprisoned there (Carcer Mamertinus). But enjoy being in the dust only until you're tired of it. If you MUST go into the Colosseum, do so, but please be sure you've bought your RomaPass elsewhere, so that you can pass through on the right side line! Just past the Colosseum is the church of St. Clemente, which has four levels of Rome under it (WAY COOL). The courtyard of this church has been the same one since the 11th century! Just north of the Forum/Imperial Fora - off of Via Cavour - is the church of St. Pietro in Vincoli, where you not only see the chains which held him, but you see the infamous "Moses". Take the Subway line from Colosseo down to visit the Basilica of St. Paul Fuori i Muri (I think the stop itself is St. Paolo), where you'll find Paul's remains - the best of the four major Basilicas, I think.
Take the metro back to your hotel. Shower up and head to a nice filling dinner. Can I recommend Trattoria del Pallaro, located just next to the church of St. Andrew, right between the Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona? It's about 30E per person for a five-course fixed price menu - FABULOUS food, and wine and dessert are included. Or, if you choose to stay near your hotel, let me share my philosophy on Roman restaurants (as Mom says): if it's open, it's good. But you might want to avoid places who have five languages on their menu.
Day two: Get up at an early time, and head to the Vatican! If you can get there early enough, you beat the crazy tourist lines. (but, of course, there's the Gelateria Old Bridge - a local fave - where you can stop while waiting in line) If you can't, head there around 1:30 PM, when everyone has gone through there. Maybe take a morning in at the Villa Borghese? Make it a totally cultural day? Consider having dinner at Pancrazio's, located just on the edge of the Campo dei Fiori - if you go down into their basement, you see some cool stuff. If you go through that doorway from their basement, you'll see the foundations of the Theatre of Pompey, where Julius Caesar was murdered (not in the Forum, like Shakespeare claims). And their signature dish is AMAZING.
Day three: Here's a fun morning walk: start at the river - the Ara Pacis and the Mausoleum of Augustus. Walk up to the Piazza del Popolo (go into that church on the far north side - famous Caravaggios), stroll down to the Spanish Steps, then walk down to the Piazza Barberini, and go into the Cappucin Crypt (just north of the large shell statue on the north corner of the piazza). See my favorite fountain (the Triton), then stroll (watch your pockets) to the Trevi Fountain, head across to the Pantheon (take a stop at Tazzo d'Oro for a Caffe Granita), then head to Piazza Navona for lunch! There are so many gems between each of these major points - fountains, picture ops, churches - it could take you a day to do this stroll. Cafe Pancotto is just east of the Piazza navona - they have mom's favorite salad!
Also, just west of the Piazza Navona, on the Via Vittorio Emanuele, is my favorite pizza place - Montecarlo's. A local favorite. Consider going there for dinner.
Day four: Tired of walking? Head up to the Piazza Garibaldi on the Gianicolo for a beautiful view of the city! Take a train to Naples, then get to the harbor and take a boat to Capri (be back in time for bed)! Take the 110 (starts and ends at Termini) around town to see if there's another spot you've missed which you HAD to see! :) Or, do what I prefer, and find a nice, hidden table somewhere in Trastevere or in the Piazza Navona, and watch people all day long. Be sure that you've had tartuffo at Tre Scalini (in Piazza navona) during your evening stroll before you leave Rome behind.
Oh, no - I've got to head to professional development training! Next on the list: Florence!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Checking In!
Just checking to see if you're looking - I promise to start entries next week, after State is over! (this thing has taken FAR more planning than even my wedding!!!)
Until then, please know that this blog is going to be used for both the Italy group commentaries, as well as my sharing information for family friends who are planning to head to Italy before we even depart! Talk about getting a great taste for OUR trip, by living out someone else's fabulous trip!!!
abbracci,
L :)
Until then, please know that this blog is going to be used for both the Italy group commentaries, as well as my sharing information for family friends who are planning to head to Italy before we even depart! Talk about getting a great taste for OUR trip, by living out someone else's fabulous trip!!!
abbracci,
L :)
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