TRIP TO ROME
The adventure started on Mon 20 March when along with the Larondina Dance company we flew to Rome. On arriving we settled into our various hotels. The weather that greeted us was warm and sunny and it stayed that way through out the trip.
On Tuesday we got a Hop On/Off tour bus that took us on a tour around the city, we were all equipped ear phones so all the sites we saw were explained in English. In the evening to celebrate World Down Syndrome day we performed a concert in a theatre provided for us by the AIPD (Roma) which is a branch of the Italian Down Syndrome Association. The concert was a great success, and we were all presented with a T shirt and Cap by our hosts the APID (Roma).
Wednesday was our special day. We went to the Vatican. We were expecting to perform before the Pope but because of technical problems this was not possible. Naturally we were all disappointed, but this disappointment soon disappeared when we found we were given front row seats near where the Pope was to give his address. To our absolute delight as the Pope mobile approached, it stopped and Pope Francis left his wheelchair and with the aid of a walking stick walked over to our group to talk to us. He was smiling all the time. It gave me a wonderful feeling of great warmth.
We were all presented with a rosary that had been blessed by Pope Francis. It was a experience of a lifetime. We will be able to buy official Vatican photos of these moments, so we will always remember this special occasion.
For the rest of the week before our flight home on Saturday we explored all the famous landmarks .the Sistine Chapel, St Peters, the Coliseum and several museums, and learnt a lot about the history of ancient Rome.
Another highlight was we visited the beautiful Trevi Fountain in the evening and done what every tourist does and throw in some coins.
I enjoyed Italian food very much, and simply loved their ice-cream.
Rome is a very beautiful city, and I hope to return some day.
The whole visit was an amazing experience, that I enjoyed with my friends
Kate