Tuesday, August 20^th

Final Exam

We have reached the end!

Our hardworking students spent the morning reviewing and studying for this afternoon’s final exam.

One last thing left to do and that’s our Farewell Banquet.

Stay tuned for more!

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Monday, August 19^th

Last Day of Classes

Today we wrapped up classes. Our photography students were putting finishing touches on their websites and studying for their final exam.

Our Classical Civilizations students were presenting their culminating projects while our English students were reviewing and studying for tomorrow’s final exam.

Tomorrow we write our final exams and then celebrate with the farewell banquet.

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Sunday, August 18^th

Sunday Funday

Today marks our last Sunday in Italy. After a late breakfast, students decided to get into groups and do different things through the day. Some went into the city centre for some last-minute gift shopping and gelato while others decided to take it easy in the hotel. A group also headed to a local laundromat, where we head fun learning how to use a washer and dryer.

All the students and staff then met at a local restaurant called Old Wild West. After 3 weeks of pasta and pizza we decided to switch things up and have a little Mexican/American mix.

After dinner at the hotel we had a movie night. The group voted to watch the movie Gladiator, fitting as we’ve spent this past month studying about ancient Rome and gladiator fights. Lots of snacks were on hand and we enjoyed staying up past curfew.

Tomorrow is our exam review day and we’ll be finishing up our culminating assignments.

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Saturday, August 17^th

Palio: Round Two

After 10 days of non-stop action and adventure, we finally had a day to sleep in! It was much needed.

After lunch at the hotel, we put on our fan gear and headed back into the city centre for another attempt at Palio.

We arrived early again, to secure our prime spot. While a few dark clouds made us doubt whether the race would happen, we were soon enough welcomed by sunshine and we knew that today would be the day.

The square quickly filled up and we were glad we arrived early. After a series of false starts to the race, we were finally off to the races at 7:30PM. It was an incredibly exhilarating 90 seconds which was quickly followed by thousands of people erupting in celebrations. It was absolutely electrifying.

Following the race, we enjoyed the processions and celebrations in the city that went into the night.

We quickly learned, that as part of the celebration, members of the winning neighbourhood celebrate by parading through the city waving flags and sucking on pacifiers and baby milk bottles. It was incredible thousands of grown adults walking around with pacifiers.

We are looking forward to our last Sunday Funday tomorrow.

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Friday, August 16^th

Morning Class and Palio Day!

Today is a special day as it’s Audrey’s 16^th birthday!

We held our last formal classes this morning. Students are now hard at work on their final culminating projects and presentations.

After lunch at the hotel, we headed into the city for the Palio! 10 of the 17 neighbourhoods in Siena take part in the race. The seven neighbourhoods that didn’t get to race in today’s race will take part in next July’s race. Students were excited and wanted to show their spirit by picking a team to cheer on. We purchased flags in the city that are traditionally draped over the shoulders.

In the lead up to the race, many processions take place throughout the city.

The event is free and based on a first come first served principle. We arrived 4 hours early to ensure we got a prime spot. We were amazed as the parade started through the square. Flag bearers, trumpeters, men in medieval armour. It was like stepping back in time.

Unfortunately, as the parade was ending, the rain set in and the race officials postponed the race to tomorrow for safety reasons.

Undeterred, we enjoyed spending the evening in the city and seeing the different neighbourhoods celebrate.

We are hope for better luck tomorrow!

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Thursday, August 15^th

Exploring Siena

After an early start to our day, and a morning class at the hotel, all 3 of our classes headed into the city centre. Siena, a medieval town, deeply rooted in tradition and a sense of community. It is home to the Palio, a horse race dating back to the 17^th century. It’s held twice a year, on July 2^nd and August 16^th.

While we explored the city today, we came across neighbourhoods holding marches down the streets. It is a really unique experience.

After lunch, our classes spread out across the city and found a place to hold class.

In the evening, we enjoyed our gelato tour of Italy and explored the various neighbourhoods and their celebrations on the eve of the race.

We can’t wait to experience our first Palio tomorrow.

 

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Wednesday, August 14^th

Siena – Heart of Tuscany

After breakfast, we checked out of our hotel in Florence and headed to our final destination, Siena.

We were greeted warmly by our hosts at Hotel Due Ponti. They even had a welcome reception waiting for us, not to mention rooms ready at 11am.

Students decided to explore the local neighbourhood and relax at the hotel for the afternoon. Our Classical Civilization students did their presentations at the hotel. Their presentations were on the worst emperors of the Roman Empire. Each student picked an emperor and made their argument to the jury as to why they were the worst. They even dressed up in togas!!

After dinner, we choose to stay at the hotel and relax after a busy week. Our photography students had their night photography lesson tonight behind the hotel.

Tomorrow we head in to the city center to catch the preparations for the Palio horse race.

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Tuesday, August 13^th

Optional Excursion to Pisa

This afternoon, a group of students embarked on our final optional excursion. We saved a fun one for the end, a tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

After a short drive from Florence to Pisa, we walked through the main square and sat down for a pizza lunch before joining our local guide for an hour and half walking tour.

She explained the history of Pisa and the reason the tower started to lean. She also showed us the decades of work that went into stabilizing the tower and surrounding buildings.

At the end of the tour, we spent a considerable amount of time taking fun pictures of the tower.

Enjoy some of the highlights.

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Tuesday, August 13^th

Florence: Home of the Renaissance

Our class focus today was the Renaissance. Our Classical Civilization students lined up early to get into the Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David. Our English and Photography classes had a reservation at the Uffizi Galleries, home to the largest collection of Renaissance art. Our English students were even able to do their class presentations inside.

In the afternoon, it was the history class’s turn to tour the Uffizi, while the English students worked on their next project. Our photography students were off to the quaint town of Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower Of Pisa. Stay tuned for a separate photo blog on that.

In the evening, our students enjoyed their final night in Florence. Gelato, carousel rides, leather bags, sunset chasing and souvenir shopping.

Tomorrow, we travel to Siena, our final destination.

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August

 

Monday, August 12^th

Florence: Classes and Walking Tour

Monday means back to class. Our photography class started their day at the beautiful courtyard of our hotel before heading out into the city for a photo shoot. All museums and galleries in Florence are closed on Mondays so our English and Classical Civilizations classes headed to a beautiful university campus to hold their classes.

Later in the afternoon, we all got together for a walking tour of the beautiful city of Florence. Our guide showed us some of the important sites in the city and gave us some interesting historical facts. It was a hot day, so we decided to treat ourselves to gelato after the walking tour.

We are off to Pisa tomorrow to see if the tower is still leaning!

Bertan

Program Manager

Italy August