ROMA!

Lauren here - We're here in Rome on our second night in the hotel. Yesterday was a whirl wind travel experience. It took us an hour to get our luggage and then Leslie's never came. She's still without her suitcase tonight. Hopefully she'll get it soon (prayers are welcome!) - I know she's a bit upset that she has to borrow clothes. Thankfully I'm not the size of a gorilla, and she can wear some of my clothes. B is also sharing some things, since she's like our sister and all. Last night was a little meet and greet at the hotel and then we boarded a HUGE bus that took us to dinner near Rome's version of the Supreme Court. We enjoyed a 4 course meal which included an appetizer plate, pasta plate, main entree, and dessert. Plus we had wine and champagne and we were serenaded by an Italian man on his keyboard. He sang some classics and we sang along after a few glasses of wine. It was a nice dinner and a great chance to share some stories with fellow tour goers. We found a group of teachers (a few retired) from Dallas and obviously we are the troublemakers. Leslie, B, and I are clearly the youngest on the tour, with the exception of a girl who is here as a college graduation gift.

Today, we went to Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) and toured with our Rome guide, Gabriella. She was very good and funny also. We went through the Vatican museum and saw hundreds of marble sculptures. Leslie was giddy the whole time with excitement over the sculptures. We saw a few famous pieces like the Pieta, the Laocoon, the Torso, a large bronze statue of Hercules. There was also a large stone basin that was found in Emperor Nero's home that was a fountain. It was ridiculously huge (probably the size of our little swimming pool). We also walked through the Sistine Chapel. Of course, you can't take pictures of the ceiling or anything, and they really want you to be silent as you walk through. The guards kept shushing the crowds. It was pretty busy today because everything was closed yesterday (Sunday) and tomorrow is a holiday so it will be closed tomorrow also. The pope will be presiding over a service.

Tomorrow we're off to see the historic sites of ancient Rome. Hopefully we'll be able to blog some more. I found a wireless connection that goes in and out so posts may be few and far between but we will do our best. Ciao!