Languages News - Italian
Arrivederci Roma
Two weeks back and already I am missing the pizza, the pasta, the coffee, the architecture and the night walks through the lit-up streets and buildings and historical landmarks.
On Saturday 23rd March, 19 students and 3 staff gathered at the airport to endeavour on a once in a lifetime, memorable experience. For almost 3 weeks students immersed themselves in the culture, the sites, the language, and the history of Italy.
The tour provided countless opportunities for the students to practise their language skills, learn about the history of the country and its historical sites, see some famous masterpieces, eat lots of really good pizza and pasta and experience living with an Italian family for a week.
Each day we pounded the cobble stones of the streets, visiting piazzas, churches, museums and searching for a café to rest our tired feet.
With so much to see, there was no time to waste.
Day 1: An early arrival at Rome Airport meant that we had the entire day ahead of us and we needed to make the most of it. The drive along the Amalfi Coast to Sorrento, dotted with colourful coastal towns, welcomed us with beautiful views of the bay of Naples.
Day 2: The ruins of Pompeii offered a fascinating and unique insight into the life of a Roman city and its urban planning.
From Pompeii a short trip to Ravello, one of the hidden treasures along the Amalfi Coast.
Day 3: We visit Herculaneum, a second city destroyed by Vesuvius. It provides a more intimate picture of Roman life. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum still has carbonised door frames, tables and beds.
Then on to Rome, the Eternal City.
Day 4: The torrential rain did not ‘ruin’ our visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Day 5: Vatican City- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica.
Day 6: We are treated to a grazing lunch tasting the specialty oils of the Frantoio Bartolomei Olive Oil Museum and Mill in Montecchio (nestled in the hills of Umbria). Then on our way to Florence, home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.
Day 7: Full day guided tour of Florence including the Accademia Gallery where we look up at Michelangelo’s colossal marble masterpiece of David.
Then on to the Uffizi Gallery where we stand in front of Botticelli’s famous ‘The Birth of Venus’.
Day 8: Easter Sunday a day trip to Siena, stopping first at the picturesque medieval hill town of San Gimignano.
Day 9: Students climbed the stairs to reach the top of The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa. Then we head of to Venice.
Day 10: We are surrounded by canals and ferries. We have a guided tour of the Doges Palace in the morning. Students visit St Mark’s Basilica before taking a gondola ride through the canals of Venice.
Day 11: Visiting the Lagoon Islands- The ferry takes us to Murano, where we are treated to a glass blowing workshop. Then off to the colourful island of Burano for lunch.
Day 12: We leave Venice by train, change over in Milan and arrive in Novara where we are taken to our sister school, Istituto d’Istruzione Superiore Biagio Pascal in Romentino. Students finally meet with their homestay families and go home with them for a home cooked meal.
Day 13: Students get to know each other at the school with ice breaker activities, then spend the afternoon familiarising themselves with Novara in a scavenger hunt.
Day 14 & 15: Students enjoy the weekend with their homestay families.
Day 16: A day trip to Milan- shopping day for many. It’s Milan after all!
Day 17: A day trip to Turin.
Day 18: Students follow their homestay hosts to their classes, then finish up in the science lab conducting experiments.
Day 19: Tears as the students are forced to say goodbye to their homestay families. We board the bus and are taken to the airport.
A special thank you to Justin D’Andrea, who planned, organised and lead the tour. Without his hard work, this tour would not have taken place or been such a success. A special thank you also goes to Karen Boyle, who supported us every step of the way on the tour. It was a privilege to have been on tour with Justin and Karen and the beautiful 19 students who experienced Italy for the first time.
Memories that will last a lifetime!
Joyce Conidoni
Languages (Italian) Coordinator