There were two events which I attended with Chris. The first was a evening of appetizers and drinks for the winners, heads of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, CEO's of corporations, and other dignitaries.
It took place in San Lorenzo, which is said to be one of the oldest and largest churches in Florence. It is also the burial place of many members of the Medici family.
After mingling in the courtyard we were offered private tours of the Medici family library designed by Michelangelo and the families private basilica. Both were stunning.
The only painful part of the evening was navigating cobble stone streets in these gorgeous shoes.
I fell in love with them this summer and didn't know what I'd wear them too. Thanks babe for going above and beyond the normal taking me out on the town! After the tour we met up with other former colleges of Chris for a wonderful dinner and some adult conversation. I am really happy to say I only came away with one blister and no turned ankles that night.
On to the Main Event
After touring the Academia and Uffizi Gallery by day it was time to tour Palazzo Vecchio by night. The SPE annual banquet and reception were held in Florence's city hall.
I think one of Chris' former professors Ramona G., now the department head at Mines, summed it up well, "There are 90,000 members of SPE and only 20 are being recognized tonight. This is a big deal and a congratulations well deserved." Chris received the Young Member Outstanding Service Award for contributions to and leadership in the public and the community, as well as SPE, the profession, and the industry, by a member under the age of 36.
On to the Main EventAfter touring the Academia and Uffizi Gallery by day it was time to tour Palazzo Vecchio by night. The SPE annual banquet and reception were held in Florence's city hall.
I think one of Chris' former professors Ramona G., now the department head at Mines, summed it up well, "There are 90,000 members of SPE and only 20 are being recognized tonight. This is a big deal and a congratulations well deserved." Chris received the Young Member Outstanding Service Award for contributions to and leadership in the public and the community, as well as SPE, the profession, and the industry, by a member under the age of 36.
While Chris enjoyed all the handshakes, pats on the backs, and congratulations, I got to dress up, tag along, eat a fabulous meal under the aged frescoes, and listen to excerpts of La Traviata from the amazing Opera performers. I could have done with out the back up performers. They didn't sing they just were dressed up and made out heavily without actually kissing. I'm not sure what all our Muslim table mates thought of it BUT the singing was absolutely INCREDIBLE.
After the show we posed for pictures, sampled wonderful desserts, shook quite a few more hands, then enjoyed just walking home through the mostly deserted streets of Florence.
Ethan's comment about the night, "Mom does look beautiful but her hair is just too fancy."
Hot Mamma! Those shoes are fabulous. And another big congratulations to Chris. I really like hearing the details of his award and the night. We know Chris definitely deserved it and the wonderful nights that recognized him. I studied the Medici in one of my history classes so am a tiny bit jealous of all you got to see but really like seeing the pics.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing experience you're having over there! Let's see, what's been going on up here...... it snowed Sunday but didn't stick :) I love reading your blog!
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