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Clark Rose's avatar

"There are no strangers here, only friends you have not met yet". William Butler Yeats. I paraphrase but just returned from a 12 day trip to Italy and the 40 people we travelled with all bonded as we shared one fabulous experience after another. And Jules, Sharon & I were touring the Vatican on the same day that the new Pope was elected. A thrilling day.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

What an amazing time to be there - just wow!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Good morning, Clark! That sounds wonderful and thrilling. I've heard Italy is an amazing place to visit. How awesome. Besides the Vatican, what else did you see?

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Clark Rose's avatar

Visited Milan, Venice, Florence, Verona, Sienna and Rome. Went with a Temple group and learned of our Jewish history in Italy. Participated in a pasta & gelato making class and sampled our handiwork for dinner. The Italian people were very friendly and took excellent care of all of us. Italy is beautiful and green and I highly recommend visiting. We have yet to see the Amalfi coast or Naples or the five connecting villages you can walk to...

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Wow! This sounds amazing Clark. I told Jeff this needs to be on our travel plans soon. :) How fun to make pasta and gelato. Thank you for sharing.

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Clark Rose's avatar

Hope you get there one day. The Renaissance Art and Sculptures by Da Vinci, Michelangelo etc. were mind blowing and the Church in Florence was awe inspiring.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

We do too. It sounds fabulous and I heard the food is amazing!

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Clark Rose's avatar

Yes, Italy could teach us a lot about fresh, healthy ingredients and their sauces were amazing. I had to let go of my Vegan ways as I indulged in cheeses and gelato and gained 5 pounds despite 6 miles of walking every day.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

I’d like to note that this morning’s RUN TO WRITE at 11:00 (as with all the other Mondays) is a time I really look forward to. The random sprinkling of doctor appointments and procedures that sometimes conflict? Not so much. No conflicts today! See you Zoomers today at 11:00 EST.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Yay! See you soon, Gary. :)

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Mary B's avatar

How neat to finally meet Sharon in person! In-person connections add so much to what started as a virtual connection! Yay!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Hi Mary B! Oh yes, I was thrilled she was in Syracuse, NY! We had a great visit. :)

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Oh, how lovely! Great picture of you both - obviously I've seen you both in the same eyeful in your Zoom screenshots, but how lovely to see this one with you right next to each other!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you so much. xx

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Renate Jacobsohn's avatar

Thank you Julie. Your activities are remarkable and connection is a main thing in our work. I am trying to see you today. However I am not so sure it would, be possible.

Love all of the writer group.

Cherrios.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Hi Renate, Thank you so much. If it works out, it will be great to see you. No pressure…a spot is always open for you whenever you can make it. :)

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Nancy Dafoe's avatar

Inspiring people everywhere

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Good morning, Nancy, There sure are, and goodness too. Thank you for being here.

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