Day 10: Padua, (Last Day in) Italy

They will get to ride in a Gondola.

As we go to bed tonight, Katie will be waking up and reuniting with her fellow delegates! Whoopie!


I think I will sleep well tonight knowing she's surrounded by the energy of her old crew. I hope she finds other kids who had similar experiences since there's nothing better than, "me too!" to make it all feel okay.

Today they get to see the Murano glass blowers. I found an interesting brief history of glass and it's explains how Venice because a hot spot for production.

The Bridge of Sighs. 

They are staying in some nice digs tonight. The Vergilius Hotel Spa and Business Resort that has a pool so it could be very fun for the kids as they reunite, get loose and hopefully cool down! 

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Murano Glass (looks like candy!)

Saturday Afternoon in California: Katie called before heading out to dinner. She thinks she has a sinus infection (I will spare you the details but I am convinced) and she doesn't know how to proceed. Neither do I! I am going to call P2P and see what happens next - if anything - maybe we can get something to her by Austria on Monday. Who knows! 

Considering her throat hurts and her ear hurts she's in pretty good spirits. She had an interesting day in the mountains. She couldn't explain why because she didn't have privacy but she said no one expected it to go the way it did. No idea what that means.

She was with Hanah today so that made it ever-so-much better. She also bought shorts and she said they are "cheap" and she's worried they might fail. I told her wear cool underwear and if they do, she'll just in Italian fashion showing lots of flesh (I guess at the house the mom and daughter wear bikinis all day and the dad some "tidy whitey" thing).

When we got off the phone, I sent her some translated text messages in Italian that she's going to convert into thank you notes. It's 8:30, she has to shower, go eat dinner, write thank you notes and completely repack her suitcase. I think this might be a late night. They have to be back with the delegates by 8:30 tomorrow so it's time to rock and roll and get outta there!

I tried the power of suggestion and told her she might start feeling a lot better when she gets back with her team. It's crap but it might help!

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People to People Itinerary: SUNDAY, JULY 8: Padua, Italy

• Enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and prepare to ride in a Venetian gondola. While passing along the "Canale Grande" and narrow channels you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the "Fenice Theater," and Mozart's Venice Residence.
• During a guided orientation you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and narrow canals of Venice. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs.
• Take part in an informative presentation about the art of Murano Glass blowing. You will learn about each step - from the composition to the polishing of the glass. You'll be fascinated by the live demonstration of the production process.

Day 9: Last Day in Venice

The note that came with these said, "Team Building."

"I feel like I am a broken toy," Katie said today (Friday my time) on her call. "They were expecting this really good thing and now they are bored with me and disappointed because I am not what they expected."

Apparently there's supposed to be at least one family member who is fluent in English, but that's not the case with Katie's family. So she's been kind of kicked to the curb while they hook up with friends (when they are taking her out and about) and she's just sitting there missing everything because she can't speak Italian.

This looks more like team rolling to me! In Pisa.

That said, she is learning a few words and did manage to share a translated text I sent to her that said, "I need to buy shorts. Is there a shop?" That made them laugh and they will take her by a market tomorrow. Let's see how that goes!

She was getting ready to hit the shower ("the shower head is at my waist, my hair so isn't clean!") and then the family is taking her to grampa's birthday party. I asked her if she was looking forward to it but she said, "No, because I can't talk to anyone!" Hopefully a English-speaking relative will be in the crowd and take her under their wing. It's already 8pm and they are just leaving for the party where she'll eat dinner. She said the food is good, "but they eat so late, I am hungry all the time." Maybe now she'll appreciate my cooking!

Today they went on a boat ride and the day was saved because Hanah was with her and she had someone to talk to. Thank goodness! I guess Hanah is doing a bit better; her family speaks more English. Katie can't believe she has to get through two more nights and one more day before this portion is over. I just wish we had been better prepared for a home stay (okay, prepared at all would have been good) so she could have enjoyed it more. At least she could have taken an English-Italian dictionary!

Tomorrow - er um - today they will go to the mountains. And buy shorts. Maybe. There might be an adult going that speaks a little bit of English. I hope it goes smoothly.

At least she sounded more upbeat today. That's a relief to me. I was really sweating this - because I am a worry wart and I know what it's like to feel uncomfortable. I am just sorry Katie feels like she's a disappointment to them. That's not a good feeling and I am sure it's not the case. Needless to say, this relationship will be over when it's over; no long term connection there.

Oh! And I did have the right house! I don't know why I think that's so cool, but it is!

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People to People Itinerary: SATURDAY, JULY 7: Home Stay, Italy

• Today will be the last day you spend with your home stay family. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their hospitality! Write a thank you note to leave with them or to mail the next day!

Day 8: Still in Venice and the Home Stay

I am sure it didn't look like this, but here's what I am going with!

It's Thursday afternoon here in Santa Cruz and I just got off the phone with Katie.

She sounds really tired but good. She spent the day in Venice and then at the beach (a Santa Cruz local also visited the Italian shore - great story here). She said the water was so warm it was like the warm water pool at our local swim center.

She's very frustrated that she can't communicate with the family. She wants to ask questions and learn about things but they can't speak any English (and I think her Italian is limited to "pizza, mozzarella and panini" so she's stuck. She hasn't seen the photo of the house I sent so no confirmation yet on if I found the right place.

Apparently the food has been tasty- one bad meal today - but the rest has been good including pasta and some kind of yummy cheese sandwich. She said she desperately needs to do laundry; she only brought two pair of shorts and she has lived in them since arriving in Italy and they are gross. She's going to do laundry tomorrow at the house.

She also knows a big electrical storm is due tomorrow and since we don't get those here, I think she has no idea what to expect.

This just in! A pic from Pisa!

Her biggest complaint is that they are always, always in a hurry (over the span of the whole trip so far) and she doesn't have enough time to cut her nails or put lotion on. I am sure there must be more to the story but that's how she described what's getting her down. It could be the fatigue from a week's worth of traveling is also starting to take it's toll. I assured her it looks like things shift a little energy-wise as they move from Italy into Austria.

The delegate she's spending time with is Hanah from Inwood, Iowa. Apparently a very nice girl! I am glad they were able to be together this morning but they weren't together at the beach this afternoon. She didn't know what was on tap for Friday but she kind of didn't care. She knows they can't tell her in a way she'd understand. Hard to establish a real relationship with folks if you can't even communicate!

So the one thing she told me that made me laugh and tells me how old she's getting is this: apparently earlier this week she had a cold with a really bad sore throat. She said she's better now but it was bad. She didn't want to tell me because she didn't want me to freak out! I love that! Even when she was away and feeling crappy, she was able to put my feelings ahead of hers and manage through. That's a great sign of maturity.

Should hear more from her tomorrow. Friday is another day with the family. Potentially in the warm rain.
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People to People Itinerary: FRIDAY, JULY 6: Home Stay, Italy

• Enjoy the second day of your home stay in Italy!

Day 7: Home Stay in Venice

Sending to Katie to see if it's her house. Love Google Earth!

Katie is in Venice; well, a suburb of Venice.

The folks from People to People called me this morning (I had left a message yesterday) and explained they usually don't share home stay information - um, that might be worth thinking about a bit more thoroughly - but she could give me some basic info.

Based on what I have Googled, I think I have it but I am not sure. I think she's here. And that might be a picture of the house!

It took forever (waiting) but I finally talked with Katie briefly today (nighttime, her time). She was with her home stay family and getting ready to shower and hit the sack.

She didn't really have privacy on the phone - I guess she's sharing a bedroom - but she did say there are three people in the family with one child who is 12 (like her). She said the house is not really different from American homes except theirs is four stories high (I would NOT want to drag a vacuum up four stories!).

I wanted to make sure everything was okay; she sounded exhausted. I said "if you feel safe, say the word 'Ruby'," our cat's name. She paused and said, "Ruby" so I feel okay about things. Not really sure what I would have done if she didn't say it! I am guessing a little homesickness will likely settle in over the next few days. Especially because she says they speak very little English. This will be a learning exercise!

She is in the home as a single delegate, no other kids are with her. But, she said her family is very good friends with another delegate's family - Hannah's or Hanah's (I don't know which one!) - and they were together that night for dinner and will be together during the day tomorrow (um, today from this blog's perspective!). The plan it to hit Venice and have some fun. I hope they have a wonderful day!

We did talk briefly about Pisa. She said it wasn't really what she expected and not that big of a deal. When I look on Google Earth, I can see that the Leaning Tower is kind of the only thing in a rather plain landscape. After seeing so much grandeur,I don't know how that poor tower was supposed to compete!

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People to People Itinerary: THURSDAY, JULY 5: Home Stay, Italy

• Today will be spent experiencing European life and culture with your home stay family.

Day 6: Leaning Tower of Pisa

You know what this is!

Today the kids will travel to Pisa and scope out that Leaning Tower. Let's hope there are no Italian earthquakes before they get to see it!

I spoke with Katie briefly today; she sounded tired but she said, "I'm not!" So then I realized she just sounds older. *Sigh* I guess it's inevitable. She said the Sistine Chapel was beyond amazing and she was so mad because she really wanted to see The David statue but it wasn't there. Then she found she got to see it today (their yesterday now). That too was fantastic, she reported.

She's pretty nervous about the upcoming home stay. I have to say, we really didn't realize it was a major feature on this trip and don't really know much about it. I guess of few of the kids have heard from their families already and it's really lowered their anxiety. Katie knows nothing much about it, according to her, and our itinerary has "contact People to People" so of course, I am doing that right now!

Here's what I found out. She'll be staying with a family in Vencezia Dell Ongaro. Huh. When I try to find that on Google Maps, I get nothing. Let's say I am not feeling that reassured at this moment but it's time for a leap of faith. And there's not a whole lot I can do about it. (If anyone knows more, comment or send me an email!?)

I am expecting a call tomorrow and I hope she's feeling good and excited about her temporary family! Now I am starting to miss her. That only took six days.

UPDATE: I got a call on Weds morning from the P2P office with address of the home Katie is staying in. She's in Venice - or a suburb of Venice. I hope to hear from her soon!
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People to People Itinerary: WEDNESDAY, JULY 4: Home Stay, Italy

• Be inspired by some of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the Italian city of Pisa. You will see one of Europe's most iconic buildings, the Leaning Tower.
• Meet your Italian home stay family and be welcomed into your Italian home for the next days!

Day 5: Montecatini, Italy

Michelangelo's David

It looks like they have a four hour drive from Rome to Montecatini. Hopefully the bus has air conditioning!

Today seems to be a total shift from city life to the beauty of the country as they move to Florence (or Firenze). They are traveling north by not by much, it doesn't look like it will be any cooler. But it might feel cooler with more open land surrounding them. I didn't realize Florence was in Tuscany. I am so jealous of these kids right now! They can't even drink!


They will be staying at the Hotel Country Club for just one night before joining their host families on July 4th. The hotel is very different from where they were staying before. This place has space, gardens and one thing I am sure they are all waiting for: a pool. I hope they have time to jump in.

I didn't hear a peep from our leader or Katie today. She did post a photo of the Trevi Fountain on Facebook. That was a pleasant surprise!

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People to People Itinerary: TUESDAY, JULY 3: Montecatini, Italy

• Pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's colossal statue, David.
• Now your guide will take you for a walk through the city of Florence, you'll pass by the Duomo and the bronze doors to the Baptistery, known as the Gate to Paradise.
• Today you will have the unique opportunity to speak to an Italian pastor! He will tell you about his life and why he chose to dedicate it to God and the church! Enjoy!

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

Day 4: Visiting the Vatican

In front of the Trevi Fountain.

I got a call from Katie today.

We kept is short but she said they were dead tired the first day - with people actually falling asleep at meals! - today (Gladiator Day) was awesome. According to her, they all "can't believe we are really here!" Apparently they are all drinking water like crazy - "the leaders are on us, mom" and they aren't that hungry. Gladiator Training was a complete hit - she said it was great!

Gladiator School. Hmm, will this help get them into college?

For a kid who has had her fare share of homesickness, I have to say she sounded remarkably good and in very high spirits. She also thought it was interesting that most shops there wanted cash; they didn't really want to take her credit card. I have no idea why - but she found an ATM and managed to get her hands on some money.

Her delegation leader Judy, sent a note from today's activities:

Today we went to the gladiator school where we we gained insight into how the gladiators of the past fought and the hard life they lead. We learned the attack and defend positions that gladiators learned using wooden replica weapons. We enjoyed a typical Roman lunch at the gladiator school. We then had a few hours to make our way through the streets of Rome to locate famous Roman sites like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps - and answer questions about each site. We all ended our City Quest at the Spanish Steps and walked to The Hard Rock Cafe for a dinner of burgers and fries with vanilla ice cream to end the meal. Back at the hotel we got more information about the home-stay. 

Today - day four - they get to go to the Vatican City and I am a little jealous of the amazing art they will experience. They are too young to appreciate it right?! And yet, I bet it will change them forever. Here are the details:

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People to People Itinerary: MONDAY, JULY 2: Rome, Italy

• Visit the center of the Catholic Church and the world's smallest country, the Vatican! Go in the Vatican Museums and admire the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Wonder at the scale of St. Peter's Basilica.
• Participate in a unique educational meeting with a priest who will speak generally about Catholicism in Italy and the organization of the Vatican. Please feel free to ask questions.

The Sistine Chapel.

The Creation of Adam. Sistine Chapel.

St. Peter's Basilica.

Day 3: Rome Like a Gladiator

Piazza Navona

The kids stay in Rome and hit some more amazing, historic sites. We got a note from the our delegation leader, Judy, today - really their Day 2 (on land, not air) evening. Here' what she wrote:

We had a great day in Rome!!!  We were a bit hot jet lagged and tired. But we didn't let that stop our adventure. We had pizza for lunch and a choice of pizza or risotto for dinner. We went straight from the airport to lunch and then a full day of walking the Roman ruins until the short walk to dinner. After dinner, we went to the hotel and checked in. Everyone took showers and went straight-away to bed. We are EXHAUSTED!  As it turns out, we have free wifi at this hotel. Bed check was at 9:00PM so there wasn't time for Internet contact from the delegates. I You will probably hear from them tomorrow. I will try to send pictures tomorrow evening.

The Pantheon

While I was Googling other things, I found this fantastic interactive map of Rome. The kids might like looking at then when the get home to see where they were! The Trevi Fountain is the one where the legend says, if you throw a coin in the fountain you are ensured a return to Rome. I know exactly what our kids will be doing!  

Trevi Fountain

It's good they are going to be near all this water since the temps have been hanging out in the mid-90s.

According to reports from other travelers, it's also quite humid. My little fog-flower is going to find that challenging. I guess the point was to learn about other places - and that includes the weather!

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People to People Itinerary: SUNDAY, JULY 1 Rome, Italy

• Today, feel like an ancient gladiator! You'll have the unique opportunity to gain insight into how the gladiators of the past fought and the hard life they lead. Take the chance to feel like a Roman "hero."
• Continue your adventure with a City Quest including famous sights like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
• Take some time together to learn about your upcoming home stay. Ask questions and understand expectations for the next days with your European families.

Day 2: Arrive in Rome!

The Colosseum

So this is going to be a little wacky because they are ahead of us, so I better publish a day ahead as well and if I hear anything, I will add it to the day's blog later.

That's my current plan. We'll see. 

The kids will spend their day looking at classic ruins in Rome. I hope they learn some history along the way because this is going to be amazing.

The Roman Forum

I nested links below in the People to People Itinerary. It includes the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. They will spend Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights at the Clarhotel. It doesn't look too shabby.

I, on the other hand, will spend those nights regaining sleep after spending this weekend cleaning up after the whirlwind that left this house with only Europe in mind. Since I only have the one kid, I am highly motivated to clean quickly and enjoy two weeks of a continually clean house which is an extremely rare occurrence (okay, it's only happened twice before when Katie went to Canada and residence camp).
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People to People Itinerary: SATURDAY, JUNE 30: Rome, Italy

• Welcome to Europe! After arrival at the airport your Delegation Manager and coach driver will greet you!
• Some of Rome's most noteworthy highlights are waiting for you! Your guide will take you through the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The city of Rome, with its antique monuments and religious sites, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.