This article was originally published in the Fall 2011 Harker Quarterly.

Harker journalism students started their summer off with an exciting trek to Europe, accompanied by journalism teacher Chris Daren and English teacher Pauline Paskali, to learn and write about the continent’s rich culture and history.

The first stop on their trip was the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, where they searched out stories and interviewed the artistic director of the new Harpa concert hall, as well as Katrin Juliusdottir, Iceland’s minister of tourism, energy and industry. A day of sightseeing followed, traveling along the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route in the south of Iceland. Among the many breathtaking sights were Skógafoss Falls, the Sólheimajökull glacier and a still-sunny sky at 11:48 p.m.

The group then traveled to England, where they stayed at the Old Rectory in Tattingstone, Suffolk, to complete their assignments from Iceland and begin work for fall journalism activities. While there, the students were visited by veteran Associated Press photographer

Harry Hamburg, who shared his vast knowledge and many amusing anecdotes with the group.

Venice provided the next fodder for the journalists. The area around Piazza San Marco was canvassed for stories, and the remainder of the time was spent sightseeing and working on their assignments, as well as enjoying a special dinner at a 700-year-old restaurant.

Paris was next, after lunch during a brief stop in Milan. During their stay in the City of Lights, the students visited the Louvre Museum and toured the river Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. They also stopped by the Eiffel Tower, where they enjoyed authentic French crêpes.

Back to England! In London they interviewed Member of Parliament Yasmin Qureshi of the Labor Party, who gave the students a tour of Parliament and answered questions about her job. The group was permitted to see the House of Commons and House of Lords in session, a fine treat for these inquisitive students.

Articles and photos chronicling the journalists’ exciting journey through Europe are posted at www.talonwp.com.