By Boris Pavlov, Year 11
During October Break, a group of students traveled to Rome to learn about its history and economic structure. The trip, organised by Mr. Khimji, Ms. Wernz and Mr. Rimer, is the third of the sort.
Leaving on Thursday after school, the trip was packed full of events. Following a late arrival, the group traveled to the outskirts of Rome, to a place called EUR on Friday morning to learn about the reign of Mussolini, whose architecture features prominently in the area. This insight into the history and economics during it furthered lessons taught by Mr. Stack prior to the trip. After a detailed tour and lunch back in the centre of Rome, the guide took us to the Olympic Stadium, which also bears heavy and clear relics of the fascist time, such as the Marble Stadium, a prime example of the architectural style and the plaques in front of the stadium.
On the second day, the excursion continued to a different country, the Vatican City. The museum was adorned with art of countless time frames and riddled with history, making it truly fascinating. To top it all off: a visit of the Sistine Chapel, complete with all of the frescoes by Michelangelo, Perugino, Botticelli and other Renaissance artists, and St. Peter’s Basilica by Michelangelo and decorated by Bernini. However, the afternoon was equally replete with excitement, with an exceedingly difficult scavenger hunt that sent us racing around the landmarks of Rome.
Exhausted by the past days, the glory of ancient Rome graced the third day of the event. The tour of Palatine Hill and the Forum of Rome was incredibly interesting, as was the political structure and knowledge that led to the remnants left today.
Overall, the trip was a unique experience for students to experience history in a different light.
