The Journey So Far

As you may recall my last entry was written while stuck in Amsterdam. I did make it to Rome eventually. Myself and about twenty other people arrived at 4:30 Thursday and basically missed the first day in Rome. And in our group my luggage and one other person's made it to the hotel. Everyone else did get their luggage while we were in Rome.

My first full day in Rome consisted of attending the BMB performance in front of the Colosseum, going with a few of my friends to the Colosseum, having a little street vendor food, a nice meal near the hotel, and having my wallet stolen. The Colosseum on the inside was AMAZING! And the margharita pizza panini I got on the street was delicious. After the Colosseum we went to Piazza Navona where it was packed because it was a holiday. Somewhere in there I had my wallet stolen. I won't lie, I had a bit of a panic attack. But I do still have my passport, which Dr. Dickerson and everyone else assures me is more important. Fortunately my friends have chipped in money to make sure I get fed and what not. Their generosity has been truly overwhelming.

The next day we went to the Vatican. We did a tour that was a few hours inside the Vatican museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square. Even if you're an agnostic like me you can't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer scope and artistry of the place. I did sprinkle myself with holy water and amazingly did not catch fire. My luck has turned around a little since then. Coincidence? Not sure. After that I did the walking tour with our guide to Castle St. Angelo and then went with a few other people to the Pantheon since I missed it the first day. It is one of the most amazing buildings I have ever seen as far as art and architecture. We ended the day at the circus maximus where they used to hold the chariot races.

Yesterday we drove six hours to Genoa to board the boat. You're supposed to link your Costa room card with a credit card. I don't have a credit card because it was in my wallet. Fortunately my friend Matt generously offered to put me on his so I can purchase things when I must (including WiFi so I can write this blog entry). Well that's about it for now. I hope to be writing more about the adventure soon.