Under the Sperlonga Sun

Here we are enjoying our last few days in Sperlonga. What a way to finish the trip! We are staying at a beautiful hotel minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea. Our days are currently spent learning in the morning and basking under the warm Italian sun in the afternoon. What a life! At our beautiful hotel, we are spoiled with a wonderful pool where students get to swim and do homework, beautiful rooms to rest and an incredible dining room where we get to enjoy endless amounts of antipastos and great gourmet meals. If we aren`t lounging at the hotel, you can find us by the ocean resting and swimming or possibly getting lost between white wash buildings in this gorgeous mountainous town. Last night, students had a free night to go enjoy dinner at the top of the town. The view of the sunset dropping behind the mountains is picturesque is definitely the best backdrop you could ask for while enjoying an Italian meal. I think we are all sad that the trip is coming to an end. Tomorrow morning the students will be writing their final exams and wrapping up what seems to be an unforgettable learning experience. We will then be celebrating with a boat ride to some caves where we will get to swim, soak in the sun and enjoy fresh fruit! We are definitely taking advantage of every last minute together. The friendships and memories made on this trip are sure to last a lifetime.

Thank you for an unforgettable summer!! You guys are incredible!

The Georgia Hardy Team

Rock In Roma!|

On Saturday night, 24 students and I headed to the outskirts of Rome to see Jack Johnson live at a great outdoor venue. WHAT A MEMORABLE NIGHT!! We managed to make our way to the front of the crowd to hear Jack serenade us under the Roman Moonlight. Kaki King started off the evening with an incredible instrumental performance. Jack Johnson’s entrance on the stage made the crowd go wild. The combination of his voice, his lyrics and his presence make him a mesmerising performer. It was such a good feeling to be surrounded by people from all over the world including Australia, United States, Sweden, Puerto Rico and Canada all enjoying the sounds of one unique artist. It was definitely a night we will never forget. I am really happy that I got to spend it with a group of fun and energetic students.

Francine J

Venice

Venice, Venice, Venice... we think it’s safe to say that we all had a pretty good day spending our time walking the culture-filled streets. It’s the stereotypical Italian setting we had imagined in our minds before coming on the trip: the gondola equipped with accordion players and vocalists to serenade you, the narrow streets with clothes lines stretching from one building to the next, and the aroma of a freshly baked pizza wherever you go. It’s hard to imagine anyone looking past the beauty of the city, especially when viewing it from the seat of a gondola which some of the girls did later on in the afternoon! We all were able to soak up the culture of Venice on our walking tour which took us to beautiful and historical landmarks, such as the Saint Mark’s Square in the heart of the city. We were then able to dine at many of the fantastic restaurants around town and tasted traditional Italian cooking at its finest. After lunch we went shopping and many bought jewellery and decorative handmade Venetian masks. But of course no matter what city you’re in, here in Italy, you have to make at least ONE gelato break, and we did exactly that! Well deserved from all the walking we’ve had to do (with the blisters to prove it.) The trip to Venice was an all-around good trip and the students ended their day with a late night run to McDonalds. Everyone returned safely and with their suit cases a little more stuffed then before. Arrivedareci!

Kass and Mel

A Free Day in Florence

By: Monica Reagan & Olivia Hunwicks

Today was a quiet however eventful day. We awoke to another lovely breakfast at our hotel in Florence. After that we were captivated by our buisness and english classes. This was followed by a free afternoon which encluded laundry, segway driving, sightseeing, and lots of shopping. Whatever we chose, all of us had a great day. After we enjoyed another three course dinner our night was filled with group study sessions and homework groups. Florence is beautiful and there's always something new and exciting to see. As our last few days in Florence come to an end we are sad to leave this city but eager to explore Rome soon. Sorry parents, none of us want to come home yet!

A day in Florence by Julian and Eric

T’was a day as epic in it’s in its proportions as was the scale of the buildings that were viewed on this fine afternoon. In the morning we had class which was captivating, insightful and informative as usual. Both classes sang happy birthday to Mrs. Young, with the English group winning out for most enthusiastic . After a delicious lunch, we had a professionally guided walking tour of Florence. Our guides were very informative, and told us stories about the history of the tremendous buildings our eyes had the honour of staring upon. We used our newfound enlightenment of Florence to further enjoy our two hours of free time afterwards. Tonight was another delicious dinner featuring pasta, salad, roast beef, potatoes and cheesecake, which served to keep us full until curfew. Another fantastic day is brought to an end.

Firenze Love!

Hi there,

I think its safe to say that we are all in love with Florence. Our time here has been incredible. During the last week, we have kept ourselves occupied by doing plenty of enriching activities. For starters, we did a very informative tour of Florence on our first day where we got to learn more about the history of Florence. We've visited the leaning tower of Pisa, the statue of David, the leather market, many piazzas as well as eat wonderful traditional Italian food! Yesterday, most of the students spent the day in Venice where they explored the small alley ways and the many stores in this great little city built on water. Some even took a gondola ride and everyone took part in a guided tour of this magical city. The English class will be blogging tomorrow about their adventures. Here`s a few pictures to make you smile :)

The Georgia Hardy Tour Crew