Thursday

Today was all we had hoped. We toured the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and the ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

By the afternoon we were in St. Peter's preparing to sing mass. This is the largest church in the world, and no matter how many times you enter, it is still surprising.

The group from Samford's University Fellows program was also spending their last day in Rome. They came over and joined us for this eventful concert in Samford A Cappella history.

The students sang beautifully, and we received several kind compliments from the clergy.

After the concert the tour company treated us to a dinner theatre with the music of Italy. The choir added to the occasion with a spiritual and Dr. Hopkins sang an aria.

It was a fun night, but we had to call it a night to get packed and rested for our journey home.

Today we sang at St. Peter's. Wow! Students and alumni will talk about this tour for decades. Our students will certainly remember sweet moments in concert and the beautiful cities. While the tour may have been defined ny the big opportunities in Paris and Rome, our group seemed to favor Assisi, San Gimignano, and Chartres.

Again, we are ever so grateful to those who supported this trip and the families we have missed while here. We look forward to telling you every detail upon our return.

I'll try to keep you posted on our progress as we make our way home, and we will attach more photos when we are back.