College of Saint Benedict

May 18, 2010
Written by Janna LaFountaine, Amanda Anderson, and Marcia Hilbert

Ciao Bella, in other words, hello beautiful – We just had the most amazing day touring Roma (Rome). At many moments it was completely overwhelming but, in an awesome way. Last night we ate at a traditional Italian “restaurante”, and began the evening with a toast of “alla bella vita” which means “to a beautiful life”, what a great way to begin a meal. We enjoyed traditional Italian Spaghetti, bread, wine, veal saltombacca, homemade gelato (ice cream) and two Italian opera singers. 

Amanda, Marcia and I have become very fluent in Italian – or so we think!! Most of the Italians we try out our language skills on, usually laugh or look completely confused, it must be our Italian Minnesotan accent. One of our favorite phrases to learn has been “in bocca allupo” which is what the Italians stay instead of good luck, because they are so superstitious, and the saying literally means” in the wolf’s mouth”. The appropriate response is “crepi” – meaning “may the wolf die” – we got very good at the response prior to all the volleyball matches. See you soon “mea amiche” (my friends)! - Janna LaFountaine 

“When in Rome.” Today we were lucky enough to experience a once in a lifetime kind of day. We began our day with a morning stroll through Rome. As we left our hotel we sauntered through St. Peter’s Square to the Castel Sant’Angelo, crossed the Tiber River and headed toward the Piazza Novona. The Piazza Novona is a city square where the ancient Romans came to watch the “agones” (games), and it was known as a competition arena where chariot races took place. After the Piazza Novona we hiked over to the Pantheon. We learned that this, ridiculously huge, structure was built as a temple to all gods. It was a good thing we didn’t go there on a rainy day, because the dome of the building was designed with a central opening to the sky so it rains inside! 

Shortly after arriving at the Pantheon we went in the direction of The Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps are the longest and widest steps in Europe. They begin at an enormous church called the Trinita del Monti and end at the Spanish Consulate. 

After a short break for lunch outside at a wonderful little Café we marched toward the Colosseo (Coliseum). Personally, this was the historical site I was looking forward to the most! I was not disappointed…..It was breathtaking! I have never seen anything like it! Following the Coliseum we thought we would take our chances and experience a European taxi instead of trekking an hour back to The Vatican City. It was an interesting experience and none of us will ever know how the drivers navigate so easily through the five lane round-a-bouts and somehow never hit a pedestrian along the way! 

Next on our list was The Vatican Museum where, you guessed it, our highlight was the Sistine Chapel. We wondered through the winding halls of amazing history to find ourselves standing in the middle of Michelangelo’s most stunning work of art. Again, we were not disappointed…..It was magnificent!
We ended our “once in a lifetime day” with one last stop for gelato (ice cream) and a fabulous farewell dinner as a group. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. Ciao Ciao! – Amanda Anderson 

For many of us, this trip was our first experience traveling abroad. We have realized how small our own realities were until our eyes were opened to beautiful Italy. The architecture, landscapes, many ruins, the amazing food, its history, the churches, town squares and the love Italians show for their country – we found ourselves in awe so many times during our journey. From the smaller cities of Tuscany and Montacatini to the large city of Rome, we saw so much in so little time. Italy will be in our hearts and minds forever. 

We would also like to take time to thank Pam from Team USA for all of her work to make this trip possible. Thank you as well to our tour guide, Claudia, for her kindness, all her hard work coordinating on-site details and most importantly the passion she had every single day to share Italy with us. We are sad to say goodbye, but are excited to return to our family and friends to share our many pictures, stories and experiences with them. Viva Italia! - Marcia Mahlum Hilbert