05/28/2009
Bittersweet... today is our last day here. It's hard to believe that a short two weeks ago (which now seems like forever, and in a good way) we 30-something strangers met in the Rome airport, and took a bus up a mountain to a remote villa called Casa Cares. Yesterday, I blogged home that we students/participants were like siblings... I don't think so. We're more like cousins; scattered across the nation, some of us in the same school (like we 4 from UAB), others from other schools...all peers, all growing and learning. This has definitely been like a family reunion, and now my family has grown immensely!
This morning, we went back to Firenze to hear a judge in the juvenile system speak. Wish I was fluent in Italian; Dr. Krieg tried to interpret for us, but the judge was so exuberant, he never stopped talking! I got the impression he was emphasizing certain things- I thought I kept hearing the same word repeated a few times- but have no clue what he was saying!
After the judge, we broke up (our one rule: Meet at track 14- our usual meeting spot- at 5:00); some just had time to catch the 1:30 train back to St. Ellero (our bus stop to go home!). I played independenzia - I hit Firenze, solo! It was wonderful! Had pizza for lunch in a small dive- the owner spoke no English- the pizza was different- but good- giant chunks of tomatoes, whole ripe olives, sausage and pepperoni on cornbread topped with cheese (no tomato sauce!) Had a sprite with it... (good old fashioned American eating!). Next up, SHOPPING! Hit the open markets, with gusti (feminine of gusto)... got lots of stuff for family back home! Wnadered throughtout Florence, taking in sights, smells, ducking into stores and shops... took it at my own pace, and enjoyed it all. About quarter to four, headed back to the train station (the duomo is immense, in the center of the town, easily seen by all the areas I hit, at least, and the train station is by the duomo). To reach the train station by foot, you must first pass through a tunnel; and there are shops on either side of the tunnel. A carbinieri had a woman stopped, going through her bags and gesturing to one of the shops. Don't know what happened, and kept walking on. I got up to the station, it was only about 4-ish, so I went to Sala de Attisa (basically, a sitting room for people waiting for trains) and sat down for about 5 minutes, just to let my feet quit throbbing! Then I went and ordered: un piccolo gelato e aqua naturale (a small ice cream- that puts ice cream in the states to shame!) and a natural (not fizzy) water.
Met Dr's Ttyson & Thomas at 5:00 at track 14- our bus finally got a track: #13. OOPS! Unlucky #13; the wrong track# had been posted. Dr. Thomas thought the train was wrong; she got off & asked one of the train station employees, who directed us to the train on track 16. Amazing, how we people, even (or especially?) in unfamiliar territory, are so vulnerable to erroneous information.
OK, guys, this, for sure, is my final blog. Fixing to download all my pics onto facebook:
italy institute 2009. Go see 'em!
Arriverderci, Lynn
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
05/27/2009
Sorry, guys, I didn't lie this morning when I said it was my last blog; it's just that I realized I needed to journal some more during our trip to Firenze today.
First up, The Uffizi Museum. It was filled (naturally)) with masterpieces from Il Familia Medici (the Medici family). In fact, the museum itself began as an office building (the Italian word for "office" is "uffici" - these were the offices of Il Familia Medici; and they had crosswalks to tbeir palazzo, so they wouldn't have to mingle with the commoners in the streets!
Next, we took a bus ride (imagine standing, holding for dear life, on a bus going fast and taking sharp turns... kind of like riding the Knight Bus from the 3rd Harry Potter movie!) to a Mental Helth Day Treatment Facility - Fili e Colores. It was very much like facilities in which I have worked; both nursing homes and when I did an internship in a hospital (long-term residential) for the criminally insane (now, it would be given a different name; residential facility for maladaptive psychopathologies, perhaps?)
Then, we walked to a residential facility, where Roberto was our host... he explained they have 12 beds; 7 women and 5 men. Some stay forever, some come and go as they have need. This particular facility only serves a particular neighborhood, a particular small community. Most of the group went upstairs to see the rooms; I and a couple of others sat downstairs (sore,tired feet & knees said "NO WAY!" when I looked at the long, steep staircase!
ULP! Another busride back to the train station, where I bought another suitcase... then a relaxing train ride back home, and sitting to blog.
One thing I reflected on as we walked through Firenze today, was how, in the short time we have been together, we have become close, like a family. Our profs are like favorite aunts and uncles (tia e tio), those wonderful people who may be older than you, may be your age, but have a position of authority because of their position in the family. Here, the authority is based on experience; our profs have worked years in our field, and are willing to share their experience and knowledge with us (those of us who are midlife career changers appreciate that about them...). Our fellow students are like brothers and sisters...without the sibling rivalry. We are all in this together, pulling together, making our family, our profession strong. Our hosts, Dr. Krieg and his lovely wife, Antoinette, are like grandparents... not because of age, (they aren't much older than I) but because of how they treat us. Dr. Krieg keeps us together on our journeys into towns, acting as our interpreter, guide, and, well, like a grandfather (at least the way my grandfathers acted when I was growing up!) Antoinette makes sure we have good food on the table, the house is comfortable, and we are free to concentrate on our studies (again, like my grandmothers acted when I was growing up). Although I am ready to go home, I will miss this place, the chance to sit and commune (sometimes, sitting quitly in the sala, some knitting, some computering, but all of us, quiet yet together. Hmmm, whom did I leave out? Mom & dad? Parents have a different attitude toward their children than grandparents, aunts and uncles; and here, we are at our grandparent's home, like a big family reunion.
So, will I blog tomorrow? I don't know... We will go back to Firenze to see the judge (juveniles in the Italian court system), then we'll have time to shop, shop SHOP! 5 hours to indulge my XX shopping gene! But then, back home to pack... so don't know if I'll have time to blog; am sure I'll have an experience!
Ciao for now, Lynn
Sorry, guys, I didn't lie this morning when I said it was my last blog; it's just that I realized I needed to journal some more during our trip to Firenze today.
First up, The Uffizi Museum. It was filled (naturally)) with masterpieces from Il Familia Medici (the Medici family). In fact, the museum itself began as an office building (the Italian word for "office" is "uffici" - these were the offices of Il Familia Medici; and they had crosswalks to tbeir palazzo, so they wouldn't have to mingle with the commoners in the streets!
Next, we took a bus ride (imagine standing, holding for dear life, on a bus going fast and taking sharp turns... kind of like riding the Knight Bus from the 3rd Harry Potter movie!) to a Mental Helth Day Treatment Facility - Fili e Colores. It was very much like facilities in which I have worked; both nursing homes and when I did an internship in a hospital (long-term residential) for the criminally insane (now, it would be given a different name; residential facility for maladaptive psychopathologies, perhaps?)
Then, we walked to a residential facility, where Roberto was our host... he explained they have 12 beds; 7 women and 5 men. Some stay forever, some come and go as they have need. This particular facility only serves a particular neighborhood, a particular small community. Most of the group went upstairs to see the rooms; I and a couple of others sat downstairs (sore,tired feet & knees said "NO WAY!" when I looked at the long, steep staircase!
ULP! Another busride back to the train station, where I bought another suitcase... then a relaxing train ride back home, and sitting to blog.
One thing I reflected on as we walked through Firenze today, was how, in the short time we have been together, we have become close, like a family. Our profs are like favorite aunts and uncles (tia e tio), those wonderful people who may be older than you, may be your age, but have a position of authority because of their position in the family. Here, the authority is based on experience; our profs have worked years in our field, and are willing to share their experience and knowledge with us (those of us who are midlife career changers appreciate that about them...). Our fellow students are like brothers and sisters...without the sibling rivalry. We are all in this together, pulling together, making our family, our profession strong. Our hosts, Dr. Krieg and his lovely wife, Antoinette, are like grandparents... not because of age, (they aren't much older than I) but because of how they treat us. Dr. Krieg keeps us together on our journeys into towns, acting as our interpreter, guide, and, well, like a grandfather (at least the way my grandfathers acted when I was growing up!) Antoinette makes sure we have good food on the table, the house is comfortable, and we are free to concentrate on our studies (again, like my grandmothers acted when I was growing up). Although I am ready to go home, I will miss this place, the chance to sit and commune (sometimes, sitting quitly in the sala, some knitting, some computering, but all of us, quiet yet together. Hmmm, whom did I leave out? Mom & dad? Parents have a different attitude toward their children than grandparents, aunts and uncles; and here, we are at our grandparent's home, like a big family reunion.
So, will I blog tomorrow? I don't know... We will go back to Firenze to see the judge (juveniles in the Italian court system), then we'll have time to shop, shop SHOP! 5 hours to indulge my XX shopping gene! But then, back home to pack... so don't know if I'll have time to blog; am sure I'll have an experience!
Ciao for now, Lynn
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
05/27/2009
Two more days. I sometimes think I could stay here forever; then in the next minute, I'm ready to get back home. Haveen't started packing yet...I need to get two new suitcases, first! (My carry on bag has died and needs replacing; and I need a second bag to check because of all my souvenirs!)
Today and tomorrow, we go back to Firenze (Florence). Interestingly, during the reign of the Medici family, there was a "power struggle" between 3 of the city states: Florence (Firenze), Pisa and Siena. Both Pisa and Siena "won a battle but lost the war" and Firenze became the seat of power. That being said, I wonder who really lost and won... because now Firenze is struggling, while Pisa (a major tourist attraction), and Siena (the commerce capitol) have much stronger economies!
Today in Firenze, we will see The Uffizi (another art museum) andgo to a day treatment (mental health) center and tomorrow, we hear a judge talk about juveniles in the Italian court system. Will have 5 hours free time in Firenze tomorrow, so it's the last chance to pick up the last few souvenirs. I think this will be my last blog, unless I do one tonight, because tomorrow, we'll get home and pack, then Friday am we get on the bus at 4am (UGH!) to head back to the Rome airport.
I've taken lots of pics, but haven't figured out how to attach the file to my blog... so I guess I'll put them on our facebook page (italy institute 2009).
Arriverderci, Lynn
Two more days. I sometimes think I could stay here forever; then in the next minute, I'm ready to get back home. Haveen't started packing yet...I need to get two new suitcases, first! (My carry on bag has died and needs replacing; and I need a second bag to check because of all my souvenirs!)
Today and tomorrow, we go back to Firenze (Florence). Interestingly, during the reign of the Medici family, there was a "power struggle" between 3 of the city states: Florence (Firenze), Pisa and Siena. Both Pisa and Siena "won a battle but lost the war" and Firenze became the seat of power. That being said, I wonder who really lost and won... because now Firenze is struggling, while Pisa (a major tourist attraction), and Siena (the commerce capitol) have much stronger economies!
Today in Firenze, we will see The Uffizi (another art museum) andgo to a day treatment (mental health) center and tomorrow, we hear a judge talk about juveniles in the Italian court system. Will have 5 hours free time in Firenze tomorrow, so it's the last chance to pick up the last few souvenirs. I think this will be my last blog, unless I do one tonight, because tomorrow, we'll get home and pack, then Friday am we get on the bus at 4am (UGH!) to head back to the Rome airport.
I've taken lots of pics, but haven't figured out how to attach the file to my blog... so I guess I'll put them on our facebook page (italy institute 2009).
Arriverderci, Lynn
05/26/2009 pm
Today was stay at Casa Cares and learn day. Our first speaker was Dr. Cicogni, an Italian psychiatrist who spoke on the mental health system in Italy. Italy & US seem (to me, at least) to be polar opposites in their approach to mental illness. Dr. Cicogni had a powerpoint, which he read to us... I would love to take his numbers (stats) and compare them to US stats... just to see which system is most effective; knowing the Mark Twain quote about statisticians...
Second presentation: right after lunch, Dr. Tyson presented on cinematherapy. He began by giving us this disclaimer: "Cinematherapy is not a type of therapy; rather, it is a technique to be used within any therapy session." That said, we broke into 5 groups, each group taking one movie clip, and answered 3 questions: 1) Whate age group? 2) What is focus topic? 3) ID 3 "kickoff" questions. The presentation was active and involved, and fun! Dr. Tyson has told me it would be too much in a regular (fall/spring) session, but maybe would work in May miniterm or summer a or b session...it would be most efficacious if he could get cinematherapy as a miniterm elective... it always helps to learn new techniques!
Dr. McCollum followed with advocacy counseling; she has a 4-step model and has been the ACA pres. of the Justice division...
If I can, I will try to link the PPTs to the blog...
Today was stay at Casa Cares and learn day. Our first speaker was Dr. Cicogni, an Italian psychiatrist who spoke on the mental health system in Italy. Italy & US seem (to me, at least) to be polar opposites in their approach to mental illness. Dr. Cicogni had a powerpoint, which he read to us... I would love to take his numbers (stats) and compare them to US stats... just to see which system is most effective; knowing the Mark Twain quote about statisticians...
Second presentation: right after lunch, Dr. Tyson presented on cinematherapy. He began by giving us this disclaimer: "Cinematherapy is not a type of therapy; rather, it is a technique to be used within any therapy session." That said, we broke into 5 groups, each group taking one movie clip, and answered 3 questions: 1) Whate age group? 2) What is focus topic? 3) ID 3 "kickoff" questions. The presentation was active and involved, and fun! Dr. Tyson has told me it would be too much in a regular (fall/spring) session, but maybe would work in May miniterm or summer a or b session...it would be most efficacious if he could get cinematherapy as a miniterm elective... it always helps to learn new techniques!
Dr. McCollum followed with advocacy counseling; she has a 4-step model and has been the ACA pres. of the Justice division...
If I can, I will try to link the PPTs to the blog...
Monday, May 25, 2009
05/26/2009 am blog
Yesterday, 05025/2009 was a "touristy" day, we all piled into the bus at 9:30am to go to Siena! (We didn't get back home until 11:30pm, and by then, I was exhausted-but exhilerated-hence the blog coming "the morning after").
Siena is a magnificent city, and can easily be compared to two major US cities: San Francisco (physically) and New Your (Siena is the "Wall Street City" of Italy-the center of banking and commerce). I found it fascinating that the ""old" period was "before the bubonic plague" and the "new" period "after the bubonic plague (the 1400's)!
We got there at lunchtime, so food was the first order of the day. After lunch, we took a two-hour walking tour of Siena and had a tour guide-Roberta- who was a beautiful bundle of energy. She took us into the Basilica of St. Catherine, where we saw the St's relics; her head (skull) and finger. The bones had been wrapped in plaster, and the skull looked more like a mask than skull, while the finger actually looked like a fleshy finger. Of course, to preserve the relics, they are behind protective glass; and no pics allowed in the basilica.
We also went into the baptistry, where we were allowed to take pics. We saw the library of the Piccolomini- I took a "surround"-style video of the frescoes and books, can only hope I did it justice. Also learned the origin of the word "grafitti" - to etch in marble! (A far cry from the meaning today).
Along the tour, we learned the colors of Siena are black and white; the color of the bank is azuri (light blue- hence the Italian teams' penchant for wearing light blue uniforms... the Bank of Siena financees all of Italy and Italian expressions! We also learned Siena is the birthplace of the color "burnt sienna" - it is the color of burned Siennese clay.
After our tour, we reonvened at the Camp, the site of the biennial Siennese horse races. Not like the US triple crown, but, maybe more like a blend of NASCAR and the Iron Bowl. There are 17 communities (owl, dragon, caterpillar, etc), and each community draws a horse in a lottery (the horses come from the north, and are not raised in Siena). The communities then go to Saldena, where the people are physically smaller and lighter, and hire a professional jockey. The campo is too small for 17 horses to run; so another lottery is held in which 10 horses run (three horses run in both races). (Multiple "teams" is comparable to NASCAR.) One difference between horse races in Siena and US; in Siena, it's only important for the horse to cross the finish line! Roberta told us about a race in which the jockey fell off, but the horse kept running, and the riderless horse won the race! There is no "purse" per se, so why is this such a major event? BRAGGING RIGHTS! The towns whose horses win get to strut for a year...until the next race. In that sense, it is definitely like the Iron Bowl!
We had two free hours after the tour, and I hit a couple of shops I had seen. I collect cookbooks, especially from places I;ve been, and got two: Tuscany Cooking and Italian Pasta. I have truly enjoyed the food here, and want to see if I can replicate it back home. I also got some other little souvenirs. I had also been wanting to ship some wine back home, and had a wonderful experience getting some help from a "mom & pop" style wine shop. They had no customers, and when I went in, the man said he spoke English, and helped me pick out some wine and ship it back home! The Italians are so generous... they accomodate us with language, and are (for the most part) friendly!
Caught up with the profs, it was about time for dinner. We broke into small groups: Rhiannon, Brie and I ate with Dr. Christianson, Dr. Remley, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Tyson, I had the wild boar and tomatoes with buffalo cheese; Dr. Tyson commented I should get the award for being willing to try the most unusual dishes! After a delicious and satisfying meal, it was time to get back to the bus. Thought I would sleep on the bus, but our driver turned into a rolling DJ. It was actually fun to watch these y1ounger students singing to songs that had first become popular when I was in my teens and 20's!
Ciao for now, Lynn
Yesterday, 05025/2009 was a "touristy" day, we all piled into the bus at 9:30am to go to Siena! (We didn't get back home until 11:30pm, and by then, I was exhausted-but exhilerated-hence the blog coming "the morning after").
Siena is a magnificent city, and can easily be compared to two major US cities: San Francisco (physically) and New Your (Siena is the "Wall Street City" of Italy-the center of banking and commerce). I found it fascinating that the ""old" period was "before the bubonic plague" and the "new" period "after the bubonic plague (the 1400's)!
We got there at lunchtime, so food was the first order of the day. After lunch, we took a two-hour walking tour of Siena and had a tour guide-Roberta- who was a beautiful bundle of energy. She took us into the Basilica of St. Catherine, where we saw the St's relics; her head (skull) and finger. The bones had been wrapped in plaster, and the skull looked more like a mask than skull, while the finger actually looked like a fleshy finger. Of course, to preserve the relics, they are behind protective glass; and no pics allowed in the basilica.
We also went into the baptistry, where we were allowed to take pics. We saw the library of the Piccolomini- I took a "surround"-style video of the frescoes and books, can only hope I did it justice. Also learned the origin of the word "grafitti" - to etch in marble! (A far cry from the meaning today).
Along the tour, we learned the colors of Siena are black and white; the color of the bank is azuri (light blue- hence the Italian teams' penchant for wearing light blue uniforms... the Bank of Siena financees all of Italy and Italian expressions! We also learned Siena is the birthplace of the color "burnt sienna" - it is the color of burned Siennese clay.
After our tour, we reonvened at the Camp, the site of the biennial Siennese horse races. Not like the US triple crown, but, maybe more like a blend of NASCAR and the Iron Bowl. There are 17 communities (owl, dragon, caterpillar, etc), and each community draws a horse in a lottery (the horses come from the north, and are not raised in Siena). The communities then go to Saldena, where the people are physically smaller and lighter, and hire a professional jockey. The campo is too small for 17 horses to run; so another lottery is held in which 10 horses run (three horses run in both races). (Multiple "teams" is comparable to NASCAR.) One difference between horse races in Siena and US; in Siena, it's only important for the horse to cross the finish line! Roberta told us about a race in which the jockey fell off, but the horse kept running, and the riderless horse won the race! There is no "purse" per se, so why is this such a major event? BRAGGING RIGHTS! The towns whose horses win get to strut for a year...until the next race. In that sense, it is definitely like the Iron Bowl!
We had two free hours after the tour, and I hit a couple of shops I had seen. I collect cookbooks, especially from places I;ve been, and got two: Tuscany Cooking and Italian Pasta. I have truly enjoyed the food here, and want to see if I can replicate it back home. I also got some other little souvenirs. I had also been wanting to ship some wine back home, and had a wonderful experience getting some help from a "mom & pop" style wine shop. They had no customers, and when I went in, the man said he spoke English, and helped me pick out some wine and ship it back home! The Italians are so generous... they accomodate us with language, and are (for the most part) friendly!
Caught up with the profs, it was about time for dinner. We broke into small groups: Rhiannon, Brie and I ate with Dr. Christianson, Dr. Remley, Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Tyson, I had the wild boar and tomatoes with buffalo cheese; Dr. Tyson commented I should get the award for being willing to try the most unusual dishes! After a delicious and satisfying meal, it was time to get back to the bus. Thought I would sleep on the bus, but our driver turned into a rolling DJ. It was actually fun to watch these y1ounger students singing to songs that had first become popular when I was in my teens and 20's!
Ciao for now, Lynn
Sunday, May 24, 2009
05/24/2009
First presentation: Judith Siegel spoke on the Italian school system. Comparing it to the states is comparing apples to oranges, both sweet fruits, with very different flavors and textures. The Italians have some of the same problems we have in the states, but very different approaches to resolving these obstacles.
Ms. Siegel also told us a personal story, about a former student (22yo) who was trying to end a relationship with an overly possessive young man (27yo), and he ultimately murdered her and killed himself. She passed around a piece of the young woman's schoolwork, and a picture of the girl. Seeing her, she could be my daughter in 10 years. Seeing the words Padre, nelle tue mani rimetto il mio spirito ("Father, into your hands we commit her spirit"), I got choked up; I want to hold Deanna again. I know she's OK, I just miss her terribly. I also felt guilty, what was I thinking, coming to another continent, another world, for two whole weeks without my Boo? I must've had a temporary lapse of sanity! Ah, well, parenting problems are universal, it seems. We've been hearing aspects of counseling in Italy, but people are people all over. Cultures may influence how we encounter obstacles, but the obstacles we encounter are found everywhere.
Next up- Dr. Remley & Legal & Ethical Issues, then church (5pm mass). The thought of church is comforting; although I'm not Catholic, I believe, and there is a sense of unity (even with back home/familia) worshipping in the catholic (universal) church.
Dr. Remley gave a VERY brief overview of Legal/Ethical Issues; he is a former attorney, and was able to give the presentation through a much more legalistic view. I enjoyed his presentation and have decided when I get home to get his textbook on the subject...
RECONNECT:
Today is Ascension Sunday: Il Festival di Ascencione del Signore, and we ascended to pray! We went to church- a 15 minute bus ride UP to Vallambrosa. Dr. Krieg was telling us the distance, it felt like we were climbing to the top of the earth, to connect with God. And, since AL is 7 hours behind Italy, I know my family is at church at the same time I am. The church was magnificent, a mountaintop spiritual retreat. The service was familiar, the lectionary was easy to follow (the Presbyterian Church follows basically the same order of service as the Catholic cChurch). I only missed the music... there was no singing, except for the Alleluia! After the service, I felt reconnected to my family back home, and my brief bout of homesickness and guilt abated...
Ciao for now, Lynn
First presentation: Judith Siegel spoke on the Italian school system. Comparing it to the states is comparing apples to oranges, both sweet fruits, with very different flavors and textures. The Italians have some of the same problems we have in the states, but very different approaches to resolving these obstacles.
Ms. Siegel also told us a personal story, about a former student (22yo) who was trying to end a relationship with an overly possessive young man (27yo), and he ultimately murdered her and killed himself. She passed around a piece of the young woman's schoolwork, and a picture of the girl. Seeing her, she could be my daughter in 10 years. Seeing the words Padre, nelle tue mani rimetto il mio spirito ("Father, into your hands we commit her spirit"), I got choked up; I want to hold Deanna again. I know she's OK, I just miss her terribly. I also felt guilty, what was I thinking, coming to another continent, another world, for two whole weeks without my Boo? I must've had a temporary lapse of sanity! Ah, well, parenting problems are universal, it seems. We've been hearing aspects of counseling in Italy, but people are people all over. Cultures may influence how we encounter obstacles, but the obstacles we encounter are found everywhere.
Next up- Dr. Remley & Legal & Ethical Issues, then church (5pm mass). The thought of church is comforting; although I'm not Catholic, I believe, and there is a sense of unity (even with back home/familia) worshipping in the catholic (universal) church.
Dr. Remley gave a VERY brief overview of Legal/Ethical Issues; he is a former attorney, and was able to give the presentation through a much more legalistic view. I enjoyed his presentation and have decided when I get home to get his textbook on the subject...
RECONNECT:
Today is Ascension Sunday: Il Festival di Ascencione del Signore, and we ascended to pray! We went to church- a 15 minute bus ride UP to Vallambrosa. Dr. Krieg was telling us the distance, it felt like we were climbing to the top of the earth, to connect with God. And, since AL is 7 hours behind Italy, I know my family is at church at the same time I am. The church was magnificent, a mountaintop spiritual retreat. The service was familiar, the lectionary was easy to follow (the Presbyterian Church follows basically the same order of service as the Catholic cChurch). I only missed the music... there was no singing, except for the Alleluia! After the service, I felt reconnected to my family back home, and my brief bout of homesickness and guilt abated...
Ciao for now, Lynn
Saturday, May 23, 2009
05/24/2009am
REFLECCIONE
I've been in Italy now a week, a thousand forevers, it seems;
So far, I've met countless people, and for most, I don't know names;
Like the cabbies in Firenze, or La Bella Dona on the train.
Then there's the handful I'm daily with: profs, fellow students from 'cross the pond;
Teaching, learning; absorbing; we students, tabla rossa, to be written upon.
Italy is a tapestry, a weaving of then and now;
Where old age is venerated, but youth embraced, too.
Although this place now feels like home, I know I cann0t stay;
So in one brief, timeless week, I must go away.
But Iwill bring this country home, with her customs, people, places;
Although I don't know all their names, in my heart, I'll keep their faces.
REFLECCIONE
I've been in Italy now a week, a thousand forevers, it seems;
So far, I've met countless people, and for most, I don't know names;
Like the cabbies in Firenze, or La Bella Dona on the train.
Then there's the handful I'm daily with: profs, fellow students from 'cross the pond;
Teaching, learning; absorbing; we students, tabla rossa, to be written upon.
Italy is a tapestry, a weaving of then and now;
Where old age is venerated, but youth embraced, too.
Although this place now feels like home, I know I cann0t stay;
So in one brief, timeless week, I must go away.
But Iwill bring this country home, with her customs, people, places;
Although I don't know all their names, in my heart, I'll keep their faces.
05/23/2009
Sometimes, I feel almost guilty...I'm not always going with the group, and I feel I miss out (especially on churches, museums,etc). There is always an alternative activity for me to do, but still...
Today was one of those days. The group went to Greve e San Gimigniano; steep hills, more physical than I could handle. I'm sorry I missed it, Greve is the Chianti wine capitol (or so I understand); After reading about San Gimigniano, some of us concluded it was a prison city (at one time, 72 towers, and now, a museum of medieval torture devices).
But,enough about what I didn't do or see... you can get the real story from Claire, Brie, Rhiannon & Dr. Tyson on those 2 cities. It was market day in Regello!
I enabled my XX shopping gene, and found every type of store possible, and then some! Gelato at 10:30, fried eggplant at 12:00; and in between, street vendors, markets, stores, and people! Lots and lots of people! I remembered something Dr. Krieg told us when we first got here; there are no public toilets like back home, and you need to carry "potty pennies" because bars (coffee bars, what we would call cafe's) and restaurants charge you to use the toilet, unless you buy something first! I stopped in a bar (~11-ish) for aqua naturale, a chance to sit, and use the bathroom. EU 1,10. I also had the chance to hit6 the ATM for euro; am SO glad my bank advised me to carry only a debit card; because credit cards have seemed to be the bane of many of my compatriots!
My bus back to Casa Cares was due at 1, so I sat down in the bus stop a few minutes before, and an old lady sat down with me. I must have had on my "accessible counselor" face, because she began talking to me in fast & fluid Italian. Finally, (I think) she asked me a question. After she repeated herself a couple oF times, I looked at her, and said, "no Italiano." "No Ialiano?" she asked. I shook my head She smiled, and continued talking to me (still in Italian!) Finally, she stood up, and said, "arriverderci". That being one of the few words I DO know, I said "arriverderci" back to her. "Aah! Si Italiana! Si Italiana!" She pointed and chucked as she walked away.
The bus ride back was quiet, only three students (late HS/younge college -age appearing) were on the bus with me. Two got off before me. I came in, put my stuff down, and am now relaxing with a bottle of aqua naturale, my favorite drink here.
I've realized a shift in focus since being here; at home, I'm future-oriented (paper due next week, family obligations); here, I'm very much in the present. Perhaps it's because I don't have household responsibilities like back home, but it's been much easier to mentally step aside.
Ciao for now...
Sometimes, I feel almost guilty...I'm not always going with the group, and I feel I miss out (especially on churches, museums,etc). There is always an alternative activity for me to do, but still...
Today was one of those days. The group went to Greve e San Gimigniano; steep hills, more physical than I could handle. I'm sorry I missed it, Greve is the Chianti wine capitol (or so I understand); After reading about San Gimigniano, some of us concluded it was a prison city (at one time, 72 towers, and now, a museum of medieval torture devices).
But,enough about what I didn't do or see... you can get the real story from Claire, Brie, Rhiannon & Dr. Tyson on those 2 cities. It was market day in Regello!
I enabled my XX shopping gene, and found every type of store possible, and then some! Gelato at 10:30, fried eggplant at 12:00; and in between, street vendors, markets, stores, and people! Lots and lots of people! I remembered something Dr. Krieg told us when we first got here; there are no public toilets like back home, and you need to carry "potty pennies" because bars (coffee bars, what we would call cafe's) and restaurants charge you to use the toilet, unless you buy something first! I stopped in a bar (~11-ish) for aqua naturale, a chance to sit, and use the bathroom. EU 1,10. I also had the chance to hit6 the ATM for euro; am SO glad my bank advised me to carry only a debit card; because credit cards have seemed to be the bane of many of my compatriots!
My bus back to Casa Cares was due at 1, so I sat down in the bus stop a few minutes before, and an old lady sat down with me. I must have had on my "accessible counselor" face, because she began talking to me in fast & fluid Italian. Finally, (I think) she asked me a question. After she repeated herself a couple oF times, I looked at her, and said, "no Italiano." "No Ialiano?" she asked. I shook my head She smiled, and continued talking to me (still in Italian!) Finally, she stood up, and said, "arriverderci". That being one of the few words I DO know, I said "arriverderci" back to her. "Aah! Si Italiana! Si Italiana!" She pointed and chucked as she walked away.
The bus ride back was quiet, only three students (late HS/younge college -age appearing) were on the bus with me. Two got off before me. I came in, put my stuff down, and am now relaxing with a bottle of aqua naturale, my favorite drink here.
I've realized a shift in focus since being here; at home, I'm future-oriented (paper due next week, family obligations); here, I'm very much in the present. Perhaps it's because I don't have household responsibilities like back home, but it's been much easier to mentally step aside.
Ciao for now...
Friday, May 22, 2009
05/22/2009
Class time! This morning's presenters were 2 social workers who work with immigrant prostitutes. Boy, was I wrong when I saw that on our syllabus! They addressed a universal problem: trafficking in human beings. The driving force, naturally, is economic: families get money (thinking their daughter is going to a better life), and the traffickers get money from the families and the girls. The poor girls, because of their cultural values, have no say-so in the matter; it would dishonor their families if they refused. And, most families are not aware (or willing to be as ware) of the situation.
Italy has a law stating that if the girl comes forward and reveals the group oppressing her, she will be given a green card (the authorities want the traffickers, not the prostitutes). The 2 SWs this morning are the liasion between the law/authorities and the prostitutes. However, they have a problem: the government changes every five years, and with it, the laws. So, what is the law under this administration may be illegal under the next!
Another problem, for the girls, is the multi-level of oppression: both SES & gender. (Italian machismo refuses to acknowledge GLBT and male prostitution).
During break, I asked if there was any advertising (TV, billboard, radio, etc) to help spread the word about the law-unfortunately, the only way the word can be spread is word of mouth. Overall, a fascinating class.
HEALING HANDS
After lunch, we had a choice. About 1/3 of us went to Prada, another 1/3 into Regello, and the last 1/3 stayed home. So far, Italy has been an explosion into the senses, and today was no different. The food has been cleaner and tasted better, the blooms of flowers and trees have had a stronger perfume, the sounds-when Italians talk, they talk at once in a language that flows like the Arno River. Today, I learned that touch, too, is an explosive expression for Italians. The gardener here at Casa Cares gives massages. Not quickie backrubs, not painful manipulation, but a 1 hour-long, gentle, soothing massage. Heat was on, but it was not uncomfortable; soft, , instrumental music played on a CD. I closed my eyes, and allowed my mind to close and my senses to absorb. I could feel his hands literally pulling the tension out of me. Just another difference between here and home.
NOTE: We now have a facebook page: Italy Institute 2009. To view pictures (from all participants!) go there! (For another sensory explosion, take a look at the Tuscan sunset off our sala balcony!)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
05/20/2009
Stay-at-home classes day. Our first seminar was conducted by Amy Kleine, an American counselor in Italy, and mentee of Dr. Eugenio Bacchini (who presented Lunedi- Monday). Ms. Kleine works for Syracuse University, handling their study-away students in Italy (as a home-away-from-home counselor). She told us experiences she had had, and some of the difficulties American women encounter in Italy, and why. She and Dr. Bacchini ate lunch with us; I was privileged to sit at the table with them, and listen to them talk.
After lunch, Mary, a co-participant (and doc student), presented on "is their room for God in the counseling profession?" She touched on spirituality, religion, their similarities and differences. (In a nutshell, spirituality is the "what" and religion is the "how").
After Mary, Alishea, another co-participant (and doc student) presented on "technology in counseling". Alishea's background is school counseling, and much of her presentation came through that lens; however, the ethics, legality, application, etc is just as applicable to rehab and community counselors.
After a busy day studying, it's time for an outing! We all got dressed up, and went to a local (we didn't even drive far enough on the road to get carsick!) restaurant: Ristorante Archimede. There, we enjoyed a traditional Italian meal: antipasto (appetizers-3 kinds); pasta (3 kinds); vegetables & salad (3 kinds); meat (3 kinds) & dessert. Between pasta and vegetables, we got a tour of the ristorante; through their wine cellars and all! (Unfortunately, my camera batteries died on me, or I would have gotten pictures of the walls of wine bottles, the hams curing from the ceiling, the wild boar, the whole experience). It took us 4 hours (at least!) to eatthe meal! I was impressed they did not stick to just what we know; they served us pollo pate, guinea hen, and wild boar; all of which was delicious. (Special dishes were prepared for our vegetarians, too). It was nice to be able to "do fancy" for a while, and put the education, both classroom & physical, behind us. It made (at least me) appreciate even more the educations (lectures and experiential) this trip is providing. Dinner was concluded with tiramisu e supenglaise (spelling??), and Brie was one of the few brave ones who tried a grappa shot!
By midnight, we were all exhausted, although a few were too wired for bed. Tomorrow comes early...
Stay-at-home classes day. Our first seminar was conducted by Amy Kleine, an American counselor in Italy, and mentee of Dr. Eugenio Bacchini (who presented Lunedi- Monday). Ms. Kleine works for Syracuse University, handling their study-away students in Italy (as a home-away-from-home counselor). She told us experiences she had had, and some of the difficulties American women encounter in Italy, and why. She and Dr. Bacchini ate lunch with us; I was privileged to sit at the table with them, and listen to them talk.
After lunch, Mary, a co-participant (and doc student), presented on "is their room for God in the counseling profession?" She touched on spirituality, religion, their similarities and differences. (In a nutshell, spirituality is the "what" and religion is the "how").
After Mary, Alishea, another co-participant (and doc student) presented on "technology in counseling". Alishea's background is school counseling, and much of her presentation came through that lens; however, the ethics, legality, application, etc is just as applicable to rehab and community counselors.
After a busy day studying, it's time for an outing! We all got dressed up, and went to a local (we didn't even drive far enough on the road to get carsick!) restaurant: Ristorante Archimede. There, we enjoyed a traditional Italian meal: antipasto (appetizers-3 kinds); pasta (3 kinds); vegetables & salad (3 kinds); meat (3 kinds) & dessert. Between pasta and vegetables, we got a tour of the ristorante; through their wine cellars and all! (Unfortunately, my camera batteries died on me, or I would have gotten pictures of the walls of wine bottles, the hams curing from the ceiling, the wild boar, the whole experience). It took us 4 hours (at least!) to eatthe meal! I was impressed they did not stick to just what we know; they served us pollo pate, guinea hen, and wild boar; all of which was delicious. (Special dishes were prepared for our vegetarians, too). It was nice to be able to "do fancy" for a while, and put the education, both classroom & physical, behind us. It made (at least me) appreciate even more the educations (lectures and experiential) this trip is providing. Dinner was concluded with tiramisu e supenglaise (spelling??), and Brie was one of the few brave ones who tried a grappa shot!
By midnight, we were all exhausted, although a few were too wired for bed. Tomorrow comes early...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
05/19/2009
La Bella Dona. This morning, we took a train (into Florence), and I sat across from a woman I named (in my mind) La Bella Dona, the beautiful woman. Although her face was lined and careworn, I did not think of her so much as old, as timeless. She closed her eyes with the gentle movement of the train. I looked out the window at the landscape passing by, and whispered "bella" (beautiful) under my breath. She opened her eyes, looked at me, then out the window, snorted, and went back to sleep. What a commentary on people, and human conditioning! We see beauty in the new experience; while we miss the beauty of the ordinary (day-to-day) experience.
Because of our learning experience just 2 days earlier, a decision was made that I stay with Dr. Remley (much slower paced, "personalized" guided tour). We went into Santa Maria Nuevo (church), and I was duly impressed and awed. I understand the restrictions on photography inside churches and museums, but still wish I could have taken some photos. At 10:30 (before lunch!) we stopped for gelato, and I made the observation that Italy is a seamless blend of old and new... plastic chairs in 1,000 year old building; motorcycles rushing past medieval churches. And, it seems right, somehow. We met up with part of the group for lunch at Thirteen Hunchbacks, a restaurante in Florence. I tried something different (sorry, Brie!)- fried rabbit. It was delicious (and served with fried eggplant and fried green tomato!)
After lunch, I took a taxi (by msyself) to Galleria dell'Academia (The Academy, the mseum housing Michelangelo's David and the musical instruments collection of the Medici family) while everyone else walked. What a great experience! The first question the cabbie asked was if I spoke Italian. I said no, we began a dialogue (he speaking fluent English). I learned his favorite Italian cities (Siena e San Gimignano), that he was going through university, driving a cab to support himself (I remember working through school; don't we all?) and he wants to visit US for a year or two after graduation. In between learning about my driver, he pointed out sites of interest, and I was totally awed by the city.
The Academy, from the outside, was not what I expected...lines of shops and street vendors, tourists (foreign and Italian) and locals...kind of like City Stages back home! I caught up with my gtoup, we got our tickets and went inside. Dr. Tyson had told us the first time he saw David, he wept. I can understand why; I too, got choked up upon my first encounter with this majestic, magnificent statue. No matter how many pic tures and replicas you see beforehand, you have no concept of the awesome immensity and minute details of the statue. The musical collection of the Medici, including paintings of Ferdinand and his musicians, took my breath away on a different level. Life is such a musical experience, and to see the instruments used to create this art form appreciated by the nobles and rulers of medieval Italy, imbues one with an intimate understanding of their time.
After The Academy, I took a cab ride back to the train station, again, while everyone else walked. My cabbie was laconic... I'm not sure if driving a cab was "just a job" to him (Europeans don't have workaholics like we Americans do), or if he just didn't speak English. We arrived at the train station at 4:10pm (our meeting time was 5:15), so the first thing I did was locate our meeting place, then set off to encounter modern Italy. I saw a sign, Ristorante, and figured it would be a good place to buy aqua. EEK! McD's! Even in Europe, I can't escape the fat-fried-fat! I turned to walk out, and a man approached me: matted, grey beard, disheveled clothes, wide open, bloodshnot eyes; stumbling...as he approached, I caught a pungent whiff and side-stepped him. I went to the cafe express next door and bought an aqua (water), and decided to go to the sala to sit and wait. As I began walking that way, I saw three carbinieri (police) rush past me; when I got to the sala, they had the same man cornered. I don't know what they said, but I have a good idea. In Italy, much is tolerated, but public drunkenness is not. Vino is drunk with meals here (much like soda back home), and one is expected to not abuse it. I went into the sala, sat down, looked at the clock, and after about five minutes, went out again. This time, I went into the leather shop, and a woman came up to me, pointing at a baby bottle, and making gestures like vomiting. I said "no Italian", she kept on. I shook my head & shrugged, she kept on. Finally, I resorted to Spanish... "non comprende". She threw down her hands in disgust and walked off. I felt badly, I recognized she was in distress, but didn't understand what she needed or wanted, so I couldn't help her. Although these experiences might be considered negatives by some (after all, it is very possible/probable the woman was a grifter, trying to hit a mark), I considered them positives; a contact/connection with Italy, and her people.
La Bella Dona. This morning, we took a train (into Florence), and I sat across from a woman I named (in my mind) La Bella Dona, the beautiful woman. Although her face was lined and careworn, I did not think of her so much as old, as timeless. She closed her eyes with the gentle movement of the train. I looked out the window at the landscape passing by, and whispered "bella" (beautiful) under my breath. She opened her eyes, looked at me, then out the window, snorted, and went back to sleep. What a commentary on people, and human conditioning! We see beauty in the new experience; while we miss the beauty of the ordinary (day-to-day) experience.
Because of our learning experience just 2 days earlier, a decision was made that I stay with Dr. Remley (much slower paced, "personalized" guided tour). We went into Santa Maria Nuevo (church), and I was duly impressed and awed. I understand the restrictions on photography inside churches and museums, but still wish I could have taken some photos. At 10:30 (before lunch!) we stopped for gelato, and I made the observation that Italy is a seamless blend of old and new... plastic chairs in 1,000 year old building; motorcycles rushing past medieval churches. And, it seems right, somehow. We met up with part of the group for lunch at Thirteen Hunchbacks, a restaurante in Florence. I tried something different (sorry, Brie!)- fried rabbit. It was delicious (and served with fried eggplant and fried green tomato!)
After lunch, I took a taxi (by msyself) to Galleria dell'Academia (The Academy, the mseum housing Michelangelo's David and the musical instruments collection of the Medici family) while everyone else walked. What a great experience! The first question the cabbie asked was if I spoke Italian. I said no, we began a dialogue (he speaking fluent English). I learned his favorite Italian cities (Siena e San Gimignano), that he was going through university, driving a cab to support himself (I remember working through school; don't we all?) and he wants to visit US for a year or two after graduation. In between learning about my driver, he pointed out sites of interest, and I was totally awed by the city.
The Academy, from the outside, was not what I expected...lines of shops and street vendors, tourists (foreign and Italian) and locals...kind of like City Stages back home! I caught up with my gtoup, we got our tickets and went inside. Dr. Tyson had told us the first time he saw David, he wept. I can understand why; I too, got choked up upon my first encounter with this majestic, magnificent statue. No matter how many pic tures and replicas you see beforehand, you have no concept of the awesome immensity and minute details of the statue. The musical collection of the Medici, including paintings of Ferdinand and his musicians, took my breath away on a different level. Life is such a musical experience, and to see the instruments used to create this art form appreciated by the nobles and rulers of medieval Italy, imbues one with an intimate understanding of their time.
After The Academy, I took a cab ride back to the train station, again, while everyone else walked. My cabbie was laconic... I'm not sure if driving a cab was "just a job" to him (Europeans don't have workaholics like we Americans do), or if he just didn't speak English. We arrived at the train station at 4:10pm (our meeting time was 5:15), so the first thing I did was locate our meeting place, then set off to encounter modern Italy. I saw a sign, Ristorante, and figured it would be a good place to buy aqua. EEK! McD's! Even in Europe, I can't escape the fat-fried-fat! I turned to walk out, and a man approached me: matted, grey beard, disheveled clothes, wide open, bloodshnot eyes; stumbling...as he approached, I caught a pungent whiff and side-stepped him. I went to the cafe express next door and bought an aqua (water), and decided to go to the sala to sit and wait. As I began walking that way, I saw three carbinieri (police) rush past me; when I got to the sala, they had the same man cornered. I don't know what they said, but I have a good idea. In Italy, much is tolerated, but public drunkenness is not. Vino is drunk with meals here (much like soda back home), and one is expected to not abuse it. I went into the sala, sat down, looked at the clock, and after about five minutes, went out again. This time, I went into the leather shop, and a woman came up to me, pointing at a baby bottle, and making gestures like vomiting. I said "no Italian", she kept on. I shook my head & shrugged, she kept on. Finally, I resorted to Spanish... "non comprende". She threw down her hands in disgust and walked off. I felt badly, I recognized she was in distress, but didn't understand what she needed or wanted, so I couldn't help her. Although these experiences might be considered negatives by some (after all, it is very possible/probable the woman was a grifter, trying to hit a mark), I considered them positives; a contact/connection with Italy, and her people.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
05/18/2009
Today was a stay-at-home and classroom experience day.
Dr. Eugenio Bacchini spoke on the counseling profession in Italy. They are now where we were just 40 years ago! He spoke of the difficulties in getting training (there is no CACREP here in Italy- no standardizations for the profession). Another difficulty he mentioned goes back to the politics of Italy; the disjointed state Italy was not so much one country as it was a conglomeration of independent city-states. Now, The European Union is trying to give counseling an identity as a profession, but the Italians from each region want to be representative of all Italy (every country sends one rep- Italy sends 12: one from each region).
Dr. Bacchini did say there had been meetings with NBCC from US to try and get standards set.
Another problem is identity: How is counseling different from psychotherapy? Dr. Bacchini proposed the difference is that in psychotherapy, the "patient" is passive and it is the therpaist who must be active to "fix"the patient; incounseling, the client is active and the counselor acts more like a light to help the client see their obstacle from a different manner. Ultimately, in counseling, it is the client who must be proactive in their needed changes.
Dr. Christiansen did play therapy; showing video clips and talking. Afterward, I asked her about using play therapy with adults; she said it is not only possible, but sometimes necessary. You just have to adjust the play to meet the age!
Today was a stay-at-home and classroom experience day.
Dr. Eugenio Bacchini spoke on the counseling profession in Italy. They are now where we were just 40 years ago! He spoke of the difficulties in getting training (there is no CACREP here in Italy- no standardizations for the profession). Another difficulty he mentioned goes back to the politics of Italy; the disjointed state Italy was not so much one country as it was a conglomeration of independent city-states. Now, The European Union is trying to give counseling an identity as a profession, but the Italians from each region want to be representative of all Italy (every country sends one rep- Italy sends 12: one from each region).
Dr. Bacchini did say there had been meetings with NBCC from US to try and get standards set.
Another problem is identity: How is counseling different from psychotherapy? Dr. Bacchini proposed the difference is that in psychotherapy, the "patient" is passive and it is the therpaist who must be active to "fix"the patient; incounseling, the client is active and the counselor acts more like a light to help the client see their obstacle from a different manner. Ultimately, in counseling, it is the client who must be proactive in their needed changes.
Dr. Christiansen did play therapy; showing video clips and talking. Afterward, I asked her about using play therapy with adults; she said it is not only possible, but sometimes necessary. You just have to adjust the play to meet the age!
05/17/2009
Last night, as I was going to sleep, I looked at a piece of paper with the name of our villa, "Casa Cares," written on it. Sleepily, I thought, "Oh, isn't that nice, the castle cares. Hmm... we're in a caring profession, how appropriate to be here. Castle+home=family, we're one big professional family." My disjointed thought process would certainly be borne out today!
This morning, in tai chi, I drew the tarot card for schizophrenia- a disconnect in life; I believe proven in the events of the day.
IIn diversity, we learn to "step outside our own boxes" and "walk in the shoes of another". I had that experience today, and have a deeper empathy for non-English speaking people in America. We went to Pisa; a (relatively) small city, famous for architectural mishaps (ever hear of the Leaning Tower)? /the buildings were beautiful, the photo ops were great, and we got to do our first bit of souvenir shopping. Just a typical touristy day, right? Not quite. We got back to the stop for the bus, and I got sick. (I learned later that Rhiannon and Adrian, another student here, really took over caring for me while I was on the ground.) We transfered back to our other bus, I was still weak; and ended up going to the hospital. The medic who first spoke with me was fluent in English; a comfort to hear her talk to me and tell me what was happening. They took me to the hospital; Dr. Krieg & Dr. Tyson followed (I found out later). In the ER, I was lost (at least, until Dr. Krieg told me he & Dr. Tyson were there). The doctor came in, speaking Italian to me. All I could do was look confused and say "no Italian". Finally, they got Dr. Krieg in to translate. While the two men talked, I kept wondering, "What's going on? What are they saying?" They released me, and I caught up (with Dr.'s Krieg and Tyson) to the rest of the group in Lucca.
This experience brought home to me the experience of fear, being lost, frightened that I strongly suspect non-English-speaking people in the US experience when they need health care. As providers, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of our clients, andd where they are.
This blog is the longest I have done so far, partially because this experience taught me, in a way that no classroom experience could (sorry, Dr. Brooks; although you did an excellent job of steering me in this direction!), empathy.
Last night, as I was going to sleep, I looked at a piece of paper with the name of our villa, "Casa Cares," written on it. Sleepily, I thought, "Oh, isn't that nice, the castle cares. Hmm... we're in a caring profession, how appropriate to be here. Castle+home=family, we're one big professional family." My disjointed thought process would certainly be borne out today!
This morning, in tai chi, I drew the tarot card for schizophrenia- a disconnect in life; I believe proven in the events of the day.
IIn diversity, we learn to "step outside our own boxes" and "walk in the shoes of another". I had that experience today, and have a deeper empathy for non-English speaking people in America. We went to Pisa; a (relatively) small city, famous for architectural mishaps (ever hear of the Leaning Tower)? /the buildings were beautiful, the photo ops were great, and we got to do our first bit of souvenir shopping. Just a typical touristy day, right? Not quite. We got back to the stop for the bus, and I got sick. (I learned later that Rhiannon and Adrian, another student here, really took over caring for me while I was on the ground.) We transfered back to our other bus, I was still weak; and ended up going to the hospital. The medic who first spoke with me was fluent in English; a comfort to hear her talk to me and tell me what was happening. They took me to the hospital; Dr. Krieg & Dr. Tyson followed (I found out later). In the ER, I was lost (at least, until Dr. Krieg told me he & Dr. Tyson were there). The doctor came in, speaking Italian to me. All I could do was look confused and say "no Italian". Finally, they got Dr. Krieg in to translate. While the two men talked, I kept wondering, "What's going on? What are they saying?" They released me, and I caught up (with Dr.'s Krieg and Tyson) to the rest of the group in Lucca.
This experience brought home to me the experience of fear, being lost, frightened that I strongly suspect non-English-speaking people in the US experience when they need health care. As providers, it is incumbent upon us to be aware of our clients, andd where they are.
This blog is the longest I have done so far, partially because this experience taught me, in a way that no classroom experience could (sorry, Dr. Brooks; although you did an excellent job of steering me in this direction!), empathy.
Monday, May 18, 2009
05/16/2009
We began the day with introductions... sitting outside in front of the villa! The weather was calm, and we enjoyed beginning learning about each other.
Dr. Krieg (our host) held the first seminar: An Introduction to Italy. Imagine the U.S., united physically, but not connected. That's how Italy, this beautiful, historic peninsula, is. It really didn't become a country per se until 160 years ago... and even now, the provinces are divided.
Dr. Thomas held our second seminar: Personal wellness and balance in our lives. We completed a (portion of a) wellness inventory,and broke into pairs for 8 questions; a different partner for each question. Not only did we learn more about ourselves, we also learned a lot about our new classmates.
Dr. Thompson did our third and last seminar: Complementary and Integrative Therapy. We learned about utilizing such techniques as breathing, relaxation, spirituality with our clients.
Dr. Thompson is also beginning Tai chi classes i the mornings... I'm looking forward to starting them!
We began the day with introductions... sitting outside in front of the villa! The weather was calm, and we enjoyed beginning learning about each other.
Dr. Krieg (our host) held the first seminar: An Introduction to Italy. Imagine the U.S., united physically, but not connected. That's how Italy, this beautiful, historic peninsula, is. It really didn't become a country per se until 160 years ago... and even now, the provinces are divided.
Dr. Thomas held our second seminar: Personal wellness and balance in our lives. We completed a (portion of a) wellness inventory,and broke into pairs for 8 questions; a different partner for each question. Not only did we learn more about ourselves, we also learned a lot about our new classmates.
Dr. Thompson did our third and last seminar: Complementary and Integrative Therapy. We learned about utilizing such techniques as breathing, relaxation, spirituality with our clients.
Dr. Thompson is also beginning Tai chi classes i the mornings... I'm looking forward to starting them!
05/15/2009
We are here! The airport was busy & bustling, vibrant and alive. The bus trip ght long, through gorgeous, verdaqnt pastoral countryside.
Casa Cares is a beautiful place. We got our room assignments, my window looks out over the entrance and (vegetable!) garden. Got unpacked, showered and changed for dinner: pesto lasagna and fresh salad.
We also had introductions, and got name tags to wear. I know I will sleep well tonight!
We are here! The airport was busy & bustling, vibrant and alive. The bus trip ght long, through gorgeous, verdaqnt pastoral countryside.
Casa Cares is a beautiful place. We got our room assignments, my window looks out over the entrance and (vegetable!) garden. Got unpacked, showered and changed for dinner: pesto lasagna and fresh salad.
We also had introductions, and got name tags to wear. I know I will sleep well tonight!
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