Author Archives: Brian

Ciao, i miei amici! Anywhere you go in Italy, Rome is not far beneath the surface.  Indeed, it is a source of much chagrin that anytime the Italians want to initiate a building project requiring new excavation, they’re always finding … Continue reading →

09:00  The Sorting Hat has determined that eight of us ranked not only at a similar level with our Italian but also had similar needs–hearing and listening.  Other groups were raw beginners, beginner level but had experience with some Italian … Continue reading →

I have been weighed, I have been measured, and I have been found… The evaluation consisted of both written and oral portions.  Written was in a variety of formats including reading comprehension and essay.  Oral was a sweat-filled two minutes … Continue reading →

It’s move-in day to our apartment which is located in the University of Verona area just outside of the original Roman settlement.  It is a one-bedroom unit with a balcony on the first floor (not ground floor).  Setting up house … Continue reading →

Our group consists of 21 travelers–20 of the nicest people you would ever want to meet…and me. Don’t ever underestimate the power of jet-lag. One Italian meal consists of around 12 courses plus wine.  *yawn* Even with jet-lag, don’t underestimate … Continue reading →

Originally a Roman outpost on a bend in the Adige River (Fiume Adige) in the first century BCE, Verona has grown and expanded beyond its walls several times over the subsequent millenia.  The Adige itself flows at an average annual … Continue reading →

Jet-lagged but we’re here.  Enjoying drinks on the hotel rooftop.  We have around 20 participants.  About half have participated previously when the program was given in Florence. Gotta rest now.

I decided to take that electric toothbrush.  

Two days!  That’s the current countdown. As final preparations continue, I have many questions. Are we going to a good language school? Is my Italian as good as I think it is or am I deluding myself? Should I take … Continue reading →

It’s time to get this going folks.  Departure is in three days.  All that’s left is to finalize packing.  I contacted our ground transportation this morning and made sure that they had our correct arrival time.  They were great–wish I … Continue reading →