Week 5

Turkey Trot 

Aiden and Whitney's classes held their annual turkey trot.  Each class ran almost 1 mile in honor of Thanksgiving.  I got to run with each of them!! :)

Benvenuti

I signed up for a 3 day course for newcomers to learn more about the area.  We went on a couple of trips during the 3 days to learn how to use public transportation. 

Our first trip was to downtown Vicenza

We went to the last remaining theater in the world built in the 1500s by Andrea Palladio

This is an optical illusion to make it look like long streets.  However it is actually just wider at the opening and very narrow at the back.

The original wooden bleachers

Church of Santa Corona - built in the 13th century, one of the oldest in Vicenza

In this room they have preserved one of the thorns from Christ's crown

These are statues of the King of France, Jesus, and the Bishop of Vicenza.  The church was a gift to the Bishop from the French King Louis IX

The market that is open from 8-2 every day of the year!

This bridge is over 2000 years old!

Verona

Second day of Benvenuti we went to Verona for the day!  One of my favorite cities we visited when living in Germany.

Entrance to  main square

Second largest colosseum in Italy (after Rome's)

The wall at Juliet's house - you are suppose to write your name and the name of your true love and put it on the wall to make your love last forever

Juliet's balcony

Statue of Juliet.  The right breast is discolored because everyone rubs it for good luck in love.  I just missed this lady - she must have been 80 years old - she climbed up there to rub her breast.  I guess you're never too old for love!

Christmas market

Roasting chestnuts

The Christmas Market was from Nueremberg Germany so lots of German food!  Loved it!!

First Christmas mug of the season!!

Arco dei Gavi - built in the 1st century BC for the Gavi family

Castel San Pietro

The view from inside the castle

Thanksgiving

We were very fortunate to be able to volunteer with the USO for Thanksgiving this year and feed the Soldiers here who are away from their families over the weekend. I can't think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving than to serve the men and women who serve our Country.  I was extremely honored!

Our great new friends the Pedersons

Cute little customers

Happy Thanksgiving to us!!! :)