The Arch of Constantine in Rome, near the Colosseum (on the right). Emperor Constantine was the Roman emperor who made Christianity a legal religion in the empire. His mother was St. Helen.
"Fencing" near the Roman Forum. Good thing the Romans built strong fences.
The Pantheon at night.
Near the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. This galleria is on the same level as the middle church.
A different view of Florence. Taken from Piazzale Michaelangelo, a small flat area above the city.
Looking for prom dates? (we're really not sure what they're doing...) The red duct tape may start a new fashion trend.... or maybe not.
From Laura:
Italy was one of the greatest moments well spent with the Madonna girls and teachers. Many memories have been made through the very short 11 days:
- The first night in Rome and our little adventure walk. That was quite an unforgettable walk for a few. (Vanessa)
- The delicious lunch at the gladiator school - Mozzarella di buffalo...mmmm
- The "Hawaiian Girl's" failure to comply with directions
- Madonna's Victory in the tour bus
- Learning Italian; how to order pizza and ask for prices. "quanto costa due..."
- The perfect bike ride and picnic in Florence
- Our fleecy party
- Singing the Sound of Music in downtown Rome with Mary, our tour guide
- The beautiful boys on the soccer team
- The haunted hotel
There was no doubt a bond was created with the Madonna girls who attended the trip. I would recommend this trip for future students considering travelling. This trip was worth attending!
The three amigas in the Roman Forum ... NEVER late and (almost) always smiling. The blue devices hanging from the girls' necks are the Whispers, radio receivers that we used on guided tours. With an earphone, we could hear the guides' commentary easily, even if we were not huddled together. They worked pretty well, but quite a few had the volume turned up too high.
This obelisk is right at the centre of St. Peter's square in Vatican City. This was taken just a few moments after we left St. Peter's Basilica.
From our Rome hotel. This is Lake Nemi, a lake within a volcanic crater. This area is called Castelli Romani and, since it is much higher than the city of Rome, it is quite a popular destination during the hot Italian summers. The local wine is also called Castelli Romani (Roman Castles).
Here's Squadra Cinque - that's Team Five - in the cooking competition. They have been able to shake loose from the 5th member of the team; he was definitely the weak link. That probably accounts for the smiles.
Orange trees were quite common in Sorrento. Quite a few homes had these in their yards and we went by several small groves as we drove through the town.
This is one of the ferry boats that shuttle people to and from Capri. The trip from Sorrrento to Capri is about 45 minutes. We took a longer ride leaving Capri, as we took the ferry to Naples where Osvaldo, our excellent bus driver, had driven during the day to meet us.
Patricia is at the keyboard for the commentary below and also behind the lens for this set of interesting photos. Looking around the older parts of the cities and towns in Italy, one can find little creative gems like this painting of the Madonna and child. They are so easy to miss; you have to keep your eyes open.
The Colosseum in Rome - Patricia's favourite city in Italy. Let's hope the Trevi legendary tradition has some validity to it and she gets back there before too long.
Piazza Navona - really a lovely place with a great deal of character - daytime or evening. We were there at both times, but not for long enough.
This is the view of the lower lands below the main town of Assisi, walking up towards the Basilica of St. Francis.
The old entrance to the Vatican Museums. Above this entrance are statues of both Michaelangelo and Raphael, considered the greatest artists of Italy. They flank the Papal coat of arms.
The 'dynamic duo' looking very fashionable and certainly like they belong here - in Capri.
Thoughts from Patricia:
Gertrude Stein once said, “America
is my country and Paris is my home town.” With a few obvious modifications I
can easily say that Canada is my country and Rome is my home town. Historians,
movie lovers, and writers alike are drawn to the Eternal City because of its
ability to capture a person’s heart. Similarly, of all the cities we traveled
to, not a single one could compare to beauty of Rome. To recount, some of my favourite
moments from this trip took place in this remarkable city. I will never forget standing
where Roman emperors stood thousands of years before me, singing The Sound of Music aloud as we walked
through the busy streets of Rome, or listening to the gentle buzz of Italian
chatter in Piazza Navona, watching the city transform from day to night.
Whether we were walking through the
Eternal City, standing above the city of Florence, or within the walls of
Vatican City, I was surrounded by a group of people that made me laugh every
step of the way. Without them, this trip would not have been as special.
Adjusting back to life in Canada
has been difficult, but fortunately during our time in Rome I stood with the
Trevi Fountain behind me as I released a coin from my palm in hopes that I will
return home again.
Enjoying the sun at our hotel in Nemi near Rome. This is on the shores of a lake in a volcano crater and not too far from Castel Gandolfo, the Pope's summer residence - about 35km from downtown Rome.
The town of Assisi - looking up at the Basilica. Higher up the hill is a castle that defended the town against attack. We didn't go that high.
Yes, I'll have the pizza and fries, please. .... Oh! They come together? ... That's a tad different.
The giant lemons in the town of Pompeii. Quite a few products are made with the various parts of these lemons - limoncello liquer, lemon chocolates, lemon candies, lemon pastries... etc, etc.
And leaving Italy behind ... winging our way home... on a very full flight.
Lisa at the Keyboard:
Trip of a lifetime! Really made my last year at Madonna a memorable one! We made memories to last a lifetime. I will never forget climbing to the top of the Duomo in Firenze or skipping rocks in Sorrento.
I learned many new Italian phrases (vagabondo) and some of which I should not repeat in front of my Nonna.
I will never forget our amazing bus driver Osvaldo, our fantastic tour guide Mary and who can forget Marianna!;)
I recommend a trip like this to all of the Madonna students that will be returning next year!
I would encourage all ht the girls to participate on a similar trip if they have the opportunity. You truly learn invaluable lessons and you are guaranteed to have the time of your lives!
I would like to thank Mrs. Bellissimo for allowing our school to participate on the international trip, and Mr. Lio and Dr. Piccininni for being brave and taking all of the 14 Madonna to Bella Italia!
It was a blast!
In the main forum of Pompeii. The temple priestesses get a break from temple work and help propping up the ancient columns. Too soon, these ones (girls - not columns) will be off on other adventures beyond the MCSS campus.
Ever wonder what the infamous Captain Schettino is doing these days. We think we had a sighting and he was on our boat touring Capri - in disguise, of course.
From the gardens of Capri looking down the limestone cliffs to the sea. The whole island is quite scenic.
The marina, just a little walk from the main port of Capri. (Capra is the Greek word for goat; at one time, this island was home to a large goat population - hence the name - Capri.) Not sure if the pants actually originated here, too.
Most of the girls have passed along their favourite pictures, so we can post some of these on the blog in the next little while. Some of the girls have also promised to write a fe words to post to, about their reflections on the trip. (consider this a reminder, ladies)
Hanging out in Pompeii before lunch and our tour of the excavated ruins. Yep - sunglasses weather yet again. A modern town has been built around the ruins.
One of the entrances to the ancient city of Pompeii. In 79AD, iIt was buried by ash and pumice from an eruption of nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius. The city was completely covered and forgotten for centuries as was the neighboring town of Herculaneum. Thousands of people died in the two locations. Now, about 3/5 of the city has been excavated. Some buildings have been remarkably preserved. While many of the ruins in Rome were pillaged as a source of building materials over the centuries, this did not happen to Pompeii as the site was protected from the time it was "discovered."
The amphitheatre in Pompeii and the eager MCSS audience awaiting the performance.
Look! We found a Madonna flag in the Pompeii forum. Flag = photo op. Once again.
C.O., Mr. L., and Mrs.P. on the bridge across the Tiber River leading to Castel Sant Angelo. Shadows and sunglasses - another lovely weather day. (Sir, can we take a taxi back?)
The Castel Sant Angelo. The earlier photo of the Victor Emmanuel monument was taken from the level just at the feet of the highest angel on the castle. This building began as the tomb of Roman Emperor Hadrian, and later was turned into an operational fort. The paseto was a protected passage that runs from the left side of the castle to the Vatican and if Rome were to be attacked, the Pope would be taken quickly along the paseto to the protection of the fort. Now the castle is a museum and gallery.
The MCSS folks - flag in hand - at the foot of the Spanish Steps in Rome.
Looking along the Tiber River towards the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica at night.
