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. 

Valle D'Aosta Market a Martedi

Awoke to the sound of the marketplace being set up. It's probably double the Sat. One with fewer food vendors. Set out to find the bargains and truly enjoyed walking through.

This was the view from our window during set up.

And of course, the fake looking scenery in the background. 

Everyone seems to be doing ok. 

A day to catch up on sleep and maybe email and blogs and more local shopping. 

Lunedi - Classrooms

Buon giorno! 

How do YOU get to school? Today we arrived by taxi, because I was not sure of how to get to the school. The Luigi Einaudi School is on Via Delle Pace, and happened to be the one we came across on our walking tour on Friday, when it started to rain. 

Ray drawing a simple alligator for the students to try

We started our school week at the Einaudi School in a 4th grade classroom. 8:15 to 10: 15, class 5B, teacher  Tiziana NEGRINI (t.negrini@mail.scuole.vda.it).

The students were very excited to see the American teachers. After introductions and some questions  and answers, Ray drew an alligator on the board, while I showed the children photos of ones from the Okefenokee Swamp. They wanted to also draw one, and they labeled it, "Georgia Alligator". We then broke into small groups to do our activities.  

I started with a short PowerPoint to introduce Where's Walrus?.  I had made (smart to have posted it to the Blazeview site before leaving the U.S.), which included Stephen Savage's video clip of Walrus leaving the studio. The additional you tube videos I had on real walruses would not open, but the teachers got the info for later on. 

We read Where's Walrus? in small groups, each with a copy. The children liked my beanie baby puppet with the sparkling top hat and his own suitcase, and enjoyed that I had said he wanted to come to Italy with us to meet them!

The children were excited and they laughed at each page, and some pointed to the zookeeper's face. The classroom teacher LOVED how the expressions told the story and was very happy to learn that we were leaving a copy of the book with her after we finished. Each child was asked to draw a picture of where Walrus might blend in in Aosta. They immediately got out their pencils and began to draw. As they were finishing up, I passed out US Flag toothpicks for the VSU teachers to poke through, as if the children's walruses were holding the USA flag. It made for a great souvenir and everyone seemed happy. 

We had such a good time in the first class! In the second one, the teacher aid spoke English, so it was a little easier on me to communicate, knowing I had back up. Teachers: Tiziana and Lucia (tzanardo@libero.it) and l.gal@mail.scuole.vda.it

The VSU students felt more comfortable, since they had been successful with the first group. We again talked about where we lived, and that there were alligators nearby. Ray drew his on the board, and then the children did their own. 

Again, we moved into reading Where's Walrus? and then asked the children to think about Aosta and where Walrus might be hiding here.

As with the first group, location served their knowledge. There were many instances of drawing the Arc of Agustus, but one that fascinated me most was the Roman centurion at the Roman Theater, which is in the centre or Aosta. Although the girl did not get to finish coloring her drawing, the most important parts, the wall, the zookeeper, and Walrus, were completed. This is my favorite one, so far.

Angela's class

The children were really excited to have the American flag toothpicks. I had purchased 500 of them through Amazon, and they have been a huge hit in both classes.   I figured it would serve as a little gift and a token of memory after we were gone.

It was a terrific morning and we headed out for a quick lunch and then to another school...

We arrived at the school of St. Orso, Mikaela COTZA (School: Ponte di Pietra) + class 5  (School: Quartiere Dora, teachers Fabio BARMASSE - Fiorella SALVADORI) and had more conversation with the children, who were very eager to speak English with us. We were in the classroom of Angela Morrone (angelamorrone1@gmail.com).

Walrus winning a cup for skiing

At first they were shy, but by now we had learn that by singing Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes , got the children more comfortable, it was fun, and we could be silly. They then sang with the Italian words for each part. The teacher was happy to get the songbook I had made prior to leaving the US, and I pointed out that I had listed a website for each song and the English lyrics could be found for each song in the booklet, as well. Thank you, Miss Blanche for making the copies!

After this class, we were with what apparently was an afterschool group. We did not sing or read with them, but in English, they asked us questions, and we answered, and then we asked them questions and they answered. It was more recitation oriented, but at least we were able to interact, and they practiced their English skills.

We met Elena back at Hotel Torino. She had brought each of us an Aosta apron and a box of cookies. So Ray and I would not have two aprons, she bought Ray a tea towel, as she had for Greg. She is so sweet. I am calling her my 'Aosta Angel'. She had booked a reservation for all of us at a beautiful wine cellar  restaurant, Aldente Trattoria Italiana, Via Croce di Citta, 34 (aldentetrattoriaitaliana@yahoo.it) and joined us for dinner.  She was so interested in our school experiences. We will visit her school on Wed.  After a great meal and some talk a out our day, we braved the rain drops to turn in.

Student blog sites...

The 2015 Study Abroad Students and VSU President, McKinney

From Valdosta, GA to Valle D'Aosta, Italy...

Valdosta State University students who are participating in this four-week study abroad in Italy program (Children, Culture, and Cuisine) are from the Early Childhood and Special Education program in the Dewar College of Education and Human Services. This is the first year of the study abroad program. Students will be posting factual and reflective daily blog entries to their sites. This will serve as a place to inspire reflection, and to recall information.

Through a grant, each student has an iPad mini to borrow for the duration of this program to use in their studies. This will also give them a technological edge, as they will have the mastery of using an iPad for data collection and more.

Here are the students' blog addresses.  I am trying to gather these all together, since the Internet has not been cooperative. Please feel free to read their blog entries, but if you comment, tell them who you are!

Skenzel.blogspot.com - Sky

http://iampursuinghappiness.blogspot.com - Jordan

teachingforoutcomenotincome.BlogSpot.com - Greg

teachingbeyondcultures.BlogSpot.com - Nancy

http://thewideeyedtraveler.blogspot.com - Shakayla

And mine, as you have found, is ItalyVSU15.blogspot.com

E N J o Y!

Professor Miani

Mille grazie per Silvana e Cochi Miani for a delicious dinner at their home, for the students, Ray, and me.

Sunday part 2

Sunday Part 2

The sun came out and it was the most amazing sight to behold! There were lots of smiling faces as the students touched the snow (most for the first time) and Greg even built a snowman! There was almost no wind and the sun was reflecting brilliantly off the snow. We were in very close proximity to the new cable car station, which will open in 2 more weeks. It is state-of-the art and will have a circular car, which will slowly rotate 360 degrees during the trips up and down the mountain. We were only a few feet from France and even above some clouds.

The photos are amazing, but of course, they do not do the experience justice. It was so beautiful out that we stayed an extra half hour, sitting in the sunshine. The peak closest to us is called the Giant's tooth. We had nice pannini of prouscito and cheese and went back outside.

Throw that at me and your grade will
be in jeopardy!!! They did ANYWAY!!!

 Our new friend, Elana was with us and kept telling us bits of information. She is so delightful!

The restaurant at the bottom of this lift is closing today, after a private party with people who have skiied and hiked the area there for years. In two weeks (a little behind schedule), this lift will cease to be operational, and no one will frequent the restaurant.

It is strange to me, because this lift, which has been in existance since the 1950s, is located right on a street in the middle of the town. 

Our trip down the 270 stairs was much easier than going up was, but we still took our time and could feel the change in our breathing as the air became thicker again. Jordan gave us a good tip: Stand up as straight as you can, to help your lugs not have to force to take in air. When I remembered to do this, it really did help. The stairs are very narrow, and they are both ways, so there are spots where you must pull over as far ad possible to pass others, or let them pass you. Some of the windows along the sides were totally blocked by snow. It felt like a huge tunnel to ascend. 

Where's Walrus? 

Walrus (Where's Walrus? by Stephen Savage - more to come) was there, too. He was very excited to see snow, as that is what he is used to.

 Some of the students thanked me for providing this experience for them, which was very nice. After more than a year of planning, it sure felt good to feel appreciated! I was thankful to have the opportunity, as well.

Being on the top of Europe was very spiritual. The Alps just stretched out from us in all directions. It will not soon be forgotten.  Check off one more thing on my bucket list, but need to add 2 more... One is Bruneleschi's Dome in Florence... Hopefully soon to be realized.

We made a gelato stop in Couremyer and the students visited a few shops. The sun was brilliant and felt so good.

Dinner for us came from the local grocery store, Carrefour Market, of a roasted chicken, some fennel biscuits, local Fontina cheese and a local Pinot Gris, wine. An incredible day!

Everyone will sleep well, tonight!

First Sunday - Domenica ON TOP OF THE WORLD WITH VSU!

On Top of Europe With Education in Italy Study Abroad Program... Mont Blanc...

Such an amazing experience! 

More soon!

RAY, GREG, SKY, JORDAN, NANCY, SHAKELA, AND DEB at the top of Monte Bianco - Mont Blanc 5.17.15

Sabato parte due - Sarre' Castle

Elena Roulett, my Aosta Angel

Entrance to the property

The favorite photo of the day is here... It is one of the peaks of the Alps peeking though the gate to the castle. I am trying to use natural formations to frame the photos I take. We will see how it turns out. Not bad!

Since we had already seen the major sites of Aosta, we decided to switch the plans for the rest of the week. Elena drove us to Castle Sarre, which is the villiage in which she lives. We went in two carloads, and it was an amazing sight through this part of the Aosta Valley. I had wondered who lived beyond the city of Aosta, and Elena's family lives in the small village of Sarre, where the castle is.

We purchased the tour tickets, and as the guide spoke, Elana translated for us. This is the hunting lodge of the Savoy family, purchased by Victor Emanuele for recreation trips.

We took many photos, especially of the trophy room, which is decorated with the horns of hundreds of ibex horns and skulls. It sounds strange, but ti was very artistic and unusual, to say the least.

The view from the castle

The bedrooms of the royal family, King Victor Emanuelle II and Queen Margharita were beautiful, but not elaborate. Pizza Margharita was named to honor her, as this royal family was very well loved. The pizza has red sauce, white mozzarella, and the green  basil... the colors of the Italian flag.

The family photos made this part of Italian history seem more personalized, and I could see the people, not only the role they played in Government. King Umberto II, Victor Emanueleàs son, was a shy man, and was not a good leader, as he was taken under the charismatic power of Mussolini.The royal family was exiled and they lived their lives in Portugal. Eventually the women of the family were allowed to visit Italy, but the men were not until this generation. The Republic was born on June 2nd. Elena was telling me there is some controversy about the vote... that the monarchy actually had more votes than the republic, but there was much fraud. The Republic moved forward, and that is what Italy has today.

The Castle was very interesting, and the scenery surrounding it was just beautiful. I took a ton of photos for Mike Savoie, the director of the Honors Program at VSU. I think he will be so pleased to see part of his ancestry.

Ray, Me, Nancy, Greg, Jordan, Schuyler, and Shakela

I am having trouble uploading photos, as the site is an Italian one and it i a bit different from how it is set up on my laptop back home. I keep looking. I am sure when I ask the students, they will be able to tell me how to do it, and that it will be something very easy!

Ra and Rissotto Valdastana - Yummy!

We returned to Aosta and had dinner at Ristorante Il Girasole... the Sunflower (Viade Soles, 29. www.ristorantegirasoleaosta.it. Of course... my favorite flower... It is over near the Duomo, facing it to the right. I am so glad Elena recommended this. It was delicious!

The food was great, especially the Risotto Valdastana, a favorite of Jordan's! Greg finally found something he liked... this risotto... We had a lovely day with my now very real face-to-face friend, Elena. She has such an easy way with our students. Ray says he feels like we have known her forever! I do, too. It will be fun getting to spend time with someone who has been my pen pal for the past nine months!

A sleepy crew returned to the hotel. I feel like I have so many stories to tell, but there is not enough time and space to get to each... What a wonderful place for us to begin this voyage. Tomorrow will bring something entirely different... the top of the Alps, as we he'd to see Monte Bianco - Mont Blanc.

There is a different keyboard attached to the bluetooth. I cannot yet figure out how to get back to the English-American one. So dashes, and parenthesis and apostrophies are missing in action! There are differences in how the Blogger is reacting, as well. I will look for hints when I am back on line. Technology - love and hate it.

Buona notte!