hey went to study the language, but came back with a breadth of experience that will stay with them for years to come.

Twenty four Bermuda High School (BHS) students, plus three members of staff, have just returned from an ambitious trip of a lifetime to Peru, where they stayed to study Spanish.

But the trip also took in traditional cooking, dancing and sightseeing to some of the wonders of the world ? as well as giving the students an appreciation of differences in culture and the lives of people not as fortunate as most in Bermuda.

Head of Modern Languages at BHS and tour leader, Gareth Lewis, said the students enjoyed a trip of a lifetime.

"Not only did they improve their Spanish considerably, they learnt a great deal about the history, culture and society of ancient and modern Peru," said Mr. Lewis.

"Tourist trips and activities aside, many of the girls could not help but note the contrasts between their living conditions at home and those of many, less fortunate Peruvians.

"They also remarked, astutely, on the warmth and hospitality of every single Peruvian that they met, regardless of their social or economic situation.''

The students left Bermuda last month when they embarked on a journey to the city of Cusco ? the first time the school had organised a trip of this kind.

Staying with Peruvian host families, the students, ranging in age from 13 to 17, attended four hours of intensive, small group classes every morning at the Academia Latinoamerica de Espa?ol, which also arranged private tours of Cusco and its central market.

In addition to having traditional Peruvian cooking lessons and attending dance workshops, the students also travelled to the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to Pisac, a beautiful town surrounded on all sides by dramatic mountainside terracing.

While there, they took the chance to visit the ruins of Intihuatana, perched high above the town, and home to temples and some magnificent Inca masonry.

The students also managed to visit the town of Ollantaymtambo, which was built on the site of an original Inca settlement, and they also saw the fascinating Awana Cancha ? the Living Museum of the Andes.

However, the highlight of the trip was the journey from Cusco to the lost city of Machu Picchu and the four hour train took the students through spectacular mountain gorges, following the white-water rapids of the Urubamba river before arriving at Aguas Calientes for the final, and hair-raising, bus journey up to the ruins.

Machu Picchu was the only Inca city left untouched by the Spaniards and boasts incredible remains and inspirational mountain views.

Mr. Lewis added: "It is rewarding to hear the students return to Bermuda with a new outlook on life, a renewed affection and appreciation for the beauty, peace and security of Bermuda, coupled with an new-found respect and admiration for Peruvians and their incredible country.

"It is truly a pleasure to confirm that this trip exceeded our expectations."