Ciao Ciao! I'm home from Italia, caught up on my sleep and back at work! I couldn't help but share some pictures from the beautiful "homeland", Italy.
Returning to Italy is always bitter sweet for me. Ever since I studied there and lived there during college, I can't help but get sappy when remember the European way of life, the delicious food, and the overall atmosphere. Allyson traveled with me this go around, five months pregnant and all! We arrived in Napoli (or Naples) at dinner time, the night before our first workshop.
The weather was chilly, but the hotel was beautiful! Check out the amazing rooftop! I can only envision what it looks like in the heart of summer!
Our room was white, clean and so fresh! Check out the beautiful arch!
I loved this little bed-tray in the room. Very sweet and charming, don't you think?!
This is Lory. She's the event planner and organizer of the Paper & Co. Show in Italy.
Upon arriving Lory informed Allyson & I that our workshop kits had still not arrived and that they were held-up or "stuck" in customs. Panic quickly sunk in. What are we going to do? How are we going to teach our workshops? I have never not had my kits show up ever! Thankfully, Lory was wonderful and helped put our worries at ease. She translated every word, her and Teresita were wonderful helpers and we made the most out of what we had with is. We spent hours in the hotel room organizing pieces and creating remnants of projects for the workshops.
It was craziness. But in the end the students were understanding and very nice. I felt awful, even though there was nothing I could do to help the situation: the boxes were in customs and I could not do anything to change it. So the classes were a bit shorter than anticipated, but as the boxes of product continue (still today) to arrive in Italy, Lory and her team are mailing out the complete kits to all the attendees.
So, in reality the students got even more than they paid for-product wise. It was just very difficult to teach without all the materials.
This is Antonella. Isn't she beautiful? She was wonderful, and so funny. I could listen to her talk all day. I did my best with the little Italian that I speak to understand and communicate with her. But she was just so darling, and smiley and happy. Loved her ;)
Making new friends is always such a blessing that comes along with owning Bella Blvd. To teach alongside Celina Navarro and Donna Downey was an honor. They are both so generous and friendly and have so much wisdom and creativity to offer!
And even though the weather was "the coldest it's been since 1985" (yes, that's all we heard EVERYWHERE we went!) we made the best of it and enjoyed a couple days in Rome after the event.
Just as I remembered it. Astounding. Breathtaking.
The streets are my fave. Just wandering around and getting lost, walking and discovering sweet little shops, beautiful fruit stands and people watching. It's such a great way to take it all in!
And, it just so happened that Mamma Mia was playing at the theater. So we went...it was AWESOME! Even though it was all in Italian we knew the story line and loved every minute of it!!! Worth. Every. Penny.
Well, that's all for now....hope you enjoyed my short little tour of Italia!
Italy is a one of a kind place to visit! Hotel de Congress, also known as the UNA Hotel, is a historical building, yet it features modern and contemporary designs. I’m glad you also featured the rooftop garden! It was completely amazing! Tourists will enjoy having a buffet breakfast there. Then at night, it would be a good spot to look at the panoramic view of the city. I would love to go there someday! Hehe.
Posted by: Elizabeth Hoffnung | 05/18/2012 at 07:00 AM
Sounds and looks like you had a fabulous time, despite the customs issue. Italy is beautiful. It is my dream to go to Europe.. someday.
Posted by: Michelle | 02/28/2012 at 07:32 PM
Wow, just wonderful! Thanks for taking us along. I would love to go to Italy someday!
Posted by: AnnaMarie | 02/18/2012 at 09:22 AM
Was that gelato in that picture? I know how in love with it you are!
Posted by: Kaye Hunt | 02/17/2012 at 04:32 PM
Thanks for sharing the pictures Stephanie! Looks like it was an amazing trip!!
Posted by: Tracey | 02/17/2012 at 12:05 PM
Looks like a wonderful trip (despite the hiccups). Makes me miss Italy too! ;)
Posted by: Sara Rossi | 02/17/2012 at 09:00 AM
Meravigliosa Stephanie :)))
Posted by: Claudia Landoni | 02/17/2012 at 04:59 AM