Starting off in Rome!!! (Maria Leider - Team Captain)

Well, we made it over the Antlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and landed safely in Rome!!! We wasted no time to rest as we started off with a bus tour of the city and then set out on foot to observe some of the many historical landmarks. We visited places such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon, all were amazing. We seemed to be a sight amongst the many tour groups and Romans as we stuck out like sore thumbs. We have gotten many fingers pointed at us and turned heads, plus a few "Ciao Bellas" here and there. After the long plane ride, tour of Rome, and lunch we finally headed to our hotel to check in and clean up for dinner. After dinner the whole team decided that a nice little trip back into the city was needed so that we could get some GELATO... It might have been the second time for some. Thirty-six sleepless hours later we were able to get some shut eye.

Day two began with an European breakfast that most of the girls were not use to. Let's just say that a majority of us would rather have an American breakfast of pancakes and waffles rather than a ham and cheese sandwich. We then set out to Rome again this time to tour the Colleseum and the Forum. It was a lot of walking but well worth it. After the tours... SHOPPING!!!! With all of the different shops and vendors many had success with purchases. During lunch, two seperate groups found out that Italian waiters also love Americans as one group got a free pizza and another got free dessert. We all met up in the late afternoon to head to our first training session of the trip. Even after walking for what seemed like 100 miles our bodies were somehow still able to function to get a good practice in, plus a little fitness. Overall day two was a success other than some sore feet and only one stolen wallet. Don't worry, Kristi cancelled her credit cards and luckily nothing had been spent on them. Tomorrow we are looking forward to our last day in Rome by touring the Vatican. Even though we are spending three full days here I feel like we would have to spend a whole month to capture every detail of the city.