Florence Duomo

We had our first chance to sleep in this morning, until 7:30 !  We met our guide at 9:30 and had a 3-our walk around the historic center of Florence.  Giotto's campanile, or bell tower, is lovely - some climbed to the top.  The Duomo, or Cathedral, is the 4th largest in the world, but was the largest in the world at the time it was built.  The baptistry is most famous for it's doors, the Gates of Paradise.  The crowds are overwhelming - it is April 4th and so any tourists one can scarcely move.  Our anticipated trip to Pisa didn't happen, as there were a number of people who did not want to go... I took the time for a nice nap.  Tomorrow we will visit David in the Academy and tour the Uffize.  Find some pictures from today here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Cathedral and here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence

Sunday Padua to Ravenna to Florence

Tonight is my turn to write the daily blog for our group, so here goes!

We left Padua a very long time ago - actually, it was this morning. We traveled in our bus to Ravenna, through the beautiful Italian countryside, traveling back to the 6^th century, in the 500s. We are beginning to learn about the different regions of Italy, where each region has different geography and different cuisine. In Ravenna, a port city on the Adriatic sea, we learned about a local food specialty, a cheese call squaquaroni, which we ate with parma ham and arugula on a special regional flatbread. It was yummy and worth a try.

But even more importantly, we toured some of the oldest and most beautiful mosaics in the world, the ones in Ravenna dating back to the 500’s. The beauty of the mosaics is certainly beyond description. Our first stop was the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the mosaic on the wall above the door showing the Good Shepherd has been with us all the rest of the day. I was so enchanted by this mosaic that I bought the scarf depicting the ceiling shown in the mosaic. But the most important memory of the day will be Pastor Mike’s sermon later in the day, reminding of us of the overwhelming unconditional love of our shepherd, Jesus Christ, as He not only searches for each one of us whenever we seem lost from the path, but that Christ, our Shepherd, desires each of us to be in close community with all the rest of His sheep.

Time does not allow for more description of the wonderful mosaics and the many places we saw them, but our finale in Ravenna was a tour of a studio where artists reconstruct the old mosaics and also make new creations. We are bringing one back to the church to hang with mementoes of other church pilgrimages, so do look for it after we get back.

Finally, we reached Firenze (Florence in English) and were glad to find rest for the night after another wonderful dinner together. Tomorrow will be another day of adventure together. We are near the center of town, and will tour more amazing historic sites in the morning.

Venice to Ravenna

It will be difficult to tell about each day here, as each day is long and full.  Yesterday we got up at 5 am, had a lovely breakfast, took the bus from our hotel in Padua then the train from Padua to the Venice parking, then the water taxi to San Marco (St. Mark Square).  We arrived there about 11 am and saw so much during the afternoon.  We had a tour of the Cathedral and the Doges Palace and a glass blowing factory, and lots of time to explore on our own.  We had a Gondola ride, then water taxi back to the train to the bus to the restaurant for dinner, and then walked to the hotel and to bed.  But that is only the itinerary ... so much to think and discuss.  More can be seen onour group web site here  http://www.hslckirkland.org/Blog/category/Italy-Trip-2011.aspx 

Please leave comments for me!

Padua and Venice, Italy

It is early in the morning of Saturday, April 2 for us here on the other side of the world.  We stayed in Padua after an impressive tour of the Basilica of St. Anthony and of my favorite, the Giotto frescoes in the Scrovigny Chapel.  <if you do a search you will find of of these famous places.  I was reminded again of so many things, but especially of how many ways in which God comes to us when we expect and look for the wonder of Godàs creation through the hands of faithful people. 

Today after breakfast we will go to Venice and visit St. Marks Cathedral.  I have been there twice before, but also feel newly inspired. 

Blessings to all of you.

SEATAC Airport -

11:00 am - we arrived at the airport.  there are 32 of us going on this trip, including Pastor Mike and his family.  My roommate is Mary Alyce, and my 'buddy' is Velda.  Everyone looks well-organized and in a state of anticipation.  Some have never been to Europe before.  It's a long flight - about 10 hours or more, and then a layover in Frankfort on our way to Venice .  I need to go buy a water bottle - I had a nice one but had to toss it at security - and perhaps I'll buy a sandwich, too - I think there are at least 2 others with a netbook along in our group. 

More later...

The Night Before

Tomorrow morning we meet at the airport at 11:00 a.m. to check in at the Lufthansa check-in counter.  There are 32 people in our group - and I pray that every one will be there in good health.

I have been re-reading all my information about preparing for this pilgrimage.  I am especially interested in looking for the sacred in the unexpected.  While my main purpose in choosing to return to Italy, but this time with Pastor Mike's group from church, is to get to know my fellow members and friends of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church.  I also hope the eyes of my heart are prepared for fresh vision in knowing God and walking with God into the next chapters of my life.  It isn't easy for me to open conversations and get to know new people, and I think this will be my greatest challenge on this pilgrimage.

Preparation for the Journey

Last night we had our last Orientation meeting in preparation for out trip.  Pastor Mike prayed that this would be a spiritual pilgrimage for each one of us, as well as a wonderful experience in getting to know each other and to appreciate the history and culture of Italy.

Much discussion of packing!  and concerns for several with ongoing health issues.  Most of all, great anticipation for the journey!