So, Tuesday we began our day in class discussing global warming and its debate between nations and effect on international trade. Regardless of how you feel about the subject as a scientific and political concept, you could not prove it by the incredible weather we are having here!

Our walks from the hotel to the University to our tours have been cool and refreshing.  How is it back in Florida?   We don’t want to know.

We then took our official tour of the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica and climbed 551 steps up to the top of the dome for the best view of Rome you can imagine.

And yes, after our nightly delicious Italian dinner, we did FINALLY have GELATO!

We visited one of the finest Gelaterias in Rome, Old Bridge Gelato. Eyes went wide and jaws went slack as the a new and overwhelming sensation was introduced to our students.

Now, it is all about the GELATO.  When are we getting GELATO? Where is the nearest GELATO? Does that place have good GELATO? GELATO… GELATO… GELATO!!!!!

Wednesday starts with a sugar withdrawal, which was somehow oddly appropriate for our discussion at the University on drug trafficking and its effect on international relations.

We then had an audience at the American Embassy to the Holy See.  The Holy See is the political relations side of the Vatican with the Pope as the Head of State.  Our students learned a great deal about diplomacy, shared issues by the US and the Vatican, and life in the Foreign Service.

We then saw a bunch of other stuff while eating GELATO.

Thursday has us discussing religious and ethnic conflicts in international relations before visiting Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and Synagogue. There was GELATO involved.

We also had a birthday on our trip as Lily turned 17.  I bought her a GELATO.

The International GELATO Council approved this post.

With our gracious host, Antoinette Hurtado, Public Affairs Officer for the American Embassy to the Holy See. Oh, and Palatine Hill in the background.