Posted by Bill Steiner – Adventures in Italy

As our parents age Kristi and I have been exploring the aging process, learning from our folks and from books we have been reading. While it has been useful and helpful for us, we have also learned things totally unrelated to the reason we began researching.

One of the interesting things we have discovered is that we all learn best through experiencing. Now I think we probably intuitively knew this already. We formulated our art learning trips because we knew that the art reinforces and provides a lens through which to experience the culture in a deeper, more meaningful way. We also knew that, at the same time, the Italian culture serves as inspiration for the creative process. And while we may have intuitively known that it was a better way to learn, we now know it as fact through the research of others on aging.

Plein Air Painting in Orvieto

We never stop learning of course. One of the many reasons people travel and one of the great delights of travel is the learning that takes place. As humans we are curious and travel is a very satisfying way to fill our curiosity, to be surprised, and to be engaged in life. And, it can have a profound effect on our lives – sometimes only discovered after the fact. Proof of this comes from those who have traveled with us.

* Orvieto has changed me forever. I will never be the same. I feel as though there is an imprint in my soul, the very core of me. It says this is life, real life.

* You have given me a life changing experience. I am now someone who makes her dreams come true. I am experiencing life rather than plowing through it just to get by.

* Jane, my daughter, paid me a wonderful compliment when she saw my journal. She called my watercolors “a treasure”. That’s exactly how I feel about my Oriveto experience!

* The trip was a dream come true experience for me. This morning, and yesterday too, I woke dreaming I was photo-ing or being photo-ed in the ancient alleys. I’ll be back in November to visit. Besides I need just one more scarf and certainly more Gorgonzola filled ravioli!

* It seemed so normal and casual to be around you and Bill in a small medieval town in Italy while I’m having the travel/art experience of my life!

* It looks like Ruth and I have found a place to rent, for an art studio. We’re really excited about it.  We’ve been wanting to do this for a long, long time. See the impact Orvieto has had on us?

* Both of us are bursting with inspiration not only from the utter beauty of Italy, and Orvieto, but also from spending wonderful quality time with such endearing students and the most incredible hosts! It is very rare, nowadays, to truly be able take time to stop, appreciate your surroundings, and savor the moment with like hearts and like minds.

* My soul healed and I was given wings.

* Coming home I sifted through all that I had learned, from the ancient history of the Etruscans to the art techniques that I learned. It was presented in such a manor that it all made sense. My only regret was that it was not long enough.

* This experience was just what Angela and I needed to restore a sense of “well being”.

I think this kind of experience is characteristic of all the Slow Travel Tours. It is both satisfying and rewarding!

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Kristi and Bill Steiner

Kristi and Bill Steiner began leading “learning vacations”  to Orvieto, Italy in 2003. Through Adventures in Italy they provide a cultural immersion experience. Many trips include the pursuit of some kind of creative work that complements and reinforces exploration of Italy’s culture. Relationships built over the years enable Kristi and Bill to provide experiences that a typical visitor to Orvieto never gets. Trips are held in May and September/October every year. Their Discover Orvieto and Girlfriend Getaway trips are available to groups any time of the year. Learn more about Kristi and Bill’s trips.

Stay abreast of Adventures in Italy developments, and follow Bill’s musings about travel and Italy on his blog Make Haste Slowly.