Author Archives: lornaofarabia

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About lornaofarabia

I am a teacher from Medford, Oregon. I currently live and work in Bangkok, Thailand.

Brigade de cuisine

Posted on 10 Jul 2016 by lornaofarabia

Over spring break and again at the beginning of her summer holidays this year Alekka volunteered at the refugee camps in Calais and Dunkirk. She suggested we go there and help out for a few days on our way to … Continue reading →

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Calais again

Posted on 8 Jul 2016 by lornaofarabia

The automated ticket machine offered interesting choices for our overnight train journey to France. While I would describe us as adventurous, we do have our limits. Alekka and I opted for the regular couchette for 6 women in expectation of a quiet night. It … Continue reading →

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What we ate

Posted on 3 Jul 2016 by lornaofarabia

We love the art, we love the little streets, we love the beautiful people, we love the language. But truth be told, the best thing about Italy just might be the food. I know you all want to see what … Continue reading →

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Floating Piers

Posted on 2 Jul 2016 by lornaofarabia

The artist Christo and his partner Jeanne-Claude (who died in 2009) have been creating temporary large-scale environmental art installations since 1961. I had the good fortune to see Running Fence in Marin County, California in 1976 and The Umbrellas at … Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere, Islands | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Assisi

Posted on 30 Jun 2016 by lornaofarabia

Just 15 minutes away from Spello by train is the town of Assisi, home of St. Francis (1181-1226). We took a day trip over there to check it out. The train station is a bit outside of the old town, so you … Continue reading →

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Collepino

Posted on 29 Jun 2016 by lornaofarabia

The ancient paths connecting towns and villages of this region are mostly still maintained. We decided to take a walk on one of them to the tiny hill town of Collepino. Off we go. The trail follows a mostly well-preserved Roman … Continue reading →

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Hello, Spello

Posted on 26 Jun 2016 by lornaofarabia

On Thursday night Andreas and I embarked on what promises to be another epic summer. This year’s itinerary begins with a week in Italy, after which Andreas and I will part ways for a few weeks. He’ll go to Ikaria, then to Chicago … Continue reading →

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Three part two: new beginnings

Posted on 25 Jun 2016 by lornaofarabia

I am not a superstitious person. At least that is how I see myself, as a not-superstitious person. But I am alert to what some people would call signs. I like to think this is my folklore training; it’s a universal human tendency … Continue reading →

Posted in Egypt, Expat experience | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Three part one: when the professor talks, I listen

Posted on 25 Jun 2016 by lornaofarabia

So here’s a funny thing that happened this week. A little background is required:  All students in the IB Diploma Program have to write an Extended Essay. It’s a pretty rigorous thing, a sort of senior paper on steroids. Every school … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ms. Lorna in the conservatory with the scanner

Posted on 19 Jun 2016 by lornaofarabia

Week 3 in the Cairo Greenhouse for Books.  I inquire periodically as to when we might expect the AC repair person.  “Two or three days, inshallah.” It’s the inshallah that gets you every time. Last Tuesday the plant man came and … Continue reading →

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