The Grand Finale

We returned to the Church of St. Francis for a little warm up, but before going into the church we wandered just a few feet through a park to admire the view of the bay. There are hotels pearched right on these cliffs, with swimming piers! I think I want to come back.

Each venue in which we have presented has been remarkable in its own way. The same was true of this church and adjacent convent. In a small park across from the church, we found a very unique statue of St. Francis - an interesting interpretation of Francis in his youth.

The interior courtyard was a beautiful "sanctuary" from the hustle and bustle just beyond its walls - so peaceful.

Though Sorrento is clearly a tourist spot, it's compact but relaxed feel is very inviting. It might just edge out Venice as my favorite "small town" experience. The views were simply spectacular.

As we began our presentation, most every seat was full. To my amazement, the crowd continued to build. People were standing in the back and on the sides! It was simply electric - as moving as ever, yet with a quality hard to name. We threw ourselves into each hymn. It was our best effort yet - almost perfect, I think.

I struggled not to cry during Lord of All, thinking of all that CCVA has done for me over the past four years and what an impact it has had on the course of my life. We were all just a "little" emotional after the concert. (OK. Some of us were sobbing.)

As we made our way back through the town, it was difficult to acknowledge that Lisa and I would be be rooming together for this one last night. The past nine days certainly would be a memory that we will cherish forever.

But have I mentioned the national treasure of Italy? Not the architecture. Not the art and sculpture. No, not even the food and the wine. It always lifts my spirits and puts a smile on my face. Now I was ready for bed.

Those Are Lemons?

This morning we got on the bus for our last big journey, this time to Sorrento. On the way, we stopped in the ancient city of Pompeii, destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We hoped the dormant volcano would not suddenly spring to life as we followed our guide through the ruins. A quick moving and light shower made umbrellas necessary, but we were happy for the inconvenience. It had been almost 100 degrees here just the week before!

We heard of a once thriving civilization prior to the volcanic devastation. As we walked, we could clearly see what would have been the theater, public baths, shops and temples.

Our guide made it unmistakenly clear that unlike the hot lava flows of Hawaii, falling ash - asphyxiation - was the cause of death at Pompeii. The display is pretty graphic.

We were amazed by the lava rock casts left of the citizens of Pompeii, who, having expired, were encapsulated by lava. It was eerie seeing actual impressions of those that died; still in the physical positions, it took barely seconds for death to come.

We took a last look at Vesuvius, as it towered over the town before resuming our drive to Sorrento.

By the time we arrived in Sorrento, the weather had improved significantly. We were met by bright sunshine and the group took some pictures of the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea from the mountain top on which our hotel was pearched. Then there was free time to shop until our dinner later on in the evening.

We spent another delightful evening wandering the streets of town while stopping in the many shops that lined them, hoping to pick up some last minute gifts for our families and friends. The quaint little stores sell everything - leather, perfume, jewelry, art work, clothes, wine, food.


The surprise of the evening was the size of the lemons that grow in Sorrento! No wonder the town is the home of a sweet, lemony Italian liqueur called Limoncello. There are dozens of shops that make and bottle the spirit right in front of you. Each shop keeper claims that they make the best and they insist that you give them the opportunity to prove it by giving you a free taste. Fortunately, my Dad could draw on the vast experience of Mr. Campbell. Because he has been to Sorrento many times, he helped narrow Dad's search for "the best" before things got too rowdy.

The morning would bring our last day in Italy. Nevertheless, we looked forward to our day trip to the Isle of Capri. It's just outside our window! Amazing!

The Isle of Capri

Boat travel was indeed a consistent method of transportation on this year’s tour to Italy. Up early, the choir boarded another small ship that would take us to Capri for the day. After a scenic and all too brief ride, we docked, marveling at the beauty of the Island. We scurried quickly to get in line for a cable car ride up to the highest peak on Capri. The view below was spectacular.

Stefano and Ilaria walked us up to the Island gardens where we stopped to take pictures before heading back down to the beach for a swim. The water was a crystal shade of blue to which photographs cannot do justice. As we got used to the temperature and admired the rock formations on the beach, I had to pinch myself. We were swimming in the Mediterranean Sea!

We had had a chance to enjoy an occasional swim in a hotel pool, but this was a unique experience. A word to the wise, the rocky coast line here is unlike most I have experienced. A number of us returned needing band-aids from our trusty first aid kit. Nonetheless, after spending the rest of the afternoon soaking up the sun, we got back on the boat, then walked to the hotel to get ready for our evening’s concert, our last in Italy. Showered and refreshed, we met for rehearsal at a beautiful, local church, the Church of Saint Francis.

Afterwards we walked to dinner, where we expressed our gratitude to Stefano, Ilaria, Roberto and Salvatore. Our tour managers and drivers had made our time in Italy go so smoothly. I hoped they enjoyed us as we enjoyed them. It would be difficult to say goodbye.

There were heartfelt and good natured tributes ... shall we say a parody or two - even a memorable one "for or to" Mrs. Campbell. Yes, she did enjoy it, and took it in the spirit of the evening. In true CCVA style, we had laughed, sang and prayed together. It was a beautiful moment, and we left the restaurant appreciating the time we've spent together and the new friends we've made, looking forward to our final performance.