March 24, 2005
Shoes, gondolas, and men
Italy: Shoes, gondolas, and men... and of course, music! During our time in Italy many experiences were had. The girls, including myself, were gushing over the shoes (and definitely the men) and many of us rode the gondolas in Venice. As a group, we were fortunate enough to travel the Italian cities and sing in some incredible places. It was an amazing experience and I am very thankful for living it. Ciao!
Mary Cameron '06
Kiss a handsome Italian man
Italy is fabulous. The choir and I have had the incredible opportunity to sing at the Vatican, see Michelangelo's "David," and DaVinci's "The Last Supper," kiss a handsome Italian man named Fabio, and explore the wonders of Italy. I am so excited to be here with the Eckerd Choir and Bell Ringers and I am so grateful to all of our donors and supporters.
Gratzi!
Love, Kathy.
Kathy Peacock '06
Playing hackey sack in Italy
Italy is an amazing place with an amazing history. Over the past week we have experienced quite a lot of it. We have stood in the huge roman Coliseum and sung in St. Peter's Basilica. We have eaten delicious food, and we have been on many guided tours, but one thing will remain in my heart forever: playing hackey sack in as much of Italy as we could. Thank you!
Ben Head '08
Once in a lifetime experience
This trip of Italy was amazing. I truly enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience; from seeing ancient Roman ruins, Communion in the Vatican, visiting medieval towns, and a gondola ride in Venice. It was a fun adventure. My favorite city was Venice, followed by Siena. I most definitely have to come back. Ciao!
Tara Leigh Sands '05
The music itself was incredibly moving
Touring Italy has been fascinating and enjoyable, but having the opportunity to hear the Eckerd College Choirs has added a whole other dimension to our visit. To listen to the audiences respond enthusiastically to every concert was such a thrill, and of course the music itself was incredibly moving. Being typical parents we are very proud of our child and his friends, and the image they have projected throughout Italy. Even though we are parents, Eckerd students have been very welcoming to us and we feel they really appreciate seeing us in the audience. In turn, we're going to be bragging about them for a long time.
Mr. and Mrs. Calderwood, parents of Garrett Calderwood
Honorary Groupies
What an amazing experience it was for us to follow the Eckerd Choir on their tour through Italy! Dr. Smith granted us the privilege of being honorary "groupies." From High Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, to historic Florence, to romantic Venice, the music of the Eckerd Choir and Ringers impressed all who heard them. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of the international culture of Eckerd.
Jeff and Chris Vaught, parents of Morgan Vaught


