Around the World from Z to A ... I Day!

Buon giorno my Intelligent Friends,

This is Bart - your traveling Blogger. Mrs. J, your student’s super smart noodle was working quite well when she said, “Italy”. That’s where I am! Check it out on the Map Link. Buon giorno means hello or good morning in Italian. See if you can decode these other Italian phrases and words: buona sera, buona notte, arrivederci, per favore, grazie, and prego (no, not the spaghetti sauce!). I’ll give you a hint: They are all basic greetings and manners.

On Friday I flew across the Mediterranean Sea from Jerusalem and have spent the last three days traveling throughout one of my favorite countries. Italy is full of history. The Romans used it as a base to conquer the world long ago.

I began my visit in Venice, the city of canals. They use boats instead of cars to get around. So cool! Some say that every year Venice sinks a little bit more into the sea. One day it may only exist under the water. Here’s a picture of the canals.

After Venice I went to Florence. There’s art everywhere. Some of the most famous painters and sculptors works are on display in this beautiful city, like Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. I visited one of the most famous cathedrals – the Duomo. That is Italian for church.

And finally I made my way to Rome, the capital. Rome is famous for many things but none more than the Colosseum. Construction began in 70 AD and lasted eleven years! It is one of the oldest structures in the world. The Colosseum was primarily used as a center for entertainment. However, ancient Roman entertainment was not like the entertainment we have today. Romans had real people fight for their lives against animals like lions and tigers. This is also where gladiators fought against each other, often to the death. There are many other sites to see in Rome. Would you be interested in taking another virtual field trip to Rome?

Italy also has some of the best ice cream. But they call it gelato here. Name any flavor and I bet they will have it. I ate so much my stomach is hurting!

Well, I have to go for now. I have to catch a plane for my H day destination. Write me and tell me all about your I day! I will look for your blog soon.

Your Ice-cream (I mean gelato)-Eating Friend,

Bart