Started morning off with a fresh start! Everyone is looking bright and ready for a day of exploring!!

Breakfast at hotel was buffet with croissants, meat, cheese, cereal and juice.

As we drive along in our bus and I see regular Romans riding the bus, I want to stop and ask them if they even realize how awesome and historical this beautiful city is as there is so much to learn and absorb. I wonder if visitors to Canada feel the same when they are see our beautiful prairie, legislative buildings and pics of Justin. Hahaha. Please pick the one piece of irony out of that.

The Vatican. Wow. We saw many beautiful pieces and learned a lot of history of popes and cardinal and Michaengelo. Some jewellery that can only be purchased at the Vatican was viewed and purchased. The peace cross designed by Pope John Paul was very popular even for non-Catholics. Interesting tidbit from this portion was Joe losing a tooth. Literally fell off out of head with a little pull. That’s a first on tour.

The Colosseum was brilliant with its history and legends. Our guide of Danielle shared her frustration with the changing history of the place. How many times did those gladiators actually fight each year? The Roman Forum was another highlight as it showed the different historical levels. These prairie people had a hard time understanding how you build a city on top of a city. It just isn’t done where we come from.

Dinner (deeener) was on our own as the restaurant cancelled so EF paid us to go on our own. Spaghetti, roast beef, gnocchi and fish was all enjoyed. We then had some free time on our own in Piazza Navona (sp?)

Yesterday we walked around 12000 steps. Today was a bit more steps with over 21000 or about 14km. I think we will be ready for bed tonight as we prep for Pompeii.

I didn’t mention yesterday, but we are staying at hotel called Campus X. It is a dormitory for college but there is one building that they rent rooms out. A very casual place that plays modern pop music at breakfast so it doesn’t have typical Italian vibes. It is clean, spacious and good for our purposes.

All is well and everyone is safe and happy!

Best, worst and weirdest part of our day as answered by all of us:

Best; Roman Forum, Colosseum, strawberries, Vatican, spaghetti, carbonara for lunch

Worst: peeing in the trees, walking up the stairs Wedding Cake Building, no fruit at breakfast, chilly weather in morning, bad coffee at one coffee bar, but we have also had wonderful coffee at other places.

Weirdest: Joe losing a tooth, bathroom door having to be held up for others, Layne feeding a bird and gathering a flock, toilet paper shortage in the country of Italy, seeing David and his junk everywhere.