Today we had to opportunity to go to Florence. We woke up extra early so we could reach the bullet train on time. This was very interesting because I knew that my grandfather had been involved in the building of this railway system. It was a two hour ride there and when we finally reached the city, the first thing we did was go to the old pharmacy where they still make everything by hand and has almost anything you can think off.  I ended up getting my mom some honey and lavender soap. Later on we ended up at the museum that housed the David. This was a huge marble sculpture that just took your breath away. Florence isn’t only known for its artwork, but also its leather markets. I ended up getting a friend of mine a little leather keyring, myself a wallet, and they were also selling masks. I got myself one that ties in the back, a black one on a stick, and my best friend one. But the day was still not over after that. This was the night of the Euro Cups finals. It was between Spain and Italy. People were running around, screaming out the windows, it was crazy. In the end, Spain won, but it was still fun to say that I was in Italy during the Euro Cup.

This day was one of our easier days, which is why I enjoyed it so much.We traveled to the US embassy that only works with the Vatican. This was because its considered its own country. I though that was really interesting that even though it was so tiny, it represented so many people. we discussed his job and how he got to his position. He had to learn about the Italian culture, the language, everything within five years. I though that was a really cool part of the job. They house you, they teach you the language, and your workplace is pretty cool. The Embassy overlooks the Roman Forum, which is where the emperor would have lived.

After we got done at the embassy, we headed over to what looked like an empty field, but was really the Circus Maxi mus. It was really the first form of NASCAR, Roma style. You could see at one end that they were excavating, but our tour guide said that they had really dug up all they could. After we had leaned about the race track, we went to the mouth of truth, which is this stone statue that they believe is a water god. It was believed that if you would lie while your hand was in the mouth, it would be bitten off. We ended up getting one of our chaperones Kelly a small replica of the statue because she said she wanted it. Today’s easiness was probably a lead up to tomorrows craziness.

So today we went to the Colosseum , exploring and learning about its past and current situation. Back in the Roman empire, the Colosseum was built as a form of entertainment for the people of Rome. When we first walked up to it, you cannot compare it to anything you have ever seen. It’s a huge structure made out of stones from a few miles away as the base because of its sturdy, strong support at the ground level; then red mud bricks and cement for all the other materials because of its light but sturdy combination.

The Romans had just perfected the mixture for cement and were now using it for the Colosseum. As we went up from the bottom level, you see what remains from the stands and stage. The arenas cover is no longer remaining, while showing the cages for the exotic animals below. They have rebuilt some of the stage just to demonstrate what it would look like during the Roman Empire.

You can see where the Emperor would be sitting; with him would be his family along with the Vestal Virgins. The Vestal Virgins are the only women in Italy with any rights whatsoever.

You can also see where each of the different classes would be seated too. Most of the areas are blocked off though to help preserve it. Before 2000 you could go into the Colosseum whenever you wanted, but now you have to buy tickets make tour arrangements, along with more restrictions on where you can be when you want. The bottom area where the exotic animals cages is blocked off from visitors, shaded areas where there used to be stairs is now blocked off. This is part of the protection of the Colosseum and helping to preserve it for future generations.

Entering the gates in the airport, you see people sleeping across the chairs, running to their gates, and ordering food for their flights. But sitting in these chairs, you start to get more and more excited with each passing moment. Thinking about everything that you packed, what you may have forgotten,and what you will experience. My thoughts go back to my parents traveling back to our house; my brothers on their way back to Florida from summer camp. All of these thoughts running through my head at high speed. You feel like you could run a mile with all the adrenalin and excitement running racing through your body. Packing these past few days has built up the anticipation for this trip too. You feel like you could explode with all the emotions running around through your body. This trip will be a big adrenalin rush for everybody. I know that packing started to make it all real to me.