It's official - we're in the center of the craziest place in the world, or so it feels . . . the Palio events started yesterday, and oh, are they fun!
Yesterday was the Tratta, where they pair the horse to the jockey (who has been previously chosen by each competing Contrada - neighborhood). People sweat and stand in the sun in the Campo to watch this - men paired with good horses are yelling and cheering; men paired with weaker horses are crying and moping. Publicly. Seriously. But, as my teacher says, with the Palio, you never know who might be the winner. Sometimes the weakest or least experienced horse can win. Nicchio ("the Shell" Contrada) has, by far, the strongest horse, as shown at last night's test run - the first one - the Prima Prova. There's this grey horse (Il Griglio) which has been in the race before, too, which Selva ("the Forest") has, and the beast has some serious spirit to it. A few years ago, during one of the prove, he threw his rider and turned around and ran the wrong way around the track. Ah, the fun of the Palio!
Our group missed the Tratta yesterday, because we got to enjoy our pizza-making class (gift of SPI to our group) at the cooking school, which is located in the bottom floor of our school. Normally, they have classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, where DA students can attend to help make food. They opened the kitchen specially for us for yesterday's lunch time. We made some fabulous stuff, even if I say so. Luke and Stephen both admitted that they'll want to make bruschetta al pomodoro again, Trevor enjoyed the bruschetta al' formaggio (on which we could put anchovies, too - YUM), all the boys enjoyed the pizza with prosciutto and salami, Brenna and Becky devoured the pizza ai funghi, and I watched Ian inhale his tiramisu. We are all cooking MASTERS now!
Today, there are two more Prove - one this morning, while we're in class, and another this evening. But you can find things happening throughout the town intermittently - I just passed a large group of women, all from the same contrada (you know because they all are wearing their contrada's scarf around their necks), strolling through town and singing songs. All of the contrada members join together to improve the spirit in favor of their horse. During this time, it's not uncommon for married couples to move back in with their families, if they're from different contradas, and even best friends, if from different contradas, will have nothing to do with each other during this time. It's all madness to me . . .
Today, after class, we did some touring as a group. This year is a big celebration year of the beginning of the Rinascimento (Italian Renaissance), so Siena offers tickets to places for SUPER cheap (plus discounts to students). We toured the Museum of the works of the Duomo, and tomorrow, we'll be visiting the Duomo, herself. Be sure to ask your kiddo to see some of their pictures off the Facciatone (what, I think, is the best view in Siena, even though my husband thinks the Torre del Mangia is better - next week we go there). Tomorrow, we have class, and then we will head to visit the Duomo with the same ticket which I bought for them today (again, thanks to SPI)! Then, on Friday, PALIO!!!!!
pace,
Laura ;)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Siamo Arrivati!!!
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Ah, what a weekend! We arrived into Fiumicino, with everyone quickly meeting up and rushing to grab the Termini Express. With a slight delay (KUDOS to Luke's Italian teacher - he was able to handle what could have been a very difficult situation with a little Italian and a lot of diligence), we strolled to our hotel, just a block or two from Termini, and checked in. Hotel Diana even had rooms available for us, so we got 10 minutes to drop off bags, splash water on us, and meet back downstairs. By my advice, we didn't break to shower or rest - gotta get our bodies ready for the time change! We grabbed some pizza al taglio, and headed to our ancient day (students have a brochure of a description of every sight we saw, but it was in backwards order!). After 6 solid hours on our feet (going from shade spot to shade spot, right guys?), we hopped the Metro back to Termini, and the kids quickly learned why I prefer to avoid the Metro (ah, the humanity! Ah, the humidity!). We returned for a few hours of shower and rest, and then went to dinner at Pancrazio's, which stands over foundations of the Theatre of Pompey. Full of fabulous food, tired and drained, we stumbled back to the hotel and crashed. But not for long . . .
Saturday morning, we rose and did a morning stroll through the rest of Rome, starting at the Piazza del Popolo and going all the way around to the Vatican. We split up right after grabbing more pizza al taglio - some went to the Vatican museums, others to the Castel Sant' Angelo. We all met back up in the Piazza di San Pietro, and flew through the line into the Vatican. The place was packed, and much was blocked off, with seating in there - this week is the summer holy week for the Catholic church, beginning on June 24 with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and ending on the 29th (or on the 2nd in Siena - PALIO) with the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. Again, stumbled on our blistered and swollen feet back to the hotel (the kids figured out the bus system pretty quickly) to rest, before heading to Montecarlo Pizzeria. Hope they enjoyed my treat of the misti fritti appetizers - Trevor liked the potato croquettes, Stephen, Becky, and Brenna liked the stuffed fior di zucca (zucchini flowers), and Luke and Ian enjoyed the suppli (arancini) - balls of a mixture of rice and tomato paste, wrapped around a ball of cheese, and breaded and fried. Good sleep that night, good rest on Sunday morning, and, after 3 hours of bus ride, we were in Siena!
We covered every tourist location in Rome, and in 36 hours flat (and, hopefully, got some sleep). Needless to say, my feet were protesting by this morning. Everyone is in their placement tests right now, and classes start at 9! Palio events start tomorrow - so much to share with you in our next blog!!!
This is a shorter one - other students waiting to use the computer - gotta go!
Pace,
Laura :)
Ah, what a weekend! We arrived into Fiumicino, with everyone quickly meeting up and rushing to grab the Termini Express. With a slight delay (KUDOS to Luke's Italian teacher - he was able to handle what could have been a very difficult situation with a little Italian and a lot of diligence), we strolled to our hotel, just a block or two from Termini, and checked in. Hotel Diana even had rooms available for us, so we got 10 minutes to drop off bags, splash water on us, and meet back downstairs. By my advice, we didn't break to shower or rest - gotta get our bodies ready for the time change! We grabbed some pizza al taglio, and headed to our ancient day (students have a brochure of a description of every sight we saw, but it was in backwards order!). After 6 solid hours on our feet (going from shade spot to shade spot, right guys?), we hopped the Metro back to Termini, and the kids quickly learned why I prefer to avoid the Metro (ah, the humanity! Ah, the humidity!). We returned for a few hours of shower and rest, and then went to dinner at Pancrazio's, which stands over foundations of the Theatre of Pompey. Full of fabulous food, tired and drained, we stumbled back to the hotel and crashed. But not for long . . .
Saturday morning, we rose and did a morning stroll through the rest of Rome, starting at the Piazza del Popolo and going all the way around to the Vatican. We split up right after grabbing more pizza al taglio - some went to the Vatican museums, others to the Castel Sant' Angelo. We all met back up in the Piazza di San Pietro, and flew through the line into the Vatican. The place was packed, and much was blocked off, with seating in there - this week is the summer holy week for the Catholic church, beginning on June 24 with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, and ending on the 29th (or on the 2nd in Siena - PALIO) with the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. Again, stumbled on our blistered and swollen feet back to the hotel (the kids figured out the bus system pretty quickly) to rest, before heading to Montecarlo Pizzeria. Hope they enjoyed my treat of the misti fritti appetizers - Trevor liked the potato croquettes, Stephen, Becky, and Brenna liked the stuffed fior di zucca (zucchini flowers), and Luke and Ian enjoyed the suppli (arancini) - balls of a mixture of rice and tomato paste, wrapped around a ball of cheese, and breaded and fried. Good sleep that night, good rest on Sunday morning, and, after 3 hours of bus ride, we were in Siena!
We covered every tourist location in Rome, and in 36 hours flat (and, hopefully, got some sleep). Needless to say, my feet were protesting by this morning. Everyone is in their placement tests right now, and classes start at 9! Palio events start tomorrow - so much to share with you in our next blog!!!
This is a shorter one - other students waiting to use the computer - gotta go!
Pace,
Laura :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Last-minute Packing Hints
Steven just sent me a great e-mail, which caused me to realize that I needed to post one last blog before we depart!
"Laura, can the boys wear shorts on Saturday in Rome when you will tour some churches? What about at the Vatican?"
When I travel internationally, I always pack one outfit and basic toiletries into my carry-on (backpack), just in case bags are lost. Seeing as our second day is a day of touring Rome, including visiting the Vatican, you might want to make sure your carry-on outfit suits the Vatican Fashion Police Rules: SHOULDERS AND KNEES COVERED; NO EXCESSIVE CLEAVAGE
I plan to pack a t-shirt and skirt which hangs below my knees. Girls, if you want to wear sleeveless shirts, please back a beach wrap/scarf to cover your shoulders and front. Guys, usually men's shorts are long enough for the fashion police (as they are longer than your knees), but if you're in doubt, pack comfortable slacks. Please, guys, no "daisy dukes", okay? EVER?
And, of course, pack anything you can't live without:
- important daily medications (with a copy of your prescription)
- passport
- comforts for sleeping on the 'plane - earplugs, inflatable neck pillow
Hugs to you all! See you on Thursday or Friday!!!!
pax,
Laura :)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Countdown!!!
Okay, it's getting serious. We're now ten days away from departure!!! I'm putting something little in the mail for you tomorrow (you should receive it by Friday), to make your flights a little more pleasant. Dallas-based guys, I so look forward to meeting you tomorrow evening! It's been forever since I have eaten at Lovers' Lane Pizza . . . almost a whole YEAR . . .
Let's talk about our arrival weekend! (forgive me for not using specific names - my best way to use anonymity on the 'net) Three of you will be on the flight with me; three of you will arrive on your own. Two of you already know where to meet me (just outside of customs), and one of you arrives just 15 minutes after our flight, so we can meet up before exiting customs. If we're all wearing the SPI shirts, it will be SO easy to find each other, and then we can promptly head to the center of the city. And please expect to get the customary "two kisses" - it's a normal way for family/friends to greet!
As soon as we've all gathered together outside of customs, we'll walk through the airport to the train station, which will consist of walking down a few corridors, then down one flight of escalators, then back up three flights. (a side note: I so appreciate how American-based airports have gotten the cue from European airports, and incorporate their local transportation system into the airports - made it so easy to get around Atlanta . . . DFW will be there soon - the Trinity River Railway is a good start) We'll have a moment to pause - you can get a snack or bottle of water - while I buy the tickets for the next Termini Express. We'll queue up for our first experience of public transportation, hop onto the train, and sit together to ride in to the center of Rome. When we arrive, we'll have to walk through the entire train station, then a few blocks away to our hotel.
We're staying at a NICE, four-star, hotel located near Termini. We usually stay in a different area of town, but Jeremy found this spot, and, after receiving my approval, booked it. He loves us few Italy crew . . . Our check-in will be quick (like, just enough time to find a place to put our bags, and slap on deodorant and brush teeth), and we'll be off! We will do the Ancient Roman sites today, and mostly on foot. It's the perfect thing to do on the first day of arrival into an international location - dusty, hot touring. You're blessed to have an Italo-phile who has lived in Rome, and whose favorite area of study is Roman topography. I know the right places to sit in the shade and take in the sights, will take you to some of the best spots for great pictures, and will share with you a taste of history with which I'm so familiar. After a day's worth of touring, we'll return to the hotel for showers and rejuvenating before heading to dinner at Pancrazio's, a historically-significant restaurant (and a good one, at that). We'll spend a little time hanging out in the Campo dei fiori, then return back to the hotel to crash.
On Saturday, we'll get up early (I'll insist everyone eat a good breakfast, and be sure you're dressed appropriately - we enter many churches today), then we'll be off for a stroll through Medieval/Renaissance Rome (with a few ancient spots thrown in). Seriously, guys, the amount of ground we cover between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning is equivalent to what most tour groups cover in a week. Students in the past have complained of a "death march" . . . I don't know what they're talking about. It's a thorough touring experience. You'll have time for lunch on your own at the Piazza Navona, then we head to our individual museum experiences (some to Vatican Museums, some to Castel Sant' Angelo . . . all of us to Old Bridge Gelateria beforehand). After a few hours, we'll meet back up at the Piazza di San Pietro, and visit one of the four Major Basilicas of Rome, the Basilica di San Pietro, or, better known, the Vatican. After ample time at the Vatican, we'll return to the hotel to clean up, and head to a great pizzeria in town, then time for hanging out at the Piazza Navona.
Sunday morning, you have time on your own. We are staying just down the way from another one of the four Major Basilicas - Sta. Maria Maggiore - whomever would like to join me for Mass can do so. Maybe you'll want to go to Porta Portese, the huge market, before services? Maybe you want to get one last view of the Forum before we depart Rome? You'll have until 1:30 PM, when we'll meet to taxi to Tiburtina Station (bus/metro/train), where we'll catch a direct bus to Siena. During this ride, we'll chat about expectations and questions regarding our first day or two in Siena. When we disembark the bus at the Siena Statione FS, we'll meet and greet our homestay families, and head home for dinner and our first night in Siena!
It may be a quick glimpse of Rome, but, then again, my goal is for you to want to return! :)
Please feel free to send me more questions, either through this blog or through my personal e-mail! This one might just be my last entry before we meet next Thursday!
Hugs to you all!
Laura :)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Travel Stress/Jetlag/Culture Shock
Ciao, Tutti!
Ah, so happy to be in summer mode now! And, as my husband can attest, my brain has switched into full Italy-planning mode . . . it’s like a
new life is being breathed into me! Jeremy sent out the final packet
of stuff for our trip, which has me totally pumped!!! With the
exchange rate being so strong, we’re getting to do things we’ve never
done before in the SPI Italy program! But I don’t share all my
secrets at once. You’ll just have to wait to find out as we enjoy the
trip together . . .
Parents, your kiddos may experience either one of these while we’re on
the trip. Usually, it happens during the first week (also during
which, by the way, we are thrown into the midst of the frenzy of the
Palio). In my Departure Info Powerpoint, I included a slide of “what
they say/what they mean” to help you realize some of the things you
can expect to hear from your kiddo.
Ah, so happy to be in summer mode now! And, as my husband can attest, my brain has switched into full Italy-planning mode . . . it’s like a
new life is being breathed into me! Jeremy sent out the final packet
of stuff for our trip, which has me totally pumped!!! With the
exchange rate being so strong, we’re getting to do things we’ve never
done before in the SPI Italy program! But I don’t share all my
secrets at once. You’ll just have to wait to find out as we enjoy the
trip together . . .
Parents, this entry is for you. Please take my best intentions to
heart, and know that I share this with you as a veteran teacher who
stands in loco tuo.
heart, and know that I share this with you as a veteran teacher who
stands in loco tuo.
Stress. It’s such a funny beast. We all live with it, and some of us
thrive better while under pressure, while others of us aren’t such big
fans of the inconveniences of stress (I’ll admit, I’m in the latter
group). I was part of a stress-management group on a faculty where I
worked once. The first time we met, we did a survey to assess factors
which most cause stress. There are sources of good stress, and
sources of bad stress, and often one source could give you good or bad
stress, depending on how it affects you and when it hits. Some of the
biggest sources of stress? Change of schedule, change of living
situations/environments, change of eating habits . . . all of which
you endure when travelling.
thrive better while under pressure, while others of us aren’t such big
fans of the inconveniences of stress (I’ll admit, I’m in the latter
group). I was part of a stress-management group on a faculty where I
worked once. The first time we met, we did a survey to assess factors
which most cause stress. There are sources of good stress, and
sources of bad stress, and often one source could give you good or bad
stress, depending on how it affects you and when it hits. Some of the
biggest sources of stress? Change of schedule, change of living
situations/environments, change of eating habits . . . all of which
you endure when travelling.
You’ve seen your child endure stress before, in whatever forms it
rears its nasty head. For anyone who has done extensive travel
before, you know that you endure both a physical and emotional strain.
Stress manifests itself in various ways for travellers:
rears its nasty head. For anyone who has done extensive travel
before, you know that you endure both a physical and emotional strain.
Stress manifests itself in various ways for travellers:
1. Jet Lag – maybe you know this malady from the hung-over feeling
you have for a few days following a time change. They say that it
takes you as many days to get over jet lag as the amount of hours’
difference on your body (e.g. from Dallas to Rome is 7 hours’
difference; thus, it will take a week on either side to truly
rehabilitate from jet lag. ICK). Jet Lag isn’t just a lazy
sleepiness; it can show up as various forms of indigestion, nausea,
and dehydration, and it can affect your nerves, bringing on
irritability and impatience. Some of the nastiest jet lag I’ve
suffered was after a flight between Dallas and Spokane (WA), so don’t
think this happens only on international experiences.
you have for a few days following a time change. They say that it
takes you as many days to get over jet lag as the amount of hours’
difference on your body (e.g. from Dallas to Rome is 7 hours’
difference; thus, it will take a week on either side to truly
rehabilitate from jet lag. ICK). Jet Lag isn’t just a lazy
sleepiness; it can show up as various forms of indigestion, nausea,
and dehydration, and it can affect your nerves, bringing on
irritability and impatience. Some of the nastiest jet lag I’ve
suffered was after a flight between Dallas and Spokane (WA), so don’t
think this happens only on international experiences.
2. Culture Shock – this, too, isn’t just in your mind. When you find
yourself in a new home, forced to utilize a new/vaguely familiar
language, having to live on a schedule you’re not used to, discovering
various minor inconveniences . . . well, add a little bit of jet lag
to this, and you can have a vicious monster. Even the smallest things
will set someone off, and I’ve even seen students who refuse to sleep
or eat (REALLY!?!?! Not eating in ITALY??? REALLY!?!?!).
yourself in a new home, forced to utilize a new/vaguely familiar
language, having to live on a schedule you’re not used to, discovering
various minor inconveniences . . . well, add a little bit of jet lag
to this, and you can have a vicious monster. Even the smallest things
will set someone off, and I’ve even seen students who refuse to sleep
or eat (REALLY!?!?! Not eating in ITALY??? REALLY!?!?!).
Parents, your kiddos may experience either one of these while we’re on
the trip. Usually, it happens during the first week (also during
which, by the way, we are thrown into the midst of the frenzy of the
Palio). In my Departure Info Powerpoint, I included a slide of “what
they say/what they mean” to help you realize some of the things you
can expect to hear from your kiddo.
I have two questions which are applicable to most challenging
situations while we’re on this trip:
1. Is this a stupid mistake, or is it self-destructive behavior? (if
it’s a repeat offense, it’s the latter, always – BTW, Parents, if
there’s a behavior I should monitor, please feel free to contact me
privately),
AND
2. Are you uncomfortable, or are you inconvenienced?
situations while we’re on this trip:
1. Is this a stupid mistake, or is it self-destructive behavior? (if
it’s a repeat offense, it’s the latter, always – BTW, Parents, if
there’s a behavior I should monitor, please feel free to contact me
privately),
AND
2. Are you uncomfortable, or are you inconvenienced?
When your student expresses frustration at the trip, appreciate the
fact that they’re trying to share their emotions with you. If
something sounds severe or inappropriate, of course you should contact
SPI. But please remember that you have entrusted your kiddo to the
SPI program and a veteran teacher like me, and I’m talking with your
kiddo constantly, always making sure that they are safe and
comfortable. If it’s something which only I can handle locally, know
that I’m probably already on it.
fact that they’re trying to share their emotions with you. If
something sounds severe or inappropriate, of course you should contact
SPI. But please remember that you have entrusted your kiddo to the
SPI program and a veteran teacher like me, and I’m talking with your
kiddo constantly, always making sure that they are safe and
comfortable. If it’s something which only I can handle locally, know
that I’m probably already on it.
Again, contact SPI if:
1. Something illegal or inappropriate is happening, and I don’t know
about it; OR
2. Something amazing and wonderful is happening – Celeste and Jeremy
TOTALLY need to hear these things!!!
1. Something illegal or inappropriate is happening, and I don’t know
about it; OR
2. Something amazing and wonderful is happening – Celeste and Jeremy
TOTALLY need to hear these things!!!
Hugs to you all!
Peace,
Laura :)
Laura :)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Italian Republic Day - June 2
Okay, just had to do one more cultural one:
In 1946, Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a Republic. Today, President Napolitano lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located at the Vittorio Emanuele monument which beautifies the Piazza Venezia (to call it a "wedding cake" is so gauche). Then, there is a parade leading from there down along the Via dei Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum, with the Italian Air Force's honor color squadron ("Frecce Tricolori") flying above to display a path of green, white, and red smoke. The day is closed with concert performances by military bands at the Palazzo Quirinale, Napolitano's official residence.
Ah, Italia . . .
L :)
In 1946, Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a Republic. Today, President Napolitano lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located at the Vittorio Emanuele monument which beautifies the Piazza Venezia (to call it a "wedding cake" is so gauche). Then, there is a parade leading from there down along the Via dei Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum, with the Italian Air Force's honor color squadron ("Frecce Tricolori") flying above to display a path of green, white, and red smoke. The day is closed with concert performances by military bands at the Palazzo Quirinale, Napolitano's official residence.
Ah, Italia . . .
L :)
Euros
Business topic - quick chat about cash management and handling. (I've got time - totally caught up on essay scoring for final exams - don't need to hear about Life of Pi for a while)
You have several options for how to carry non-cash money for a trip:
N.B. * - I encourage this!
***1. Debit card (check card), attached to an account which parents can view and control -
Benefits:there are Bancomats everywhere in Italy (heck, Siena is the spot of origin for banking!), and you only pay your bank's ATM fee to withdraw (no payment for exchange). If a child gets low on money, you can control the account. If they see some fabulous expensive thing you'd want, you can control the account. :)
Downside: you have to keep an eye on their account
2. Travelers cheques.
Dollars: You can get these from any financial institution
Benefit: You have leftover travelers' cheques in dollars if your kiddo doesn't spend them all.
Downsides: your kiddo loses money in the exchange and in the fees ($10-15 on every $100), and they spend most of their time looking for deals at exchange spots
Euros: You can get these from exchange groups like Travelex (there are three in the Dallas area alone, one in Preston Center).
Benefit: Less money to lose in exchange
Downside: The only hinderance your kiddo has is finding a vendor who is willing to take them, and then pay back the kiddo in leftover cash. Usually, banks will allow you to get cash for exchanging them, but, again, there might be a fee. Also, if not everything is spent, you have to pay for the exchange back to dollars
3. "Cash Passport" - Travelex has started offering these, where you can buy a debit card which is pre-charged with Euros (rather than a home bank's card, attached to your account of dollars).
Benefits: Less money lost when using Bancomats ($1-3 per use)
Downside: If not everything is spent, you have a useless money card sitting at home
If you want to pre-purchase cash itself for a trip, this will have to be done at an exchange location (or at a bank which functions internationally, like Citibank). With the way the Euro is falling, it might be better to just wait until we arrive into Rome to get cash from the Bancomat. But if you're just wanting a little security, I can tell you that Travelex is RIGHT NOW offering a coupon online for a $0 service charge when you get Euros-cash at their store: http://www.us.travelex.com/US/Home/ Also, Citibank offers deals on exchange for people who are Gold card members. Other groups may be offering deals, but I'm just not aware of them - feel free to comment on this blog if you know of one!
Off to more final exams!
grazie,
Laura :)
You have several options for how to carry non-cash money for a trip:
N.B. * - I encourage this!
***1. Debit card (check card), attached to an account which parents can view and control -
Benefits:there are Bancomats everywhere in Italy (heck, Siena is the spot of origin for banking!), and you only pay your bank's ATM fee to withdraw (no payment for exchange). If a child gets low on money, you can control the account. If they see some fabulous expensive thing you'd want, you can control the account. :)
Downside: you have to keep an eye on their account
2. Travelers cheques.
Dollars: You can get these from any financial institution
Benefit: You have leftover travelers' cheques in dollars if your kiddo doesn't spend them all.
Downsides: your kiddo loses money in the exchange and in the fees ($10-15 on every $100), and they spend most of their time looking for deals at exchange spots
Euros: You can get these from exchange groups like Travelex (there are three in the Dallas area alone, one in Preston Center).
Benefit: Less money to lose in exchange
Downside: The only hinderance your kiddo has is finding a vendor who is willing to take them, and then pay back the kiddo in leftover cash. Usually, banks will allow you to get cash for exchanging them, but, again, there might be a fee. Also, if not everything is spent, you have to pay for the exchange back to dollars
3. "Cash Passport" - Travelex has started offering these, where you can buy a debit card which is pre-charged with Euros (rather than a home bank's card, attached to your account of dollars).
Benefits: Less money lost when using Bancomats ($1-3 per use)
Downside: If not everything is spent, you have a useless money card sitting at home
If you want to pre-purchase cash itself for a trip, this will have to be done at an exchange location (or at a bank which functions internationally, like Citibank). With the way the Euro is falling, it might be better to just wait until we arrive into Rome to get cash from the Bancomat. But if you're just wanting a little security, I can tell you that Travelex is RIGHT NOW offering a coupon online for a $0 service charge when you get Euros-cash at their store: http://www.us.travelex.com/US/Home/ Also, Citibank offers deals on exchange for people who are Gold card members. Other groups may be offering deals, but I'm just not aware of them - feel free to comment on this blog if you know of one!
Off to more final exams!
grazie,
Laura :)
Toscana
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
WOW - can you believe we're less than a month away from departure? How quickly this Spring has flown by! Don't know what it's like in your part of the country, but it just got HOT in Texas this week . . . just in time for hanging out by a pool or at the lake . . . did you know that the highs in Siena this week are in the mid- to upper 70's, with occasional rain storms? Or so they forecast . . .
Which brings me to our middle weekend during our trip. If you'll remember, my last post was about Ostia, which we'll visit on our last day before departure (and stay in Rome our last night). Our middle weekend promises to offer culture, travel, and a little time on your own! This weekend, we take in the sights of Tuscany, and the amazing history and art which has emerged from this part of the world.
Now, don't get me wrong - Rome truly is my heartbeat, and I will always have a personal tie to Roma. However, after my first stay in Tuscany in 2004, I was HOOKED - every town is so beautifully enchanting and historically intriguing! It's no wonder this region was the epicenter of the Renaissance . . . and we get to experience all of the greatest parts of it in one weekend!
On Friday, July 2 (a month from today - SERIOUSLY), the Siennese celebrate the Palio di Provenzano, in honor of Madonna di Provenzano, who has a church in town. I'll share so much about the Palio with you during our stay there (and you'll learn more from your teachers than even I know), and, parents, you'll get all the information in this blog. Needless to say, the afternoon offers much pomp, and then we have the fun of enduring 3 hours of false starts before the actual 1.5 minute race. Thank goodness for those giant Litre water bottles!
Then, on Saturday, July 3, we venture on a day of Firenze. While we will visit the Uffizi and the Accademia (thank you, SPI, for paying for reservations!!!), we'll also have open time for you to visit other locations you'd like to see. Maybe you want to see Galileo's index finger at the Museum of Science and History? Perhaps view the frescoes in Santa Maria Novella? I always make my stop by the Farmacia di SMN (located right behind the church) to pick up their amazing perfumed soaps -and other elixirs - for family gifts. Or perhaps you want to visit one of the other grand churches in town? Santa Croce and the Duomo, with its Baptistry, are both beautiful in their own right (even if I think Siena's Duomo is grander). Then, of course, there's the leather market out near San Lorenzo (yet another historical and amazing church), and one always must fulfill their search for the best gelato by visiting some of the stars: Vivoli, Carabe, Festival del Gelato . . .. Needless to say, there's so much to do in such a brief day! Fortunately, since buses leave every hour for Siena, we can stay as long as we want that day (as long as we've told our homestays in advance that we'll be not eating at home that night)!
After such an intense touring day, you might be tempted to sit around your homestay on Sunday (July 4), but I will encourage you to discover other parts of Tuscany! In fact, you'll receive a brochure (one of many - I make them for every non-Siena excursion we have) on your many options for your free day. Want to head to the beach? Maybe visit Assisi? Perhaps you didn't get enough of Florence? Or do you want to stand next to the Leaning Tower in Pisa? I've even seen a few Twilight fans make a "pilgrimage" to Volterra, and a few history buffs head out to see the Roman Amphitheatre in Arezzo, or go down to Chiusi to see the Etruscan Tombs. SO many options! If you've been encouraged to visit San Gimignano, I'll suggest you wait on that one - we're going to do an afternoon optional excursion to San Gimignano during our second week in Siena.
What great opportunities abound during our time in Italy! Let me know what you're most excited about seeing!
a piu tarde,
Laura
WOW - can you believe we're less than a month away from departure? How quickly this Spring has flown by! Don't know what it's like in your part of the country, but it just got HOT in Texas this week . . . just in time for hanging out by a pool or at the lake . . . did you know that the highs in Siena this week are in the mid- to upper 70's, with occasional rain storms? Or so they forecast . . .
Which brings me to our middle weekend during our trip. If you'll remember, my last post was about Ostia, which we'll visit on our last day before departure (and stay in Rome our last night). Our middle weekend promises to offer culture, travel, and a little time on your own! This weekend, we take in the sights of Tuscany, and the amazing history and art which has emerged from this part of the world.
Now, don't get me wrong - Rome truly is my heartbeat, and I will always have a personal tie to Roma. However, after my first stay in Tuscany in 2004, I was HOOKED - every town is so beautifully enchanting and historically intriguing! It's no wonder this region was the epicenter of the Renaissance . . . and we get to experience all of the greatest parts of it in one weekend!
On Friday, July 2 (a month from today - SERIOUSLY), the Siennese celebrate the Palio di Provenzano, in honor of Madonna di Provenzano, who has a church in town. I'll share so much about the Palio with you during our stay there (and you'll learn more from your teachers than even I know), and, parents, you'll get all the information in this blog. Needless to say, the afternoon offers much pomp, and then we have the fun of enduring 3 hours of false starts before the actual 1.5 minute race. Thank goodness for those giant Litre water bottles!
Then, on Saturday, July 3, we venture on a day of Firenze. While we will visit the Uffizi and the Accademia (thank you, SPI, for paying for reservations!!!), we'll also have open time for you to visit other locations you'd like to see. Maybe you want to see Galileo's index finger at the Museum of Science and History? Perhaps view the frescoes in Santa Maria Novella? I always make my stop by the Farmacia di SMN (located right behind the church) to pick up their amazing perfumed soaps -and other elixirs - for family gifts. Or perhaps you want to visit one of the other grand churches in town? Santa Croce and the Duomo, with its Baptistry, are both beautiful in their own right (even if I think Siena's Duomo is grander). Then, of course, there's the leather market out near San Lorenzo (yet another historical and amazing church), and one always must fulfill their search for the best gelato by visiting some of the stars: Vivoli, Carabe, Festival del Gelato . . .. Needless to say, there's so much to do in such a brief day! Fortunately, since buses leave every hour for Siena, we can stay as long as we want that day (as long as we've told our homestays in advance that we'll be not eating at home that night)!
After such an intense touring day, you might be tempted to sit around your homestay on Sunday (July 4), but I will encourage you to discover other parts of Tuscany! In fact, you'll receive a brochure (one of many - I make them for every non-Siena excursion we have) on your many options for your free day. Want to head to the beach? Maybe visit Assisi? Perhaps you didn't get enough of Florence? Or do you want to stand next to the Leaning Tower in Pisa? I've even seen a few Twilight fans make a "pilgrimage" to Volterra, and a few history buffs head out to see the Roman Amphitheatre in Arezzo, or go down to Chiusi to see the Etruscan Tombs. SO many options! If you've been encouraged to visit San Gimignano, I'll suggest you wait on that one - we're going to do an afternoon optional excursion to San Gimignano during our second week in Siena.
What great opportunities abound during our time in Italy! Let me know what you're most excited about seeing!
a piu tarde,
Laura
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