Beviamo???

There has been some discussion about concern regarding alcohol consumption on the trip. Let me state this official statement: for the sake of the safety and comfort of the group, it's not permitted. As a ten-year veteran Director of Italian Study-Abroad programs, I can attest that, when people come on a trip with the intent to consume beverages in an inappropriate manner, only trouble can happen. I have not only dealt with students who overdrink to the point of alcohol poisoning (and end up in the Siena Hospital), but I've also had to deal with the Quaestura (local police) because of students making inappropriate decisions while under the influence of alcohol. (While these were all great vocabulary-building experiences for me, they were a waste of my and our group's short-lived Italy time!)

According to the SPI Online Contract of Terms and Conditions, sections 18, 19, and 20, as well as at the top of (and throughout) the Standard of Conduct, we address this issue. Since this trip is not at all associated with the school where I work, I base my policies on the SPI company's policies. At the most, I am upholding my own moral standards for the best behavior of our group. At the least, I am upholding American laws.

Please let me know if you want to personally talk to me about this topic, but, as far as official statements go, alcohol consumption is a no-tolerance issue for me!

Always seeking to ensure the safest and best experience for the group,

Laura :)

Enrolling and SPI questions

Hi, Future Italophiles!

There have been a few more business-type questions, having to do with applying/signing up for the trip:

1. People are eagerly signing up right now, but, seeing as SPI is in their summer trip management mode, they'll be focused on welcoming you in August/September! Thus, you can wait until then to sign up for the trip! We won't be cutting off the trip applications before November, at least, so don't worry about losing a spot. The deadlines, as posted on www.spiabroad.com, aren't applicable to our special Custom-Italy 2012 trip.

2. Your teacher recommendation is important. Please be sure to include my name, Mr. Philp's name, or Mr. Bearden's name when you register, so that they can be contacted about their recommendation for your acceptance for the trip!

3. PLEASE include any of your special dietary needs in the Housing form. It's important to me to know your personal needs when we travel together!

4. There has been some discussion about concern regarding alcohol consumption on the trip. Let me state this official statement: for the sake of the safety and comfort of the group, it's not permitted. I'll make a new posting on this - see the next entry.

Please feel free to send me an e-mail with any further questions, and I'll be happy to share a prompt reply!

Hugs,

Laura

The Borgias

As you'll read on this blog several times, I like to encourage viewing movies as a way to experience history and culture of a far and distant land. As far as media for Ancient Rome/Latin is concerned, there are fun movies (Gladiator) and totally inappropriate TV shows (Spartacus: Blood and Sand; Rome). Not that I wouldn't recommend them, but just know that I couldn't show more than 5 minutes of each hour-long show in the classroom! (Haven't yet seen "Eagle" - hope to do so this summer while I'm laid up on the sofa)

This weekend, Showtime is is starting up their next big epic series after "The Tudors," called "The Borgias." Personally, I can't wait to see it, but I will offer a few caveats to innocent eyes:

1. I haven't seen any of the shows, and I'm expecting them to have the same appropriate level as "The Tudors" or the prior-mentioned Roman-themed shows, i.e. too juicy for children's eyes;

2. I would never support anything which besmirches the papal name;

3. With #2 stated, I do know the history of the Borgia family and Alexander's history. And Jeremy Irons plays Pope Alexander. If you'd rather learn about the history of the papacy from an unbiased source, please let me know where you find one! :)

Please feel free to check prior entries to see other suggested movies for enjoying your pre-Italy experience! With the passing-away of Elizabeth Taylor, who WOULDN'T watch "Cleopatra"?

un' abbracio,

Laura

Signing up!

Wow - we have so many people eager and ready to sign up! Can't tell you how excited I am about your enthusiasm!

SPI is super busy right now, finalizing plans for all of their 2011 summer trips (which you can view on the website, including the Italy Study-Abroad program), and might not be able to respond immediately to you. Thus, if you have questions, contact me directly, by e-mail or through this blog! Once we get to August, SPI will be ready for your enrollment (with bells on), and will even be ready to talk about specific flights for our Custom Italy 2012 trip! Please know that we won't be limiting any enrollment until then.

Again, I'm here and ready to receive your e-mails with any inquiries about the trip! Forgive my delayed response over Spring Break - I'm running off to an Hawaiian island to hide and cement my Lenten promise to limit my e-mail-checking habits. :)

peace and love,

Laura :)

Booking Flights ***Changing news on 4/4/11!

Some of you have shared concerns about booking flights, and I completely understand these concerns! It would be nice to know when the group flight is, so that you can get your kiddo on the same flight!

SPI has answered your concerns! In APRIL (330 days out, for you knowledgeable travelers), SPI will research and find the best flight for the group's travel, and will then give you the information on those flights (to assure that your kiddo will travel on the same flight as I'm on)! SPI is still trying to decide whether they will simply book a group of tickets on that flight, or whether they'll handle the booking for you . . . as soon as I know, I'll inform you!

Andiamo!

Welcome to the Italy Experience!

Wow - just over a year away from our departure, and we already have three people (plus) signed up for next year's fun! And three SUPER-quality people, at that!

Y'all had some really good questions about signing up/the online registration process. Please remember that some of the essences of the other SPI programs differ from our Italy 2012-Custom trip!

Page 1. Program Data - Custom Program Name - Italy March 2012

Page 3. Housing Data - This is where I get to know YOU, too!

Please be sure to enter as much into this as you'd like: Important: Dietary Needs, Allergies, Pre-Existing Conditions, Prescriptions, Common Medical Problems; Good to know: Roommate Request, Past travel experiences,

***Info about yourself, and your family - please give me some good information about you here!

Also, please do read through the SPI Policies and Rules/Regulations, given on the last page (Page 4) - it's important that students understand the rules under which they're expected to travel! I like to establish an environment of great respect and trust during our Italy experience, to make it the best travel fun you'll ever have!

Please feel free to share comments here, or following any post!

un' abbracio,

Laura :)