It was probably the busiest day of our trip -- sight-seeing, rehearsal, concert all in one day. We began with a 7AM wakeup & breakfast at the hotel, followed by a group roundup and bus load at 9, then off to Ancient Rome.
We met our local tour guides next to the Colosseum and spent the next three hours being treated to an informative tour of Ancient Roman sites -- the Colosseum & the Roman Forum. We couldn't have asked for better weather, it's in the 70's & sunny (the forecast is holding for the week ahead, so we're doubly lucky) and our tours were great. We broke into six groups and walked in the footsteps of ancient Romans as they shopped, legislated, worshipped & were entertained; seeing the resting place of Julius Caesar, monuments to emperors, popes, gods & goddesses, temples & ruins, palaces & shops. When your kids get home give them a pop quiz and see how much they have retained…
At 1PM we scattered for lunch -- pizza was the most popular option, based on a post-lunch vote, followed by pasta. Big surprise there. We loaded the buses for a trip that took about the same amount of time as the loading did, heading for the basilica of Saints Bonifacio & Alessio. The kids dug into rehearsal while the chaperones relaxed, and at 6PM the church's members served a delicious meal in their backyard garden, overlooking the Tiber River (and all of Rome beyond it). Lots of yummy pasta, meat, beans, rice, followed by amazing desserts - all made by members of the church & church choir. They were very excited to have us visit, because we had been there five years ago and they still remembered the terrific performance and the fun of having our kids sing there. So they jumped at the chance to have us again, and this time their choir (Coro dell'Aventino) performed as well.
After the delicious dinner & a beautiful Roman sunset from the garden view, the choirs sang in the 18th century basilica, which was built on the site of a 2nd or 3rd century roman home (Saint Alessio, or Saint Alexis). First the Coro sung several beautiful traditional pieces, and then our choir performed a selection of this year's music (including the perennial favorite 'Surrounded', which was written by Karen Salveson - a Palo Alto mom with four kids that I have chaperoned over the years). Karen was even in the audience, coincidentally being in Italy this week. The concert closed with a joint performance of Bruckner's 'Ave Maria'. There were plenty of local residents at the show, and they seemed to love it - especially Ami's solo in 'City Called Heaven', and our less conventional choral music. The choir sang well especially considering lack of sleep & jet lag. Then it was back to the buses, back to the hotel, and (hey it was 11PM) straight to bed.
Tomorrow the choir sings during noon mass at the Vatican, followed by another guided tour (slightly less ancient Rome -- Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, etc). The weather is still supposed to be amazing and the day should be spectacular!
We've had a great first day. Everybody is healthy & happy, we're having no problems (except internet access!) and the forecast is for more of the same.
Buona notte a tutti! I hope to have wifi soon to upload pictures, but it's not in my hands. I have a lot, promise!
UPDATE:
The hotel has given me access to their own computers; however I must use their system so have to transfer my pictures & files over to an Italian PC. The keys are in funny places so excuse any typos please :)
Here are the pictures from Saturday:
