Monday June 10th

Our journey began with a 5:15 p.m. flight out of JFK to Dusseldorf for a two-hour layover. There, not only we were anxious to finally arrive in Italy, but also were eager to soak in German atmosphere but most importantly German chocolate. Pacing the airport and weaving amongst stands of perfectly wrapped candy bars, we sipped espresso and snacked while preparing for our next flight. After a short two-hour flight to Rome, Roberto’s colleagues picked us up at the airport, and shortly thereafter began an hour-long journey up the mountains to the convent, our new home for the coming weeks. As time went on, the roads, which started as large highway lanes, transformed into small dirt paved winding roads lined with ancient olive trees revealing villas and monasteries hidden amongst the hills. Arriving at the quaint green gate, we were all taken back by the beauty of the convent as our car carefully drove up the narrow drive.

Once arriving and settling in, Professor Roberto Nardi gave us a tour of the area, leading us out on the terrace overlooking the countryside, the beautiful kitchen and living room areas, and finally the conservation labs on the top floor. Following our tour, was our first Italian dinner: pasta, salad, veal, mozzarella, finishing with Italian gelato.