At the end of last term, 30 students and five teachers journeyed to the Bay of
Naples and Amalfi Coast region of Italy for the International Study Centre's first ever trip abroad.
Our base was the tourist Mecca of Sorrento, but unlike the thousands of idle
sun-worshippers, we were there to take part in an academically rigorous study trip. Our itinerary featured daily excursions to an exhausting range of historical and geological sites (and it was entirely incidental that a stunning beach was located only five minutes from the hotel!).
Apart from enjoying a quick dip in the Mediterranean every evening, we also managed to enjoy
some incredible scenery, including the bizarre sulphur vents of
Solfatara, where our geography teacher Jill Partridge lead us past jets of
steam hissing from underground fissures. She also led us to the top of
Vesuvius to enjoy an awesome vista of Naples and the archaeological wonders of
Pompei and Herculaneum. While taking in the view, we had to keep one eye on
the crater behind – Vesuvius is an active volcano and due to erupt again at any
time!
Fortunately, we also had the opportunity to see Herculaneum up close the next day. Although smaller than Pompei, it is extremely well preserved and still large enough to
keep you busy for hours. We then stopped at the Flavian Amphitheatre. Although it was closed, we could still get an excellent view from outside - luckily, ISC director Helen Wood was well informed enough to act as an unofficial guide.
Our final excursion was to the island of Capri, where we took a Riva ('the Ferrari
of the boat world') trip to the rugged, limestone cliff formations. When the
temperature got as high as forty, we were forced to take refuge in the cooling waters of a
beautiful, blue cove. Definitely the highlight of the trip.
Next year? Well, we never did make it to Pompei, so maybe we should just go back. On
the other hand, I've heard that the South of France is pretty nice, too. And
what about Spain? Wherever we go, it will be hard to beat the Bay of Naples.
Posts
