Last week when Lauren, Stacey, and I were meandering around town before going to our respective temporary homes, we spent a lot of time in the Piazza della Signoria, where magnificent sculptures stand in their passionate and furious Renaissance poses, exposed to weather and tourists. Although we’d visited the Piazza before, we were newly enthralled … More Joy
As amazing as Florence has been for two weeks, I quite frequently realize my privilege of advanced ability, and if I were differently able, my joy would also be different. My student Sierra White and I discussed this subject, and she helped me with the content of this blog entry. First, the physical concerns Taxis, … More Differently Able in Florence
I’m having the time of my life in Italy, and apparently, my face is showing it. Facebook friends have commented on my joy, and the AEF faculty and staff are getting used to hearing me say, “Benissimo!” when they ask a simple “How are you?” The exquisite food, the beauty from all angles, dogs EVERYWHERE!, … More How Deep Is Your Love…for Italy
In my first week of classes at the Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF), I’m learning way more than I’m teaching—typical for me in any class, anywhere, but in Florence the learning is exponentially curvier. My colleagues who have taught for the Education Abroad program in Florence told me they have taken classes alongside the students, … More Back to Class
A long time ago someone told me (or maybe I told myself) that the best way to learn a place is to get lost in it. The lessons in such an education are stacking up. After too many hours of no sleep and extreme congestion from the contained air of the plane, I found my … More The Scenic Route
In which I eat at an American fast-casual Italian restaurant and anticipate becoming a food snob. … More Oh Geez, American Italian Food
I fall in love with words. My current word-affair is with traipse, and I’ve been speaking it furtively as well as conspicuously in reference to the Italy trip. Apparently, traipse is an uncommon word. According to one of my favorite books, The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), it belongs in Frequency Band 3, meaning it occurs … More Word Nerd
Oh, the places I’ll go in Italy! … More Love Like a Burning City in the Breast
We are a mere 22 days from our Italy arrival! Our Education Abroad office is constantly giving me great suggestions in preparation for my class in Florence, Italy. This entry is based on pieces of their advice. Before traveling anywhere for any length of time, but especially before a month abroad, it’s good to develop … More Introverts Unite! Separately and in Your Own Home.
It started in Salzburg. Last summer, I traveled to Europe for the first time in my then-47 years. The trip included my very supportive dean, the Study Abroad director, and several friends and colleagues from Eastern Kentucky University, where I have taught for fifteen years. Our reason for the visit was to attend the Salzburg … More The Meaning of Life Is Comfortable Shoes
An American Feminist Teacher 