ITALY....PARADISE.....

Yes, Italy is TRULY paradise! When Tracie and I taught in Orvieto in 2009 I was awe struck by the vistas, the people and the artwork both in architecture and in murals. Reading in books or seeing in pictures is just not the same. The preservation of the buildings for centuries is something that the Italians have mastered. Each has a unique beauty beyond words. The eyes are constantly searching for more to see.

All my life I have heard how "young" our country is but somehow it did not register until I visited ancient Rome. Then I realized what "infants' our buildings are. I was embarrassed to think that we tear buildings down when they are still only adolescents. Oh, how old the streets, buildings and statues! What Beauty!





The train tip to Orvieto was filled with fantastic views of small villages, coupled with miles of hills and valleys. When we arrived the view from the train station left us speechless.














An afternoon trip to a local vineyard was no less beautiful!








Off to the market. Wow, what color! Shopping daily for lunch was a treat to remember.
















Then, we spent a couple of afternoons touring Orvieto taking pictures. These pictures would be used to create beautiful hand painted works to remember our trip. Students were excited to learn how to take their pictures then create memorable keepsakes of the days spent with friends. Capturing the details for an artwork to hang on the wall gave them a constant reminder of the days in this wonderful land. Each student chose their favorite architectural find then painted a unique artwork.

One student took a picture of this ancient door.





















Then, using the techniques Tracie and I taught she painted this lovely picture. She also incorporated flowers to remind her of the gardens in the courtyard where we stayed. Later, she added her thoughts on the lines to the right hand side of the picture depicting her most favorable memory.






















We would love for you to join us in September when we return to Italy once more. We have been invited to return to Orieto with Kristin and Bill on another FABULOUS Adventure in Italy!

If you have never been to Italy this is an opportunity to share the experience with a group of friends. We keep our group small so the experience is intimate. Spaces are limited so if you want to go with us, you must sign up right away. This is truly an experience you will never forget. Tracie and I can hardly wait to return to paradise.