UNITY — After postponing for a year, due to the pandemic, the UCHS Travel Club flew to Europe on Friday, April 15.
The four students, two parents, and teacher Morag Riddell landed in Frankfurt, Germany where they joined a group from North Carolina. The group then travelled to two small towns before touring around Munich, and climbing up to the Neuschwanstein castle, upon which the Disney castle was based.
They drove through Austria and spent a morning in Innsbruck, where they toured the Swarovski Crystal showroom and store. At Venice, Italy travellers rode a water taxi into the city and toured Doges Palace, St Mark’s Square and the Murano Glass Factory and enjoyed a gondola ride.
One of the best-preserved Roman arenas awaited in Verona. They then journeyed to Lucerne, Switzerland before heading to Heidelberg to visit a castle that contains the world’s largest wine barrel.
All of the UCHS travel students who participated are in Grade 12. Jarret Lauinger, being of German descent, enjoyed all the sights in Germany, especially the last meal of bratwurst and sauerkraut. He also enjoyed walking the ancient cobblestone streets of the various cities visited.
James Rutley and his father, Ron, were thrilled when the tour director arranged an early morning trip to look down upon the Rutli meadow, the birthplace of Switzerland and the locale of an ancestor’s home.
Jace Ducherer and his mom, Rachelle, enjoyed the beautiful old buildings when they weren’t shopping. Jace bought the perfect pair of Italian leather shoes for graduation.
Alexis Elder, being a competitive downhill skier, was in her element in the mountains of Austria and Switzerland. She especially enjoyed a gondola ride to the top of Mount Pilatus located above Lucerne.
Morag Riddell, after teaching Romeo and Juliet for many years, found the balcony in Verona especially interesting, and also wandered farther to find Romeo’s house.
Those who took part in the trip gave it high marks and even though masks were required in several places, and noted it was almost like travelling before the pandemic.
Next year the UCHS Travel Club is planning a trip over Easter and expanding to include Grade 9 and 10 students (if accompanied by a parent), Grade 11 and 12, and interested adult community members. The group will be traveling to Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain. Contact Miss Riddell for more information.
