We were given the opportunity starting in January of 2014 to be the faculty for Harding in Florence. Katie taught Human Structure and Function, Child and Adolescent Development, and Aerobics. I taught a Theology of Travel, Missionary Anthropology, and Communication and Culture. Our group was phenomenal. Together, we learned so much. It was an honor to work with and learn from Robbie and Mona Shackelford.
The Villa
This 15th century villa in the Tuscan hillside was our home for three months. It hosts three groups a year, and has been for two decades. We were honored to use its rooms, enjoy the grounds, and eat some of the best food in the world.
Scandicci
The villa is located on the outskirts of Scandicci, a town of about 50,000 people and our gateway to Florence. While art, history, and architecture are all to be found in Florence, just as much life happens in Scandicci, especially at Caffè Mario, L'Isola del Gelato, and Trattoria all'Insegna del Gallo.
Firenze
For many centuries the curious have come to Florence to learn. Its most common landmarks, paintings, and sculptures are deservedly famous. But just as intriguing is the story that is to be found around the corner, or down a cobblestone alley. Learning happens in pursuit of that story.
Tuscany
Tuscany is one of twenty regions in Italy. It's home to Florence, as well as other stops we made, like Abetone, San Gimignano, Siena, the Casentino, Lucca, and Pisa. The roads that connect these towns and villages still tell the story of the ancient city-states that ruled the region for centuries.
Roma
Everything about Rome is just a bit different. Whereas the Renaissance serves as the focal lens for Florence, Rome can only be understood across a historical spectrum that spans millennia. Ancient coexists with modern in this city of churches. The pasta is different too.
Southern Italy
From Rome we continue heading South, reaching Reggio Calabria (the heel of the boot) before crossing the Straits of Messina into Sicily. We stop in Taormina, Agrigento, and Palermo before ferrying north to Naples, Sorrento, and Capri. Another dialect, culture, and take on “Italian” cuisine.
Cinque Terre
We ended our semester as a group in Cinque Terre—the five coastal towns just north of Tuscany's border. Before tunnels were put in during Mussolini's dictatorship, these towns were only accessible by sea or by a windy mountain road. We hiked from town to town and took time to feast before saying goodbye.
Europe
At the end of HUF we had a chance to do a bit of travel through Europe. We had already spent one "independent travel" snowboarding in Chamonix, France. We then traveled with Katie's parents through London to Iceland, and again on our own across Ireland.
