Thursday, February 21, 2008

When in Rome




Another day and another great time in Italy. Although we have not had time to upload any of the new photos today aside from the few that I will tack on here, it was a good time had by all.
Our first stop was Pompeii, where in 79AD the small Roman town was buried by the eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius. It would literally take days to wander about the many streets, shops, homes and temples of the city. We had a few hours and a wonderful Italian guide who has lived nearby all her life. Her brother was a guide and resturant owner who died recently leaving his sister with the family business. She enjoyed calling us Maine and our partners Connecticut as she shepherded us around the best sites in the ruined city.
Walking the streets gave us a great sense of what life was like for the Roman people two-thousand years ago. The light rain gave this historical site a mournful feeling as we moved about it poking in and out of the bath-houses and villas.
After lunch we drove to Rome and quickly dropped off our luggage at the hotel before going out for a quick couple of sites. The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Everyone threw a coin in the fountain and got some good camera shots in. Climbing the Spanish Steps for a good view of St. Peters Cathedral was enjoyable in the early evening twilight.
Tomorrow, The Vatican, Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon!


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelby, We have been sharing your trip to Italy with all of our Italian friends, especially Joe. They all know Italy so well but are happy to hear the comments thru the eyes of you and the class. Grandpa and I have a meeting tomorrow with some of the Italians and will be showing the pics and comments to them. Everyone is so happy for you for getting the chance to see Italy. Love, Grammie & Grandpa in Florida. (You can give a speech to them when you get to Florida again. They will love it. and you can talk Italian with them too. Neat!!)

Anonymous said...

Hey I'm looking for my long lost daughter, Her name is Ashlee does anyone know her? I thought she would call again, but I guess everyone is having such a great time, that they have just forgot the ones they love. Just kidding, I"m so glad that all of you can enjoy this trip. But back to Ashlee , I hope you have a photo for a post card, with you and something from your trip, that you can send to your sponsors.

love ya, Mom

Anonymous said...

It is never a good idea to forget your sponsors!
Mom

Anonymous said...

Hi Everyone!
Keep taking such fabulous pictures...they look like postcards. Better!!
Have not heard much about the food..
Loved the traffic sign!
We do miss you, and are glad you are having so much fun.
Mom and Robert