And what an adventure it was! 
(A kiss for Sister Giovanna who does not speak English, but has a gift of welcoming the stranger whether or not they speak Italian)
From the moment I arrived, every second was filled with sweet moments, 
breath-taking ancient architecture and inviting oldness, 
narrow cobblestone streets begging to be explored and with every turn calling me further, 
gentle rolling sheep dotted hills, 
and peaceful countryside 
that went on forever.
When my luggage was lost for almost 4 days, I decided to change my plans and stay in Orvieto the entire 2 weeks that I would be in Italy, and I'm so glad I did. 
My visit was more relaxed than if I had tried to see so many places in such a short amount of time. I was able to feel the country rather than just see it, and take time to experience it more deeply and in more detail. 
I got to know Orvieto and felt a bit like I was part of it rather than just visiting. 
I walked miles each day, sometimes on trails around "the rock", and sometimes zig-zagging back and forth exploring every street and turn. I began recognizing a few store owners that I passed regularly, and they began smiling back in recognition. 
(this store is actually in Rome but it's so wonderful that I wanted to show you)
When I return to teach again in September 2012, I hope to stay a bit longer so I can see the wonderful places that I missed this time, but also to explore the layers of ancient Orvieto once again. 
The light in Italy is what struck me most I think. As the light and color changed throughout the day, the mood changes as well. I enjoyed walks on bright, crisp mornings, feeling the newness of the day, and watching people hanging out of windows pinning laundry to endless lines alongside the buildings. 
During late afternoon, everything was filled with inspiring tones, richness, and deep soothing color. 
I loved seeing every-day life 
rather than tourist attractions (although I must admit, seeing Roman Ruins was incredible). I wandered and watched people return home from shopping, working, or whatever had filled their day, 
and thought about how amazing it was to experience a tiny bit of this world so far away from everything I'm familiar with. Do you ever think about that when you go somewhere? You are there at that exact moment seeing things that would be going on whether you were there or not. Makes me feel tiny in a big world, but then again, it also makes me want to make the most of every moment no matter where I am. 
My favorite time of day in Orvieto was when the sun lowered enough to soften the harsh contrast of light and shadow, 
turning everything the most amazing and deep shades of pink and gold. 
I loved taking photos during that time of day. The town glowed with quiet, soft, golden hues for an hour or so, then suddenly came alive again when the sun set, 
and the nearly empty streets were filled with lights, and people chatting, laughing, eating, and enjoying each others company. 
So much to share! I need to stop here, but tomorrow the adventure will continue. I have wonderful class photos to share, many many more of Orvieto beauty, shots of my time in Rome, cemetery photos, and an incredible day driving around with Erika, a local resident who showed myself and 2 workshop attendees a day of perfection in the Umbrian countryside. It was all so amazing...
Impressive blog! -Arron
Posted by: rc helicopter | 12/21/2011 at 02:24 AM
Thank goodness he reminded us that he EXISTS. I contributed to his campaign and he makes me very happy that I did...
Posted by: custom logo design | 09/06/2011 at 01:49 AM
Thank you for the vicarious trip to Umbria! Your photography is fabulous.
Posted by: Lizbeth | 07/03/2011 at 03:43 AM
Title is absolutely correct as it perfectly suits the blog. I am absolutely overwhelmed coming across this blog. Thanks for the wonderful post.
Posted by: hire a web programmer | 06/27/2011 at 12:26 AM
Such beautiful photos. Italy is on my bucket list. If I'm really lucky you'll still be doing book courses there (in at least 10 years?!!!!) Happy weekend
Posted by: Lynette (NZ) | 06/03/2011 at 08:55 PM
all i can say, is "just lovely". thanks for sharing what you saw. honestly, i think people watching and observing the behind the scenes is usually a lot more interesting then the typical touristy stuff.
kecia
Posted by: kecia | 05/30/2011 at 11:41 AM
Your photos and post about your experience has inspired me to shoot for the moon, Italy, next year. Thank you for sharing. Can't wait!
Posted by: Renee Troy | 05/29/2011 at 08:54 PM
You captured Orvieto so beautifully! What a lovely lovely place! Thank you so much for showing us the beauty through your creative and inspiring photographs!
Posted by: Katja | 05/28/2011 at 03:16 PM
Breathtaking photos is right! Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your art and blog.
Posted by: Tina | 05/27/2011 at 08:27 PM
Oh,WOW! Beautiful!
Posted by: dorylyn | 05/25/2011 at 11:59 AM
Your photos are stunning!!! It seems that loosing the luggage was a good thing as it kept you in orvieto!! What an amazing place seen thru your wonderful eyes!!! Love the late afternoon light but in a foreign country it seems so much more brilliant!!!
thank you for sharing!!!
I would love to join you in 2012- perhaps winning the lottey is in order!!! LOL!!r
Posted by: Elizabeth Woodford | 05/25/2011 at 05:06 AM
Beautiful photos. You have such a good eye for capturing a moment and a feeling. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: joanne thieme huffman | 05/25/2011 at 03:28 AM
Couldn't wait to see your photos. They are so exquisite I can't believe it! Thank you for sharing a beautiful experience with us.
Posted by: Eileen | 05/24/2011 at 09:31 PM
WOW... all I can say... it's so beautiful... Do you know what kind of bird was that in your picture?? Your photo are so amazing.. I can't wait to see more...
Faith
Posted by: Faith | 05/24/2011 at 09:01 PM
Looks absolutely incredible! I can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Kimberly Jones | 05/24/2011 at 08:30 PM
You're so right about the advantages of staying in one place for a length of time so you can experience the place and its people in depth... much more satisfying, and it makes memories that last. A friend once spent a month in a small Italian town doing her own residency and making art the whole time. The townspeople adopted her as their own and gave her a party at the end of her stay. The Italians cherish art and artists in a way that we don't.
Posted by: Jo | 05/24/2011 at 07:59 PM
http://scrapwisdomcollage.blogspot.com/2011/05/dj-is-back-from-italy.html
Can't wait for pictures from your workshop!
Posted by: Margaret Applin | 05/24/2011 at 06:14 PM
Absolutely wonderful photos, the next best thing to being there.....thank you.
Posted by: Rob | 05/24/2011 at 03:34 PM
Simply breathtaking! Thank you for the wonderful tour.
Posted by: Christy Grant | 05/24/2011 at 01:33 PM
beautiful photos DJ!
Posted by: connie | 05/24/2011 at 12:54 PM