Krakow

Last weekend, a group of our students and teachers traveled to Krakow Poland on an optional trip. Typically, CCI offers one optional trip per semester. They are organized by our teachers, and are designed to allow our students to experience more of Europe while studying in Italy. 

Krakow is a short flight from nearby Pescara. The group arrived in the late afternoon, in time to visit the Main Market Square before sunset. It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The group then split up for dinner; some had traditional pierogies, others had steak or went for Mexican. Afterward, students were able to explore the medieval core before curfew.

The group had an early start on Saturday, leaving at 7:00 a.m. for a tour of Auschwitz concentration camp. After speaking with the students and teachers, it was clear that the tour was a powerful experience and will make a lasting impression on everyone.

After a humbling morning, the group returned to Krakow. Most students ate together at a traditional Polish restaurant for local delicacies. Later, they met in the main square to see street art, horse-drawn carriages, and chase bubbles.

 

Sunday was another busy day. It began with a walking tour of the Jewish district. The guide told our students a variety of stories about the history of the district, World War II, and shared humorous legends from the area, as well as some trivia about the filming of Schindler’s List. Afterward, some students chose to visit Schindler’s factory, while others stuck around to try different types of traditional Jewish food.

 

 

In the afternoon some students opted for a less conventional activity and visited a haunted house attraction. An evening tour followed, called Secrets of Krakow, it was a mix of ghost stories and history. It ended at the famous Wawel Castle at sunset.

The group had an afternoon flight on Monday, allowing for a leisurely morning stroll through Planty Park and arriving at Wawel Castle. This time, the students and teachers were able to enter, and visited the cathedral, gardens, and “dragon’s den”. Before leaving for the airport, there was time for shopping along the popular Florienska Street.

I wish to thank our teachers, Ms. Desmarais, Ms. K, and Mr. Power, for taking on the added responsibility of the optional trip, and for ensuring our students had an enriching and memorable experience.

Dziekuje! Do widzenia