Judge Memorial Europe Trip

Mr. Soran takes on Greece and Italy, once again! Mr. Soran, Judge’s Latin teacher, takes a Europe trip every two years to provide his students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture completely unfamiliar to them. This time, he traveled to Greece and Italy, taking his students on a busy excursion to see everything possible, from the ancient ruins of an old Greek city to the modern views of Rome. 1ST DAY: TRAVEL We met at the airport in Salt Lake City and flew to Paris. The weather caused a delay. Despite arriving with an hour's delay, we were able to pass through customs and do everything else. After clearing customs, we waited at the Athens gate. We arrived in Athens and connected with the other group, which had arrived through Amsterdam. After boarding the buses to travel to the hotel, we strolled outside to explore the city after dark. We also went out to dinner. DAY 2: SIGHTSEEING ATHENS We took a tour of Athens, which has grown from being the birthplace of democracy to a thriving contemporary metropolis. We traveled to the Acropolis, which is home to numerous Greek city-state remains. We saw the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and numerous other historic structures honoring the Greek gods. After that, we proceeded to taste olive oils where we discovered the creativity behind their various flavors. We attended a Greek supper in a tavern in Plaka later that evening. We experienced Greek culture over dinner, including traditional music and dance. DAY 3: MYCENAE & CORINTH VISIT We visited Corinth, an ancient city that was once a thriving metropolis but is now only a collection of ruins. While the old city was in ruins, we were still able to picture it as if it were all still there and get a glimpse of what life was like in ancient Greece. We also went to Mycenae, which was the final Greek city of the Bronze Age. It is the earliest highly advanced and distinctly Greek civilization on the Greek mainland, and is characterized by its palace states, urban planning, artistic accomplishments, and writing system. DAY 4: DELPHI & FERRY RIDE We went to Delphi, a Greek city that is now in ruins but was once regarded as the center of the world. We hiked to the Temple of Apollo, which is a magnificent example of classical Greek architecture and devotion to the gods. Its impressive setting with a view of the Corinthian Gulf and imposing Doric columns creates a fascinating backdrop that inspires awe and admiration for the ageless beauty and historical significance it symbolizes. We then traveled to the ferry docks where we loaded onto the overnight ferry which was taking us to Italy. DAY 5: DRIVING TO ROME & FREE TIME IN SORRENTO We unloaded the ferry and started our long journey from the docks in Italy to Sorrento. Due to the weather, the travel time was increased by about an hour and a half. We arrived at our hotel in Sorrento late in the evening, and everyone was already so tired from the drive that we skipped out on the evening walk. DAY 6: CAPRI We took a small ferry boat out to the island of Capri which was like stepping into a postcard-perfect Mediterranean paradise. This enchanting island off the coast of Italy boasts breathtaking vistas of turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and colorful buildings clinging to the hillsides. From exploring the glamorous Piazzetta and strolling through the charming streets of Anacapri, Capri offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious indulgence that captivates every traveler. Unfortunately, due to the high tide, we weren’t able to travel to the Blue Grotto. Nevertheless, exploring the beautiful island of Capri and swimming in the gorgeous, bright blue water, made up for it. DAY 7: POMPEII We visited Pompeii, a preserved ancient city frozen in time. Exploring its remarkably intact ruins allowed us to witness the daily life of its inhabitants before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. From the well-preserved buildings and intricate frescoes to the haunting casts of the volcano's victims, Pompeii offered a captivating glimpse into the past, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the fragility of human existence and the enduring power of history. DAY 8: VATICAN CITY We explored the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, and home to the Pope. We attended an audience at the Vatican and then enjoyed exploring the small area before starting a tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Michelangelo. DAY 9: ROME LANDMARKS We explored the classic Rome landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Piazza Venezia. Standing as the symbol of Rome, the Colosseum dominates the city. It was built in the year 72 AD by emperor Vespasian to entertain the citizens with gladiator battles to naval contests to wild beast shows. The forum remains as a symbol of the once magnificent temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches that once formed the heart of the Empire. We also watched a gelato making demonstration at a gelateria, where the art of Italian ice cream begins. DAY 10: ROME (FREE DAY) We explored Rome on our own, shopping and revisiting some of our favorite sites. The original plan was to take a train into Florence, but due to the recent strikes happening all across Europe, the train station was canceling trains and it was impossible to find another train. DAY 11: FLY HOME After a magnificent but long excursion in Europe, it was time to come home. We packed up and headed home, tired from the long week and a half that had been packed with fun activities. We finally got home to see our families.