We spent a week in Tuscany visiting museums, touring churches, and seeing pivotal monuments of this region. This was the week of 3-7 October 2011. We visited Cortona, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, and Siena. I still cannot believe the things I have seen with my own two eyes. I often ask myself, "Is this real life". I'm truly grateful and undoubtedly blessed for the opportunities that I have had here. I've provided a video to show, in a nutshell, the greatness of Tuscany. Enjoy!

I had the opportunity of experiencing a very precious festival in Viterbo this past weekend called Il Trasporto della Macchina di Santa Rosa, which translates to the transport of the St. Rosa statue. The purpose of the festival is to pay homage to the great Saint Rosa who overcame adversity and served the city of Viterbo and the neighboring towns. What occurs is that they transport the statue from where S. Rosa was buried to where her church stands today. It's and up and downhill tread to get to the church. The statue is carried by 100 men called the Facchini. The opportunity to become a Facchini is a great honor and is passed down from generation to generation. Throughout the week there are other events to celebrate the Saint. There is actually a smaller version of the carrying ceremony that is done by the children of the town (it was so precious). Along with outdoor discos and a city wide outdoor market. It was an incredible experience and I am thankful to have been there for it.

Packing sucks! We all know this and when its time to get ready for a trip many of us procrastinate up until the very last minute (a.k.a. me lol). If you want fist pumping, feel good motivation press play =)