Day 2 First Day in London

We've had a huge first day. Flying into London at 6am, we were determined to sweat out any hint of jet lag. We walked and walked, sometimes in circles until we found our feet.

Making our way to the Natural History museum, we each investigated our special interests. Students were shocked when Ms. Goodwin found the 'naughty' section. On journeying up to level 3, with some disappointment, we learned that this was actual the 'Nordic' section.

Our next stop was the London Eye. Wow, what a view? Spectacular, especially the dance off between across two carriages so high up in the air.

Journal Day 3

We woke early today - around 7:00 - meaning that many students were still tired from the 9-hour time difference from Sydney. However everyone today was still able to enjoy today to the fullest.

Today was a day dictated by the traffic, although I believe this will be true for every day of London. Its actually faster to walk to most places rather than drive, although the upside to this is that it keeps our bodies moving and gives us a better experience of life in london (and we can burn off all the delicious food!)

We visited platform 9 3/4 as a group for our first activity. This a place renowned for its association with the Harry Potter films, where Harry departs on the Hogwarts Express.

After this we broke up into two groups. The following is a recount of experiences from group one. I cannot speak for what happened in the other group.

After getting frustrated at the excruciatingly slow London traffic, we arrived at Covent Gardens. This small shopping center is littered with markets and amazingly tiny storefronts. We wandered around here for a while before meeting back up at the front of the markets.

Day 4 Journal

At 10am we hit the main road towards the Warner Brothers Studios of Harry Potter World. At Harry Potter Studios we are greeted by friendly and perky British people. As we all walked around in groups we saw the magic behind the scenes of the making of Harry Potter. As we ventured our way through we were given a passport to collect stamps, this created enthusiasm. In the middle most of us stopped for food and to try the famous Butter Beer. The Butter Beer had a creamy but fizzy texture and a sweet taste.

Day 5 Alton Towers

We checked out of our hotel in York early in the morning with the temperature at a brisk 3 degrees Celsius . We boarded the coach for a three hour drive to Alton Towers. On the way we were surrounded by green fields and farms with cute little sheep and cows.

When we arrived we had a very short time to get through all the rides and huge queues. We managed to squeeze three rides : The Wicker-Man, Oblivion and the Hex.

They were exciting and thrilling rides that all encompassed stories about the area and other myths and legends.

We left at 3:45 pm and boarded the coach to our hotel in Stoke-on-Trent.

We arrived at the hotel, had a bit of down time, then enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant, then returned to our hotel to get some much needed sleep.

Maria Paz and Alex

Day 6

Our days of cold toast are over,

As if we’ve found our four leaf clover.

Our mornings welcomed by bacon, soft rolls and fresh fruit -

On our adventures of today we all had a hoot.

We jumped on the coach after a quick hi to Ken

And our 90 minute journey felt like just ten,

As we slumped over chairs falling right back to sleep,

Before starting our journey creating memories to forever keep.

Fields of lush green blanketed the hill,

Upon which Warwick castle stood upon, grand and still.

Within the extensive buildings are the whispers of the past -

The battles and lives of our ancestors do still last.

With the friendly Roger we started a guided tour,

Down deep into the dungeons, of which smelt quite like sewer.

We were able to imagine the terrible conditions of war,

Particularly confronted by the differences in treatment of the rich and the poor.

We learnt about the significance of the Grand Hall;

The beauty and grandeur of it was fit for Saint Paul.

Today decorated with amour and fighting swords,

Of which once assisted many gain land - a grand reward.

We then witnessed the largest catapult functioning today,

A man adorned in medieval costuming commentating the display,

With a charismatic charm the audience was encapsulated

By the depiction of the damage flying rocks created.

Next we were free to roam the castle on our own.

Our group headed to a maze, forced to direct without the help of a phone,

Frantically trying to find historical checkpoints,

We panted as our unfit hearts couldn’t keep up with the excitement in our joints.

We won some stickers and bought some sweets,

Convinced our short burst of exercise was deserving of a treat.

We jumped back on the coach once again,

Chanting karaoke which drove the teachers insane.

Ready for some literature, we soon arrived at Stratford upon Avon,

Which after the chaos of London feels like a safe haven.

The town of Shakespeare’s birth is rather quite quaint,

With a real country feel caused by the peeling paint.

Unhygienic conditions destined the poor fate

Of Shakespeare’s mate.

We peered around his luxurious home,

Developing an understanding of his life before Globe.

Back to the hotel for a quick nap,

We soon returned to town for a snack.

Cute markets sold handmade masterpieces in tents,

With local artists hoping to making a few pence.

Warm light bathed our comforting dinner, Seafood, peas and apple pie not leaving us any thinner.

Back to the hotel did we tread

Content yet tired and ready for bed.

• Tara and Zoe

Day 7, October 1st

Following a scenic 3 hour drive through the countryside and suburbia we arrived at Bath, where we were fortunate enough to tour the beautiful heritage listed city. We met our tour guides, who took us on a journey through the old streets, Fashion Museum and Tea Room and took us to admire the River Avon.

Day 8 Stonehenge

As we were getting on the bus, the excitement that ran through all of us was immense. While the girls were braiding each other’s hair and the boys were putting the bags on the coach and one person in particular cutting their mouth with a Nutella wrapper, we knew that today was special. As the drive went along, we listened to music, watching Brooklyn 99 and just having a laugh with each other. \240we finally made it to the wonderful Stonehenge. As we got off the bus, the smell of the farms were putting us off for our trip to Stonehenge.

Blog: Day 9

We started off the day waking up at 6:30 am to get ready to go to Harrods. We took the tube which was exciting and low key really scary. Who knew if we would make it on!?? Another group went to Abbey Road which is the Beatles famous iconic road crossing.

Day 10: Milano

Today we went to Milano, the city best known for fashion and style. It’s our first day to practice our Italian skills. Our first stop is Milan’s cathedral, Duomo, the third biggest cathedral in the world. The beautiful architecture outside competes with the beautiful stain glass windows inside. The huge brightly coloured windows on the far end represent the entire Bible and were once used to explain the history of Catholicism for illiterate people. There were huge paintings hanging from the wall which are for an exhibition that will last until January next year. Today is the feast day of St Francis and Duomo is the cathedral dedicated to St Francis. We then had a look at a square, it was filled with high fashion stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Prada and Giorgio Armani. The ceiling was made of glass and there were queens from each continent on each corner of the square.

Day 11 Verona and Venice

Today was our 11th day in Europe, Friday the 5th of October. We traveled from Milan to Venice, with a day trip in Verona.

In the morning, we woke up at 6:30 am to prepare for the day ahead, packing out suitcases and leaving Hotel Cristallo Mokimba. We went down to breakfast at 7:00 am, with traditional foods and continental breakfast. Following breakfast, we got our bags and met in the lobby at 8:15. We got onto the coach after struggling with the doors and traveled the 2 1/2 hours to fair Verona, where we lay our scene. Once in Verona, we walked about 10 minutes to Juliet's Balcony, through the backstreets.

Day 12 Venice

After an early wake up, we headed down to breakfast to have a lovely gourmet buffet filled with cakes, breads and delicious cordial drinks to enjoy for the early start. After an early ferry to Venice, we explored the city and learnt the traditional making of masks for carnival. The man who demonstrated was really in love with making masks; at the end of the demo he put some masks on the boys and they looked hilarious. After being lost in the many turns of the streets over bridges and \240busy lane ways, we made our way through the small fruit stalls and handmade jewellery shops and we spent more and more euros on souvenirs to show our families.

Day 12 Venice to Florence 7/10/18

We woke early this morning thanks to the loud clock tower opposite our hotel. After dining for a sweet breakfast of pastries and fruit, we headed off, taking the water taxi from Lido over to Venice.

As we boarded the bus, greeting Massimo, our driver, we said goodbye to Venice, ready to embark on our next adventure in Florence.

After a three hour bus ride filled with music, reading and sleep, we arrived in the beautiful city of Florence.

We then checked into our hotel and headed downstairs to meet our tour guide for a guided walk through Florence. We were educated on the religions and cultures of the people in Florence. Our guide showed us many sculptures as well as the Pontivecio, the cathedral, the baptistery and bell tower. Once the tour had been completed we were allocated 2 hours of free time to wander through the leather markets and shop in the nearby stores.

DAY 14: Florence and Pisa

The morning started off with a delicious Italian breakfast with view of the streets of Florence. After our breakfast of croissants we had free time in the hotel until we needed to leave for the leather workshop!

Before the workshop, however, we had a quick 15 minute free walk around the main square until we had to walk to the leather workshop; La Scuola Del Cuoio. The Year 10’s went first so the Year 11’s were able to have free time - some went for coffee whilst others grabbed some bargains from the local leather shops. During the workshop, we were introduced to Francesco who was their only monogrammer for their company. We watched Francesco use a series of heated stamping tools to monogram designs or initials into items such as leather belts, wallets and coasters. This is done by heating up specific labelled stamps and pressing it on top of a gold or silver leaf which is sitting on top of the item. Our group then looked at different leathers that the artisans used, these were lamb, cow, deer, ostrich, python, alligator and we were told their various prices per square or linear metre. Those prices ranged from €2.95 to £40 depending on the leather, of which was sourced from across the world. We then walked through and watched various methods of bag making and techniques, and learnt of the extensive history of the company. The company also offers a workshop where you can create your own leather masterpieces but it comes with a hefty price: £134 for the simplest workshop, and rising as the techniques become harder.

Day 15 Florence and Siena

Croissants are the key to the soul, so we started our morning with multiple before embarking on an exciting adventure to Siena. After a scenic 1.5 hour bus ride, we greeted our informative tour guide, Lucia, of whom had extensive knowledge regarding the history of the town.

Day 16 Florence and Assisi

Having our croissants and cereal at 8 in the morning for the third and last time in Florence, we scoffed down our food which was quoted by Wil and Ashleigh in three words as being ‘not quite amusing’ and ‘only ate croissants’.

We met our coach and driver at 9 on the dot, the boys loaded our suitcases onto the bus and for two and a half hours people jammed to their own music, chattered and of course had time for a nap. The bus ride was quoted by our group as being;

‘Entertaining, comfy and sleepy’ - Ella

‘Sleeping, napping and snoozing’ - Tara

Upon arriving in Assisi, after checking in at our newest hotel the Hotel Pax, a cute little joint that is over 900 years old. We had free time until 1:30 so we could meet our tour guide for the half day tour around Assisi. During this free time people bought their own lunch such as Kitty who described her lunch as being ‘healthy for once’ and also had a self guided walk around the city enjoying the bellissimo scenery.

‘Relaxing, memorising, chill’ - Cooper

‘It was amazing’ - Sophia

While some enjoyed the outdoors and others slept some Year Tens decided to play a couple of rounds of UNO which was illustrated as being “competitive, intense, challenging” “so much fun!” By Carla and Nathan.

Next we met our tour at 2pm who’s name was Maura. She showed us the Town Square where there were mini souvenir shops, and boutiques. After walking for about 5-10 minutes we arrived at the Basilica Papale Di San Francesco (for those of you who don’t speak Italian Saint Francis’ Basilica).

This Basilica was built by the pope, and has two churches in honour to celebrate Saint Francis. The first church had a stunning exterior and interior and contained the tomb of Saint Francis himself which was moved to Assisi after his death in order to protect his remains. Francis’ companos Fr. Ruffino, Fr. Leone, Fr. Angelo and Fr. Masseo were buried in this church with him in 1940.

Day 17: 11th October

We began the day with a late start letting us have a sleep in that we all needed. We had brekkie in the hotel and packed our bags onto the bus, and off we go to Rome. We arrived at Rome at noon. Dropping our luggage at the hotel we went straight to Trevi Fountain, then acted like Lizzy McGuire where we took photos and got lunch. We then walk to the Spanish Steps where we ran down the steps and tried to look for our Paolo. We couldn’t find him, so in disappointment we walk back to our hotel. We had a few hours of down time then arrived at restaurant Mangrovia where we ate pasta and chicken and delicious fruit salad for desert.

By Cking & kiza xx

Day 18 Ancient Rome

The morning started off with breakfast at 7 and meeting in the lobby at 9 to walk to the Colosseum. When we arrived, we had a guided tour, with information about everything that had occurred there over centuries. After leaving the Colosseum we headed to Ancient Rome and got toured around the complex of ruined temples, basilicas and arches which were ceremonial, legal, social and business centres of Ancient Rome.

Day 19 Vatican City

The day started off with a bit of an accidental sleep in for some, myself included, with a (kind) rude awakening from a roommate just to make sure we would be up on time. The trip has been one of the most tiring experiences of my life with constant movement, tight schedules and vicious excitement, so sleep is precious.

After the stuffy and stressful train trip, our tour guide Rosanna met us at the Vatican Museum, each of us eager to see what it had in store. We walked through rooms upon rooms of beautiful Greek statues and decorative ceilings before reaching what I, myself was most excited for: the Sistine Chapel. We didn’t mind the sore necks and dizzy heads that arose from staring up at the ceiling for so long, as the wonder and awe that Michelangelo’s work brought upon each of us was so overpowering.

St. Peter’s Basilica was next, with Michelangelo’s presence spilling over with his ‘La Pieta’. The Basilica was enormous, and the distant singing of the church-goers made the entire experience feel like a dream.

The historical side of Castel Di Sant’Angelo was revealed to us by our tour guide, and the view from the top of the castle was incredible.

We headed back to the train station to get back to the hotel, and after a day of walking in the sweltering heat and worsening the blisters on my feet, I happily collapsed onto my freshly made bed.

Sophie S.

Day 20 Pompeii

After three weeks of bus ride, churches, museums, laughter and our wonderful teachers guidance and patience; we finally made it to our last day of the 2018 European tour!

With an early start, we were on the bus by 8am to head to the city of ruins; Pompeii. With two smoke breaks (the bus driver) and obviously a snack run the three hour journey came to an end. We met our tour guide and began to explore the 2000 year old city. After delving back into the ancient world and discovering the human plaster cast we were truely able to see the effects of this eruption and how though devastating at the time has now become a wonder of the modern world.