Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monte Bianco By Claudia and Ilze
Today we went to Mont Blanc. We got to school really early as in 7:40 am. We squeezed into a tiny bus and started the trip to Mont Blanc. It took three hours rather than the predicted two for some unknown reason. This didn’t matter though because of the amazing scenery that we saw. Once out of Turin we saw lots of little houses dotted throughout the countryside. After a while we got to the mountain region where we could see the snow capped mountains surrounding the Turin valley. There were also lots of little villages that had many Swiss characteristics and vineyards on the steep mountain slopes. We spotted a few castles in the mountains as well.
Finally we arrived at Courmayeur, the little town below Monte Bianco. We got out of the bus and realised that our bus had run away with our things as it was leaving. We tried to stop it but resorted to catching another bus to where we had to go. Luckily we knew that it was coming back at 3!!!! In the meantime we climbed a tower and took photos of the amazing views of the town and mountains.
The bus took us to the cable car station and we bought our tickets. Some people were nervous about going up the mountain suspended in the cable car due to the 5000 m heights. We were packed in like sardines but we could still appreciate the stunning panorama. We could see the entire town from above and were next to the high peaks. Our first stop was at Pavillion Du Mont Frety at 2173 metres. Here we could go for short walks on the mountain trails and take photos of the rocky mountain sides, including the snowy peaks which we had not yet reached. There was also a small cafe where many of us indulged in hot chocolates with cream. Even though they cost €3.50, they were still worth it as they were the best. We sat drinking these while eating the lunches our hosts made for us.
From there we took 2 more cable cars right up to the top. We froze and we will never ever complain about Mount Gambier’s winter again!!!! For some people it was the first time they had seen snow and everyone had fun throwing snowballs, even if it meant we couldn’t feel our hands!! The border of Italy and France passed through the top of the mountain, so we travelled between countries in seconds. Luckily we had clothes supplied by our host families, which kept us from freezing, but we were still very cold. From the top of the mountain we could see the other peaks below us which were in the clouds. This was a surreal experience. After about 20 minutes we rushed back into the warm cafe to thaw out. Some people even bought another hot chocolate to warm them up. It was also a chance for us to buy souvenirs for friends and family.
After a while we left the cosy cafe and headed back into the freezing cold to go back down the mountain. Some people stayed behind and took photos in the snow with a statue of Jesus. He is everywhere in Europe. When we reached the bottom we bought more souvenirs.
We had an amazing and unforgettable time in this extraordinary part of Italy/ France. We love the beautiful natural surroundings and old towns of this area. Of course our time here is made so much better by being with our friends.
By Claudia and Ilze
Ciao! By Maddie and Taylor
Since beginning in Italy we have seen and experienced many amazing things and we can see just how lucky we are to visit such a beautiful city. Our favourite thing so far was when we went to Valentino Park. In this park Iris, Leo, Marta, Maddie, Ely, Bree, Federico, Francesco, Francesca, Darcy, Elena, Jenna and I (Taylor) went for a walk through the medieval castles and buildings, observing all the different equipment and shops from the medieval times. While walking through we also saw a large water fountain of which at first we assumed was for observation only. However we were told by the Italians that it was in fact a drinking fountain which surprised us. We then tried to drink from the fountain which was very funny as we looked quite silly. The next part of the day was the best experience. While walking we came across these bike/cars. These bike/cars could hold four people (one driver and 3 peddlers) which only costs 10 euro per four or 2.50 euro each. Keenly Maddie, Iris, Bree and I handed them our money and quickly rode away. This was lots of fun because we had races against the other Italians. Screaming, scuzi and grazia we made our way through the crowded pathways. I must admit i was not the best driver (better then Bree) so we had many close calls of running into ususpeecting Italians who simply laughed at us as we whizzed by. So yes have no fear we are quite safe, if anything the Italians should be worried for their safety beacause the Australians are in Italy.
Belgiorno! Jes and nick here keeping you updated on the Italian trip so far!
Belgiorno! Jes and nick here keeping you updated on the Italian trip so far!
Well today we are heading up to the mountains to check it out. So far we have made a long trip from Mount Gambier to Turin and since then have seen and experienced many different things. On the first day we were introduced to our billets and taken into the home that would be ours for the next 12 days. We woke up on the Saturday to get ready for school which was really weird considering we don’t go to school on Saturdays in Australia (thank god!). After school, which finishes at 12ish or 1ish depending on the day, we hit the towns! It was amazing to see the markets and shops that they have here (like guess and Chanel) and the food! Pizza and pasta all the way! J we then hit the city centre which is the biggest centre in Europe! Luckily enough they were celebrating something so we also got to watch some fireworks! It was great.
After such a tiring and amazing day (and still being jet lagged) we all headed home! On the Sunday we had some well earned rest and all spent time with our host families doing different things. On Monday we then got ready for school again. At school, the tenison/grant groups had split up to have presentations to the students. Half of us had power points and the other half went into different classrooms to talk about different things to the students. All the students were very welcoming and asked a lot of questions about Australia because it was so different from their own town! (They also spoke fluent English which was good for us). After school, the tenison/grant group hit the malls for some hard earned shopping! Well that's all so far and shall keep you updated later!
Arriverderci!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Today (Monday 27 September) students spent the day in school presenting talking point presentations to Italian student covering a number of topics about the Australian way of life.
At the conclusion of the school day students travelled to the old Fiat Factory for an afternoon of retail therapy. Located in the Lingotto district, Turin's FIAT factory first began building its luxury automobiles here in 1923. At that time it was the most advanced factory in the world, with an assembly line that rolled new cars out onto the roof level, where they could be test driven. It is now a modern complex of shops, concert halls and a hotel, but parts of the old factory remain and can be visited.
For many of you back home who have not travelled to Italy may be familiar with the FIAT factory and seen it on the film ‘The Italian Job’
To get to the shopping complex students walked through the Olympic Village of the 2006 Winter Olympics which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006.
On Tuesday students will travel high up to the mountains of Mont Blanc where they will spend the day take a cable car to the top where they will spend the day in the snow and mountains in territory and climate which is so unlike the countryside in sunny Mount Gambier.
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