Written By Overseas Educators JB & Forrest
The group started their journey in Umbria, Italy at Panta Rei— an education center focused on sustainable development and intentional living. Orientation week has been full of activities hosted by the Panta Rei Center, including earth brick making, meditation circles, harvesting vegetables and exploring the nearby town of Passignano sul Trasimeno and the city of Perugia. As the first couple of days went by, we learned more about each other and began to create the community we’ll be traveling with the next nine weeks.
As we conclude our beautiful time here in Panta Rei, we’re leaning into reflecting on what brought us together and why we are embarking on this journey in Italy and Greece. Here are three standout highlights, challenges we faced, and some insight into our personal growth since the start of this transformative program.
What were three of the top highlights this week?:
Cultural Exchange Workshops:
There have been a number of cultural exchange workshops where the group has been able to inspire their curiosity on Italian culture and the adventure they are taking. Some experiences include italian class, pasta making, and town explorations. From ordering at a cafe in the town center to learning how to make pasta from scratch— we’ve gotten our first taste of what our time in Italy may evolve into.
Sustainable Building Practices
Panta Rei, meaning “everything flows” in Greek, has been a center full of wonder and curiosity for the group. Discovering alternative ways of building with all natural material has reshaped our beliefs around what it means to live in community and how we relate to our homes. We’ve picked tomatoes, basil, and squash for our bruschetta dinner, as well as learned how to make eco bricks from clay, and how to apply natural plaster on buildings that need repair.
Becoming Better Travelers:
As the days have gone on, the group has gotten to know each other in deep and meaningful ways— impacting how they show up with each other and the communities they are encountering. From navigating conversations about perspectives to observing different lifestyles at Panta Rei and in our community excursions, questions have started to be raised about who we are in connection to everything around us. Seeds are being planted for the growth ahead and the self growth that is happening introspectively.
What is something you or the group is challenged by this week?:
Though this week was filled with positivity and gratitude, the group has been struggling with the time zone shift and managing energy throughout the day. Adjusting to a new schedule has brought to light the importance of schedules and self care. We’re learning every day more and more how to take care of our needs and meet the group needs as well.
🌎 What are you most grateful for this week?:
Our hosts at Panta Rei have been nothing but welcoming and supportive in being our first point of transition into the program. Julio and the team here at Panta Rei have been incredibly knowledgeable and engaged in meaningful and life changing conversations with the group. The insights to their lives and lifestyles have provided the group with a beautiful foundation for the weeks ahead.
Anything else you’d like included in this blog?:
We’re headed to our Pilgrimage along the via Francigena, an ancient trail that was taken by pilgrims from all over Europe to make their way to Rome. We’ll visit rivers and waterfalls, learn about some of the local history, and take time to reflect and journal, while staying in small communities and convents along the way. We’re looking forward to the access to nature and scenery this next stop holds for us.
