Less Than a Month Away....

Hi Everyone,

I've created this blog for a couple of reasons. First, it might end up being the only communication I have with my friends and family in degli Stati Uniti ( The United States--pronounced dayYEE Stahty YouNeety). The second reason is because this blog will serve as my journal for the trip. I can access it at any time and don't have to worry about losing it.

I leave on March 8 and will return March 17. This trip is to attend the Italy Play Therapy Institute. I will be learning about play therapy techniques from both United States and Italian professors and professionals. Why am I doing all of this training in Italy? Well...I want to work with children in the future as a counselor. I need special training to be able to help them the best I can. I am currently working with local organizations and the Association for Play Therapy to become a Registered Play Therapist and this class will help me accomplish that goal. I also will get credit from Regis. The trip will take place of a class I would need here in order to have an internship at an organization that helps children. OK, so to get back to the "why am I doing all of this training in Italy" question....because it will cost the same amount of money to take a class here or in Tuscany. I prefer Tuscany.

I've posted some pictures of the villa "Casa Cares". I'll post pictures of the cities I'll visit (Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca) and hopefully will have time to write a little each day about the events/activities around the villa or in the cities.

Something good to know...if you go to maps.google.com and search "Florence, Italy", you can actually see street views of the city. Just drag the little yellow man (on the left of the map) to the city and use navigation tools to tour the town. You can go anywhere with google maps! Make sure you download "Google Earth" first.

Ciao!