Sadly our Rick Steve’s Village Italy has come to an end but the experiences and memories will endure. Andrew is currently traveling the long journey home, while I am on a train to Florence for new adventures to begin.

We are travelers, not tourist!

This is an important distinctive philosophy for Rick Steve’s. He encourages finding way to enter through the “back doors” to become “temporary locals,” and believes that “Thoughtful travel engages us with the world, as we learn to appreciate other cultures and new ways to measure quality of life.” These are the values that “sold” us on such a tour.

Our travel has been fun,exhilarating, exhausting, delicious (sometimes gluttonous!), and indeed, memorable. However, the underlying hopes of our explorations were to widen our perspectives, interact with people and cultures different than our own, learn and grow. Brene Brown says, “it’s hard to hate close up.” I believe the more opportunities we have to interact in authentic ways with others, the more likely we are to be able to see the face of Christ reflected back— even, and especially so, in those that are different.

Our two week tour was so jammed packed, it is difficult to provide an adequate summary. I attempted to keep a daily journal so I wouldn’t forget the fullness of each day, so more detailed sharing will come, but here are some of the highlights:

⁃ Byzantine Mosaics and Architecture in Ravenna

⁃ Truffle hunting with Bruno and his amazing dogs near Montefalco followed by a truffle themed sunset dinner overlooking the countryside.

⁃ A group cooking class at an agriturismo using all organic, locally grown and sourced ingredients, which of course was followed by indulging in the four course meal.

⁃ Unceasing overflowing wine – everywhere! (Jesus must be here!)

⁃ Meeting St. Francis in Assisi, a challenging hike to the ancient watch tower, and a spritz on the way back down with an amazing view.

⁃ Innumerable group feasts around joyous tables.

⁃ Riding a boat in the Mediterranean Ocean with fabulous glimpses at the small seaside villages.

⁃ Conquering a rigorous hillside hike (with a “stairway to heaven” -according to Andrew) from the Cinque Terra towns of Monterosso to Vernazza.

⁃ Relaxing at a refreshing pool in the Tuscan countryside

⁃ Enjoying the fascinating history, art, and architecture from the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

Can’t wait to share some of the stories and more pictures! Hope all is well at WestWind!

Arrivederci!