When in Rome…

The Year 12 and 13 RS trip in March to Rome was undoubtedly a fantastic experience. Few cities can rival Rome’s astonishing artistic and cultural heritage and it was great to catch an insight whilst visiting the capital. In Italy you find more than half of the works of art and sights of the entire world which is one of the reasons for an excellent trip.

We arrived at St Peters Square for the Papal Audience on the first day with it being difficult to not get swept up by the excitement of attending. The Audience with the Pope consisted of small teachings and readings mainly in Italian but also in English, French, German, Spanish, Polish and Portuguese.

Following this we had a self-guided visit of the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica. In the evening, we visited the Trevi Fountain, which is said to be fantastic in the evening time and this did not disappoint. We tossed our coins into the fountain over our left shoulders in hope that Mr Ahmedi will book Rome again for next year’s RS trip. Coins are purportedly meant to be thrown using the right hand over the left shoulder which is said to ensure a return visit to Rome in the future. We learnt that an estimated 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and the money is donated to Caritas, a catholic charity, which uses the money to provide services for needy families in Rome.

The following days we visited the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Spanish steps. We had a self-guided tour of the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. We concluded our trip at the Catacombs.

Reflecting on the trip, it was truly a great and humorous experience with a jam packed itinerary. On behalf of both Year 12 and 13, we would like to thank the RS department for organising the trip. With a big thanks to Mrs Paul and Mr Ahmedi.

Lucy Roe, Year 12