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Copper Canyon - Mexico
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Copper Canyon ~ Mexico ~ October 2005

Our wonderful Copper Canyon experience starts from the Airport Hilton in El Paso, Texas, where forty-four excited travelers share a delicious dinner and an introduction by our Caravan Tour Director, Guillermo (Memo) Adame. Next morning a comfortable motor coach transports us across the Rio Grande, through Juarez, to a traditional Mennonite encampment to enjoy a nutritious lunch. There are about 45,000 Mennonites in Mexico. In 1922 they came from Canada and have transformed the desert into fertile farmland. Our bus deposits us at Creel (established 1564) for an overnight stay at the Parador de la Montana. At 7,700 feet, it is the highest overnight on our tour. There is time for hiking in the morning and a visit to the Creel Museo. Then, we depart for an 8-hour train ride over the Sierra Madres in a first class chartered car. First stop is in Divisadero, pass over the Chinapaas River, and we are introduced to the Tarahumara Indians. Creel is in the state of Chihuahua. Our destination is El Fuerte in the state of Sinaloa.
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Copper Canyon Caravan Tour

Map of Train Route and Tour Director Memo at Briefing in Texas

Ann and Madeleine arrive early at the Airport Hilton in El Paso

First Stop for a delicious Mennonite Meal (Judy White)

Mennonite Restaurant and Locals

Driver Gil at First Stop - Commercial Establishment next to Restaurant

Town and Countryside along the way to Creel, taken from bus

Memo inspects baggage upon arrival - Madeleine outside room in Creel

Mints on pillow in Creel - Mural on Wall

Madeleine and Del Shopping on main street of Creel

Creel Plaza and main street

Gazebo at Plaza in Creel

Rustic old Church at Plaza in Creel

Mission at Plaza in Creel and Tarahumara Indian Children

Happy Hour - Madeleine and Ann - Jim and Judy White

Happy Hour - Cheri and Keith

Happy Hour in Creel

Rustic Bar in Creel and our Tour Director Memo

Musicians entertain us during dinner in Creel.

Early Morning Hike

Rocks behind Hotel - Great Hiking

View of Creel from Rocks and Christ the King on Hilltop

Rock Formations on Hilltop

View from Hillside of Homes and Town of Creel

Copper Canyon View from Train

Train Stop at Divisadero - Tarahumara Indians sell Baskets

Tarahumara Indian Children at Divisadero

Sights from the Train - a Billboard just outside Divisadero

Tarahumara selling Baskets at Train Stop - Castles in the landscape

View of a Town from the Train

Cross on a Hill and Long Needle Pine used for Baskets

Copper Canyon View from Train

Bridge and River

Train Siding and Tracks across Canyon

Copper Canyon View from Train

Lake

River

El Fuerte, Sinaloa
We spend two nights in El Fuerte at the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, a mansion built 1903-1908 by Don Rafael J. Almada into the hill on seven levels with numerous hanging gardens.The mansion was purchased in 1968 by Lic. Roberto Balderrama Gomez, to be restored and converted into the splendid hotel that it is today.
The town was founded by Francisco de Ibarra around 1564, originally named San Juan. Later the town was renamed El Fuerte. Construction of the fort began in 1608 and was completed in 1610. It was built by Martinez de Hurdaide as defense. The old fort is now a museum. The Palacio Municipal was built 1903-1907 by Don Rafael J. Almada.
Our float trip on the El Fuerte River afforded us a glorious view of numerous birds that live by the river.
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Posada Del Hidalgo in El Fuerte

Posada Del Hidalgo Gardens

Posada Del Hidalgo Courtyards

Posada Del Hidalgo Gardens

Posada Del Hidalgo Poolside and Bathroom Sink

Palacio Municipal in El Fuerte

Public Building and Post Office in El Fuerte

Market Area and Department Store

El Fuerte Church

Inside Church and Building Construction

El Fuerte Museum Entrance - Original Fort

El Fuerte Museum

Views of El Fuerte from atop Fort Museum

10/24/05 United Nations Day Parade

Parade

El Fuerte Youth at Plaza and Hotel El Fuerte

El Fuerte Streets

Walk from Hotel to Lunch at El General

Walk from Hotel to Lunch at El General in El Fuerte

Lunch at El General in El Fuerte

Musicians and Folklorico Dancers at Posada Del Hidalgo

Happy Hour at Posada Del Hidalgo

Breakfast at Posada del Hidalgo - Jose and 3-week-old Burro at Train Station

El Fuerte River - Habitat Birds

Float Trip on El Fuerte River

Posada Mirador Hotel in Barrancas
A three-hour train ride transports us from El Fuerte to Barrancas. Upon our arrival at Posada Mirador, perched on the edge of the canyon, we are warmly greeted with margueritas. The outside deck provides an ideal spot for socializing as we take in the spectacular views. Every room at Posada Mirador has a private terrace overlooking the canyon. This is our opportunity to have a more intimate look at the Tarahumara Indians in their habitat .
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Train from El Fuerte to Barrancas

Copper Canyon Views from Train

Posada Mirador Hotel Entrance in Barrancas

Posada Mirador Hotel Front Doors and Stain Glass Window

Posada Mirador Hotel in Barrancas hangs on a Cliff

Happy Hour on the Deck at Posada Mirador

View from Balcony at Posada Barrancas Mirador

Ann and Madeleine - Jim and Judy - from Balcony

Room Ceiling and Beds

Sunrise at Posada Barrancas Mirador

Tarahumara Indian Musicians and Dance

Tarahumara Indian Games

Tarahumara Ladies at Hotel Entrance - View from Cliff

Tarahumara Dwelling and Water Cistern on Cliff

Tarahumara Woman and Laundry (Wash Tub)

Tarahumara Woman and Girls

Tarahumara Shed and Hog Pen on the Cliff

Hiking on the Cliffs

Chihuahua
Chihuahua is a city of approximately one million people. We enjoy magnificent views from our 15th floor room at the Palacio del Sol. On a tour of Chihuahua we visit the 1890 governor's palace of DeVaca where the story of Chihuahua is depicted by murals painted in 1960 by Amora. The baroque cathedral becomes the backdrop for a group photo. This Metropolitan Cathedral of Chihuahua was built by miners over 99 years. The Museum of the Revolution is the former home of Poncho Villa. We enjoy a Mata Ortiz Paquime pottery demonstration.
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Palacia del Sol - Tarahumara Mural and Glass Artwork depicting Icarus, son of Daedalus, who dared to fly too near the sun on wings of feathers and wax

Happy Hour at Palacio del Sol in Chihuahua - Musicians Luis and Eduardo

Chihuahua Cathedral Front Entrance and Side of Building

Chihuahua Cathedral - Interior Carved Door

Chihuahua Statue of Ulloa

Chihuahua Fountain and Pigeons

Chihuahua

Views from Room on 15th Floor of Palacio del Sol

Pottery Demonstration

National Museum is former home of Pancho Villa - Artesanias

Chihuahua Tour - Lunch at Los Vitales

Lunch at Los Vitales in Chihuahua

Dinner at Los Mezquites in Chihuahua

Musicians entertain at Los Mezquites

Phyllis and Jane

Last night at Palacio del Sol in Chihuahua

Sunrise and Departure from Chihuahua

Millenium Gate and Mexican Homes

Billboard in Mexico and Plane at El Paso Airport

The Caravan Tour was terrific. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in experiencing Copper Canyon. My next trip with Caravan Tours will be New England Fall Colors. After that the Mexico Ancient Civilizations.

New York Tour ~ Psalm 30:11 Tours ~ September 2005

Thirty people from California, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Canada, meet at the Newark, New Jersey, airport on Saturday, September 10, 2005. Excitement lifts our spirits as we anticipate the thrill of sightseeing and dancing in thriving New York City. Our exciting adventure is topped off by an extraordinary dancing and dining experience in Ellenville, New York, for a taste of the Catskills at the lovely Nevele Resort.
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Gathering of the tour group at Newark, New Jersey, airport.

Marta and Al - Jon, Margaret, Ann and Marta

Terri and Cooky. Jon on the bus to New York City.

Sinnie and Peter, Cooky, Teri and Elaine on the bus.

Skyline as we cross over the bridge to New York City

Times Square in New York City - Show Ticket Sales and Buildings

Lobby of Edison Hotel in New York City. Our helpful driver.

Mardi, Marta, Margaret, Louise, Betty, Helene, Norm and Joseph

Mardi, Terri, Sharon, Elden, Helen, Berty and Jo.

Jo, Cooky, Mardi, Helen, Bob and Berty

Times Square at night as we stroll to Dance New York Studio

Stroll down Broadway on the first evening in New York City

Saturday at Dance New York Studio (Joseph, Louise, Lorrie, Russ)

Saturday evening at Dance New York Studio (Margaret, Dave, Gail)

Saturday evening dance at Dance New York Studio (Dave, Betty, Jon)

Limo to Rockefeller Center

Groovin' in the limo to Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center (Jon, Ann, Margaret, Louise, Joseph, Marta)

Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center in New York City

Bus Tour of New York City on Sunday, September 11, 2005

Times Square - Broadway on Sunday, September 11, 2005

Bus Tour of New York City on September 11, 2005

Rear Entrance of St. Paul's Chapel, Broadway and Fulton Street, NYC

St. Paul's was a place of refuge for recovery workers at WTC site.

Ground Zero on Sunday, September 11, 2005

A huge hole in the ground. Names of casualties were read.

Ground Zero. Memorials at the engine company across the street.

Ground Zero memorials to those lost on 9/11/01

Streets of New York and a restful spot of serenity

Fountain in a park across from a municipal building

Military memorial and break dancers in ferry park

Statue of Liberty and entrance to Ellis Island

View of New York from Ellis Island and view of bridge

New York tenements and apartment buildings

New York street - Ritz Plaza (closed for condo conversion)

Berty, Bob, Jon, Jo, Jackie - subway ride to Coney Island

Coney Island and the famous Nathans hot dogs

Coney Island Boardwalk - Jon, Jo, Jackie, Berty, Bob (Ann)

Coney Island Boardwalk

Monday afternoon at Phillips Dance Studio in Brooklyn

Phillips is where John Travolta danced in Saturday Night Fever.

Monday afternoon at Phillips Dance Studio in Brooklyn

Phillips is where John Travolta danced in Saturday Night Fever.

Phillips Dance Studio - Dave, Terri, Jon and Local

Dancing at Phillips Dance Studio and mingling with the locals.

Subway from Phillips Dance Studio - Jon, Dave, Cookie and Locals

Subway from Phillips Dance Studio - Mardi, Helen, Terri, Al

Subway from Phillips - Sharon, Elden, Mardi, Hana, Jon

Gathering in the lobby of the Edison for dinner on Monday evening

Dinner at Encore Restaurant on 8th Floor of Marriott

Starlight Dance Center, Nutley New Jersey - Mardi, Joseph, Louise

Tuesday - Bus trip to Starlight Dance Center, Nutley New Jersey

The Early Show on Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Streets of New York City from Bus back to Hotel

Metropolitan Opera House and Breakfast at the Edison Hotel

Ride a horse-drawn buggy through Central Park

Statue at an entrance to Central Park in New York City

CBS Building across the street from Central Park - Duckweed Pond

Jo stops for a drink and we sneak a peek at the Duckweed Pond

Trump Tower Entrance

Ann inside Trump Tower

St. Patricks Cathedral on Fifth Avenue

Circle-Line Cruise around Manhattan Island

Cruise was well-guarded because President Bush was in town.

Views of Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from cruise

Bridges encountered on the cruise

More bridges on the cruise

This bridge swivels to allow a boat to pass.

Veterans Administration Building and VA Hospital

Circle-Line Cruise

Intrepid Museum - Jon, Betty, Joan, Ann, Elizabeth, Lorrie

Radio City Music Hall - Tavern on the Green Window in Central Park

Lucienne and Jon on the subway

Roundabout and Wall of Water - New York City

Catskills ~ Psalm 30:11 Tours ~ September 2005

On Thursday, September 15, the tour travels by private motor coach to Ellenville, New York, for exciting dancing and extraordinary gourmet dining at the lovely Nevele Resort in the beautiful Catskills. Stardust Dance Productions hosts a marvelous weekend of exhiliarating dancing, warm fellowship, and enjoyable recreation.
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Entrance to Nevele Resort, Ellenville, New York, in the Catskills

Welcome to Nevele - Front Desk and the Tower

Golden Gate Building (one of numerous lodging buildings)

Ann and Jair

Russ, Dave, Berty, Bob, Louise, Joseph

Jackie, Sinnie, Peter, Betty, Al

Elaine, Lucienne, Mardi, Helen, Terri

Cooky, Harlene, Norman, Gail, Elaine, Hana

Jo, Dave, Ellen, Rita

Lorrie, Ann, Marta, Elizabeth, Joan

Jackie, Elizabeth, Joan, Ann, Russ, Louise, Joseph, Lorrie

Jair and Ann relax on the front porch - Dinner Dancing

Open Dancing and Competition in the Starlight Ballroom at Nevele

Jo and Jackie gather round as Ann plays the piano.

Ann Prinze - Stardust Dance Productions Managing Director

Party Night at the Stardust Ballroom

Joan and Dave at Nevele Falls - Chipmunk along the trail

Nevele Creek and a Bridge over Nevele Creek

The Savoys demonstrate in the lifts and dips class.

Farewell Breakfast - Sinnie and Peter - Helene and Norm

Berty, Bob, Jo, Margaret, Marta, Mardi, Helen, Jon

Ann, Hana, Elizabeth, Lorrie, Dave, Louise, Lucienne, Russ

Farewell - Helen, Mardi, Berty, Jo, Jackie, Hana, Elizabeth, Lorrie

Bus departs for the airport - Beautiful Sky from window

West Palm Beach ~ Florida ~ September 2005

Pleasure and business combine for a superb week of enjoyment at the fabulous PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Mary attends a HFMA Conference(Healthcare Financial Management Association) at the PGA National Resort and Spa. Eddie and Ann accompany Mary, enjoy the resort, and explore the area while Mary attends the conference. We remain for a few more days of recreation and pleasurable sightseeing.
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Lobby of PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens

Entrance to PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens

Parking area - Fitness and Tennis Center

Entrance to Spa - Ann on Stairway to Restaurant

PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

View from our room at PGA National Resort and Spa

Golf Course at PGA National Resort and Spa

Mary and Eddie at HFMA Conference Banquet

Steve with Golf Trophy at Banquet

Mary and Eddie at Morikami Gardens in Delray, Florida

Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum in Delray, Florida

Morikami Gardens and Museum, Delray, Florida - Morikami Falls

Morikami Gardens and Museum

Bonsai at Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum

Fish pond at Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum

Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum

Iguana and Lizard at Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum

Beach at Delray Beach, Florida

Jupiter Lighthouse - Florida

Tour of Jupiter Lighthouse

Views from Jupiter Lighthouse

Eddie and Ann atop Jupiter Lighthouse

Mary at Jupiter Lighthouse

View of Intercoastal Waterway at Jupiter - Banyan Tree

Craft Fair at Delray, Florida

Mary and Eddie at Craft Fair at Delray, Florida

Mary and Eddie shopping at Gardens Mall in West Palm Beach

Gardens Mall at West Palm Beach

Northern California ~ August 2005

Travels in Northern California begin with a visit to Brentwood and a delightful stay with Elin and Don Traver. One highlight of our visit is a ride on the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railway. Snapped a photo of a gorgeous California sunset from Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley one evening. Wonderful to be in Fremont for the annual Street Fair. In the tourist mode, I spent a fine day at Filoli Gardens near Atherton. Madeleine Murphy and Ann rode the light rail to the Museum of Art in downtown San Jose for a fun outing and shopping. The Tenth Avenue Swing Band was in town and played for dances at San Jose, Los Gatos and Santa Clara. As always, the magical city of San Francisco was charming and fun. Visits with lifelong friends enrich my life.
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Train Ride at Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad - California

Elin and Don Traver and Ann

The Train at Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railway

Giant Redwoods at Roaring Camp

Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railway

Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railway Station

Roaring Camp Railway Conductor

Western Sky at Sunset in Castro Valley, California - Fremont Fair

Filoli Gardens near Atherton, California

Filoli Salon and Music Room

Filoli Mansion

San Jose Museum of Art and Madeleine at Starbucks across the street

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Avenue near downtown San Jose and Madeleine at the Light Rail

Tenth Avenue Swing Band at Los Gatos Elks

Tenth Avenue Swing Band at the Avalon in Santa Clara, California

San Francisco - Cable Car - Union Square

San Francisco - Ray - Bay Quackers Amphibian

Jean and Tom - Mary and Bill

Ann and Leslie, Kabuki Restaurant - Visiting Jeannette in Hayward

Southern California ~ July 2005

First stop in Southern California was Palm Springs, then on to Long Beach, California, for dancing with Psalm 30:11 at the Alpine, Queen Mary and the Mayflower Ballroom. On Wednesday, July 27, there was a fun-filled reunion dinner at the Proud Bird in Inglewood near the airport. Next day, Mardi and Ann had a great outing to the Tolerance Museum in Los Angeles. Spent the day on Friday, July 29, at Yorba Linda seeing the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace with Ron Skeen. The Getty Museum in Los Angeles is spectacular. Sunday worship service at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove was joyous. Bob Todd showed Ann around the Seal Beach area. I was thankful to spend some time with son Ray and grandson Ray, Annalisa, and Ashley at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
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Mardi and Jon dance on Queen Mary - Long Beach CA Harbor

Mardi and Jon - Long Beach Light House - Ann and Jon

Proud Bird Dinner July 27, 2005 - Sinnie, Peter, Hana, Cooky, Al

Proud Bird Dinner - Joy, Bob Todd, Mardi - Mayflower Ballroom

Mayflower Ballroom July 27, 2005

Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda CA

Getty Museum - Los Angeles, California

View of Los Angeles from Getty Museum

Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California - Main Santuary

Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California - Jesus Walks on Water

Ron and Ann, Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove - Prodigal Son Statue

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Jon at Psalm 30:11 Studio - Ann and Bob at Ruby's, Seal Beach Pier

Seal Beach, California - Beach and Pier

Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas - Ann, Annalisa, Ashley, Ray Jr., Ray

Mirage in Las Vegas - White Tiger - Poolside Slide

Mirage in Las Vegas - Annalisa and Ashley and Ray

Mirage Casino Entrance - Ann and Leslie in Las Vegas

France and Italy ~ Psalm 30:11 Tours ~ May 1-15, 2005

Cities of France and Italy

Links to Cities
Paris
Chateauneuf de Pape
Avignon
Nice
Monte Carlo

Florence
Sorrento
Isle of Capri
Pompeii
Rome
Venice

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Eighty people arrive from eleven different states (CA, DC, FL, ID, IL, LA, MA, MD, MT, NE, RI) plus Guatemala, and meet at the Paris airport on Monday, May 2, 2005. A tour of fascinating Paris on an open-air, double-decker bus introduces us to the excitement of the city. Avenues are tree-lined and flowers bloom in abundance. A boat tour on the Seine reveals night lights that sparkle and inspire our spirits to dance with delight. Romance is in the air. The Metro is a novel adventure. We enjoy a gastronomical feast at each meal.
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Paris Airport 5/2/05	Paris Tour May 2-4 Lodging at Mercure Hotel 5/3 Dance at La Coupole	Bistro Romain Restuarant 5/2 Dinner near Hotel Ken, Loretta and Roy


Jon Gatyas at Breakfast Mercure Hotel Paris	Jon on Paris Double-Decker Bus Tour 5/3/05	Eiffel Tower 324 meters high Approximately 1,054 feet high


Views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower 5/3/05	Eiffel Tower built 1889 for World Exhibition	Walter, Ken and Loretta At Eiffel Tower


Louis Vuitton in Paris	Eiffel Tower at Nite 5/3/05 From Boat Ride on Seine	Notre Dame Loretta and Ken	Mona Lisa


Omnisports Arena near Mercure Hotel, Grass Walls, Seats 17,000	Yvonne, Sharon, Frank, Jan, Roy Taking the Metro to the Louvre	Jan, John and Ann At the Louvre


Louvre Museum 5/4/05	Entrance to Louvre 5/4/05	Ceiling at the Louvre


Frank, Marjorie, Sharon, John, Roy, Jan on Metro	Madeleine Dance Club Paris 5/4/05	Le Train Bleu Restaurant Paris Train Station 5/5/05	Le Train Bleu Ceiling Paris Train Station 5/5/05

Chateauneuf de Pape ~ Leaving Paris, we embark upon our first train ride through the bucolic French countryside toward Chateauneuf de Pape, then on to Avignon, the city of the popes on the bank of the Rhone River. Avignon was home to seven popes for almost one hundred years during the fourteenth century. The exquisite papal palace and magnificent cathedral are open to the public.
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French Countryside 5/5/05	Ruins at Chateauneuf	Ann and Jan	View from Hilltop


Jan, Yvonne and Ann	Jon at Winery	Bill and Mary	Denise and John

Avignon and Nice ~ Avignon included a delightful dinner at the Les Domains Restaurant near the plaza. We stay at Pont d'Avignon, an Accor Hotel. From Avignon we proceed to Nice for the Grand Riviera coach tour. We literally "cut a rug" dancing on the carpet at our hotel. Our Ibis Hotel in Nice is quite nice and conveniently located, as are all of the hotels on the tour. The French Riviera is throbbing with activity and a sense of exhilaration.
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Avignon Cathedral 5/5/05	Avignon Cupola	Avignon Window


Yvonne, Bob, Ann, Roy, Jan Les Domains in Avignon	Mediterranean Riviera Departing Nice	John, Jan, Roy and Ann On the Riviera

Monte Carlo is the land of magic and fantasy. Incredible cathedrals, castles, automobiles, and the casino are breathtakingly decadent. Beauty and elegance surround us. The daily ritual of changing the castle guards is an interesting sight. A line of people at the cathedral are there to view the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Ranier. Ten Euros pays for entrance to the Monte Carlo casino. Hotel Alexander was conveniently located in close proximity to the Ciao Restaurant and the Living Room for dancing - just a short stroll through the park.
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Monte Carlo 5/7/05	Monte Carlo Palace	Sharon and Marjorie


Monte Carlo Cathedral	Princess Grace Tomb	Monte Carlo Street


Monte Carlo Park 5/7/05	Monte Carlo Park		Ciao Restaurant 5/7/05


Betty, Richard and Margaret	Berty and Bob in Monte Carlo	Walt, Art and Claudia


Monte Carlo Casino	Jon and Ann	Monte Carlo Plaza at Nite


Monte Carlo Catholic Church	Monte Carlo Bakery 5/8/05	Jan at Farmers Market

Florence ~ Depart Hotel Alexander in Monte Carlo for a bus ride to Milan, where we jump on a train to Florence. Our drivers did not know the location of the train station, got lost, and some of us missed the train. Fortunately, when we arrived in Florence, our shuttle coaches were waiting for us to go to the Best Western Hotel. Our fabulous dinner on May 8 was in a dining room shared with a youth orchestra on tour from the United States. Next day, May 9, we took in the open-air bus tour of Florence.
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Florence 5/8/05	Florence Train Station	Florence Cathedral


Florence Dinner 5/8/05 Bill and Terry (Great dancers!)		Rita, Carol, and Ellen Dinner in Florence		Lurline and Fred Fred passed away on May 19


Bob and Berty 5/08/05	Betty, Dan, Margaret	John, Bob, and Roy


Florence Tour 5/9/05	Arno River in Florence 5/9/05	Back of David in Florence

Sorrento and Isle of Capri ~ Early afternoon on May 9 our train departs Florence bound for Naples. Coaches transport us to the Plaza Hotel in Sorrento. That evening we savor a fine French dinner at a lovely sidwalk cafe at the plaza. Sights, sounds, and smells of the charming coastal town of Sorrento stimulate our senses. We are joyfully anticipating our trip to the Isle of Capri the next day. See the pictures of the long, steep, open stairway down to the dock. I suffer from acrophobia (fear of heights). Thanks to Dan for his support as we walked the stairs, I was elated to master the steps down without suffering vertigo. Isle of Capri was an excursion into the ethereal. Evening of May 10 in Sorrento we had a superb dinner and dancing to a terrific live band on an excellent wood dance floor at the Foreigners Club. Many of us also attended the Sorrento Tarantella musical for a splendid performance.
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Sorrento 5/9/05	Jan, Yvonne, Ann and Roy	Tarantella Musical


Steep Climb Down the Stairs	Ferry to Isle of Capri 5/10/05	Ellen, Ann, Jan and Yvonne

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Isle of Capri 5/10/05	Isle of Capri from Ferry	Isle of Capri


Jon and Dan on Isle of Capri	View from Isle of Capri	Ann, Mary and Jan


Ann in Capri	Ellen and Jon at Dance	Jan and Roy

Pompeii ~ Early morning tour of Pompeii on May 11. After tour we depart Pompeii for Naples by coach, then travel by train from Naples to Roma. Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and the entire population of Pompeii was affixiated by gases, then covered with 18 to 24 inches of ash. An eruption had occured in 62 A.D. Seems like a warning. People of Pompeii were licentious, living in decadence and immorality. There were temples to Isis, Jupiter, Apollo, and Ceres. A public brothel was celebrated within the city, as well as private brothels of affluent citizens.
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Pompeii 5/11/05	Pompeii Amphitheatre	Pompeii Street


Pompeii Water Trough	Painted Wall in Pompeii	Carvings and Tile Floor


Pompeii Chest 5/11/05	Preserved Articles	Body of Pregnant Woman

Rome ~ Roma is magnificent. The entire city is one vast museum. To grasp the essence of Roma would require a stay of weeks or months, not days. We only saw the tip of the iceberg and what a glorious tip it was. Our sightseeing tour was fascinating. Great dancing at Pala Cavicchi. Hotel Madison was just across the street from Roma Termini, the main train terminal. How convenient! The Sistine Chapel and Vatican are awesome. The dome of Saint Peter's Basilica stands 450 feet. The elevator to the first level is 150 feet up. The daring can then walk a narrow catwalk up to the top and look down to the floor from 450 feet up. The floor of the Basilica measures 700 feet long by 450 feet across.
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Roma Termini 5/12/05	Coliseum in Rome	Aqueduct


Vatican Museum	Sistina	Pieta	Vatican Guard


St. Peter Basilica 5/12/05	Vatican World Sculpture	Vatican Ceiling

Venice ~ Venezia is the last stop on our tour. Our train travels from Rome to Venice on Friday, May 13. (Friday the 13th!) Our arrival in Venice was delayed by a one-day train strike. We made a mad dash for one train that ran late in the evening. Some of us had to stand up part of the way. Our two hotels, the Continental and the Nazionale, are strategically located near the train depot and the Grand Canal. The Continental Hotel graciously served a delicious dinner Friday evening upon our late arrival. What fun we had riding the canals, visiting the Murano glass factory, dancing at the Casanova Disco, San Marco Plaza with its dueling orchestras, and exploring the narrow passages of Venice. Even enjoyed the adventure of getting lost in those narrow alleyways. Venice is built on 120 mud islands. The Lido protects the city. At 108 acres, it is the smallest independent state in the world.
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Venice 5/14/05	Venice	Venice at Night


Venice Narrow Canal 5/14/05	Venice Waterway	Venice Canal


Venice Bridge 5/14/05	Venice Architecture	Murano in Venice

Our France and Italy Tour was fantastic, stupendous, glorious, fulfilling, exciting, wonderful, thrilling, and more. Jon Gatyas of Psalm 30:11 Tours does a splendid job of arranging sights and accommodations. Only through his planning and patience were we able to accomplish so ambitious an itinerary. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of creating precious lasting memories that will warm our hearts for years to come. What a joy to share experiences with old friends and make so many new friends along the way.
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