From March 30 to April 9, Mr. Bullard, along with Mr. Valenti, Mrs. Krolikowski and Mrs. Ricci, took 20 students in grades 9–12 from SHS, where they traded their textbooks for passports and embarked on the trip of a lifetime across Europe. What began as a simple school excursion quickly transformed into an unforgettable whirlwind of iconic landmarks, hands-on experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.
The adventure kicked off in the Netherlands, where the group dove straight into Dutch culture and history. Students walked solemnly through the Anne Frank House, gaining a powerful connection to WWII history, then admired masterpieces at the Rembrandt Museum. They also experienced traditional Holland by learning how to make authentic Dutch cheese, watching a lively demonstration on crafting wooden clogs, and touring iconic windmills. The magic continued with a guided canal tour through Amsterdam, gliding past charming gabled houses and lively bridges under sunny Dutch skies.
Next stop: Belgium! In Bruges and Brussels, the group rolled up their sleeves for a delicious highlight—learning to make authentic Belgian waffles from scratch. Golden, crispy, and topped with fresh toppings, these waffles earned rave reviews and became an instant favorite memory. A guided walk through Bruge the students walked amongst swans, lace-making shops and a Cathedral with Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child.
The journey then swept into France, where Paris and Versailles stole the show. At the opulent Palace of Versailles, students explored the lavish life of Marie Antoinette, strolled through the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, and wandered the sprawling, perfectly manicured Gardens. Back in Paris, the energy soared as they toured the Fragonard Perfume Museum, wandered the bustling Latin Quarter, stood in awe beneath the towering Arc de Triomphe, and visited the beautifully restored Notre Dame Cathedral. On Sunday, April 5th, they were treated to a magical surprise: the cathedral’s bell tower anthem ringing for a special day.
Art lovers were in heaven at the Louvre Museum, and later students hiked up to charming Montmartre for panoramic views. The Paris finale was pure magic, climbing to the second level of the Eiffel Tower at night to witness the City of Light sparkling below them.
The final chapter took place in London, UK. The group witnessed the precision and pageantry of the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, explored vibrant Trafalgar Square, and wandered through the world-renowned National Gallery, standing face-to-face with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet. They stepped back in time at the Tower of London, snapped photos with London Bridge, and capped off the trip with high-energy excitement at a live Bromley Football (soccer) match, cheering alongside local fans in a true British experience.
From cheese-making and clog demonstrations in Holland to waffle workshops in Belgium, solemn historical reflections to thrilling soccer chants, this SHS History Department Europe Trip blended education, culture, and pure fun in the most spectacular way. These 20 students didn’t just visit Europe; they truly lived it.
