Seventeen LCDS students traveled to Italy over spring break, visiting major cities and experiencing the country’s food, culture and daily life.
From the artistic center of Florence to the busy squares of Rome, the trip was a firsthand look at a culture where the history is ancient, the pizza is unsliced, and the water is never free.
The architecture left a strong impression on the group. Sophomore Noor O. described the Duomo in Florence as “completely breathtaking” and “insanely big.”
For others, the visit to the Vatican became a defining moment of the trip, leaving them in awe of its history and artistry. Sophomore Olivia G. said, “My most memorable moment was seeing the Sistine Chapel because you could see all the paintings that you learned about. It’s kind of a surreal thing because it’s like, no way Michelangelo actually painted that.”
The trip wasn’t just about daytime sightseeing. One of the most memorable moments was a final group dinner in Rome. The evening followed with a walk through the illuminated city.
Being in Italy meant adjusting to several cultural differences. Sophomore Noor S. said she ate gelato every day, while pizza was often served as whole pies rather than slices.
One of the biggest adjustments to the Italian lifestyle was the lack of ice. Drinks were often served at room temperature with no ice. Along with the lack of ice, they had to pay for water at the restaurants, and most public restrooms required a small fee to enter.
The trip also included unexpected challenges while navigating city streets. Noor O. described a close call with a street scam in which a man tried to pour bird food into her hands to attract pigeons and distract her. “He just started trying to pour food in my hand… so that the pigeons could swarm me and then try to pickpocket me,” she said.
Despite those challenges, the group found people in Italy to be welcoming and friendly. Chaperone and Upper School Math teacher Mr. Walsh said, “Everyone was just really nice. You know, clearly I was an American, and when I tried to speak Italian, I thought they were really appreciative of it. They take a lot of pride in their language.”
Students also offered advice for future travelers. Noor S. said, “Pack Light. I brought way too much stuff and had to carry my heavy suitcase over all the cobblestones, it was not fun.” They also recommend wearing comfortable shoes for lots of walking.
Students described the trip as a memorable experience that balanced structured activities with free time to explore. Mr. Walsh said, “I think it’s a phenomenal experience. It’s a great opportunity to travel the world with your friends.”
