Day 13 - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Here we are more than half way through the trip and our last day in Rome.

Our first stop this morning was the Colosseum where we learned about it's history and it's significance.  The building was begun in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian and completed in 80 AD by his son, Titan.  We learned about the Vestal Virgins and how they had to keep the sacred flame alive.  The students loved hearing about the gladiators and how they were named after the swords they carried and also how the Emperor was able to spare the life of a gladiator if he so chose.  Another interesting fact they learned was that after the Fall of Rome, the Colosseum went into disrepair was parts of the buildings in both the Colosseum and Forum were taken to use in other buildings.  It was finally saved as an archaeological gem and preserved for future  generations.

After that, we moved onto the Forum.  We learned about the processions they would have for the soldiers returning from war, more about the Vestal Virgins - how they were chosen - what they did - their age - and the punishment if they did not follow the rules (buried alive - YIKES).  We also were able to see where Julius Caesar was assassinated and then across the "road" where he was cremated and his ashes were spread.  All in all - it was a pretty interesting adventure in Rome.

We said our good bye to Rome and boarded our bus to Assisi.  Once here, we met with a Franciscan monk/friar, Friar Andreas, who talked to the students about relationships and finding your purpose in life and following both your heart and head and learning how to get them in sync with each other.  He also talked about happiness and how things don't make you happy, you have to find that within yourself and that life is not always easy.  The students asked some pretty poignant questions.  We were impressed with the thought they took with them.

We have now arrived at our hotel.  It is up in the mountains of Assisi in a beautiful setting.  The kids have settled in for the night and looking forward to our Full-On Adventure tomorrow.

Check back tomorrow for more kiddo pics as I didn't get a chance to collect pictures from everyone tonight.