Day 5: Addio all'Italia...eri bellisima.

 

It is so strange...going on these trips.  It always seems like they are so far away, and then, they are just days to come...then, you are away, and it seems like forever is in front of you, only to realize that your journey is coming to an end.  Saying goodbye to Italy tonight was sentimental.  Joanna asked the kids if they wanted to leave and there was a chorus of "Noooosss!!!"  It is a beautiful country with such warm hearts.  These people opened their arms to us after such a trying time.  The waitstaff at our final Italian dinner was so special.  It was basically all you can eat pizza.  The kids actually cheered and clapped for the staff.  Our driver Rosaio said goodbye to us, as well.  He will not be taking us to the airport, a colleague of his will.  I am assuming he will be joining his family.  He was with us during Easter.  The dedication that the tourism industry in Italy has towards making memories as super apparent during our stay.  I think tonight will be a special night for the kids for a long time.

But, before we get ahead of ourselves, lets not forget about the amazing experience we had today. Our day focused on the Vatican City. We left the hotel and travel to the walls of the Holy See and joined with our two guides.  Their names escape me, at the moment, but they both had many years of experience.  Similarly to yesterday at Pompeii, my photos might focus on my group a little more than the other...my apologies if that is the case.

A few of us in the Museum entrance

The Vatican Museum is an amazing place and for a good number of our students, it was the first museum they've experienced as a young adult. As such, their art appreciation kind of will begin here.  It is a great place for it to begin, btw.  The art doesn't only focus on religious motifs.  In fact, the collection is wide and varied.  Art and Sculptures from antiquity rest just down the hall from 16th and 17th century tapestries.  The work is by famous artists that everyone knows to the unknown masters of the past.  All of the Ninja Turtles are represented, but there are also modern works from the 19th and 20th century.  For me, my favorite painting in the museum is the School of Athens by Raphael.  I was hoping to show it to the group as we walked past, but alas, it was not on the path we took today.  I asked them to try and choose a favorite.  I hope they all did.

At the beginning of the tour, we were introduced the Vatican itself.  This model shows the grounds to scale.  The Vatican is an independent nation nestled inside the city of Rome.  It has a population of 600, roughly, and is much smaller than our Saugus.  I only mention that because, on any given day, 30,000 people will travel through the museum.  So, for a nation small enough to fit in, and around, Saugus center, the entire population of our town visits on a daily basis.  I hope I am explaining this clearly, lol.  It has been a long few days, haha.

After the visitor center, we went into a courtyard and then into the museum. I did not take too many pictures from within. The crowd forms a crazy queue and I ran point making sure we didn't leave anyone behind.  It was fun watching everyone taking their pictures and then scurrying to catch up.  It is one of the things I enjoy about these kind of trips. I can watch the excitement and appreciation grow along the way.  I did steal a quick selfie with King Agamemnon though....

This photo gives you a sense of the scope of the museum

At the end of the museum tour, the group entered the Sistine Chapel. Earlier, our guide had explained the most important pieces from within.  Her explanation was thorough and complete and gave everyone something to look for and forward too.  

Diagrams, like the one above, were used to prepare us for the Chapel visit.  Using the Whisper headsets from EF, she could continue our education as we walked through the museum and towards the Sistine Chapel. 

A few notes on the site.  First, the most famous work in the Chapel was painted by Michaelangelo.  Many of you know that he painted the ceiling.  It took him years and he was not a painter by trade...he was a sculptor.  You can actually see his artist ability improve from panel to panel.  Additionally, he painted the Last Judgement.  It is a giant piece and takes up an entire wall.  Our guide pointed out some key points of interest and explained them too us.  She also explained the rules, however.

Rule 1: No talking

Rule 2: No Photographs or Video

Now, I am a good person.  I usually don't speed.  During Covid, I went down the correct lane at the grocery store even if the lane I needed was empty.  Overall, I am not the guy who bucks the system, BUT, I talked...Please don't report me, or this blog, to Pope Francis.  I'd hate for him to sub-tweet me.  I spoke because I wanted the kids to take their time...to slow down for a minute and take it in...to appreciate the history and the art and the time it took to complete these works.  I wanted them to remember that on any day, 30,000 people will take their steps, but on some days, the chapel is closed to the public and Cardinals from across the world elect the church's new leader from within those locked chambers.  I wanted them to know these things and not feel rushed.  That's the drawback, the security force inside is pretty intimidating. They whisper "Silence" at you when you whisper.  Every once in a while, over a PA system, they remind you of the rules...it is really loud, forgive the analogy, but it's like the voice of God speaking to you and suggesting you've been there too long!  So, I spoke.  It's not a sin, is it?

I also took some photos...they aren't great, but, they aren't bad either!

I think the Vatican security underestimated my sneakiness!
The Sistine Chapel ceiling!

The Last Judgement and a much better shot!

I can neither confirm nor deny that I encouraged our kids to sneak their own photos...but you know you children.  Ask them!

Normally, when you leave the chapel, you can enter into St. Peter's Basilica, but as mentioned yesterday, the Pope was leading a service there today.  It was closed.  I often tell the kids that I purposefully leave something out in each city that I want to see so that I will return.  Theirs was easy.  The inside of the basilica is totally worth a return visit...and parents, you know have a Roman expert to take you to all of the right spots!!

We did get to go outside into the Square.  We grabbed a few more shots there.

Check this photo out on Facebook for a 360' shot!

At the peak of the building on the left, there would be a chimney if Conclave was in session

My group with our Tour Guide with the Basilica in the background

A few of the kids waiting for the other group to meet us.

When we all gathered again, Joanna and Flavia took us to a nearby street filled with delicious lunch options and souvenir stores.  There was also a McDonalds.  It is at this time that I need to write directly to the kids...whom I've learned are not necessarily reading this blog each night.  I KNOW.  I KNOW THAT SOME OF YOU HAVE VISITED A MCDONALDS...you get one visit.  If you are caught a second time, I publicly shame you on this blog.  You thought your first visit was completed in secret, but I have my own whisperers who have let me in on the crew who took their steps into forbidden land.  I actually had to go into a McDonalds today to see if you were there again...be warned!

We then went to the bus...and I shot some candids while waiting for Rosario...but before I did, I also wanted to remind the kids to not run up broken escalators.  Everyone is okay, but I saw someone fall upstairs today.  I heard the tumble, got nervous, and then heard thunderous laughter.  I told them I wouldn't name names, but I am glad Rylee is okay.

Veteran Eurotrippers (even some DC Alums) might know that I love pictures while waiting for transportation!!!

It was then time for our last few hours in downtown Rome.  Rosario took us across the city and we walked to the Capuchin Crypt.  Almost all of our travelers decided to venture into this site. I encourage you to peek at the website. They don't allow photos and I've already visited, so I stayed outside while the group ventured in. I would also like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who donated to these kids and their trip.  I used a little bit of your contribution to pay for their admittance.  It is not necessarily for everyone, but it is something that everyone will remember!!!  Your contributions to their experience humble me every time I think of it. My eyes are tearing up, again, as I type this.  I wish I could thank you all individually and in person, but just know...You Rock!!!

Our night wrapped up at the Pantheon.  I was super thrilled that some of our group made it inside.  The line was super long, but using some ingenuity, a few kids snuck into the back of another group waiting for admittance.  Once inside, they befriended their new "classmates."  They also sent me a selfie.

I am always so impressed when speaking to a group of kids on their last night in a city that they've only just met for a few days.  They tell me that they feel like they know their way around.  They are confident to order a coffee or gelato.  They are learning.  Rome is such a wonderful place. In speaking with one of the Sams tonight, I compared it to Boston.  It is totally walkable. It is filled with history. Yes, the people can be a bit rough, but they are really quite lovely.  Tomorrow, we head to Paris.  It's also great, but just a different vibe.  It is like New York.  

Dinner Table #1

Dinner Table #2
I forgot to take a picture of Dinner Table #3, sorry :(

Michael enjoying his first Roman Cappuccino and me, an espresso.

A few of the kids waiting near our meeting place before our meeting time, Very Responsible!!!

Well, it is about quarter past 10.  We've asked the kids to shut down early tonight. Our wake up call is at 5am. While we've had some minor ailments pop-up along the way, nothing makes us suspect anyone has covid.  That's a huge thing.  We will get to the airport around 6:30am and depart for Paris.  Our visit there will be short, but we will see so many things.  We start with the Louvre.  

Mr. Lavoie, currently debating what to pack first, but still reflecting on the warmth of the Roman people and the generosity of so many past travelers, colleagues, families of travelers, and friends.  There is bad in this world, that is true, but never let it overshadow the brightness of good things done by good people! Humbly, I thank you once more.