Our Trip to Rome

It was so refreshing to have a break from school and be able to jet away to another country for a few days to relax. It had just rained in Rome when we arrived and the fresh sent of rain drops was so invigorating after months in the desert. To see trees and grass and flowers delighted my eyes, not to mention recognizable things like Blockbuster stores. Although right way we both noticed how our opinion of modesty had changed after a year in a Muslim country to the vast difference of Italian fashion.

We stayed at a quaint little bungalow park only 7 km north of Rome – Flaminio Village Bungalow Park. It was on several acres of park land and had sites for camping, RV’s and bungalows. It was quite a walk to get anywhere but the bungalow village had everything we needed including a pool, restaurant, bar, pizzeria, mini-market, and a very helpful tour info kiosk. We could catch the train about 300 meters from the park entrance and from there connect to the metro lines or buses downtown so everything was very accessible. We did a very smart move and got the Roma Pass which got us on ALL public transportation for three days and included entrance into any two museums. That was well worth the money and more than paid for itself.

The first day we headed off to town with two guide books and probably three city maps in hand. We decided to go see some sites on our own and do a few self-guided walking tours from our guide book. First stop we were both dying to see was the Colosseum. As soon as we walked up out of the subway station it was almost like the Colosseum smacked you in the face. We weren’t expecting it to be just right there, and so huge! We spent several hours walking around the outside and really enjoyed discovering the inside. This was defiantly both of our favorite site of our whole trip. From there we walked around the Palatine and the Roman Forums up to Monument di Vittoriano (their over-the-top tomb of the unknown soldier). Then we walked along Via del Corso street to Piazza Del Popolo, where stands a large Egyptian obelisk. Walking along Via del Corso is in the heart of the shopping district. It was so fun window shopping into the top Italian fashion designers’ boutiques, but I didn’t even dare go in one although we did stop at a little street café for lunch. That was quite a bit of walking for the morning so we decided to take an open bus tour and get the layout of the land of where some other important sites where. Then we headed to the Spanish Steps which is the evening hang out area for locals and tourists alike.

The next day we had reserved an audio guide tour of Rome. We went back and spent some more time at several sites that we saw briefly on out bus tour the day before, including Piazza Della Repubblica, Vatican City, back to the Colosseum and Palatine, then to Campo Dé Fiori, Piazza Navona where we bought some art, to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and back to the Spanish Steps. Of course, a full day of walking required some refreshments so we stopped and had gelato three times that day. Hey, when in Rome….

On Wednesday we had read about how to get tickets for a general audience with the Pope. We arrived early that morning to St. Peter’s Square and got seats about 50 yards away from his chair. He arrived in his little pope-mobile and drove around the square twice so that most people could see him up close. In doing this he was only two rows (ten feet) away from us. The audience lasted about an hour in a half where some scripture was read by some Cardinals, and then several Cardinals introduced large groups that where there which the Pope waved to everyone and then he blessed the audience members, and by extension, their parents, children, family, friends and loved ones and any religious items they brought. So if you are reading this then you are probably a family, friend or loved one to use and by extension have been blessed by the Pope. This was done at least five different languages: Italian, English, German, Spanish, and Polish. We were most surprised by how many Polish people there were and they are quite proud that the Pope is Polish!

We headed off to Villa Borghese and to the Museo e Galleria Borghese, but first we had a very nice lunch in the Villa’s Park. I have a new found respect for Bernini and loved his sculptures of Ratto di Proserpina and Apollo e Dafne as well as Antonio Canova’s Venere Vincitrice. I was completely awe struck by their ability to make granite look lifelike and their minute details that made these massive sculptures seem as light as air. It’s difficult to fathom that they were able to perfect such art work hundreds of years ago without modern power tools, let alone all the famous artists and historical art works housed in this galleria. The villa itself was worth its own visit.

The next day we had reservations to go inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning and through the Vatican museums in the afternoon. The only way I can describe the inside of St. Peter’s is by one word….ornate! Ok, two words, ornate and massive! Michelangelo’s Pietá and Bernini’s canopy alter were once again superb example of their mastery of art and creations that prove today why they have been declared masters of their own right for hundreds of years.

The Vatican museum was actually both of our least favorite part of our trip. It was way too crowded with hoards of people that you couldn’t enjoy yourself to look at the collection. Not to mention that you have to follow the same path and are not allowed to backtrack or take another route and most people are only trying to press on until they get to the Sistine Chapel anyways. The Sistine Chapel was a letdown after all of the hype we’ve heard all of our lives, and also due to the large crown and not being able to enjoy looking at it. You are not allowed to take pictures in the Sistine Chapel, but everyone one was.

That night we ended our wonderful vacation to Rome with a dinner cruise on the River Tiber and a nice evening stroll by the Castel Sant’ Angelo and the Vatican City, lit up in all its splendor.

We are back in Alexandria right now, packing up our stuff and grabbing the cat to head home (Kansas City) in a few hours. We are very excited to be coming home and can’t wait to see all of you.







Don't forget - we enjoy reading your comments as much as you enjoy reading our blog!! (Especially Kristal cuz she does an awesome job on all these videos) :-)

End of School- Rome- Home

Today is our last teachers work day. Graduation was last night.
On the 21th, Seth and I are flying to Italy and spending five days in Rome. This is our delayed first anniversary celebration vacation.
On the 26th we come back to Alexandria, pick up our stuff and the cat, and leave the next day to fly home. We will get into Kansas City on June 28th and will be home until August 13th.

End of the Year Video

One of our senior students put together a very nice video of the Schutz school year.

Snip, Snip

We had Sokkwi neutered this weekend. Most vets here do house calls and don't have clinics. So the vet came to our apartment and did the operation right there on our kitchen table.

(sorry, couldn't bring myself to take a picture to include with the story, so you get a cute one instead)

Finals

Baby Evie helped grade finals this week.

Family Friend

Two of our staff members had a friend come visit them from back home in Iowa. I got to meet Bev her first morning at breakfast. When she heard my last name she got excited and asked who my husbands father was. Long story short she used to work for Seth's grandfather, Paul Spurlock in the Iowa school district several years ago and absolutely adored him. She had some wonderful memories and stories to share with us about working with Grandpa Paul. Turns out she was at his funeral three years ago and remembered hugging all the grandchildren. Who knew that thousands of miles away, Seth would bump into someone that has given him a hug before!

Kitty Play Date

Sokkwi had a kitten play date with Mingus tonight. Mingus is an Egyptian Mau and about 1 1/2 months older than Sokkwi. He is also a street cat that another teacher couple adopted here.

Montazah Field Trip

I (Kristal) went with the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade to Montazah beach for their end of the year field trip. I got to go along since I'm a lifeguard and with that many kids, they needed the extra eyes. The students got to play in the water and sand all day and eat pizza for lunch. It was nice to be able to spend a work day at the beach soaking up the Mediterranean sun and waves.

Seth's Birthday

I was able to give Seth a surprise birthday party for his 34th birthday. I'm amazed I pulled it off and that this many people that live and work with him were able to keep it a secret.

It was a huge success and a lot of fun. We had it on the roof of our apartment building and I rented Arabic rugs, tables, and pillows (to sit on) and ordered food from a local foul and falafal place. I got him his own sheesha pipe and I set up his mother-of-pearl chess/backgammon table that he had gotten at the Khan. So we had the whole Arabic theme going. In addition, a friend brought up his projection unit and speakers and we played Wii all night.

Seth was really surprised and really loved his party.

Butters

Sokkwi LOVES to be in the kitchen whenever I am fixing food. He especially loves to perch upon my shoulder and watch while I wash dishes. He will scamper right up my pants leg and up my back to ride on my shoulder.

The other day I was baking cookies and had a bowl of hot melted butter that I had just taken out of the microwave when Sokkwi decided to try and run up my leg. This resulted in me spilling half the butter onto him, myself and the floor. It was quite entertaining watching him give himself a bath for the rest of the day. He smelled like butter for a week. Since he sleeps on my chest half the time, I kept on having dreams about popcorn.

He's earned himself the new nickname "Butters".

Agamay/ Sea Gull

Our school secretary invited us out to her beach house in Agamay last week. Agamay is a smaller town about 45 minutes outside of Alexandria. It is known to be the nice beach area where there are a lot of high end summer beach houses for the elite of Alexandria. Although, it's is also were all the factories, oil refineries and shipping harbor is; so I didn't think it looked like that nice of an area. But the beach was nice, although cold today and the company and the relaxing day with friends was great.

This weekend we ventured out to Agamay again to go to the Sea Gull with a large number of fellow staff members. Sea Gull is a very famous fish restaurant. One of the reasons it is so famous is due to the fact that they keep exotic animals in cages like monkeys and crocodiles. It's not very humane and for people that care about that (like me) it's not a nice place. However, I'm told that their treatment of animals is a lot better than a few years ago and then no longer keep tigers and such in small cages. It is also a huge place decorated with tons of old antiques. Think, T.G.I.F but with a lot more junk, and actually interesting junk on their walls.

At a fish restaurant, you have to pick from fresh fish or other seafood, caught that day, barter for the price your willing to pay per ounce and order how you would like them to cook your fish. It's always very interesting.

Soad El Serafy Orphanage

Every high school class is responsible for performing a service project sometime during the year. This year's freshman class (along with Jean Melek - my co-advisor and I) decided to have a pizza/bake sale to raise money for a local orphanage. The kids did great and we used some of the money to buy new toys and the majority went as a cash donation. We were met by the director who fed us (amazing hospitality!) and then showed us around the grounds so we could see some of the bedrooms, where they ate, a couple classrooms, and where the elderly stay. They serve over 400 people, very few of whom actually live there.

It was a great day. The kids played soccer, colored, and tossed balls around with the children for a few hours and I even made a couple young friends. The little ones were so cute! It really is a shame that Egypt doesn't allow foreign adoptions. However, it was pretty difficult to converse with the kids with my limited knowledge of Arabic. I had to have my students translate which the little kids got a kick out of. All in all, it was a successful day and we were very proud of our students and their willingness to give of themselves to others who are much less fortunate. I hope to make another trip there sometime.

Big Helper

Sokkwi is a big help when we babysit Malcolm, he's very calm around the baby and Malcolm is just memorized by him so it always makes for a nice evening.

Montazah Beach

Seth organized a nice afternoon out with some of our friends to the Montazah beach. Montazah is the old Kings summer palace here in Alexandria. It is still used by the Present today as his summer beach house but a lot of the palace and gardens are now open to the public and some buildings have been re-done into hotels and apartments. Some of our local staff and a lot of our students families have private beach cabins here on the private beaches. We've been invited to some of them before and enjoy being there since the dress is a lot more "western" meaning I could wear a swim suit. Today we went to the public beach and all of us girls didn't feel comfortable taking off our tops and shorts do to the large number of covered women around.

Ronny and Julie

The 8th graders put on a modernization of Romeo and Juliet. They did a real nice job and the play was very cute. It was great to see them work together and really show their best effort with this project.

School Pictures

School Pictures are out...aren't we cute.


Or you can see us on the Staff Directory along with the rest of our Schutz Family if you ever wonder what the people we talk about look like.

If you want to see some of the students we work with go to Class Photos. As you can see, the 7th graders are my Advisory Class and the 9th graders are Seth's. However, Seth and I both teach 7th and 8th. Seth also works with some 9th and 10th graders too. However, for being such a small school we pretty much interact with most of the kids at some point in time.

New Pyramid Discovery

Did you know that scientist announced back in November 2008 that they have found a new pyramid in Egypt making it the 118th known pyramid! We haven't been to that area yet and I wont claim to be an expert so here are links to the USA Today or National Geographic sites for more information.

But it just goes to prove that Egypt is an exciting place to be with new discoveries every where....anyone want to come and visit?

Another baby on campus!

When we arrived back to school from our Nile Cruise another new baby had arrived on campus, making it the third Schutz baby this year.Evelyn Amal Huggins was born at 12:15 PM on April 11, 2009. She weights 3.53 kg. She was born to Susannah, our k-12 art teacher and Clay, our high school physics and chemistry teacher.

April 14th- Spring Break Day 13

We took the train again back down to Cairo. Once we had checked into our hotel we took a taxi to the Khan el-Khalili, which is the original caravan market dating all the way back to the 14th century. You can buy everything here and it is a huge place. It used to be more dived into strict districts, the gold district, the copper district, the spice district etc. but because it is getting more touristic it is beginning to loose the distinction.

This is also the place where our co-worker got stabbed last month and a bomb killed several French people. (see our post for March 2nd). We actually saw very very little of the Khan due to the fact that we spent over three hours with one merchant. Our friend that got stabbed recommended a good shop for inlaid-mother of pearl. It's actually the place where he got the table that saved his life! We weren't actually in the market to buy anything, but we did. Egyptian culture has a long history of customs when it comes to buying anything. They are great smooth talkers and love to bargain for everything. But there is also a lot of respect to the buying process. You will often get invited in for a cup of tea, which is rude to turn down and can sit for a long time not only discussing the item you wish to buy and the price but learn all about the merchants family and children. Since we came to this guys shop with his card and the recommendation of our friend, who he remembers as the American that got stabbed, he was very welcoming and inviting. We had tea with him and he taught us all about how to know the difference of good mother-of-pear and cheap plastic replicas. We ended up buying a true mother-of-pear end table that flips over to a chess table and then folds out to a backgammon board and then can flip over one more time for a felt card or domino table. The chess pieces are Pharonic chess pieces carved out of camel bone.
The next morning we dropped Mom and Dad off at the airport and then we caught the train back to Alex where we slept for three days before school started back up.

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April 13th- Spring Break Day 12- Sheila's Version

Back in Alexandria

After staying the night in Abu Simble, we flew back to Cairo and then took the train back to Alexandria. We spend April 12th, resting and doing laundry. The next day we took a school van and did some more sight seeing around Alexandria to Pompey's Pillar and the Roman Catacombs.

Pompey's Pillar
Pompey's Pillar with its’ Corinthian capital is made of red Aswan granite and loams over the debris of what was the original township of Alexandria. Egypt was invaded by Greece in 332 BC and was controlled by Greek rulers for the next 300 years. In 331 BC Alexander the Great founded a new city called Alexandria. He designed it to be a major port. Under Ptolemy it became Egypt's capitol and was the center of culture and learning. The last of the Greek rulers was Queen Cleopatra. She formed an alliance with the Roman leader Mark Antony in hopes that the alliance would protect Egypt from the Roman empire. Another Roman leader, Octavian, attacked and defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra's armies. After his defeat, Antony killed himself. Cleopatra tried to form an alliance with Octavian, but failed. Legend has it that she then killed herself by allowing a snake to bite her. Rome conquered Egypt in 30BC. Also at the site of Pompey's Pillar are the remains of Roman baths and a Nile-o-meter. It was the overflow library from the great library but in 391 AD the Christians destroyed the pagan intellectuals and the temple of Serapeum along with it's library, leaving just the pillar standing.
Alexandria was also famous for it's lighthouse as the world's first lighthouse. It stood 400 feet high and was built of white marble. It's light came from a wood-burning fire. The Pharos lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 1375.

Fort Qaitbey
We did a brief visit to Fort Qaitbey build in 1480 on the remains of the legendary Pharos lighthouse.


Catacombs
The catacombs were discovered accidentally when a donkey disappeared through the ground. They are the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt. The catacombs consist of three tiers of tombs and chambers cut into the bedrock. The bottom level is now flooded with ground water. The bodies of the dead would have been lowered by ropes. It was in use for about 300 years. Due to the moisture and bacteria the only remains found were that of a horses bones. It could have held 300 bodies. There was an area with large tables for the families of the grieving to gather. There is a figure of Anubis the Egyptian god of the dead but dressed in Roman style with a serpents tail representative of Agathos Daimon, a Greek divinity. Loculi, the holes where the bodies were placed may have held more than one body. The loculi would have been closed with a plaster slab. (no pictures were allowed at the catacombs).

That night Seth and Kristal took us to a favorite restaurant of the Schutz staff. Several of their friends joined us, it's in a small fishing village outside of Alex so they usually make a big trip out of it with a group and take the school vans. The restaurants name was Zypherion, it's a fish market, meaning they catch fresh fish that day and you go and pick out the fish or seafood you want, they weigh it and you barter for the price. It was a very good meal and some great shrimp.

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