Russ and Diane Kraines

Rome Trip - Our Seniors go to Italy

Diane and I were asked last Spring to consider becoming "regulars" as adult leaders for the annual Senior trip to Italy. Because Russ teaches just Seniors this has its advantages. A leader who doesn't need to find substitutes for his classes and a chance to bond with the student he'll be covering some fairly personal ground with over the year are two of these advantages. Additionally there is still a transition in leadership at BFA and the so our participation can help bridge the gap as the new Director comes on board and eventually assumes a larger role in his annual event. For us, personally, it's a combination of change of pace - that can be refreshing and really good coffee and gelato - that IS refreshing therefore a way to help charge our batteries but it is a different sort of work and a fresh way to discharge our batteries. (By the way, we're extremely grateful for Carl's aunt and uncle combining a visit to Germany with "companionship" for Carl in our absence - Thanks Norm & Nancy!)

The trip starts with an overnight bus ride from Germany to Florence, Italy. A day spent there and we travel to a beach town hotel about 50 minutes outside of Rome that serves as housing for the week. Saturday through Wednesday we see the sights, make the tours, and grant precious free time to the kids. Thursday early (5AM) we set out for Venice for an afternoon and evening there (capped by a lovely Vivaldi concert in a Venetian church) before driving all night back to Germany.

Below are a few samples of moments in the trip.