Italy Picture File #2

Straight from the files of Lauren: more Italy pics! Wow, have I ever mentioned how much I love this country? My heart beats for it, the people, and their language! Just the simple act of hearing it spoken can bring tears to my eyes.

Below, a closer shot of the Ponte Vecchio. This is the bridge that comes alive at night. Usually there are local singers playing their guitars and selling their CDs. It was bitterly cold, but totally worth it! Local tradition: Sweethearts clasp a lock on metal rods lining the Arno River and throw the key into the river to signify their everlasting love. We thought the combination locks were interesting. Does this mean the sweethearts get to change their mind?

Joni and me on Christmas Day. We were invited to share a meal with the church family. It was so delicilous! I sat next to Antonio! Hehehe
The Ponte Vecchio in the background. Do you see the line of small windows at the top of the bridge? This is actually an escape route. It connects the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) with the Pitti Palace. In case of invasion the prince would use it to run to the Pitti Palace which was much more fortified.
This is an Italian phrase which says, "I love Georgia!" I promise I was not the graffiti artist!
The facade of the precious convent where we stayed. I highly recommend it to any future travelers to Italy. (Note: most of the nuns only speak Italian and some French!)
Finally a pic of Lisa B.! I don't know how she managed to elude the camera every time, but here she is (though she isn't looking at the lens). Melissa, Lauren and Lisa B. on the vaporetto in Venice.
Beginning our trip down the Grand Canal. It looks sunny here, but by the time we reached Piazza di San Marco where the Basilica is, it had gotten completely foggy!
One of the stops I just HAD to make: Piazza Michelangelo. It has a fantastic view of the city. These are all the N. Africa girls. Lisa T., me, Lauren and Melissa.