One evening over a glass of wine, Paula and Teresa started talking about what they would do "next," now that their children were almost grown and their years of homeschooling and volunteer work were ending. They talked about their dreams. They talked about their skills. They talked about all the events, classes, and groups they had organized for the past ten years. They talked about what kind of business would suit their talents, what kind of business would bring joy to themselves and to others, that kind of business they would most like to start....
It soon became clear that they could combine their education, experience, interests, talents, skills, and passions in creating small group tours to Italy for women--and Time of Your Life Tours was born. It was the right time of their lives to embark on a new adventure and they knew they could design tours that would fulfill the longing for Italy shared by so many women. They knew they could offer them the time of their lives, too.
Everyone agreed it was an excellent idea and thought they could do it....even their husbands and kids. And, so they got to work.
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Well, that was over three years ago, and we've spent the time working hard to get everything just right. It's been quite a thrill to see our company take shape, and it's been really wonderful working with so many fine people both here in Seattle and in Italy. We love the tour we've put together-- the special hotels, authentic restaurants, fun shopping, treats, and uniquely Italian experiences.
Most of all, we are pleased that we can offer a fascinating mini-course on the art, culture, and history of Italy. Paula specialized in Medieval and Renaissance art and culture in graduate school, and for many years she's taught art history to people of all ages (including the most demanding groups of 7th-12th graders!). Our tour will offer the perfect introduction for those who've never been to Italy or studied art in depth and a great refresher course for those who may have traveled and studied a bit in their youth. You can get a good idea of the range of her knowledge and the caliber of her lectures by reading the articles in Paula's Tour Talk. She is happiest when she is sharing her knowledge and love of all things Italian.
Teresa handles all the business and bookkeeping aspects and also brings her considerable charm and excellent people skills to Time of Your Life Tours. She is exacting about details and possesses an easy-going, vivacious, and friendly personality. She is sensitive to the needs and also the fears of women traveling and truly wants to ensure that all our clients feel comfortable and cared for--even pampered. For instance, it's Teresa who has personally inspected ladies rooms in every city and village we visit on the tour! If you've done any traveling at all, you know how important that is...
Although neither of us is what you'd call wealthy, we both know how to live. We love to cook and enjoy good food; we enjoy good wine, good conversation, good books, and good friends. We love to meet new people. We like to shop and find great buys. We love our husbands, but enjoy the company of women. And, of course, we love to travel.
We hope you will join us for the time of your life.
Congratulations on the successful launch of your business! Can't wait to go with you in the spring! Ciao!
Posted by: MP | October 22, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Good afternoon!
I've just discovered your website and would appreciate knowing if you also provide tours or day trips to places other than Italy. Rae
Posted by: Rae Gibson | April 08, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Paula,
Wow! I'm impressed! Really, a tour with you could be a write-off for continuing education in my book. You are a wealth of knowledge! And I didn't realized you have a business partner!
Kathleen Yow-Wells, LMP
Posted by: Kathleen Yow-Wells, LMP | June 16, 2009 at 10:28 AM