We are currently on the train to Venice, so I suppose this is pretty much goodbye to Italy for now. It's been awesome here and I will miss it. First we stopped in Rome, which has some of the greatest aspects of human history but more importantly marked the start of my gelato experience. Much time has been spent in both Rome and Florence finding the place which has the biggest scoops for the lowest price and there has not been a day without it.

On a more serious note, the sights we've seen since I last posted have been spectacular, in particular the four major basilicas, and especially St. Peter's, if only because of its sheer size and magnificence. Pompeii, Pisa, and Portica Ostia were all awesome locations as well (I found my 3rd form mosaic) and it is great to see all the places I only half-remember from when I was five. After Rome and the sheer density of monuments and galleries and churches, Florence, despite having no small number of sights itself, was almost a bit of a respite. Looking forward to Venice and then Beaucaire, but I'm sure that I will remember Italy the best.

A topic that hasn't been mentioned as much as it should have, is how great Mr Simento is. Sorry, I mean Sir Simento. Wait, no, I of  course mean Saint Simento. He has been an inspiration to the whole group with his life skills and demeanour. This has of course lead to Saint Simento winning the teacher's MVP competition everyday. He has showed his MVP-ness throughout the whole tour so far. (Paid for by the 'Ben Skeen for Kieth Simento as MVP' foundation)

 

George (with the appraisal by Tim)