Dear All,
Today, we had an amazing time at the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, seeing miraculous mosaics (displaying images as clear and coherent as paintings) and life-like sculptures (I know, it’s a cliche). Through these exquisite masterpieces of some of history’s greatest artists like Michelangelo and Bernini, we gained an appreciation of the true beauty of art, and a deep understanding of the power and motivational force of religion and faith. On a lighter note though, it was interesting to note the ‘slightly irritated’ guards in the Sistine Chapel who confiscated Jeremy’s IPad, which was returned only after some promises from Mr Chambers that no more photos would be taken, a promise soon broken, resulting in the expulsion of our group from the Sistine Chapel. We were also awestruck by St Peters Basilica and it’s majesty. Following this, some of us climbed to the top of St Peters, through the Cupola, which allowed us to taken breathtaking panoramic shots of most of Rome. As we rode the coach to Naples, via the Monte Casino/Monastery, the boys kept up their spirits with the sounds of Carly Rae Jepsen, capable of shattering double glazed glass. Unfortunately, it seemed to shatter the engine, which was overheating, forcing us to stop at a motorway service station, wasting precious time. The boys, however, reluctant to waste a second, launched into a game of soccer. Resuming our journey, we discovered to our dismay that Monte Casino was closed, but at least it provided a great photo opportunity for everyone. Finally, we arrived at our hotel in Vico, Naples, with the boys resting, in preparation for the next day at Pompeii.
To all those in Australia, take care and see you in a few weeks.
Theodore, Edmond, Stefan, Angus.