A Spiritual Adventure

Hi Everyone,

We have now safely checked into our Rome hotel on Via Cavour.  If you wish to reach your loved one you can dial: 011 39 064870270 and ask to be transferred to his/her room.

Assisi was a wonderful journey full of meaningful experiences.  I believe everyone had a moment that will stay in their hearts for many years to come.  A highlight of yesterday was to listen to the Vespri (the San Franciscan monks chanting prayers)...listening to the italian prayers/chats resonated through the entire basilica and gave everyone goosebumps.  A part of the service included what may have been up to 15 minutes of silence...for most us, this was the longest silent, public pause we have ever experienced.  To describe such a thoughtful and profound pause with the day's events fresh in our hears, is truly beyond words.

Highlights included: Guided walking tour of Assisi, candle ceremonies, profound classes, entering into the Basilica of San Francesco, a 2KM pilgrimage from the hotel to upper Assisi, meaningful prayers, yoga by the pool, amazing meals, laughs, jokes and some fun times in between!

We are meeting at 6pm this evening for an evening walking tour of Rome alla Melina.  I plan to show the group all the reasons why I believe Rome is one of the most fantastic places on earth!!! Pictures to follow tomorrow !

Ciao for now !
Melina

A wonderful day in Assisi

First Class / Liturgy in Assisi

Here are some pictures from the first gathering.  Travel pictures are coming tomorrow ! As you can see, everyone is looking happy and lovely (and handsome!).

Looking forward to tomorrow's adventures !

Safe and Sound !

We made it through customs, up the autostrada and have finally arrived in the magical town of assisi.  Despite a long, overnight journey, everyone seems to be in incredibly high spirits.  We have settled into our hotel, attended an afternoon class & liturgy and are looking forward to our dinner (the restaurant tells us that we can look forward to 'a typical dish from Umbria'!!).

If anyone ever has any immediate questions/concerns, I can be reached on my blackberry anytime at : melina@ghardytours.com.  I will be happy to communicate any message you wish for me to convey to the group.

Tomorrow we will walk the path of Saint Francis and learn about the history of the area!

Buona Notte ! 

Roma

Looking forward to meeting everyone at the airport tomorrow.  Bearing in mind that Italy is 6 hours ahead of Canada, please feel free to give me a call if you have any last minute questions: 011 39 3880795934 :)

A DOMANI!
Melina

Looking forward to meeting everyone in Rome !

Hi Everyone!

Just a quick note to say that I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the airport in Rome.  When you arrive, just walk through the gate and I will be waiting for you with the bus to take us to Assisi.  I'm flying over a few days early to make sure that everything is good to go!

If you like the view in the picture I've just posted, I'll show you how to get there. The photo was taken on the Island of Capri (a 20 min boat ride from our hotel in Sorrento).

Looking forward to this trip ! Can't wait to get to know everyone and show you around Italy!

A presto!
Melina Mancini
Georgia Hardy Tours Inc.

Are you ready?

It's one week from departure!  Are your bags packed and travel documents in order?  Is your sunblock in your carry-on, because right now the weather in Assisi is a beautiful 30 degrees, without a cloud in the sky!  Upon arrival to Rome, we'll travel to Assisi and check-in to the Dal Moro Gallery Hotel. Conveniently located at the foot of the historic town, the fabled Basilica of St. Francis can be reached by climbing the pilgrim's stairs. Be prepared to have the ultimate religious experience and return to Canada enriched both spiritually and professionally.