Written by Italy & Greece Students, Marielle M. & Katie M.
After our time in Florence, our group travelled to Paladini to spend the week camping. This provided us the opportunity to spend time in nature within a community that focuses on living sustainably and is open to host many volunteers. In the mornings we would help with a variety of projects such as paving, chopping firewood, collecting chestnuts and working with the chef of the day in the kitchen. Each night we would gather around a bonfire to share musical talents and converse with each other. We also used this time to disconnect by going phone-free which pushed us to get closer as a group. Leaving Paladini, we headed off to hike along the Via Francigena. The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Canterbury to Rome. With the help of our amazing guide Lauren we trekked through a beautiful section of Tuscany. At each stop we would have an activity planned for us. This consisted of bread making with Luca, learning the ways of medieval craft at an archaeological site, and of course being on the hunt for the best gelato.
Our Highlights of the Week:
🍷 Wine tasting- We went to a vineyard in Tuscany and learned about the process of wine making then sampled a local red and white wine.
🌰 We explored one of the villages and attended the chestnut harvest festival and after hiked to a viewpoint.
🔥 Game night by the fire with the Paladini volunteers.
But growth always comes with challenge … how did you grow this week?
This week our group was faced with some challenging weather that occasionally interfered with our ability to work outdoors. Regardless, we made working out in the rain fun and took the opportunity to huddle together by the fire, watch a movie, bake cookies, and play cards.
What are you grateful for this week?
This week we’re most grateful for the community at Paladini. Collum, the host, was extremely kind and warmly welcomed us. Volunteers from all over the world came together to work at this camp. It created an environment that very was diverse, creative, educational, and fun. Our group had a great time making connections and exchanging stories.
