This is Bridget's Mom. I thought I would post the emails coming from her leader as they arrive. I am posting two here so be sure to scroll all the way down as I just thought to do this to be able to share with everyone. I eagerly await the next update or phone call from Bridget or her leader.

 Sat, June 30th - their first day there:

Good Evening Parents. . .

A very long day as you can probably guess. I am hoping that the delegates are snuggled in their bed fast asleep for another adventure tomorrow.

We left for Chicago but the airport closed down due to severe thunderstorms. Christopher did very well (in fact he slept on the way to Rome almost missed the landing). Anyway, we were diverted to Peoria. We waited there, refueled and continued on to Chicago good thing for long layovers.

Now we are ready to board for Rome, but no we are the lucky ones for the routine maintenance (hour delay).

We finally arrived in Rome and met Gregor, our delegation manager. We set off for lunch consisting of salad, margarita pizza and tiramusu. From there we had a guided tour of the Colusseum and the Forum Hall. We walked to dinner from there to enjoy a choice of cheese pizza or risotto, salad with bruschette and watermelon. We have arrived at our home away from home for three nights.

Tomorrow agenda:

7:30 wake up
8:15 breakfast
9:00 leave for the warrior school and lunch then we have the City Quest (a walking tour of information about the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps all in all there are 5 designated sites we will walk to for a couple of hours)

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe then an informational meeting about the homestays back at the hotel.

Delegates are drinking their water. It is rather humid not so much hot.

I hope this finds parents enjoying their time and knowing that their child is experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyone has been well mannered, polite and exhausted. The flight attendants were impressed with the delegates stating that they acted like seasoned travellers. That says quite a lot about your child with all the adventure so far - you should be very proud of them, I know I am!

Good Night,

Rachelle

Here is the next one from Sunday, July 1st:

Good Evening Parents. . .

We just got back from our excursion today. Boy! What an adventure! All delegates were bright eyed and bushy tailed (very talkative) at breakfast. We took off for Gladiator school. We learned quite a bit about the history of the gladiator (various types, games, etc.) Then delegates were instructed on sword fighting (attack and defend). I must say I am witness to Bridgets vicious side and grunts. Alexis smiled all the way through the fight very bouncy and on her feet. Connor Robert, Connor Nicholas, Ethan, David, and McKay had challenges with the instructor and or against others. Everyone practiced with another person and then there were random volunteers. All delegates received a certificate of completion. I think everyone truly enjoyed this mornings activity. Lunch was at warrior school (pasta, bread, salad, then a choice of calazone or cordon bleu with a raspberry type dessert).

From there, we ventured on to our City Quest. Delegates split up into four groups. I had the largest group of 16 from everyone. We started out at the Piazza Novano eating gelato and viewing the Piazza with the three fountains. Our next quest was the Pantheon. We stopped for directions from policia (of course, we had to take pictures never mind that there was a sign pointing out the direction). Students had time at each stop to take pictures, shop, view the attraction, etc. Third was making our way to the Colonna. We came across the Parliament building. From there, we ventured on to the Trevi Fountain to toss our coin wishing to come back to Roma. Our last quest stop was the Spanish Steps. What a sight! Delegates did a fantastic job of walking the Roman streets (FYI, no one got lost!!!)

Then we walked a ways to Hard Rock Cafe. Delegates were given an opportunity to shop there. Dinner has a choice menu and song choices.

We are now awaiting our meeting for the Home Stays. Our delegation manager, Gregor, is doing a fine job and will try to answer the delegates questions that may come up.

Again, the whole blended delegation is doing great. They are conversing outside the Fresno delegation. Wonderful to see them venture out. Forewarning parents that currently, David, Ethan and Connor Blech are so excited about their gladiator adventure!

Tomorrow we are in another country The Vatican!!!! I am plotting to make sure that we see Bastilla Day in Paris!! Today, Italy and Spain are playing for the World Cup in Futbol, if I am not mistaken. Italy will be nuts should they win cross our fingers for that another memory!

Ciao,
Rachelle