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Via Italy Tour '98 Story: Lenore Lieberman Paintings: Barry Lieberman

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After reluctantly departing from the Sistine Chapel ,we exited through many hallways that have the most beautiful decorations. These amazed us, as to the variety of art techniques that were used to give each Pope a separate expression. We then followed Nora, our guide to the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica. Once inside, one does not feel the immense size of this structure. The perfect porportions of the structure do not give a clue to the fact that it is one of the largest churches in the world. There are measurements inlaid in marble on the floor listing other significantly large churches around the world. It is truly a vast structure.

	Title: Cafe Europa del Corsa Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media-Pen & Ink w/ Illustration Markers Size: 10" X 7" Comments: A leisurely lunch in a piazza after viewing many of the ancient artifacts of ancient Rome. The Coliseum, Forum, etc. were hurriedly being preserved by the current residents, for the Millenium celebrations. We found them to be, fantastic! Regular Price: $300 -- Value Price: $270
We walked to the Trevi Fountain, finding that the fountain has been surrounded closely by cafes and kiosks. People are crowded onto the rising steps around the fountain. We threw our 6 coins for good luck! Lunch then by the Piazza d'Spagna crowded with people seated and standing all the way up the stairs. Great view and also great shopping. Artist: Polli, P'tiore Title: Piazza D' Spagna Year: 1998 Medium: Watercolor Size: 7" X 5" Regular Price: $80 -- Value Price: $ 72
	Title: Castello d' Rocca -Tivoli Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media-Pen & Ink w/ Illustration Markers Size: 10" X 7" Comments:One of the lovely sidetrips, was to the Tivoli Villa and Gardens built on the side of a hill. This allowed the flowing of waters for unique fountains that were found throughout the gardens. It's back to the bus and time for a nap then...Wakey..Wakey , our guide Giovanna is loosening up, she's funny! Regular Price: $250-- Value Price: $225
Dinners in Rome are excellent, varying from bistros to quiet, low lit villas with lots of great ambiance, and the food is great as well.The nitght life is Rome is great and we partied at the Trocietta Section ,where the area was swinging! We find a really happening place with 3 different rooms-R&B, Latin, & Disco-- Hot, Hot, Hot!!!! Artist: Maletskaia, Tatiana Title: Rome At Dusk Medium: Watercolor Size: 4" X 3" Regular Price: $50 -- Value price: $45
	Title: Giovanna della Tour Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media-Pen & Ink w/ Illustration Markers Size: 10" X 7" Regular Price: $150-- Value Price: $135 Comments: Throughout our tour, Giovanna became more and more unique. From her descriptions of upcoming sights, to her calls of "Wakey, Wakey" awakening us after long bus rides, to her most 'eclectic and flambouyant' wardrobe. We grew from tension during the 'rains' to a relaxed, casual and very friendly relationship.
The are three things that make Italy standout from other great vacation and tour locations. The 1st is the area that one visits, and Italy is second to none in natural beauty and historical locals. The 2nd is the food and beverages of the area and one can still savor the wonderful meals, both formal meals and brief lunches, as to the suuperiority of this segment. But the 3rd is the real reason Italy is wonderful, it is the people. They care, they have emotions and communicate with feeling. It is this, combined with the locale and food that makes Italy #1 !! Artist: Meli, Claudio Title: Due Amici Medium: Mixed Media-Watercolor and Collage Size: 20" X 14" Regular Price: $400--Value Price: $360
	Title: Pompeii--Points of Interest- Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media--Pen & Ink w/ Illustration Markers Size: 10"X7" Regular Price: $200-- Value Price: $180 Comments: Our drive through Naples gave us an understanding of a people, that are full of life, standing in groups, and in animated gestures, argrue and yell. It is alive with life, along the Bay and the road to Pompeii.
We were shown through Pompeii by our only male guide, Carmine,who some thought was quite 'sexy'. Pompeii was everything that one could imagined about an ancient town. It seemed the people here led quite a life, setting an example for future societies. Artist: Caso, Antonio Title: Casa de Vitti Medium: Watercolor Size: 6" X 6" Regular Price: $50 --Value Price: $45
	Title: Night View Overlooking the Bay of Sorrento Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media - Pen and Ink w/ Illustration Markers Size: 10"X 7" Comments: Cars and motor bikes zigging and zagging around and between the busses and trucks. It is absolutely wild to watch the action. Our Hotel is an old jewel of the luxurious world of the 20's and 30's. Vast 20ft. wide marble stairways, vast lobbies, 6-tiered pools, life-like murals beside the indoor pool and gardens. The view of the bay is breathtaking, like a fine jeweled necklace. Regular Price: $300-- Value Price: $270
It's a hydrofoil to take us from Sorrento harbor to Capri (pronounced Kop-ree). What gorgeous views, vistas, Mt. Vesuvius. People, people, and its out of season. Artist: Uzonovski, Simon Title: Hotel Syrene Medium: Oil Size: 36" X 24" Regular Price: $700-- Value Price: $630
	Title: Grotto D' Capri Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media-Pen & Ink w/ Art Markers Size: 10"X 7" Regular Price: $250 -- Value Price: $225 Comments: We hop on to a 25-foot boat for a water tour of the Isalnd of Capri. The steep shores reaching to the heights of the island. The homes on the edge. The grottos, colors of the waters, with sunlight streaming through it.Magnifico! Our tour guides is Patricia, with a very high pitched voice, but who cares? Eh!!
We all took the ride to middle Capri on the Finiculare. No waiting. Its quite a slope. Then we jump on to small busses for the ride up from middle Capri to Anacapri . It is an adventure in itself. Mama Mia!!! So scary, some people do not open their eyes, others are insighting and goading them to show their fear. This road is soooo narrrow. It was fun going up to see the view which was wonderful, but, the ride down was even more scary! Title: Anacapri View Artist: Palomba, Antonio Year:1998 Medium: Oil Size: 36" X 24" Regular Price: $750 --Value Price: $ 675
	Title: Manilo del Tour Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media-Pen & Ink w/ Art Markers Size: 10" X 7" Regular Price: $150 --Value Price: $135 Comments:The next portion of tour was down 'The Amalfi Coast'. This was incredible. The road was as wide as a one lane road, and we were in a really big bus. Manilo , our driver,said he was ready. The road is winding and climbing and our view is from the front edge of the bus. Left turn,curve,right turn,curve,left turn, curve, back and forth ,we go around the most hairpin turns. So you see why we presented the 'award' to Manilo for his excellent driving throughout the entire tour. Bravo!!!!!
Title: Hairpin Turn on the Amalfi Coast Artist: Lenore Lieberman Medium: Photograph Size: 14" X 11" Regular Price: $150 --Value Price: $135 The ways in which these peoples have overcome the steep heights and dangerous slopes of the land they inhabit is just incredible. From building their houses on the edges of land, justting out over cliffs is just freightening. They plant and farm olive trees, vines for wine, tomatoes and other plants in such difficult locales. Our hats are off to them!
	Title: Stella Maris d' Amalfi Year: 1998 Medium: Mixed Media-Pen & Ink w/ Illustration Markers Size: 10" X 7" Regular Price: 250 --Value Price: $225 Comments: Before our lovely seaside lucheon at the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, we appreciated the lovely ceramics produced by local artisans. Then our shoes were off as we ran barefooted in the Sea. How refreshing! Later we bussed back by a shortcut over the mountains to return to Rome and our return to the USA. Farewell Italy, Oh, to return one day! Ciaio!

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