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January 20, 2024

Travel to Poland

Matthew Sawicki

Happy New Year everybody, I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family. Hopefully you all had a Merry Christmas and got to spend time with your loved ones. For my Christmas break, I was able to spend time with my family in Poland who I have not seen in a few years. Despite the main focus of the trip being family, I just wanted to write a little about the country and some of its features. Obviously, I will be a little biased but I do think it is worth reading for some insight into a potential travel destination of your own. 

I think that it’s important to note that I spent the vast majority of my time there at my grandparents’ house in a very rural setting near Leżajsk, a nearby town; I didn’t go into any of the major cities so I can’t really comment on them, other than when I was around seven or eight years old and only remember eating ice cream. One of the first things that jumped out at me was the difference in infrastructure, especially housing. It’s difficult to describe the difference but houses in Poland are definitely more simplistic and basic, not only in terms of their design, but also the materials they’re composed of. Houses in Poland were frequently constructed out of concrete or bricks, creating a home that had a very flat and smooth surface. Sometimes there were even wooden cottages that people lived in with no modern insulation or infrastructure. The use of these simple materials created an aesthetic that was almost a little dull, but there’s no denying that it was very warm inside from the cold.

There isn’t too much to discuss in terms of my own thoughts on Poland and it being a country worth visiting since the vast majority of my time spent there has been for family time, rather than for popular tourist destinations. However, one place that I can absolutely recommend is the Tatra Mountains, a beautiful mountain range. Specifically, the Morskie Oko Lake, which has the options of either walking up to the top, or simply being taken there by a carriage. The views are gorgeous from the bottom of the mountain, all the way to the top; Once you reach the summit, there’s a cozy cabin to relax after a long hike, resting near a lake that is beautiful in the summer and winter time. There is even a segment of the mountains where you can take a sky tram, taking in even more views while you reach the top for skiing.

In terms of other attractions to visit, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a very popular tourist destination for its historical importance and decor, all carved out of salt. The mine features four chapels, corridors, statues, and the Chapel of St. Kinga, a chamber where everything top-to-bottom is made out of salt. 

Another popular destination would be visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps in Oswiecim. These camps act as a reminder to everyone of the tragic and bleak lives led by many prisoners, offering insight on what was experienced on a daily basis. Although it is an attraction created out of tragedy, it is certainly interesting to visit and observe its historical impact.

One final place to visit would be the Old Market Place located in the city of Warsaw. This marketplace is also rich with history, as it is not only the oldest part of Warsaw, but was occupied by German forces during WWII. Despite its destruction in the aftermath of the war, it has been rebuilt to exactly the same way it was before. This cute market is very colorful and lively, an area that is very welcoming to all. If you can, you should definitely visit and pick up some souvenirs. I think I may have, but I only really remember the ice cream.

October 20, 2023

Travel to Uzbekistan

Julia Baymuradova

Uzbekistan, a small but majestic country in central Asia, is an amazing place in which to book your travels. Before traveling to Uzbekistan, there are various historical, cultural, and general details about the country that are important to note.

Within Uzbekistan, there are many languages spoken, primarily Uzbek, Russian, and Tajik. The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent. There are about 36 million inhabitants in Uzbekistan.

The land of Uzbekistan is a place of historical significance, as it was a part of the silk road, a trade route linking China with the Middle East and imperial Rome. 

In terms of its government and independence, Uzbekistan was a part of the USSR in 1924. Uzbekistan declared its independence in the recent year of 1991, and since then, the country has only been governed by two presidents: Islam Karimov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is still in office. 

Uzbekistan is considered a predominantly Muslim country, with the majority of its citizens being considered of the Sunni Muslim faith. In Central Asia, Uzbekistan is considered to be a devout country. About three-fourths of the population is Muslim. 

Uzbekistan is among the world’s leading cotton producers. It is known for its orchards and vineyards as well as its sheep and silkworms. This is possibly due to ample sunlight, mild winters, fertile soil, and strong pastures. However, in recent years, Uzbekistan has suffered from a major depletion of the great rivers, which has caused speculation over the sustainability of Uzbekistan’s water sources in the future. 

In addition to its cotton exports, Uzbekistan is also a large producer and exporter of natural gases. In all of its economic endeavors, the national currency in Uzbekistan is called the sum.

Lastly, Uzbekistan showcases its cultural heritage through magnificent monuments including the great mosques and mausoleums of Samarkand, specifically Registan Square as well as many other fine tombs, mosques, and palaces. These monuments hold the culture, religion, and history of Uzbekistan in the highest regards.

Uzbekistan, overall, can be seen as a unique and exceptional country to plan a trip to visit. With this important information regarding Uzkekistan’s culture, religion, language, economy, and values, you are to begin a new traveling adventure.

May 29, 2023

Travel to Florida 

Karissa Bishop

Florida is an incredible wonderland of sun, sea, beauty, rich history and interesting destinations. Florida is a peninsula and the southernmost US state. On one side, the Atlantic Ocean lines Florida, with the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Proximate states include Alabama and Georgia, meaning that Florida is truly one with southern life. 

As Florida is almost surrounded by water, it has countless beaches to visit. The most popular beaches are Delray Beach, Lummus Park Beach, Siesta Beach, South Beach and Clearwater Beach. Along with being perfect spots to relax, these beaches offer opportunities to surf, swim, kayak, parasail and play volleyball. 

Florida’s weather is a key feature in its allure and its positive feeling. This state maintains relatively warm temperatures throughout the year. Average low temperatures tend to settle no lower than about 49 degrees and average high temperatures reach around the 80s and 90s. People are able to plan vacations at any time of the year because of this desirable climate. This, however, can spark issues for Florida residents as they are unprepared for cold weather or snow most of the time however, this state provides a warm getaway for all. 

This type of weather provides an excellent environment for all types of wildlife. This can include dolphins, alligators, various birds, manatees, lizards, bats, snakes and fish. A student at CHS, Victoria Witrak, even mentioned in an interview that she “liked Florida because of all the wildlife, such as lizards”. So, many people enjoy the diverse and interesting nature that they encounter in Florida.

Florida is the ideal vacation spot, containing irresistible destination spots like Orlando, Disney World and Miami. Orlando is the theme park capital of the world with many attractions that will provide fun for people of all ages. One of these parks is Walt Disney World. Named after Walt Disney, an American animator, film producer and entrepreneur who founded Disney World, this place has resorts with different themes that provide luxury and entertainment. However, its most amazing quality is its world renowned amusement parks. There are four theme parks within it: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and EPCOT. Other amusement parks near Orlando include SeaWorld and Universal Studios.

Cromwell High School’s Band and Chorus recently went on a trip to Florida as a group. They visited each of the parks and had a great time. They even performed one day during the trip. A student and band member at CHS, Kathry Sakulas, said “When I went to Disney World and Universal, this was a very new experience for me. This was the first time going on a school trip where we had to fly to the location. When I was on the trip, I was able to visit Universal for the first time, and I was able to go on new rides in Disney World. When I was at Disney World, I was able to go on many rides, and I was able to eat various foods. The food was very good at Disney World and Universal. In Disney World, we had freedom to go around with a chaperone, and we went with our friends. When we went to Epcot, we went to the Imagination campus. The Imagination campus is an enriched education experience for music students. As a band student, I learned how to play new Disney songs which was very fun. We played some short Disney songs from a variety of movies, and then we started to record the songs. The conductor conducted us to the same beat as the movie. We played two songs from Moana, and he included our recording with the movie. Then the technician made a video including pictures of us and a movie clip with the recording. The award ceremony was in Universal. We first went on the rides, and then later in the day, we went to the ceremony. During the ceremony, there were kids from the elementary school to the high school. Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and Select Choir got first place which was so amazing! Also, Nathan Millette won a soloist award in the jazz band. The funniest part was that we were the only jazz band at the competition. Overall, this experience was very fun, and this trip allowed me to have many enriching experiences. 

Miami, Florida is known for its wealth and excitement. It has amazing sites to see and places to visit, making it a popular place for influencers  and even celebrities. Miami has a high population of 442,241 and much of Miami culture is influenced by Cuban ways of life. Sports teams, famous landmarks and pretty beaches are extremely common throughout Miami. 

This state has an amazing history that goes back millions of years. This state was actually underwater until about 23 million years ago. Native American inhabitance can be traced back around 14,000 years. When colonization began, Florida was then inhabited shortly by the Spanish and then Great Britain. Then, in 1845, it was admitted to the union as a US state. Since then, it has been an integral part of the nation. 

Politics in Florida is primarily Republican. This political party has held the state for the majority of the era of Democrat/Republican politics. Although its southern region is more liberal and its northern region more conservative, Florida typically leans towards the right side of political and social beliefs overall.

Florida, with its many beautiful places and thriving lifestyle, is the epitome of American culture. It is an amazing destination that leaves all who visit feeling fulfilled and yet always longing for more. 

April 8, 2022

Travel to Cape Cod 

Elyssa Efici

Cape Cod is one of America's most historically significant communities. It also has some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the world. These are only a few of the reasons why people love coming here, but there are a plethora of other fascinating facts about Cape Cod that even locals are unaware of. This peninsula right outside of Massachusetts has a large quantity of shoreline, including some of the country's oldest and most magnificent lighthouses. While enjoying a wonderful day on the beach, you can see several of these amazing monuments by traveling the many pathways along the island.

A popular area, Provincetown, on the northernmost tip of Cape Cod, is a renowned tourist destination with a rich history. This is where the first English settlers set foot on the island and a Pilgrim Monument was built to commemorate this historic event. P-town also offers a wide range of restaurants, little shops or boutiques and bakeries. 

The Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory in Hyannis offers the most delectable chips you will ever taste. Everything at this place is methodically done by hand to ensure the flavor  and you even have the opportunity to take a factory tour. Yarmouth is another wonderful historic district, which extends 39 miles along the cape. There has not been a single building built in the last 100 years of Yarmouth port, leaving the port with distinct and aging buildings. But along the two-mile stretch, there is a variety of breakfast places, hotels, shopping, eating, galleries and more. 

Natural landscapes have escaped the look of modernization and that is why finding one in this densely populated Cape is so remarkable. The Lowell Holly Reservation, located in Mashpee,  is a 135-acre forest that has been untouched for at least the last 200 years. This is a memorable site to visit with astonishing views for those who love nature. Cape Cod is primarily known for its sandy beaches, lobster rolls, and relaxed atmosphere. The island. Hyannis MA, has a lot of fun to offer such as Jewelcraft, the Cape Cod Chocolatier, The Local Juice, Barnstable Brewing Co. Chatham offers Chatham Jewelers, the Chatham Sign Shop, and Cape Cod Lanterns. The Cape Cod Mall is located in Hyannis MA and Mashpee Commons is located in Mashpee MA with both shopping and dining areas. 

Cape Cod is a beautiful environment and a nice place to get away from hustle and bustle, where relaxation meets the heart and mind, and an adventurous spot in history. Fishing and boating are also very fun things to do in the Cape with numerous boat launches and fishing spots. On Cape Cod, there is a little something to fill the expectations of everyone, which explains the popularity of this vacation destination.

April 6, 2022

Travel to Arizona

Arianna Bishop

Arizona is an underestimated state for travel. While many people see Arizona simply as a dry, hot, desert in the middle of nowhere, when you take a closer look, you can find many treasures. Arizona is in the southwest part of The United States. There are a variety of beautiful national parks, water sources, monuments, and cliffs with great photo opportunities. The weather is typically warm and sunny in the south, where there is a mostly desert area, but colder in the north, where there are mountains for skiing and many other activities. There are many great tourist attractions that you should be sure to make a stop at if you are preparing to plan a trip here

There are many great cities in Arizona, some including Phoenix, Sedona and Flagstaff, all connected by the same highway. Phoenix is a flat plain by the Salt River, and is considered the “Valley of the Sun”. Sedona, to the north of Phoenix, is an area surrounded by beautiful red rock, state parks, and other exciting ventures. North of Sedona is Flagstaff, an open and free snowy area that is perfect for skiers who would like to balance their time skiing and vacationing in the sun. Further north still lies the Grand Canyon, six mile deep cliffs entrapped in waterfalls, hiking trails, and more, making it one of seven wonders of the world.

Besides these many places to see, there are also so many activities to do. Sharon Bishop, a frequent traveler to Arizona describes to us her many experiences in Arizona. She tells us, “To start you can be swimming in the hot sun in Sedona while three and a half hours North and you can be skiing in the mountains of Flagstaff and I know somebody that did that. It’s hard to believe but the Grand Canyon just goes on forever and on top of the Grand Canyon there is Red Rock, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and others. There are ATV’s and hot air balloons, horseback riding and river rafting, which we did and got off in the canyon before the rapids. One of my favorite memories was climbing one of the summit rock formations, which we were able to climb half of the way up”. There are also Indian reservations with a lot of Native Americans there that would sell various goods along with old carvings in caves. It is a beautiful and wonderful place to visit.” 

Kelly McTeaugue, a Sophomore at Cromwell High School, tells us of her own experience while traveling to Arizona. She explains, “We first stayed in a city called Sedona for a couple hours away from Phoenix. It was a lot cooler than the Grand Canyon and the heat wasn’t too bad. There we did a Jeep tour that took us around a place called Seven Canyons and learned about the environment. They had places that served things like cactus, rattlesnake and alligator. The Grand Canyon was very pretty and the most interesting part of it was probably the old cave paintings that they had. I would totally recommend Arizona because I had a great time here and I think everyone should have the chance to enjoy this visit as well.” Kelly encourages anyone looking to travel to visit Arizona due to the wonderful experiences that she had.  

Some more memories of Arizona are shared by Patricia Johnson, a visitor to Arizona on multiple occasions. She recalls, “I remember eating in a Wild West restaurant, which had old time banks and cars and buildings. It was a great experience. Another favorite memory I have is as my husband and I were riding up and down the mountains near the Hoover Dam, we saw a cow standing way up on a hill on top of the mountain. I have no idea how it got all the way up there but I remember thinking it was very funny. I had a great time in Arizona.”  

As you can see, Arizona is not only a beautiful place for photo opportunities and sightseeing. Arizona is a place to share memories with your loved ones that you will treasure forever. Arizona has an abundance of cities to see and activities to try. You will be sure to find enjoyment and happiness in the gorgeous and beloved state of Arizona.

April 6, 2022 

Travel to Ireland

Karissa Bishop

Ireland is an amazing country that is a beautiful and interesting vacation place. The history in this country is buried in every grassy hill and stone structure. One of the most popular aspects of Ireland is its many beautiful stone castles that have intriguing historical aspects to them as well. Although many think these castles belonged to royalty or wealthy families involved with royalty, they actually served to be strong, reinforced homes for Clan chiefs and Anglo-Norman settlers. Anglo-Norman settlers were a medieval ruling class in England. This class was mostly made up of ethnic people following a Norman conquest. 

Popular castles include Bunratty Castle, in County Clare, Ireland, Cahir Castle in Tipperary, Ireland, Ashford Castle, Malahide Castle, in Leaf Island, Ireland, Ross Castle, in Killarney, Ireland, and the Donegal Castle, in Milltown, Ireland. Ireland is also well known for its hearty and homegrown meals. With its long dairy, sheep, and cattle farms, much of the food there is organic and natural. Some of the most popular dishes include Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boxty, boiled bacon and cabbage, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, and coddle. 

In an interview with Ms. Emanuele, a student teacher here at CHS, she said, “I went to Ireland to study Irish Theatre. We saw two lovely shows in Dublin - and my favorite was a retelling of Alice and Wonderland. We saw a lot of the Irish countryside. Very lush and green, and even on foggy days it was beautiful. We had a traditional stew for dinner on one of the nights and it was delicious. I was in Dublin on St Patrick's day and their parade was amazing. The floats are made especially for the theme of the parade every year and that year's theme was music and nature. Marching bands from all over the world came to perform in the parade!” 

There are also so many amazing fables and stories that originated in Ireland. The story of the leprechaun is an Irish story that dates back to medieval times and America began to take part in the St. Patrick’s day traditions involving the mythical creatures. Fairies were also said to have originated in Ireland in Celtic folklore. They were said to be able to take any form and would bring the humans that interacted with them misfortune. The banshee, a common horror story in America, also originated in Ireland. It was said that a banshee’s screams could be heard if a family member of yours recently died. 

As a whole, Ireland is rich with interesting history, delicious foods, amazing sights, and deep connections with magical creatures from stories we tell in America today. People who visit will be truly enlightened and awed by the many aspects of the country that make it so wonderful.

​April 11, 2022 

Travel to Iceland 

Julia Baymuradova

In Cromwell High school, Mrs. Hundley and Mrs. McBride traveled together to Iceland and was kind enough to share their experiences.

Iceland is a small island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a nation of stark temperature, geology, and cultural contrasts. The country's ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges are dotted with sparkling glaciers. The offshore Gulf Stream provides a surprisingly mild climate for one of the world's northernmost inhabited places. There are abundant hot geysers that provide heat for many of the country's homes and buildings, allowing for year-round hothouse agriculture. Mrs. McBride even mentioned that heat and hot water were very cheap because the people utilize geothermal energy from all of the volcanoes to heat their homes. 

Iceland was colonized by a mixed Norse and Celtic people more than 1,000 years ago during the Viking age of exploration.The early population was mostly made up of Norwegian seafarers and adventurers, who encouraged more trips to Greenland and the North American coast. Despite its geographical distance from Scotland, its closest European neighbor, of 500 miles (800 kilometers), Iceland has remained an integral part of European civilization throughout its history.

Reykjavk is the island's capital and is known as "Bay of Smokes".  “Bay of Smokes” is a popular filming location for movies/tv shows like Game of Thrones and Star Wars, noted Mrs. McBride. The capital was the site of the island's first farmstead and is now a prosperous metropolis. Akureyri, on the north-central coast; Hafnarfjordur, on the southwest coast; and Selfoss, in the southern lowlands, are the other important population centers.

Iceland is a Scandinavian country that is the world's oldest democracy while remaining modern in almost every way. For instance, Iceland is a strong supporter of gay rights, mentioned Mrs. McBride. They even saw some of their roads painted with rainbow crosswalks-though they were covered with snow during the time they were there. It is also ethnically homogeneous, to the point where genetic researchers have employed its residents to study inherited problems and discover remedies for a variety of illnesses.  Apparently, many people who live there know each other with set family names/lineage. They joked that their dating apps make sure you are not dating your cousin remembered Mrs. Hundley. 

Icelanders take great care to retain their traditions, customs, and language, despite their increasing integration into the European mainstream. Many Icelanders, for example, still believe in elves, trolls, and other supernatural characters from Norse mythology.  Mrs. Hundley and Mrs. McBride were able to see little tributes to elves and fairies in most of the stores in downtown Reykjavik. 

Food is quite expensive there. For example, Mrs. McBride revealed that a coffee could range from $8-10 and French fries cost almost $20 USD. Iceland is known for their hotdogs, lamb, and canned fish though Mrs. Hundley agreed that wasn’t her favorite. A favorite for both Mrs. Hundley and Mrs. McBride was the Swiss Mocha. It’s a hot chocolate made with real Swiss Chocolate and homemade whipped cream. 

People in Iceland have a much more active lifestyle than Americans. On one of their tours the tour guide mentioned that exercising everyday was considered one of their national pastimes.  

A frustrating experience for the teachers was the Northern Lights. Apparently they do not appear green and vibrant to the naked eye as you see in the pictures. It was a gray/yellow wispy cloud that can only be seen through a hyper extended camera lens. The weather conditions have to be perfect, and even then there is no guarantee you will be able to spot them. If you do, you need specific camera settings with long exposure to capture the green effect you see in popular photos. A cell phone isn’t going to work. 

Regardless of that let-down, Mrs. McBride said it was like they were on another planet and recommended signing up for all of the tours to see the landscape as much as you possibly can. It is a beautiful country that is so unlike anything you see in America. So Make sure you budget well because meals are very expensive. Mrs. Hundley recommended going with your friends to make those memories and experiences. 

March 9, 2021

Travel to Ireland

Julia Baymuradova

Ireland is located in western Europe. This country is bordered by the Irish Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Celtic Sea. It’s geographic isolation has allowed the country to develop culture that is directly linked to the Gaelic language. Due to its whereabouts, the country is covered in lush greenery from the abundant amount of rain. Ireland is also distinguished by the tales of tiny leprechauns and the folklore that is produced.

Ms. D’Orvilliers, one of the Spanish teachers at Cromwell High School visited Ireland on a trip. She revealed that the weather in Ireland in April when she visited was the exact same as in the U.S. Ms. Day stated, “This was so different for me as I was traveling there from Spain. In Spain during spring (and even winter), the weather was in the 60s and 70s. In Ireland, the weather was back to overcast and chilly in the 40s to 50s, just like it is in the states.” 

When asked about the biggest difference in how people live there, compared to here she explained that there is a lot more public transportation available. Additionally, people in Dublin can walk more easily because everything is within walking distance. During her time there she took a bus, taxi, or walked mostly. She said to get from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, you have to take a bus ride that is five and a half hours, but this lengthy wait was so worth it in the end. 

Ms. Day stated, “The cliffs of Moher were incredibly beautiful and in addition to the main Cliffs, the bus tour I went on also took us to the “baby cliffs” which looks like a set in an ET sci-fi movie.”

During her trip, she went to a famous bar called Temple Bar. It is best known for their ciders and whiskey but also for the live traditional Irish music that is constantly playing. She said she ate a nice little lunch at a restaurant called “The Shack Restaurant”, which is prided in serving authentic Irish cuisine. 

When asked about any cultural norms that would be helpful for someone to know before visiting, she said, “Hmm… not really. Ireland is very similar to the US. It is important to note that the Catholic religion is very prominent in Ireland. Also, humor is a large part of their culture. The Irish have a reputation for their wit and humor. It is common for the Irish to trade insults and tease one another (called “slagging”) with people to whom they are close. If you are teased, it is important to take it well and not see it as personal.”

Travelling to different countries definitely has its ups and downs, a frustrating experience for Ms. Day was that data outside of the US differs depending on cell phone plans and in Ireland, the cost to use data was incredibly high. She said she ended up trying to find hotspots, but when she couldn’t, she didn't have the ability to use her phone, which was very stressful since she was in a foreign country. 

Ms. Day suggested going to Phoenix Park in Dublin. Phoenix Park is 22 acres of  gorgeous land with all the flowers in bloom to display Victorian horticulture at its best. Sometimes you can also see deer walking around the property as well. She said when she went, the deer were not out. The best part: it is free admission! She described St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Phoenix Park stating, “The flowers in bloom were so beautiful and the ability to just walk around, relax, and take in the sights was such a relaxing experience on a trip that seemed to be so quick paced.”

When asked what advice Ms. Day would give to someone who was going there for the first time to plan out your trip before getting there so that you can experience as much of Ireland as possible. For example, she stated, “Going to the cliffs of Moher took up an entire day! (We were up at 4:30 am and arrived back home by 9pm!) So then we only had 2 days to squeeze in everything else we wanted to see. We had to make sure that we were grouping together sites in similar areas and making sure to prioritize the important sites we wanted to visit.”

Ms. Emanuele, a teacher at Woodside Intermediate School also visited Ireland. She mentioned that what surprised her the most was how vast the Irish Countryside is! She stated, “I saw so much greenery and pastures with sheep!” She described the coast as quaint and further described a coastal town that they stopped by. It had a small museum of the history of that town, a taffy shop, some boutiques, coffee shops, and local restaurants. She said it was just a true small town feel.

For transportation, she traveled by coach bus everywhere. During her stay the group she traveled with had this lovely meal in Skellig overlooking the water!  She said, “My friends and I got a bunch of different entrees - and the shepherd's pie was so good!”

When asked about the super-touristy thing that they did which was surprisingly awesome, Ms. E responded with, “My group went to Ireland and our last full day was on Saint Patrick's day! How lucky were we? Very! The day of Saint Patrick's was amazing from start to finish! I have never seen so much green clothing! In Dublin they have a parade - and their floats were STUNNING. There were marching bands from all over the world who performed. Everyone marching in the parade had fantastic costumes to match the floats they were walking with.” 

Overall, Ireland is an amazing country with a lot of history to back this phenomenal place up. There is so much to do and so many differences from the United States to see which is so amazing.