Our final day here in Italy has been a full one! Full of some final touring, some final shopping, lots of sunshine, and lots of standing in line!
We began this morning with crossing the Tiber River to visit Vatican City. Did you know that Vatican City is the smallest country in world? It also has the lowest birth rate, zero (only males live there).
As we approached the walled city/country we encountered thousands and thousands of people with the same goal as us, to visit the infamous location. We found our way to the end of the line where we then proceeded to wait, and wait...and wait...and wait (and I could probably add a few more) for 4 HOURS!! That is right 4 HOURS!! However spirits were never low as we sang and entertained the crowed around us, for 4 HOURS. Oh, and it was 30c with no shade, for 4 HOURS.
The long wait, 4 HOURS, was well worth it as we were able to experience the opportunity of a lifetime and visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica and the Vatican Museum.
After a wonderful farewell dinner we had some final time to enjoy the sights and shopping that Rome has to offer. This was followed by the most touching performance of the tour. As we gathered outside of the Pantheon the students decided to sing one last farewell song. As they began to perform "Agnus Dei" the crowds seemed to come from all sides of the square. Hundreds of people came running to listen and a few even found themselves so moved that they decided to record and take pictures. As the crowds continued to gather the choir ended with "Mary Did You Know". The sound was phenominal and the music touching. It is sure that this was an experience that the students will remember for a lifetime.
As much as we loved our time here in Italy, we are excited to be heading home tomorrow. Please think of us as we travel. Can't wait to see you all!!
Oh, by the way, did I mention that we waited 4 HOURS to get into the Vatican.
Story of The Day
To protect the reputation of those involved, no names will be mentioned in the writing of this "story".
As we entered the Vatican today we passed through revolving doors of the Vatican entrance and one student mentioned that the security looked like the same at the airport. When another student heard this, they questioned why they were at the airport and not the Vatican...it's true.
While in the line for the Vatican, many students were able to learn from Mr. Rabjohn that the bricks that form the wall of the Vatican were actually named 'Vati', the latin word for hard surface and the concrete that kept the bricks together were named 'Canne' after the area in Italy where the sand was found. Thus, the name Vaticanne or Vatican came into being. We kept this going for about an hour (of the FOUR hours, did we mention that) until we had to let them in on the joke.
Final Note on the Final Night
As we type this blog tonight all the students have gathered together in their various rooms with their new found friends, love for one another and reminiscing about their adventures in Italy. The growth that this group of young people have shown during this tour has been a pleasure to watch. It has been an honour to be here in Italy with them, these memories will last for a lifetime!
Mr. Bronson
7 comments:
Once again, thank you very much for keeping us connected with the tour and all of the special events. Proud to hear about the exceptional performances on behalf of the students. Cannot wait to hear all of the stories, see all of the pictures, and yes last but not least hug my Sarah. Safe journey home. See you tomorrow.
J&P Dundas
A heart felt THANK YOU to all of you for taking such wonderful care of our kids and providing them with a trip that created memories for a lifetime. Thank you for the great updates and photos. Can't wait to see you Heather and hear all the stories. Take care and have a safe trip home. Love Mom
Can hardly wait for the stories. Want to thank all the teachers and chaperones for their care and knowledge that they shared with the kids. We'll be at the airport to pick up those kids we took there. Can't wait to hug Alicia, you've definitely been missed (even Rob said yeah). Take care, have a good sleep. Don't forget the Alps on the way back Alicia, hopefully you'll get the pictures of them on the way back. Safe flight, take care one and all!
Gayle & Grant Hinchey
Thanks for giving the students this opportunity of a lifetime..... Italy!!! We never did school trips like this when we were kids .... we were lucky to make it to the Science Centre!!! Have a safe trip home!!! Looking forward to hearing all the stories and seeing your pictures!!! Thanks to all the teachers and the administration of O'Neill for making this trip possible and a special thank you for keeping us up to date, day by day!
The Oishi's
To the O'Neill staff: Thank you for your attention to the students during this milestone in their lives. The blog has been great, Thank you again.
Tom and Jo-Ann Given
I can't wait for you guys to get home! Safe travels back to Canada!
Bisous
Tamon
Great Blog tonight, feels almost like being there....yes, even the 4HOURS!! LOL!! In a couple of weeks, you will be wishing you were still in that line! Thanks for keeping us in touch and for taking care of our kids! See you soon, safe journey, may you sleep on the plane!
Laurie & Dave
Post a Comment