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| St. Peter's Dome - Vatican |
Well, I finally traveled to Italy in September 2017. It was a dream trip on many levels. In fact, I still get 'high' when I think about the trip. There were so many wonderful people, and experiences it changed me in ways completely unexpected.
The first milestone was traveling alone and navigating a foreign country, flight delays, lost luggage and other the strange things that happen during a trip of a lifetime. Nevertheless, I survived! In fact I thrived!
First two days in Rome meant I had to see the Vatican. I knew there would be a lot of art, but had no idea just how much. It was overwhelming with eye candy everywhere, yes everywhere! I went early to avoid the afternoon crowds and it paid off. Later in the day crowds blocked the views.
I started at the Angel Entrance because it was so convenient to my hotel room. I spent the entire day at the Vatican from 8 am until late afternoon. Yes, there is that much to see!! I won't bore you with all my photos, but here are a few highlights of my day. The Sistine Chapel was terribly crowed by afternoon, but I still feel the emotion of seeing it in person. All very humbling.
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| Angel Entrance |
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| Fully sculpted statues above each column. |
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| La Ghirlanda |
On Friday 9/15/17, I walked from the hotel to meet the rest of the group heading to Umbria for a painting workshop. This workshop was arranged and organized by the Winslow Art Center on Bainbridge Island.
We stayed at the Villa LaGhirlanda. This villa has wonderful accommodations and staff. The estate is quite grand with olive groves and grape vines they use to produce their own oil and fabulous wines. I still cannot believe how spoiled I felt. I tear up even now just thinking about it all.
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| We ate family style everyday. |
There were so many wonderful people attending the workshop. Switzerland, France, England, New England and the Pacific Northwest were all represented. We played 'musical chairs' at each meal allowing new conversations with everyone. The group got along so well, you'd think we were hand picked just for this trip. Loved, Loved, Loved it!
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| Grape Variety |
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| Mitch and Shirley |
We took a couple of day trips to Todi, Lubriano, and Civita di Bagnoregio.
So many wonderful things to see, food to eat, and people to meet.
Did I mention there are beautiful churches everywhere???
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| Group visiting Todi. |
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| Civita di Bagnoregio |
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| Civita di Bagnoregio - Sketch © R. Campagna 2017 (I'll post more images in future blogs.) |
The day before we left for Rome, we had a wine tasting luncheon on the outdoor terrace overlooking the fields that was all one could hope for. I still have to pinch myself to be sure I wasn't imagining this wonderful experience. Grazie, La Ghirlanda!!!
So after a week of wonderful food, company, and weather, it was time to go back to Rome.
I stayed at a new hotel near the Borghese Gallery where I could see more art of course!
The Bernini sculptures did not disappoint. The museum is located in a park that houses other museums, horse arenas, and even a zoo.
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| Apollo and Daphne |
Also, walked to the Spanish Steps with shops galore for tourists, but I was interested in the street artists, live music, and families enjoying their day. I admit that I cried at knowing I had to head home the next day.
Up at 6 am off to the airport and back to Seattle, WA!!
So much more to tell, but this I hope gives you a taste of my wonderful trip to Italy. I'd go back in a heartbeat, and seriously hope to do just that someday.
