Venice

We spent yesterday driving to our hotel outside of Venice and got to swim in the Adriatic in the afternoon. Our hotel is a two minute walk to the beach which was a very exciting option for spending a hot afternoon. We all went to the beach to relax for a change of pace.

Florence

Wifi issues

Hopefully this update will actually post! We have been having a hard time getting wifi the last few days. Hopefully I will be able to post pictures soon! We are all doing well and are heading to Venice in the morning!

Our big day in Rome

Today was a very big day for our group! We saw the Vatican Museum (Sistine Chapel especially), St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. It was very warm today so the air conditioned bus to dinner was very needed. Tomorrow we have a free day so we are going to slow down our pace and enjoy a day looking around downtown Rome. We have two goals for tomorrow: see the Pantheon and eat more Italian food.

Colosseum

We got the chance to visit the Colosseum at night tonight. There is something magical about seeing the iconic structure glowing in the quietest time of day. There are few crowds and you really get to reflect and take in the impressive site. We are a little short on sleep, but getting to see the Colosseum for the first time this way is the most fun. Tomorrow we revisit the colosseum, explore the Roman forum and visit the Vatican. It will be a very long but exciting day. Time for bed, buona notte!

Roma

Today we walked around Rome and got to see the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. We also managed to find some time for gelato. Tonight we meet up with our tour group for dinner.

First Day - Pompeii

We visited the ancient buried ruins of Pompeii today! Despite the fact that we went from an overnight flight with little to no sleep, our group decided not to let the airline ruin our chance to see one of the greatest archeological finds in history. The trekked through 2 train rides each way and hiking through the city. Everybody is exhausted but holding up very well on limited rest. Tomorrow we set out to explore the ancient-medieval-renaissance-modern city that is Rome. But first, we sleep. Buona notte from Roma.

Finally on our way!

In NC

On our plane in Charlotte. Last night we mingled with locals to experience the culture at the local Chilis. People were very nice to us. We are on our way again!

Charlotte NC

Well we are taking the long way to Italy... Due to mechanical failure we are stuck in NC till tomorrow. We should be on our way tomorrow!