The Eternal City – a bridge between generations
It was a promising beginning of the fourth day. A sunny
morning provided energy and optimism. Students gathered at school to finish
writing short stories, each of them giving ideas to make an interesting
beginning of the next year drama activities. When the task was done, we
excitedly started the sightseeing of ancient Rome. After changing several means of transport and
stations we emerged from the crowded metro station in front of the majestic
Coloseum.
The collision of two worlds (past and present) took
our breath away. Masses of people from around the world came to admire the
building which resists the ravages of time to tell numerous stories it
witnessed through centuries. In 200, 500 or 1000 years it will be telling
another story about happy and smiling faces of Turkish, Hungarian, Lithuanian,
Spanish, Italian and Croatian students and teachers who enjoyed the sight of
antiquity and monumentality long ago. It will also be telling about the optimism
and friendship of the merry group, happily making memories and friends despite
the need of speaking a foreign language to understand each other. Standing together
in front of the monument they made a photo, catching a moment in time to
cherish it forever.
Sightseeing continued along Palatino and Roman Forum
to the Capitoline Hill, the highest of seven Roman hills, and to the church of
Santa Maria in Aracoeli. How many people passed the same path and how many will
walk this way? Our sightseeing ended at the square Piazza Navona. We were
free to explore the city from there on, to enjoy the place with all our senses.
In the evening our amiable hosts organized a farewell
party with all kinds of Italian food, desserts and beverages. Students showed
their talent by singing and playing instruments. The evening culminated in
dancing. Nobody could stand still and everybody moved in the lively rhythm,
celebrating the opportunity of being in Rome, cooperating in our project
activities and making new friends.
Goodbye Eternal City! You were, you are and you will
remain a bridge to connect people and time. They say all roads lead to Rome,
but one path leads from Rome to our hearts.
Written by Dujo Šantić
Translated by Natalija Moškatelo
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