Editor’s note: Josh Allen, 16, is a sophomore student-athlete from Presque Isle High School.
This year I went on my second trip to Europe with the Dutch Soccer Academy during April vacation. I got the chance to see Italy and play soccer games. I am very privileged to be able to take these trips as they are very enjoyable and also broaden my cultural horizons.
“We’re there,” was the only thing I could think about after stepping off the plane I had been confined to for almost 10 hours in our trip from Maine. A sigh of relief came over me. I knew the hardest part was over. Now the real fun could begin.
Having been to Europe before I knew the fun awaiting me was not to be conventional amusement park fun. The fun I would find here in no way could be foreseen — it would just come as the trip went on.
We spent our first day in Rome, and that is where the gelato addiction started. It is amazing that something as simple as ice cream can taste so good. By week’s end I must have blown nearly 50 euros on the frosted treat.
Our first day in Rome came to a close and we were forced to travel again. This time, however, the traveling was different. Wanting to soak in every part of the country I could, I just sat in my seat and gazed at the passing countryside. What I was gazing at was one of the most beautiful landscapes I had ever seen. The region of Tuscany is very diverse, ranging from magnificent mountains to clear beaches. The whole countryside was scattered with vineyards and beautiful trees.
The vineyards were quite something. We had the pleasure of visiting one. In the short tour of the facility, we learned not only about the technique and care it takes to grow the olives or grapes, but also of the cultural significance the products have to the country. The two major products we learned about were olive oil and wine. Everywhere we went in Italy, wine and olive oil were easily found.
The cuisine in Italy was really scrumptious; there is no such thing as a bad meal. From the starting dish (usually pasta), all the way to the dessert, everything was great. It is amazing the amount of combinations of cheeses and sauces that top various pastas. The Italian cuisine is one of the best known worldwide and rightfully so. The simple fact that food can be created to taste so good is an art itself.
Food isn’t the only notable part of life in Italy. Everywhere you turn, you are faced with statues, fountains, mosaics, murals and other amazing works of art. As I saw all of these amazing feats I couldn’t help but get a light feeling in my stomach and a little rush of amazement.
It is one thing to see images of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David or his mural done at the Sistine Chapel, but being there and witnessing the enormity of what was done is an entirely different experience. Almost the entire time I was there I was under these surreal feelings. What I was seeing was amazing and in no way comparable to anything else, but at the same time I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of these great art works.
When I go on these Dutch Soccer Academy Tours, the week flies by. I don’t know what it is about Europe, but it seems like their clocks move faster. Maybe because there is always something new for me to do over there.
I don’t think there was one day in Europe that I didn’t enjoy myself, thanks to the fact everyone on the tour becomes your friend. There was never a dull moment.
Most of the tours were interesting, and competing against the European soccer teams was great, but overall my favorite part would have to be exploring. All of the other things are interesting and important, but it gives me a rush to just witness the city through my own eyes with no expectations.
Robbie and Tammy Krul of the Dutch Soccer Academy deserve thanks for making this trip possible. They are two really great people who have allowed Maine student-athletes and others the chance to view Europe and play soccer.