This spring, we launched the competition “Strong Tradition, Responsible Future”, where students of the Private United School Železiarne Podbrezová could showcase their creativity. The best projects, recognized for their original approach, brought victory to Terézia Ďuriančíková, Sára Báboľová, and Terézia Danove. Their main prize was a four-day stay in Italy.
Today, the girls have already returned from Arona, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Lago Maggiore – and we are bringing you a glimpse of their experiences.
Lago Maggiore and the Fairytale Island of Isola Bella
“On Friday morning, after waking up, we went to the bakery below our apartment and tasted local pastries. After breakfast, we enjoyed a morning coffee with a kind local girl, who was happy to tell us about the places worth seeing and experiencing,” recalls Terézia Ďuriančíková. These small encounters and tips from locals made the day even more colorful and lively.
The highlight of Friday’s program was a boat trip across Lake Lago Maggiore to the island of Isola Bella, famous for its historic atmosphere and stunning gardens.
“It was a beautiful experience because the whole place had an amazing atmosphere. We walked through the palace, which looked like a castle, surrounded by beautifully decorated rooms and paintings,” describes Terézia Danove. “But what impressed us the most were the gardens full of flowers, fountains, and even peacocks freely walking around. It all added a fairytale charm to the place.”
A Day in Milan – From the Duomo to the Galleria
The next day, the trip continued to Milan, where the students experienced the vibrant pulse of the city and its iconic landmarks. “On Saturday morning, we took a train to Milan. Once we arrived, we hopped on the metro and immediately dove into the city’s bustle,” recalls Sára Báboľová.
Their first steps led them to the impressive Duomo Cathedral, followed by visits to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, and the triumphal arch Arco della Pace. “For lunch, we treated ourselves to traditional Italian flavors – pasta and risotto, which made our day full of experiences even better,” adds Sára.
In addition to cultural landmarks, the girls also had the chance to see the workspaces of Pipex Italia, a subsidiary of Železiarne Podbrezová. “We were guided through the facilities and surrounding areas and got to see how the company operates,” says Terézia Ďuriančíková. This perspective complemented their cultural experiences and gave them new insights into practice.
Experiences and Motivation for the Future
Winning the competition and enjoying a four-day stay in Italy gave the girls more than just travel. It combined cultural experiences with a look into a professional environment, providing inspiration and motivation to develop their skills. Encounters with locals, tours of historical monuments, and visiting Pipex Italia’s facilities showed that learning and experience can go hand in hand with adventure.
This trip not only enriched their memories but could also serve as a springboard for their future academic or professional journey – and it confirmed that creativity and the desire to discover new things open doors not only to the world of art but also to professional life.
Article written by:
Ivana Malčeková
Marketing Department
malcekova@zelpo.sk
