The Giant's Tooth - il Denti del Gigante - Gargantua

Courmayeur

The giant, obviously, is Gargantua that, after having distributed various parts of his body after his death, left a tooth to Valle d’Aosta: to fix amongst the glaciers of the Monte Bianco. The sharp point stands out in the sky and its characteristic outline makes it one of the most famous peaks. What people don’t know is that numerous evil spirits are imprisoned in that powerful fortress: all those that, in ancient days, raged in Valle d’Aosta. To rid the area of these evil spirits was a wizard, who came from far away, maybe from the East. Moved by the inhabitant’s fear of the spirit’s nasty tricks, he climbed the entire valley, pronouncing mysterious words. Attracted by the irresistible chants, the spirits flocked down the mountainside like crows from the glades and forests, from the rocky gorges and from the ponds, to join with the other elves in a tumultuous flight that obscured the sky. The wizard climbed up towards the upper valley. Docile, with a rumble stronger than thunder, the evil crowd followed him every step of the way to the giant prison that awaited them, in the Monte Bianco’s desert of ice. One by one the spirits entered, pulled by an invincible force: and the rocky door closed behind the last of the spirits. From then on the dangerous tower of the Dente del Gigante holds the impacts of the evil spirits that desperately try to break the spell of the wizard in order to get out, but to no avail.

What an amazing view. Elena told us about the Giant's tooth but I had to come home to read about the traditional belief. it was so close to us.
Next year will be different because the landing we are at now will no longer exist. The new Mont Blanc observation tower opened 2 weeks after we were there.

So, another new adventure next year. YEAH!!!  So blessed.

Monday in Marano

We were picked up by Cochi and the school bus driver to bring us the 10 minutes to Marano sul Panaro. We arrived in the main piazza and went to the City Hall. Sindaco Emilia Muratore met us with such warm hugs and handshakes, with Aquilino taking photos. Pina, her administrative assistant was beaming as she introduced herself to me. Emilia walked us upstairs to the City Council Chambers, where snacks and beverages were waiting for us. American flags were everywhere!

She met the students, and we gave her the gifts from Mayor John Gayle and us, including a COEHS shirt. Her translator, Fabrizio, is the headmaster at the school we will be visiting.

We posed for photos and then Emilia gave us a short tour of the main square. If you run around the fountain counter clockwise three times, ou will never leave Marano. In honor of our friends, I did that! Maybe, since I am now home in the USA, it means I will return someday!

Emilia walked us down to the school, Scuola Amicis, and that is where the real magic began...

Sunday Antiques Fair in Modena and Ferraris

Cochi and Sylvana showed up to take the gang to Modena for the day. The antiques market day! As we parked and walked toward the Piazza Grande, Cochi explained that the American soldiers had marched through here. It was then that I realized these students had no idea what World War II was like for the Italian people. I told them how Cochi had been a child of seven years when the troops marched through to liberate Italy, giving the children chocolate bars as they passed through.

Cochi indicated the sign that marked the bomb shelter. I also explained to the students about the heavy shutters on the windows. They were amazed to know the purpose had been to block out the light from within during the nightly air raid by the Germans. If there were no lights, the pilots could not bomb the cities and towns. It was a bonding moment when the information we gave was truly appreciated.

We separated to shop and browse the area. We toured the Duomo museum and these statues to giving birth were amazing. The cathedral was full of Fillipino people, much to my surprise. Gigliola explained that there was  huge population of Fillipini in the area, and that today was the confirmation of the young adults. There was even a priest from the Philippines. Needless to say, we didn't get to go into the church beyond the entrance, due to the crowds.

We had lunch with Giglolia and Sylvana and Cochi in a great pizza shop on the square across the street from the Duomo, going toward the Synagogue. Then we met back and headed for our fancy adventure of the day - The Ferrari Museum!

WOW... All I can say is I definitely deserve one -or two, or a week's worth.... and most were in my favorite car color combination - red and black. Why can't I have at least ONE???

I am really not a car person, but these were just gorgeous... Beautiful, hot, sexy, amazing red cars... Coach says he will buy each of us one... at least that is how I translated what he said...

I did not know they made airplane engines during the War.

I found my Testarossa... just gorgeous.

Then we headed to Castlenouva for a festival f the borlunghi - the gaffer thin dough with prosciutto
 and cheese in it. Cochi bought enough for everyone and we had a nice time walking through the street fair.

Greg didn't like it, so on the way home we stopped at McDonald's, which didn't look like any I had seen before. It was so funny to see Cochi and Sylvana eating French Fries, I had to call Cristiano... I told him I was corrupting his parents! We had a nice chat and headed for the Hotel Eden.

Tomorrow we go to meet the Mayor and to our first schools in Marano sul Panaro.

Another wonderful day.

Seagull Saturday - Goodbye Venice

Wow... the seagulls were loud... It still is raining, and after breakfast we began another move... this time by vaporetto and then bus to Vignola. It's time for the Modena area of our trip. We will meet the mayor (our friend, Emilia) and work in the school there for a few days, head to a Reggio school, see parmesan cheese made, and taste lots of balsamic.  Oh yes... and get to spend time with our Italian family, Cochi and Sylvana and Gigliola. Yes, I am excited.

The rain continued into Vignola. We took a walk to the Centro and had lunch together. The rain is beginning to wear on me, and I crave the sunshine... After a gelato, we headed to tour La Roccha di Vignola - the castle of Vignola.

Greg and Nancy spent a lot of time with me and seemed really interested. We kept trying to imagine living there. What a different lifetime. I know the castles were designed to spot your enemies before they could attack, but there are always so many stairs. The people were shorter, and Nancy and I were having trouble climbing the stairs. How did THEY ever do it...

Found some great Pinocchios in a window, and then another made out of bread and rolls.

Bought an awesome children's book in an awesome bookstore. Then a gelato and back to Hotel Eden.

Ray was upstairs in the hotel room and I was in the lobby trying to take advantage of the Wi-Fi and the table, checking students' blog posts and updating budget spending... Yes, I AM working...

The door opened and Cochi and Silvana walked in. AWESOME!!!!... It felt so good to hug them. They have so much planned for our group this week, some I know about, some is a surprise. It will be a wonderful week.

I wonder if my students will see the next level of exposure to children, culture, and cuisine, here. We personally know the mayor, these friends, the headmaster at the school, the photographer friend of the Mianis... This week opens the opportunity for the VSU students to see agriculture on a firsthand basis. We will explore Italian cuisine, as well.

And we will have a family to help us see this next level.

I am hopeful and excited.

A Rainy Friday in Venice

More rain, so breakfast was served in two small rooms. It would have been wonderful in the garden. Lots of variety here for breakfast at Hotel Salute. It's a good location, right in from the Salute vaparetto stop and only a few minute walk to the Academia Bridge (one of 3 that cross the Grand Canal). Wanted to try the tranghetto, but it doesn't run in the rain.

We walked to St. Mark's Square to meet our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable, and 3 hours flew by. I learned lots, myself, which is always fun for me. In all my times in Venice, I had no idea that St. Ambrose was staining over an alligator in this statue near the Doges Palace! Who knew???

We watched the bell tower ring, and
headed toward the Fenice Opera House. We had not seen that before, nor the tower house.

After the tour we all headed to St. Mark's to catch the vaporetto to Murano for some glassblowing sightings and purchases. It was still worth it to see the furnaces and to buy authentic items at a fair cost. The furnaces were all moved to Murano to prevent further fires on Venice centuries ago. It's definitely worth the trip.

The students headed back to main Venice and Ray and I lingered. I was not ready to give up our quest to find beautiful beads to bring home.No place was selling loose beads like we had found in 2005. I was very disappointed, but I managed to buy quite a few nice pieces, which included glass cherries to bring to Cochi and Silvana.

I so needed a coffee, and we found this little place, and wow... there was the sign to show the bus that went to Burano... exactly what I wanted to do.

The rain continued as we trudged along the lagoon. It didn't matter. I had treasures and my hubby and was off to capture the beauty of Burano... at least I hoped.

Burano is four islands linked by bridges. Here is a link: http://www.isoladiburano.it/en/index.html.


When did they begin painting the houses in all those funky colors? There is an ancient legend narrates that fishermen painted their houses to see them from long distance when they were far away for fishing.I have seen photos, and took some in 2005, but I don;t know the story of why they are so many different colors. This is definitely something I need to look up...

We arrived and checked the vaparetto return trips, because it is a long way (an hour) from Venice. We stopped a few times to look at some of the lace (lacemaking is the main industry of this island). The grandmothers teach the grand daughters to continue the craft. I did get a few photos of some of the old women making hand made lace. It is gorgeous.

But the colors, even in the rain, are breathtaking. It is like stepping into a make-believe-land. I am so excited, I keep shooting from the camera, iPad, and iPhone... I will make sure to capture what I remember from '05 and since... beautiful.

We stopped in a shop that had Murano jewelry, and guess what... BEADS!!! There were not as many as the store from 2005, but I certainly got my fill. A new style is big glass balls on a leather strip. The lady gave me one as a gift, and a sample, but I will really need to look at it to replicate it with the ones I bought loose.

She was wonderful and gave me gift bags and stickers for each one. Her husband makes the beads and I have her info: Lumeart di Livia Minio
Corte Novello Via Giudecca n40
30142 Burano-Venezia Italy
lumeart.venezia@gmail.com


We ate in a wonderful place and had a Spritzer and some excellent seafood at Ristornate Galuppi in Galuppi Piazza. It was simple and delicious.

Before it got dark, we decided to head back. It was an hour boat ride back, past Murano, past the cemetery island of St. Michael's and then the water bus to the north. I wanted my ride down the whole Grand Canal, so we did exactly that. It was a wonderful day.

I love Venice and got to do it MY way today with my patient and wonderful husband.

Thursday #2 - On to Venezia

I lost several posts, so I am back to square one... ARGH...


We departed from the city of Aosta along the same valley Hannibal traveled, Agustus traveled, and the former king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel traveled to his hunting lodge (Sarre' Castle).



Along the route are many other castles, which I try to point out to the students.




They seem too engrossed in their iPods and games of Candy Crush.



In following the FQR format I want the students to use (Fact, Question, Response), I wonder what they expect to get from this trip. I am so inquisitive about all I see, hear, and have a sense of wonder, do they?

Are Ray and I unusual in our natural curiosity and expression of awe, wonder, and enjoyment? How much does out upbringing impact our sense of travel today? These are some things I really want to think about after we get home.

It's not everyday that one sees one castle.... But the Valle D'Aosta is filled with them.

I photograph these glimpses to history through the windows of the bus, so I will remember their unusual placement and beauty.

If I am able to return to this area next year, I would like to visit Fenis Castle, which, on the Aosta Valley web site, seems to be the most beautiful of all. See more:

 www.lovevda.it/en/culture/castles.

The bus driver tells me that this castle is evident in the movie, The Avengers. I'm not familiar with the movie, but will check it out when we get home.


We barely make the train in Turin (allow more time). We jump on and settle into the most modern and clean train car I have ever been on. The luggage rack is in the middle of the car (makes more sense to prevent theft) and it is clean and comfortable. We have room to spread out, at lest for a while.

It's grey when we reach the train station that ends the land and opens to the Venetian lagoon. We are met by the MIR turgid and I immediately purchase the 2 day water bus tickets for the students and Ray and me. The price is 7 euro per trip and 20 euro for unlimited trips for 48 hours. It's best to buy now and its done.

We take a ride on a private water taxi to the hotel, getting only a glimpse of the Grand Canal. We take a few group photos, and I am disappointed it is all so gray. I really wanted the WOW factor for these students. Oh well. I am not in charge of the weather!

The hotel is down near the Guggenheim Museum and the cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute. I just finished reading about when it was built in a historical novel, The Venetian Bargain by Marina Fiorato.

It was raining and the girls were's ready, so Greg, Ray and I visited the church. On the way we found St. Gregory's Church. 

We had a mediocre meal, but had a little orientation over the Academia Bridge and through the calle and alley ways of Venice. St. Mark's Square was ever amazing. 

Off for some sleep after a long travel day. 

Leaving Aosta

Motto Grazie to our new friends in Aosta! We were unable to meet wih the new Mayor, since his inauguration was only last week. He sends greetings back to Valdosta, and hopes we will meet next year.

Elena, of course was our newest best friend. We met on line almost a year ago, when she wrote to me about an article she had read, which, we now know, was mistaken about people from this region coming to America to settle. In any event, that started our correspondence, and she even gave me a copy of the article to take home to read.

I will definitely share it with the Valdosta, GA Historical Society!

She was so wonderful in helping me to secure a bus company, as was our local friend, Tracy Piazan, in Georgia. The charter bus service was perfect, and provided us with an opportunity to visit places we would not have been able to reach. Grazie Patrik.

Thanks also to the school system for the wonderful school contacts. We learned lots and enjoyed working with the children and getting to know the teachers.

And grazie to Elena's students, Headmaster, and Colleagues. They made our visit, lunch, and activities enjoyable. It was a pleasure to meet you all. Grazie for the vino, too!

And, to La Vineria for the wonderful wine that we hope to enjoy in your sister city in the USA. We are so happy you like the pen and ink sketch Ray drew for you.

Traveling to Venezia (Venice)!

So the day starts with a minibus ride of almost 2 hours to reach the train station in Torino (Turin) to one of the best new Italian train cars we have ever been on, for 3 hrs. To arrive at Piazza Roma in Venice. 

Goodby to the world as you know it... To a collection of 122 islands connected by walking bridges. No cars, trucks, motorcycles, or bikes. Solo piedi -only by foot... Or boat. It is puzzling to imagine every item in the. It was delivered by boat. How many manhours does that add up to in a day? No wonder the prices are higher here. 

Jordan, Nancy, Greg, Me, Sky, Shakela

Academia Bridge (wooden) crossing the Grand Canal

The private water taxi picks us up at the main dock and off we go, with the threat of rain hovering overhead. It's grey, but we can see the amazing palazzi, docks, and vaporetto (water us) stops along the way down the Grand Canal. We arrive at the hotel, balancing ourselves and our baggage as we disembark in the small canal where Albergo Salute is located. Our vaporetto stop will be, Salute, and we are a short walk from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and the Academia Bridge - the only wooden one that crosses the Canale Grande. 

So I wonder about the number of trips up and down the Grand Canale it takes to stock a pharmacy, to bring the ingredients that will make up our Continental breakfasts. How many kilo of coffee travel that route each week? Every year?

A gondolier from our taxi

The Parish of St. Stephen

How old are Venetian children before they see their first car? Road? Truck? So many questions!

We unpack and meet up for a quick overview of getting around. We have a mediocre dinner near St. Mark's and try to beat the rain back across the Grand Canal. Tomorrow morning we have a guided walking tour. Seeing St. Marks Piazza for the first time is awesome. It still is awesome for me... My 8th time seeing it.

The students are duly impressed and the rain begins. Is this the Aqua alto? That happens in Jan and Feb. where is o sole mil?.

We make it back and listen the the seagulls and rain as we fall asleep. We've been in Italy a week already!

Buona notte.

Wednesday Afternoon

We enjoyed ourselves emensely at Elena's School. We had lunch with the students (pasta, veal and peas) and got to spend some time talking with some of her colleagues. The two classes went well (see previous post) aand we had lots of fun with the high school students. We also read "Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems. The kids really loved saying NO int he right places, and telling me he should NOT drive the bus, especially in Italy! We talked about the book, and I left the next 5 versions for them to use with Elana in upcoming weeks, and I had brought some temporary tattoos of Pigeon that I had gotten at NCTE. All but one of the high school students wanted me to put one on them. It was really fun! I can't find the photo on the iPhone or iPad, so they are on the camera, which right now I cannot get onto the blog... Technology!!! I'm too old for all these changes! (Ok, not really!).

The students in the second class really liked singing Head and Shoulders... and when I said the first class had sung it better, the competition kicked in! They sang it louder and faster, and we all laughed! When we were getting ready to leave, some of the students broke into a rendition of something that's  to the tune of "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain" (which seems appropriate in a town that is in the ALPS!

Grazie Tanti, Elena for a lovely visit to your school. I think next time we need to spend more time with you there!

We then boarded a bus to take to the small town of Cogne, which is north of Aosta, for a visit in the Alps, at Grand Paradiso Park. It was the first National Park in Italy. We stopped at the Roman aqueduct, Pont D'Ael, and Augustan Bridge, which is more than 2000 years old. The arch crosses the Grand Eyvia Torrent. They have built a walking path inside it, which has a glass floor, so you can see all the way to the bottom. It is a bit frightful, and I videoed my way across, behind Schuyler. She did great, and coaching her through took MY mind off how weird it felt. There are beautiful waterfalls and streams.

Again, my Aosta Angel, Elena, found this as a point of interest and she recommended I make the arrangements for the bus to take us there on our visit to Cogne.

We arrived at the park after seeing many waterfalls, high snow capped peaks, and steep drops off the side of the road... It was amazing scenery, and we were so amazed to see the hight, the size of the rocks, and the many streams coming down from the spring melt.

We arrived at Congne, at the Bellevue Hotel, which is something out of a Hollywood movie. The setting is at the valley where two huge mountains meet, with a white mountain in the background behind them. We walked for a while, but the photos I took are... Yep, ON MY CAMERA. 

We met Elena's Cousin, Laura, at the hotel, which she runs. We had tea, coffee, and the most chochlatey hot cocoa I have ever had. Laura served us a delicious torte and cakes in front of a roaring fire. She was wearing an Alpine dress, and spoke perfect English. She studies in Oregon for a year when she was in high school, and then spent a year in a Swiss school learning how to manage a hotel. It is an elegant place, built in the early 1920s, and caters to the wealthy. The town has decided not to become a tourist place, and treasures the business they get from skiers in winter and hikers in spring, summer, and fall, but does not want to become a commercial center. 

She was absolutely gracious, and what a view we enjoyed as we chatted. She had to leave for an accordion lesson, and one of the staff gave us a tour of the spa, pools, lounge, told us about the milk, wine, or hay saunas they offer, and showed us several of the guest rooms. Elena's dad's cousin, (Laura's father) has hand selected every decoration, antiques, and piece of furniture used throughout. It was like a dream... Yes... I would be happy to work there to enjoy such beauty!

Photos to come when we get back home!

We returned to Aosta to a dinner at the Crazy Cow, which was just beyond our hotel parking lot, with Elena. We have spent lots of time together, and she has been such an asset to our time here. We have a new friend and will miss not seeing her for a while! We enjoyed (ok, not everyone) some local dishes, especially with Fontina cheese and local mushrooms. 

It was another enchanted day. 

Tomorrow we leave for Venice. Thank you, dear Elena. Your research into Valdosta, Georgia made our paths cross, and I will always be grateful. Will definitely stay in touch with you. Grazie!

We were unable to make a connection with the new mayor, who was only sworn in last week. He wants to meet us next time, so I left the Valdosta banner with Elena to guarantee a VSU return to Aosta!

Mercolodi Primo, the First Wednesday - Valle D'Aosta High School

The atmosphere from last night was excellent, and it is a place I will definitely return to.  I think the students were also impressed. 

Today is Wed., We have officially be on the road a week. Who can believe it???     

We began or day at Elena's high school. A

It was amazing! There was a TV screen with the daily schedule, including our names as special guests! 

I will have to add photos later as they are on the iPad, iPhone, and Cannon camera. This is something to think about in the future... Photo organization! (I have just done this, but need to remind myself to find a better way before next year). 

The school (INSTITUT AGRICOLE REGIONAL     REG. LA ROCHERE 1/A    11100 AOSTA, ITALY) is a private one with students from ages 15-19 who plan to work in agriculture, tourism, or other related areas. The school has its own vineyard and we were happy to receive three bottles of their own wine. Can't wait to taste it! We met some of Elena's colleagues, and one gave us a delicious package of pastries. Yummy! 

The students were excited to see us arrive by their own school bus, and we went to meet the headmaster. I gave him the VDT book on Georgia agriculture, some info about GA, pens, a VSU Bag, a set of sticky notes, and a VSU tee shirt (from Dork's) which he immediately put on! Great photo of the group outside. Then off to two of Elena's classes. 

It was fun to meet the students, and mine are beginning to say more clearly, "Mi chiamo..." And the Italians appreciate that gesture! 

My students shared Where's Walrus with both groups, and had lots of small group conversations in English. Then I read in English, Don't let Pigeon Drive The Bus! and they all chimed in with "NO!" or "NO WAY" about giving permission. It was easy for me to interject Italian words when I noticed they did not seem to comprehend what I had read. After, they liked how the pigeon kept trying... and I had a temporary tattoo of Pigeon I had gotten at a NCTE Conference. The high school kids ALL wanted one! It was very funny to see them getting so excited about it. But it was wonderful that they had such a good time.

We finished up with a round of Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes... and when they were not going fast enough, I said in Italian that the previous class had been able to go VERY fast.  Ahh... A little sense of competition is the same around the world. They begged me to give them another chance... and we did, and they did! It was lots of fun.

I have so much more to write, and I promise to come back to this day. The students were so welcoming, and a bit shy at first. We worked with two classes for 2 hour sessions each and shared 2 pounds of Jelly Bellies I had brought for them to try. They liked the different flavors, and were motivated to work with us! (Bribe of food = cooperation!). 

One girl asked Ray, "Is it your university that let the boy walk on the US flag?" When he asked how she knew that, she said she had looked it up on line and read about it and saw the photos and video.

Hmmm... 

They loved using the American flag toothpicks in their drawings, just like the elementary students had done yesterday. And when we were leaving, they sang a round of "She'll be coming round the Mountain" for us. They are great students, and we cannot wait to hear what they have to say about our visit...

We had a delicious lunch from the canteen and met more of Elena's colleagues. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. We felt very appreciated.