Sunday, 13 September saw the inaugural event of the Art & History Programme for Senior Course 115: the traditional walk around the ancient city walls of Rome.
This is now the 56 th time that a group of Course Members, Faculty and Staff from the NATO Defense College have braved the 19km walk around the walls, originally built during the reign of the Emperor Aurelian (270-275 AD).
Despite less than ideal weather conditions, with some rain and a constant accompaniment of thunder in the distance, around 140 participants started the walk – and the vast majority of them also finished it! The walk offers new Course Members in particular an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with the glorious city of Rome in which they will spend 6 months, but also the perfect opportunity to mix with their new colleagues, and their families, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Lunch was taken in the grounds of the British Embassy, to whom the College is extremely grateful for the use of their facilities. The lunch, and other refreshments on route, were provided by a team of volunteers led by Col Sandy Guptill, and their efforts were much appreciated by all.
A particular thank you should also be expressed to the Carabinieri escort, who helped ensure the safety of the group, particularly when it came to negotiating the peculiarities of the Roman traffic.
All in all, the event proved a great success, and an excellent appetiser both for the rest of the Art & History programme, and for the many sights and opportunities offered by the Eternal City of Rome.
NDC Public Affairs Office
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN