Our  third day started, as usual, with our World Religions and International Relations classes at Pontifica Universita Urbianiana. Today we  had spirited discussions on current event and issues regarding the Abrahamic Religions and the role of gender in the study and development of International Relations. If you want the opportunity to go on one of these trips, you had better study up, bring your thinking cap, and be ready to share your thoughts and opinions.  I have to say that this class is not shy, will say what they think, and are ready to back it up.  That is what makes learning fun and I am very proud of them.

After our studies we set of for a tour of the Vatican area, with our annual trek up to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica (500+ steps!!) . You get the best views from here, as it is the highest building in Rome.

Once we climbed down, the students (as was I, once again) were awed by the spectacle of the inside of the Basilica. The mastery of artwork, architecture, and design is overwhelming not only for the adherent, but for anyone who enters this place. This building is truly a monument and an embodiment of the subjects we are studying here.  It represents the power and scope of the Roman Catholic Church in Europe during the Middle Ages as undisputed hegemonic power of the western world during its peak. It is also a testament to the power of faith and dedication in providing this point of pilgrimage for much of the Christian community.

From the Pietà to the Balduccino to all the mosaic work, one could spend a lifetime finding more evidence of the genius of Michelangelo, Bernini, Bramante, and Maderno.  I cannot provide pictures for they do no justice to the work.  It must be seen firsthand to be truly appreciated.

From there we hiked to the Castel Sant’Angelo.  This was once the Mausoleum of Hadrian and then the protective fortress of the Pope from the 14th through 19th centuries.  Again, we witnessed the genius of Roman Architecture and Baroque Art.

By now, you should know that we finished the day with exquisite Italian cuisine, an evening stroll…..and gelato. The flavors are piling up quickly as this years group seeks to break the record for most flavors of gelato eaten. Updates will be provided as warranted.

Well, our travels did get off to a bumpy start with a delay through JFK which put our schedule off by about six hours, but everyone remained in high spirits and took it as part of the adventure.

Despite going for a solid 24hrs of flying and laying over, everyone’s energy  was high for our first (of a great many) walk though St. Peter’s Square. The students got their first taste of Italian cuisine finished with an authentic gastronomic delight that becomes a highlight of our time here for many… GELATO!!! We earned a good first nights sleep in Roma.

The second day started with our first classes at Pontifica Universita Urbianiana, one of the most beautiful campuses in the world with spectacular views of the Vatican and Rome. We had spirited discussions on the development of the Abrahamic Religions and the process of creating Foreign Policy.

After classes, Molly, one of the incredible tour guides provided to us by Weka Travel, took us on a enjoyable and enlightening tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum area. We saw first-hand the places where religions and politics intertwined in one of the birthplaces of Western civilization.  There could be no better classroom!

After our tour we were treated to a true feast of the finest meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables that are available in Rome.  You could truly do a comprehensive study on the gastronomy of Roma.  That would be a popular class!

We closed day two walking through the incredible weather of a Roman evening to settle ourselves after another day of learning and adventure in Rome. (and, yes….there was more gelato)

Colosseum

Wow! Talk about a whirlwind first 48 hours in Rome!  We practically went directly down the plane jetway and up the steps to the top of the Dome of St. Peters Basilica.

But despite going for a solid 24hrs, everyone’s spirits were high on our first day and tour of the Vatican. The students got their first taste of Italian cuisine and earned a good first nights sleep in Roma.

The second day started with our first classes at Pontifica Universita Urbianiana, one of the most beautiful campuses in the world with spectacular views of the Vatican and Rome. Jill, our incredible tour guide, took us on a enjoyable and enlightening tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum area with a stop at The Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter’s in Chains) and the tomb of Julius II by Michelangelo.

And as is custom for our tours of Rome, we finished with an authentic gastronomic delight that becomes a highlight of our time here for many… GELATO!!! (pics of the gelato unavailable as it was gone too fast 😉

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.

SPC Collegiate and Dual enrollment students have landed in Roma, Italia.  After an arduous 10 hour flight and arrival in Rome at 7:30 AM, the students hit the ground running (because we couldn’t check into our hotel yet!) with our first tour of St. Peter’s Square to hear Pope Francesco’s Sunday address to the cheering masses. After lunch and a well-deserved rest, we then attended Sunday evening mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.  No words or pictures can do justice to the grandeur of St. Peter’s.  It must be seen to understand the demonstration of faith, beauty, genius, and power in that building.

Monday, our students had their first class at Pontifical Urbaniana University  where they demonstrated their own genius in their International Relations and World Religion classes discussing such diverse topics as foreign relations, diplomacy, international conflict, interfaith cooperation, the varieties of faith, religion vs. science, and so on…and that was just the first day!!!

We then sped off to the Coliseum and Roman Forum to take in the immense history of this ancient city.  We ended the day with incredible Roman cuisine and a walk around the Castel Sant’Angelo perusing the street vendors fine wares to music rebounding off the walls of the Castel.

Whew, that was a jam packed 48 hours. Wait, we haven’t had Gelato yet?!?!?!?!?!?  THAT will be the first order of business on Tuesday.