Chasing Spring: A Europe March Break Trip Recap
By Ethan Starkman ‘28
Over the March Break, 31 CDS students embarked on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the south of France, Spain, and Monaco. We immersed ourselves in European culture, exploring ancient coliseums, castles, churches and Roman ruins.
After our connecting flight through Paris, we landed in Nice, our home base for a couple of days, where we discovered the city's rich history and stunning waterfront views. We then explored ancient cities such as Antibes, where we saw a Picasso museum; Saint-Paul-de-Vence; and Èze, where we toured a perfumery.
Next, we explored the rich, vibrant country of Monaco, where we saw the changing of the guard and the luxury-car-filled streets of Monte Carlo, before returning to France and heading into the city of Nîmes.
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After settling into our home base of Nîmes, we visited the university town of Aix-en-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence. Next, we toured the coliseums and Roman history in Nîmes before heading out to the castles of Avignon and Carcassonne.
Finally, we ended our French leg of the trip in Trèbes with a tour of a chocolate factory before heading across the border into Barcelona, Spain.
In Barcelona, we had a cooking lesson making traditional Spanish Paella, followed by a tour of the abstract art of Joan Miró. Then, we put on our dancing shoes for a Flamenco dance lesson, where we learned basic movements before sitting down for dinner and watching the experts.
Next, we had our “Gaudí” day, where we admired the Sagrada Família and La Pedrera - Casa Milà, and ended the day at Park Güell.
We concluded our trip in Montserrat, where we saw breathtaking mountain views, explored the Basilica of Montserrat, visited the FC Barcelona stadium, and then finally headed back home with memories that will last a lifetime.
A big thank you to Mr. Vien, Ms. Bevacqua-Tirone, Sra. Stefanescu, Mr. Viotto, and trip organizer Rachel for their dedication in making this incredible experience possible.
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Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
