Chapter 75
I look down at the large amphitheater in front of me, eagerly soaking in every aspect. With its weathered walls and the durability of the materials used to build this great piece of architecture, it demonstrates how old it is. The class is sitting for a group shot that will be placed online tonight, and I can hear the chatter of the many individuals who are touring with us. After taking one more photo, I rejoin the group and walk on to the Trevi Fountain, which is just behind the Colosseum on my list of sights to see. The students cross a street after Mr. Alvaro as they photograph the lovely city.
The Pantheon, the most prominent and well-preserved structure from ancient Rome, was the first place we saw. As Mr. Alvaro had shown, it was a temple devoted to all the gods of pagan Rome. It had a majestic structure that was supported by rows of columns, standing tall and proud. The interior, which had a dome ceiling alongside a tiny skylight to let light into the mostly gloomy space, was just as interesting as the outside. Before moving on to the Colosseum, which was the next place on our itinerary, we had spent some time there absorbing what the monument had to offer. Before arriving at the magnificently famous, 18th century, carved fountain, the party passes by adorable cafés and stores. I make a hushed gasp as I push my way forward to get a better look at the water and stone mixture. It's a stunning work of art that appears to be incredibly ethereal.
"This landmark's construction began in 1732, and it was completed and made public in 1762. The architects were Gian Bernini, Pope Clement XII, and the artist Nicola Salvi. As our group takes notes, Mr. Alvaro lectures to us.
"Travertine and Carrara marble were the materials utilized." The largest and most well-known Baroque fountain in Rome, this one was designed with inspiration from Roman triumphal arches." I step to the side and take a few shots before turning to look at the several statues that make up the fountain. Kelvin: I have a hard time picking a favorite land since they are all so exquisitely different from one another.
I located Linda in the crowd, sling the strap of my camera over my shoulder, and we join arms as I share the photos I've shot. From the front, Mr. Alvaro yells that we are welcome to go out to eat in the city if we'd want to do so before returning to the hotel for the evening and resuming the trip the following day. My companions and I cluster close together as we look for local restaurants on our phones. Finally, we settle on a neighboring pizza and proceed in the direction Theo is directing us. After fifteen minutes of strolling, we eventually arrive at the restaurant, enter, and take a group seat for ourselves.
I take the red menu off the table and look through it as I search for something to eat while seated between Linda and Kayla. We inform the waitress of our drink requests before picking up our conversation once the waitress has delivered our beverages. I've placed an order for a fruity drink and a pizza with a side of potato chips. As Linda humorously clinks her glass against mine and I giggle, I take a moment to take in the restaurant's décor and bustling ambiance. Fortunately, we didn't even have to wait very long for our dinner, and before I know it, we are tucking into our plates and I can hear silverware clinking against plates. We stay at the restaurant for nearly an hour, savoring our meals leisurely before paying the check and leaving. Live music fills the air as we go down the street, causing me to peek across the street to where a band is performing to a small gathering of onlookers gathered around the improvised stage. I smile and turn to face the people in front while grabbing my camera to take some shots of Rome's nightlife. I resume my gentle jogging and catch up with the team. Kaden puts his arm over my shoulders and mutters something about newcomers to this place easily getting lost.
***
The following morning,
I snooze my phone's blasting alarm and spring out of bed, eager to start the day. When I attempt to wake Kayla up, she snores and drifts back to sleep while her hair is twisted. In order to prevent being late, I called for her to get up as I headed to the bathroom to take a shower and change. I finish up and change into a flowery dress while keeping a lightweight jacket in my luggage just in case. After taking a nice shower and blow-drying my hair, I decided to pull it up in a ponytail and slip on some comfy sneakers. I'm applying eyeliner and laughing when Kayla enters the restroom whining. I apply some lip gloss, pack the necessities, and make sure my camera and phone won't quit on me in the middle of the day. I read the text Gabriel had given me the previous evening as I glanced down at my phone and grin slightly. I've been in touch with him as promised, keeping him informed of my movements every day, telling him what I do and where I go. He's being his regular anxious self, always urging me to stick with the other pack members.
While texting him about the places I'll be seeing today, I hear Kayla go out of the restroom and open the door. I send the message, turn off my phone, and glance up with a satisfied smile that vanishes as soon as I see Kayla's beaming face.
“Who is Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome, then?” She moves her eyebrows as she muses. I chuckle and update her on the current state of affairs, not adding that Gabriel and most of the people she knows are magical beings. She listens intently before gushing about how adorable we are at the conclusion. She pokes fun at me, and as we leave the hotel room, she yells at me to wait up. I giggle and push her lightly. She finally caught up to me, and the two of us proceeded down the hill, encountering Max and Theo along the way. The remainder of the party is waiting for us when we get to the hotel lobby, and we shortly leave.
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