Trajan's Column

Today has provided some excitement and some rest. We started the day in the Imperial Fora and talked about the transition from Republic to Empire as seen in architecture. The high point of the morning was a chance to walk up Trajan's Column for an unparalleled view of the city.

After lunch, we visited several churches, including the Pantheon. We're now all taking a short break for shopping and sitting in piazzas, just like the rest of the Romans.
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A Day in Ancient Rome

Today was spent in Rome's past.  Dr. Hartnett led us on an exciting tour of the Forum and Mr. O'Donnell helped us make sense of the different levels on the Palatine.  After a lunch of pizza, we were all renergized for the trip to the Colosseum.  Ms. Bryant took us through the building,  mixing important architectural details with stories about the exciting events there.

We're taking a coffee break in a piazza before a trip back to the hotel and a well-deserved rest before dinner.

Morning in Tivoli

We were treated to a tour of Hadrian's Villa this morning by Dr. Hartnett. We were dragging a bit at breakfast after a long day on Sunday, but the site was invigorating. Everyone was amazed by the vastness and complexity of the villa. We had a pleasant lunch in Tivoli and now we're off to Licenza for Horace's much more modest villa and the Fons Bandusiae we have read about in Horace's poem.
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Safe in Rome

After a long and uneventful flight, we've arrived safely in Rome. After dropping our bags at our hotel, we will head out on our initial tour of the city.

Everyone is a bit tired, so we'll have a brief rest after lunch. I'll encourage everyone to get in touch somehow soon.
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Warm Weather in Rome

We've seen a return of winter here in Southborough, so it may be cruel to point out what the weather will be in Rome. It is important that everyone pack based on the forecast and it does look like there will be some rain while we're there. Here's the ten-day forecast.

We will depart from the Front Circle at 2:45. If you don't plan to ride with us, please let Mr. Conti or Dr. Hartnett know.

Countdown to Departure

We met last night to discuss some details about the trip. As students come home for midwinter weekend, I hope that they remember to discuss these details with you. In case they miss something, here are the main points:

- Packing. We talked about the weather in Rome and the need for some layers. It won't be so cold that they'll need heavy coats, but they will need a sweater or a fleece along with a raincoat. They will also be in charge of their own luggage, so they should be able to carry everything they bring. Good walking shoes are essential. We'll have an opportunity to do laundry in Rome, so they won't need ten different outfits for the ten days. Checking that they have the proper adapters (voltage and plug) for electorinc devices is important.

- Money. There are lots of options here, but perhaps the easiest is an ATM card and a credit card. As long as you check with both the bank and credit card company before we go, they should be fine. Some banks charge high fees, so you should check that as well. Of course traveler's checks and cash will be fine, of course.

- Readings. Several of you have asked about readings for the trip. We have not asked the students to do anything to prepare, although I did remind them last night that almost all of them studied Rome in Third Form Seminar and that I'll expect them to remember something about buildings they studied. There are historical novels about Rome and Pompeii which students have enjoyed in the past, including those by Stephen Saylor, Robert Harris and Barbara Yourcenar.

Travel Planning

I know that several of you have to make travel arrangements for our return and want to get started soon. We will have a full information sheet ready for you soon with flight numbers and times as well as hotel addresses and contact information.

We will arrive back in Boston on March 18 at about 4:30PM. Students will need time to get their bags and go through Customs before heading to other gates for their next flights. Realistically, they will not be able to get onto another flight until about 7PM. This will allow them to get through Customs and to get to another terminal an hour early for the next flight.

We'll do everything we can to help people make these connections. Please let Dr. Hartnett or me know if you need help with these arrangements.