Great Expectations

The Dolomite Mountain Range is part of the Alps Mountain Range in Northern Italy. These huge cliffs, massive boulders, and snow peaked areas tower in the ice blue sky, putting even the Colorado landscape to shame. After our trip to Venice and Verona, we rode on a bus for 4 hours to reach the Dolomites and our surprise three days in this beautiful place. I can not capture the beauty, colors, and sights with mere words, but pictures testify to the beauty since even the colors and images look fake...like someone painted a picteresque background and put us in front.

Our group stayed in a small city called Canazei which reminded me a little of the quaint town of Telluride Colorado. This city hosts several of the Olympic Winter sports and is usually a booming tourist town in the winter months. It was the perfect spot for us at the end of this summer trip, however, and the cooler weather and occasional showers/thunderstorms were a nice change compared to our hot and muggy days in Venice. Wednesday afternoon our bus pulled up to the parking lot of the Biance Croce Hotel which is where our director has taken groups for many years now. Apparently we are the only student group that is allowed to stay there nowadays. Derek, the hotel manager/hotel owner's son, was waiting for us and all of the girls instantly fell in love with this young pro-hockey player, turned model, turned hotel manager and soon to be owner. I never imagined what typed of accomodations we were in for at this four star hotel. Joy and I had our own room with a balcony, couch, table, and huge bathroom. The hotel was right near a stream where I went for a walk in the afternoon to explore, and it sits in the middle of the town right next to a gelateria and crepe restaraunt. We definitely enjoyed both of these sights. The lodge had several rooms for a bar, piano, card tables, and a pool table. Best of all, downstairs there was a Turkish Bath complex and spa. The spa offered massages and pedicures, of course, for a good sum of money. The baths, however, were completely free.

Let me just explain how we spent our afternoons: First you enter the complex by way of a cold pool of cleansing water for your feet. Next, you shower off with warm water before entering the "cauldarium" or hot steam bath that had a black ceiling with lit up stars that changed colors. In between each room, you shower in a tropical mist and fragance. Afte the steam room came the aromatherapy room filled with hot, strong lemon scents. The sauna was next and was the most exhausting and draining part of the cycle. After losing all of this sweat, we chilled/shocked our system with a huge downpoor of ice-cold water before sitting in the room filled with room temperature lights. The last room, the "frigidarium" was full of stones that kept it extremely cold. After all of the rooms, I sat in the lukewarm jet bath full of massaging foot stones before laying under the uv lights above the warm stone benches that contoured to your back. The first afternoon, I was so relaxed and suffering from Dramamine that I fell asleep here for an hour and a half before my friend had to wake me up...Talk about a relaxing pair of afternoons!

It must sound like I am making all of this up, but the fairy tale hotel just got better with our dinner that was served promptly at 7:30 pm. A huge salad bar, a five course meal where you get to choose each option, and a scrumptios dessert left me feeling extremely blessed to be at this place in Italy...once again, a complete feeling of amazement and gratitude. My friend/roomate Shiethal showed us her Indian dancing that night and I stayed up late reading Quo Vidas on the overstuffed leather couch.

Thursday morning started early but enjoyably with our huge buffet breakfast where I made a fruit and yogurt parfait that reminded me of my mom and aunt. The entire time, the waiters were completely at our service and the manager was so helpful to meet our every need. At about 9 am, our group split up for the day: some went hiking with Dr. Oberhelman, others went rock climbing and paragliding, while I joined 6 other girls for horseback riding throughout the mountains, along a stream and into the hills of serenity. Pina, my shorter horse, hated other horse behind her, so the German guy in charge of the trail horses, wanted me to ride in the back. I had been in a really reflective mood at day, so when I got to lag behind and catch up with a trot every once in a while, I had the time to think deep and claim the Lord's promises and faithfulness. After a short nap and packed lunch, I went on a solo hike up to the top of a waterfall just because I was in the mood to explore. I have been able to do several solo things that allow me to spend time with the one who has gotten me through so much hurt and provided such great healing. I had my last European crepe from the nearby cafe. Frutti di bosci (fruit of the forest) and vanilla made a great combination for my afternoon chat and snack with McKayla and Shiethal. Last night, I sat and played cards with all of the girls before we talked late into the night. We wanted to be tired for our long bus ride today, so we found out more about the fascinating life of Derek, and I was able to find our more about Katie and her daughter/salvation experience.

We left Canazei in the rain today, a perfect reflection of my emotions in having to leave this place and come to the end of such a sweet dream. Nic and I had some interesting conversations on our 7 hour bus ride about A&M's student government association, philosophy, and my friend/his girlfriend. A large purchase of the world famous Kinder chocolate completed this first day of the month before we arrived home at the center for the last time. I was able to pack before dinner tonight so that I could enjoy our last night and day iin Italy! I'm trying to find somway to get left behind and forgotten so that I can stay longer. I've never wanted to stay in a place so bad. Everyone is talking about the "I miss..." of American life such as food, conveniences, and simple goods but I have to admit, all of the inconveniences of Italian life are worth the time in Italy in comparison with the small conveniences of American life. I know the Lord calls us to contentment. I don't know what to expect from here: I have been able to check so many dreams off of my "list" and could be discouraged that it's all over. Instead, I'm trying to treasure the last of these moments and trust that the one who has overexceeded every expectation will continue to meet my needs and desires. Hail the King!