What a day……
Trip Start
Jun 10, 2012
1
11
Trip End
Jun 22, 2012
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Thursday, June 21, 2012
The Vatican, Sistine Chapel and the St. Peter's Basilica were incredible sights to see today. We are all in awe of such magnificent sights.
I think for me the Sistine Chapel was the biggest highlight. I wasn't expecting it to be so big! It was overwhelming when you first entered the room - I had to look closely at each "section" to absorb the beauty and detail of this incredible masterpiece. It really is as great and wonderful as people talk about. The students and I were in awe of this rich, cultural experience today!
The students had lunch and a bit of free time by the Spanish Steps and then we were off to our final concert.
The concert tonight was in the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Castello, Tarquinia. The church was built in the 1100"s. It wasn't as ornate as the church last night of course, but just as incredible in a completely different way. you can only imagine what this church has been through throughout the years - if only walls could talk…….
The students plead brilliantly tonight. I reminded them before we started that this was the last concert, not just for my graduating seniors - Rod, Daniel, Nicole and Brenda, but the last night we would play together as a touring orchestra.
The students took that to heart and played with musicality and emotion. The all had excellent "eyes" and showmanship. They exceeded my expectation tonight - it was beautiful. We got a standing ovation, played an encore and meet with the local people from the town. We all felt like rock starts - everyone was charming. The Vivaldi Summer was the best tonight and how appropriate as our summer vacation will officially start once we land in Salt Lake City.
All four concerts were held in very different venues and were the highlight of the overall trip. I couldn't be prouder!
Thank you again for "lending" me your children this year. It has been a work in progress since November and I can't believe that it's almost over! I have loved every minute working with your children, but most importantly bonding with them and getting to know them better…….and boy do I know them better after these past 12/13 days! :)
I am very proud of the work that has taken place and how much each of my student has grown both musically and maturity wise. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with them! Thank you for the opportunity. I love each and every one of them!
We will say good-bye tomorrow to Ho and Lucy as they go back to Korea for the summer.
Alyssa and her family are off to Spain.
Daniel will meet up with his family in Paris.
Boo will go on to Prague and Rod will go off to Norway to join the Waterford Outdoor trip.
Our flight leaves on Air France (#2305) at 7:20 a.m. and gets into Paris at 9:30 a.m. We leave Paris on Delta (#88) at 11:00 a.m. and get into Salt Lake City at 2:10 p.m. I think in the International Terminal.
It has been an incredibly journey…………
Thank you -
Kathy and Craig
Comments
Kathy and Craig, you are awesome! Chaperones, cat-herders, nurses, dietitians, coaches, conductors, mentors, travel agents, tour guides, teachers, and most of all, parents to all our kids and yours. We thank you for the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful adventure. Truly a trip of a lifetime
Boo, we miss you! Give Alex hugs and kisses for us when you see him in Prague!
It is difficult to find the words to express my appreciation. Thank you for truly an experience of a lifetime for them. Not only to tour these amazing countries, but to share their music as a remarkable performing group. You have given our children so very much. I have never felt a twinge of discomfort sending Emily off with you -- a sign of the complete confidence I have in both of you. I know this will be an experience that will shape who these young people are. Also, thank you for all the photos! What treasures! You are both the best, and we love and appreciate you.
With great gratitude.
There is no question in our minds that each & every student will take your names, memories, faces & wonderful education with them throughout the rest of their lives! The largest amount of thank you's could never be enough to describe our greatest gratitude! Kathy & Craig, we love you and THANK YOU!!!!!! Also, the pictures were out of this world!!!!!! :)
Wow what a phenomenal trip this was & traveling with you for part of it I realized how much planning you must have done prior to the trip in order to get as many things in the short amount of time you had there. To be able to do all you did with a group as big, keep it well organized & then on top of of all that keeping everyone smiling & having a great time, you guys are truly awesome. I don't know how you do it but my hats off to you. Thank you for giving these guys the greatest gift in life, unforgettable memories of thier travels & times with their friends & the oportunity to experience performing in new & beautiful places. Thank you, مرسى، eυχαριστώ (efxaristo), & grazie mille! :)
P.s. Rod is also on his way home! After sitting in the airport for several hours waiting on his flight for Norway we decided considering the pain he is in the trip may not be as much fun so he's headed home for some rest & will have the surgery this week. We're so grateful he was able to make this trip, I think he would've been heart broken had he missed it.
Ghaza
Sorry that was me the last comment and wasn't trying to be funny signing my name that way. For some reason when I open the comment box it doesn't allow me to actually see what I'm typing until its posted! So forgive me for some of the odd & incoherant texts!