July 09 - Sightseeing in Rome and Concert at St. Angelo's Castle

IMPORTANT FLIGHT AND PICK-UP INFORMATION for tomorrow, Monday July 10 You must pick up your children at LAX. There will be no bus. The return flight arrives at 7:35 p.m. on Lufthansa flight 452 at Terminal 6, the United international terminal. Call to check this time before you get to LAX.

This report was filed by Mr. Samuel at 3:30 a.m. (6:30 p.m. PDT):

In the morning, we went to the Colosseum. We learned that our word "arena" comes from the Latin word for "sand," because of arenas' sandy floors.

Then we visited the Roman Forum, named for the Latin word for "square." All the other squares in Rome have names, but this most important one is simply The Square. We also saw the ancient Roman senate building, which has reconstructed walls and ceiling, but the tile floor is still there and is very beautiful.

Next we walked to the Spanish Steps, and then had some free time for a shopping spree. (It wasn't much of a spree, though--it's Sunday). The setup crew then headed to St. Angelo's Castle to set up the stage for our performance as part of the Roman Invitation to Literature festival. (It's quite a large event, apparently.)

Then we headed back for our parting dinner, where the tour guides and bus drivers were given their official CYMO T-shirts:

Bus #1

Guide: Doris
Driver: Francisco

Bus #2

Guide: Danni
Driver: Salvatore

Bus #3

Guide: Tetra
Driver: Momissimo[?]

Next came the rehearsal for our concert. After a very discouraging sound check, the kids gave a truly brilliant concert. The sound reinforcement seemed to get better and better as we played, and the whole orchestra adjusted wisely to the strange acoustics of an outdoor concert. We played three encores: our West Side Story suite, "Stars and Stripes Forever," and then a reprise of "America" from West Side Story.

Then we were invited to a final pizza party, for one last taste of Italian pizza. There were some brave kids who ate pizza with flowers, lettuce, artichokes, and even mushrooms.

Then we headed back to the hotel to pack up our new treasures and go to bed. We're all looking forward to seeing everyone back home.

It's been a great tour. The kids have been so cooperative, and they have been a serious, professional orchestra this whole trip.

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The Colosseum

The Roman Forum

The Spanish Steps

St. Angelo's Castle

Virtual Tour

More pictures!

Thanks again to Dr. Pocock.

Pictures from Chartres Cathedral	Pictures from Dinner in Paris

This page is maintained by Lewis Johnson. For questions or comments please write to lewis_johnson@eee.org