Lucca

Having heard of this walled city's beauty for years, I was eager to visit. It is a bit larger than I imagined and hosts more tourists than I prefer to find on weekend trips, but it is lovely. Because it was late June, the sun was still quite strong when I photographed at the end of the day. I must return at dawn or sometime much later in the year. Nevertheless, the summer sun made it a city of wonderfully long shadows. Perhaps my favorite discovery was the sight of children wildly and happily chasing pigeons in the piazza while the nearby merry-go-round stood empty. I got caught photographing on the sly the two distinguished gentleman at the end of this series. They were FURIOUS, but it's a great image.

Vicenza

This beautiful theatre located in Vicenza and designed by Palladio is a theatre geek's dream. J Stanley, one of my nearest and dearest friends from I.U. days, and I took the trip by train--3.5 hours each way. As usual there were plenty of challenges and mistakes made in traveling with trenitalia, but the entire town surpassed our expectations and the beauty of the theatre itself brought tears to these oh-so-nerdy professors' eyes.

Firenze

Firenze is always a great way to unwind!

The following view out my hotel window showed me this extraordinary cloud formation. After a long trip to Vicenza, J and I hurried to a special spot in time to catch an early summer Italian sunset on the Ponte Vecchio and surrounding area.

Paris

The Lovett Lacoste trip ended with three nights in Paris. I was not sure I could love any place as much as I do the villages of Lourmarin or Rousillon (see below), but Paris is close to heaven on earth. Highlights of this last leg include L'Orangerie with its exquisite waterlilies courtesy of Monsieur Monet, Musee D'Orsay, terrific vin, Versailles, La Tour Eiffel at sunset, more great vin, and always the very special company of my dear friend Karey.

Thanks to all, but especially Karey, Amy, Emma, and, of course, all the Lovett students. I did not get a chance for a proper goodbye because of a last minute glitch with my airport shuttle, but I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Lovett community. Bless you all...and stay in touch.

Versailles