Ciao, Tutti!
Just a quick note - I figured out how to download pictures from our trip, so all pictures at the bottom of this blog are from our trip so far! Enjoy!
This afternoon, we're going to get a brilliant art history lesson (from me) on our visit to the Pinacoteca of Siena!
More to share tomorrow . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
We have conquered Campania
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
What a great first weekend we had! We were so busy that I didn't get a second to steal away to an internet stop. So, here it goes . . .
Everyone met up at Newark airport, over a stretch of about 5 hours. They were all excited to head out, and even more ready to meet each other. The flight to Fiumicino was very comfortable and pleasant, but the kiddos had a hard time going to sleep, knowing that the next place we'll plant our feet was Italy! The plane was nice, and service was great - everyone even had their own small TV screen for watching TV shows, movies, or even playing games, which made the flight pass far more quickly.
We landed into FCO, and easily passed through Passport check and Customs, to find our bags arriving on the belts as we were coming to baggage claim. And everyone's bag arrived!!! This could possibly be my first time to have not problems with bags!!! We met our driver (Franco) after a little bit of a hunt, and piled onto the nice, comfortable bus to head to Pompeii. A good opportunity for everyone to have a 2-hour rest before hitting the cobblestones of Pompeii! We walked through the entire city, from the Theatre to the Amphitheatre, to the Forum, then up to the Villa dei Mysteri! Slightly jetlagged, very tired, sweaty, and covered in Pompeiian dust, everyone climbed onto the bus to enjoy the beautiful drive along the Sorrentine peninsula, until we arrived at our hotel (fancy - 5-star). The kids wanted to simply crash then, but I gave them an hour to clean up, and we went into town for our first night's stroll - dinner at a pizzeria, and the best gelato in town, plus a nice visit to the sunset! Upon returning to the hotel, I don't think anyone saw 10 PM (including me)!
Saturday brought us an EARLY rising - we had to catch 7 AM taxis to get to the Marina Piccola in Sorrento for a boat out to Capri. Again, just like Friday, the kids willingly took on every opportunity and chance to experience Italy. We took the Funicolare up to Capri, then walked from Capri to the Villa Jovis, one of Tiberius' twelve villas on the island. Even had a little chat about architecture and archaeology of the first century, A.D. We then strolled back, stopping at a spot for my treat of granite di limone (refreshing and sweet!), and caught a bus back in Capri up the cliffs to Anacapri. From there, we caught a chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the other peak of Capri island (Villa Jovis is on the other one), and got FABULOUS pictures of the view of the island, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Bay of Naples completely. With swollen feet and exhausted kiddos, we returned to the marina grande of Capri and caught a boat back to Sorrento. Some kids chose to immediately return to the hotel, where they spent some time at the pool and snack bar. Barbara and Stephen joined me for a few more hours around Sorrento, visiting the lemon grove and having a nice lunch. We all met back at the hotel, cleaned up again, and returned together to Sorrento to enjoy a great dinner (and an entertaining waiter) at Zi'Ntonio's, located near the Piazza Tasso. We all then enjoyed another sunset on the cliffs, and had a few hours of free time to stroll the streets with the locals of Sorrento before returning to the hotel, exhausted and filled with the spirit of Sorrento.
Sunday morning, we slept in, and several of us met for breakfast (very nice spread) before our bus picked us up at 12 noon for a 6-hour drive to Siena. That traffic-filled, winding ride out of Sorrento to Naples always takes down a group, and, as usual, we were all pale-faced and weak by the time we got up from the cliffs. We arrived into Siena around 6:30 to meet our homestay families, and everyone headed to their Siena home to have their first dinner and a good night's sleep before classes today!
The kiddos are almost already done with their first day of classes, and we'll go for a stroll through town to learn about the city of Siena, and the basic services they have for us! I can't express to you how proud I have been of them this far in the trip. You have some amazing kiddos - appreciative, mature, adventurous - as I told them on our bus ride yesterday, they have given me the best experience I've ever had as a Director this far!
As I shared in past blogs, this week offers many big transitions for the kids - they're truly learning how to live a completely different life! Homesickness and culture shock will plague them. Some situations will be challenging for them, and others will be fascinating. If you hear from your kids, offer an open ear and share your love with them, as you always would. Ask them questions (rather than offering solutions) if they seem to be challenged by a situation. If you have concerns, please feel free to contact Jeremy, who will get to me immediately. Again, your kids are so mature and such great communicators that I feel very confident in their ability to work with me and the school in making their experience in Italy as safe and comfortable as possible!
Please know that I will be spending all my internet time on these blogs, and not looking at the group. You have the ability to post comments about any blog, and, believe me, if you're thinking of something, another parent has the same thought. Please post comments here, and I can easily reply to them!
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my own love for Italy with your students - I can already see them developing the same apprecation . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
What a great first weekend we had! We were so busy that I didn't get a second to steal away to an internet stop. So, here it goes . . .
Everyone met up at Newark airport, over a stretch of about 5 hours. They were all excited to head out, and even more ready to meet each other. The flight to Fiumicino was very comfortable and pleasant, but the kiddos had a hard time going to sleep, knowing that the next place we'll plant our feet was Italy! The plane was nice, and service was great - everyone even had their own small TV screen for watching TV shows, movies, or even playing games, which made the flight pass far more quickly.
We landed into FCO, and easily passed through Passport check and Customs, to find our bags arriving on the belts as we were coming to baggage claim. And everyone's bag arrived!!! This could possibly be my first time to have not problems with bags!!! We met our driver (Franco) after a little bit of a hunt, and piled onto the nice, comfortable bus to head to Pompeii. A good opportunity for everyone to have a 2-hour rest before hitting the cobblestones of Pompeii! We walked through the entire city, from the Theatre to the Amphitheatre, to the Forum, then up to the Villa dei Mysteri! Slightly jetlagged, very tired, sweaty, and covered in Pompeiian dust, everyone climbed onto the bus to enjoy the beautiful drive along the Sorrentine peninsula, until we arrived at our hotel (fancy - 5-star). The kids wanted to simply crash then, but I gave them an hour to clean up, and we went into town for our first night's stroll - dinner at a pizzeria, and the best gelato in town, plus a nice visit to the sunset! Upon returning to the hotel, I don't think anyone saw 10 PM (including me)!
Saturday brought us an EARLY rising - we had to catch 7 AM taxis to get to the Marina Piccola in Sorrento for a boat out to Capri. Again, just like Friday, the kids willingly took on every opportunity and chance to experience Italy. We took the Funicolare up to Capri, then walked from Capri to the Villa Jovis, one of Tiberius' twelve villas on the island. Even had a little chat about architecture and archaeology of the first century, A.D. We then strolled back, stopping at a spot for my treat of granite di limone (refreshing and sweet!), and caught a bus back in Capri up the cliffs to Anacapri. From there, we caught a chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the other peak of Capri island (Villa Jovis is on the other one), and got FABULOUS pictures of the view of the island, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Bay of Naples completely. With swollen feet and exhausted kiddos, we returned to the marina grande of Capri and caught a boat back to Sorrento. Some kids chose to immediately return to the hotel, where they spent some time at the pool and snack bar. Barbara and Stephen joined me for a few more hours around Sorrento, visiting the lemon grove and having a nice lunch. We all met back at the hotel, cleaned up again, and returned together to Sorrento to enjoy a great dinner (and an entertaining waiter) at Zi'Ntonio's, located near the Piazza Tasso. We all then enjoyed another sunset on the cliffs, and had a few hours of free time to stroll the streets with the locals of Sorrento before returning to the hotel, exhausted and filled with the spirit of Sorrento.
Sunday morning, we slept in, and several of us met for breakfast (very nice spread) before our bus picked us up at 12 noon for a 6-hour drive to Siena. That traffic-filled, winding ride out of Sorrento to Naples always takes down a group, and, as usual, we were all pale-faced and weak by the time we got up from the cliffs. We arrived into Siena around 6:30 to meet our homestay families, and everyone headed to their Siena home to have their first dinner and a good night's sleep before classes today!
The kiddos are almost already done with their first day of classes, and we'll go for a stroll through town to learn about the city of Siena, and the basic services they have for us! I can't express to you how proud I have been of them this far in the trip. You have some amazing kiddos - appreciative, mature, adventurous - as I told them on our bus ride yesterday, they have given me the best experience I've ever had as a Director this far!
As I shared in past blogs, this week offers many big transitions for the kids - they're truly learning how to live a completely different life! Homesickness and culture shock will plague them. Some situations will be challenging for them, and others will be fascinating. If you hear from your kids, offer an open ear and share your love with them, as you always would. Ask them questions (rather than offering solutions) if they seem to be challenged by a situation. If you have concerns, please feel free to contact Jeremy, who will get to me immediately. Again, your kids are so mature and such great communicators that I feel very confident in their ability to work with me and the school in making their experience in Italy as safe and comfortable as possible!
Please know that I will be spending all my internet time on these blogs, and not looking at the group. You have the ability to post comments about any blog, and, believe me, if you're thinking of something, another parent has the same thought. Please post comments here, and I can easily reply to them!
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my own love for Italy with your students - I can already see them developing the same apprecation . . .
Grazie!
Laura :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Last-minute Packing Tips
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
This could be my last entry before our departure on Thursday . . . how quickly this time has flown!
So, here's my philosophy on packing: As long as you have your passport and deodorant, you can get anything else when we arrive. Now, with that said, you'll see that even I perform the crime of overpacking (but I'm working on whittling down the piles right now) - it's innate to want to make sure that you have not omitted anything before our fun trip!
Jeremy included a great packing list on pages 5 and 6 of the Orientation folder which you received to prepare for the trip. Follow it closely (yes, I think it's madness to pack such few tops and bottoms, too, but believe me, it preserves your sanity and strength). And even though the bolded section in "Electronics" seems madness, too, please take it seriously. You can buy a hairdryer when you arrive into Siena (we'll have them in our hotel in Sorrento) - your homestay may even already have one there!
As for the rest of the list, let's dissect it a little for clarification:
Clothes - believe me, you'll think you've overpacked if you put in more than what's recommended. You'll have time to do laundry (or have laundry done) at least once a week. Definitely want a swimsuit - I think we just got upgraded to a hotel with a pool in Sorrento, and you may want to journey out to the Tuscan beach for one of our free Sundays! Also, I choose to wear my swimsuit on our heavy touring days (Capri), rather than pit out another pair of underwear. Much easier to clean in the shower. You can combine the sweater/sweatshirt/jacket combination - I am bringing a cardigan to help me with that magic. And, my best advice, pack in themes. Almost all of my skirts/capris will go with any of my tops I'm packing. As I said before, pick out your favorite pair of dress shoes, and pack your "nice" outfit to match with it.
Toiletries - Everything on there is good. Be sure to pack any medication in your carry-on, and, if it's prescription, have it in its original bottle (for custom's sake).
Miscellaneous - great suggestions here. May I add one or two more? Bring a keychain so that you'll have a way to carry any keys to your homestay (we aren't tourists anymore!). If you need something to use to read at night, or for the sake of just having light around when it's dark at night, consider bringing a mini flashlight or maglight . . . wait . . . aren't there ones with a keychain link on them? :) And the more you can combine, the better (watch with an alarm clock? Windbreaker jacket which doubles as a raincoat?). I'll take you by a school supply store the first day we're in Siena, so don't overload with the supplies before we're there.
Do not bring - Seriously, if you can't live without it, you can probably live without it during our three weeks together. Every year, I leave behind my engagement ring just to make sure it's not going to become an Italian trade piece - ensured as it is, it's still in better shape sitting in my jewelry box at home. And if it's a "just in case" thing, you can buy it there. We are living in a civilized area of the world where there are grocery stores and department stores.
Carryon - This isn't mentioned much in the orientation folder, so I thought I'd give you my "from an experienced traveler" carryon packing list, and reasons (for those of you who doubt):
Passport - once we get through customs in Roma, I'll take this from you, and you'll get it back from me the day of our return to the US. thus...
Copy of Passport
Master Checklist - to turn in to me when we meet at Newark
Few favorite snacks - our first day of arrival is going to feel like the LONGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. Your schedules will be totally off - it'll feel to your body that we're landing in Rome at midnight, and I'll expect you to pick up and hop to the bus, hop to Pompeii, and hop through over half of Pompeii before we stop at the cafeteria for lunch. Remember those cheese and cracker combos I gave you in the baggie (Maddy, you're getting yours when we meet in Newark)? They're for our first day.
Change of clothes - just pack your cute outfit for Capri in the carryon. That way, if our bags are lost and we can't get them until Sunday, you're still looking cute. But with good sturdy walking shoes. Which brings to mind...
Necessary toiletries - not your entire makeup kit from home, or the large bottles of shampoo. Just what you'd need if we lost our bags. And please remember that we're staying in a NICE hotel in Sorrento - they'll have the usuals (shampoo, soap, etc.).
Prescription medicine - if you'll need it within 48 hours, it should be in your carry-on. And please be sure it is in that original container!
Whatever you need for plane entertainment/comfort - Kids, it's a long trip. We'll get movies, and I'll encourage you to sleep on the plane, but you'll be too excited. And I'm not perky on flights, thanks to Dramamine. Sudoku? Crosswords? My monthly newsletters (you've GOT to know some of those Italian words by now)? A good novel? My husband just bought me a hand-held Solitaire game, which will get me through ALL the travel on Thursday! :) Also, I make it a point to bring comfy socks, and quickly get out of my shoes when we board. Perhaps earplugs or an eyemask for those of you who can't do noise or light?
I am so thrilled to see all of you on Thursday! Please feel free to COMMENT to this blog for any last-minute questions - I'll be doing all updates through this blog only, rather than with the group.
BIG HUGS,
Laura :)
This could be my last entry before our departure on Thursday . . . how quickly this time has flown!
So, here's my philosophy on packing: As long as you have your passport and deodorant, you can get anything else when we arrive. Now, with that said, you'll see that even I perform the crime of overpacking (but I'm working on whittling down the piles right now) - it's innate to want to make sure that you have not omitted anything before our fun trip!
Jeremy included a great packing list on pages 5 and 6 of the Orientation folder which you received to prepare for the trip. Follow it closely (yes, I think it's madness to pack such few tops and bottoms, too, but believe me, it preserves your sanity and strength). And even though the bolded section in "Electronics" seems madness, too, please take it seriously. You can buy a hairdryer when you arrive into Siena (we'll have them in our hotel in Sorrento) - your homestay may even already have one there!
As for the rest of the list, let's dissect it a little for clarification:
Clothes - believe me, you'll think you've overpacked if you put in more than what's recommended. You'll have time to do laundry (or have laundry done) at least once a week. Definitely want a swimsuit - I think we just got upgraded to a hotel with a pool in Sorrento, and you may want to journey out to the Tuscan beach for one of our free Sundays! Also, I choose to wear my swimsuit on our heavy touring days (Capri), rather than pit out another pair of underwear. Much easier to clean in the shower. You can combine the sweater/sweatshirt/jacket combination - I am bringing a cardigan to help me with that magic. And, my best advice, pack in themes. Almost all of my skirts/capris will go with any of my tops I'm packing. As I said before, pick out your favorite pair of dress shoes, and pack your "nice" outfit to match with it.
Toiletries - Everything on there is good. Be sure to pack any medication in your carry-on, and, if it's prescription, have it in its original bottle (for custom's sake).
Miscellaneous - great suggestions here. May I add one or two more? Bring a keychain so that you'll have a way to carry any keys to your homestay (we aren't tourists anymore!). If you need something to use to read at night, or for the sake of just having light around when it's dark at night, consider bringing a mini flashlight or maglight . . . wait . . . aren't there ones with a keychain link on them? :) And the more you can combine, the better (watch with an alarm clock? Windbreaker jacket which doubles as a raincoat?). I'll take you by a school supply store the first day we're in Siena, so don't overload with the supplies before we're there.
Do not bring - Seriously, if you can't live without it, you can probably live without it during our three weeks together. Every year, I leave behind my engagement ring just to make sure it's not going to become an Italian trade piece - ensured as it is, it's still in better shape sitting in my jewelry box at home. And if it's a "just in case" thing, you can buy it there. We are living in a civilized area of the world where there are grocery stores and department stores.
Carryon - This isn't mentioned much in the orientation folder, so I thought I'd give you my "from an experienced traveler" carryon packing list, and reasons (for those of you who doubt):
Passport - once we get through customs in Roma, I'll take this from you, and you'll get it back from me the day of our return to the US. thus...
Copy of Passport
Master Checklist - to turn in to me when we meet at Newark
Few favorite snacks - our first day of arrival is going to feel like the LONGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. Your schedules will be totally off - it'll feel to your body that we're landing in Rome at midnight, and I'll expect you to pick up and hop to the bus, hop to Pompeii, and hop through over half of Pompeii before we stop at the cafeteria for lunch. Remember those cheese and cracker combos I gave you in the baggie (Maddy, you're getting yours when we meet in Newark)? They're for our first day.
Change of clothes - just pack your cute outfit for Capri in the carryon. That way, if our bags are lost and we can't get them until Sunday, you're still looking cute. But with good sturdy walking shoes. Which brings to mind...
Necessary toiletries - not your entire makeup kit from home, or the large bottles of shampoo. Just what you'd need if we lost our bags. And please remember that we're staying in a NICE hotel in Sorrento - they'll have the usuals (shampoo, soap, etc.).
Prescription medicine - if you'll need it within 48 hours, it should be in your carry-on. And please be sure it is in that original container!
Whatever you need for plane entertainment/comfort - Kids, it's a long trip. We'll get movies, and I'll encourage you to sleep on the plane, but you'll be too excited. And I'm not perky on flights, thanks to Dramamine. Sudoku? Crosswords? My monthly newsletters (you've GOT to know some of those Italian words by now)? A good novel? My husband just bought me a hand-held Solitaire game, which will get me through ALL the travel on Thursday! :) Also, I make it a point to bring comfy socks, and quickly get out of my shoes when we board. Perhaps earplugs or an eyemask for those of you who can't do noise or light?
I am so thrilled to see all of you on Thursday! Please feel free to COMMENT to this blog for any last-minute questions - I'll be doing all updates through this blog only, rather than with the group.
BIG HUGS,
Laura :)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Homesickness and Culture Shock
Buon Giorno, Tutti!
Last Thursday, while in my dorm room at cheer camp (yes, I'm alive and in one piece), I realized that we have only TWO weeks left. And now, that's just 1.5 weeks left. If you're in Dallas, be sure to come by Penne Pomodoro at noon on Thursday, June 12, for final chats and questions. Those of you who are not in the Dallas area, please send out e-mails with comments and questions! You can always access each other's information through the SPIItaly 2008 Google group, if you'd like to get to know your roommate!
Parents, this one is more for you, while, students, these are good signs to watch out for, especially during our first week or so.
Homesickness and Culture shock are real, and can really affect your point of view whenever you're experiencing life in another place than the comfort of your home. Those of you who have been to camp or have spent an extended time traveling understand this feeling. It's that irritibility with everyone and everything around you, for no explicable reason. Or perhaps it's a terrible longing for something you can't determine. It can even get so severe as to cause physical problems, including gastro-intestinal problems or headaches. Anyone (and probably everyone) can be a victim to culture shock. I know I have a little bit of it every time I get to Italy, and I've been going almost every summer since 1995!
Parents, when you speak to your kiddos during their first week's stay in Siena, they may say some things which are strongly indicative of culture shock or homesickness. When you hear these phrases, you need to understand that they're just wanting you to listen to them, and be compassionate with them. Let me share some standard phrases which indicate homesickness, and the actual translation of these things you'll hear:
What they say: "They don't feed me enough/The food is terrible"
What they mean: "I'm not being fed what I want"
What they say: "They yell (at me) a lot"
Translation: It's a tendency to raise one's voice in common conversation in Italian, but it doesn't indicate anger - rather, it's just part of the excitement of speaking Italian.
What they say: "I'm bored/There's nothing for me to do"
What they mean: "I'm hiding away in my homestay/Not getting out at all or meeting people/not taking advantage of the many opportunities Laura is offering"
What they say: "I can't understand anything"
What they mean: "I'm not practicing the language or seeking out help with learning Italian"
What they say: "I live SO far away from everyone"
Translation: Siena is a VERY small town. And even the homestays outside of the wall are never more than a 1/4 or 1/2 mile walk from the walls. "I'm not used to using something besides a car to transport myself"
What they say: "I don't like my homestay (for whatever reason)"
What they mean: "It's not home" (what a wonderful experience for a teenager to realize how much they appreciate what YOU have created for them!)
Of course, if your child is bringing up issues of discomfort, they probably haven't spoken to me about it yet. Please contact SPI if you hear about anything which truly concerns you. In the Parent Departure Powerpoint, I ask you to please contact SPI if you hear about anything inappropriate/unsafe, or if you want to share anything great/inspiring (Jeremy really needs it during these months of management). They will contact me immediately (even if it's in the middle of the night), and I'll speak to your child the very next time I see them. My first question to the student will always be, "Are you inconvenienced, or are you uncomfortable?"
I'm here to always be a support to your child. Always. My number one job is to ensure your child's safety and well-being on this trip. I also am in daily communication with the homestays (through the school homestay secretary - yes, they have a person at Dante Alighieri whose job is JUST to be in communication with homestays and me). As my theme has been throughout these blogs, COMMUNICATION will keep all people happy.
With this said, what a WONDERFUL experience for your child to learn appreciation for the comforts of home by living in such a beautiful other world for a few weeks! And in Tuscany - truly, a paradise not many people have the chance to experience. I can't wait to share this time with all of you!
Hugs,
Laura :)
Last Thursday, while in my dorm room at cheer camp (yes, I'm alive and in one piece), I realized that we have only TWO weeks left. And now, that's just 1.5 weeks left. If you're in Dallas, be sure to come by Penne Pomodoro at noon on Thursday, June 12, for final chats and questions. Those of you who are not in the Dallas area, please send out e-mails with comments and questions! You can always access each other's information through the SPIItaly 2008 Google group, if you'd like to get to know your roommate!
Parents, this one is more for you, while, students, these are good signs to watch out for, especially during our first week or so.
Homesickness and Culture shock are real, and can really affect your point of view whenever you're experiencing life in another place than the comfort of your home. Those of you who have been to camp or have spent an extended time traveling understand this feeling. It's that irritibility with everyone and everything around you, for no explicable reason. Or perhaps it's a terrible longing for something you can't determine. It can even get so severe as to cause physical problems, including gastro-intestinal problems or headaches. Anyone (and probably everyone) can be a victim to culture shock. I know I have a little bit of it every time I get to Italy, and I've been going almost every summer since 1995!
Parents, when you speak to your kiddos during their first week's stay in Siena, they may say some things which are strongly indicative of culture shock or homesickness. When you hear these phrases, you need to understand that they're just wanting you to listen to them, and be compassionate with them. Let me share some standard phrases which indicate homesickness, and the actual translation of these things you'll hear:
What they say: "They don't feed me enough/The food is terrible"
What they mean: "I'm not being fed what I want"
What they say: "They yell (at me) a lot"
Translation: It's a tendency to raise one's voice in common conversation in Italian, but it doesn't indicate anger - rather, it's just part of the excitement of speaking Italian.
What they say: "I'm bored/There's nothing for me to do"
What they mean: "I'm hiding away in my homestay/Not getting out at all or meeting people/not taking advantage of the many opportunities Laura is offering"
What they say: "I can't understand anything"
What they mean: "I'm not practicing the language or seeking out help with learning Italian"
What they say: "I live SO far away from everyone"
Translation: Siena is a VERY small town. And even the homestays outside of the wall are never more than a 1/4 or 1/2 mile walk from the walls. "I'm not used to using something besides a car to transport myself"
What they say: "I don't like my homestay (for whatever reason)"
What they mean: "It's not home" (what a wonderful experience for a teenager to realize how much they appreciate what YOU have created for them!)
Of course, if your child is bringing up issues of discomfort, they probably haven't spoken to me about it yet. Please contact SPI if you hear about anything which truly concerns you. In the Parent Departure Powerpoint, I ask you to please contact SPI if you hear about anything inappropriate/unsafe, or if you want to share anything great/inspiring (Jeremy really needs it during these months of management). They will contact me immediately (even if it's in the middle of the night), and I'll speak to your child the very next time I see them. My first question to the student will always be, "Are you inconvenienced, or are you uncomfortable?"
I'm here to always be a support to your child. Always. My number one job is to ensure your child's safety and well-being on this trip. I also am in daily communication with the homestays (through the school homestay secretary - yes, they have a person at Dante Alighieri whose job is JUST to be in communication with homestays and me). As my theme has been throughout these blogs, COMMUNICATION will keep all people happy.
With this said, what a WONDERFUL experience for your child to learn appreciation for the comforts of home by living in such a beautiful other world for a few weeks! And in Tuscany - truly, a paradise not many people have the chance to experience. I can't wait to share this time with all of you!
Hugs,
Laura :)
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