The Vatican has thousands of tourists each day.  Although the Vatican is not open for tours until 10 a.m., our group had to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to make it inside by 11:00 a.m.  Thanks to Audrey Lamprey and a plan, we had no line crashers despite the size of our group.

The first major part of the tour was the magnificent Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling.  The chapel was full of chatting, camera-flashing tourists despite the guards’ frequent demands for “SILENCE!” Even one of our leaders (who shall remain anonymous) had to be reminded to turn off her camera.”

All were overwhelmed by the colossal interior of St. Peter’s Basilica.  There was no time to ascend the cupola because only small groups can be admitted at a time, but our musicians had time to get an eyeful of the wonders inside this massive historical structure. (Click pictures for larger.)

The Catacombs of Saint Callisto were the next spot we visited. Before entering, an Italian priest gave a lengthy introduction.  Fortunately for those in the back, an elderly Silesian priest provided additional information, which many of us were able to pick up on.

Our restaurant at the end of the day’s tour was the Quo Vadis  restaurant.  The restaurant’s name has a number of Biblical references, but the most likely source is from a traditional episode in St. Peter’s life, where he was hot-footing out of Rome. “Chiesa di Santa Maria in Palmis," better known as Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis? is a small church southeast of Rome. It is located about 800 m from St. Sebastian Gate (Porta San Sebastiano), where the Via Ardeatina branches off the Appian Way.

It is at this spot that Saint Peter supposedly met Jesus while the former was fleeing persecution in Rome. According to the apocryphal Acts of Peter, Peter asked Jesus, "Domine, quo vadis? (Lord, where are you going?)." Jesus answered, "Eo Romam iterum crucifigi (I am going to Rome to be crucified anew).”

Most significant for us this day was that it was our “Last Supper” of the tour, and a time of many emotions:  Sorrow over the end of the tour, fatigue from an arduous journey, pride at our many successful concerts, eagerness to be returning home, appreciation for our guide and drivers, and delight in a wonderful banquet.  Courses were soup, pasta, veal and potatoes (the “secundi”), salad, and dessert.  The tour company representatives, guides, and drivers thanked the orchestra.  They work with many such youth groups, but praised ours as the most professional and adult they had seen. (Click pictures for larger.)

A combo of guitar, accordion, flute, guitar, and soprano provided the entertainment.  Mr. Kao was serenaded by the guitarist with an opera number, and Tyrie was treated to a special rendition of “Blue Moon.”

It is now midnight, and we don’t hear any stirring.  In just three hours we will head to the airport.  We cannot believe that these wonderful young people, who kept such a vigorous schedule and kept in such good health for two weeks, will soon be running into their parents’ eager arms with loads of pictures, stories, and--laundry.

Webmaster's note: The orchestra's return flight is on Tuesday, July 10, on Lufthansa flight 456 from Frankfurt to Los Angeles. The flight will arrive at 12:35 p.m. (noon) in the Bradley terminal.

Before you leave for the airport, you should check the actual arrival time. We will try to give you updates on arrival time here on the website or you can check directly with the Lufthansa web site.