Written by Italy & Greece Overseas Educator, Chelsea Van Eck
Ciao!
After months of preparing for this day, I’m ecstatic to say the group has successfully arrived at our first stop in Italy, Panta Rei!
It’s been an eventful 48 hours as we traversed planes, trains, and buses to arrive at our destination and settle into a new space and community. To paint a picture of what these first few days have been like, I’d like to offer some snapshots of different moments along the way.
1. Meeting at JFK: Excitement & Nerves
Meeting up at JFK on departure day with fresh faces, excitement and nerves running hand in hand, and a touch of awkwardness in the air! That moment of finally standing together in 3D, with the realization that this journey was finally happening, was surreal.
2. Touching Down on Italian Soil
The joyous action of standing after a long flight blessed some with rest, but many of us did not. The excitement really kicked in as we got through customs and stepped onto Italian soil.
3. A Hustle for the Trains
Our first train experience in Italy really was an adventure! To travel from the airport to Panta Rei required 3 trains. While we arrived with plenty of time for the first, we quickly discovered that trains don’t always run on time. Our first transfer left us with only minutes to catch our next train. For your delight, imagine a group of 13 running across several platforms, up and down stairs, laden with backpacks on both front and back. The moment of rushing onto the correct train and catching our breath in victory is definitely one to remember. This group can really hustle!
4. The Waiting Game
Our train adventures didn’t stop there. On our last connection, our train was 40 minutes behind schedule. We took up nearly half the waiting area for that last 8-minute train ride. The theme of the day definitely was waiting, but as I sat in that little station, I marveled at how laid-back the group had been, rolling with the different challenges brought our way. What a gift!
5. Sunset Arrival: A Moment of Awe
We were picked up by 3 vehicles to go to our first site. As we drove up a big hill, an incredible sunset was just starting to make its debut, casting golden hues over our view of a large lake and a town on the water. For me, the exhaustion of travel instantaneously melted away as we received that gift of beauty, and I told myself, “We’re really doing this!”
6. First Meal & Birthday Celebration
Our first meal together in Panta Rei was dreamy homemade pizza. What made it more special was celebrating our first birthday on the program. Our chef, Sarah, made a gigantic, delicious sponge cake in honor of Crawford celebrating another year around the sun. Happy birthday, Crawford!
7. Phone-Free Ceremony
With our phone-free week ahead, we held a small ceremony for the stowing away of our phones into a communal bag. Each of us offered a short ode to say goodbye, ranging from cute and silly to serious. Overall, many shared the sentiment of hoping to be more present with each other this week.
8. Morning Jam Session
With access to a piano and guitar in the dining hall, our first gathering of the morning quickly became an impromptu jam session as we waited for the rest of our jet-lagged companions to come to breakfast. Let me tell you, there are some talented musicians in this group!
9. Scavenger Hunt & Green Living
Our main host, Chiara, organized a scavenger hunt throughout the grounds that simultaneously kicked in our competitive spirits, oriented us to the space and green practices here, and taught us some helpful Italian phrases (we were required to ask community members for directions). Not only was it fun, but it helped us learn a little about the green lifestyle the community has been investing in. My team celebrated a sweet victory while basking in the sun, waiting for the other group. It has been a gorgeous day today.
10. Welcome Circle & Hopes for the Journey
Sitting in a circle, our group officially ushered in this new experience with Maggie and I welcoming the group and offering our hopes for the students’ gap semester. We are both looking forward to sharing this time to help all of us grow, learn, and make meaning together through our travels.
11. Laughter & Games in the Dining Hall
As I write this blog, I hear shouts of laughter from students playing games together in the dining hall, while overlooking the mountains from our front door. I think it’s safe to say we are all happy to be here.
Finally, I’d like to shout out the folks here at Panta Rei, who have extended warm hands of hospitality and an invitation to a slow and intentional week. I think all of us are looking forward to living on this invitation as we adjust to the time zone, our new community, and the theme of sustainability that we’ll explore on the journey.