Blazor Master Class 2024
with Carl Franklin
Castello di Magona
Tuscany, Italy
September 21 - 28, 2024
Spend a week in a luxurious Tuscan castle.
Each morning, learn Blazor with world-renowned expert Carl Franklin. In the afternoons and evenings, explore the best Tuscany has to offer with hosts Larry Lustig and Marco Chelo, and local guides, and enjoy the 16th century Castello di Magona, once home to the Dukes of Tuscany.
Bring a companion! There are extra morning activities for them if they're not interested in the course.
The Course
Blazor is an exciting Microsoft technology that allows web applications to be written in one language including server-side and client-side interactive code. No one has more experience training people in Blazor than Carl Franklin.
Blazor Master Class is intended for experienced programmers who have little experience with Blazor or who are moderately familiar with Blazor but want to take their knowledge to the next level. The course, which is taught in C#, will take you from Blazor's component architecture (the heart of its power) to the various hosting models (server-side, WebAssembly, and the hybrid model), to deployment. Along the way, we'll develop and deploy a real-world Blazor application.
Prerequisites
For this you'll need the following:
* A working knowledge of C#
* A laptop computer with the latest version of Visual Studio Community Edition (or better) installed
Topics Covered
Introducing Blazor
Blazor Server vs WebAssembly
WebAssembly Under the Hood
Anatomy of a Blazor Project
Configuration & Dependency Injection
Layout, Routing, and Navigation
Blazor Component Lifecycle
Binding and Event Handling
Hot Reloading
Input Validation
Modal Dialogs
Application State
JavaScript Interop
Building and Sharing Components
Using TypeScript
Routing ASPX requests to Blazor Pages
Using SignalR
Data Access using Repository Pattern
Using Dapper
Syncing CRUD Operations with SignalR
Authentication/Authorization
gRPC vs API Streaming
Self-Aware Components
Handling App Updates
Deployment
Preview of Blazor in .NET 9
The Area
The Castello di Magona is located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, in the town of Campiglia Marittima, a beautiful off-the-beaten-path hill town. The location offers easy access to both Tuscan hill country and the coast.
The nearby Mediterranean seacoast, sometimes referred to as the "Etruscan Riviera," offers a variety of beaches, both the classic Italian scene of umbrella-covered sand backed by beachfront restaurants, as well as "wild" beaches backed by dunes and vegetation. The beaches here tend towards sand, rather than the pebble or rocks-slab beaches elsewhere in Italy.
A short drive inland brings us to the classic heart of Tuscany, with rolling vineyard-covered hills and medieval hill-top towns. Within 90 minutes we can reach the historic and stunningly beautiful walled cities of Siena, Lucca, and Grosseto, and a little further afield, Florence.
The Castle
The Castello di Magona (also called Castello Leopoldo) has its origins in the 16th century on the foundations of an even older palace. For many years it was a residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, culminating in the final Duke, Leopoldo II, who abdicated in 1859.
The castle was renovated starting in 1900 under the auspices of the Italian Institute of Fine Arts. Under private ownership, today it is a grand residence decorated throughout with coffered and painted ceilings, frescoes, antique furniture, and art. There are many public areas including three sitting rooms and a bar.
The castle is nestled in a beautiful space including parking, a rose garden, terraces, and a crystal-clear swimming pool. We will have exclusive use of the entire complex for the week.
Rooms & Prices
Early Bird Special
Until May 15th we're offering a discount of $500 off any room (single, double, or triple occupancy). Full prices are listed below. Contact us and we'll invoice you at the discounted rate.
Prices are per room and depend on the room selected and the number of people occupying the room. Everyone who attends is welcome, but not required, to take the course. We do expect that at least one person in each room is there for the course. During class, companions are free to enjoy the castle facilities or to participate in additional escorted activities arranged for them.
Some rooms can be made up with one large bed or two twin beds (as is common in Europe). If you are a single course participant and looking to split the cost of a room, contact us and we'll put you in touch with anyone else who has a similar interest.
Room Name (>> Scroll) | Status | Beds | Bathroom | Single Occupancy | Second Occupant | Third Occupant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grand Duke's Room (1) | King | Private | $12,000 | + $2,000 | + $2,000 | |
View Suite | King or 2 Twins | Private | $11,000 | + $2,000 | + $2,000 | |
Courtyard Suite | King or 2 Twins | Private | $10,000 | + $2,000 | + 2,000 | |
Attic Suite | Queen | Private (tub with view) | $10,000 | + $2,000 | — | |
Michael's Room | King or 2 Twins | Private | $10,000 | + $2,000 | + $2,000 | |
Murano Room (9) | King or 2 Twins | Private | $8,000 | + $2,000 | — | |
Elba View 1 | King or 2 Twins | Private | $8,000 | + $2,000 | — | |
Elba View 2 | King or 2 Twins | Private (Shower Only) | $8,000 | + $2,000 | — | |
Courtyard View | King or 2 Twins | Private | $8,000 | + $2,000 | — | |
Tower Room | King or 2 Twins | Private (Shower Only) | $7,000 | + $2,000 | — |
Please note the following
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All rooms have air conditioning, although on very hot days the rooms do not get as cold as American air conditioning.
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All rooms have private bathrooms. Most rooms have a tub / shower combination but several have only a shower, as noted.
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Those rooms marked as "Double or 2 Singles" have two twin beds combined into a double bed, which can also be separated.
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Mattresses and pillows tend towards "extra firm".
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Where triple occupancy is available, the third bed is a roll-away and is appropriate for a child or teenager.
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Some windows have screens (very unusual for Europe!), but not all of them.
The Team
Our team will ensure that your visit to the Castello di Magona is not only the most valuable professional learning experience you've ever had, but also an unforgettable getaway. In addition to our team members, the attentive castle staff will endeavor to make your stay delightful.
Itinerary
Breakfast is daily from 8:00 to 9:00 am. For those taking the course, classes will run from approximately 9:00 am to 1:00 pm each day. For those not taking the course, activities generally start around 10 am. The rest of the group will join us later in the day.
We keep the group pretty busy (there's a lot to see and do in the Maremma) but all activities are optional so if you want a day to simply enjoy the castle and hang out by the pool, do it!
All the activities (admissions, guide fees, etc.) are included in the trip. For the very small number of exclusions, see the descriptions below, and the Inclusions & Payments section.
We keep the specific itinerary flexible to account for special opportunities and to plan around the weather, but here are some of the activities we have planned for the week.
Roman Spa Day
Tuscany is an active geothermal area with many hot springs. We'll visit one dating back to Roman times. This was one of the group's favorite activities in 2023. Admission and use of the facilities are included. Treatments are not included, however. These need to be booked in advance, and we can help.
Tour of Siena
You've heard of Florence and you've heard of Pisa, but do you know Siena? Siena is the most attractive and interesting city in Tuscany. We'll take a guided tour of the city, focusing on the history of the Palio, a wild horse race that has taken place in the city's central piazza for 400 years. Oh — and ice rcream.
Beach Day at Baratti
It's not well-known, but the Maremma has some of the finest beaches in Italy including the nearby Gulf of Baratti and Spiaggia di Rimigliano where (weather permitting) we'll enjoy a beach day, lunch al fresco, and finish up with a visit to the picturesque hilltop fort of Populonia (population 17).
Vineyard Tour & Tasting
Wine is a very local thing in Italy, and the Maremma is home to some unique grapes and varieties. We'll be visiting the Rocca di Frasinello winery for a tour and tasting. In addition to the wine, Rocca features a cellar designed by the famed architect Renzo Piano and a small museum of Estrucan archeology.
Local Hill Towns
Our region of the Maremma is home to some of Tuscany's most scenic (and less-touristy) hill towns. We'll have the chance to visit Campiglia Marittima, Suvereto, and Bolgheri, among others. If you're looking for a romantic dinner for a small group, we can help you book into the small restaurants in these towns.
San Silvestro Mine & Park
The history of mining goes back at least to the Estruscans. At San Silvestro, we can visit old mining works as well as ride a train through the mines. We'll take an (optional) hike to a ruined medieval village, or you can set off on your own on one of the marked paths. The park also features a contemporary art exhibit.
Food & Drink
Both food and drink are treated with a great deal of respect by Italians, and we'll be doing the same during our week in Tuscany. Breakfast at the castle is included every day. Lunch is included on some days, and four of the dinners are also included. Drinks, including alcohol and a variety of interesting Italian soft drinks, are also included. We make every effort to cater to special diets.
Meals
Breakfast: Breakfast is served by the castle staff and can be enjoyed indoors or in the Rose Garden. Breakfasts in Italy tend to be heavy on pastries, but there will also be meats, cheeses, and eggs available.
Lunch: Lunches will be available at the castle in the form of a cold buffet of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and fruits. When away from the castle, lunch may be part of a visit to a local food producer, or may be at a seaside pizzeria or local osteria.
Dinner: Two of our dinners, on days two and seven, will be catered affairs at the castle. These will be served in the rose garden, weather permitting, or in the castle's dining room. We'll set the menus for these dinners once we know the preferences of all the attendees.
Other included dinners will be in well-respected local restaurants. For one of these dinners dressier clothes are appropriate.
For those dinners not included, we're happy to advise you on the local restaurant scene and help with reservations. Please note that many restaurants in Italy require reservations and don't open for dinner until 8pm.
Drinks
It's no secret that Italians in general, and Tuscans in particular, are a wine-drinking people. A selection of local wines will be available at the castle. Included meals also include house wines with lunch and dinner.
In addition, Italy has a rich culture of pre-dinner (aperitivi) and post-dinner (digestivi) drinks. We'll stock the castle with a variety of Italian amari (bitters) and other items for those who want to educate themselves about this aspect of Italian dining.
Non-drinkers are also cared for with a rich selection of Italian soft drinks which rarely make it out of the country. It's not necessary to drink alcohol to experience new tastes in Italy.
Special Diets
If you have special dietary restrictions, we're here to help you. At our group meals, we'll make sure you have plenty to eat. For meals on your own, we can help you find a suitable restaurant and make sure that the restaurant understands your requirements.
Gluten-Free: For a country so identified with pasta, there is a surprising awareness about gluten-free diets in Italy. The good news is that Italy has a long gastronomic history of using non-wheat flours (such as chickpea and chestnut flours) for both sweet and savory dishes.
Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan: Experienced Italian eaters know that one secret of Italian food is that the meat is rarely the star of the meal. Pescatarians and vegetarians will have no problem at all eating during our week in Italy. If you're vegan, you'll have a slightly harder time of it (you already knew that, didn't you?) but you'll still find plenty of delicious pasta and vegetable dishes.
Low Carb & Keto: Both Carl and Larry follow low-carbohydrate diets. The pizza and pasta are difficult for us. The local cuisine, however, is also rich in salumi (preserved meats) and cheeses. We're near the coast and will have a steady supply of fish and seafood. Also, Tuscan beef is famous around the world.
Religious: Yes, there is a fair amount of pork in the Italian diet but, as with meat in general, it's easy to avoid and we're happy to help. Because we're so close to the sea, fish is always an option. Tuscan beef is famous, and pizza is generally safe (and is available in non-dairy styles as well).
Inclusions & Payment
Included in the Price
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Accommodation as selected during booking, including one mid-week housekeeping.
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Full use of the castle's pool and other facilities.
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Tuition in the course for 1, 2, or 3 people per room.
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Meals:
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Breakfast every day
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Four dinners: catered welcome dinner at the castle on the second night, a farewell dinner on the last night, and two other restaurant dinners.
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Four lunches during tours.
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House wine and other drinks included with all meals and at the castle.
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All activities discussed in the Activities section, including guiding fees and admissions where required.
Not Included
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Transportation to and from the venue.
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Transportation to the various activities (but if you prefer not to rent a car, contact us and we'll consider providing transportation for a small supplement).
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Mandatory travel insurance.
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Meals not specified in the Included section.
Payment
A deposit of 25% is required at the time of reservation to select a room. This deposit is refundable for 14 days or until July 1st, whichever is earlier. After that, the deposit is non-refundable.
Full payment is due July 10th. This payment is non-refundable. In the event that you are not able to attend you may nominate an alternate person to attend in your place.
We accept payment by bank wire, credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Insurance
You are required to have insurance with "cancel for any reason" coverage. We will ask you for the name of the carrier and the policy number during booking.
Inquire / Book Now
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Booking and inquires start the same way, by contacting us using the form below. We're happy to communicate by email or to give you a call at your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course tax deductible?
You will need to consult your tax advisor. In general, the cost of training and education (including transportation and lodging) is deductible under US law if it relates to your business and benefits your business activities.
Will my employer pay for this course?
It's possible. This is a professional education course taught by a well-known professional trainer who offers similar (but generally less in-depth) versions of the same materials at conferences and corporate training sessions. The cost, on a double-occupancy basis, is generally in line with courses of similar length taught in other venues. We are always happy to communicate with your HR department if they have questions or if they require an itemized breakdown.
Is there a minimum number needed for the course?
Yes, we need to fill six of the ten rooms in order for the course to go ahead.
What language is the course taught in?
While our team speaks English, Italian, some French, and some Spanish, all the teaching will be in English only.
Do I need my own transportation?
Yes. We expect each party to arrive at the venue by car. If you are interested in sharing a car with another attendee, please let us know and we'll put you in touch with anyone else in a similar position.
If you prefer not to drive, we're considering offering transportation service in a small mini-bus for an extra charge of about $500 per person. Please inquire if interested.
Is the Castello di Magona a hotel?
No, the castle is not a hotel. Think of it more as a very, very nice vacation rental that is only available as an exclusive weekly rental. No one else will be staying there with us (the owner lives in a separate wing). There will be one housekeeping visit midway through the week.
Will my non-course attending companion enjoy this program?
Yes, possibly more than you! We work very, very hard to ensure that there's plenty of activity for everyone. While attendees are in class, other people can enjoy the castle or some of the separate activities we organize for them. Of the three-person staff we'll have at the program, only Carl is dedicated to the instruction. Larry and Marco will be organizing other activities.
What if I'm one person but want to pay the double-occupancy rate?
We don't arrange roommates ourselves, but if you're interested in sharing one of the rooms that can be configured with twin beds, please let us know and we'll put you in touch with anyone else who is also interested.
Is my special diet accommodated?
We make every effort to cater to special diets. If your diet isn't covered in the Food & Drink section, please contact us with details and we'll see what we can do.