Carmen

Teleprompter use is featured here – read on!

After an exhaustive but exhilarating trip throughout Italy I met my friend, Marina, in Montalcino and we decided to pamper ourselves at a spa.   Not just any spa – we chose Bagno Vignoni, which is approximately 50 kilometers south of Siena in Tuscany.

Tuscany

The journey itself is revitalizing – the roads offer views of undulating fields of wheat, vineyards, olive groves and verdant hills where green-black cypresses stand tall and majestic.

Tuscany

Tuscany

Bagno Vignoni

The thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni were enjoyed by the Romans during the Middle Ages.  From the 12th century and throughout the 13th century, Bagno Vignoni became a stopover point for Christian pilgrims traveling this route on their way to Rome.

Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni is quite unique but also offers the usual spa treatments, massages given by able hands.   It has a very beautiful square layout.   The public no longer uses its gigantic pool.  Warm reflections of stone buildings, tiled roofs and potted geraniums dance across its surface to the delight of all visitors.

We stayed at the Hotel Posta Marcucci, which offers unparalleled hospitality.  There is what looks like an enormous pool dug from the hillside.

Thermal pools - Hotel Posta Marcucci

It is actually divided into two pools – one is warm and soothing the other cool and invigorating.  While you swim or simply float you bask in the warmth of the sun and look out over a captivating landscape.  Its beauty and silence heal body and soul.  Being immersed in the healing springs make you feel renewed and ready for further adventures.

So, you may be asking – what does this have to do with teleprompters?  Surely, you didn’t give a speech there!  You are right, I didn’t.  However, in conversation with other guests at dinner, teleprompter use came up!  The usual questions – What do you do?  Where else have you been?  Is this your first trip to Tuscany?  Is your trip for work or pleasure?  Both, of course.  It was over a fabulous dinner and a wine tasting of Barbaresco and wines from Montepulciano and Montalcino that my experiences with teleprompters were recounted.

Several seemed impressed with my success and promised to not only use it themselves when back at work but assured me they too would recommend teleprompter use!

Italy, I miss you already!

Ciao!

Carmen

The teleprompter has become a must-have tool!

Our sojourn in Italy continues to amaze, enthrall and inspire us all.

Among our favorite stops were Rome, Pompeii, and Chiusi, an incredibly fascinating Etruscan city.

Rome - The Spanish Steps

Pompeii

Pompeii

Etruscan Art - Chiusi

Etruscan Art - Chiusi

At each stop, on a previously scheduled day and time, I welcomed the various groups again in various languages and again aided by the now indispensable teleprompter.

The use of the teleprompter has after a few events become an integral part of the program and each time enhances the presentation.

The other guides and I have become so proficient at our presentations and have incorporated the use of the teleprompter at every meeting.  Its use has made what at times can be a stressful situation so easy and yes, enjoyable!

Teleprompter, an essential tool!

Feast your eyes on some more photos of the most beautiful, magnificent, fascinating, enthralling sights in Italy.

Tuscany

Tuscany

Tuscany

Tuscany

CIAO!

Forgive the above attempt at being humorous.   I can’t help it given that I had such a great time leading a group of students to Tuscany, Italy not long ago.

And, yes, a teleprompter is an important part of my story.

Read on, please!

A friend of mine became pregnant and chose to stay at home with her family.  I happily went in her place.  Our small group was composed of several graduating students who had never travelled to Italy.

Our trip began in Pisa (photos taken by yours truly) where we were joined by other groups and their guides from different countries.   Several languages were spoken and not everyone understood English.  I had to conduct the welcoming introduction in French, Spanish, Italian, English and Japanese, yes, Japanese!

It was not simply a question of saying, “Welcome” in each language.  I had to stir their interest after a long flight and inspire them to really delve into the history and beauty of Tuscany.  Clearly, my remarks had to be carefully crafted.  They were and the evening went smoothly with the help of that wonderful contraption, the teleprompter!

Another good friend (who lives in Florence and works for a local TV station) drove to Pisa to help me out.  I do know that I am very lucky to have such good, generous friends.  The trip from Florence only takes about an hour.

He brought a teleprompter operator with him who proved invaluable.   Stefano is one of those for whom speaking several languages fluently is effortless – a true polyglot.   He is the consummate professional – incredibly patient, informative and knowledgeable.   He was born in Livorno and has varied interests, including history and architecture.  I must share something else with you.

He and Pilar, the guide from Barcelona, fell in love.

But I digress – I must impress upon you how amazing the use of teleprompter was.  I highly recommend it.

On to Lucca!