Hello from Italy! Our trip has been amazing so far! Being my first time to Europe, there have been lots of new things to experience, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with a better group of friends! My favorite part so far here in Rome has been our trip to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The artwork seen in the Vatican and Sistine Chapel was absolutely incredible as well as the enormity of St. Peter’s Basilica. Playing basketball in Italy has been an experience in itself; abiding by different rules, although a challenge, was a lot of fun! I’m looking forward to the rest of the trip and the great experience that still lies ahead! Until then, Ciao!
Lauren

Ciao from Italy! Our experience in Italy has been incredible thus far. We have already seen so many amazing tourist sites in Rome in just a matter of three days. You have probably read that we visited the Colosseum yesterday, which happened to be one of my favorite spots. We also had our first basketball game and although we had a disappointing loss I think that our whole team would agree that everyone played really tough. Everything here had been so beautiful and we are now be traveling to Montecatini which I’m sure will be as gorgeous as Rome. We took a lot of pictures and can’t wait to be sharing our memories with everyone back at home. Hope everything is going well back in the states! Ciao!
Kate

Hi from Italy! Our trip so far has been an incredible experience! Aside from amazing Italy, I get to share it with a wonderful group of friends, coaches, and parents, but I must say I wish you were here Mom. We’ve seen so many neat places in Rome, especially the Vatican and the Colosseum. I’ve taken so many pictures so far and it’s only been three days! Playing basketball here has been a great experience and we still have two more games to go. The rules over here are a little different but we played tough and worked hard. Currently, we are traveling to a town called Orvieto and I’m sure it will be just as beautiful as I imagine. I’m looking forward to the rest of our trip, and can’t wait to share the wonderful experience and amazing memories. Miss you Mom! Ciao!
Kirsty
Hello to everyone back home! We have officially left Rome and are on our way to Montecatini. Rome was amazing after seeing the Vatican, Circus Maximus, St. Paul’s, the Colosseum and my personal favorite, the Roman Forum. It was awesome hearing about Ancient Rome and seeing what was left over. I miss my friends and family back home but I’m excited to move on to another part of this amazing experience. Our first game in Italy was a heartbreaking loss, but it was interesting to see how a team from another country who spoke another language interacted with each other and it was funny to see how we interacted with them. I’m looking forward to the beautiful countryside of Tuscany and eating more amazing pizza and gelato. I hope everyone doesn’t miss us too much.
Amie
Hello everyone back in the US. Our trip to Italy has been fantastic so far. I still can’t believe that we are actually here. Rome was amazing! I have been most impressed by how old everything is. St. Peter’s Basilica was my favorite so far. Today we travelled through the Italian countryside and the scenery was beautiful. The memories that we are making daily will last a lifetime. I look forward to seeing Florence and Lake Como in the days to come. I wish my family was here to share in the experience with me, but I will be eager to tell them all about it when I get back. However, being with good friends and the team has been just as enjoyable. That’s all for now, be sure to check in again for our,. updates. Ciao!
Coach Endler

Buongiorno! (that means good morning) We are on our way to San Gimignano…a small town in Tuscany otherwise known as the “Manhattan City.” San Gimignano was in its prime during the 12th and 13th century and had many towers which defined a skyline, somewhat like Manhattan’s skyscrapers. We are truly in the heart of ‘wine country.’ Simply beautiful! Last evening we had the opportunity to stroll through the streets of Montecatini while enjoying the small shops and cafes. This is my second time to Italy and I must say, it is an adventure with the team. I especially enjoy watching the Lady Greyhounds experience every moment…items of a lifetime.

Ciao….Coach Mel

What more could a history teacher ask for but to walk in the footsteps of the ancients. Antiquity seems to rise up through these cobblestoned roads into your very being. Visiting Rome has been a dream of mine since I was knee high to a grasshopper. It exceeded all expectations! The Sistine Chapel and Constantine’s Triumphal Arch were fascinating. The only drawback to the trip so far is my wife, Anita, constantly comparing me to the classical statues and saying she feels short changed.
If you are the company you keep then I am very honored to be included in such a grand troop of travelers – parents, players and coaches all. In every place we stayed and visited we were the antithesis of “The Ugly American.” As we leave San Gimignano I am reminded of that very apropos axiom – EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE A HOUND. One final note, I have been inspired to Romanize my name as follows.
Arrervedirchi Coachio Assistamomo Dano Tanno


Ciao from 4000 miles away!! Over the last few days, we have travelled back into time to see where the Romans lived. The Colosseum was a grand sight to see especially now that the Olympics are going on. It is interesting to see how civilization has developed over time. It is absolutely amazing! Our adventure continued yesterday traveling through the scenery of Tuscany. It is very green and peaceful. We stop in a small medieval town of Orvieto. We traveled on a funiculare (ski lift) to the top. It was a very quaint town. Our next adventure took us to the Montecantini which is where we will be staying for the next 3 days. This morning Coach Spirk, Mel, Rachel (Amanda Brown’s sister) and I went for a run. Mel and Rachel ran together and Coach Spirk and I ran together. Let just say that we took a scenic tour of the town. We saw much of the town and our run ended up being a little longer than expected. It has been a great memorable trip. Until later ~Lorrie


We range in age from 81 to 18, 35 in all, so you can imagine how everyone wants to do different things! I am a bit surprised though how well it is going so far. Our tour guide, GianCarlo, is terrific. He is a very patient man. You have read about all the great places we have gone and it is amazing. I think for me, not only is it pure joy to watch the team grow right before my eyes, but also to share the trip with my 2 nieces and mother. When you hear the saying it is a small world, don’t believe it…it is huge with so much history and so much beauty. I have learned to live in the moment, because moments make a lifetime. I suspect the team will play with less jitters tonight and I suspect we will continue to mature, laugh and make moments. Ciao! Coach Spirk (although I think I may go with my Italian namesake for the trip, Iasiello…my Mom’s maiden name!!)