Flying Through Rome

Greetings from Italia -- and six hours in the future! It is currently 11:08 PM here in Italy, and I am writing this with the knowledge that in the morning I'll grumble at this decision to write a blog (thanks for the enforcement, Richard).

The flight out last night was very smooth, both figuratively and literally. Some Prep students doubtless found themselves alone beside two strangers, but I have not heard anyone of us complain too loudly about such placement (and, perhaps more importantly, no one else complain about us!).

Our flight out of Frankfurt was delayed about a half an hour due to a late-boarding tour group, but the view over the Alps afforded from the windows of the plane more than made up for it.

Upon our arrival in Rome we were greeted by our tour guide, Lindsay -- a young man from London. The bus then drove us into the heart of Rome to our hotel, the Starhotel Michelangelo, where we were astounded to see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica rising over the Vatican walls just a couple hundred meters down the street. The hotel itself is elegant and comfortable.

After getting changed, we headed out with Lindsay to St. Peter's Square for a brief introduction to the Vatican. On our way we passed the Pope himself, just leaving (...who told him we were coming?!). Lindsay guided us to the center of the Square with our eyes cast downward, then allowed us a look from the center of the square. Knowing we would be astounded at the sudden sight, he wisely forbid us to take pictures for a full minute, in the hopes that we would soak up the beautiful image of the Sqare through our own memories, and not just those of a camera. The Square was spectacular, and only became more so as the night took over and the lights came on around the Basilica.

The rest of the Vatican being saved for tomorrow, we returned to our hotel for a short bit, and then went out for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Here, for the first time sitting down with the students of the school from New Jersey, we were acquainted with our new trip-mates over a course of pasta and one of roast beef and potatoes. After recieving a final "okay" from Lindsay, we returned to the hotel for the night.

Personally I am quite enjoying the trip; having never been overseas I am awed at the differences between Eurpoean and American culture (SmartCars, anyone?). I'm looking forward to the tour of the Forum tomorrow; so, alas, I must stop writing for now to rest up for that.

Wishing everybody well and having a great time,
--J.T. Fales