Group Product Manager Justin Boyle celebrated both his five-year Arthrex anniversary and his 10-year wedding anniversary in 2023. But, between work and their kids’ schedules, he and his wife, Vanessa, weren’t able to find time to take a celebratory trip.
Fast forward to May 2024, when the InternalBrace™ International Study Group decided to hold its inaugural meeting in conjunction with the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) Congress in Milan, Italy.
“Since I was going to be in Italy for those meetings, it seemed like a great opportunity to take an extra week to use my Trip of a Lifetime benefit and celebrate our – now – 11-year anniversary,” Justin said.
Between the research they did on their own and a little bit of help from a travel agent, Justin and Vanessa were able to enjoy six days of beautiful cities and incredible hotels before the ESSKA Congress and InternalBrace International Study Group meeting.
Beginning in Milan, they spent some time exploring the city before renting a car and driving to Lake Como.
“Unfortunately, it rained the first two days we were there,” Justin said, “but enjoying the beautiful outdoor space on our last day at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo was one of the highlights of our trip.”
From Lake Como, they continued on to Portofino, known for the clusters of colorful buildings that, quite literally, line the shore.
Justin said walking and hiking through Portofino was yet another highlight of the trip.
“The pictures just don’t do it justice.”
Far from being considered a highlight, but memorable nonetheless, Justin and Vanessa experienced their first-ever blown tire driving their rental car back to Milan from Portofino.
“After probably eight hours of driving through Italy without any issues, we were only about 15 minutes away from dropping off the car when it happened,” Justin said.
The exploded tire wound up costing them three hours, making them late for their tour of the Duomo di Milano – a church which took nearly 600 years to build and has capacity to hold 40,000 people at a time.
“Fortunately, we had arranged for a family friend who is a priest to give us a full behind-the-scenes tour, and he waited around for us.”
Justin said there’s a good chance he and Vanessa will go back to Italy for his 10-year Trip of a Lifetime (and their 15-year wedding anniversary).
“Southern Italy,” he specified. “Or maybe Greece.”
Justin thanked Arthrex for the Trip of a Lifetime benefit.
“I am so thankful to be a part of the Arthrex family,” Justin said. “This has been the best six years of my life – both professionally and personally.”
For every five years of employment with Arthrex, employees are eligible for a company-paid Trip of a Lifetime to recognize their dedication. Look for more Trip of a Lifetime highlights on the Arthrex Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.