Rome via Brooklyn

374 words.

I love teaching. And, there is no better teaching experience than sharing Rome with my students. The intensity of an immersive small group learning experience makes my heart sing. Yet the trouble is always my own filter. What to share, when? If I info dump so much can be lost. My brain tumbles forwards but I know that slow drips of information often repeated work better.

A small example I got excited when I saw this fountain yesterday and texted the group chat the images and explanation BUT that info was out of step for where most of you were in your journey. The lesson would be better later today.

By contrast the ticket validation lessons for the group flight students was perfect but rushed so we could catch a train. That will need reiteration and practice.

Yesterday’s unexpected highlights:

One of students appears to be psychic. She couldn’t remember the name of an individual who was helping with apartment move in. She guessed and her guess was the woman’s middle name.

Another of my students took to heart the lesson that Italian don’t queue. He made it through passport control and customs lightening times faster than any other student. Respect.

Then there is us the stuff I learn from the students about what I need to teach and emphasize going forward.

• There is no Caesar Salad or Vodka Penne here. These are almost as NYC as a good slice
• Cash exchange is rarely convenient or cost effective
• Beverages even water are rarely as cold as they are in the states

This morning as we head out to try market shopping together. I get to proselytize my views on salad and the joys of lamb’s lettuce (valeriana). But will I get to sneak in lessons on how to order at Bar and more? Possibly.

Yet where do I fit in the extra stuff. Like if you must exit a gate, the unlocking mechanism is likely far away from the gate itself. And may just look like a simple light switch.

And then we have just fun observations. Like the groove to help you wheel your bike up and down to the train platform.

The students don’t have bikes. I don’t have to include stuff like that and yet it hangs out rattling in my brain.

Coffee drunk. Writing done. Now to throw myself out of the house, get my own cash and ready myself to share just the right amount of information and not TOO MUCH. *smile*