Felsted Preparatory School Classics Department - learn about the future by studying the past

Monday, 22 October 2012

Day 1: Sunday 21st October



Many thanks to Harry Raffan for the first blog entry. 

6.30am! Too early I'm afraid. I am first to arrive so I had time to people watch. Amazing how many of the top sportsmen get their mums to carry their bags!

As the trees whizz by I realise just how excited I am. Their colours are turning as autumn grips England. The sooty grey sky makes me long for the Italian sunshine.

An uneventful flight ends with a safe landing in Rome. Stunning, awesome, colossal, magnificent - my first views of Rome from the coach. I'm amazed by how much if the original architecture we can still see today. Wow! We've passed under a great viaduct set into the city wall - you can only wonder at the skill of craftsmen centuries ago.

Checking into the hotel - there is a warm atmosphere but lots of steps. Apparently we need to get used to them!

It's a very short walk to the restaurant where I experience my first piece of Italian culture up close. A sensational lasagne followed by tender 'pollo' and traditionally prepared 'patates'. It is interesting to see how food is served in two courses - the pasta first, then the meat.

After dinner we go to the Spanish Steps - a truly magical location. Lit up by the glow and buzz of everyone who is taking in the amazing scenery.  Starting at the grand white church the steps roll down to the piazza with the ornate fountain. Here we sit for several minutes to enjoy and take in the view. It's been a long day however we still have time for our first ice cream and the Trevi Fountain. With the change I take part in the customary throwing of a coin over my shoulder into the fountain. Maybe one day I will return to Rome.

Harry Raffan, Yr 8


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