San Anton goes to Italy

Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Venice - Italian cities all steeped in history and lore. Visiting them transports you back to a time when St Francis walked the narrow streets of Assisi, La Signoria held sway in Florence, Galileo was busy with his discoveries, Romeo wooed Juliet in the shadow of magnificent Renaissance edifices and the Doge was rowed down the Grand Canal.

A group of 40 San Anton School students experienced all this and more as they recently toured Northern Italy on their annual overseas trip. The idea, originated in 1994, has become a permanent fixture on the school calendar. The aim of the trip is to attempt to combine learning with fun.

The students, aged between 12 and 14, started their cultural adventure in Assisi where they were very impressed with the layout of the city and with the fact that this was the place where the first plea to respect our environment was made.

Leaving Assisi they toured Florence, Pisa, Verona, Venice and Bergamo. Each of these cities left an impression on the students, be it because of what they saw or because of some experience they went through.

The best thing about these trips is the fact that students spend a week in close proximity to one another day and night. This gives them the opportunity to forge new friendships, forget past ills and also see their teachers and principal in a different light.

The fun part of the trip was a visit to Gardaland. The rides and sights which this place provided will linger long in their memories.