Day 3: Rome

Most of the teachers I’m traveling with have been to Rome before, so instead of revisiting the Vatican or the Colosseum, we explored the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill—one of the world’s oldest public museums, filled with art and relics from ancient Rome. We had a fantastic guide who brought the museum to life, sharing insights on the statues, frescoes, and ruins. The highlight, though, was stepping out of the museum at golden hour to an incredible view of the Roman Forum, bathed in warm light—it was a truly breathtaking moment.

Although we don’t talk much about the pandemic when we’re with friends, five years later the topic still inevitably comes up when I meet someone new. Italy was hit early and hard by COVID. Our tour director, who’s in her forties, shared how she was on a trip and ended up separated from her family for three weeks in an unfamiliar city. When Italy announced the lockdown, it began immediately, giving people no time to return home. Despite the pandemic’s negative impact on our lives, it’s interesting to hear about the blessings people found and how they coped: from Zoom cooking classes to learning new skills like dancing or painting, and the unforgettable sense of community—like people singing together and banging pots to honor health workers.