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.