I am packing my suitcase on the last night in Paris. Taylor Swift is blasting on my iTouch in my hotel room at the Hotel Mercure, as my roommate and I sob because our trip of a lifetime is coming to an end. When would we see our newfound friends again? Could this incredible trip truly be over? I can see now that although I am no longer traveling through Europe with Abbey Road, the journey will never completely end. My memories from the trip will have a lasting impact, and the events that I experienced have completely changed how I view the world.
I have gained more than I ever imagined from Abbey Road’s Western Civilization tour through Europe. Before embarking on this trip, I had hoped that it would change me from a mere tourist into a sophisticated world traveler. Through the significant amount of information provided at every sight we visited, as well as the numerous Symposium Seminars (group discussions), Abbey Road succeeded in making me the type of traveler I so desired to become. Instead of glancing at a painting in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and swiftly moving on to the next, the counselors gathered us together to discuss in-depth the history and details of the particular painting and encouraged us to study and debate why the artist created it in that manner.
Before the trip, I had promised myself that I would embrace every aspect of European culture and make the most out of each new experience. I know that I kept this promise throughout my month in Europe because I approached moments of nervousness or apprehensiveness as an opportunity to stretch beyond my comfort zone and grow as a person. My walk through the Santa Maria della Concezione (the Bone Church) in Rome was one such occasion. As our counselors explained, the nuns and leaders of this very sacred church bury its holy men in the church’s vicinity and do not believe in cremation. However, the church quickly ran out of space to bury all of the dead, so the leaders used the bones to decorate the church’s walls and ceilings. As I strolled through this narrow, holy Church of Bones, I felt as though I was entering an underground grave. I knew that these bones were not disgusting in the eyes of the leaders of this church, so I made sure to look at it from their point of view. Experiencing this sight from a different perspective expanded my knowledge and understanding of the different customs and philosophies that exist throughout the world.
I anticipated that this trip would include a respectable balance of work and play, and indeed it did. In addition to exploring the cultural sights, we participated in a wide range of leisure activities such as exploring Florence while on a photo scavenger hunt, dancing at a Discotheque, nightly excursions for gelato, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night while on the rides at a festive carnival in Paris, dressing up with face paint to watch the Women’s World Cup Final in a restaurant in Rome, and playing beach volleyball on an inflatable raft in the water at the Glyfada Beach Resort in Athens. These were only a few of the many exciting and surprising adventures that I encountered; however, the escapades brought more than just fun. They fostered a bond of friendship among a group of thirty students that I would have thought impossible beforehand. I have learned so much not only about the culture of Europe but also from my relationships with the people I met on the trip. We shared many stories about our own unique experiences, which greatly enhanced my understanding of my traveling companions, as well as of the places we visited.
My life-changing experiences have taught me more about the meaning of life and revealed more about who I am than I could ever have learned without stepping out of my current environment. I will continue to share with others the remarkable journey that I have experienced with Abbey Road. As I think about these countless memories, sift through all my breath-taking photos of the Acropolis in Athens, the Vatican in Rome, the Duomo in Florence, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Skype and message with my many new friends, I know that my Western Civilization trip to Europe with Abbey Road will always remain a part of me.
I Love Paris
I made it to Paris!!! I have only been here for less than two days and I already love it! Just after arriving in Paris, the group and I went to Montmartre, Sacre Coeur, which is the highest point in Paris; thus you can only imagine what that means: one incredible view. The Church was very grand, but the view was spectacular, and I even caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
Yesterday the group and I visited the famous Notre Dame/Saint-Chapelle and peered into a crypt that was underneath the Notre Dame. I enjoyed a lovely Seine Cruise with the group later that day, where I got an even closer look at the Eiffel Tower.
Today was filled with more interesting sights, as the group and I got the chance to tour the Musee D'Orsay and than climb up the Invalides/Champs/Arc. I then had lunch with my friends and shopped at the I Love Paris Store.
Yesterday the group and I visited the famous Notre Dame/Saint-Chapelle and peered into a crypt that was underneath the Notre Dame. I enjoyed a lovely Seine Cruise with the group later that day, where I got an even closer look at the Eiffel Tower.
Today was filled with more interesting sights, as the group and I got the chance to tour the Musee D'Orsay and than climb up the Invalides/Champs/Arc. I then had lunch with my friends and shopped at the I Love Paris Store.
Surprise!
The counselors here are so silly! I was in for a huge shock when the counselors led the group and me to believe we were going on a 6 mile church walk but then casually suggested us going to the beach and visiting the leaning tower of Pisa instead!! Rather than a full day of walking, the day ended up consisting of beach chairs and cute pictures of us holding up the Pisa (so cliche but so cute)! The waves were refreshing and the sand was super smooth. As if the day could not get any better, we went to a Disco Techa at night. It is a club with awesome music and it is open to teens. I totally danced the night away with all my new friends. I am so loving Florence!
It Was So Nice To Meet You Rome!
What a crazy day! I went to the Vatiacan and saw the Sistine Chapel today!!!! I have learned about this Chapel in my textbooks, but it was so great to see the real thing!!
Although today was a little rushed and hectic, I was able to relax and move at a slower pace yesterday as I was offered the opportunity to explore the Jewish Quarter. Since I am Jewish, I was sure not to miss out on this adventure! I sat inside a Temple and walked around a museum which presented information about Roman Jews. I loved getting the chance to learn about the history of them! Later in the day, I went to the Da Vinci Museum and experimented with some of his crafty machines.
Yesterday night, my fellow friends and I enjoyed a picnic over one of the nicest views of Rome. It was an American style picnic, so it was nice to take a little break from the pizza, pasta, and paninis that consistently appear on the menu in very restuarant in Italy. Not to say I don't love Italian food, however, because I definitely do love it!!
Rome has been an exciting city with wonderful sights and cute cafes. Tomorrow I will be departing to Florence! On to new and exciting views, shops, and cafes. Goodbye Rome, I will be back!!
Although today was a little rushed and hectic, I was able to relax and move at a slower pace yesterday as I was offered the opportunity to explore the Jewish Quarter. Since I am Jewish, I was sure not to miss out on this adventure! I sat inside a Temple and walked around a museum which presented information about Roman Jews. I loved getting the chance to learn about the history of them! Later in the day, I went to the Da Vinci Museum and experimented with some of his crafty machines.
Yesterday night, my fellow friends and I enjoyed a picnic over one of the nicest views of Rome. It was an American style picnic, so it was nice to take a little break from the pizza, pasta, and paninis that consistently appear on the menu in very restuarant in Italy. Not to say I don't love Italian food, however, because I definitely do love it!!
Rome has been an exciting city with wonderful sights and cute cafes. Tomorrow I will be departing to Florence! On to new and exciting views, shops, and cafes. Goodbye Rome, I will be back!!
Harry Potter
Today was a hectic day but a productive day at that! I arose bright and early, eating breakfast at 8 and heading to the Colloseum by 9. In school I learned all about the gladiator fights and games that took place there, so to be able to see the Colloseum in real life was an exhiliarating experience. I then went to the Roman Forum, which I have also learned about in school. After exploring the forum, the group read a passage concerning Julius Caesar's death right next to his grave.
Next, the group headed up to the Capitoline Museum where we studied fantastic paintings and sculptures! Afterwards I grabbed some pasta with friends and we then shopped for gifts for our families. I will be watching the last Harry Potter movie with the group in just a few hours! It better be good. I must go get ready, we are all putting scars on our foreheads to fit in with the theme! Bye for now!
Next, the group headed up to the Capitoline Museum where we studied fantastic paintings and sculptures! Afterwards I grabbed some pasta with friends and we then shopped for gifts for our families. I will be watching the last Harry Potter movie with the group in just a few hours! It better be good. I must go get ready, we are all putting scars on our foreheads to fit in with the theme! Bye for now!
Athens and Rome, Oh My!
Wow! Athens was incredible! I would have to say that my favorite day in Athens was when we took a full day excursion to Mycenae and Nafplion and then, after walking down 999 steps, relaxed at the pebble beach (Argolic Gulf). The views were breath-taking and I truly felt myself take a step back into the history of the Mycenic people.
I only just arrived in Rome two days ago and I am already heal-over-heels in love with it. The Romans slow pace creates a nourishing and stress-free environment. The people are very friendly, the shops are cute, and the food is amazing! I had a delicious eggplant parmisan for dinner last night. The portion was perfect--not too big yet not too small. I am proud to admit that I have already had Italian Gelato three times. I must say, it is irrisistible!
As for now, my travels have been providing me with an enriching experience. I have been learning interesting information about the Greeks and Romans, while absorbing beautiful sights with my new friends. Also, all the walking is keeping me very fit! I cannot wait for the many opportunities to come this week in Rome and the following weeks in Florence and Paris!
I only just arrived in Rome two days ago and I am already heal-over-heels in love with it. The Romans slow pace creates a nourishing and stress-free environment. The people are very friendly, the shops are cute, and the food is amazing! I had a delicious eggplant parmisan for dinner last night. The portion was perfect--not too big yet not too small. I am proud to admit that I have already had Italian Gelato three times. I must say, it is irrisistible!
As for now, my travels have been providing me with an enriching experience. I have been learning interesting information about the Greeks and Romans, while absorbing beautiful sights with my new friends. Also, all the walking is keeping me very fit! I cannot wait for the many opportunities to come this week in Rome and the following weeks in Florence and Paris!
Pre-Departure Reflections
I am excited to be embarking on Abbey Road’s Western Civilization trip in just a few short weeks! This will be my first experience traveling abroad and I cannot wait to experience the cultures and customs of Europe. I love America, but I often feel as if I am in a bubble, circling through the same activities, meeting people similar to me. I hope to get a glimpse into what life would be like if I actually lived in Greece, Italy, and France and not to merely observe these places as a tourist.
Although I am unsure of exactly what the summer will be like for me, I hope that it will change, influence, or inspire me in some way. I am making a pact with myself to step out of my comfort zone and genuinely embrace the new lifestyles, customs and the people. I love all the classes I am taking in school, but my favorite is history class. We have spent a good part of the year learning about the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, so I am looking forward to seeing first-hand what I have read about in my textbooks. My goals for this trip are to enhance my understanding of world history and to develop further as a person, immersing myself in the diverse cultures of Europe. I hope to come home from the trip with a clearer view of the world and friends that will last a lifetime.
Thinking about a month away from home in another country with a group of people I have never met before and leaders I do not know can be nerve-wracking. Will I get homesick? What will the food be like? Is Europe going to be everything I imagine it to be? Many questions flow through my head as I am awaiting my trip to Europe. However, as nervous as I am, I am way more excited for this amazing opportunity. I am extremely lucky to be able to go on this trip and I know that not everyone can have a chance like this, so I am planning on soaking up every moment in Europe. I cannot wait to share all of my new experiences on this blog throughout the summer!
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