We are Home!

We made it home safe and sound...and with all of our luggage! Let us rest a bit and we will come back to add more.

Milan

Milan, our last stop, was an interesting place. Many agreed it was a people watching paradise. The sense of style was facinating. We visited the Duomo & we even got to sing a little during our tour of La Scala.

Venice

For many Venice will go down as two of our most special days in Italy. The weather could not have been more perfect and we had FREE TIME to explore. At Stefano's suggest our goal was to get lost in Venice. And get lost we did. The spirit of this city is so alive. Great food, music and so much shopping & picture taking. I will let the photos speak for themselves.



Where is Scooter now? Hint: Why can't I have a "den" like this back at CC?


Dr. & Mrs. Winkelmeyer...Our trip winners! I think they might be enjoying Venice...what do you think?

Day 5 Siena

The two hour drive to Siena was a welcome nap for all the weary travelers. The tour guides talked of an art hangover yesterday...now I know what they meant. Our heads are swimming. Siena was for many the most favorite stop thus far. Quaint, old, slower pace, less people...all made for a day that we shant forget.


Even with rain...lovely.



After another two hour nap on the bus back to Florence our day ended with a full concert at Chiesa Santa Maria de Ricci. I knew that the concert would be something special when during the warm-up several of the singers were in tears. The accoustics of the space allowed for an intimate concert with perfect sound. We sang to a packed house who enthusiastically recieved us with bravos and a standing ovation. Truly one of the most magical music moments of my life.


Video to come soon!

Day 4 Florence

Today we drove to Florence. The first stop is Michelangelo's David. It is breathtaking.


Wow this line is serious!


No really, the tour guide told me to take a picture.


Santa Maria de Fiore...we sang an impromptu version of Biebl's Ave Maria and we were surrounded by hundreds of people. It was so cool.


Our guide was amazing...we have been so lucky to have the most amazing teachers to guide us on this incredible journey.


The Rape of the Sabine Woman! I can't believe we get to see this stuff in person.

Day 3 Concerts

Today was a day we will never forget. The Vatican Museum...The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica! We even squeezed in The Pantheon. There were so many people...5-6 hundred people were in attendance and an estimated 20 thousand people were in St. Peter's Basilica as we led the 5 pm mass. The day ended with a full concert. There are no words.




As expected the music was changed when we arrived...we were even required to sing with the priest...last minute...and in Italian!




Where in the World is Scooter now?


Following a lovely dinner just down the street we headed straight to St. Eustachio for our first full evening concert. The space was intimate...compared to St. Peter's...the acoustics were amazing and we were tired.

Day 2.....Ancient Rome...Where do I Begin?

Hello Everyone. We are finally ALL here and we all have our bags.

Day 2 was an amazing day filled with sites of ancient Rome. The weather was sunny and warm and we walked till our feet could take no more. Our heads were spinning with the full weight of Roman history laid out before us. The Colosseum...Roman Forum...Spanish steps & Trevi Fountian...ALL in one day. We were even able to squeeze in a short rehearasl at the hotel so Nollie might get some much needed rest before our big day in Vatican City.




Where in the World is Scooter? Alright folks we are starting easy.



GROUP SHOT!!!! Palatine Hill.



The Roman Forum...there are tourists everywhere...oh wait that's part of our group!





Becca drinking from the Fountian of the Old Boat credited to Bernini's Father.



What's so funny?