Trip to Tuscany, 2008

Tuscany 2008

Click Here to go to Tuscany 06 tour, including a movie about the experience.

Scrap Book

The 2008 Italy Exchange/Roncalli Theatre Festival

What follows are recollections, observations, photographs, some video, and other tidbits
from our time in Italy in March and April 2008.

Thanks to all the parents and students who offered their reminiscences.

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Click on any photo for a larger view.

Participants of the exchange can add their reminiscences, phtots, videos, etc. by emailing it to Mr. Morris.

My experience in Italy landed me into a cultural immersion process that I never knew existed. I learned that pepperoni is American and nobody in Tuscany uses condiments on their sandwiches.The best part was learning bits and pieces of a new language and getting to use it.

I'll never forget my first moments just getting onto the bus in Roma. I wanted to pinch myself because it still didn't feel real. The waiting for more than 24 hrs on a plane and a three hour bus ride and more than seven months and it still didn't hit me that I was finally in Italy, until I met my host girl Valeria from so many months ago, and then getting to see her very small rectangular flat and meet her parents, who were so great to me.

One of my favorite moments was having dinner with her family and we were talking. We brought up politics, and her mother who can't speak a lot of English asked me what I thought of Hillary Clinton, and whom I would vote for in the election. My eyes about fell into my egg-inspired pasta. I thought it was amazing that they actually wanted to know about the silly rat race the politicians were running in America, and my opinion. But what really struck me was that her father wanted to get a hold of the Kindergarten play so badly. He even did research on the play. He was that taken by it.

This is why doing theatre in a different culture MATTERS. People from different lifestyles are moved by the simplest messages. That's what counts: making an impact in people's lives.

My Italy trip will never be forgotten, with its rolling hills and wonderful food. There was always time to walk and explore. I felt walking Rome and Poggibonsi immersed me in the culture. One of the best cities we visited, besides San Gimingnano, was Florence. I fell in love with that place. From the place where babies were baptized to the gypsy women who really needed some help, I was moved. The culture took me by surprise and wrapped me inside its magic. Spending time with new friends from Britain and Italy awakened my eyes to how Americans are viewed and how different yet the same all humans are. The same humanity that exists in the U.S. about the simple values in life are still the same elsewhere. I think when you spend so much time with people you truly get to know some people. Sarah told me once that our friend Glen who was English said that one of his goals in life was to be a great father. Just because he lives across an ocean doesn't make him alien, it makes him human. Spending time with kids my age makes me happy that I have this opportunity: to meet kids who have the passion to explore and make an impact in someone else's life. I fully support this program for exchange to happen every single year with the theatre department.

Ciao,
Jen Sparkman

I've never been to Europe. When the opportunity arose last year to host a young man from Italy, we were excited to participate. Pietro Notaro fit right in with our family. A young man never before in the U.S., it was a thrill to see the Strip through his eyes. The week went by so fast but there was a connection made, one that I hope will continue.

Both my son and daughter, Philip and Caitlyn, have now been to Italy, Pietro's homeland, and seen his country. Unforgettable moments, incredible sights, and worldwide, heartfelt connections were made by all of the children. It seems to me, that with all this fighting going on in the world around us, perhaps all that it takes is the hope of our children — this world's future — to bring sense and peace to this world. What better way to bring awareness to the world around them than to make these connections? I know that my children have been changed forever by this trip. I know that Pietro has been changed, too.

Thank you kindly, Mr. Morris, for having such a profound sense that culture is knowledge, and for teaching my children that this great, big world is great, but not so big after all. Beyond being an amazing teacher, you are the consummate humanitarian. I feel truly blessed that my children have been exposed to your teaching and your talents. Thank you for leading by example. The Cerza family is forever grateful to you, sir. We look forward to your future exchanges. Hopefully, Caitlyn can partake in the trip to England. That would be wonderful.

Phillip Cerza (Sr)

Last year the opportuity to host an Italian came up...and better yet, the chance to go over there came with it. Pass that up? I think not.

When Alessia got here, it was awkward at first, with that silly language barrier and all, but after a few days we would just sit and chat, about nothing really, but also about so much. When they left, we kept in touch. We thought she would host me when we went over there, but due to a series of events, she wasn't able to.

So, instead I stayed with Chiara. That girl makes me laugh. I love her. Our best friend was certainly the dictionary, being as she knew very little English, and I pretty much knew how to say hello. We would have the most random and hilarious conversations, mostly consisting of funny looks and the flipping of pages, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Lunch at her grandmother's house was quite the adventure. A whole table of loud Italians sitting around a table, and me sitting, taking it all in, then they would look at me, ask me something. I'd would look back, puzzled, then we would have to write things down, look them up, or once in a while, I caught on, due to my mad Spanish skills, and figure out what they were asking. After a while, I began to catch on to what they were saying, at least enough to respond.

Her parents knew "good morning," "good night" and "Natalee, coffee is ready!" I was getting ready for bed one night, and her father walked by the room. I heard him say, "Good night Natalee" so I said, "Buona note!" The look on his face was priceless. He lit up and was like, "Si! Si! Buona note!" and told her mom and was so excited. Then they started teaching me the little things: good morning, good afternoon, hello, goodbye. My favorite was certainly "Ciao Bella!" That always makes you feel wonderful.

My favorite place by far was San Gimignano. It was BEAUTIFUL! There were shades of green that I never saw in my crayon box, even the 64 pack. It was so relaxing to walk around this little town. (And the torture museums were cool too, I guess.) Oh, but the culture. Everything was old, and stone, and gah, you don't even know. It was ridiculous to go to all of these places and see the history it held. When I came home, there was nothing. Now we are pretty new in the first place, but anything that says, "oh hey I could be historical," we tend to implode and build something new over top of it.

Yet even with all the wonderful places and pretty things to see, the people most definitely make the trip. It is amazing the friendships you can make in so little time. I miss those kids so much, the Italians and the Brits. They were amazing, and so funny. Never a dull moment when you're with them, that is for sure.

Gosh, I miss them. Thank you to everyone who helped us get there. Now I’ve been out of the country, and trust me, I am hooked. I can't wait to get out there again. It’s delicious.

Grazie!
Natalee Graham

I have not yet traveled in Europe, however, I have traveled extensively in our own great country and believe the exposure to other cultures uniquely valuable to everyone, especially the young student. The opportunity to learn and experience a country and a culture while living with a family has provided our daughter, Marissa, with a truly energized desire to be a life-long global citizen. The confidence gained and the irrational fears overcome contribute to the well rounded person we are watching her become.

Welcoming Sarah into our home from Italy last year provided our family many treasured memories and another connection to our daughter in an expanded world that cannot be measured. The Sunday we invited the entire group to our house was unforgettable for us all, a real highlight of our family history. As parents we feel strongly about our children knowing they are citizens of the world and are proud we have three children that have traveled and spent time in Europe and attest they are genuinely better people for the experiences.

Thank you Mr. Morris for including us, and it has been our pleasure to support the exchange program and we wish you many rewarding sojourns with the future students of our world.

Cheryl Lessman

For our family, Sarah's trip to Italy was a first. Neither of us has traveled to Europe, or even used our passports for that matter. It began over a year ago, when Sarah asked if we would be willing to host an exchange student from Italy for a week. We were to provide food, lodging and transportation to the various events planned for the week, and Sarah would be eligible to go to Italy the following year. It seemed innocent enough, and proved to be a rewarding experience for all of us.

I've always believed that our job as parents is to ready our children for the world. The pain of watching them go is far surpassed by the joy of knowing they possess the self-confidence to venture out into the world. Sarah's fondest memories are of the people she met. Friendships that developed in just a few days, memories that will last a life time. She shared stories of the places visited and foods tasted, but it was the people that captured her attention. Watching her classmates adapt to new surroundings, exchanging stories and dreams with teenagers from other countries, and performing on stage in a foreign country, all added a new dimension to her life. And she did it on her own, without the safety net of parents close by.

Our thanks to Mr. Morris and the Las Vegas Academy for their support of this activity. Extending the learning experience beyond the classroom is a key component to a successful education. As parents, we commit our continued support of future exchange activities.

Fran and Paul Huchmala

Anna was able to participate in the Italy exchange two years ago. She still talks about that experience. When we had the opportunity to host last year we were so excited to have an Italian student in our home, Elena, as well as have the students at our schools.

I teach at K.O. Knudson Middle School and we were able to spend the day with the nine middle school students from Da Vinci School. It was wonderful watching my kids and the Italian kids get to know one another. The Italian students were very taken with our lockers! They had seen lockers in films, but don't have them in their schools. This was such a meaningful experience for my students, and such a great partnership with LVA.

I envy my daughter, not just because she got to experience the beautiful art, history, and culture of Italy (twice!), but because she has a very personal tie to Italy now. It has given her the chance to connect with kids her age from Italy and England, people with whome she still keeps in touch. I love the fact that theatre brought all these kids together. She has gained a world view that so many here in America will never have.

Holly Morris

I think the Italy exchange is a wonderful experience. I traveled to Italy last year so it was wonderful that Michael had the opportunity to see the beautiful sites that I was able to see. The exchange program works so well because it shows that no matter the culture or language, the kids all manage to get along pretty well. It opens their minds to other cultures and experiences that most kids would never have the chance to experience.

Lori Cox

Wow, what an experience for our daughter. Like most this was quite an experience for us as parents. Last year we had the pleasure of having a wonderful young women in our home. Her name was Beatrice. She was polite, humored us and was a nice representative of her family and country. The students who came from Italy last year made it exciting for our students to go this year. It has been an enjoyable year watching our daughter count down the months, days and then hours. We as a family support the exchange. We could never have given this kind of experience to our daughter, an experience where she felt such freedom to explore with her peers, to enjoy a part of the world that is historic yet modern, steeped in traditions, art, nature and family ties. It also helped to have the text messages on our phone. She was able to share some photos and keep in touch. We felt that they were prepared and probably wished they could have stayed longer. I know from what we heard from our daughter that she would really like to go on the England exchange. When you are young and unfettered, what better way to try and see the world? Corny to say, but Good Times. They will remember this as Good Times.

Kevin & Yolanda Ferguson

Ever since I can remember it has been a life goal and dream of mine to travel to Europe. So desperate was my need to go I abandoned preference as to where in Europe I would travel. There came a time where I knew and understood that my dream would not be fulfilled for at least a decade maybe more until Mr. Morris worked out the exchange with Roncalli in a small town called Poggibonsi.

I will forever be grateful for the amazing opportunity to everyone that was involved that made this trip possible. I made friends and had experiences that I will never forget. Walking about Rome opened my eyes to the amazing abilities we as human beings have. We create empires and build monuments that stand the test of time. It would take a lifetime to convey all that I saw and heard and felt while being in Italy. Somewhere in my soul, however, I have a feeling that because I got this opportunity I will be there again someday: hearing the same sounds, tasting the same air, and feeling the same things that almost moved me to tears.

Of all the places and views we traveled to see, my favorite by far was visiting Florence. That day was cold and windy beyond belief but standing in front of the Cathedral in Firenze you could tangibly feel all the souls that passed beneath the eyes of Christ and his apostles. The air was thick with the faith of thousands. Culture and dedication sprang up everywhere, unlike our infant country. These cities — Rome, Florence, Venice — are our teachers; we are their scribes. I hope that Italy will not be the only European country I see. Again with the help of Mr. Morris and the teachers at Ashlyn's school we hope to make an exchange with the students of Berkhamsted, something that I pray will come to pass. There are friends I'd love to see, places and people I'd love to learn about. These are moments I will never forget. I hope to have more just like it and better.

Anisa Ferguson

Mr. Morris,
Thank you for your efforts to bring other cultures and students into our children's lives. I know it has not been easy for you professionally as well as personally. My daughter Jennifer has been studying German for three years now. I guess she got interested in the language when she was young as I used to talk to her a little in German. I spent three years in Europe with the Army. One of her thrilling moments was when you were in the Frankfurt airport and she bought a German newspaper and could read it. Also a few people she met in Italy thought she was German. I have always said you want to blend in while abroad.

She enjoyed so much of Italy it would be hard to list everything. She also enjoyed the chance to get to know some of the English kids.I hope that the Academy will allow you to continue to offer these kind of cultural exchanges because they have and will allow the kids to have experiences that they will remember for a lifetime. I truley believe our country would be a better place if more people visted other parts of the world and expanded their horizons.

Don & Andrea Sparkman

It's always hard to say goodbye to friends you make on an exchange. They live so far away, it seems that we might never see them again. I have grown quite fond of the two “professors” from Birkhamsted, England’s Ashlyn’s School, Simon (who is so much like me!) and Karin, and especially Paolo and Clara, my dear Italian friends.

For a teenager it's especially hard, because it's all such a new and intense experience. All the history can be quite overwhelming. Living in someone else's home for a week, in a place that's unfamiliar and confusing, is stressful, but it's exciting as well. And at the end of the week, we stand together at la Stazione in Poggibonsi. We have the coach for the day, and besides, I don't have the heart to rush them. I have this singular experience of seeing these teenagers together, after struggling and learning to communicate, making connections on the tours of Firenze, Venezia and San Gimignano, and then sharing interesting and engaging evenings of theatre together at Roncalli School, holding on to the memory of it all, and realizing that they are going home. They hold each other and oh, the tears. At first it's the laughing kind of tears, as they stand awkwardly with each other, knowing that they have to end the exchange. Then as they sit down on their seats in this huge, shiny-new coach, they howl. I glance over my shoulder at them. They seem so small and sad on this giant bus...

There was a particular moment on our last full day in Rome, when, after about eight solid urban miles of walking, we took a side street to the Pantheon, and then on to the Piazza Navona. We gathered out front of the Pantheon, and I shared a few facts about the place, then we went in. I could feel the spirit of the building, and I looked over at Phil, and I could tell he also was quite moved. It was just a quick visit, but it was a memorable moment. We also walked along the banks of the Fiume Tevere, and were astounded by the treasures amassed by the Catholic church and held in the hallways and museums of the Vatican. The Capella Sistina was truly an amazing and moving place.

I am an amateur anthropologist, and there is this wonderful site just above Poggibonsi that encapsulates nearly 2000 years of European anthropological history. Cassero is an archaeological dig on a hilltop above Poggibonsi. We walkedthe grounds, seeing this pre-Medieval city rise up out of the dig. We also walked the tunnels of the fortress towers, and viewed ancient artifacts found in this unique capsule of the history of Man in Italy. In its most bold and glorious days here the Sienese took a brave stand against the Florentines, but ultimately lost their city of Poggio Bonito to Firenze. Eventually Poggio Bonito was shortened to Poggibonsi, and the town was settled into the valley below Cassero. Then during WWII, Hitler’s regime bombed the hell out of Poggibonsi, probably because it was at the crossroads of southern and northern Italy, or maybe just because it was there. It is a genuine reminder of the grandeur and focused history of Europe, and also the reason why this exchange program is so important.

It’s one thing to have a textbook knowledge of world history, and quite another to find oneself standing in the middle of it. The connections these students made (and I made as well) are much more important than mere knowledge. It’s the connecting of the page to the reality. Whether standing in the ruins of Cassero, floating in a ferry on the way in to Venezia, or climbing to the top of the towers in San Gimignano, the essence of those realities mingle with the myths, legends and textual facts of those places. With these connections come understanding, compassion and peaceful coexistence.

We will return to the warm hospitality of Italy soon. We also will travel to other parts of Europe as the exchange grows and evolves.

John Morris

Thank you, Mr. Morris, for organizing the trip to Italy, and for managing our children while in Europe. Because of it there has not been a family dinner yet that Colt does not tell us more about Italy. There have been dinner conversations about cultural differences and similarities, the history of the world, and how cool it was to just be able to go to Europe. We have learned about different economies and how others view us as a nation.

My favorite conversation with Colt while in Italy was around the third day he called and told me about their afternoon. They had gone to a 600-year-old castle courtyard where the kids from Italy, England and America where playing Futbol/soccer together, while the rest were playing music and dancing next to an equally old fountain. He said that it was amazing and surreal.

The trip gave my son a different perspective of the world that he never would have seen just sitting in a classroom. Venice, Florence and Rome are all romantic places of history, art and culture. I think that Colt has grown as a person as well during this adventure. He seems a little more confident and aware of the world around him. He even plans on going back. After all, he did drink the holy water the tour guide had said would guarantee it.

Come to think of it, last year when the Italian students were here I learned a lot about myself. I came to appreciate Las Vegas in a new way. As the Italian kids kept saying how “magnifico” my city is, I realized that it is a World destination, not just a spot for gamblers. To know that our children are going to be able to add their visions to this city through these connections that have been provided gives me hope.

Cozy Meyer

Photos
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