Our morning began to a lovely start with chocolate croissants, fruit, and juice. Once we all had a bite to eat we were off to the Colosseum. It was unreal; it put the Winthrop Colosseum to shame. We then went inside the massive structure and had the most amazing photo ops ever. We went up some of the steepest stairs we had ever seen to the top of the ruins to see what it was like to watch the games back in the day. As we split off into groups we all previewed Palatino and the Roman Forum. We went in a couple museums that were filled with ruins, statues, and paintings that were over 2000 years old. Basically all of today's sights were HIST 101 but WAY better. We then shopped around and tried to partake in the Italian fashion world. We met up for lunch at around 2:00 and were stuffed full of tortellini, salad, and pizza. After lunch we chilled at our hotel and prepared for our toughest match yet.
We arrived at the Roma Volleyball arena, which is the men's national team practice facility. It was like a giant circus tent full of sweat, musty smells, and some intense volleyball. We were all amazed/shocked/flabbergasted by the sight of our next opponent. Out walked 17 of the tallest/youngest/most athletic Italian teenagers we've ever seen. We were all wondering where the tall Italians were, well we found them. We were faced with the top 17 teenage volleyball athletes in Italy ranging from 15-18 and from 5 6 to 6 6. WOW. We played a little intimidated at first but held our own with the score of 22-25. We then continued to give the Italian Junior Olympic Team a run for there money with the scores of 20-25, 23-25, 14-25, 25-22. We ended with a bang winning the fifth set, despite our first four. The highlight of the night consisted of the team traveling to the Olympic Training Center where we ate dinner with the Italian girls. Shockingly we had a lot to discuss. We learned some new things, Italian words, and made some new best Italian friends. We were amazed to find out how young/good these chicks were at volleyball. We then traveled back to the hotel to catch some Zs for tomorrows SISTINE CHAPEL. Get excited we are waking up at 630 and sightseeing/shopping/having fun ALL DAY LONG!
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sounds like this was one of the fullest day in activities that you have had and you all make is so that wish I had been with you to experience it. Have been really impressed how well you all have been writing about what you do and the experience you are having, this probably brings the history books to life after studying and seeing pictures of what you are seeing now. Enjoy every moment and have fun
ReplyDeleteAh, the bittersweet feeling that comes with the impending finale of a wonderful experience! "Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." You'll leave Itlee, much richer than when you arrived and that will never be lost. In addition, you've made us a lot wealthier as well by sharing your escapades and adventures. Every conclusion launches a new beginning and in just a little while your thoughts will begin to turn toward home. You'll be coming back to spring and the trees have already started to leaf out in expectation of your arrival. And, know that while you've grown in certain ways and seen sights that have imprinted you somehow there's nothing that will ever replace returning to "the green, green grass of home." God speed and know that your greatest fans will be waiting for you with open arms and some good ol' southern . . . chow, y'all. Love and kisses, Guacamole Man
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