Some St. Joseph High School students recently ventured into the land of Shakespeare, Saint Patrick and kilts recently, and returned with a new perspective on the world.

Thirty-five students and chaperones visited Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland for a nine-day trip arranged through EF Tours, an organization that arranges learning experience/cultural tours.

EF Tours provided lodging, tours, transportation and meals plus a tour guide. The trip abroard provided those who went with memories to last a lifetime.

What was your favoriteplace to visit?

“My favorite place to see was Windsor Castle. It was amazing to see the history behind the castle. Knowing that it had been around since King Henry VIII’s reign was really amazing.” — Sunni Clyse

“My favorite place was Edinburgh. It was pretty and I wasn’t expecting such a big city.” — Charliegh Haas

“My favorite place was London. It was more modern in some places, but it still had a lot of history to it. I also loved how big the city was.” — Ashley Gannon

“Ireland was my favorite place. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. Secondly, the National Galleries of Art was breathtaking.” — Katie Schwab

“My favorite place was the Tower of London. Built in the 11th century, it is filled with history. It was neat to see the crown jewels and be able to walk through the White Tower and Bloody Tower and actually picture the events that took place there. It was surreal.” — Kara Jordan

Which transportation did you enjoy most?

“The overnight sleeping car train between Edinburgh and London. The beds, pillows and blankets were comfy and the rocking motion of the train was so soothing.” — Glenna Hopkins

“The ferry was pretty cool because it was pretty much a cruise ship.” — Chad Harvey

What did you notice of the different cultures that are similar to yours?

“It was great to be in a foreign county that speaks the same language we do. The strangest part was driving on the left side of the road.”

— Glenna Hopkins

“Time is the most interesting culture change for me. In Ireland, hardly any stores are open before 9 or 10 in the morning. However, in London, time is of the essence. Londoners are very punctual people.” — Anthony Whaley

“Well, Ireland was greener than America but the hills and mountains were kind of similar.” — Cat Redden

What types of food did

you enjoy most?

“They had fast food places such as Burger King, Starbucks and McDonalds. What was different was that they had tea time.”

— Allison Stump

“The sandwiches were the best food in my opinion. They have a variety ranging from pork and applesauce to chicken BLT.”

— Anthony Whaley.

“The fried prawns (shrimp) with chips (French fries) and soda bread and soup (the soup was really good) and in London,

I had Indian food.”

— Gabrielle James.

Describe what meant the most about your travels

“The fact I have now been to the land of my ancestors means the most to me.” — Levi Hopkins

“Getting to experience different cultures and going to all the sight-seeing places. Those are things you won’t forget.”

— Lindsay Bryant