It was once said that travel is like a blank canvas, and the painting on the canvas is only limited by one’s imagination.

    The opportunity to color that canvas with lifetime memories comes to life thanks to The Meridian Community College’s Foundation Travel.

    Some 20 travelers recently experienced nine days traveling in France from the iconic symbols of Paris – Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Champs Elysees – to Versailles, Avignon, Aix-en-Provance and Monte Carlo.

    “It was my dream come true experience,” said Kathy Brookshire, director of institutional advancement, of getting to lodge in the famed Avignon Hotel La Mirande, built in the 1600s. Continuing Education Coordinator Tanya Thompson agreed.

    “The La Mirande was the most fabulous hotel … it was like nothing I had ever seen before,” Brookshire said.

    Avignon, with its cobblestone streets and the city walls encircling the town, captured the hearts of the travelers. “The gardens were full of color and breathtaking,” Brookshire said.

    “The small villages were my favorite … getting to see how the everyday guy lived,” Thompson said.

    From people watching (including a chance encounter with basketball superstar Magic Johnson) to relishing chocolate stuffed croissants, MCC Foundation travelers took it all in.

    So what’s next? The compass needle will point west, as travelers with the MCC Foundation group goes to the California wine country – Napa Valley and Sonoma specifically from Aug 20-25.

    Participants will tour wineries, have dinner in a wine cave and a chance to take a cooking class.

    They’ll also gain the opportunity to paint a little more on their life’s canvas.

Want to go?

    The MCC Foundation offers two ways to travel. One is through the Lifetime Quest program which often is a day or an overnight trip, said Kathy Brookshire, director of institutional advancement.

    The other offers longer stays in which the traveler should be able to travel independently.

    The excursions are usually planned in a year in advance.

    For more information, contact Brookshire at MCC at (601) 484-8612.