For most students, the first two weeks of summer are spent relaxing and getting acclimated to the wonderful weather, but for 26 special students those 14 days were spent exploring a whole new world. Just a few days after the end of the school year these students, along with a few parent chaperones, were on their way to England, France and Italy.

    Headed by French teacher, Larissa Arist, and her coworker Melissa Winter, Social Studies teacher, the journey  set off on June 19th with a seven and half hour plane ride.

    “I tried not to sleep the night before we left so that I would be able to sleep on the plane but that didn’t really work. It was such a long ride.” said French student Megan Jones.

     Arriving in London early in the morning, the tour was started right away. Running on little to no sleep the first day was exhausting for everyone. From Buckingham Palace to the top of the London Eye, every tourist attraction in London was hit.

     Although the first few days were rough, it was only uphill from there. From London they took the Chunnel to Paris, France. The Chunnel is a train that connects the United Kingdom to France under the water.  Once again, the day began with a guided tour of the infamous city of love. The night ended with a cruise along the Seine, beneath the Eiffel Tower. The spectacular view of the illuminated tower was enough to take anyone’s breath away.

    “Each time I took a picture I always had the same thought, ‘how am I going to show my family these pictures? It just can’t compare to the real life beauty of it all.” said senior Haley Sturgill.

    This underwater train was just one of the many forms of transportation that was used. The group took the TGV (Europe’s fastest train) to Provence in the south of France and from there a bus was taken to Nice, France.

     En route to Nice the bus stopped in the fabulous country of Monaco. This country, known for its celebrity sightings and cruise dockings was one of the warmest places visited. In addition to its nice weather, Monaco is known for being one of the world’s richest countries.

    After Monaco, the tour group was allowed one day all to themselves in the coastal city of Nice. While some people spent this day relaxing on one of the French Rivera’s most beautiful beaches, other chose to ride bicycles around town or go shopping.

    “It was really nice having a day all to ourselves. My friends and I spent it at the beach.” said senior Caroline Blakeman.

    With a total of eight cities visited the two week tour came to a grand closing in the ancient city of Rome. Although the Pope was nowhere to be seen, the Vatican was filled with busy streets and beautiful churches.

    “Italy was definitely my favorite. Being able to see the remnants of what used to be Rome was incredible. It was like a walk through history.” said Jones.

    After a long and tiresome two weeks away the world travelers finally got on their plane and traveled back to the United States.

    “Every step in our journey is one that I will never forget no matter how big or small, I was a world traveler and I got to experience things that I never thought possible.” said Sturgill.