The past two days were a whirlwind of adventure. Our school trip to Rome took us to some of the most historical monuments in the world.
Our day started at 7 a.m. Friday with a 3.5 hour bus ride from Florence to Rome. Once we arrived, we had about half-an-hour to find a bathroom and grab some breakfast. We then met up around 11 to start our tour of the Vatican Museum. We went into the courtyard and then through the living quarters of some of the past Popes.
"Sphere Within Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro
These hallways were covered in paintings and filled with statues and led up to the magnificent Sistine Chapel. We only had about 15 minutes inside the Chapel, but I could have stayed there for hours. There was so much to see and soak in, but we were on a tight schedule. I still can't believe I got to see it in person.
From there we went into Saint Peter's -another beautiful and historical church.
After Saint Peter's the majority of us went to a local pizza shop and then on to the only non-Catholic cemetery in Rome, where we got to see Percy Bysshe Shelley's grave.
When we were done at the cemetery we went to check in at the hotel and get settled for a bit. We had the night off from school/class requirements so we went off to find the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain before dinner.
For dinner, we found a nice restaurant where we enjoyed good food and great company. I had lasagna, but it wasn't your traditional lasagna: there was no ricotta or tomatoes, but there was noodles, prosciutto and lots of cheese. Definitely not what I was expecting when I ordered it, but very delicious!
After dinner we walked back to the hotel (about a half-hour walk) grabbing some gelato along the way. Once back at the hotel, we hit the hay.
Saturday started with a wonderful breakfast provided by the hotel where we all filled up on fruit, pastries, sandwiches, cereal, and juice before heading out for another packed day.
It started at an art museum where we stopped briefly to look at some ancient mosaics and statues. We then went off to explore Ancient Rome, starting with the Colosseum.
From the Colosseum we walked along ancient walls and through the Ancient Roman Forum.
After that we walked past Trajan's Column on our way to the Pantheon.
At the Pantheon we had about 2 hours for lunch and exploration. I went off with Sam D and Amy to get some sandwiches which we enjoyed in the sunshine of Piazza Navona.
After lunch we got some gelato before meeting to walk to the bus and head off to Cinecitta - Italy's version of Hollywood, where we got to see the set used for Gangs of New York and The Passion of the Christ among other TV shows and movies.
From there we got back on the bus to head back to Florence.
After a packed 2 days I still can't believe I actually saw all those magnificent and incredible pieces of art and history. It was amazing, and I only wish I could have had more time to soak it all in. However, I feel that I would need at least a few weeks to see and absorb everything Rome has to offer - probably even longer than that.
As Lizzie Mcguire mentions in the classic Disney Channel movie The Lizzie McGuire Movie, "This is what dreams are made of."
I am so blessed to have these opportunities, create unforgettable memories, and experience all Italy, Europe, and the world have to offer - making some of my dreams come true.
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