Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Performances in Italy and Greece

Throughout our excursion to Italy and Greece, we have had the pleasure of listening to some wonderful performances near beaches. These performances were truly entertaining. 

Here are two videos, a Jazz performance from Sperlonga and a Traditional Greek dance in Crete!

OPA!








Sunday, 28 July 2013

Goodbye Athens!

Today was a very busy final day in Athens. We started our morning with the final exams in both English classes and the History course. After the successful completion these courses, we went on our Tour of Athens. If you recall, our first attempt at this tour was postponed by the protests. Exploring and learning about the history of Ancient Greece was very interesting, especially the National Archaeological Museum, the Olympic Stadium, and the Acropolis!

We returned back to the hotel after the tour and started getting ready for our final dinner. We ate dinner at a traditional Greek Taverna located in the Plaka. Not only did we have amazing food, but we were entertained all night with live music and performances. It truly was a treat on our final dinner together. Delicious food, live music, and great friends was the perfect way to end this memorable GHT summer experience!


Tomorrow, travelling back to Toronto!


















































Friday, 26 July 2013

Student Snapshots of Inspiration!

Here are a few words from our students about their experience! They have longer versions in their journals they will share when they return! 

Special Birthday wishes to Farrah and Carine!!!

Tomorrow, back to Athens!


This course was much different than any other course I’ve taken. Learning about Ancient Romans in Rome and Ancient Greeks in Greece made everything much more interesting and fun! Walking in Ancient Greek and Roman footsteps brought education to life! Sarah

I’ve never been so excited to learn in my life! The teachers are hilarious and easy-going and the trip was significantly better because of them. By far, the best month of my life. Caroline

I’ve had a great time making friends, having daily laughs, and learning about Ancient History. What an experience! Serena

This trip was the most amazing experience of my life. I came on my own and am leaving with lifelong friends. This trip helped me grow as a person and will always cherish these memories! Neil

I want to stay for another month! Danielle
         
Amazing places, people, and experiences. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the summer! Kristina

Unforgettable experiences, people, places and FOOD! Best summer EVER! Monica

They said this would be the trip of a lifetime and without a doubt, it has been. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Victoria C

Truly, an experience like no other! Carine
 
Thank you for this trip! Had one of the most amazing months of my life!!!! Alanna

My experiences in Greece and Italy have been amazing! At first I thought it would be just the excursions that I would remember, but now it’s the memories I’ve made with friends on the trip. Thank you Georgia Hardy for such an amazing summer! Victoria T

This trip was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. Four words to describe the trip; One Of a Kind! Hannah

A perfect trip with all the perfect people! Was this trip perfect or was this trip perfect? Jacqueline

I had a great time on this trip! It was an amazing experience. Michael

My experiences on this trip have been nothing short of phenomenal. There were no negatives about this trip. Matthew

First thing to do in Italy; Eat Gelato!
First thing to do in Greece: Eat Feta!
Things to do constantly; Have fun with amazing friends! Jovan

Had a great time exploring Italy and Greece and meeting new people. It was awesome! Christian D

Yelling “OPA!” while setting saganaki on fire is an American thing. Other than that heartbreak, I loved the trip! Alex

A rock in between each toe, home I go. Fly, fly away, Greece and Italy. I’ll miss you everyday! Emily

One of a kind trip! Amazing experience. Chantelle

After this trip, I will forever be bitter about living in the suburbs. Kelly

A month went by WAY too fast! Loved every second. Madison

I have had the time of my life on this trip! Jessica

Made some new, great, friends. I had a great time touring through the most beautiful places in the world! Christian R

Interesting trip, lots of memories, had a fun time. Damian

Sick times here, made new friends and learned I can’t budget money! Nicholas

I had lots of fun on the trip and met new people. Harnoor

This experience has strengthened my political views. Victoria S

Italy and Greece were amazing! The food, culture, people, and experience was worth every minute! Farrah

I have made so many experiences and met some great people on this trip. It really was an amazing way to spend my summer! Lauren

If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way. Tess

My Georgia Hardy trip to Greece and Italy was a great experience with incredible places and amazing people. Max

No one does prosciutto like Italians! Sara

I can’t fit into two lines how amazing this trip has been! All I know is that I will never forget it! Kristen


Of any experience I’ve had travelling this has been my favourite. Everything I’ve learned and the friends I’ve made will stay with me forever! Helen

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Poetry at its Best!

Both English classes have been working hard on their final essays as well as poetry. Here are a few poems from our Georgia Hardy Students!


Where I Belong by Emily Debowski

It strikes you like a fire,
You cannot stop this growing desire.
It was so unclear before,
There is no confusion anymore.

This continent is like my one soulmate,
It is nothing more than fate.
My roots have always been here.
I want to live my life without fear.

It is time to let my dreams come true,
I love Europe through and through.
My children will dance and play,
On the cobble stone streets one day.

The countries unite together, unshy,
They are unified diamonds in the sky.
All are unique like blades of grass,
All the best in this world of mass.

Life is quick like a small fire,
No time to tire.
You must go out and fill your desire.
___________________________________

The Mountain by Tess Power

I felt her eyes observing me,
Standing beside her as small as a flea.
My fears a volcano erupting,
My dreams slowly corrupting.

I start my quest up the rocky path ahead,
A path as narrow as thread.
Feeling the potential as I get higher,
Closer to the top reaching my desire.

As close to the sky as can be,
Like a bird feeling as free.
Looking down observing the view form the peak.
Her magnificence and grace leaving me unable to speak.

A dream coming true is like climbing a mountain,
Successes showering me like the Jet d’Eau fountain.
She smiles at me as we part,
Mount Vesuvius is natural art.
___________________________________

The Colosseum by Victoria Trinetti

So tall and mighty, enduring the test of time
A thousand eyes like piercing knives
Watch as its arches glow in the darkness.
These are the knives that ended so many lives
To keep the structure standing.

I stared at the ruin, the powder of the dead;
Millions of the stone that lay on their bed.

I’ve lived for the day
When I would see it in the flesh,
To relive those moments
Where a man’s heart beats through his chest.
With strength and courage as he stares face to face
With an animal that has been trained to chase.

The blood, the glory, the crowd cheers without worry,
The tone is bittersweet.
As the dust settles upon the round stadium
I begin to wonder, what’s beneath my feet?
___________________________________

#thestruggle by Chantelle La Rue

We’ve been playing a game of hide and seek,
Fi and I.
She’s not in the room, I’ve checked all the cupboards.
Not under the bed, the whole room I have covered.
Caught a glimpse by the door, like a humming bird she was;
Hovered for a moment and was off with a buzz.
I’ve tried the first floor, The lobby, and the pool.
The elevator’s empty, this is so not cool.
Fi is elusive, She is a tease.
I’ve had enough of this game, Fi do come out please!
I’ve given up on this search.
After it’s all said and done, I’ve gained all of nothing.
This game was no fun, And with that I’m finished.
No more searching for me, Fi is the winner
As she has always been.
As I slouch in this armchair, trying hard not to cry,
All I can think is, Why, WiFi?
___________________________________

She is Legend by Victoria Cartright

Serenity is with her today
As she lies unmoving, statuesque.
Others look on in dismay.

Her skin glistens like diamonds
Rosebud lips pouting, causing eyes to wander.
She is an entity, an island.

It is a guessing game as to what is going on in her mind.
Her face impassive, assure eyes cool as ice.
Legend has it she can free herself from an bind.

That she herself is a powerful tool
Designed by the heavens
Fated to prove everyone else the fool.


Tuesday, 23 July 2013

Santorini and Greek Festival!!

Today was a Greek delight! We made our way to the picturesque island of Santorini. The white homes with blue windows and roofs was exactly as we had imagined. The views on our walk were breathtaking! This small island has a huge place in our hearts.

Upon our return, we were met with a Greek Festival. It was a traditional Greek dinner with music and dancing. The performers topped off a perfect day!

Tomorrow, class and English poetry!