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Excursions Through the Islands A Walkthrough of the First Annual Cuban Heritage and Tour of the Florida Keys

Fun in the florida keys

On January 20, students in the Florida History Honors, Caribbean Studies Honors, Spanish Literature Honors, and AP Spanish Literature classes as well as the members of Rho Kappa Honors Society and Bernadette Scholars were invited to spend the day learning about Cuban Heritage and the History of the Florida Keys. Throughout the day, the girls were all to experience everything that the Keys has to offer.

The Little white house

The first educational encounter of the day was touring the "Little White House" where the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, would spend his winters as well as host diplomatic gatherings.

"I really liked this stop because I've always been interested in presidential history, and it's really cool to see how a president lived up close." - Olivia Bell 23'

olla'board the conch train

While aboard the Key West Conch Train Tour, the students were all to see the architecture of Conch homes, La Terraza de Marti, the Key West lighthouse, Hemingway house, Audubon house, Customs house, St. Paul' Episcopal Church, and the southernmost point in the U.S.

mile 0

If Key West is known for one thing, it's the iconic mile marker that reads "Mile 0." This mile marker indicates the southernmost point in the Continental United States. Not far from this mile marker stands a commemorative "buoy" or rather, a very hearty piece of storm drain painted to look like a buoy which makes note that this point is only 90 miles away from Cuba, and pays tribute to all of the brave Cubans who risk their lives crossing the ocean I hopes of starting a better life in the U.S.

emerging in the arts

The Conch Train tour made a stop at the San Carlos Institute, also known as "La Casa Cuba", where the students watched films on the history of this symbol of freedom and hope. Students then read Spanish poems by the famous Jose Martí to celebrate the institutes 150th year since its commencement.

commemorating the artist

José Julián Martí Pérez was a Cuban nationalist and poet. Martí was involved in many coups and revolts against the tyrannists who were in control of the Cuban government. Martí ultimately died in the midst of battle. He was one of the main symbols of Cuba's bid for independence from the Spanish Empire in the 19th century.

sunset celebration

At Mallory Square, the students enjoyed some after-dinner treats while watching a very notable sunset. While any sunset in the Florida Keys is bound to be a good one, Mallory Sure is known for having some of the best views in the entire archipelago.

"Watching the sunset with my friends was definitely one of the best parts of the day. We all got Italian ice and had a lot of laughs." -Juliana Sequera 26'

The immaculate heart of mary

To finish the day, the students attended a candlelight procession and prayer service in the grotto at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Basilica, the first church in the archdiocese. St. Mary's first opened its doors in the summer of 1905 and is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and inspiring history.