6.7 miles later...As we jumped out of our beds minutes before walking out of our hotel this morning we had no idea how many times we stopped so Frankie could shop. As we walked through 2,500 years of history, our conversation ranged from embalmed popes to bold pigeons. After we visited the Vatican museum (including the Sistine Chapel), the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish steps, our tour guide, Barbra, knowledgeably led us through the metro and to our wonderful dinner restaurant were they served fresh picked oranges for dessert. We then wished Kerrigan a happy 17th with celebratory cheesecake and tiramisu.

Julia

P.S. We also saw a levitating man.

Night tours in the rain...

After an incredibly long day and a very brief nap, we were off on a rainy walking tour and night bus tour of Rome!  Interesting sights, wet socks, overtired teenagers, and one delicious gelato later, we are turning in early.  Our first stop tomorrow-Vatican City!

The Helmet

          Every since I was a young boy, I have had an interest in the Romans. My father majored in classical cultures and from a young age he passed the interest onto me. When I was around 8 years old he took my family and me to Italy. We spent the first several days in Positano, on the Amalfi Coast. After we had stayed there we rode up to Rome to spend the final few days there. While I was there, I immediately was astonished and in awe of the spectacle around me. From the arches, to the statues, and to the coliseum, I was in love. I immediately wanted to get anything and everything Roman related. One of the first things we did in Italy was travel to a famous toy store in Piazza Navona, while we were there I bought several small Roman "action figures" which I still have to this day. My interest continued to flourish through our trip to France, and the Roman ruins there. Because of my extensive interest in the Roman Empire, I loved anything Roman that I could get my hands, within in reason of course.
        When we arrived in Italy today, we walked around and saw several souvenir shops. One item immediately caught my eye, a full sized Roman soldier helmet replica. Mrs. Street was able to convince me to keep looking around before buying one. When we walked by a second store, another helmet caught my eye, but this one had a red crest on the top. The moment I saw it, I knew there was no other souvenir I would rather have than this. Sure enough, I purchased it. And that is the story behind why I felt it necessary to buy a full sized helmet.  --Frankie Sinkwich

Dazed and Confused

We are all in awe of the radical things around us but honestly, all we can think about is when we can go to bed. After a bit of settling in at the hotel, we set off to find some pizza due to the request of the many hungry teenagers on the trip (including me, plane food doesn't quite hold up to traditional Italian pizza). We all got our own pizzas and once they arrived at the table, the monstrosity of them made us realize we should have gotten them to share. We reluctantly suffered through the pizzas and before we all fell asleep at the restaurant, Mrs. Street and Dr. Stueck shuffled us off back to the hotel to get some short naps in before the bus tour tonight (though, we had to make a pit stop at a shop so Frankie could buy a Roman helmet.. pictures to come soon).

-Alice

We have arrived!

After a long journey, we have made it safely and in one piece!  We were able to check into our hotel early, and plan on starting a bit of sightseeing soon.  Lots of pictures are being taken and a few should go up a bit later today.  After a harrowing drive from the airport, we have been amazed at the beautiful architecture and "traditional" feel of the buildings.  Off to find some gelato!

And They Are Off...The Journey Has Begun!

Eleven students and two faculty chaperones have just departed campus for their Italian adventure over Spring Break. Please check the blog regularly as the group will update entries to share their travels in Rome, Florence, Venice, as well as the homestay in Correggio with friends from Liceo Corso.

The group will spend three days in Rome experiencing the sights and sounds of the Eternal City before boarding a train for a one week homestay. Day trips to Florence and Venice will take place next week as well.

We wish them safe travels!