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