From September 21st to 24th we went on a four-day field trip to the Southern Dalmatia. During this cultural-sport field trip we explored the cultural-historical sights of the towns of Korčula and Dubrovnik, and participated in a variety of sport activities such as sailing, water polo, swimming and kayaking.

Our journey started with a flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. The landing to Dubrovnik was amazing! First we took the cable car to the top of the Srđ Hill and admired a breathtaking view of the Dubrovnik Old Town. Then we took a walk down the Stradun from the Pile Gate to the bell tower learning about the best Dubrovnik sights along the way: Onofrio Fountain, Orlando Statue, St. Blaise Church, Sponza Palace and Rector’s Palace. We walked along the City Walls while enjoying unique views of the city fortresses, squares and palaces, narrow streets as well as the island of Lokrum and the crystal blue sea. After delicious lunch in Mali Ston we went on a ferry to the island of Korčula, where we were accommodated at the hotel in the small village of Lumbarda for the next three days.

On the second day we split into two groups and both groups got to enjoy sailing in the Pelješac Channel, and water polo and swimming training in an indoor pool. After lunch and enjoying the “žrnovski makaruni”, traditional Korčula home-made pasta we were sightseeing the town of Korčula, Marco Polo House and Town Museum.

We also visited the small islands in the Korčula Archipelago - Stupe and Vrnik. Moro Beach Stupe is completely self-sustainable and environmentally friendly: solar panels collect solar energy and produce electricity, a desalination system turns the sea into drinking water, and modern purifiers solve the wastewater problem. The island of Vrnik is the site of the oldest Korčula quarry. Korčulans were skilfully working and selling their white stone all over the Adriatic area. The high quality limestone from Korčula is incorporated in some of the best known buildings in the world. There is also an old school where we sat into an old classroom equipped with the replicas of old desks, an original abacus, a blackboard, sea sponges, inkwells and writing pens. While listening the stories of our guide Ms. Sunčana and writing our name using a seagull feather pen we definitely felt the unique charm of the island of Vrnik.

On the third day we went on a boat ride to the island of Mljet. We learned about two salt water lakes in the Mljet National Park, visited the Benedictine monastery on St. Mary Islet and explored natural and historical heritage of the island of Mljet while admiring the spectacular scenery of this breathtaking island. Kayaking on the Large and Small Lake perfectly rounded off our excursion. After the action-packed day we came back to Korčula and watched the traditional sword-dance “moreška” that was performed at the Open Air Cinema.

On our last day we visited the town of Cavtat. Sadly after lunch we needed to go back to Zagreb. We came back home with the vivid impressions of this really action-packed field trip that we will never forget. We had authentic experiences, met local people, became completely immersed in local culture and had once in a lifetime experience.

 

You may take a peek at some field trip assignments:

Travelogue by Yue Z. (MYP3)

Haiku by MYP0 students

Historical sources by Leda Š. (MYP0)

Travel Brochure by Sara Z. (MYP0)

Smaragd juga by Gea L. (MYP3)

Kamen koji priča priče by Fran K. (MYP3)

Smaragd juga by Katja (MYP3)