This progrgam has concluded. The next Rusticatio Australiana is in the works for 2021. Check back in the fall of 2020 for more information.
Description
SALVI’s rusticationes seek to combine high-level language learning with comfortable, secluded settings which stimulate curiosity, camaraderie, and (ultimately) language acquisition. The seclusion of the site offers the opportunity to experience a complete immersion in the Latin language – once the event begins, participants will be exposed to twenty-four hours a day of Latin. The beauty of the location allows participants to enjoy their time away from academic activities and quietly commune with nature or enjoy time with other participants. Each day contains a full schedule of classroom lessons, readings from various Latin sources, games, meal preparation, communal meals, and ample free time for private study, exercise, relaxing, or conversing. The result is a uniquely powerful academic and personal experience.
The cost of $1050 includes meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodation for 4 nights and all tuition. To guarantee the quality of the program, spaces have been limited to around 30. Places will be granted to suitable applicants in order of their registration and payment. If you do not secure a spot, all money will (of course) be refunded.
The Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat will be our home for the five days (Monday 7/15 12pm – Friday 7/19 10am) of the second Rusticatio Australiana. It is a site of great natural beauty and numerous wombati.
Transport
We will organise a bus that will leave from and return to Central Station in Sydney. The cost of the bus will be additional to the cost of the Rusticatio programme and will depend on the number of passengers. The bus would leave Sydney at around 10am. There is ample parking on site for those planning to drive or carpool.
Clothing
It is cold in Kangaroo Valley in the middle of winter. Dress warm, bring scarves and hats and anything else to keep away the cold. On the final night there will be a communal bonfire.
Rooming and Facilities
Assume that you will be sharing a room. Most rooms contain one or two beds and one or two bunks. While we will do our best to keep the top-bunks unallocated, some more agile participants may be allocated a top-bunk. Be prepared to also share bathroom facilities. In the communal cottage there are shower rooms that service multiple rooms. The Bush Retreat provides us with a location of spectacular beauty, but a finite amount of hot water. Your patience and consideration for your fellow participants is MUCH appreciated.
Rusticatio is a full immersion experience. You are free to return to your rooms at any time, but there is an expectation that only Latin will be spoken with other participants. Sharing rooms increases your opportunity to speak Latin!
Food
We will have access to a kitchen where most meals will be prepared. The menu will be simple but delicious. Some meals will be completely vegetarian, and there will always be a vegetarian (or vegan) option if required. Various snacks, including fruit, nuts, granola bars, and chocolate will be provided throughout the day. Each cabin has a small kitchen area with a fridge. You are most welcome to bring your own food and beverages!!
Breakfasts (Tuesday Friday) will include coffee, tea, juice, toast, cereals, muesli, yogurt and fruit.
Lunch (Monday – Wednesday) will include sandwiches and rolls with cold meats, cheese and salads. There will be fruit and drinks.
Lunch (Thursday) will be a BBQ.
Dinner (Monday – Thursday) will be a hot meal.
Alcohol
Rusticatio will provide a small amount of wine and beer. We also encourage you to bring your own bottle or two, and share with friends new and old after dinner. As Nancy Llewellyn, founder of SALVI, likes to say “in vino Latinitas.”
Meal Preparation
Collective meal preparation has always been a part of the Rusticatio programme. Each group will be responsible for preparing and clearing one or two meals. This not only keeps the price of the program (way) down, it always provides an excellent opportunity to learn and use language while building a sense of community.
Tirones
tiro is the term used to designate those attending their very first Rusticatio. Extra care is made to ensure that tirones are comfortable during the programme. We welcome both new and returning participants.
Sodales
A select few of those returning to Rusticatio will be given the opportunity to be sodales. Sodales participate fully in the Rusticatio program, but also have a special responsibility during free time and mealtimes: to engage participants in conversation and promote engaging discussion, especially with tirones.
Do contact Anthony Gibbins at anthonygibbins@gmail.com if you have any further questions.
All registration is to be done via eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rusticatio-australiana-2019-tickets-55749447097