WIZARDS GO WORLD WIDE

By GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ

Over this past spring break, many WHS students, family members, and teachers packed their bags and travelled to the beautiful country of Greece.  Greece is known for their gorgeous blue waters and their fascinating archaeological sites.  The group started their journey out of Newark International Airport and flew nine hours to Athens International Airport where they met their tour guide, Carol.  It truly was the trip of a lifetime and one that will not be soon forgotten. 

GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY 

As the group reached their destination, no time was wasted.   They arrived at around three in the afternoon and quickly dropped off their luggage, ate dinner, and began exploring the city.  Their first destination was up to the highest point in Athens which gave a breathtaking view of the entire city at night.  Exhausted yet exhilarated, the tourists treated themselves to the most  delicious gelato any of them had ever tasted.  

The next day, the group went on a cruise to three of the islands, the first being Egina.  Here they tasted fresh pistachios and pistachio ice cream and were able to see the Temple of Athena which is the first of three sacred temples in Greece.  On the second Island, Hydra, the visiting Wizards were able to ride donkeys though the streets to explore the city.  On the final island of the day, Poros, the group saw an amazing view of the city and surrounding water from a high bell tower.  The fun did not stop on the boat ride back to Athens; there was plenty of singing, dancing, and, for some, napping.  

The tour was fortunate enough to be able to take another flight to one of the countries largest islands: Crete.  On their first day at this new destination, the group had an opportunity to go to the beach, where the water was frigid.  This didn’t stop the braver Wizards!  Many couldn't resist this opportunity and jumped right in!  

Over the next couple of days, the group went to many of the different museums and ruin sites learning more and more about the rich history and culture of Greece.

Wizards enjoy a beautiful day in Greece.

When the group made their return to Athens, they went to the famous Acropolis, home of the famous Parthenon, and the second sacred temple.  The group hiked to the top and saw another one of the amazing views of the city and then went to the Acropolis Museum that is home to many of the statues that once decorated the city.  They also saw the first modern Olympic stadium, built in 1896.  

On their last night in Athens, the group attended Greek night, where they watched traditional Greek dances, ate Greek food and, even smashed plates yelling “Opa!”  It was a great send off and certainly one of the highlights of the trip.

On the final day, the group was able to complete their journey by heading up to the final sacred temple, the Temple of Poseidon.  With that, members headed to the airport, sadly saying goodbye to Greece, yet thankful to be taking with them memories that will last a lifetime. 

This was not the last opportunity to travel with Mr. Leonard, Mr. Bacher, and Mrs. Campbell. Next spring, they will be traveling to Southern Italy for a ten day tour.  If you are interested, there will be a student meeting directly after school in room 242 on April 16th.  There will also be a parent meeting at 7 pm in the auditorium, on Tuesday, April 17th.