Rain But Lots Of Shine

We awoke to the sound of rain today but that was okay because most of our plans were indoors today. We started the day with another rehearsal where Mr. Gomez tweaked the final details before the first concert tomorrow. We then loaded into the buses to go to lunch at the Ristorante Roma where we ate a fantastic salad and lasagna. Just ask some of us who had two helpings. Then on the bus and off to the National Museum of Musical Instruments (sorry again, no photos allowed) which housed some very old and very rare instruments such as a crystal flute, a one of a kind Barberini harp, a violin cane, and a glass harmonica pipe. It was a very interesting tour. Then it was time for "Let's Make A Deal". Everyone had the choice to go on Bus #2 which took you to St. Peter's Basilica for Sunday Mass and Vatican Vespers with Gregorian chants or Bus #1 which went to San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) church to see Michelangelo's highly detailed statue of Moses. Incredible to think he carved it from one piece of marble. The two buses met up with each other at Da Benito's. An Italian restaurant where we enjoyed a five course meal. Throughout the meal we were serenaded by a guitar/flute duo who managed to twist Enrico's arm to join in with the singing. Many of the kids got up and sang as well. Dancing, a mock rehearsal with singing lead by Mr. Gomez and much laughter was had by all followed by birthday celebrations for William, Jonah and Natasha. Back to the hotel for a couple of hours of personal practice, swimming or just hanging out. What a great time for such a rainy day.



More photos at the link shown in a previous posting.