Today, during class, we all participated in a Model United Nations activity. Each student represented one of 11 countries given to us, came up with a resolution, made alliances, etc. I represented Great Britain (mostly because I can do the accent) and, appropriately, wore my Doctor Who shirt. My resolution addressed both the environment and the impoverished citizens of my land by suggesting we all come together to build wind-energy farms and combined-heat plants, which would preserve the atmosphere for future generations while also providing thousands of jobs for the current population. It was interesting to hear the different resolutions that the other ‘nations’ had developed, and to see how we all interacted with one another. We all agreed that we probably wouldn’t follow through on the resolution because a) there would be no threat if we didn’t, b) there is an extensive process to get things resolved through the UN, and c) we have other, more current and immediate, things to worry about right now.
It also rained. A lot. It poured during class, comparable to that of a Florida storm! In the three years he’s been going on this trip, Mr. Hesting hasn’t seen this much rain in Rome ever, so it was a pretty rare occurrence.
After our lunch break, we went back to the Hotel and then met Jill to take a tour of the Jewish Ghettos and a Synagogue. It was really cool to hear the history of Judaism and to see tapestries and items from centuries ago, and then to learn about the recent history, however, it was also terribly upsetting. What the Nazis did against the Jews during WWII was nothing new, and to hear that humanity has always been so evil. The tour ended on a more uplifting message, though, that the Jews have had more than their share of persecution, and yet they are still here. I thought that was an inspiring message of faith.
After the emotional tour, we headed out to grab a bite to eat. Jill’s friend, Veronica, met with us as we walked from the Synagogue to the hole-in-the-wall pizza place. There I had some of the best pizza in my entire life, and then had a slice of a Nutella calzone. They make everything possible with Nutella, and I am so grateful.