News from Italy

Lauren and her group have been touring all over: Siena, Florence, Venice, Lucca, Pistoia, Pisa, etc. She's been exposed to gorgeous cathedrals, magnificent statues, glorious paintings, and more. Some of the churches were covered (floor, ceilings, walls) with mosaics, one glittering gold.

She painted this postcard for us in Burano, an island near Venice, with many colorful houses and canals of its own.
Lauren has stayed up late and risen early to take photos. "I am extremely tired and my feet feel like they’re going to fall off but I’ve never been happier." One night a former Aegean Center student surprised everyone (even the AC's director!) by shutting down his restaurant in Rome and traveling to the villa to prepare a special dinner. "We had champagne, wild boar, and the most delicious onions I have ever had. There was also hand made ravioli (pasta made from scratch) filled with spinach and sage. We also had fish and chickpeas, and for dessert, tiramisu! SO DELICIOUS. What a wonderful night."

I'm so glad and grateful that Lauren's enjoying such a fabulous experience. A little bit jealous, maybe, but mostly glad!