Day 22: Sun, Sand, and Celebration on the Italian Coast
Day 22 of our Grand Tour of Europe brought a perfect blend of sun-soaked relaxation and joyful celebration. With Rome still buzzing in our minds, about half of our group opted for a beach day escape to the stunning Italian coastline, ready to soak up the Mediterranean sun.
With sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach towels in hand (but curiously, no hats!), our students boarded the bus for a scenic drive to the coast. Upon arrival, the scene was like something from a Monet painting—a crystal blue sea, gentle waves, warm sunshine, and a refreshing breeze. Awaiting us were rows of chaise lounges and umbrellas, set up and ready, making it easy for everyone to settle in and enjoy the day safely and comfortably.
Sunscreen application was… let’s say enthusiastic for some, less so for others (lessons learned!). The water was cool, clear, and incredibly inviting, with the first brave swimmers quickly confirming it was the perfect temperature for the day. A highlight came when the local lifeguard organized an impromptu swim race, which Paiten won with flair (though she cheekily admitted to running much of the way). He followed up with beach sprint races, and to everyone’s surprise, Teo surged ahead with lightning speed, outpacing Donte in a thrilling finish.
Meanwhile, a group of curious students learned from the local bartender that edible clams could be found in the sand. Excited by this discovery, they managed to locate one and returned to ask for preparation instructions. Though told how to cook it, they lacked the proper tools—so in true beachside fashion, they tried to convince the boys to eat it raw. No takers!
After a long, laughter-filled day, we regrouped in the nearby beach house to wait for our bus. It was clear that a few of the boys had skipped a second coat of sunscreen, and their rosy shoulders told the tale—they’ll be feeling the sun’s embrace for the next few days!
Back in Rome, students had a short window of free time to relax and regroup before heading out again—this time, for a fantastic dinner in the heart of the city. The restaurant exceeded expectations with a delicious spread starting with crisp bruschetta, followed by unlimited wood-fired pizza, and ending with a rich and creamy chocolate mousse for dessert.
The evening was capped off with a special moment—Yousef’s 17th birthday celebration! The entire group joined in a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and he was presented with a slice of cake to mark the occasion.
From beach games and sun-kissed adventures to a joyful birthday dinner, Day 22 offered the perfect combination of relaxation, laughter, and meaningful moments. As we near the final days of our journey, spirits remain high and memories continue to grow.
