Agerola 2013: Celebrate the Pleasures in Life and Birth while exploring the Amalfi Coast of Italy with Debra Pascali-Bonaro July 7 – 12, 2013

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Debra Pascali-Bonaro’s invites you to join her on the Amalfi Coast for her Pleasures in Life & Birth, Travel & Workshop. Debra’s Pleasures in Life & Birth, Travel & Workshop is designed to help women reconnect with their passionate, healthy, visionary, instinctual wild woman through inspirational workshops and immersion in the mystery and passion, and beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Debra’s family is from the Amalfi Coast, read Vita Nascita: Life, Birth in Campania to learn more about her experiences there.

The trip is designed to:

• Inspire visions of opening for your life and work.
• Help you reconnect with your instinctual self through workshops that will nurture your spirit and passion for life and birth.
• Indulge in the passionate panorama of the Amalfi coast.
• Engage in well-paced tours. Debra’s family is from the Amalfi coast and she has all the great resources and connections to lead structured trips and guide you in your free time to explore as you wish.
• Offer balanced scheduling overall. The trip is 6 days to provide enough time to fully decompress, revel, and reconnect while allowing enough time for travel on each end.
• Provide you great value by traveling together and by utilizing all of Debra’s shared resources. Debra works to find you the best deals so you know you are getting the best value for lodging, hotel, meals, tour bus, transport, artisan crafts, workshop. And because it is a group trip, everything costs less than if you were to purchase individually.

Inclusives in Pleasures in Life & Birth Travel Workshop:

• Shuttle to/from airport on arrival/departure days
• Gratuities for local tour guides and drivers
• Air-conditioned room at Hotel Le Rocce Double Occupancy (Private Rooms available upon request)
• Breakfast and Lunch at the hotel
• 3 dinners
• 3 workshop sessions
• Tours of the famous local towns & historic sites
• Italian Translation

Hotel: We will stay at the Hotel Le Rocce in Agerola, a wonderful, safe, comfortable hotel complete with incredible views, sumptuous meals, and meeting rooms where we will come together as women to workshop. From our Hotel Le Rocce the views are stunning. Enjoy coffee, tea or drinks on the terrace overlooking the Amalfi coast. Hotel Le Rocce offers breakfast and lunch that will tantalize your tastes. You will be ready to explore the riches of the region each afternoon and evening.

Inspiration

La Grande Terrarra Sul Mare

Agerola the Big Terrace on the Sea

“Your stay in Agerola, between history, myth, culture, gastronomy

and tradition, will give you unforgettable moments.”

Agerola is a town at the very top of the Amalfi coast, on top of the world. Views of the Tyrrhenian Sea – the Gulf of Salerno below and the whole Amalfi coast add to the views of this picturesque village. Agerola offers a glimpse into the culture, tastes and traditions of Italy that are often lost in the cities and escape the average tourist. Here life is rich with the smells, taste, sounds, views and traditions of life. The village announced each babies birth with fireworks, even number of blasts are for a girls and odd numbers signals a boy.

The Hidden Mystery: This special recent discovery, known only to the locals, will add to your sense of mystery. A fresco of the Last Supper was discovered after an earthquake loosened the plaster on the ceiling of a 12th century church. Was it done first here or after by a student or Leonardo Da Vinci? Whatever the answer, with no long lines and reservations needed as in Milan, you can walk in and wonder for yourself where this treasure came from and the story it tells.

Art is everywhere

From the historic art, churches and old palace with art from Mussolini, as well as pottery makers who create the typical italian pottery of the region, couples with views that are art to our eyes – your will be intoxicated with beauty at every turn. We will visit the Ceramiche Silvestri, a family owned pottery shop where they have been making and painting the traditional pottery of the region in the Vietri tradition for generations. You can purchase items or have them made for you, personalized with your family’s name on tiles, serving bowls and more.

God’s Mountain Paths in Agerola: There are many walks that have been carved out of the mountains, an incredible set of stairs that have been hand made over the centuries- that has been come to be know as the Sentiero degli Dei – The Path of the Gods, taking you from Agerola to Positano, where the views of the sea below are seen as you wind through vineyards, gardens and villages as you descend to Positano.

Positano: Everything you imagine in Positano! Cafe lunch at a cafe along the way, shopping, visit to the beach, & boat ride.

Ravello: Tours to the Villa Cimbrone Gardens in the musical town of Ravello.

Agerola da Gustare – A taste of Agerola
The local foods, the best in Italy will surely transcend you to another time and place. Agerola supplies the entire coastal area with many of it specialities. It is famous for their fior-di-latte – mozzarella cheese, made fresh every morning from the special Agerolese cows that are found grazing on the mountainside. We will visit a local cheese maker related to our family where you can help make the mozzarella and fresh ricotta cheese. In addition to their great cheeses Agerola is also famous for their salami Di Agerola, Provolone Cheese Del monaco – spicy cheese and Crisp Agerolse bread, traditional rye bread with its many nutritional benefits.

We will visit a local bakery Integralpane di Armando Naclerio where you can watch the local breads and Terrari being made. In the evening you may enjoy the Nocino di Agerola, chestnut liquor, Limoncello, -lemon liquor, great local wine, in addition to all the breads, pasta, and fresh vegetables and fruits Hotel Le Rocce will ensure that you explore all the tastes of the region.

Free time to explore Amalfi

Boat Tour

Depending on weather, we will offer an optional day (extra fees for trip and lodging) – touring the scenic Amalifi coast by boat, visiting the Grotto Esmeralda, the Emerald Grotto, swimming in a small cove and visiting the island of Capri. Boating on the Mediterranean sea’s clear blue -green waters, looking back at the Amalfi coast is an adventure worth adding on to top off a week of nurturing, while re-inspiring your passion and connection to nature, birth and life.

To read more about Debra’s Agerola please read her blog Vita Nascita: Life, Birth in Campania

Here is beautiful photo gallery of Agerola and we’ll be adding photos to our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DebrasAgerola so be sure to like us on facebook to receive the latest updates.

The Workshops

There will be three main workshops, the skills from the workshops can be applied to birthwork or healing/relaxation technique used in everyday life with your partner, children, self, or healing arts clientele.

Journey Dance™ is a grooving celebration practiced to inspiring world music, your dance is an empowering journey to self-acceptance and transformation. JourneyDance™ moves us through deep, personal exploration into a loving, intimate relationship with body, mind, and source energy. This sensual and exhilarating union of dance, visualization, and ritual calls us to get funky and divine!

“JourneyDance was a “safe” way to begin to bond with the other people in the class, as well as a way to embrace moving our physical selves, and how creativity and spirituality are intertwined.” ~ Becky Banks, Student Midwife

Rebozo Massage Feel the relief, comfort, and support of the ancient art of Rebozo massage for comfort in labor and life. Rebozo massage is a very soothing, comforting wrap technique for the entire body and you will learn techniques and skills for birth and beyond.

Journal, Art, & Discussion: Share and explore your life and birth stories and your vision for opening. Debra will be leading the group in opening exercises via writing, artwork, and discussion.

About Debra

For the past thirty years, Debra has been leading and inspiring birthworkers, and now look forward to guiding other women as well, towards female bonding, healing, and inspiration. Debra has led many women’s workshops and participants come away feeling very inspired and rejuvenated.

Join Debra Pascali-Bonaro, B.Ed., LCCE, PDT/BDT(DONA), one of the most experienced birthdoula trainers in the world, and her family in Agerola, for a week of visioning, movement, and celebration in an Italian Paradise. A wonderful trip for any woman.

Testimonials:

“It was an inspiring and re-energizing day spent in a room full of loving hearts and great teachers and led by the trail-blazing Debra Pascali-Bonaro. Thank you for a lovely day.” - Claire Bushell, Mother & HypnoBirthing® Childbirth, Educator and Therapist

“You are so clearly a gift to women, to the entire birthing community, and to everyone who is lucky enough to be touched by your grace and wisdom.” – Sylvia Blaustein CNM, Midwifery of Manhattan

Itinerary (Schedule may change due to weather or availability)

Arrival Day Dinner & Introductions
Share your connection with Dr. Pinkola Estes’ book, Women Who Run with the Wolves

Monday Day 1
Morning workshop session Journey Dance
Lunch at hotel
Afternoon trip to see the views of Agerola, pottery, lookouts
Inclusive dinner at the hotel

Tuesday Day 2
Morning workshop session Rebozo Technique for comfort in labor and life
After lunch at hotel trip to Amalfi – shopping, beach, walking
Dinner on own

Wednesday Day 3
Full day activity – walk the God’s Mountain Paths from Agerola to Positano
Lunch at cafe along the way
3 hours shopping or beach in Positano
Ferry Boat ride to Amalfi
Return to hotel for Inclusive Dinner at hotel

Thursday Day 4
Morning visit to bakery and cheese makers in Agerola
Workshop session – creating your vision for opening
Lunch at hotel
Afternoon – visit Ravello – walk in the famous gardens
Dinner on own

Friday Day 5
Morning workshop session – Birth Stories/discussion
Lunch at hotel
Closing
Friday afternoon independent explorations to those staying over

Saturday
Optional: Join boat trip to Capri

TO REGISTER

Who should attend?
This trip is for all women! Join Debra in an inspiring, visionary, journey as you ignite your passion for pleasure and life. Connect with the instinctual wild woman within through creative exploration and immersion in the mystery, passion, and beauty of the Amalfi Coast. There are 3 workshop sessions including: JourneyDance® , Rebozo Massage (a very soothing, comforting wrap technique for the entire body), and Journal, Art & Discussion – the skills from these workshops can be applied to birthwork or healing/relaxation technique used in everyday life with your partner, children, self, or healing arts clientele.

Who are the teachers/guides?

Debra Pascali-Bonaro, B.Ed, BDT/PDT (DONA), LCCE, Director of the documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret and co-author of Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide To A Safe Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience. Debra’s years as a doula, Lamaze International childbirth educator, Chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative, IMBCI, and an approved DONA International birth and postpartum Doula Trainer has brought her from training doulas in the South Bronx, NY to speaking at the White House, to developing community doula programs and presenting workshops and speaking in 24 countries. Debra’s years of experience provides the basis for her motivational speeches, educational in-service and inspiring workshops. Debra is also a JourneyDance teacher, adding celebration and movement to her workshops, deepening our connection with our bodies, mind and spirit. Debra will “Doula you” as your guide, finding pleasure and adventures in your life and on the Amalfi Coast.

Jaqueline Eddaoudi, will be your translator for Agerola 2013. Jacqueline studied Italian, Arabic, French, English, Spanish and Turkish and works as an interpreter and cultural consultant for her own lingual – and cultural assistance company Eddaoudi Smart Translations. She has her roots in a multicultural family (mother Austrian, father Italian) and lives with her Moroccan husband and their 5 daughters in Austria and ever so often for some months in Morocco. She teaches seminars and workshops and subjects regarding the Arab World.

What are the accommodations?
We will stay at the Hotel Le Rocce in Agerola, a wonderful, safe, comfortable hotel complete with incredible views, sumptuous meals, and meeting rooms where we will come together as women to connect, celebrate and vision. From our Hotel Le Rocce the views are stunning. Enjoy coffee, tea or drinks on the terrace overlooking the Amalfi coast. Rates are based on double-occupancy rooms with private rooms available upon request.

Where do I fly to in Italy?
The nearest major airport to Agerola is Naples. When purchasing your flight to Italy, you will be flying into Naples airport (NAP) or Naples Train Station. For those calling you the country code is 39. After registration you will purchase your ticket and forward us your itinerary. You may want to arrive a day or so early, so you can adjust to the time difference. Please note: you will need to make all of your own arrangements if you choose to do this.

How do get to Agerola?
There will be two shuttle vans on the arrival day and one on the departure day to/from the hotel. The van will be available at the most convenient time for all travelers as a group. More information will be given to you upon registration.

Is Italy safe?
There are currently no travel warnings for Italy, but you can check for current travel warnings. Amalfi Coast is a one of the countries most popular tourist destinations. As for safety in the streets, there is very little violent crime on the Amalfi Coast. As a traveler you must take common sense precautions against petty crime, just as you would in any tourist resort. To avoid loss, it’s always wise to carry any important documents (like your passport), your credit cards, and most of your money in a travel security wallet or passport holder that can be worn under your clothing.

What about clothing & what should I pack?
Bathing suit, comfortable summer clothes, sandals, walking clothes and shoes as the day we hike good closed-toe footwear is required. Sunscreen and clothing that protects you from the sun, such as a hat, are suggested for hike and if you choose additional boat trip. Yoga dance clothes or comfortable loose clothes you can move and dance in for our workshops. Evening-wear in Italy is variable. It is a fun time to dress up to nice casual or whatever you like. It’s summer on the Amalfi Coast – feel your pleasure!

What is the weather mid-July in Agerola?
Mid-July in the Campania region of southern Italy, exhibits a typical Mediterranean climate, so be prepared to be warm! The average temperature in the summer ranges from 75-90°F (24-32°C). The rooms at Hotel le Rocce are air conditioned but there is often a wonderful night breeze, so sleeping with the windows open can be a treat.

Shopping
Italy is a shopper’s paradise. Debra will share her favorite shops for Italian Pottery, Dresses, Olive oil, and more.

Will I be able to charge my cell phone, camera, & laptop?Electricity in Italy comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. You may need an electrical converter available at drug stores or office supply shops.

Immunizations
There are no special immunizations required for traveling to Italy.

Can I take medicine to Italy, and can I get medicine while there?
Yes, there are pharmacies in Italy that have most common drugs, such as antibiotics, anti diarrhea, cold and flu remedies. If you are on a prescription, you need to bring enough for your trip. Make sure they are in pharmacy bottles with your doctor’s name on the label. Be sure to bring any and all natural remedies you like to have on hand.

What about money?
Italy uses the euro, the same currency used in most of Europe. The rate is variable so please check with your bank or a currency office as the time approaches. For ATM look for an Italian Bancomat with the affiliations you need (cirrus, plus, etc.) In Italy, Bancomats are clearly marked (see the picture with the blue Bancomat sign) and are found outside banks, or in behind a door that opens when you swipe your card. You can also find Bancomats in airports and at train stations. There may be a maximum withdrawal limit of 250 Euro and expect a bank fee. Foreign money can be exchanged at most banks which are usually open 8:30am to 1:30pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm and credit card use in Italy is also an option.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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