Ancient Rome, Chamber Singers Rehearsal and Wednesday Dinner

On Wednesday, the Chamber Singers from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota were on a guided tour of Ancient Rome.  This tour started with a bus drive through the heart of Rome.  We then went on foot to truly experience Ancient Rome.  We started with a guided tour of the Coliseum and then with the Roman Forum.   After the two hour tour, the group had 1.5 hours to explore and get some lunch.

Lydia Munroe, Sam Schepers, Jeff Thomas, Matt Polum and Petey Brown relax at the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum (the ancient city)

Bryan Moore trying to grab one of those low-flying pigeons!  :)

                                               The Roman Coliseum

          Tyler Ringeisen, Gabbi Langan and Petey Brown before the Ancient Rome tour

                                          Closer-up view of the Coliseum

                            Tyler Ringeisen and Susie Ringeisen at the Coliseum

                Kate Larson and Danielle Scholbrock in front of the Constantine Arch

                  The Arc of Triumph dedicated to the great emperor Constantine

         Chamber Singers members inside the Coliseum listening to their tour guide

            Katie Sapper, Bryan Moore, Lydia Munroe and Matt Polum take in the Coliseum

                                                Inside view of the Coliseum

                       Yours truly and Petey Brown in front of the Coliseum

    Katie Keck, Michelle Cullen, Jessica Ingvalson, Katie Sapper, Bryan Moore and Bob     
                                               Fisher at the Coliseum

                              The view of the Roman Forum (Ancient Rome)

Then it was back to the "Motherhouse," to get ready for Ash Wednesday Mass at Parrocchia San Giovanni Battista de La Salle.  They conducted a short rehearsal/warm-up in the summer chapel.  Before the rehearsal, they were welcomed to the chapel by Brother Louis DeThomasis FSC, Ph.D. who now works in Rome and who is a former president of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.  That was a very special treat, especially for those of us who new Br. Louis.

Br. Louis DeThomasis (former SMU president), greets the Chamber Singers in the 

                                Chapel at the Generalate of the Christian Brothers

                                  The Chamber Singers rehearse in the chapel

The Chamber Singers were the guest choir for the Mass.  After Mass, we returned to Casa Lasalle and everyone was free for the evening.

                                 Bryan Moore was very happy with his risotto

This is a pic of my meal - a ravioli (home-made pasta) with gorgonzola cheese and bacon

                                              A spaghetti with muscles

                  Alex Thomas had spaghetti with pesto.  He absolutely loved it.

Alex Green had a marinara pizza (just sauce).  He loved it and it was gone in 5 

                                                            minutes.

This is the great group of students that invited me to dinner - Katie Keck, Michelle 

Cullen, Alex Green, Alex Thomas, Katie Sapper, Bryan Moore, Jessica Ingvalson 

and Jeff Thomas