From Ferrara to the Frasassi

Following our first week of classes and activities in Ferrara, it was time to take an Italian road trip!

The first stop on our excursion were the Grotte di Frasassi — an elaborate and ancient cave system that stretches deep into the mountainside of the Marche region. Between naps on the bus, our students had their first experience with Italian rest stops (and all the treats that come along with them). Caden tried to sneak away with a 5lb bar of dark chocolate, and Izzy was on the hunt of Haribo gummy bears. Both attempts were futile.

After checking into the hotel, we set off for the refreshing, chilly caves. 

The Frasassi equivalent stateside are Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. While our guide entertained us with myths and legends of the various structures, we snapped photos and marveled together at how intricate these formations were. Some looked like candles; others like towers from fantasy stories. The largest stalactite was nicknamed the Sword of Damocles, and there's even an entire section with Christmas-themed stalagmites that resembled shepherds and Santa Claus. 

 "No flash, please. Grazie."

After scavenging the tunnels inside the mountain, we climbed up to the top to find a church carved into the stone. 

Needless to say, we earned the view and the breeze that awaited us up top!

The climbing continued well into the next day with our trip back north to San Marino. Nestled atop a mountain is the fortress of the old city center, as well as the central parliament of the state. San Marino is a country within a country: it is proudly independent from all of Italy that surrounds it. In the photo behind us is their equivalent of the Statue of Liberty, but the true treasure is that chipper group right in front. 

Brothers Elio and Giovanni (sporting his best Sunday shirt) took a moment to soak in the vistas. Tuscany ain't the only region with all the views, people.

Following a lovely tour and a hearty lunch, the ragazzi had free time to browse the local shops and pick up souvenirs for everyone back home. I know they all have far more photos than I do from this little weekend stint, so parents, please bug them about it when they return. As for the three hour bus ride back north to Ferrara, well... all z's. 

"Un weekend perfetto!" - Matteo, fan di Ricky Martin