DAY 3

On Tuesday morning we walked to the university again. The walk seemed shorter knowing how far the destination was. We spent the class discussing global warming, and about how different countries have different beliefs and solutions to the problem. We tried to reach a compromise between the countries as to what a solution could be.

After lunch and a quick rest at the hotel, we met Mike in the lobby. He took us down the street into Vatican City. We took a tour of the Basilica, and Mike taught us about the interesting history of the church. I have seen many decorative churches in the past, but none even come close to the grandeur of St. Peter’s. After marveling at the inside of the church, we looked at it from a different perspective. We climbed 551 steps to the dome of the Basilica. Everyone was exhausted by the end, but the view from the top of the church was worth it. We could see hundreds of buildings and the hills in the distance. The view was absolutely breathtaking.

After dinner, we went back to the Castel Sant Angelo, but the market was still strangely absent. We found another market, though, and most of us found something to buy. Even more important than the market was the gelato. I tried the coffee, but ended up buying a cone with two flavors: banana and Nutella. They were both amazing. We stood in front of the store and ate them, and a couple of us got more gelato before we left. This time I got chocolate hazelnut, and stracchiata, or chocolate chip. Molto delizioso!

DAY 4

In class today, we talked about drug use and trafficking and different countries’ positions on the issue. We also learned about the functions of embassies and the role of diplomats in regards to international relations. Later, we applied this knowledge when we visited the U.S. embassy to the Holy See. We learned about the history of the United States’ relationship with the Holy See, and we learned a little bit about what this particular embassy focuses on.

After visiting the embassy, we wandered around the area. This is where we saw some of the most interesting sights yet. In addition to an adorable pink church, we saw the mouth of truth (which is supposed to bite off your hand if you lie to it), the skull of St. Valentine, and the smallest country in the world. A common misconception is that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. In actuality, Rome contains an even smaller independent country: The Knights of Malta. The country has a wall around it, and the only way to see in is through a keyhole. Looking through the keyhole shows a line of hedge arches. Through the center of the arches is a perfectly framed view of the dome of St. Peter’s. The sight is indescribably breathtaking.

After wandering around, we headed back to the hotel. We had more amazing food for dinner. After dinner, we again tried the market, but it was still missing.

The gelato flavors of the day were mango, kiwi, and coconut. The perfect combination.