Day 10 - Prague

Day 10 was the last, but one of the best, days in Europe. The day started out by heading to the old royal's area and current President's office, where we met up with our Summit County friend and Czech tour guide Arny. While half of us were going to tour with Martina, our local tour guide, Arnie was going to show the rest of us around Prague.

Group Martina -

Since the Cathedral was not open at the early hour we arrived at the royal grounds, we took a sightseeing tour around the gates, where the bells rang for 15 minutes in between 9:45 and 10:00! We got to go into the old dining hall and ballroom for the monarchs, as well as most of the shops around it. The beautiful scenery of the entire city was not missed while we were there.






After a quick break on one of the spectacular bridges, we traveled back to the main square in order to watch the astronomical clock hit 12:00 before a lunch break.






When we finished eating and souvenir shopping, for the time being, we traveled to the Jewish Museums and Synagogues of Prague. Here we observed intriguing artifacts and further learned the history of the Jewish culture in Europe.

We also observed a Jewish Cemetary used for over 300 years in medieval times. The final Synagogue we visited was the Old-New Synagogue, which is the only one we visited still in use today.

Once we were finished with the tour, we were allowed more free-time before dinner.


Group Arny -

Today we saw Arny, which was fun. He was very delighted to see his classmates. When we saw him he showed up with a smile on his face and his dad behind him. We met him on the stairs of the front building in the Royal Courtyard. After we found him, we walked to the fountain and took pictures until Marina showed up with the tickets. We then walked around the building while Arny told us different words in Czech. He took us to some places such as the top of the Royal Catholic Church.
Lynn then took control of our group when we got out of the building. Lynn mostly lead the group while we were in the Prague Castle, where there were many different weapons from the medieval times. Arny also took us to lunch and told us some facts about the buildings and cars that were seen.

After lunch Ally took us on a scenic route along the canal where most of us got lost, but in the end, we all found each other again, so nobody got lost permanently. Unfortunately, we have no more Arny in our group.

Dinner was delicious potatoes, steak, and chocolate drizzled on a cake. Once we got back to the hotel, each group had time to prepare their 'task', which was what was taken away and your experience on this trip. Even though it was a competition (and a very entertaining one), everyone luckily won. We said goodbye to our wonderful bus driver Marian, and started to pack for our airplanes ride tomorrow.

Days 8 & 9 - Krakow & Krakow - Prague

Day 8 for many was one of the most emotional days of the trip. It started out with a quick tour around some castles and churches around the city center of Krakow (guided by the lovely Marina). We got to tour Wawel Royal Church, which was very pretty both on the inside and outside. Even though we could not take pictures on the inside, even the outside of the castle itself is a beauty. 

After making our way back to the central square, everyone split into groups in order to get lunch and souvenirs. JB Jones (Justin) photobombed every group photo. 

 

One of the main attractions was The Leaky Cauldron, a Harry Potter-themed cafe on the main street of Krakow. Of course, all of the book fanatics stopped by.

When the groups got back from free time, we set out on the ride to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II - Birkenau Concentration Camps. Once we got to the first camp, we were able to take an about 2-hour tour through the first camp (the museum camp) in two different groups. After a drive to the second camp, we took another tour through the second memorial camp. Since this was such a huge experience, there will be a second blog both explaining the tour and different quotes from the student's reflections. 

On the way home from Auschwitz, we stopped for a comfort food dinner of fried chicken, potato chips, and carrots. Since we got back to the hotel later than usual, most had just enough time to say goodnight before curfew. 

Day 9, although it consisted of the longest transportation ride of the entire visit, was one of the most entertaining days. We had a later start to our day before we set out on the approximately 8-hour bus ride to the capital city of the Czech Republic. During the bus ride, we first watched the very informative film, The Liberation of Auschwitz, which showed just how the liberation of the camp came about, and how terrible condition all those who survived it were in. Even though that film brought the mood down, we also watched Moana, which was a good comfort and fun film to watch. 

Once we got to the very scenic city of Prague, we were able to tour the main square for a little bit of time. We were able to get pastries, exchange currencies again, and even get pictures with Polar Bears and play with bubbles. 

What really made the day though, was the Folklore dinner we went to. This included amazing music, food, dancing, and even getting JB to dance with a lady. (We think that your mom would be proud Justin:))

This incredible experience made many memories which will be continued on our last full day in Europe!

Day 7 - Warsaw to Krakow

We started day 7 at the exciting and very interactive Copernicus Science Centre. There were many amazing and fun things to do at the centre, including a psychology and bubble room. Since the museum was entirely made up of demonstrations and self-experiences, it was both a learning and a fun interactive event. This really made the day before the long bus ride to Krakow. 

On the bus ride, there were many sleeping faces (which will OF COURSE be featured on the gag reel), and we watched the very applicable movie, The Zookeeper's Wife. After the long journey, we arrived in Krakow. Upon arrival, Marina took us to the former Schindler Factory. Although we did not have much time, we were still able to hear about the courageous man who saved over 1,000 Jews from concentration and death camps. 

We were also able to see former Jewish people's houses from before the war on the way to dinner, which we all took a moment of silence for. 

After our delightful dinner of soup, pierogi, and carrot cake, we traveled back to the hotel, which there was a pool. I'm sure there will be many a hilarious highlight from both these experiences and others. 

Day 6 - Warsaw

Day six was a great experience in many ways!! It started out with another beautiful tour and learning about the history of the city we were in, Warsaw. We first traveled to the recreation of the old city, which although was sadly destroyed in World War II, was rebuilt and was made to look as similar as possible to the original. Upon arrival, Marina showed us all of the different building styles throughout the different replicated buildings. We first went the Swedish King of Poland, Sigismund III Vasa's, palace.

After we met up with our wonderful local tour guide Agnieszka, she showed us the remaining parts of the wall around the former Warsaw Ghetto, as well as the many important churches and what parts they played in the events during both the Holocaust and the Warsaw Uprising. 

Another stop we visited was the house of scientist and role model Marye Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Along the same road, we were taken to a larger than life-sized group of three woman statues built by a famous Polish King for the different woman that made a difference both in his life and the history of Poland during that time period. 

In order to have a break from the sun, we stopped in a park dedicated to the Polish Composer Choppin. 

Next, Agnieszka took us to a Jewish Memorial that pictures the Polish Jews being taken to a concentration or death camp, while the only people that show any emotions are the children. The other side shows the children of today fighting against the bad things that they experienced. It states the children of today can beat the terrors of tomorrow, which a very encouraging statement. 

Our final stop on the tour was a commemoration to the remains of one of the parts of the Warsaw Ghetto, where we stood in silence in order to remember those who had suffered and died there. 

After a lunch of choice, we were sadly unable to get into the exciting Copernicus Science Center at the time, but were instead able to delay the trip until the next morning. Instead, many of the kids went to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, where the interactive sounds, displays, and graphic pictures gave a very informative insight into the bravery and planning behind the Warsaw Uprising. 

Lastly, we had a very proper three-course meal of tomato and pasta soup for an appetizer, breaded chicken and potatoes entree, and a fruit jelly with whipped cream. We had an early return to the hotel in anticipation for the early but exciting morning for day 7. 

Day 6 Hilarious Highlights

The humor starts off at the park, where Calvin ate a strange leaf off one of the trees. Five minutes later, he is found trying to feed a stick to the peacocks. Coincidence? While Lynn is trying to film this, one of the two peacocks flies over to him and sees his camera. It doesn't like the camera, and now Lynn has scars. If you would like to see the video, it is 5 euro. All proceeds go towards Lynn's medical bills. After this fiasco, Calvin ate the stick that he was trying to get the peacocks to eat. I don't want to know. The day is rather uneventful until we get to the old city of Warsaw, where Calvin is now trying to eat a Coca-Cola can. What is it with this kid? I mean, his sister is... relatively sane. Nothing happens until we get on the bus to dinner and a glitter stress toy explodes. One of the seats is now purple and shiny. When we actually get to dinner, another one explodes, causing the restaurant to be purple and shiny as well. Then, once dessert comes around, (fruit in Jell-O with whipped cream) Lynn makes a very important scientific discovery. You can puree Jell-O with a spoon. I never WANTED to know that, but now I do. Memory wipe, please. Another two stress toys explode between dinner and the hotel, but everyone is safe and sound (maybe not Lynn. His arm started to swell soon after the peacock attack.) Tune in next week for more "Hilarious Highlights!*"

*This is meant to be read in a very cheesy announcer voice.

Written by: Liam Macreery.

Day 4 & 5 Hilarious Highlights

Hilarious Highlights from Day 4/5:

Day 4 (Berlin)-

1. Kevin Kennedy wants to live longer than JFK and reasoned our unanswered questions with the fact that marijuana was legal in Colorado. As he says, "Albert Einstein was the greatest physicist of all time... relatively."

2. Lynn stabs Liam in his foot with a stick. Liam's foot, as we know, is still intact.

3. A naked woman was seen driving through the middle of town.

4. Marina heroically saves a bumble bee from being run over by a car.

5. A bird came very very close to perching on Scout's head.

6. Kayla got yelled at three times in a museum (it really wasn't her fault...mostly).

7. Kamilla does a cartwheel over Avey and scales arm. Regrets it.

8. Children bought sausage toys and were flinging them around the entire day.

9. A book falls into Julia's hands profoundly asking for a place to live. (Our German friend from America!!)

10. Maya tried to steal 4 loaves of bread from breakfast and got yelled at by an old(er) German woman. The same woman was seen yelling at students for being too early for breakfast. Classic German.

Day 5 (Berlin-Warsaw)-

1. Max gets hit in the head with a traffic gate. We hope the encounter helps to stop his extreme syndrome of forgetting everything, including his shoes multiple times.

2. Certain 8th Grade girls create cult on train worshipping Lipton Iced 'Tee'. (All videos will later be featured on the highly-advertised gag reel.)

3. Fischer gets locked out of his hotel room in his underwear.

Day 5 - Berlin to Warsaw

Day 5 was probably the least packed (but most relaxed) day of the trip so far. We took our last train ride out of Berlin and started on our 6-hour ride to Warsaw, Poland. The chaperones (who were quite grateful for the peace and quiet) and some students were able to travel in Harry Potter-style cabins full-time while some of the other kids came and went throughout the train ride

Once we got to the capital city of Warsaw, we were greeted by our very friendly bus driver Marian, who will be staying with us for the rest of the tour. We passed through the recreated old town of Warsaw on the way to dinner, where we were informed of the history of Poland and it's hardships.

After arriving at the hotel, many kids went to the close-by mall in order to buy different items, including a wall of candy recommended by Marina.


Witamy w Polsce!!

Days 3 & 4 - Amsterdam to Berlin

On day 3 we started out on a 6-hour train ride from Amsterdam to Berlin. Everyone was pretty tired and bored, so they started playing card (and video) games. To keep the kids busy, students ran errands for chaperones including getting them coffee from the cafe train, which inconveniently was in the last car.

We then arrived in Berlin and everyone was exhausted. Marina first taught us the rules of public transportation in Berlin (lots and lots of trains). As we walked to dinner, we saw the Brandenburg Gate, which shows the symbol of peace for Germany.

We got a police escort through the thick crowd gathered to watch the Germany vs Mexico soccer game. Mexico won and the police were not too shabby looking. After a filling and delicious dinner of Spatzle, Marina took us to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, where we all remembered the Jews and interpreted the monument in a different way. It was quite a beautiful and humbling experience.

We got back on the public transportation and headed back to the hotel. As far as we can tell, day 3 was a pretty relaxed and good day.


Day 4 was our first (and sadly only) full day in Berlin. Our local German tour director Kevin Kennedy took us on a very intriguing tour of the capital city filled with amazing sights, history, and jokes. We visited a very aesthetically pleasing Soviet monument with a darker history in former East Berlin, as well as getting to know the many important facts about the separating of Germany after World War II.

After the adventurous bus tour, we got dropped off at one of the last Market Halls left in Berlin, where we were joined by our American/German friend Julia. The students had free time to get lunch and other souvenirs, which resulted in many going on the classic food tour of Berlin. Some dishes are bigger than you think when ordering. Afterward, we found our way to the Jewish Museum in Germany, in which we got to tour the art and history-filled building with a gold mine of everything from crazy interactive art with a meaning to artifacts explaining parts of the Jewish Religion.

Although we did end up going to one of the murdered Jews' courtyards, the group as a whole seemed to be exhausted, so we hung out for a bit before a dinner with meatballs, rice, and vegetables.

We headed home after dinner, where a warm bed was waiting for all to collapse on.

Day 3 - Hilarious Highlights

Hilarious Highlights From Day 2/3:

Day 2-

1. Calvin's sleepwalking. Ally and Amanda accidentally woke him up.....he was scared of them. Good times.

2. Dead pigeon-Mathew 1- Pigeon 0.

3. Tiny little teacher woman feels suddenly uncomfortable at cheese farm, looks like shes found herself a new lover. Watch out fiancee.

Day 3-

1. Ethan hits head on concrete while riding on Benji's shoulders, 1 too many red bulls, new limit 2.

2. Soccer VIP escort to add to that Mexico wins! Our North American next door neighbors.

3. Justin becomes Dad to Jake.

4.  Almost lost Keaton at train station (that dare devil) and Max almost lost bag.

5. Zoe continues to avoid pictures being taken of her "having fun," Kamilla takes a picture of her.

6. Lynn tries a judgy face and looks more or less confused, everyone then judges him for trying.

7. Children play on large concrete blocks, maybe not the best idea but who cares?

8. Tea comes out of Kayla's nose on train.

•  Alondra gets the friend award for meeting friends who speak Spanish on the train.

• Will gets the sweetest award.

• JB Jones gets best winking award. 

Day 2- Cheese Farm & The Anne Frank House

Day two was amazing! The morning started out early with a driving tour around Amsterdam. We were fortunate to take a tour of a local cheese farm. The owner told us all about his cheese making skills (and dubbed Ms. Lindsey Daniels as "the happy little teacher woman"). Fun fact, the Dutch are famous for their cheese, however, the only cheese they actually make is Gouda.








He also makes wooden clogs. The process takes a total of 1.5 minutes.

His cows were also lovely.







Quick photo stop at the windmill (Lila and Kayla.......awwwwwwww)





When our tour was over, we got lunch and walked around the city center.

Then, we went to the Anne Frank Huis (house). We learned that while Anne was in the annex, she reread through her diary and began a collection of "Beautiful Little Sentences". Here are some beautiful sentences gathered from the reflections of our travelers:

"I love the feeling you get to stand where she did. It was humbling" -Keaton

"She wants to make a change in the world that is average. She does not want to be an average woman living in a world that she knows she can make better." -Lynn

"There is something about actually, physically being inside the annex that made her story all the more real... I too enjoy writing and expressing my feelings so I can relate to Anne and her passion" -Anonymous

In response to the following quote.."I'll make my voice be heard, I'll go out into the world and work for mankind!" - Anne Frank:
"It is important for any person's voice to be heard. The fact that someone as isolated and trapped as Anne Frank has the hope to think that, is amazing because she does not even come into contact with the world. She was so unlucky and does not have a good life at all, but she still has hope for the future." -Lila

Oh, and then there's this... !!!


Bis Morgen Deutschland!

Day 1- Amsterdam

Today was a fantastic day! Here are the highlights:

1.   Marina is LOVELY (our Tour Director)

2.   Child loses passport (thanks American Airlines.......FOUND!) 

3.   The canal tour = nap time.

4.   Landon saved lives! #SaintLandon

5.   The lightest bag goes to.......STONE!!!!!!! #PunIntended

6.   Matthew has close encounter with pigeon..... blames pigeon..... pigeon blames Matthew. Sorry, pigeon walked into Matthew. Who really knows? (Find out next week on Teachers Abroad)

7.   Travelers asleep by 9 PM (as far as we know)

8.   Random guy tries to tell Ally, Anne Frank was from Switzerland...... random guy gets shown "The Diary of Anne Frank" and gets offended.

Meet Amanda, Calvin, Maia, and Max

Amanda Duchow
Hi, my name is Amanda Duchow! I'm 12 years old. I just moved to Breckenridge about a year and a half ago from Lake Forest IL, it's a suburb outside of Chicago. I love soccer and skiing! I love to learn more about other places and this trip can help me do that. I have always been interested in wars and am excited to see some of the sites! I have been out of the country two times, but I have never been to Europe. I'm excited for this trip, to meet new people, and see new things!!





Calvin Hanson
Hi! My name is Calvin and I am in 8th grade. I like red pandas (actually not a panda), hockey, video games, and kayaking. I have always been fascinated with WWII and am going to love the first-hand experience. After looking at the itinerary, I think that my favorite part will be Auschwitz because it will be a scope of the reality of the Holocaust. This trip is going to be so much fun (even if my sister HAS to be there)!





Maia Conklin
Hi, my name is Maia Conklin. I am 13 years old and in 7th grade, I moved to Sumit last year from Orlando, Florida. I love snowboarding, rugby, and traveling. I love being funny and seeing my friends be happy. In serious moments I can be super serious, but unless it's super important I will normally say something to make people laugh. I have been to 20 states and traveled in a car, so being on a plane to travel will be better. Other than Canada, I have never been out of the country, so this Europe trip is really exciting!

Maximilian Feldsman (Where's your picture Max?? Since you kept forgetting to send it to me; here is Max's school picture)
My name is Maximilian Feldsman, but I go by Max. I was born November 2, 2004 in Washington DC. Until I moved to Breckenridge in 2009, I lived in Arlington, Virginia. In elementary school, I went to Dillon Valley, which means I can speak Spanish. I enjoy skiing and playing video games and look forward to meeting all of you.

My EF Teacher Training Tour in Rome

Hello!
   As most of you already know, last week I went on a teacher training tour with Education First (EF) to Rome, Italy. The purpose of the training was to take first-time tour leaders on a "practice" tour so that when we take our students we will be more prepared. Once a teacher has 6 students signed up for their trip, EF offers a training tour to them. There was a choice between Berlin, Paris, and Rome. I chose Rome simply because of the convenience of the dates (we had a 4-day weekend). About 30 days out I was sent my flight itinerary. The week before departure, I was told who our chaperones would be and the hotel information. They also sent very explicit directions as to what to do once we got to the airport.
   I must say, the training was essential to preparing for a student trip. They ran through every possible "what if?" situation to make sure that all of us were ready for our student tours. Below, I will go into what the trip included.

DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Rome
   When I say EF is prepared for everything, I mean it. My flight was originally scheduled on Delta to leave DIA at 11:30 AM for JFK with a 2-hour layover, and then on to Rome. However, winter storm "Toby" had my flight canceled 2 hours before departure. Now, EF was already aware that this was a possibility. They had informed me about 24 hours before that cancellation was a possibility. Within 10 minutes of cancellation (while I was in line to check my bag), Delta and EF had me rescheduled on a flight to Detroit > Amsterdam > Rome.

The flight only landed 2 hours after my original scheduled landing AND Delta upgraded me to first class on my first leg, SCORE! Again, EF is prepared for anything that can happen and will happen. I'm not sure if you know this but, Delta now includes free text messaging on board (I found this neat) and I was able to update my co-teacher that I would not be able to Skype in for conferences. First two flights were great, I made it to Amsterdam, bought some essential items (stroopwafels) and got on my final flight to Rome.

DAY 2 - Arrival in Rome
   EF did a fantastic job of preparing us for arrival. They sent us information about themselves, as well as what to do from the moment your plane touches the ground. I was told that once I exited baggage claim, I would see a consultant wearing a red EF shirt. We were the "red team". There were multiple EF groups landing around the same time, so I was looking for the red team. As I came down the escalator, before baggage claim, I saw the first representative. She was holding a large EF sign, knew my name, and told me which baggage claim to grab my bag at. She told me where to wait for her after I grabbed my bag as she waited for three others to land.

   After a total of five more people landed, they put us in a cab with a tour leader and took us to our hotel- Hotel Grand Tiberio. We were able to check-in and freshen up and were given a time to meet back in the lobby. Our tour leader got us an Uber into the center of Rome, where we had about an hour to explore before meeting up with the other groups. We decided to get some delicious street sandwiches; mine was made with focaccia, some salty prosciutto type ham (I'm not sure, it was in Italian), arugula, and parmesan. We then met up at our "meeting point" (some fountain covered in bird poo) and introduced ourselves to the other group members and tour leaders. We met our Tour Director, Linda, a lovely Italian woman who has lived in Rome her entire life.




She took us on a short walk to the Pantheon - the best preserved Ancient Roman building in Italy.

 On the outside of the Pantheon, she gave us a quick history lesson on what we would see on the inside (the grave of Raphael, several Italian kings, and poets, the giant oculus - there are no windows, the floor is still the original marble).





 She also informed us of the affair Raphael had and how, even though he was promised to another woman, he chose to marry his mistress. Apparently, he was promised to the daughter of a powerful cardinal and he chose to continuously delay his marriage, so as not to anger the cardinal, but actually married his mistress in secret.







The grave of the woman, Marie, whom he was promised to, is marked next to his. However, she is not actually buried there.








   After a tour of the Pantheon, we were given free time to explore for a couple of hours. This awesome guy, Matt, one of the travelers and a history teacher took us to a couple of cool spots.

Apparently, this is the site Julius Ceasar was killed. He was stabbed 23 times on March 15, 44 B.C. (beware the Ides of March).

Altare della Patria

The "Wedding Cake Monument", no idea of its purpose, all I know is it was built by the king who unified Italy. And also, that Linda said she hated it because it was built in 1911 and mimicked Ancient Rome, it is new and she didn't like it because it wasn't "authentic".






After free time, we went to our welcome dinner where we had lasagna and pizza. They also collected our tips (for the bus drivers, local guides, and tour director). Then, they took us back to the hotel and told us to get some rest for our tour of the Vatican the next day.

DAY 3 - Vatican City
   Breakfast was from 7:00- 8:00 AM and was included every day on tour. Of course, European breakfast's are not like American breakfast's. They offered an assortment of meats, cheese, pastries, espresso, and juice (typical in Europe). At 8:00, our classroom session started. From 8:00-10:30, our EF consultants and experienced tour leaders (other teachers who have run several tours) went over on-tour expectations with a Q&A session (SUPER beneficial). After the classroom session, we had 15 minutes to freshen up and meet up for our trip to Vatican City. Beforehand, Linda was sure to inform us of the expectations for the Vatican tour- women must have shoulders and knees covered and we could not bring backpacks. It was cold, so this wasn't a problem, but if you are taking kids in the middle of summer, it is, of course, essential to go over dress code with them. They will not be let in if skin is exposed (you will see people selling scarves outside the entrance).

   When we were dropped off outside of the Vatican city walls, we were able to bypass the very long line that wrapped around the outside. When traveling with EF, you get to skip all of the lines (amazing)! Linda took us to a meeting spot, where our local guide, Franco, was waiting for us. He was very excited to be taking a group of teachers through the Vatican.




   On the inside, we were given headsets that Franco could talk to us through and entrance tickets. Once inside, Franco took us to a spot outside to tell us everything we would see inside the Sistine Chapel. More on that later. Then, he took us through the long hallways full of sculptures, paintings, gold leafing, tapestries, and more. It is absolutely breathtaking.
















Every ceiling was covered in intricate paintings. The tapestries demonstrated the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Then we finally got to the entrance of the Sistine Chapel.










There is no talking inside the Chapel, as it is a holy place and silence shows respect. Franco very passionately described to us the history of the Sistine Chapel.







   In summary, Pope Julius II commissioned the famous sculptor, Michaelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He would have no one else. When he asked Michaelangelo, he said something along the lines of "it must be you, there is no one else," and Michaelangelo basically said, "I'm a sculptor, not a painter." Long story short, he was forced to do it but agreed reluctantly under the condition that it be done his way. Now when you walk in, the paintings are upside down, because they are meant to be seen from the door of the Pope (on the opposite side). The paintings on the ceiling consist of nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, from the Bible. Here's an image from the interwebs - you can't take photos inside (Hoskin, 2017, Medium.com) :

   From left to right is the story of history as Michaelangelo saw it. This is also the first time someone painted God, people always painted Jesus Christ, but this was the first time he was pictured as a man. Now for the actual paintings: the first frame is of God pushing aside light and dark, the second the creation of the sun and planets, the third, God divides water from the earth, the fourth is the creation of Adam, the fifth is the creation of Eve, the sixth represents when Adam and Eve are tempted and are sent from Eden, the last three represent the three stories of Noah (Noah's family make a sacrifice after the flood, the flood, and Noah is drunk and disgraced). Michaelangelo created the scenes in reverse chronological order. There are 343 figures on the ceiling and it took him four years. On the back wall of the chapel, Michaelangelo painted The Last Judgement of Christ when he was 63 years old, it took him 5 years. At the center, you see Christ in a very powerful stance ready to serve people their final judgment in life. All I can say is, it was a very spiritual and impactful.






After the Sistine Chapel, we were taken into St. Peter's Basilica. It is the largest church in the world and regarded as one of the holiest shrines in the Catholic religion. On the outside, you will see the "holy door," only opened by the Pope on a year deemed holy (a jubilee year).









The basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter and most of the Popes from history. On the inside, you will see the tombs of previous Popes, as well as many intricate mosaics that the Ancient Romans were famous for.

Outside we were able to witness the changing of the guard. Fun fact, the guards are Swiss guards, not really sure why (maybe because they are neutral). The only people allowed in that gate are Vatican citizens - the Vatican is technically the smallest country in the world - and females with a Swiss passport (also something I didn't quite understand).

St. Peter's Basilica

The chairs were being set up in preparation for the Pope's mass on Palm Sunday.






















   After all of that, we were able to visit a small souvenir shop where anything that was purchased would be blessed by a Vatican priest. I bought my mom a beautiful cross handpainted with 24k gold. She was very appreciative.

   Linda then took us back to the city center where we were given free time until 10:30PM.  During free time, Matt took us all around Rome, some of the sights we had already seen, some we would see the following day, but to see them at night was very cool. He is a history teacher and had been to Rome several times. Some of the sights we saw:

Altare della Patria

Roman Colluseum 

Roman Forum

Trevi Fountain

Pantheon

DAY 3 - The Roman Colluseum and Forum
   On day three, we, of course, had breakfast and then went to classroom session two. This classroom session focused on "pre-tour expectations" and it was again very informative. After the classroom session, we were given 15 minutes to get ready for our walking tour of the Roman Colluseum and Forum.


We started our day with a short walking tour with Linda where she took us to the Spanish Steps and told us about the design between the French and Spanish.









Then she took us to the Trevi Fountain (not Las Vegas) where we were given a quick break for lunch. After lunch, she walked us over to the Colluseum

Linda (holding the red ribbon stick thing) gave us a quick history lesson and also told us why she didn't like the wedding cake building. And then took us to the entrance of the Colluseum.

There, we met Stefano, our local guide. He was great. He took us inside the Colluseum where we learned about the architecture and all purposed it served.

You can see the many levels of the Colluseum and if you can see the people in the picture, you realize how large it was. It seated between 50,000 and 80,000 people. As you probably know, Gladiators fought here. What I found interesting is that they (the Romans) did not want Gladiators to die, because training them was very expensive and extensive. The purpose was to put on a show, not to kill.







Stefano then took us to the Roman Forum. There are so many things that the Forum is famous for. For a very long time, it served as the central location for day to day life in Rome. It served as a marketplace, grounds for chariot races, a place for public execution and criminal trials, where elections happened, and so much more.





   We then bid Stefano goodbye and met back up with Linda for our farewell dinner. We had a fabulous 4-course dinner: meat and cheese plate, a parmesan pasta, chicken and veggies, and a tiramisu for dessert. After dinner, we were given 40 minutes to do our last exploring of the city. Matt (the awesome history teacher) took us to Castle Sant'Angelo.

DAY 4 - Departure
   EF ran three different shuttles to the airport depending on the departure time. Both Linda and our tour leader, Kelsy, were there to say goodbye to us. They gave us a bag breakfast and sent us on our way back to the USA. I flew Alitalia on the way home, I wouldn't recommend them as an airline. They are financially bankrupt and all look angry at life. BUT, I got home safely.

   I had a great time and recommend to any teacher looking into EF travel to do it. They really do cover everything you need to know about bringing kids to a foreign country.