A group of 46 students, teachers and members of the Orchard Park Secondary School community travelled overseas for 10 days. They visited Germany, Italy, Monaco and France.

According to Ms. Stella Morettin, head of Modern Languages and the teacher organizer of this annual trip, "beyond the usual cultural learning, the students always learn more about themselves and their connection to people around the world via such experiences. The continent of Europe becomes our classroom. An added bonus is that the members of the group evolve into "a family" as they get accustomed to turning to each other to share a laugh, to marvel at the sites and sounds of Europe and to seek assistance when needed."

Billie-Jo Horvath agreed the trip brought students closer together.

"I never would have believed it. We all looked out for one another despite our grades or cliques back home," she said.

Olivia Rapson agreed.

"When you go on these kinds of trips, you really do come out with a lot of new friendships and a new appreciation of life."

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, Germany, they took a bus and walking tour of the city. After a few hours, they boarded a plane bound for Milan, Italy.

Sonja Pesko was awestruck by the natural beauty of the Italian hills and countryside.

"I could not believe how magnificent and diverse the geography of Italy is," she said.

Her roommate Dajana Radic was especially enchanted with a ride on a gondola through the canals of Venice.

Venice, the city on water, offered winding alleyways with hidden treasures, a bustling marketplace, pigeons, colourful masks and Murano glass made by local artisans.

"The city was not only absolutely gorgeous, but an adventure too. It still retains its rich history and unique character and is great to explore with its canals and small alleyways," according to Shivani Trehan.

The school's two-time student council president, Hayley Proudfoot, agrees.

"Although I enjoyed the whole trip, I loved Venice the most. I thought the city was so beautiful and the people displayed their culture so nicely. I came to Europe expecting people to behave like North Americans but I found an even better way of life."

Florence, a historical city recognized for its art and architecture was the group's third exploration. Many priceless works of art sculpted by Donatello, Cellini and Michelangelo were on outdoor display for the public to enjoy. Later in the evening, the students danced at a disco, full of students from around the world.

"Dressed in our finest pashminas, recently purchased at the massive market in Florence, we all made quite an entrance. The disco welcomed us and celebrated our nationality by flashing pictures of various members of our group and announcing that we were Canadian. A good time was had by all is merely an understatement," said Tamara Dabic.

The following two days were composed of visiting smaller cities full of culture and character. Siena and San Gimignano offered picturesque piazze (town squares) and delicious gelato. These were Joanne Tan's favorite stops.

"The scenery was very beautiful with cobblestones everywhere. Both places seemed perched on a mountain and as we walked, we had incredible views of the towns and villages below us weaving along with us."

The OP family moved on to Pisa, where students viewed the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding historical sites.

The Orchard Park group then journeyed to the Principality of Monaco, where the wealth was as prominent as the shining sun. Monaco offered many architecturally elaborate buildings and sites, such as the Monte Carlo Casino, the cathedral where Princess Grace married Prince Rainier, the magnificent Port full of grand yachts and the Royal Palace, where the group witnessed the procession for the changing of the royal guards.

OP Educational Assistant, Melanie McCreadie loved the mountainous countryside of Monte Carlo and Nice.

"It was breathtaking and we had so much fun together... although we sure did walk a lot."

Boarding the high speed TGV train in Nice, the group got comfortable for their six-hour trip to Paris at speeds sometimes reaching 320 km/h.

The Eiffel Tower was stunning with its flickering lights and unbelievable views from the top, the Arc de Triomphe the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Louvre museum with its pyramid entrance, the stained glass windows of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the tour on the Seine River did not disappoint.

Parents who accompanied their children on the trip included Shirley Davidson, Beverley Rapson, Gordana Blagojevic and Sue Jovanic.

Ms. Jovanic said she would cherish her memory of the students' enjoyment in seeing history come to life. She is proud of the OP students who were "awesome ambassors" of Canada and the school.

Horvath believes the trip changed her life.

"Postcards, movies, photos, art and books cannot describe the places we have seen. I have wasted too much time looking and worrying about small things. The world is far too big to see anything but beauty."

Chaperone and art department head, Margaret Ferguson believes this trip will have a lasting impression.

"Now when these students see the famous sites in movies or read about them in books, they will have a memory of actually being there."

Some tips from the travellers:

"Always eat breakfast. Going out one day without eating was torture." - Carolyn Malcolm

"Learning some French and Italian is useful so you get to chat with the local people." - Leena Bindra

Bring only necessities. "It was hard to drag a suitcase up and down stairs and sometimes up a hill." - Nicole MacKenzie

"Bring hand sanitizers and wear a hood for the pigeons in Venice." - Christina Petlura

"Bring a converter for electrical applicances." - Hailey Davidson