Today was the real beginning to the end of our trip. We are finished with class, so we started the day at 8 and with the tours. Mike took us to a wide variety of Rome’s locations, both well-known and off the beaten path. We went to see the Trevi Fountain, and it didn’t even seem real. It is in so many movies that it just felt like a replica, not that I could actually be there. I through my coins in and made my wishes; one of the coolest parts of the trip by far. There are about 1,000 churches throughout Rome, so it’s practically impossible to see them all, so it’s really nice to have a guide show you all of the most spectacular/important of them. Each one was very unique with its own purpose, style, and quirks. However, each in its own way absolutely amazed me. The intricacy of the architecture and interior paintings and decoration can put any critic into silence. In one of the basilicas, there was a hole in the wall that when the light shines through it, the light shines on what zodiac sign will be in the sky that night. How cool is that??

The effect it has on you is overpowering. One, you are amazed something that impressive was made so long ago. I have no idea how they were able to make buildings so big and able to last until today. You can feel a whole new, holy atmosphere when you walk in. It sounds cheesy, but they really do impact your life. Also, they stories that go with them are so amazing! To hear the stories of the saints each is made for is fascinating! It just adds to the amount of history within Rome. After going to the basilicas, we went to see the pantheon, but it was closed for the holiday. We went to see the fountain of the four rivers, which was beautiful. We then went to the Spanish Steps, which were amazing. They had a great view of Rome from the top. It also had a bunch of name brand stores around, like Prada and Gucci, which are every girls dream to go into. We even rode on a Prada elevator, which isn’t something you hear every day. We went back to the hotel for a little break, then headed to dinner. After dinner, we headed to St. Angelo’s for some fireworks inspired by Michelangelo. It was one of those moments that reminded me how lucky I was to be on this trip! Today showed how culture can originate in one place, and spread around the world with the unique twist of each culture, to create something that can make the world seem a little smaller. In this case it was fireworks, but it can really apply to anything. Just some more life lessons from Rome!