This year, a group of Brewster High School juniors and seniors had the unforgettable opportunity to travel to Italy as part of the annual international trip. Over the course of eight days, from April 9th-17th, we immersed ourselves in Italian culture, art, and history, visiting three of the country’s most iconic cities: Venice, Florence, and Rome.
Our journey began in Venice, where we spent two nights staying on the peaceful island of Venice Lido. From there, we took high-speed boats to the main island of Venice, where we watched a live glass-blowing demonstration, took a gondola ride through the canals, and had a great time exploring the city’s charming streets and local food. On our final day in the area, we visited the island of Burano, famous for its brightly painted houses and local lace shops. It was like walking through a rainbow, and we all enjoyed browsing the small boutiques and sitting at outdoor cafes.
From Venice, we traveled to Florence, where we stayed for three nights. Despite the rainy weather, the city’s beauty and art shone through. We visited the Church of Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of famous Italians like Michelangelo and Galileo. We also stopped by Leonardo’s Leather Workshop, where we learned the history of leather crafting and had the chance to shop for souvenirs. Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and we saw this history come to life in the art and architecture around us. We visited the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David stands in all its stunning detail, and explored the Uffizi Gallery, with masterpieces by Botticelli and da Vinci. We strolled through Florence’s cobblestone streets, markets, and cafes, and also visited Cioko Flo’, the annual Chocolate Festival at Piazza Santa Croce.
Our trip ended in Rome, and we began by touring the Colosseum and walking through the beautiful ruins of the Roman Forum. We then visited Vatican City, where we stood in awe beneath the Sistine Chapel ceiling and admired St. Peter’s Basilica. We also stopped at the Pantheon, a piece of architecture that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. We ended our travels in Rome by visiting the Trevi Fountain and then climbing the Spanish Steps. Every corner of Rome was a beautiful piece of history, and we were constantly surrounded by authentic landmarks.
A special thanks goes out to our amazing chaperones Mrs. Campos, Mr. Carroll, Mrs. Horler, and especially Mr. Franze, not only for all of their work organizing and leading the trip, but also for keeping track of us through crowded piazzas and defending us from angry Italians. Beyond the incredible sights, what made the trip truly special were the memories we made together. From getting lost in the busy streets, going on gelato runs, and taking group photos in “U” formation in front of famous landmarks, we shared many experiences we will never forget.
For anyone interested in attending next year’s trip abroad, Spain, I would recommend it. It’s an incredible chance to explore another country, experience a new culture firsthand, and create memories that will last. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or just exploring a new place, there is something for everyone, and it’s an experience you definitely won’t regret.