Day 1 or is it 2? What day is it?

We made it!  Finally!  After a bus ride to Chicago, a flight to Dublin, another flight to the Rome airport, another bus ride to Rome, a high-speed train ride to Florence, and a 20 minute walk to the hotel, everyone is checked into their rooms and trying to decide what day it is.

The students and chaperones have been really amazing travelers.  We are one big, happy family!  Next up, dinner.  Party of 71?  Not too many photos yet, but I promise I'll take some at our meal this evening and share them all. 

In the meantime, here are just a couple photos to get you by and help reassure you that we are all here in the glorious sunny land of Italy!

In the Rome Train Station

Beautiful views on the train ride

Some quick facts about Florence.  Did you know that:

• Florence was originally a Roman city founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC. He established Florence as a settlement for veteran Roman soldiers.
• For most of the time between 1434 and 1737 Florence was ruled by members of the Medici family. This wealthy family helped inspire the Italian Renaissance and several members became popes.
• For centuries, from the 14th century through the 16th century, this city was one of the wealthiest cities in the world; playing a key role in finance and world trade.
• Florence was severely damaged during World War 2; this included the German army blowing up all its bridges, except Ponte Vecchio, in 1944.
• From 1865 to 1871 the city was the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.
• In 1966 the Arno River flooded killing 101 people and destroying numerous works of art in Florence.