Day Five: Rome
Our second full day in Rome started with a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The two ladies who led our split group around were entertaining and the Whisper technology we used meant we could hear them easily through headphones even as we made our way through the crowds to see these ancient sites. We learned a lot about the building of the Colosseum and how parts of it were “taken” later to build parts of the Vatican buildings. Our guides did great at keeping us out of the sun as much as possible, but dipping in when we could for great shots of the impressive architecture. My groups guide was really worried that I was getting sunburned and kept saying, “Professoressa,” and directing me under her umbrella. We saw Caesar’s cremation spot in the Forum and heard some of the history. Tanner remembered the date of Caesar’s death and made his teachers proud by answering.
After a sunny but great time sightseeing, we grabbed lunch – including gelato for most of us – and then hopped on the bus to head to gladiator training. This experience was amazing. Even the very tired kids put in their all, and the few who wanted to take a break were able to sit inside and escape the heat while the rest of us learned sword moves and tried a classic bow. It was tough, even for our exceptional archers, though they loved the chance to try it, and several did well shooting. Chris got a bullseye on the target bag and helped his team win the competition. We finished with a fun game where Logan and Tanner tried to “net” the others as they ran past. Exhausting, but worth it for the official gladiator certificates!
We headed back to the hotel earlier than normal for a tasty pasta dinner, some pictures around the Villa for a few dressed up travelers, and a much needed rest.
