Ultima giornata in Italia...hey babes ;)

This morning we started with a guided tour of Santa Maria delle Grazie where we saw Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" painting, It was a great sight even though the wrong painting techniques were used !!!! (dry plaster instead of wet plaster). The group was broken up into 2 smaller groups to see the painting as there was a maximum of 30 people allowed to view the painting at once. In between the sessions, we went into the main part of the church and into the garden.

After the painting, we left the area and went on our bus to see the Castello Sforzesco. Originally a Visconti fortress, the red bricked castle was a home to the mighty Sforza dynasty. The defences were designed by Leonardo da Vinci. At the back of the castle you could see an triumphal arc like one of the ones in Paris.

We then proceeded to Il Duomo which is the 3rd largest Cathedral and the largest Gothic Cathedral in Europe. Sitting above the altar is the nail that was believed to pierce Jesus Christ's right hand on the cross. After this we thanked the guide for her time and finished the tour.

Then we hit the shops- Armani, D & G, Sports Fans, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Dior etc etc. Underwear was very popular following our lead. We took the Metro back to our hotel for our final night on tour with a dinner to be followed by an 'amazing' concert.


Sincerly yours, my love, from Ben Ackhurst, Dylan Glover, Gus Miles & Giorgio Armani.

It's raining in Lake Como

Today we woke up bright and early at 7am, packed our bags, and prepared for our four hour marathon bus ride. Breakfast was the same as always, bread, bread and more bread!!!! We took our last look at the beach and piled our bags and ourselves onto the bus. 

Our driver, Antonio, told us that he'd been driving since 4am this morning and needed to take a break an hour into the journey. After stocking up on Red Bull and croissants, we took to the road again. We finally arrived in Bellagio at 1.30pm, and looked down at the beautiful Lake Como that lay before us. 

For the two hours of free time we had in Bellagio, time was spent hunting for food and a working ATM. Food was easy to find but the ATM was a bit harder to locate, and impossible to work. Unfortunately, due to the rain, the scenery was not as spectacular as it could have been. The town itself was very beautiful to look at with interesting architecture and many curious alleys to walk up, down and around. 

After some lunch and and a walk about the village in the rain, we waited for the bus to return. The bus finally arrived at 3.30 and we boarded for our final hour and a half ride to Milan.

We passed through numerous valleys and mountains on our way as our skilful bus driver zig-zagged up the mountain ,with some of the boys getting as much sleep as they could. We arrived in Milan around 5.30 and settled into our hotel. We enjoyed some free time to check out the nearby shops (in particular an international food shop with Milo in a can?!), followed by dinner at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed minestrone, a lamb stew and an interesting dessert, a large apple for each of us.

Lake Como T-team

Jacob, Campbell and Dom.

  

Venice: One of a Kind!!!

After a well needed sleep-in, the day began with a journey by boat over to the island on which the centre of Venice is situated. Following some brief free time in one of the city's main squares, Piazza San Marco, the rest of the morning was spent with a guide who took us around the city's main attractions. These included the Doge's Palace and the Basilica di San Marco.

The Doge's Palace was the first site that our guide showed us. While once being the residence of the Doge (the figurehead of the Venetian Republic) and the place in which the goverment would serve its people (containing halls, courts and prison cells), today the Palace is one of Venice's most popular tourist attractions and is home to many beautiful paintings by prominent Renaissance artists Tintoretto and Veronese, to name a few. One of the historical attractions within the Palace is the Ponte Dei Sospiri, or the Bridge of Sighs (a name coined by Lord Byron) that connects the interrogation rooms at the Palace to the prison cells. Legend has it that if lovers kiss under the bridge in a gondola at sunset they will be granted everlasting love and happiness.

The next place that we were taken to was the Basilica di San Marco. Like the Palace, the Basilica is adorned with gold but in the form of mosaics that depict biblical scenes; 8,597.23 square metres of mosaics in total! Along with this, the Basilica is also famous for housing the bones of St Mark (the patron saint of Venice) which were allegedly stolen from Alexandria, Egypt, in 828CE. While not as large as some of the other churches we have seen - St Peter's Basilica and il Duomo di Firenze to name a few - the beauty of its mosaics and its historic significance were nevertheless breathtaking.

After the guide had departed we were left to explore the rest of the city and its winding streets and canals for the remainder of the afternoon. The boys took the opportunity to not only explore the city but to taste local cuisine and invest in authentic Venetian masks. The day was capped off with a boat ride back to the mainland and with the rest of the day free for relaxation after one of the longer days of the tour.

Signing off,

Lachlan Lennox and Matthew Towicz

Happy 16th Jacob!!!

Murano and Burano

Another fantastic day on the Italian Study Tour! The day began by boarding our coach at Florence and commence the 3 hour drive to Lido di Jesolo, just outside of Venice where our Hotel is situated.

 We had free time to explore the area and have lunch by the beach. After lunch we started a game of a sport which is incredibly scarce in Italy, touch football. 

After a thrilling and enjoyble game we got onto a bus which took us to the port where boarded a boat to take us to the lagoon island of Murano, famous for glass creations. We saw a demonstatration of glass munipulating techniques by The Master then proceeded to have free time to explore the surrounding glass shops. Sidenote: dont let Lachlan Smith near a glass whale again, didnt end well this time.

 When we were finished our shopping we reboarded the boat to go to Burano. When we arrived we witnessed a truly unique sight in the coloured houses. After a small breifing and an interesting tale of why the houses are coloured we had some time to explore the island. We the returne on the boat to Lido di Jesolo where we got settled in our room and started a new game of touch footy on the beach.

Signing Off

Mark Woodfield and Lachlan Smith (the genius who broke the glass whale)

The Marist Crew crashes into Pisa

Starting with a generous sleep in to 7 AM the boys sprung into action, arriving in Pisa at 9.30 after an hour bus trip from our base in Florence (Firenze). During our bus trip, we payed our respects to the ANZACs in commemoration of ANZAC day, by reading the Ode, and spending a minute's silence on the bus.

Starting from our first step off the bus in Pisa, we were swarmed by a torrent of vendors insisting the sale of their "authentic" collection of Rolex watches, Rayban sunglasses and numerous handbags. After a little confusion with times of our ascent to the top of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the boys were given an extra hour of free time in this shopping hotspot.

The boys then met at the base of the unique tower to begin their quest to reach the summit, with all 294 steps awaiting. At the top we were introduced to a panoramic view of Pisa and a breif relief from the harrassing salesman. After a few trips, slips and slides down the twirling staircase, we arrived at the bottom to find that sure enough, Gus was 'lost'. He miraculously found his way back and we were soon on a rush to get back to our bus again, rejecting numerous salesman.

After arriving back in Florence, the boys had a quick lunch and embarked on their first trip to a very special place, the laundromat. We were all quite relieved to know that when we returned, our parents would at least be pleased about about the clothes situation,even if the clothes didnt become THAT clean. We then headed to the Basilica del San Lorenzo only to take part in a half an hour game on street soccer with some locals, nearly breaking some historic windows in the process.

Then the boys had a nice stroll down the kilometre long markets in the heart of Florence while a group of a lucky few got to climb the Duomo after a while standing in the line. When it was time for dinner.We all met at the statue of David and went to have a pleasant meal of pasta, chicken and ice cream followed by a tiring walk which was livened up by some more street sport.

Over all, the boys enjoyed a special day and many special gifts from the numerous Tuscan Markets. Off to Venice tomorrow!

Capping Off Another Action Filled Day

Tenacious T-Team

Jamie Hawke and Timmy Keys

25/04/11

Firenze - Just A Casual Easter

Another day, another early start...nothing new to the rowing boys. This Easter would be something different for everyone. However Signor Morrissey, Wood and Signora Corrado made it very special by giving each boy a special Easter egg. This was a great start to the day.

We left our accomodation in Bastia Umbria at around 7:30 local time. The rain continued to fall throughout the 2 hour bus ride to Firenze. After an inspiring briefing from arguably 2 of the most integral members of squadra undici, the boys arrived at the accomodation. We then departed for mass at La Basilica di Santa Croce. It was a different experience for all the boys as the mass was said in Italian. When Easter Mass was finished the boys enjoyed some free time to get lunch and roam around Piazza di Santa Croce.

Giardini Bardini was the next destination for the group. As we arrived at the entrance to the gardens we made the discovery that we had to in fact pay 5 euros to enter. We quickly moved on to Ponte Vecchio. Ponte Vecchio was built in the 16th century. It was the only bridge in Firenze not destroyed by the retreating Germans in WWII. After Ponte Vecchio the group travelled to the Galleria del'Accademia through the Uffizi Gallery courtyard, Piazza Signora and the Piazza del Duomo.

In the Gallery del'Accademia the boys witnessed one of the greatest sculptures in the world - Michelangelo's "David". This was truly awe-inspiring. After this we returned to the hotel to prepare for dinner at a local restaurant near the Ponte Vecchio.

Day 9 T Team
Kieran (Russo) and Dom

Assisi

Swimming in the sea one day, swimming in the streets the next.

Another early morning start got us on the bus by 7.30am for the long trip to Assisi. After the long 5 hour journey on the bus, we got off in Assisi. After an elegant lunch at a local resturant, the boys ventured out into the city with the help of a local guide. We visited St Francis (San Francesco) and St Clares (San Chiara) Churches and learned a lot about the culture of the the city at the same time. BUT unfortunately just as we exited St Francis' Church the heavens opened and the rain came and lots of it. From the surf of the Amalfi to the streets of Assisi the boys were saturated.

After the tour we had about 60 minutes of free time in which the boys had a look around a very medieval syle town. Many boys went souvenir shopping while others went for another look through the beautiful churches. Like Adelaide, Assisi has many churches. The boys took the opportunity wisely but many were detered from venturing too far because of the rain. The boys than took a quick 10 minute journey down the road to the Accomadation for the night, Hotel Turin. All the boys are ready for a good nights sleep and a big Easter Sunday tomoz.

G Unit engage <3
Luis A and Rylan G

Good Friday: La costiera amalfitana

 After a not so long sleep, we struggled to wake up at 2:30 AM. We headed down the main street of Sorrento to a church in which the white procession of Good Friday would begin. In a crowded piazza we listened to the band and choir as a seemingly endless amount of people left the church wearing white robes and carrying a variety of objects such as; torches, banners, crosses and the focal point of the procession, a large statue of Mary. After finding the wondering Kieran Kirk we all headed back to our hotel for a well deserved sleep.

We all headed to breakfast at 7:30 after trying and on the most part failing to get some more sleep. We then boarded our interestingly painted bus and headed for the picturesque Amalfi coast. We had what was supposed to be an hour, but ended up being 30 minutes after the long walk, of free time in the beautiful Positano. After boarding our bus we headed to the much larger Amalfi when we got two hours of free time for lunch, exploring and for the more daring, a quick dip. After heading a little further up the coast and seeing the amasing view at Ravallo we started heading back to our hotel in Sorrento.

Tonight we are attending the black procession which is similar to the white procession that we attended this morning. Tomorrow we have the long journey to Assisi and hopefully a longer sleep than last night.

Untill tomorrow,
Liam G and Jonno L,
Da T-Team for Good Friday.

Happy 17th Kieran

Pompeii and Sorrento

After another long sleep,  the boys said their final goodbyes to our homestay families as we left them today after an amazing stay. Our experiences were shared on the bus as we made the 3 hour bus trip towards the Ancient ruins of the once great, Pompeii.

We arrived in Pompeii and were greeted by our guide who swiftly began the tour. On our tour of the ruins we were given an engaging insight in to the amazing culture of the ancient town. Our guide explained all sorts of things, like how the doors of the shops were sliding and that marble stairs indicated the house of a wealthy homeowner. Many amazing sites were explored, none more engaging for the boys than the ancient bordello.

We had an hour lunch break in Pompeii and then boarded the bus  for Sorrento. We safely arrived in Sorrento after experiencing some spectacular panoramic views of the Sorrentine Peninsula. We checked into our hotel rooms with a little debate about room arrangements but became settled again with the knowing that 2 hours of free time was about to be had wandering the streets of Sorrento.

Once again today was a great day with all boys enjoying most of the days activities.

Signing out:
Nick Wood and Kieran Kirk.
Day 5 T-Team  

Tivoli, the Villa d'Este and The Marist General House

Today started with a well deserved sleep in. At 9.00am we left for Tivoli, which is about 30 km from the centre of Rome and about an hour and a half journey from San Cesareo. When we arrived we were greeted by our guide, Guisseppe. He showed us around the stunning gardens of Villa d'Este. Did you know that Villa d'Este has over 500 fountains all of which are powered by gravitational force only!!! It also had the only working hydrolic powered organ in the world, once again working on gravitational force.

After the Villa d'Este the boys had some free time to visit Tivoli. Then we had a short journey over to the Marist General House. This is the mother House for the Marist Brothers in the World. Our guides, Br Jose and Br Edward, gave us a great tour of the House. They showed us what goes on in the house and how much work goes into the brothers community. We then went to a DFO style place where we got some time to go shopping. We all were like 15 year old girls shopping rather than 14-18 year old boys. Then we had the long journey back to San Cesareo.

Nat and Matt forgot to mention yesterday that we saw Br Greg. For all those parents who knew Greg, he is still the great cheery person he was 6 months ago. He is getting on well chilling in Rome with his Bro's. He was very pleased to see all the boys still fit and well.

Today was a great day and we still have many more to come.

Signing Off

Pat and Marco

T-Team for Wednesday

Day 2 Cheah Boi

After a well deserved sleep, the boys embarked to their 3rd country since leaving Australia. The vatican is the smallest country in the world but somemay argue one of the more beautiful.

As per yesterday, the boys had a half-day guided tour of the Vatican Musuem, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basillica. The musuem held many art works from many different time periods and some were so precious that the flash on the cameras had to be turned off!

The Sistine Chapel blew many minds of how beautiful and detailed the artworks were and appreciated more Michelangelo's craftwork. St Peter's Basillica is the biggest Catholic church in the world and the boys understood why with the whole granduer of the place unimaginable.

After the tour the boys were treated to a tour from Clark & Smith enterprises and everyone was surprised how well the tour went. The stops included:
Castel SAnt'Angelo
Nuova Chiesa
Campo dei Fiori
Fontagna dei Tartarughe
Teatro di Marcello

Day 2 was a great success .... Cheah Boi

Our First Day In Roma

After a welcome night's sleep we woke at around seven to leave San Cesareo at 7:45. A bus trip of about half an hour found us within two hundred metres of the Colosseum. We then met our guide and saw the beautiful Arch of Constantine. After a tour of the Colosseum we then set course for the Forum. The first sight was the site of Julius Caesar's cremation. Two more triumphal arches later, we were headed towards the the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II and then along Via Venezia to the 'Cat Sanctuary' in the Piazza Argentino. Here we had lunch, a welcome break from the warm Roman sun. From there we moved into the Piazza Navona with its three famous fountains. From there we visited the Pantheon, the Fontana di Trevi and finally the Spanish Steps. With some nice groups photos out of the way the boys were given some free time, some opting to buy Emporio Armani at the base of the stairs, others wandering to the top to see a panorama of Rome that was truly spectacular.

Happy 16th Birthday Jonathan

Arrival in Roma

We have arrived in San Cesareo, 32 hours after leaving Marist College on Saturday morning.  We were met by our Homestay families and headed off for the day to practise our Italian and to enjoy Italian hospitality. One challenge for the day was to remain awake to attempt to reduce jetlag. After some very long lunches and traditional Italian food we all joined up in town for a surprise birthday party for Jonathan Leyton who turned 16 today in 3 times zones !!!!   Jon’s is one of 4 birthdays on tour. Tomorrow we hit Rome visiting the Ancient Forum and Coliseum with a guide in the morning followed by our own tour of some famous sites in the afternoon.