Monday, March 9, 2015

On the train through the tunnels

Italy updates     Saturday March 7, 2015
We are on the train, playing cards - poker, taking pictures and taking turns typing a few thoughts about our stay in Rome. I am so thankful we all made it across all the streets safely and that we all made the train with all our luggage. That we are all in good health with only a few bruises and sore throats. After  perhaps too many cappuccino, too little sleep and one too many margherita pizzas and just enough souvenir shopping. Now we are off to the North.  Dr. Stueck
Frankie: Tuesday after Florence I will write on the blog. I am working on filling up a full suit of roman armor. In all seriousness I’m actually not but, I did buy a Roman sword to go with my helmet. As of now I look like a poor centurion. Most of the roman soldiers would buy their own armor, so I look like a lower class one with only a helmet and sword. I also have purchased an Italy rugby ball as well.
Nick Manfredi: I’ll write on the blog Thursday after Venice. In my opinion, the Vatican City/St. Peter’s Basilica has been the coolest part of the trip. To be able to see all the historic chapels and the artwork that I have learned about in school and in church has been amazing. Along with seeing this, I also bought a necklace that almost every Catholic has, including a cross and the patron saint. To get it from the Vatican is something that not many people can say they have done.
Nick Grubb: I will write on the blog when there is an empty spot.  Yesterday we visited Santa Maria de Treverte. It was built in the only urban “square” (piazza) in the more Roman district of Italy, and it was probably my favorite place so far. It was quite inconspicuous from the outside, but the inside was a sight to behold, filled with mosaics depicting Jesus, his twelve apostles, and the life of Mary. 2 popes ordered improvements on it, and the interior is incredibly well preserved. Will post pictures later maybe. –Nick Grubb
Riley Rupert: The Coliseum was what I was most looking forward to on the trip, and it certainly did not disappoint. It was extremely large and there were men dressed as centurions all around. Walking into it was very impressive because estimated 50,000 people could be inside at once.  The most surprising thing about it was how steep the stairs were. They were built so steep to be able to evacuate the building in only 15 minutes. I took a very good picture while I was there and will try to upload it later.
Margaret Timberlake: I will write whenever there is an empty spot. I am most looking forward to seeing Venice, because I find it very interesting that they travel by water. My favorite parts so far have been the St. Mary’s basilica and the Jewish Ghetto. I loved the free time we had at the Jewish Ghetto, because they had a huge farmers market and I bought the best orange I have ever had. I am also very interested in different cultures, so it was a great opportunity to be immersed into their interesting way of life. I will upload my picture when needed.
Kerrigan Pruett: Today we were blessed with the gift of waking up a bit later than we did normally in Rome. After an awesome breakfast of toast, croissants, cappuccinos, and espressos we traveled to the train station. Today we had 2 different train rides. We are currently on the first as I am writing this. Margret luckily had some cards and we are passing the time away playing games like Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em, and others. The games got more and more intense as we started “betting” money (American quarters and whenever we ran out we would return them)




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