As a class, we traveled from Rome by bus to Monte Cassino, had several tours, on-site lectures and were able to look around on our own. On the way up the mountain please keep in account that we are in buses which are being driven through an extremely windy road with several views straight down the mountain...We were all relieved to reach the top in one piece! I was awed by the amazing view and by the fact that this place is even real. The view that you get from the Abbey is impressive.Since my dad is a historian at heart, I was familiar with Monte Cassino's role in WWII and seeing the Polish cemetery was an impressive reminder of the history.
Following Monte Cassino, we hoped back on the buses and took off for Pompeii. Again impressive and horrific at the same time. Our professors gave tours through the ruins of the port town of Pompeii which is incredibly well preserved. It's one things to always hear about Mt. Vesuvius and how horrible it was; but seeing the bodies preserved with all the horrors of suffocation. I know this is hard to think about but it is a strong reminder that people are still the same. I think most people think of the "people back then" as being somehow different even if we can't pinpoint it. Really they are just as human and normal as we all are. Pompeii made history alive, even in the death of the town.
I know that last part was border-lining on depressing but...after that we went to a five star hotel and had an amazing dinner. After which we slept long and peacefully then rose early the next day to catch a boat and tour the Amalfi Coast, with several stops along the way. While we were on the boat we sang some great rounds and finished up with a singing competition between two groups on the upper deck. It was great and many memories were made as well.
The Amalfi Coast is just to beautiful to try to describe in words. So just check out the pictures!!
Lastly after another night at our amazing hotel, we went to Paestum, Italy were two of the oldest Greek temples are...And yes I did just say that the oldest Greek temples are in Italy. Its rather long and complicated, but basically the Greek city-states colonized many places throughout the Mediterranean. Paestum is one of them! There are three temples: Hera I and II as well as a Temple to Athena. All of which are mind-blowing in regards to their size and architecture.
Basically our school is amazing for planning such a trip!
