PdC International Club visits homelands of Big Ben, romance and pasta
Janet Key, Ellen Antoniewicz and Tammy Antoniewicz are picture perfect in front of the famous Eiffel Tower.
Some students posed in front of the Roman Forum: (front, left) Nick Adamany, Ethan Kilbey, Jamie Kozelka, Jacqueline LaHaie and Maria Skemp; (back) Gunnar Kravchuk, Lindsey Ohlert, Erin Morvits and Ellen Antoniewicz. (Submitted photos)
By Addison Mumm and Tammy Antoniewicz
The Prairie du Chien High School International Club had the experience of a lifetime this summer traveling to some of Europe’s main capitals: London, Paris and Rome. The nine-day trip started out with an eight-hour flight from Chicago O’Hare airport to London, where the students hit the ground running.
They met up with their tour guide, Richard, who had over 25 years of experience as a guide.
The students saw Trafalgar Square; Buckingham Palace, where they witnessed the changing of the guard; Kensington Palace, where Prince William and Kate reside; Big Ben; the Houses of Parliament; and Windsor Castle. While in London the students were able to dine on the popular fish and chips—the American equivalent is fish and french fries.
“My favorite memory was the opportunity to try a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts from different areas of Europe,” said Gunnar Kravchuk.
The group then boarded the Eurostar train to travel to Paris, France, which took them under the English Channel. The students took an excursion to Louis the XIV’s extravagant Palace of Versailles, where they explored the royal chambers, the Hall of Mirrors and the extensive gardens. This palace was where Marie Antoinette lived, was captured and beheaded.
“An interesting fact the students learned was the saying ‘Let them eat cake,’ was originally from the people who wanted to bring her down,” said International Club adviser Tammy Antoniewicz.
They also visited Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the most famous site of all, the Eiffel Tower. Afterward, they explored the Louvre museum and took a scenic boat ride along the Seine.
“My favorite memory was looking out at the street life from the balcony in Paris,” said Cassandra Becwar.
The next morning, the group boarded a flight to Florence, Italy, where they went on a city sightseeing tour with a local guide providing commentary. They saw the Duomo, Ghiberti’s Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce and the magnificent Michelangelo’s David.
Upon arrival in Rome, the group spent the morning touring a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman emblem, the ancient Colosseum and the Roman Forum. “I am standing where Julius Caesar once stood,” stated a very excited student. “It is such a thrill to be here.”
“My favorite memory was the Colosseum in Rome. I’ve watched so many movies, especially with my brother, that took place in ancient Rome. I know he would have loved it!” said Jacqueline LaHaie. “Also, I just loved Rome alone. Roma, Italia!”
The students learned it wasn’t exactly like the movies though. The gladiators at the time were not chiseled and muscular, but round and stout.
“When the crowds gave a thumbs up, that meant the gladiator should die; a thumbs down meant that they should be spared,” Antoniewicz said. “This is the opposite of what we have learned in the movies.”
The group also toured the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. The students and adults learned the Vatican is its own country that runs efficiently on its own. A wall runs all the way around the city, and visitors have to go through security to enter.
They also were able to live “La Dolce Vida,” touring a gelato factory to see how the famous Italian ice-cream is produced. Several students took part in the making of the gelato and all exclaimed that it was “delicioso!”
The group stayed approximately three days in each country. The laidback, European lifestyle will forever stay in their memories, as will the lessons learned from the different habits and ways of life.
Some other culture shocks the group recalled were the traffic laws. Pedestrians don’t have the right away. Going out for dinner can become a three-hour affair including eating, chatting and relaxing. Bidets graced every bathroom in each hotel they stayed in. Of course, the language as well as political structures are different from the American way. The biggest shock of all was the authentic Italian, French and English cuisines.
The students unanimously agreed they would travel again and would encourage others to go abroad. The International Club has some students wanting to study abroad in college now, and the club has some alum students who have stayed in other countries for some of their higher education after graduating from Prairie du Chien High School.
The International Club travels every other year and any Prairie du Chien High School student is eligible to join. The club helps students gain new perspectives on culture and their world as well as exposing students to different civilizations. The group fundraises throughout the year to help students fund their trip.
“I believe with all my heart that travel has the power to change lives. It helps us to better understand our world, to challenge assumptions and to uncover biases. A trip like this is more than a vacation–it’s a tool for learning with fun and excitement built in,” Antoniewicz concluded.
