After spending the night flying across the Atlantic, the Globetrotters 2007 group, which consisted of 24 students and three teachers, finally reached bella Roma, the Eternal City.
The tour began with a visit to Vatican City, where we, and a few thousand others, were greeted by the Pope. Here we also visited the Sistine Chapel, where some of Michelangelo’s finest images can be seen on the chapel’s ceiling. While in Rome, we visited the grassy ruins of the Roman Forum, the mighty Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. We also had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The highlights of our visit here included seeing Michelangelo’s statue of David and the Duomo, the cathedral that dominates the Florence skyline. Our tour then moved south to Sorrento, which overlooks the Bay of Naples. We spent one of our ten warm and sunny days cruising around the Isle of Capri. Before departing Italy, we learned how Romans lived 2000 years ago by visiting the incredibly intact Pompeii, one of the finest archaeological sites in the world.
Reluctantly, we left Italy on a night ferry across the Ionian Sea to mythical Greece. After arriving in Patras, we journeyed through vineyards and orchards to Delphi, home of the mystical Oracle. Here we also visited the Delphi Museum whose collection boasts many artifacts dating back to 550 BCE. The visit to Delphi was followed by our last destination, Athens, Cradle of Democracy and birthplace of Western civilization. Here we climbed the Acropolis to view the majestic Parthenon and Temple of Athena. Later we toured the Plaka District, Syntagma Square and the ancient Agora.
The 2007 Globetrotters were a terrific group to travel with. Respect seemed to be their catchword, respecting the individuals with whom they traveled, the people with whom they came into contact and the cultures to which they were introduced. As ambassadors of Canadian students, they were a fine example and were complimented everywhere they went.
It is nearly impossible to fully describe all that was seen and experienced by our travelers. We hope, however, that this trip was an exciting, fun and educational adventure for all, and that it is just the beginning of many more travels.
