Our closing thoughts

Valerie: Despite some disappointments -- no taxi at the airport, lost sunglasses, and twisted ankle --the totality of this experience has exceeded any expectations I had. The warmth and enthusiasm of the students and the humor, generosity and support of my fellow team members filled me with enormousgratitude. Then there was the biggest party that will remain in my memory forever.

Philip: It's not so much the "where", it's the people you know there.

Michelle: This journey and my new friends -- all add incredible flavor and memories that I will carry back to Seattle. Ciao!

RC: "All we have to divides what to do with the time that is given us" (J. R. R. Tolkien)

Larae: Good food, good friends, good times!

Currie: "You will always be in my heart, even though we are far apart". ...

E.K: Thanks for the memories of fun, new friendships and great Italian food!

Jake: Even though I may lose a friend today I realize I've gained so many on this trip and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I'm going to miss all of my Italian friends and Global friends that I've made. Through this journey I've learned to live in the moment and it's the little things that make us happy.

Shirley: A presto...I will not say "goodbye", but "see you later"...happy travels and keep in touch. Also remember...what happens in Italy stays in Italy.

Martha: Grazie mi amigos per la dolce vita!

Melanie: Today's sights and sounds: smiles, screeches, laughter, joy, tears.

Jeff: Travel is food for the soul. Bon appetit!

As I walk through the streets of Monopoli, I think back on our two weeks here. It seems like just yesterday Currie and I were making our way into the city and trying to find our Hotel Clio. All we knew was that it was on the Adriatic Sea. Now the streets have become so familiar that I feel a part of the community. At breakfast after all the announcements, we sang Happy Birthday to Valerie and gave her a card signed by all of the group.

Everyone went to their groups at the different schools. I feel like such a local as I walked to the patisserie for the bread for our picnic. There were people lined up in the shop to pick up their bread and pastries for the day. A nice Italian lady helped me explain what all I wanted since I was getting cookies for Carmen's party tonight as well. The picnic was held down at the dock by the beautiful Adriatic Sea. We feasted on sandwiches made with different types of meat and cheeses, fresh fruit, and a surprise birthday cake for Valerie. Everyone seemed to enjoy our time together. Some of the church group will leave early tonight in order to drive out to Carmen's for dinner. She is so nice to do this for us. We are all looking forward to seeing her Masseria. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Carmen and Vito's. It included delicious pasta with seafood, a nice dish with tuna and vegetables, and a shrimp dish, a type of potato salad, meats, cheeses, cookies and fruit for dessert. We were all so stuffed! Everyone was so nice and friendly. We all enjoyed their hospitality.

-EK

"A friend i a gift you give yourself."

Like most other mornings in Monopoli, I was reminded by the 7:30 AM bells and chanting, that I could no longer hit the snooze button on my alarm clock. My first thought of the days\ was, “Wow, is it Wednesday already?” This statement was repeated at the breakfast table as the discussion centered around how time flies. It was only a few days ago that we walked into the dining area as strangers but now we know who likes fizzy water, who eat meat, who eats dessert first and who will eat just about anything (Jeff!). I don’t think any of us expected the time to pass so quickly.

After breakfast it was another day at the church school for Jeff and Martha. I can tell from their faces that they are excited to meet with their students no matter who they might be this particular day. While most of the group headed to the high school for another day of classes, Michelle, RC and Philip headed to the San Dominico School for a “quick” tour and then one-on-one tutoring of a few new students. Valerie, Melanie and Shirley had toured the school the day before and had raved about the view of Monopoli from the very top.

After class, E.K., Currie and I headed to Cafe Venezia for a light lunch and some party planning. Then it was time to go in search of our picnic items before hitting the beach--if only all errands could be this fun! The afternoon passed quickly and before I knew it, it was time for evening classes at the church school. Valeria and I had a full house--all of our students were present except for one. We took the opportunity to take some group photos which was followed by a highly-competitive game of hangman. After class, the group headed to Upendi for dinner. E.K., Currie and I headed to the old town to pick up materials for the farewell party. Walking in old town has become quite an adventure because we run into someone we know at every corner. After grabbing some pizza, E.K., Currie and I, along with Fabrizio’s mother and father, went back to Cafe Venezia to listen to a U2 cover band. We also happen to know the lead singer, Francesco, and he had saved the best seats in the house for us. Throughout the evening, we ran into even more acquaintances, including the owner of Cafe Venezia who had remembered us from lunch. Before we knew it, our table was full with what seemed like old friends. The language barrier did not inhibit the laughter and through broken English and a few Italian phrases, communication was easy and fun. At the end of the night my only thought was, “my cup runneth over.”

- Larae

"Everyone smiles in the same language."

The adventure continues. A new component was added to the team repertoire as Michelle tutored a student who had failed her English exam. Working one-on-one at the Galileo High School, Michelle assisted her student in the proper use of various verb tenses. Initially withdrawn, her student soon opened up and a successful session quickly went by.

Other members of the team continued their work at the Linguistic High School, with either students or teachers, helping them improve their knowledge and understanding of this often-confusing language. Martha and I continue to work at the church school. I have listened to Martha's work on verbs, sentences and pronunciation as I await the arrival of my students. I am thankful that she chose to work with the less advanced students. Here ability to connect with her students and her passion to teach come through with each lesson. I cannot imagine a better person for this group.

As for me, I had two students this morning, Salvatore and Roberto. Changing work schedules continue to shift my students between the morning and evening classes. I spent time with Salvatore talking about his work installing solar panels around the world. He has clients from China coming in this week. A trip to Shanghai may be in his future. Working one-on-one with him I can see and hear his confidence increase almost by the minute. This is why I am here. Roberto is 40 and is a sometimes-employed electrician and bartender. Although his English-speaking ability is a little less developed, he eagerly spoke about his four tattoos which were designed and inked by his friend, who is Monopoli's best tattoo artist, Antonio Todisco (Macko Tattoo). As all of my students now know, I love maps and they are my favorite teaching tools. Roberto took my map of Monopoli and gladly added the name and location of Monopoli's best tattoo shop to my heavily-marked-up map which already showed Monopoli's best restaurant, gelato, pizzeria, beaches, etc. I have found that regardless of a person's ability to speak English, they will always tell you with pride about the place they live in, their city and their country. After a wonderful, almost "vegetarian" lunch at Portofoca we returned to the hotel by various routes.

This evening at the church school it was pretty much business as usual, with the exception of EK filling in for Valerie after she twisted her ankle on some uneven pavement earlier in the day. Philip began our session with seven students by talking about his metal, reusable water bottle and why there doesn't seem to be any discernible local recycling effort. Recycling eventually led to waste disposal and how the Mafia controls the waste disposal business (particularly in Naples). We were assured that the Mafia no longer operates in Monopoli, not since the conviction of "Easy Gun" ten years ago. The Italian vs. US penal systems were compared--and then it was 8:00pm. Once again we have been fortunate to find the correct sequence of topics to take us magically through the entire session.

- Jeff

“I realize what I do is but a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would not be as full without that drop”…..paraphrasing Mother Theresa

We all woke up at different times today with some of us resuming our teaching obligations at the church and others being featured as show and tell. The rest of our group got to sleep in and get some well-deserved rest. Since everyone had such an amazing time touring the local cities the day before Larae, Currie, E.K., and Jake got to experience the cities of Ostuni, Alberobello and Cisternino in a different light while everyone else had a recovery day at the hotel preparing for the week ahead. We also had to be ready to go for our 4:30…I mean 4 o’clock meeting.

The wind had died down since the weekend and our beautiful weather still covered the city like a blanket so everyone seemed to enjoy their day. Jake, Larae, E.K., and Currie bought several souvenirs from their excursion and made it just in time to listen in on the meeting scheduled for the day. At the meeting Phyllis went over some slight changes for the week ahead while we enjoyed our tea and biscuits. We talked over our team goals and expectation s and how they have changed in great detail making for the longest meeting of the trip! After the meeting the picnic committee consisting of: Jake, Martha and Shirley, discussed plans with Phyllis followed by the meeting with the party committee who included: Larae, Currie and E.K. After all the meetings we all went to our designated teaching venues and all seemed to have a wonderful time teaching our students. Alfredo, (one of Jeff and Philip’s students) invited some of us to come see him and his friends play soccer the following day and experience some of the city in the latter portions of the night.

Dinner was fantastic at the restaurant where we talked about film while trying to get requests for food correctly ordered. Everyone seemed to be very happy with their days’ events, especially for a Monday.

- Jake

"Peace between countries begins with friendship between people."

We've been in Porto Ceseareo, on the western coast of Italian for 2 days. We've come to love this town despite its initial impression (in our eyes the Mexico of Italy though it’s rumored to be the Maldives of Italy to the local population - the vote could go either way). We now appreciate it more than when we first pulled into town, and there is even chat about staying here forever.

After being hurried out of our rooms and chastised for parking Italian style (blocking people in), we head out of town on one of the many roads to Gallipoli- in 3 days we've found 4 roads to Gallipoli, and never the same 1 twice. Finding these roads and driving on them is a true cultural and historical experience, some might say we were bewildered a time or two. About now the rest of the GV gang is soaking up the truly unique atmosphere of Alberobello, and then onto the beautiful white city of Ostuni. Their travels today involve trains so fingers crossed for a stress free day! For us 3, we headed onwards to the tip of Italy where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas merge. Fear not- we braved the tough winds and winding roads on around the stilletto.

Lesson to learn while travelling overseas: If the waiter asks you if you want 3 of a dish that you are not sure about, say no only 1 please. We learned this after being served 3 heaping portions of meat popetti. So for lunch when the waiter chatted to us in perfect Italian about the specials of the day, we agreed to only 1... 1 bottle of wine, 1 course of antipasto, which did in fact turn out to be 10+ plates of seafood and other marine life cooked in various ways. After lunch, we visited Otranto briefly and made our way to Lecce. We knew we were in the right spot when we saw the McDonald's that Phyllis had mentioned earlier in the week. We did the historical tour of the city; we shopped at Zara and even found a market. The light began to fade in the Centro stoic and the wind began to blow debris in our eyes - time to go.

Back on the road again to Monopoli - our home away from home. By the time we got to Monopoli it was quite late and we needed fuel for the car and our bodies. Thankfully a little osteria could provide the body fuel. At last we made it back to the Clio. From all accounts it was a good day for all.

It's hard to imagine that 1 week from today the friends that I have come to hold so dear will be off on new adventures. I will miss their company, their thoughts on life and the world at large and most of all the sound of their laughter.

- Currie

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful; a meaningful friend -- or a meaningful day.”


They say that it is not so much the destination as the journey. Today we learned the true meaning of this statement as we prepared to venture for Lecce. This day’s journey started a little earlier than usual as we were planning to catch an 8:30 train. As we filed in for breakfast (some of us in more of a stupor than others) we were greeted by a long line of German tourists, all attempting comprehend the coffeemachine and, much more importantly, keeping us from our much needed caffeine fix. Also waiting for us, or not waiting for us, was a slightly under stocked breakfast bar. Shirley suggested that perhaps the red carpet that had been rolled out for our group was simply not being extended as far for our German guests. Despite these minor setbacks the idea of having a chance to get our ‘tourist’ on kept us cheery and ready to leave the building on time.

As our absentee team members rested the rest of us, yet again, made an attempt to understand and utilize the local train system. The first hurtle being figuring out where we needed to buy our tickets, which, fortunately, did not take unduly long with the assistance of the ever-friendly locals. With tickets in hand we waited with baited breadth to see to what degree today’s train would be visible. As it happened the issue was not of the train’s visibility but its purpose, as we soon found ourselves hurtling through the countryside trying to find a free compartment on a long distance train whilst being followed by a somewhat cross conductor who was most displeased to see our cheap regional train tickets. We managed to make it to Ostuni, where, with the help of Elio, we convinced a much more agreeable conductor that we would pay him the difference on the train. Walking through Lecce, was a wonderfully welcome break in the wake of what could have been a much more smooth journey. Elio gave us a tour around the city and the many twisted streets of old town, ending near the amphitheater and the statue of the St. Oronzo, the city’s patron saint. We dispersed from there, seeing whichever sights and shopping in whichever stores came our way. Jeff andMelanie visited a church their students had mentioned to them. Jake discovered a local market. Shirley and Michelle discovered rustica, a savory pastry which they were quick to introduce to Martha, R.C., and Philip as they passed by.

The afternoon was completely ours and we all spent it as such, whether inside or out enjoying the “light” afternoon breeze at the beach or the pool. After dinner Jeff, Melanie, Jake, Michelle, Valerie, Philip, and Shirley went to the elementary school to see the students sing in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. The students sang magnificently, persevering even through the strong winds and blown circuits. At the conclusion Global Volunteers, both present and otherwise, were thanked for their hard work and effort in helping the students, letting us know, without a doubt, how much we are appreciated and adding the perfect cap to a beautiful day.

- Philip

"Experience is the teacher of all things." - Julius Ceasar

Today began much the same, with our usual bright-eyed and bushy-tailed selves meeting at the breakfast table to hear Martha's journal and R.C.'s thought of the day. As we walked to our separate schools, we all were predicting that the already hot day could only get hotter! I don't think I've ever sweated before 9:00 before. Our classes went pretty smoothly, with all around good reviews from those who commented on their day. Comparing my own high school class of three to my evening class of nine, I can clearly see the benefits of having a smaller class size. This opinion seems to be shared around the group, what with everyone being a bit reluctant to take on new students (especially in the evening classes).

Our lunch was a tremendous success with rave reviews from everyone. Sometimes a good pizza hitsthe spot! Most of us were swayed by the siren call of a gelateria on the way back from lunch- we were full, but as Shirley put it, "there is always room for gelato." E.K., Currie, and Larae set out on their own Italian adventure that afternoon. Everyone else took a siesta, sat by the pool, or searched for sea glass like professional treasure hunters. Our evening classes went well, with some team members joiningnew classes to help out, and certain unnamed students switching to a different room due to their apparent inability to even lower the volume of their constantly active vocal chords.

Dinner was delicious as usual, with our excellent waiters adding to the experience; it's always a pleasure to meet new people who happen to be awesome! The day went by as normally as it could have gone, with no adventures or plans gone astray. Everyone went to bed feeling content, well-fed, and ready for the approaching weekend…just another day in an Adriatic paradise.

- RC

"Have a good day, give a good day."

Most of the team set off for the small village of Polignano this morning. After a train delay, the group arrived at the seaside community. The natural setting included lovely beaches, caves, cliffs, and clear, turquoise water. The town offered interesting shops, and a fine gelateria. Celebrity photos adorned the walls of the restaurant. The gelato received a "best of the trip" rating by a GV. Doubtless we will have a flavor named after us.

Hop On Hop Off --- Can't buy tickets at the train station? Get them from the conductor on the train! What? He's nowhere to be found? Time to go! GV's are flexible!

Church School --Michelle's group sang a beautiful version of The Beatles' Yesterday with guitaraccompaniment from a student. Shirley laughed with her teacher friends. Philip. Mr. Conjugation. Guided his students through grammatical minefields, and Jeff got things rolling with the topic of "ceiling fans". Jake received a Roma football scarf from some of our enthusiastic men.

- Martha

“Every day I live is a stroke of a brush painting a beautiful picture I won't understand until the very end and then I get to see my masterpiece and say "I'm proud of who I am." “Every day I live is a stroke of a brush painting a beautiful picture I won't understand until the very end and then I get to see my masterpiece and say "I'm proud of who I am."

I find myself opening my windows first thing in the morning as I get ready, waiting to hear the church bells & chanting that follows. It has become my morning ritual, as the bells are a gentle reminder to take a moment and be still, to just BE.

At breakfast some of the team looked more alert than others, but regardless of how tired members mayhave been, everyone was cheerful and eager to start the day. The morning classes went well for everyone. Jake and I spent the morning, along with several others, at the Leadership Institute -- our temporary classrooms for the day. We worked with our familiar four students and were given one new girl. Jake read a poem that he wrote for them -- one describing his feelings for his new friends. The girls sat on the edge of their seats, hanging on to his every word.

After class, all Gelato'ed up (since it was on our way back to the hotel!), we were approached by an older man who wanted to know if we were from London. He asked us if we were tourists and how much we paid for our hotel room. Or, at least I think that is what he asked. We had a difficult time understanding him. One thing I understood clearly was him asking me to dance with him on the sidewalk, to the music piped outside. I politely declined. The language was a barrier and I learned something from that encounter. If I don't understand the language or what the person is trying to say, them repeating it over and over, louder and louder isn't going to make me understand what they are saying. That holds true for us when teaching Conversational English.

The team went back to the church school in the evening and after the hour-and-half teaching session there was much excitement and lively conversation on our way back to the hotel, and during dinner. Everyone seemed mostly pleased with their experience with the students. Even though I didn't hear much in the way of specifics, what I enjoyed most was watching everyone sharing their stories and brainstorming with such energy and passion.

- Michelle

"You can't stop the wave, but you can learn to surf."

I spent the afternoon drawing pictures of American bathrooms since our adult students requested information about rooms in American homes. The energy seemed very positive tonight with regard to all settings: the high school, the Mission school and the individual tutoring. Impressive presentations were made by students in Jake and Michelle's class, along with students becoming self-disclosing. Jeff's students demonstrated excellent skills as critics. Talking about the past served as a rich launching ground for discussion with Martha's group. RC and Valerie's students were cooperative and tried hard, although they are younger and less experienced in English than some other groups. Their mention of wishing to go places where there is less prejudice and more freedom and liberty aroused our curiosity for future discussions. Larae and Valerie had a very rewarding review, introduced colors and expanded practice of social skills. Some more advanced students had been placed in another group, and those that remained were so willing to struggle and try hard, requesting to talk about travel info tomorrow night.

- Valerie

“If you are served a plate of fish with head still on, just go with it!”

Reality set in this morning….We all realized that we were finally going to meet our students and get down to "business". Gulp! We really ARE going to left alone with groups of unknown sizes for HOW long?!?!

Anticipation, trepidation, exhilaration...these are only some of the emotions being felt by members of Italy Team 175 during breakfast. Phyllis led the HS teachers (Michelle, Jake, RC, EK, Currie, Shirley, Philip and me) to our school. Students showed up and we were divided into groups. Most were high school age, but at the last minute EK learned one of Phyllis' "F" words -flexibility- and she was recruited to do a private session with a female dentist instead.

The floor of the school that we were all on soon was full of noise - conversation, laughter from inside the classrooms and construction and traffic noise from outside. Michelle and Jake had a class of enthusiastic, willing and talkative students. While EK was learning the meaning of flexibility, RC was left with a group of girls who got not only an English lesson, but an astronomy lesson as well.
Currie and Shirley spent the morning with the advanced students. Philip and I had a mixed group of 17-year- old girls. Two have a good command of English and are very confident in their ability. Two have a good command of the language, but did not seem to be comfortable speaking. The fifth girl looked to the others for some help whenever it was her turn to speak. Hopefully during the next two weeks she
can gain the confidence she needs.

Meanwhile, back at the Mission School Jeff, Martha, Valerie and Larae met with some young adults (20s and 30s) for some stimulating conversation. Basics such as numbers were reviewed as well as some advanced topics.

Lunch was at Semraldo - "al fresco". Panini (which means more than one panino or sandwich) and salads were shared. The gelato was a big hit as well. All of the morning's trepidation was gone and everyone shared their successes and rocky moments. Energy levels were high and curiosity about each others' morning replaced the earlier anxieties. Everyone went their separate ways after
lunch. Jake and Philip got a private tour of the Old City and beaches
provided by four of Jake / Michelle's students. Some went to beaches or swam in the pool while others prepared lessons for upcoming classes or napped.
Phyllis provided Italian Lesson Number One at 5 PM. Pronunciation/phonetics were the topic of the day. Those of us who attended repeated the various vowel and consonant sounds, some of which change depending on the subsequent letters.

Then it was off to evening classes at the Mission school, where the students kept coming, and coming....and coming. Thirty-five students later, we were all somewhat settled in. Martha had one-on-one time with Pere Luca's girlfriend, which she later labeled as a "very intense" conversation about the tourism industry and other topics. Jeff and Philip started off with five students but ended up with a
final tally of fifteen. Shirley and Jake had a large group of giggling teenage girls and one phenomenal nine-year-old boy who quizzed Shirley on topics ranging
from the "publications" she read and American politics (Democrats and Republicans!). Jake attempted to keep the conversation lighter by discussing the names of body parts.

RC and I had seven beginning students - six men and the eleven-year-old daughter of one of them. Numbers, days of the week, colors, shapes and month names were the topics. When we learned that it was one student's birthday, we also included the American version of Happy Birthday in the lesson. Other classes, also brimming with students, covered a variety of topics. Currie had stayed behind at the Clio for a private lesson with an architect, a woman who she said spoke extremely well.

After a later dinner (sans "swordfish") all of Team 175 said "buono notte" to each other and headed off to dreamland and thoughts of what are to come tomorrow.

- Melanie

SIAMO ARRIVATI!……WE HAVE ARRIVED!

Orientation day-our Italian adventure begins. Everyone gathered early for breakfast in the dining room of our "home away from home", the Clio hotel. We make a "Baker's Dozen" now that Martha, RC, Philip and Shirley have arrived. Phyllis got us off to a prompt start leading the day with introductions. She is our extraordinary leader.

Philip is here taking a traveling graduation present in volunteering, while helping his parents with college separation anxiety. Multiple-talented Jake is another recent high school graduate, traveling with his aunt, uncle and soccer ball, creating memories to last a lifetime. EK is our ‘Southern Belle’ from Mississippi. She's traveling all over Italy with her daughter, who has been living in New Zealand for the past 4 years. Shirley is an elementary teacher from a small town in the very southern and rural part of Illinois traveling with Martha, her Global Volunteer teammate from Crete. Martha is proud to be travelling with her son, R.C., and Philip.

Melanie is an intrepid traveller who tries to fit in volunteer traveling and Eco-vacations each year with her husband Jeff. Jeff is a seasoned Global Volunteer with heartwarming stories about his work with orphans. Larae is a lawyer with passion and commitment to make the world a better place. She lives in NYC and is working on a career change. Valerie, from Minnesota, is traveling with her niece, Michelle. She has extensive international knowledge, gathered in part from a career working with immigrants. We are also wishing a Happy Birthday to her while we are in Italy. Michelle is a massage therapist, living on an island off the coast of Washington and running her own company.

Teaching teams were assigned. Everyone contributed to a list of characteristics we will strive toward during our two weeks in Monopoli. We are 13 unique volunteers, bringing our individual experiences together, while working to achieve our group's goals. We want to teach with respect, create an atmosphere conducive to cultural exchange and participate in a positive effort -- united in the hope that we are making the world a better place through our joined efforts.

- Shirley