Day 6: Amazing Art and A Wonderful New City

 

Today, we said goodbye to Rome and Bonjour to Paris!!!

Before I get into the details of today, let me say that we have been blessed by the weather.  It has been comfortable to warm each day.  We've had some slight wind, at times, but it has also been sunny.  I am definitely burning a bit...but I accept that.  The forecast looks good for the remainder of the trip as well.  It doesn't really matter to me, but nicer weather totally helps!!!

It has been a long day.  I am sitting in the lobby of the Hotel B&B writing tonight's blog. It is 9pm and we just got in.  There are 9 of us here, right now, some playing cards others just hanging out.  I think I am going to like this hotel more than our last...that said, let's chat about our departure from Rome.  Our wake up call was at 5am. The goal was to be on the bus by 6.  The hotel provided bagged breakfasts for us to take for the ride. The process of getting to the airport, checking in, going through security, and boarding the plane all went smoothly.  Seriously, I cannot think of an easier transfer.  Originally, this tour included an overnight train from Rome to Paris and while that sounds romantic, I am so glad it changed.  We would be a wreck, right now, if we had traveled by train, overnight, and had to tour all day.  

We arrived to Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport early!!! We collected our baggage and went to meet our bus driver.  He was only with us for the day and he provided some interesting moments.  I will explain later.  Our plan was fairly simple.  We would drive into Paris and disembark our bus near to the Sorbonne.  The traffic, however, was terrible.  Even with the slow going, we eventually made it to the right spot.  Joanna took us on a very brief walking tour and then it was time to explore the Latin Quater for lunch. Some of the kids rubbed the foot of Montaigne for good luck...we reminded them to use sanitizer afterwards!

Frequent readers of this blog already know what I bought for my lunch...and luck had nothing to do with it!

The Doner Kebab Sandwich is my favorite cheap street food.  I was pleased to eat at the same place I have for many of my previous visits.

Some students eating crepes

Some more students eating crepes.

Through a foggy window, you can see others with a fine dining option.

The Latin Quarter got its name because it was the section of early Paris that had the schools.  The classes, back then, were all taught in Latin.  It is on the opposite side of the Seine River from the Cathedral of Notre Dame.  Today was the first time I've seen the building since the fire destroyed the roof in April of 2019.  

You might not be able to tell, but the structure's roof is bare.  This means that the church is closed to viewing.  It is projected to be complete in 2024.  It is a national treasure and I am glad the kids got to see it, even if it was just from the outside.  After our lunch, we took a walk to the Louvre.  Again, I didn't take too many pictures from within.  I asked the kids to take pictures of their favorite pieces and send them to me for the blog...but no one did, lol. I am not sad.  I know they took the pictures because at least six of them showed me a couple of their favorites. Instead of posting their faves, I will post a few of the shots I took.

First, let me say, I am impressed with my cellphone camera. Kudos to you, Google Pixel 6.
This lady needs no introduction!

The Venus de Milo.

The Winged Statue of Victory

This is Salome receiving the head of St. Jean Baptiste.  I can't explain why I liked, lol

This piece shows the Passion of the Christ.  The image in the upper right corner really popped.

I enjoyed this image of the Louvre from roughly 1800.  It looks the same, but also different today.

Our Louvre visit ended with some of the kids exhausted.  It was a super long day to that point (although, it is now 10:30pm and some are still hanging out in the lobby with me) and it was clear they were ready to go...but others desperately wanted more time.  This is why travel is addictive.  This is why one must travel to learn.  I hope that all of these kids can make it back to Rome...to the Basilica, and to Paris for the Notre Dame and a full day at the Louvre.  It might not be in the next few years, but hopefully their steps will be heard on those marble floors in due time.

We exited the museum for the walk to Dinner.  Even though it was clear that many of the kids were tired, their exhaustion was tampered by their excitement of the big city.  The vibe here is amazing.  I hope to capture some of it over the next two days.

Dinner tonight was roasted chicken with vegetables and rice.  It was at a nice Parisian restaurant. I was also happy to see that quite a few people were eating there besides our group.  A lot of times, it is just us at a place. It always makes me wonder if the restaurant only has group contracts and that means quality doesn't have to be a premium.  I forgot, again, to grab dinner pictures, but the food was pretty good.  My table ate four baskets worth of bread, lol.  It was really good, especially soaked in the sauce.

When were done eating, we took a short walk to the bus.  Based on where the restaurant was located, I figured we'd get some good shots of Paris on the way to the hotel.  I only remembered to take one, though, oops.  I think it was because I was slightly distracted.  See, earlier that day, I had heard a rumor that some of the kids were thinking of asking if we could visit Disneyland Paris on our free day, friday.  I've been.  It is nice, but honestly, our time and money are better spent in the city than on rides outside of town.  My distraction, however, wasn't from the request.  It was because of our driver and his attempt to get us home.  Now, let me say, that I have a tendency to exaggerate a bit once the hour hits 11, but this must have been his first day driving a bus in Paris, lol.  He didn't necessarily speed and I never really felt like we were in any danger, but man did he hit every single pothole in the city.  We were bouncing here and there and everywhere.  He also had a lead foot...except it was the foot on his brake pedal.  We stopped short more times than I could count.  If the kids wanted an epic, Disney-style, park ride...they got one!!!

Our view from the bus...stopped at a red light.

We arrived to the hotel in one piece, unloaded our bags, and said goodbye to French Evel Knievel...and that's where we end tonight  I am now the only one left in the lobby, except for the front desk attendant.  Writing tonight's blog took the longest so far, but it was also the most fun to write.  It isn't the content.  It was the company.  So many of the kids made their way through the lobby this evening.  Some, as mentioned, played cards. Others inspired me to order UberEats (btw, I amended my rules on Fast Food when at a hotel...it doesn't count, lol)(also, btw, Carls Jr is in France and their Jalapeno Burger is pretty good).  The comradery we develop on tour is built in times like this.  I still remember my first Eurotrip (it was Rome) and playing cards with the kids until it was time for lights out.  Our last hotel wasn't set up for that, but this one worked really well tonight.  I expect tomorrow night will be fun as well.

A few card players pretending to be annoyed when I asked for a photo!!!

Our hotel tonight.

  

Mr. Lavoie, currently sitting in another hotel lobby working on his blog and relishing a day that was busy, and crazy, and borderline insane, but also wildly perfect.  

   

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.