Scuola Time!

Today marked another day in class. The art class ventured out for sketching and painting inspired by the doorways, gates and windows found in Siena. Our portable classroom was "al fresco" as we managed to explore first thing in the morning before it became "al caldo". Record temperatures once again today! The English class went to school to further study the works of Dante's Divine Comedy and Hemingway's Farewell to Arms. We gathered for lunch and enjoyed a fresh and delicious meal. We proceeded to study hall. Free time was spent by some studying further in the lobby, doing laundry or resting. Students are all concentrating on their studies And working towards their credit expectations. Dinner will be once again in the garden with free time in the campo.

Palio

Thanks to Mr. Augustynek, each morning he gathers up some early bird runners! At each of our locations( if it was Venezia, Montecatini and now Siena), he would map out a course and greet the Italian morning with a group of student runners. During our stay in Siena we have our own morning Palio of joggers running the steep passageways and out into the campo. An excellent way to stay healthy while travelling. On your mark get set Go! Via!

Just Beachy!

Today we ventured to the beach and enjoyed the Italian sea, sand, wind and water! We had to say thank you and so long ( for now) to our very special guide Teresa who has been an incredible life force behind this trip. Students wrote a card with heartfelt sentiments expressing our love for her. How amazing that we could become so close to someone we have only known for a few days. It's because Teresa is a one of a kind, energetic, hard working woman who wants the very best for each and everyone of us. She had some wonderful words to pass along to us. We know that Teresa will always be a part of our travel family and we will never forget the special touches she gave to us "on tutto il cuore." Teresa told us that " I will keep you in my heart because that is where I keep my valuables. May God Bless you all and keep you in his care." She left us with her favourite quote of the day, " not everyone can do great things like Michelangelo and DaVinci...but everyone can do little things in a great way...I love you all." The art class had an evening study hall session this evening getting ready for class tomorrow Lastly, we leave you this evening with this visual sentiment... Dedicated to Teresa drawn by Elise " fingerprints never fade from the lives we touch."

San Gimignano!

I believe that the gelato at San Gimignano will forever be etched in our minds! After our brief guided tour and so many picturesque photo opportunities, Ms. Battista treated us all to the world famous Geleteria Dondoli for their delicious gelato. Flavours such as Rosemary, saffron, cinnamon, lavender and so many other choices were savoured. We had some free time to shop in the many quaint stores and walked away with such a lasting impression of this glorious medieval town. We are looking forward to an evening mass followed by a dinner "al fresco" in the garden

Campo

Forever Young!

The morning began with a breakfast buffet with a variety and assortment of choices. Ready for class, the English group went back in time to an old aged school. How incredible to be studying Dante surrounded by the charm of doors that have had many students walk through them and windows that have experienced many seasons. The stone walls and marble detail serve as an inspiration unlike the classrooms we are accustomed to at home. Surprisingly enough, the classroom was equipped with some of the modern amenities that we take for granted such as an LCD Projector. The students enjoyed their break at a local shop. A most inpirational and wholesome experience was had with the art group as we held our class in a garden. With nature all around us we worked on our visual journals. At one point the church bells signalled noon and we thought what a wonderful way to be reminded of time. We certainly traded buzzers and automated recess rings for church bells instead. Everywhere we looked we were inspired! We had dinner with grace before meals led by Sebastian and headed for the campo to enjoy some free time! This video ends our evening with the most perfect sentiment...forever young! Laughing, talking, singing and dancing under the deep blue sky in the middle of summer. Sigh! Forever Young!