Roma, 15 Marzo, 2012

The flight from Florence to Rome and the transfer connection were both smooth, on time, and hassle free. All are safe on our JFK bound Alitalia flight. Departure for New York is on-time.

Arrivederci Roma!

Aeroporto di Firenze

The group has arrived safely at the airport. It's early morning. Final Festivities last night proved to be nothing less then spirited and funny. A mock political debate written, directed, and performed by the boys brought the house down with several incredibly witty lines delivered with the timing and flair of a late night comedian.

Beautiful day to travel today. We have been fortunate.

Pazzi Chapel

Inside the Pazzi Chapel, as the monks have done for centuries, the boys chant and, after concluding, receive applause from other visitors inside the chapel. I've captured the experience as best I can; but it is nothing in comparison to the feelings experienced.

Ponte S. Trinita

We cross back over the Arno for Piazza della Signoria, S. Croce and the Pazzi Chapel.

Sketching

Because the chapel is so small, half the boys go in to intimately view the frescos while the other half sketches. Here, you see a sketch in progress--of the south wall of the cloister of S. Maria del Carmine. It is so quiet. There is not a sound, but the scratch of pencils on paper. We are the only group here this early in the morning.

Masaccio

The boys have made their way across the Arno to see the Brancacci Chapel at S. Maria del Carmine. Inside they will view the transitional, early Renaissance frescos by Masolino, Masaccio, and Filippino Lippi, with Masaccio being our principal focus, especially "TheTribute Money."

Bargello

After spending the morning at the Accademia sketching Michelangelo's "David" we are now waiting for entry to the Bargello to specifically view Donatello's "David" and Verrocchio's "David."