Exploring undiscovered Italy
Stanley Wasilewski, BA 60, views the world through an artist’s eyes. Having recently returned from Italy, he makes thoughtful, poetic observations as he shares the memories in his photo album.
The Sir George Williams University graduate, a retired school principal, and his wife Eva, also a Sir George Williams attendee, visited the undiscovered Italian region of Apulia with the Concordia University Alumni Travel Program.
From their luxurious hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea in Polignano a Mare, the group enjoyed day trips to surrounding areas. Among their stops were the towns of Bari, Lecce, Ostuni and Trani, with its Jewish ghetto and Norman ruins.
They visited unique dwellings in Alberobello, a small town declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unusual districts of trulli — conical-roofed, limestone houses. The prehistoric construction technique has survived intact and functions in the modern world. Also on the itinerary were tours of a winery and olive farm.
Once in Europe, the couple tacked on an additional week in France. “I did so much walking on the tour in Italy that I had to buy new shoes in Paris — certainly well worth the worn soles. The trip was just spectacular! Every town has its own special atmosphere,” says Eva.
“Our local guide Daniella was superb. In the many towns we visited, everyone knew her and greeted us warmly. Not only was she knowledgeable, she was our ray of sunshine. Roberto, our driver, was good natured, experienced and thoroughly knowledgeable of the terrain. Our lead tour guide, Mike, presented us with a daily agenda and was always helpful and attentive to all our needs.”
The Wasilewskis’ album — filled with Stan’s lovely pictures of majestic, sandstone buildings, caves, domed structures, playful, winding streets, a beautiful coastline and more — contains few shots of people.
Stan prefers to observe the world before him through the eyes of its historical inhabitants, imagining how life might have been in centuries past. He envisions children playing in the cave-like dwellings of Matera. He imagines what went into the creation of a building, statue or natural formation.
He notices the way the sunlight plays on a statue in a dark church. “The hands of the artist show themselves in very unique, different ways, in different places.”
Having visited Italy several times before, the Wasilewskis had never seen the southern part of the country. They had some experience with group travel, but this was their first time travelling with a group of people they didn’t already know.
“Travelling with other university graduates proved to be a very enjoyable experience. We discussed books, other trips and all sorts of things with people who started off as complete strangers and came to be friends,” says Eva.
“Exploring a part of the world with like-minded, university-educated travel companions is part of what makes the Concordia University Alumni Travel Program interesting,” says Yanick Dahan, Coordinator, Marketing and Alumni Services.
Concordia works with various tour operators to bring together alumni from universities across Canada and the United States. Guides include professors and experts in their subject areas, be they regions, archeology or the natural world.
“Our trips are carefully selected to offer unforgettable memories to curious, worldly travellers,” says Dahan. Most trips include excursions, meals, onsite lectures, qualified local tour guides and a full-time tour director for a comprehensive cultural experience.
Nearly 90 Concordia alumni have participated in the Concordia University Alumni Travel Program since it was launched it in 2008. Alumni and friends of all ages are welcome to join.
The 2012-13 calendar features a wide variety of exotic destinations, including India, Turkey and Haida Gwai in British Columbia’s Queen Charlotte Islands. Enjoy early-bird savings on Pearls of Southeast Asia (save until July 24), Tanzania Safari (save until July 26), Jewels of Antiquity: Cruise from Cannes to Venice (save until October 9) and Sorrento: The Divine Amalfi Coast (save until November 20).
To subscribe to the Travel Program mailing list and receive your free wall calendar, contact Yanick Dahan at yanick.dahan@concordia.ca or at 514-848-2424, ext. 3819.
Related links:
• Concordia University Alumni Travel Program
• Read diaries by past Concordia University Alumni Travel Program participants