Winning a cooking competition in Tuscany, visiting famous churches, and attending a gladiator school in Florence- these are only a few of the things that people on  Mrs. Lisa Campbell ‘s trip to Italy experienced.

Campbell and a group of students traveled for 11 days with seven other groups from all over the world.With a price tag of about $3,800, each member of the group was able to visit Rome, Florence, Assisi, and take a ferry to Capri.

“It was a very special trip and, filled with excitement, especially when we won a cooking competition in Tuscany against six other groups,” Campbell said.    During the cooking competition, the North Harford group prepared pasta, raviolis,and  rice balls with ham and cheese stuffed in the middle.

    Another unique activity the group encountered was how to make leather in the leather capital itself, Florence. Also while in Florence some students participated in an activity that involved learning about the gladiators who endured all of the turmoil  the people of the time period in a hands-on activity.

“In the gladiator school, we dressed up as gladiators, and put a thing that looked like a potato sack over ourselves. At first we had wooden swords, and practiced hitting things and then we got bronze swords,”said senior Rebecca Reinhardt.

They also visited the church in Assisi, Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi,  from where the current Pope Francis acquired his name.

    “The trip is open for all people, not just art students. Students who are past graduates, siblings, or parents can even attend the trip, it is for everyone to enjoy,” said Campbell.

“I like to experience the Italian culture, and the different ways people are, and how they spoke Italian. I definitely want to go on the next trip Mrs. Campbell has planned, “ said Reinhardt.

     Campbell is already planning another trip to Italy in the summer of 2016, with information about the trip coming out sometime in October.