On April 6, 28 people boarded a plane at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, and I happened to be one of those lucky people. We went to beautiful Italy. Most of us were from Faribault and most of us were Lutheran. I only mention that fact because we went on a trip organized by Seminars International Inc., and they specialize in organizing church trips.

We saw and experienced some amazing things and the weather was perfect. No rain until we were heading to the airport to come home. Every day was sunny with temperatures generally in the 70s. We started in Assisi after landing in Rome following a long flight to Amsterdam. Lorenzo Tarzia was our guide and we had a number of others tell us some stories and share some feelings about life in Italy. We ended in Rome with stops in Siena, Pompeii, Florence, Pisa and Vatican City (which is actually another country).

Assisi is about three hours northeast of Rome in the Umbria region and is a gorgeous hilltop town where St. Francis was born in 1182 and established the Franciscan order. We visited the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which encloses a small chapel associated with the ministry of St. Francis. It is amazing to think that people were living in this area of the world long before the United States of America was born. Virtually every town we visited, restorations were taking place at historic sites, showing how much they embrace and want to acknowledge their rich history.

The food was scrumptious. Pizza is, of course, popular and found everywhere. Italy is well known for it's pasta, and we experienced different types. Our farewell dinner in Rome I had the best chicken I've ever tasted. It was drop-off-the-bone tender and, I think, marinated in green and red peppers.

Over the next week or so I will share some experiences from this trip and encourage you to go to Italy if you have the chance. I'll share some pictures and memories. I have been blessed to be on a handful of these adventures over the past decade. Twice to Tanzania in Africa. And also Israel and Egypt, Prague in the Czech Republic and Germany in addition to this latest excursion. This picture is from Assisi.

Assisi, Italy
Assisi, Italy
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