Getting oriented and, of course, some gelato!

Care lettrici e cari lettori,

Andrew Serio here, one of the two Program Leaders for the Rome program, session II. Today was our first full day, and we started it off with a somewhat late wake up and a relaxing breakfast at Domus Carmelitana, which will be our home for the next three weeks. We are staying in a converted monastery located just steps from Vatican City and Castel Sant'Angelo in the Roman neighborhood known as Prati. 

After breakfast, the participants, my co-leader Frieda and I took a walk to the classrooms where our students engaged in a fun but informative orientation session. The students were given an excellent overview about what to expect over the next few weeks. They were provided with backpacks, information packets and even their monthly subway and bus pass. They are all set now to explore the Eternal City! 

After the first half of orientation, we enjoyed a nice lunch at Cantieri Bistrot on Rome's famous via Cola di Rienzo, a famous Roman thoroughfare loaded with shops and restaurants. After lunch, the kids even got some free time to explore, before heading back to class. 

The second half of the orientation featured some lessons on how to handle out of the ordinary  situations and a crash course on Italian culture. The students now understand that personal space in Italy is somewhat different than it is in the USA, and that in Italy, flip-flops are for the beach only!

At the end of the orientation the students were treated to cups and cones of gelato at Neve di Latte, a very well known gelateria located right in our neighborhood. Between scoops of cioccolato and  pistacchio, the students enjoyed a little bit of chit-chat and lots of smiles. 

It was then relaxation time followed by dinner back at our temporary Roman home.

All and all it was an informative and fun first full day in Rome!

Un saluto da Roma!

Andrew