2019 Henderson Italy Cultural Journey
Program Blog
Latest Updates
Final Day in Roma
Pompeii
Written by Charlotte Reeve
Today we took a bus to Pompeii to take a tour of the ancient city. The bus was silent for most of the journey because all of us were exhausted from yesterday’s heatwave. We were able to go through the city and see what was left of the beautiful artwork and buildings. We even had the chance to see a casting of one of the victims of the volcano eruption. After the tour we went back on the bus for our three hour ride where everyone fell asleep again.
Rome - Part 2
Written by Sofia Kontos
Today we went to the Trevi Fountain, Trajans Column, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Parliament, and other places I forget the names of but they were very beautiful. Most of these sights I had studied in class so seeing them in person was surreal and made me feel very grateful for this trip. We took a siesta in the middle of the day because of the extreme heat and continued with a night walk after. During the walk we were able to see more historic sights, shop and dance to street music, which was my personal favorite. Our dinner was the best we’ve had so far including bruschetta, 2 pastas, meatball and veal and tiramisu for dessert.
Rome - Part 1
Written by Julia Siqi-Li
Let’s just start with IT WAS HOT. We pushed through though, and we walked around the ancient parts of Rome until we made our way into the Colosseum. While we were waiting for tickets people kept asking us if we wanted water for 1 euro. Inside, the Colosseum was mind blowing. We could see the maze of the underground tunnels that used to hold wild animals. In order to get home for our siesta, we took the Italian metro which was quite the squeeze and adventure. When it cooled off, we went to a beautiful church, and headed off to dinner at Margot’s, which was the cutest and most delicious little restaurant! Afterwards, we did some street shopping where silly Mr. Sok kept trying to haggle in the Italian Nike store. We started walking to the Trevi Fountain, but took a spontaneous stop to have a street music dance party. Finally, we made our wishes and threw coins into the Trevi Fountain. We ended the day perfectly: friendship bracelets and GELAAAAATO!
Siena
Written by Alexa Matthias
Today we spent the day in Siena. After taking a bus ride right from the hotel in Florence we arrived at the Siena hotel and put our suitcases away. We began the day in this new city by sitting in for a Palio lesson, where we learned about the ancient horse races and the Contradas of Siena. After a lovely hike, some medieval ruins, and delicious gelato, we ate dinner outside in a garden surrounded by a farm with goats, chickens, peacocks, and even a donkey!
Florence Continued!
Written by Marissa Cantor
Today we took a trip to the leather market and put our haggling skills to the test. After haggling prices down at the market, we had the opportunity to climb to the top of the Duomo. 467 sweaty steps later we reached the top of the Duomo with a view that made the workout there worth it. A much needed gelato stop was taken after the journey up and down the duomo steps and was enjoyed while we walked through the streets of Florence. Luckily we were able to walk through the streets of Florence during one of their annual city holidays and ended the night with a view of fireworks.
A Wonderful Day in Florence
Written by Emma Crowell
Our day was incredible. We got to sleep in a little bit and then, after breakfast, headed to a beautiful garden from which you can see most of Florence from. We spread out all over the garden to reflect on our trip so far and write letters to our future selves, while overlooking the gorgeous city. We then got to eat some delicious gelato and had a lot of fun shopping at the leather shops and other great stores in Florence. After shopping, we got to enter the Academia and see lots of incredible art, including the amazing statue of David by Michelangelo. We had a delicious Italian dinner and then got the option to return to the garden and climb all the way to the top to see Florence at night from above. The walk to the top was intense but so worth it and the views were breathtaking. We had so much fun taking pictures, hanging out, and enjoying the beauty of Florence that night. We finished our night with another delicious gelato stop and returned to our hotel so happy and grateful for such a wonderful day.
Venice to Florence
Written by Fiona O’rourke
Our first day in Florence : ) and our last day in Venice : ( After breakfast, we left our hotel in Venice and made our way to Marino Island. There we saw the glass blowing performance and shopped around a bit. Then, it was off to Florence! We traveled by boat, train and bus to get there. Although it was a bit chaotic transporting our large group around, we couldn’t wait to see what Florence had to offer. I was particularly eager for the museum; where I could get to see the painting, “The Birth of Venus”. We made our way to dinner and looked around the city. After our pasta filled dinner, we decided to take a longer route back to the hotel to appreciate the beautiful city. On our walk, we cheered on marathon runners passing by and gave them high-fives. Florence seems like a city so full of life. Overall, our first day in Florence was thrilling and made us very excited for the days ahead.
Exploring Venice
Written by Lidia Vitoc
After catching up on some much needed sleep at the quaint Al Piave, we began our touring of Venice with a morning filled of sightseeing and picture snapping. What should have been a 15 minute walk to the park turned into a 30 minute trek since we were very careful to stop at each and every ponte and calle to take pictures—Good thing every route is the scenic route. We made our way to the grand palazzo Ducale and explored the doge’s quarters. Just when we thought we’d had enough and could settle for a siesta, our spirits were once again lifted by the much anticipated gondola ride and some window shopping in the piazza San Marco. After a day filled with activities, we further delayed rest to go shopping in the piazza and to dance to the band music that filled the square. Venice has an atmosphere unlike any other, as well as a hundred different sights to behold from any one ponte, making that about 40000 different sights to enjoy. Ciao until tomorrow in Murano and Florence!
Exploring Milan
Written by Isha Trazi
Ciao Italy! After two long plane rides, we arrived at the fashion capital of Milan. Splitting up into two groups, one group experienced the architectural beauty that is the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) as the other group visited the famous fresco known as the Last Supper whilst learning about the history embedded within the artwork. Taking pictures along the way of the scenic views and street side shops, our jaws dropped as soon as our eyes hit the breathtaking view of a white cathedral called the Duomo di Milano.This pink-hued white marble Catholic Church is the second largest cathedral in the world and was started in 1386. We may or may not have gotten carried away snapping Pinterest perfect pictures for one another, holding the pigeons and taking in views and sounds of Milan. Before leaving Milan, we stopped for some gelato and then…. off to Venice! I honestly can’t speak for everyone but I don’t remember any of the bus ride, as most of us crashed as soon as the ride began. Hopping onto a ferry for around 20 minutes, the gorgeous Venice awaited us. This wonderful city was built on more than 100 little islands with no roads, only canals as a means of transportation. Although it was dark when we arrived, I already knew that the city’s beauty would astound us in the morning light. Until tomorrow morning, Venice!