Roma!

Our first field trip was to the Glorious town of Rome! We started our day at 7 AM at the train station in Orvieto.  Our group boarded the train at 7:31 and we headed on our way. About an hour later we arrived at Termini Station in Rome!

From Termini Station we followed our Professor, Marco,  To the Metro Station below and caught the Subway to the Colosseo Stop.  When exiting the Metro station, we were met with an awe inspiring view of the Coliseum.  This gorgeous historical building simply doesn't seem real when you see it for the first time.  I simply could not believe I was standing in front of something that I had studied time and time again in my history classes.  

From there our group walked down the Via del Fori Imperiali toward the Victor Emmanuelle Monument. On the way we passed the Roman Forum.  It is amazing to see all of those ruins just laying there, where they have been for years and years.  The Monument, known as the Wedding cake stands out in its surroundings but is astonishing to behold.  The size of this monument is massive!

After we finished admiring, we moved around the corner to Capital Hill.  We ascended the stairs, designed by Michelangelo, and explored the buildings and views at the top.

After leaving Capital Hill, we meandered through the old Jewish Ghetto, which is filled which such amazing buildings.  Even though it is yards from the Corso, there is such a silence there that you almost feel as if you have to whisper.  We wandered to the Fountain of the Turtles and perused the old Italian Mansions.  Just when I thought we were lost, I looked to my left and there was the Pantheon.  There are few words that can describe the feeling you get standing in this amazing creation. And pictures could never do it justice. 

After the Pantheon, we were dismissed to explore on our own. Some of our group had decided to spend the weekend in Rome, but my small group had elected to come back another weekend.  From the Pantheon we walked through the winding street and ended up at the Trevi Fountain.  Jessica, Berta and I all threw coins in the fountain and made a wish.  After that we walked in the direction of the Vatican in hopes of making it there at back to the station before our train left. We came across the best Gelatto in Rome and of course had to partake.  Then we came upon Piazza Navono, which has a beautiful fountain and an even prettier church.  After that we walked to the Ponte Sant Angelo, which is lined with statues and leads to the Castel Sant Angelo.  I of course took a picture in the middle of the road to get the full effect.  From there we walked the  Via del Conciliazione which leads to the Vatican.  Once in the Piazza San Pietro, we marveled at the colonnade and beautiful facade of St. Peter's.  I cannot wait to go inside the next time we go!

From there we took the Metro to the Spagna exit and sat on the Spanish Steps to recount our day.

After walking the expensive shops on Via Condotti, we got on the Metro again and went back to Termini Station. We ran the platform in true train catching style, validated our tickets and grabbed a seat back to Orvieto.

It was a wonderful day! Can't wait for the next trip to Assisi!

M