Soldiers, families build connections with ODR trips

ASSISI, Italy - From the hilly streets of Assisi to the historic Basilica of St. Francis, U.S. Army Garrison Italy community members are finding that Outdoor Recreation (ODR) trips offer a bridge to Italian culture. A Feb.-28 excursion there allowed participants to witness a special event linked to the history of the Italy's patron saint.

The trip was part of a broader MWR effort to connect Soldiers with Italian historical heritage, and the chance for participants to build community outside the gates.

"I had such great experiences that I continued to join their cultural events," said Anna Demeter, a dental clinic employee, who began joining the ODR day trips because she was nervous about traveling alone.

"The guides are welcoming, the trips unique, and I found it to be a great way to meet people and develop friendships."

This time, ODR picked Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of St. Francis and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, just during the period matching the 800th anniversary of the Saint's death, when thousands of pilgrims from all over the world had the opportunity to visit the basilica where his remains were on display to the public for the first time since his death.

Demeter explained that the town was quite crowded, "but the good weather and camaraderie between people helped make it a great experience."

Even though some of the religious sites were not all accessible due to the high influx of visitors, the trip still gave the chance to explore historical places from Roman and medieval periods with a local tour guide, followed by a lunch break for tasting food specialties and some free time to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Beyond the history, the convenience of the trip stood out to Spc. Kelvin Rios, from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He highlighted that ODR coordinates transportation and takes people to places that are hard to reach, while they can relax, enjoy the views and interact with others.

"This is a good way to take your family on a day trip, whether it be in Italy or surrounding countries, cultural or adventurous, everything is taken care for you, while you get to laugh and have a great time with your loved ones, especially your children," he added.

"Thanks to ODR, I have been able to see not only Cinque Terre, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cortina d'Ampezzo and Lago di Braies, Nice and today, Assisi, but also be certified as a ProfessionalBaristain Italy."

For the warmer seasons, Vicenza Outdoor Recreation is planning to reach many sightseeing locations from coasts to mountain peaks, beaches and unique hamlets.

"There are more upcoming trips, like Cinque Terre, the five villages on the Ligurian Riviera, Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, and the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps," said Lucia Savio, one of the ODR tour leaders, who assisted the Assisi day trip.

For joining trips like this and more, register with ODR in person or by calling 0444-71-4900.