The VHS Globetrotters traveled to Spain and Italy over spring break. The group arrived in Madrid and spent two days exploring the sights of the city. In Madrid, they visited the Prado Museum, which houses works of Goya and El Greco, and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of King Philip V. The group also took an excursion to the historic town of Toledo, famous for its swords.  Transferring through Zaragoza, the group arrived in Barcelona. The Globetrotters visited La Sagrada Familia and Parque Guell, both designed by Antoni Gaudi. One evening was spent enjoying traditional flamenco dancing.  An overnight ferry took the group to the Italian port of Civitavecchia. Through a rainstorm, the group experienced Rome at Night. The next day they toured the Vatican Museum and heard part of an address given by the Pope. St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain were also visited. The legend of the fountain says that throwing in one coin means you will return to Rome, two- you will return with someone you love, and three- you will find love in Rome. The group also explored the great gladiator Coliseum and the Catacombs, a Christian burial ground. The group was treated to Italian pizza and gelato (ice cream.)  With a fond farewell to the tour director, Chris Morrison, the Globetrotters departed for home. Casey White, junior and three time Globetrotter, commented, “I have always been interested in the Coliseum. It was so amazing to actually see it and go in it. I no longer look at the globe as just faraway countries, but I wonder what the countries I have not been to are like. I always enjoy learning about the different cultures and just learning in what ways they are different."  Juan Aldana, senior, said, “I got to see all those places that you see in movies, such as the Coliseum, and that you also hear about in history. The things I liked the most were the Coliseum, the Pantheon, Toledo, and the Vatican. It was really exciting because that is the goal of each Catholic, get to visit the Vatican; and it was even better when we saw the Pope.”  The Globetrotters’ trip was also filled with humor. Casey White recalls, “After the flamenco, I fell down the stairs in my dress! It was a really graceful fall though!” Juan Aldana remembers when, “Ben Rouse started choking while he was chewing gum!” Of course, they will always remember the guide with the pink umbrella.

                ~ article taken from the VHS Talon