Home sweet home

I have finally made it home.  It is surreal to me that I woke up (early!) this morning in Italy and I am now about to crawl into my bed at home.  As the day began, it seemed so bittersweet to be saying goodbye and thinking about finally being home....as the day went on, it just became bitter!  The bus picked us up at 4:00 am to head to the airport.  The ride was a good 3.5 hours, so I took a little nap.  This nap would prove to be very beneficial once we arrived at the airport and chaos ensued!  We frantically unloaded the bus, only to realize that one of my rolling bags was broken and the pull bar pulled completely out (not helpful, bummer #1).  I ended up deciding to just carry it (probably weighed around 40ish pounds).  I thought it would not be long until I made it to the check counter...WRONG!  This began the crazy dash to our terminal.   Turns out we were dropped off at the wrong terminal and needed to catch a trolley, which was a short walk to catch but we had to lift our luggage onto the trolley (Sarah, Alexis, and I struggled together to get all our pieces on).  Once we arrived at the trolley, we entered the first line.  I'm not sure what this line was for except to check passports and then usher us off to another line.  This was the Delta check counter (keep in mind this bag is getting very heavy and I am also rolling one and have the 2 carry on bags).  The Delta counter lined moved fairly quickly and I was soon at the front.  As I checked in I was informed only emergency exit seats were available for my second flight (I would soon find out that only 3 of the 5 UAB people actually had seat reservations for that flight).  Then it was off to the security line.  This is where first class helps to pay for itself because they have a different line.  Regardless, I made it through security without any problems and was off to the terminal.  Once inside the terminal we searched for a drink and a small snack (which turned out to be a good idea because the food was scarce on this flight....11 hours....).  We loaded the plane...it was then I realized that I had lost an expensive set of earphones...bummer #2.  The plane took off and my seatmate and classmate Brie realized her glasses had fallen out of her lap...bummer #3.  When we were allowed, I crawled (yes...crawled) on the floor of the airplane looking for her glasses.  One the positive side, I did get to pull the seat cushion (aka flotation device) out and the inflatable life jacket...something I hope to never need to do.  People from the rows in front of us and behind us were crawling around as well.  About 20 minutes later, someone from 6 rows back said, "now who lost some glasses"... they had traveled all the way back to the wall during take off.  The rest of that flight was pretty uneventful.  Once in Atlanta, the customs race began (let's be honest, this could qualify as bummer #4 because it is such a pain to have to get your luggage, especially since mine was broken, thank goodness for the cart).  As you go through customs, you of course have to go back through security (so there goes my water bottle.... bummer #5).  The shining light of this day was that all of our group made the early flight.  A few were trying to convince themselves that staying around for a couple of hours might not be the worse thing, but luckily it never came to that.  No issues during this security check and we were off to grab lunch at Wendy's.  We made it to our gate and rested until our flight.  I think I slept most of the flight from Birmingham to Atlanta.  The final test was whether or not the luggage made it to...and guess what...mine did!  But now the other piece of luggage is broken and the pull bar won't come out (bummer #6).  A few of the other UAB students had to wait around because their luggage didn't make it.  So here I am finally at home, sort of unpacked, and about to crash in my bed!

Jessica and I are sad to be leaving....

Rome Airport 

our disgust with the waiting and walking..

Vino Santo to close out the trip

Goodbye Florence

This post is a little difficult since it was just yesterday that I was in Florence, but am typing this from my bedroom in America (sad)...

It was a very relaxing day in Florence.  Another student, Sonya, and I decided to spend the day leisurely walking and shopping.  We walked all around the city, up and down the various streets (sometimes more than once on certain streets).  We found a great little vintage shop that I bought a dress and then went on a chase for some shoes Sonya had seen the day before.  Believe it or not, we found the store and both bought sandals.  I don't advise this practice...if you are ever in this situation BUY the shoes, especially if they are only 15 euro (which was the case).  But regardless we had a good time and discovered some different areas.  We also decided to have a sit down lunch, since it was our last day and we deserved a treat.  For lunch, we split a pizza and gnocchi with pesto sauce.  Sonya is a doctoral student at ODU.  I enjoyed spending time with her and learning about being in a PhD program.  We discussed counseling practice and struggles I have had as a Master's student.  It was so helpful to have this time with her to be able to get to know her better and get a different point of view when it comes to counseling.  Sonya is studying to become a counselor educator (so she will eventually be a professor) and hearing her side of the counseling puzzle was valuable.  

I probably could spend a week in Florence alone but we had to head back to the villa.  Dinner was spaghetti and was delizioso!!  Since it was our last night, we had a brief reflection about our time at casa cares.  We were asked what item would we add to a collage to signify our time during the trip.  Each person shared different experiences that made this trip unforgettable, from the churches to the bus rides, trips on the train to the food and wine, so much shopping and the wonderful hospitality of Paul and Antoinette, this trip was incredible!

Our view at lunch

Gnocchi for lunch

The Duomo... seems like it was everywhere we turned

Jessica, Joey, and I enjoying the final Vino Santo

Last night's sunset

This was last night's sunset...it was the best one yet!  I sure am going to miss Italy....

Yesterday was our second day in Florence.  We visited the Uffici art museum.  It is incredible not only because of how much art they have, but because of the deep history in the collection.  We walked around for a few hours admiring the works of art.  I think someone could easily have spent a whole day walking around the Uffici.  Unfortunately, most of the first floor was under renovation so we missed a good bit of the collection.  After the Uffici, we went to visit a group home and day treatment center for people with mental illness.  The day treatment center was similar to what you would find in the United States.  They offer art therapy, music therapy, personal counseling, and so much more.  There wasn't much time after these visits, but we are heading back to Florence today!

The day treatment center

ok, I confess that I did go to McDonalds, or rather the McCafe for a little McSnack with my McFriends (this was the game we played...).  They had a very different menu.  This is the picture of the fried Brie they offer, along with curly fries or a CBO (Chicken Bacon Onion sandwich).  I had a pastry filled with Nutella...yum!

On the top of the Uffici

Waiting to go in (me, Sandi, Yannick, Carmen, Jessica, & Britt)

house day

Yesterday was our last day to relax at casa cares.  A few of us early risers went on a walk after breakfast.  The walk was to the local olive oil press.  We were able to see both the old and new ways in which olive oil is made.  Our villa makes their own olive oil, which I am going to attempt to bring home!  During the walk, we also visited a local church.  This church also had it's own mini olive oil press.  Paul, our host, says that olive oil from Reggello is some of the best!

After we returned from the walk, we had a guest speaker Dr Ciconi.  He is a psychiatrist practicing in Florence.  Today we will visit the group home where he works (while we are in Florence).  He explained the history of mental health services and how it works today.  

The afternoon was filled with seminars from the faculty who joined us on this trip.  But, I decided to go into town instead of staying at the villa.  Of course, I had to get my daily dose of gelato!  Today we will go to Florence and visit the Uffici (sp???) and the mental health facility.  I promise to have more pictures of this magnificent country! Ciao~

A stroll around the block...

This morning we went for a walk to the local olive oil press where our hosts take their olives.  I just couldn't resist all the poppies along the way.  I actually took 136 pictures, but I will only share a few....  

the wall of jasmine in the cloister of the church

POPPIES!!!

The wine cellar

this lovely bird met us on our walk...

Siena

I had a wonderful day yesterday in Siena.  It has been my favorite day so far!  I took 170 pictures and kept getting the "card full" message on my camera :0) 

We arrived in the city around noon and spent all day, even through dinner, visiting the sites.  This has probably been one of my favorite spots!  But even 9 hours wasn't enough for me to see it all!  Upon arrival, we walked to a bar to take a bathroom break and order a little snack.  I had a mini donut, but had an awful time trying to order.  I got my letters all turned around but luckily a friend had ordered the same thing before me and did a good job pronouncing the word.  Paul brought us to the center of the town and we were off to our own adventures.  Lunch, even though I had just eaten my snack,  was the first thing on our agenda.  A small group of 4 of us found a little restaurant right on the campo.  I had the most delicious tomato/mozzarella panino, a large bowl of fruit, and a class of wine (all for 11 euro...that's pretty good!).  My attempt to order in Italian this time was given a thumbs up by the sweet waiter. Afterwards, we hit the stores.  I didn't buy much, but I managed to find a pretty necklace for my grandmother's birthday.  Around 3:00, we met up with the group for a guided tour.  We visited St. Catherine's Cathedral, which actually has her skull and right thumb inside (it is considered to be a blessing to have relics from saints).  Roberta was our tour guide.  She led us all over Siena, discussing the various neighborhoods and the famous horse race they have twice a year.  Our tour ended at Siena's Duomo....which was breathtaking.  I can't even begin to describe this cathedral.  It is covered by white, pink, green, and black marble (the green & black are no longer found in Siena).  The inside is filled with marble and statues by Michelangelo and Nicolo Pisano.  Also inside, is the Piccolomini library, which is walled with frescos depicting the life of Pope Pius II.  The frescos are so bright and vivid as if they were just finished yesterday.  

After our tour was over, we were off on our own.  We took in a little more shopping time before dinner.  I loved being able to eat dinner in town.  A group of seven of us decided to stay on the campo and eat (just across the way from my lunch spot).  It was delicious!  I ate gniocchi with pesto and sundried tomatoes.  We were going to try to find somewhere after dinner for a little pastry, but unfortunately everything was closed

Britt and I with our mini donuts

The Duomo in Siena

The library

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Yesterday....

This morning we had a guest speaker who is an American who has taught English in Italy for 30 years.  She shared how the Italian school system is set out and how they help children, even though there are no school counselors in the system.  Children are instead, helped by psychologists on a bigger level.  Issues such as body image, bullying, career development, and depression are handled through the school psychologists.  It was very interesting to hear how the Italian schools are set up vs American schools.  After Italian students finish middle school, they choose what type of high school they will attend.  The different high schools include professional, technical, classical, and arts.

During the afternoon Dr Remley did a session about ethics and legal issues with counseling.  He is a LPC but also a practicing lawyer who works with counselors who are being sued.  It was a little frightening to hear his stories and examples of what to do and what not to do when being sued.  While this is something I hope will never happen, the reality is that may not be the case.

The afternoon was an optional trip to Vallombrosa/Saltino.  It was a relaxing trip with a scenic walk through the woods and optional Italian mass.  I opted against the mass and went to the local bar (aka café’) to have a snack with a few of my new friends.  It was a delightful afternoon of chatting and observing the culture.  

my snack from the bar

the bar

the trees on our walk

Greve & San Gimignano

Today we visited two town, Greve and San Gimignano.  Greve was just a short 45 minute ride on the bus from Casa Cares.  The big thing to do in Greve is visit the market and go to the wine tasting.  The market was an area of town where dozens of booths set up once a week.  This market travels to different towns each day of the week.  It is a popular place to buy tablecloths and scarves.  It doesn’t take too long to walk around the market and visit the surrounding stores.  I bought a few card table size table toppers and a little dress.  After the market, we visited the wine store with over 100 wines to taste.  It was such a great set-up of various Tuscan wines, from the Chianti Classico, Riserva, Super Tuscans, Sangiovese, and Vin Santo.  As you entered the store, you chose a debit card loaded with a specified amount of euro.  Then you took your card over to the tasting table and slid it into the slot, pushed a button, and out came the wine.  The cost of your particular taste of wine was subtracted from your debit card.  The price ranged from .60 to 2.80 euros.   It was fun to walk around and examine the bottles before getting a taste.  They also had a tasting table set up for the olive oil, which was free.  So you could walk around and push several different oils to find one you liked.  That has been one of my favorite stops.  I didn’t buy any wine, but I took pictures in hopes to find them at home.

Our second stop was San Gimignano.  It is another walled city full of tall buildings and cobblestone streets.  This was the site of today’s gelato tasting!  We walked around and did some shopping, but the prices were the highest we had seen so I didn’t purchase much.  It was fun to just leisurely walk around and enjoy the city.  Before we left to go back to the villa, we took a trip into the grocery store.  I bought some cookies to share with my family and some wine.  I bought a small box of wine for 1 euro!!!  I couldn’t believe it, I mean a diet coke is 1.25!!

San Gimignano

The open market in Greve

The wine tasting store in Greve

(this is my demonstration photo)

 

A trip to town...

Today was the middle of the trip rest and rejuvenate day.  In the morning, we had two guest speakers from Florence, Linda and Lisa.  They are counselors who work with immigrant prostitutes.  It was interesting to hear about the inner workings of human trafficking and immigration as it relates to prostitution and slavery.  Prostitution is legal in Italy but organized crime has its part in it.  Women are either brought into slavery by immigration and being unable to find jobs or through trafficking from their home country.  Lisa and Linda spoke specifically about Nigerian and Albanian prostitutes.  Nigerians are the ones who immigrate while the Albanians are brought unaware of the future they will have in Italy.  Once they become involved the money is needed too much by their family to do something else.  This is where these ladies and their organization help the women.  They work with them regarding health needs, counseling in the office, and even meeting them on the streets to help them realize their options.  Some of these prostitutes don’t even understand what rights they have or the laws of the country.  In Italy, if you denounce your pimp (who is involved with organized crime) and report this to the police, you automatically receive a green card to stay in Italy, legally.  It was highly enlightening and tragic to realize what is going on, even in 2009.

After that we had a free afternoon and a few of us decided to visit the small town where we are staying, Reggello.  My UAB friend Brie and I walked all around town visiting several spots.  One of the places we went to was the church.  This church was quite a different site compared to the ones yesterday, but it was still amazing.  The church was buit in the 1200s, but the bell tower is from the 800s (the clock was added in the 1800s when they became “fashionable”).  Italy is so rich with history it just takes your breath away as you enter a building.  We continued walking around and visited the grocery store, pharmacy (I got some olive oil soap), and of course the gelatoria….just don’t seem to get tired of that!  We hurried back only to realize we missed the bus (by about 30 minutes, I had the time wrong), so we had an hour to wait for the next one. But this gave us an opportunity to sit on a park bench and just watch this little city around us. It was great an

yummy desserts

Brie, Me, Linda, Lisa, & Rhiannon

Inside the church

Outside the church

Assisi

Today was another day in which we went out into the country.  Our first stop was a quant town that sits on the Trasimeno Lake.  The water was stunning.  I immediately fell in love with this area.  This was only a quick stop to grab a bite to eat (gelato, anyone?) and shop for some local pottery. 

 After this all too quick stop (I want to go back), we loaded the bus to head to Assisi.  Assisi is a walled town full of religious significance.  This is the town where St. Francis lived.  But not only St. Francis but another Saint who lived during the same time, St. Clare.  I was so thrilled to hear about St. Clare or Santa Chiara as she is called in Italian.  We visited multiple sites, including Cathedral de Santa Chiara, Cathedral de Santo Rufino (site of St. Francis’ & St. Clare’s baptism, the font is still in the church),  Rocca Maggiore, and the Basicilica of St. Francis.  Each time we visit a new town, I think “this is my favorite”.  Assisi was rich with historical and religious significance.  Both St. Francis and St. Clare are buried in their respective cathedrals. 

Besides the rich history, there was a bit of shopping too!  Although, I would have liked another hour to shop…. I did manage to find a few goodies to bring back home.   My gelato flavor today was tirimasu.  It was delicious.  This morning I went around sampling others’ flavors to find my favorite….so far it has been biscotti!  I will continue this quest until I leave (it’s a hard job but someone has to do it!).  I had to pay for a bathroom again, .50 euro.  But it is important for me to add, this may be the best .50 euro I ever spend!

After a 2 hour bus ride, we made it back to Casa Cares.  Dinner of polenta, meatballs, salad, roasted potatoes, and sauted peppers was waiting.  Words cannot express how wonderful the food is here.  I keep telling Paul he needs to put together a cookbook.  They would sell out quickly!!!

The town by the lake Trasimeno

This is a picture of St. Clare's Cathedral

My New Jersey friend Britt and I with GELATO!

The espresso machine on our bus...these Italians really like their cafe'

Anyone want Italian for dinner?

Yesterday was another day at Casa Cares.  I am beginning to enjoy those days because it is exhausting to visit all the sites.  These days give you a chance to recharge and when we learn about counseling.  We had a guest speaker who is an American counselor working in Florence for Syracuse University.  She told us about various experiences American students have while studying abroad.  We also discussed several differences between Italians and American.  Dr Bacchini joined us for this discussion as well. 

In the afternoon, two of the doctoral students from this trip did the lectures.  One was about how does God fit into the counseling process and the other dealt with technology. 

Last night we had our trip to an authentic Italian Restaurant.  It was outstanding.  The waiters brought plate after plate of delicious pasta.  It was quite an experience to eat in the fashion that Italians do.  They eat slowly, getting small proportions each time.  Plates covered our tables each round filled with ravioli, lasagna, antepasta, chicken/beef/fish, salad, and also dessert.  In the middle of the meal, the owner came and invited our group on a tour of their wine cellar. What an impressive collection!  There were bottles that dated as far back as 100 years! Everyone in Italy is so nice and it was quite a treat to see this family’s collection.  Paul, our host, said since he has been bringing the ODU group to Archimede’s Italian Restaurant, he has never been to see the cellar.

Tiramisu...so good!

in the wine cellar...

a cool sculpture from the wine cellar

Just one of MANY dishes from dinner!

Florence pictures

My camera died about half way through the day so I had to borrow a different camera.  So these are just a snapshot of yesterday morning.

Pointe Vecchio- a Medieval bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. It has been described as Europe's oldest wholly-stone, closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge.

Duomo Cathedral in Florence

Read more... http://www.destination360.com/europe/italy/duomo.php

(sorry I don't know how to make that a link, you will need to type it in)

Picture taken while I was on the Pointe Vecchio (Italian for Old Bridge)

Florence (day 1)

Florence…how I love Florence!  Yesterday was wonderful!  After breakfast at Casa Cares, we became tourists again.  This time our destination was Florence.  We took the bus to the local train station to go to Florence.  We got on the train and had to sit wherever we could find a seat since this was during rush hour.  The train ride was only around 20 minutes. 

Once we arrived in Florence, we headed off on a walking tour hosted by our villa host, Dr Paul Krieg.  During our walk he showed us various areas around Florence including Santa Maria Novella Church, the Palazzo Strozzi, the Arno River, Santo Spirito Church, Palazzo Pitti, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi (which we will get to see later on in the trip), Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Repubblica, Duomo (including the Baptistry, and Bell Tower), San Lorenzo Church, and Accademia.  For most of the places we were able to briefly walk through and look around.  He also pointed us to an open market where we did a little shopping.  I bought my first real leather purse!  I also picked up a dress and some yarn (we are starting an evening knitting group with Italian yarn!). 

A few of us broke away from the group to find a cheap lunch.  There are usually two options for lunch…either a sit down with the professors (costs around 20-30 euros) or find something on your own.  Both days I have gone with to eat on your own group.  Yesterday we made a great choice.   We found a little pizza palce where we each had one slice (big slice) of pizza or panino with a drink for 4 euros.   That is perfect! It seems like I am drawn to anything with fresh mozzarella.  Our best meal is back at Casa Cares anyway!

Before we left Florence for the day, we all went to the Accademia to see The David.  It was marvelous to see in real life.  I wish I could have taken a picture to share.  It is enormous and I just stood in awe to believe that one man carved this out of a HUGE piece of marble.  It was inspiring not only to see this massive artwork, but also to watch the multitude of people who were standing in awe as well.  This situation reminds me how human beings are so much a like no matter their race, religion, or beliefs.  Everyone who walked into the door of Accademia yesterday saw and reflected on what this piece of artwork meant to them.  For me, David symbolized victory not only for his situation but also for Michelangelo’s victory over the “ruined” piece of marble. 

After Accademia, we headed back to the train station.  We will be returning to Florence two more times before we leave.  I hope to go into the Bell Tower at the Duomo, visit Santa Croce Church (were Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli) and continue my shopping!

Another day at Casa Cares

Yesterday was a day to stay at Casa Cares.  Breakfast was French toast that I added a touch of honey to.  After breakfast, we had a guest speaker, Dr. Bacchini (pronounced like Bakini).  He discussed the difference between Italian counselors and American counselors.  Basically, Italy is at the beginning of the counseling movement.  Currently psychologists are the only outlet but Italians correlate psychologists with psychopathology.  Counseling, Dr. Bacchini explained, is instead about empowerment, a jump start for regular people who have some sort of breakdown in their life.  In Italy, anyone with a high school degree can “counsel” others.  Counseling is not a recognized profession, but improvements are coming little by little.  One interesting thing Dr Bacchini shared was the issue he finds with most clients stuggling with is culture shock due to immigration.  The influx of immigrants is new for Italy and has led to societal growth, insecurity, and a search for personal orientation. 

After lunch, Dr Christensen did a three hour seminar about play therapy.  She discussed the history, techniques, and her experiences as a play therapist.  It was very interesting to watch videos of actual play therapy sessions.

Dinner was soup with some sort of spinach, cheese, and bread meal.  I am not sure what the technical name is, but it sure was good.  After dinner, we had a briefing about today’s destination, Florence.  I am so excited…The David…a train ride…and more gelato I’m sure!

something I didn't expect.....

Ok, I keep forgetting to blog about this.  I was not prepared for what I would find when I arrived in Italy.  Men in America would love for this change to happen ....  There are NO toilet seats in most of the women's restrooms!  And top it off, sometimes you have to pay .50 euros to even be able to USE the bathroom.  I cannot figure this out..... no toilet seat? REALLY? GROSS.....  Luckily our villa decided that we needed toilet seats. 

more pictures....

I just realized that I didn't post any pictures from the first day.  Here are a few from around Casa Cares....

The wine cellar at our villa (it doesn't currently work)

The side of the villa

Some wild irises growing out front

Pisa & Lucca

Yesterday was our first day as real tourists!  We hopped on the bus after breakfast and headed to Pisa.  This was a big day for me because of the excitement of the infamous leaning tower picture.  I have now learned this picture is a bit more difficult than I expected.  After about 6 or 7 shots, I finally got one!  Check that off the list!  Pisa was rather disappointing though because it is such a tourist trap.   But this is also where Rhiannon and I tested our Italian for the first time by ourselves.  We had great success and enjoyed the gelato as our price (that's ice cream!).  

After Pisa we loaded the bus again and were off to Lucca.  Lucca was incredible!  It is a walled city with the narrow cobblestone streets, tall buildings, and piazzas everywhere you turn.  Upon arrival, we went for lunch.  I had a tomato and fresh mozzarella, with basil, panino....so good.  We did have to eat standing up because dining at the table costs more.  Once we finished lunch we set out to rent bicycles.  After about 30 minutes of searching, we decided to just buy something and ask.  This seemed like a good idea until we realized the man in this shop spoke no English.  I, of course, couldn't remember the Italian word for bicycle.  Instead, I began a game of charades with the gentleman.  After many failed attempts, he finally figured it out as I began to air peddle while holding my imaginary handlebars.  "Oh" he said and pointed of into the distance.  We traveled a few blocks more until we found the bike rental shop...where no one spoke English either.  We managed to rent bikes, no gestures needed, and toured this city.  This has been my favorite part so far.  Rhiannon, Brie, and I spent the next hour peddling around the wall (which surrounds the city) and through town giggling as we got lost and questioning "haven't we been here before".  Surprisingly we made it back in time (and trust me that this was impressive- we were quite lost at one point, although this town is very small- only about 15 blocks by 10 blocks).  We turned in our bikes and decided to hit the shops.  I bought a cute Pinnochio but he got lost before I made it back to the villa.  So I am on the hunt for another one!

We left Lucca and I grabbed a short nap on the way back to Casa Cares.  After dinner a few of us sat on the front porch and painted water colors to wind down.  It was a great ending to an amazing day!

My poppy picture from our watercolors and wine by candlelight

The streets of Lucca

My lunch, yum!

My Pisa picture!!!!!