After a lengthy bus journey, the group arrived in Chiavenna at 9:00 a.m. The students took a short rest at the hostel before the day’s activities commenced. The hike began with a trek through the forest, leading to the Marmitte dei Giganti – large, circular depressions formed by ancient glacial erosion. Professor Cappelletti provided a comprehensive explanation of their formation, enriching the participants’ understanding of the geological processes involved. Following an extended walk, the group reached a spacious meadow, where they all could enjoy a lunch break against the backdrop of the breathtaking mountain scenery.
In the afternoon, the journey continued along diverse paths, each offering unique and memorable experiences. As the day progressed, the group approached the Marmitte dei Giganti once more, gaining deeper insights into the role of glaciers in shaping the landscape. The rock formations were truly extraordinary, and Professor Cappelletti’s detailed explanations ensured clarity and comprehension. The final ascent led to Dragon Peak, the highest point of the day. The panoramic views from this location were awe-inspiring, resembling scenes from a cinematic landscape. A brief pause allowed participants to fully appreciate the surroundings before continuing the descent, where the beauty of nature and local wildlife left a lasting impression.
In the afternoon, we arrived at the Ostello al Deserto hostel, where we prepared ourselves for dinner at the hostel’s restaurant. We enjoyed pasta with bolognese sauce, schnitzel, and fried chips. The meal was delicious, and the large portions were perfect after a long day of exploring and hiking. After dinner, we returned to our rooms before gathering in the common area for games. We played card games, board games, table tennis, and table football. It was a great opportunity to have fun and connect with students from different countries.
One of the highlights was playing Werewolf, a popular game among German students. Even though we all spoke different languages, we had no trouble playing together. Here’s how it works:
- Roles: Players are assigned roles like werewolves, villagers, and healers using cards.
- Gameplay:
- At night, the werewolves secretly choose a villager to “kill.”
- The healer can decide to save the victim or take another action.
- During the day, the villagers discuss and vote to eliminate a suspected werewolf.
- Goal: The werewolves win if they eliminate all villagers, while the villagers win if they eliminate all werewolves.
The evening was full of laughter and teamwork, making it a memorable experience. At 10:30 PM, we returned to our rooms to rest for the next day’s activities.
