Ciao friends and family!

Another week said and done it Italy... Though the days seem to have been mashed into one whirl of splendor. Where to begin! Chronologically perhaps. 

We arrived in the city of Palermo on Monday the 29th after a brief flight from Rome, and I think it's safe to say the group was in shock as to the atmosphere of the city. This being trash, shit and an occasional bum as we dodged scooters trying to get to our hotel. All was well though our lodging was quite nice, just not the image you have in mind when you think about the beautiful island of Sicily. Should have known expected it seeing as it is a port city. Throughout the week we drove all over the island to places such as Selinunte, Agrigento and the Reserva Della Zingaro (a natural preserve where we did some hiking and swam in crystal clear waters). On Friday we changed our home base to Catania which is on the east side of the island, where we visited Siracusa, and today Taromina which is nestled right below mount etna. All these places host archeological sites belonging to the Romans and Greeks throughout a variety of time periods. It's alot to take in but great to see none the less! 

Tomorrow we are destined for Rome where we will be operating for a week, and then returning to the Villa in Perugia to begin our watercolor studies with Jim. 

Food is great! Wine is also great! The hardest part is ordering food and communicating with the drivers. But as Leo says " No broken bones. We're alright. " life goes on. 

I will be able to upload a myriad of my photos when we return to the villa and have use of a computer  at the ready. That's it for now. Hope it's not too cold in Billings as I sit on the beach in October ;) 

 

Ciao!