Fgura Girl Guides’ First International Adventure!
The first ever international trip for the Fgura Girl Guides! A total of seven Guides and Rangers and four Adult Volunteers embarked on an unforgettable journey to Sicily from the 6th to the 9th of August 2024. The group stayed at Pippa’s Paddock – a place we highly recommend! The staff and hosts were incredibly welcoming and always ready to assist and they even had some friendly dogs that added to the charm.
After an early morning flight, the girls kicked off the day by indulging in some traditional Sicilian pastries and sweets, followed by a leisurely walk around Catania. They had the opportunity to visit the war museum and experience an air raid simulation. Afterwards, we made our way to the accommodation, where the girls were able to take in breathtaking views of the mountains and lush green landscapes. They then visited the stables where the horses are kept. For dinner, they couldn’t miss the chance to enjoy authentic Sicilian pizza.
Day two began with a short drive to the Grotte della Gurfa, a set of two-storey, man-made caves. The guide explained a fascinating astronomical phenomenon that occurs during the Spring Equinox, where a beam of sunlight hits an exact point on the cave floor. The girls then hiked around the area, exploring the upper part of the caves. On the return hike to Pippa’s Paddock, they were able to pick and enjoy fresh berries straight from the trees. Back at the stables, the girls were treated to a talk about the horses and naturally, they couldn’t resist going for a horse ride. That evening, the hosts prepared a delicious BBQ, where the group sampled traditional Sicilian meats and sausages.
The highlight of the trip came on the third day -Adventure Day at Parco Avventura Madonie! The girls challenged themselves with high ropes and ziplining courses, making it a morning filled with laughter, excitement and even a few tears! Later, the Fgura Girl Guides took another scenic drive through the mountains for some wild animal spotting – a mini safari, as the girls liked to call it. In the evening, they visited a nearby village for dinner and coincidentally ended up witnessing a Sicilian wedding!
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and the final day of the trip arrived. It began at Lago Nicoletti, a stunning lake where the girls spent time canoeing, taking a boat ride around the natural reserve and even swimming. The girls returned home with stronger bonds and countless unforgettable memories. One thing is certain – this will not be the last international trip for the Fgura Girl Guides!
