Seven adventuresome souls travelled to Italy this past summer to take part in a month-long photography class for Palo Alto College credit.

Led by adjunct Fine Arts instructor Karen Hogensen, the students' experience was far different from a typical photography class. The class was based in Florence, but the students ventured to the Mediterranean Coast, Siena, Rome and Venice.

"Since we were there for a month, it was fun not to be a tourist and to be able to take time to explore and revisit all of the piazzas and museums without concern for time," said Ann Turner, an associate professor of Speech at Palo Alto.

Students took at least one roll of film per day, then processed and printed their photos while in Italy. On their last evening abroad, the class feasted on Italian delicacies while showcasing their best work.

"We came back oozing with culture," said Veronica Lozano, now a junior Communications major at the University of the Incarnate Word. "My family was sick of hearing me go on and on about it."

Hogensen agreed. "It will be a time that none of us will ever forget." For information about future photography classes, contact Hogensen at 408-0677.