Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Table of Contents

Coming to Rusticatio

  1. What should I bring with me?
  2. What should I wear?
  3. How do I get to Rusticatio?
  4. When should I arrive for Rusticatio?
  5. What happens at registration?

  1. What should I bring with me?

    You are not required to bring any books with you, however you may wish to bring a dictionary, your favorite Latin grammar, a notebook and writing implements.

    You'll find your time at Claymont most rewarding if you use it to take a break from your normal routine and immerse yourself in Latin, psychologically as well as functionally. If you wish, you can bring something you've always wanted to read in Latin, but do not bring any non-Latin reading materials. In addition, we ask that you avoid long telephone calls that are not in Latin. If you must remain in frequent touch with the outside world during the workshop, you should bring a cell-phone as Claymont has no guest telephone. If anyone is inclined to tweet or blog his/her experience, we ask only that you refrain from doing it during class time -- and that you do it in Latin. Please be aware that there is no Internet access on site.

    Sunscreen and mosquito repellant are very good things to have. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you might want to bring decongestants or antihistamines.

    Last but not least, musical instruments are always welcome.

  2. What should I wear?

    The weather in West Virginia in July will likely be very hot and muggy. Bring your most comfortable, casual clothes. Make sure you bring a pair of closed-toed shoes because you will be taking turns in the kitchen helping with meal prep, service and cleanup. Sturdy shoes would also be appropriate for taking walks during down-time on the Claymont property. If you'd like to bring a set of nice clothes for our inaugural dinner or any religious services you may wish to attend in town, please feel free (but by no means obliged) to do so. A bathrobe and flip-flops or other shower shoes are strongly recommended.

  3. How do I get to Rusticatio?

    Directions to the Claymont Estate are available on the Claymont Society Website.

    The nearest airport to the Claymont Estate is Washington Dulles International Airport.

    We recommend that you work out ride-sharing agreements with other Rusticatio participants to get to Claymont. When you receive confirmation that you have been admitted to Rusticatio you will be invited to join a Google group. You can use this group to get to know each other and to organize carpools.

    There is a MARC train that goes from Washington DC's Union Station to Harper's Ferry. This option is probably only useful to you if you are flying into Reagan/National Airport which is on the Metro line. Look at the schedule for the BRUNSWICK line. Harper's Ferry is about a 30 minute cab ride from Claymont. Please note that this is a commuter train and runs M-F during rush hour times ONLY. If you used this option you would have to stay in a hotel or B & B since you would have to come in the day before Rusticatio starts. See their website for information about schedules, fares, and reservations: [Maryland Transit Administration]

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  4. When do I need to arrive for Rusticatio?

    You will be informed of the start day and time of Rusticatio. Please do not arrive before that. Rusticatio staff are energetically, enthusiastically and diligently preparing for your arrival up to the time official registration opens. In order to welcome you properly, we need all of the preparation time we have scheduled for ourselves.

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  5. What happens at registration?

    The first day is our "settling in" day. When you arrive at Claymont Mansion, you will be met by a SALVI greeter, who will help you unload your car and direct you to the registration table. At registration you will be given the usual things, a name tag and folder.