Italy's breathtaking coastal views, memorable cuisine and
iconic art make this European country a must-see.
Melinda Kopnisky, office administrator for northern Utility
operations, and her husband, Jack Bloomfield, vice president
of northern Utility operations, spent 10 days traveling from
one magnificent Italian city to the next with 19 couples and
one Davey Bulletin.
Falling quickly in love with the Italian architecture, Kopnisky
and nine other couples from her St. Patrick's church in
Onalaska, Wisconsin, and 10 more couples from another
nearby church enjoyed every minute of their pilgrimage to Italy.
This was Kopnisky's second pilgrimage with her church.
First they traveled to Portugal, Spain and France in 2014.
This time, they flew to Italy's Rome, Florence, San Gimignano,
Siena, Assisi and Orvieto in 2015.
"To walk on the same cobblestone streets as St. Francis
of Assisi was amazing," Kopnisky said. By comparison,
America is such a young country we don't get to see artifacts
from the first through the 12th century, she added.
"To experience and view these sights firsthand was an
experience I will never forget and highly recommend,"
she said.
One unforgettable moment came when they found
themselves standing within 5 feet of Pope Francis during his
weekly Wednesday morning address in St. Peter's Square.
A PILGRIMAGE OVERSEAS
"We were fortunate to be in the front row as Pope
Francis rode past … giving his blessing to the thousands
in attendance," Kopnisky said. "It was quite exciting."
Kopnisky walked anywhere from 6 miles to 10 miles daily
to see sites such as Michelangelo's Statue of David, the
Colosseum, Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon.
Kopnisky and Bloomfield came back to the U.S. full of
memories, tasty food, and a deepened sense of faith
after their 10-day Italian expedition. Ireland is next
on their list, and we hopeThe Bulletin goes too!
WORLD
DAVEY
AROUND THE
Melinda Kopnisky and husband Jack Bloomfield
in Italy outside the famed Colosseum.
The Davey Tree Expert Company
P.O. Box 5193
Kent, Ohio 44240-5193
