A Safari in Italy

Yesterday (10/21), the 5th and 6th grade classes ventured to a Safari Park in Pombia, Italy.  It took about an hour and a half to get there by bus.  I was dreading the trip with 50 kids, but it actually turned out to be somewhat calm, since they were allowed to bring electronics on the "Romantic Tours" bus.  This wasn't the typical yellow school bus, but instead much more luxurious.  This was the first part of trip that would be different in the US.  The second part was when we went on the "Safari" that was similar to what you might do at the Wild Animal Park, on a much smaller, less impressive scale.  We were in a small train like car enclosed with windows.  As the train drove along we were able to see, ostrich, zebras, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, antelope, and then we entered the area where the lions and tigers were kept.  Sally and I were thinking, "well for these animals I'm sure there is another fence...but no not in Italy."  We weren't actually scared, but just felt it was another part that made this trip unique.  The leone bianche, or white lions were housed behind another fence...we figured they must be more ferocious.  We also observed some monkeys and of course it happened to be at the perfect moment, when they were in the act.  Luckily, the kids weren't as observant at this point.  After the Safari, we had lunch in a little area that looked like the set of a western movie, complete with country music!  The funniest part is that anywhere in Italy, even at the Safari Park, you can always find caffe.  Yes, sometimes it is out of a machine, but it is readily available.  From there, we went to a Falcon Show that was narrated in Italian only, and then the reptile house and aquarium, which I have to admit was pretty pathetic coming from San Diego and studying the ocean for a week at SSF.  After the "academic portion" the students had the afternoon to enjoy some rides, which include a pirate ship swing, a caterpillar roller coaster (kiddie size), a giant slide, and of course a log ride.  It was all fun and games until the kids started getting soaked on the log ride.  We had to put an end to the fun quickly.  We finally boarded the bus about 4:00and started the drive back home.  Arriving back at school close to 6pm was not an opportune time.  Everyone was exhausted...but I was excited because my Mom was arriving the next day!!!  Pictures are coming...