Scusi, scusi!!

Our apologies for taking a "blogging hiatus". Internet was scarce in Tuscany. But WE'RE BACK!!



Let's see...back to Monday...



Monday morning found us taking a long bus trip to the region of Tuscany.

As we travelled through the country side we encountered a spectacular mountainous view. Tuscany is full of lush, green rolling hills and mountains. Throughout the trip we passed many quaint villages scattered all over the mountainsides. We even occasionally came across some beautiful castles nestled high above.

We stayed in a small town outside of Firenze (Florence) called Montecatini in the Augustus hotel. This town lies at the foot of the Pistonian mountains.

The majority of our day was spent travelling but it wrapped us with a fabulous orchestra concert. The setting of this concert was in a church dating back to 800 A.D. This church started as a merchant setting for selling grain and then was transformed into a church. The elaborate sculptures and paintings, which represented the different guilds, were beautiful. But nothing could take away from the performance of the orchestra and flute soloist. The kids were awestruck and moved. But more enjoyable than anyting was the orchestra performance of Schostakovich.



Story of The Day

Our afternoon concert was entertaining for all. Janice Kim was so excited that as we were sitting up front about to perform, Mr. Bronson raised his baton, looked at the band and found her fast asleep. That is right, flute in hand, audience ready and Janice asleep.



Onto Tuesday...



Tuesday was a very wet, cold and early morning. It found us on a walking tour of Florence. We saw sights such as the David, Old Ponte Vecchio Bridge which is known for its gold merchants, the second largest cathedral dome in Europe, as well as many beautiful and famous sculptures. The rain couldn't dampen our spirits and the afternoon found us enjoying free time in better weather. Many of the students climed 436 steps up to the top of the "Cupola", which is the dome of the catherdral and the highest structure in all of Florence. WHAT AN AMAZING VIEW!!! You will certainly enjoy the pictures!! There was also much shopping done by all where the students learned the fine art of bartering. What deals!!

The evening was capped off with an energetic performance by OJ1 and the choir. A beautiful rendition of Mary Did You Know was performed by Amanda, Kyle and Reanda. We even met some fellow Canadians there.



Story of The Day

Andrew Dove, who is afraid of heights, climbed to the highest flight in Florence and needed the picture to prove it. What you won't see in the picture is the death grip that Rabjohn has on his jacket to help him feel safe. There is no way that guy was getting near the edge without it!! But he did it and we're all proud!!

And today...



Wednesday once again found us on the bus with our earliest start yet. We are travelling on a HUGE bus with a fantastic driver named Rino. You have never seen such tight turns in your life. At one turn 10 cars were forced into reverse or they were going to be squashed!!

The trip was again beautifully scenic. With ancient castles scattered in the hills and villages carved right into the mountains.

After 4 hours we stepped off the bus and straight into an outdoor concert. The performance was entertaining not musically but also interesting as choir members scrambled to help hold music on the stands with an occasional chase scene after a sheet of music. Then onto Rome.

This evening a walking tour provided us with a brief glimpse of the treasures we will explore tomorrow. Every alley seems to hide a new adventure.

Story of The Day
Today's tour of Rome found us in front of the Pantheon which was built in 1 AD. It is simply awesome. As we were standing admiring the view Scott Given approached me (Mrs. Hunter) with a very confused look on his face. "Are you sure this is the Parthenon? Isn't it rectangular?" Scott asked. "Why yes," I replied. "The Parthenon is rectangular Scott. It is also in Greece". He simply shook his head and walked away. Oh Scott...

P.S.
Mr. Bronson has been "blessed" once again (pooped on)

Plse frgve any mstks. It is 12:30 n th mrng. Pctrs to fllw.