Forty-four Strathroy District CI students and supervisors in the Explorer’s Club experienced the culture-rich streets of Italy, the lure of Germany and Austria and discovered hidden mysteries in these countries and within themselves.

The students’ journey began in Roma where they visited the Spanish Steps and viewed Nicola Salvi’s Trevi fountain representing Poseidon. They traveled to Vatican City where they visited art galleries, museums and the Coliseum before making their way to the Tuscany region with a stop in Siena.

In Florence they enjoyed a walking tour of the city and saw Piazza della Signoria, where there is the old palace or the Signoria Palace and the beautiful statues of Loggia dei Lanzi.

The romantic city of Verona was next on the agenda. Everyone wanted to see Juliet’s Balcony, the Piazza Delle Erbe, and of course, the Arena. Later, they reached Lido di Jesolo, a summer resort place, and there the Explorer’s Club had a chance to go to the beach.

On a guided tour of Venice on the following day, the group took a private boat to Murano Island, where they visited a fascinating glassblowing factory and Doge’s Palace. American author Erica Jong once described Venice as “the city of mirrors, the city of mirages, at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone.”

The explorers left Italy the next morning and started a long journey to the Alps. They drove through the Italian Region of Trentino Alto Adige, arriving in Innsbruck and enjoying some free time to explore the city centre, full of extraordinary buildings with painted facades.

On Day 9, the Explorers traveled to Germany. “We went to Dachau in the morning, the first camp in Germany, which was a model for the other camps created later. It was a moving and surreal experience,” stated supervising teacher Don Black.

Teacher Brian Anderson said escorting students on a memorable and educational trip to Europe is personally rewarding. “It is always a pleasure to take a great group of students to Europe, and see them experience the history and culture of the area.

“My inspiration or starting point for the trip is my CHW3MI course, which has a connection to Rome and Florence,” Anderson added.

This year, about one third of the class went on the trip.

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