As exquisite as a finely staged opera, as exuberant as the best street carnival, as earthy as a muckey white truffle snouted fresh from the ground by a dog - Italy spares no expense when it comes to the traveler experience. It is Europe's iconic land of effortless style, easy living, insatiable passion and Uber cool chick. It's where histories ancient glories harmoniously fuse with third millennium sophistication to create a beautiful love affair that never dies. From Rome's magnificent monuments to the masterpiece of Renaissance Florence and Venetian romance, from the in-your-face drama of the Amalfi coast to the remote flamboyance of southern Italy's mountains, this is one country where the passion never dulls. 

-Lonely Planet

Buona Serra! Parla inglese?

Ok fine, fine. I will write in English if you must ask! Hello to all my new friends. After reading the lonely planet description of Italy (see above) I can barely hold in my excitement. For all of you wondering, I am not as talented as Kelli and do not have the ability to write in Italian. Sorry Kelli, maybe one day! Anyway I would like to start off by highlighting some of my favorite top 10’s that have been previously mentioned:

First Drinks with new friends & The cooking class on our free day, and every bit of delicious Italian cuisine I will eat over the next two weeks.  - Andrea

 I'm so excited to see the architecture. There is something so beautiful about it and so awe inspiring. & I'm a terrible traveler when it comes to food because I am really picky (not of my own choice. I just have terrible taste buds.) That being said I love gelato more than just about anything and it will be so much fun going from place to place exploring the tastes or each flavor. - Kerry

TUSCANY.  I'm so excited to do everything I possible can there: wine tasting, olive oil, the countryside, the location, everything.  – Kimberly

 I'm really interested in the masquerade masks they have for sale in Italy.  - Delany (Love how your about the quirky stuff)

While the above are absolutely in my top 10 for things I am looking forward to I will also mention that I am a foodie, so bring on the Vino e Formaggio! I have stocked the kitchen (Pasta, Salsiccia, Carciofi e Vino) and will be accompanied by Chef Adam Kriesel (celebrity chef of the Torino Olympic Games) this week to soak up all I can about Wine and Cheese and the great culinary traditions of Italy. Besides the food, I am looking forward to many great adventures. We’re going to some great locations with some amazing people. With the abundance of ladies on the trip how can we have a bad time, huh Pat?? Lets see what else, hmmm… Italian Market, Italian Women, Italian Fashion, Italian Food, Italian Nights, Italian Sights. Buying leather Jackets and deciding whether or not to “Snap It” (that is a photo, for Buh-Lake!)

I think that’s enough for what I am looking forward to, quickly:

     What I am not looking forward to

•        Eating lots of carbs and not having a Gym
•       Butchering the Italian Language, Sorry!
•      Not being able to stay in Italy Long Enough
•        Not being able to drink enough Vino!

It’s OK,  in the end we are all going to gain 20 pounds, have been drunk for record periods of time, and have seen some of the most beautiful sights in the world! It is going to be amazing you guys, I cannot wait!

-Trevor Joren                                                                                   Facebook

Here are some lovely photos (hipstagram) from my brother and moms recent trip to Italy!