Sunday, June 21^st:  Day 7.

Today was a different day because for most of it our group spent traveling back to Rome.  In the morning, everyone woke up and left their rooms in order to go and have some breakfast.  It was very delicious.  Most of us had slices of cake, and watermelon.  Then, we left the hotel and drove to the port (of Sorrento) on a bus.  When we arrived there, Mr. Travers and Mr. Fingerhut bought tickets and we sat down by the port waiting for our boat, which would take us to Naples.  Before our boat arrived near the port, Mr. Travers gave us a lecture concerning Naples.  He said that even though we should be careful of thieves, it is “the most ‘Italian’ city.”  Part of the reason is the fact that pizza originated in Naples and therefore they claim to have the best pizza in Italy. 

The boat finally arrived and everyone sat down comfortably on the first floor.  Owen, however, said that he wanted to go explore the second floor (outside), and after a while all the students and adults followed him.  It turned out to be an amazing scene!  The boat was leaving behind a white trail.  I could smell the sea breeze, and everyone else was looking at the waves.  In about forty minutes, when the boat landed, Mr. Travers divided us into two groups to make crossing the streets easier.  We visited a small Pizzeria, but since we only had about an hour until the train left for Rome, it turned out as a short lunch.  The pizza was very good though.  When it was served, you could still see it bubbling. 

Our small group traveled in several subway trains (which were stopping all the time for some reason) and finally reached the train station.  But, unfortunately, we were too late.  Mr. Travers, however, did not want to give up so easily.  (And following Mr. Fingerhut’s suggestion…) He went over to another train and was able to convince a man nearby to let us take this train instead.  The man was very nice so he agreed.

It was cold and rainy in Rome when we arrived, but the adults were still able to take us out to dinner.  They found a restaurant, and the food there was so good (as well as Tiramisu) that almost everyone said, “This was our favorite meal on this trip.”  As much as I like this trip, however, tomorrow is our last full day in Rome, which I’m sure is going to be very memorable.  –Katya  (Italicized parenthetical remarks by Mr. Travers)