PICTURES!!!

VANCE UPDATED THE WEBSITE WITH OUR HVAR CROATIA TRIP!
CLICK THE LINK TO THE RIGHT! GO SEE IT!! DO IT NOW!

Willy Wonka Time

Finally, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory made it's way to Rome. Tim Burton fascinates me with his imagination. It was really cute, but I found myself spacing off thinking of the Gene Wilder version. Johnny Depp was a handsome devil even with the freaky teeth. As always Grandpa Joe's character shines. I love old people! Everyone go hug an old person today! You'll feel better!

I've got some homework and reading to do. Contemplate life and think about what's for dinner. Buona giornata. Ciao ciao.

ROMA MATTA

I'm so sorry! Life has taken over! Uni is in full gear now. It's all about Italian and Dante! Gotta love it. Dante Alighieri rocks, just in case you didn't know. E' giusto! Wanna see a pic...it's Salvadori Dali yet another man that is absolutely amazing. So far I've only read the Inferno, but I'll have finished the Divine Comedia by October. So much is going on, my mind is racing to get it all in. Vance is doing a great job at Ava and will be donig some traveling soon. He's been building up his photography collection and putting them up on istockphoto.com to sell. I'm at the university all day. I've started guitar lessons, the real kind, not the one on DVD. Vance and I try not to get too crazy on our days off! We may go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this weekend, it came out today here in Rome. The family in Houston are hanging out and holding down the fort! Corey and his family are there and helping Mom out. Mom doesn't feel that Rita will hurt Houston, and mamas are always right! I'll keep you informed. Lots of love! Ciao ciao.

Corri Corri Corri

Ciao guys! Hanna, Audra and I participated in the "CorriRoma" run/walk last night... or this morning! We took off at midnight headed towards the Colloseum and ended on the other side near the Arch of Constantine. Note, the more athletic runners completed the 11 km, we did the 2 km. Hey! We were representing AUR!! Didn't see any JCU out there, did we? Noooo! Thanks to Adias, Gatorade, Comune di Roma, and many other sponsors the children of Rowanda received funding and support and the participants received a t-shirt and a cool medal! Excellent walking/running ladies! Until the next event..ciao ciao!

Woah woah...I gotta go...

...back to school..AGAIN!!! Well it's that time again. Notebooks, teachers, tests, ugh. I had my first week back to school. I'm exhausted! Of course, I'm working and studying at the university. Taking 15 hours this semester; two courses in Italian and the rest in english. Not too shabby. Lots of literature. Which isn't bad, hey, I love to read! Finally Dante! The man rocks! So life is busy once again. I'll graduate in May 06 with a BA in Italian Studies. Cool! Huh! Yeah, I know you're jealous!

Family update post flood- Corey and his family have officially decided to move to Houston. For now, they are living with Mama. Things are coming along slowly. They lost a bunch in the flood. Dad is good, but stressed. Fifty-hhmmhmhm and no job, possibly no home! He and Barbara are near Monroe, La. Grandma Burgard is with an Uncle Neil and the aunts and uncles are safe. Grandma's place is gone...8ft of water inside. I really hope that the government helps people. A large portion of my family will need it for sure. For those who know N'awlins, so much is gone that cannot be replaced. N'awlins won't be the same, but hopefully a little of the flavor can return. Vediamo. In bocco lupo N'awlins!

Hvar, Croatia

Croatia was amazing! Vance and I took a ferry from Pescara to the island Hvar. The city of Hvar is quaint and beautiful. People watching was excellent: tourist from all over walk along the port, mostly in their bathing suits. The water is crystal clear and blue! The beaches are mostly rocky and clean. Water shoes... a must! Tops... optional!. That is where I 'misbehaved' according to my grandmother. If Coppertone needs an adult model for their advert, I'd be perfect! Everyday we went to a different beach, some requiring a rocky hike up and down hill. It was well worth the trek! We found some great spots which were quite secluded. We took an excursion on a boat to see the "Blue Cave" caused by the light's reflection through the water and into the cave. I loved to snorkel around and was able to see some cute fish and sea urchins. Vance and I took a kayak out and came upon a little nudist colony. Sorry guys, we didn't have the camera with us! There was a castle in Hvar as well which gave us an excellent view of the ocean. The food was alright, doesn't hold a candle to Italian food. We had half board at our hotel so we had breakfast and dinner there and the time in between was at the beach! We have some great pictures that Vance will put up on his website, so check it out!

Katrina'a Devastation

Katrina's devastation has hit far and wide. Unfortunately it has hit my family and friends. Those that have been able to make contact say they are safe. Communication is lacking therefore many I have not made contact with. My prayers are with them, my family, friends and all the victims of Katrina. It's so sad to see the aftermath of this hurricane on TV and the internet. I cannot fathom how it feels to be in that situation. I hope that New Orleans is able to bounce back from this horrific event. Bless all y'all and N'awlins!