STUDENTS' 90-MILE HIKE THROUGH SPAIN

Spanish teacher Eric Picconi writes: Eight HHS students hiked in Spain over April break, led by me and Math teacher Eve Ermer. The first five days were spent hiking part of the the famous pilgrimage route El Camino de Santiago, beginning in Puente la Reina and ending in Belorado. During the march of 145 kilometers (91 miles) the group saw Roman roads, ancient bridges, enormous and ornate cathedrals and churches, and pastoral views with blooming flowers.

In the days that followed, we visited the cities of Burgos, Segovia and Madrid. In Burgos we marveled at the city's cathedral and museum. In Segovia, we saw the breathtaking ancient aqueduct and the fortress of Queen Isabel. The students roamed the narrowing, winding streets of the walled city of Ávila before heading to the capital. In Madrid the group visited the Prado museum, the Reina Sofía modern art museum, and the Royal Palace. We also strolled through the gigantic city park, El Parque de Buen Retiro, and finished by doing plenty of sightseeing, people watching, and shopping near the Plaza Mayor. Everyone returned home exhausted, but with plenty of memories to share with friends and family.