Heidelberg

I'm honestly so tired right now that I'm not even sure I spelled Heidelberg correctly. I'm just going to get something up and then edit and add pictures after a good night's sleep.

We had a 4 hour drive to the city with some beautiful scenery along the way. So you know, we do a few spotlights along the way to break up the long drives. They are the favorite part of the travel time!

Arnoud gave us a lot of information about the city as we were driving in. This town has the oldest university in Germany but the oldest German speaking university is actually Oxford. It also sounds like Heidelberg University was the first place to have Frat houses. The last thing he told us is that if you spit into the river from the center of the Alte Bruke (old bridge) it brings you luck and you will return to Heidleberg. (Like the Trevi in Rome) Several of the kids tried it!

When we arrived at the city center we caught a funicular up to the castle but had a bit of a glitch. We didn't all fit on the first train so most of the group went up with Kalani and Stephen. Then the rest came up with me, Nona, Katie, and Arnoud. When we got off our train we looked for the rest of the group but they were no where to be found. They had ridden to the top of the rails instead of getting off at the schloss stop. I tried to get back on and go to pick up the group but the efficient German man at the funicular wouldn't let me. Luckily Kalani & Stephen figured it out and came back down. Everyone found!

The castle is huge and looks over a beautiful river and valley. It was built over centuries and has lots of different architectural styles. The most famous thing about this castle is that it houses the largest wine barrel in the world. The kids took millions of pictures of the castle, the view and the barrel.

We found our hotel which is somewhat outside the city and had dinner. Then the kids headed to a street festival just around the corner. We could hear the music playing while we ate. It started to rain around 9ish which I thought would bring the kids back but no, they stayed until curfew and had a great time. They seem to make new friends wherever they go.

It is just after 11 and it is now pouring rain. Good for us because it has cooled the rooms and shut down the noise of the festival so we can get to sleep! Nope, scratch that. It has turned into a terrific thunder and lightning storm, much noisier than the street festival.

DIfficult Day

Today is such a hard one. We start at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. Dachau was established in 1933 and was the first concentration camp. It served as a model for all the camps that came after. It is so moving to walk the grounds where prisoners walked and hear the stories of what it was like to live that way. We saw the barracks and how they progressed from housing 200 at the start to housing 2000 just prior to liberation. We also walked the pathways where those still living had to spread the ashes of the dead. We took the path the prisoners would have taken from the disinfection room, to the disrobing room, to the 'showers' (gas chambers) to the crematorium. There was sadness and tears as it really hits home that the holocaust was real not just something in a textbook. There is also disbelief that humans can actually become so callous. As difficult as it was I hope the kids always keep a piece of this experience with them so they can honor the words of the survivors - Never Again.

We then had a free afternoon to explore Munich. Some went to the Deutches museum, others shopping, some just sat in a square or beirgarden and watched the people. Others went back to the hotel and did some laundry. Most made it back to the Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel.

Then off to the Hofbrauhaus and the rowdiest bar on the planet. (OK, that might be an exaggeration.) It was terrible food and the show took a long time to get started but we had fun anyway. The kids made some new friends of a group of Japanese retirees who had had a bit much to drink and were feeling friendly. I'll try to borrow one of the kids memory cards so I can steal a picture tomorrow.

Salt - but not the city...

It was another bus day today. We left our little hotel and drove for about an hour to Bertchesgarden. This was the location of Hitler's offices and at the base of the Eagle's nest. That wasn't our purpose, we went to the salt mines! The first thing is to dress properly. We had to wear jump suits to protect our clothes and make us look more like miners. We then hopped a little train that took us into the heart of the mountain. The tour was interesting but our favorite part was the slides!

After the tour we drove the rest of the way to Munich. Our first stop was the BMW museum, an amazing collection that reflects the history of the company and the machines it produces. Then we crossed a bridge to BMW Welt. This is where you see options available, order your car and then pick it up a few weeks later. We were tempted but settled for little souvenirs from there instead.

We are now at the hotel (with improved internet - check out previous posts for pictures). We had a great dinner and most are now watching the Euro Cup - Italy vs. Germany.

Funiculars are fun!

We got to sleep in a bit again today. It was a pretty drive from the hotel into downtown Salzburg where we met our city guide Ruth. She was dressed in the traditional dirndl so that was fun.

We started in the Mirabel Gardens and learned that the palace and gardens were built by the Arch Duke for his love. She in turn gave him 15 children. We also learned that Salzburg was a principality. The Mirabell Gardens are beautifully formal and well kept. You would recognize them because this is where they filmed the famous “Do Re Me” song from the Sound of Music.

We then crossed the river into the old town and found the Geidestrasse or guild street. This was the street where all the craftsmen practiced their trade. It is a beautiful but crowded street with guild signs hanging above every building. In the very center is the birthplace home of Mozart. We obviously need to do a bit more educating in our meetings. Some of the kids were unfamiliar with his significance and music.

We passed through more narrow streets and through the market square on our way to the Monastery of St. Peter, the longest functioning monastery north of the Alps. We passed through to the cemetery which looks familiar as well. I had been told previously that this is where they filmed the escape scene from the Sound of Music when they hide behind iron gates and Rolf finds them. I learned today that isn’t true. The monks wouldn't allow a film crew in such a sacred place so they created a replica in Hollywood and filmed there instead.

Ruth stopped by a special grave before we left. The only American buried in a place reserved for the old established families of Salzburg - Harold Collins. This man's troops liberated Salzburg from Nazi occupation. His regiment stayed to assist in the reconstruction and Ruth’s husband says his family would not have survived without the care packages that came from the Americans during that time. “Hollywood Harry” (his nickname because he was handsome) married a girl from Salzburg and returned to the U.S. but after retirement moved back to Salzburg and upon his death was given a place of honor in the cemetery to recognize his great service to the city.

After the tour came free time and the kids as usual put their own spin on it. Some just walked the town, some shopped, some rented bikes and rode all over exploring the town. Stephen played chess in the square (they have a ½ life size set there) for almost 2 hours. They all ate lunch.

Then was Hoensalzburg Fortress. It sits high on a rocky hill overlooking the city and the best way up is a funicular. This is a cross between a train and a tram and uses a cog wheel system to pull the car up the mountain. The fortress was begun in the early 1100’s and was built and rebuilt several times. The Arch Dukes used the fortress to protect the city and to store huge reserves of salt. They also on occasion used it as the state residence.

Back to the hotel where there is no internet service so I’m writing in MSWord to be cut and pasted into the blog whenever I can get to it!

The Eternal Bus Ride

From the hot beaches of Italy to the cool clean of the Austrian Alps. We spent the day on the bus. We spotlighted several travelers and started to notices the sense of humor of the group deteriorates when they are trapped in a small space for an extended amount of time. It isn't that they didn't keep their sense of humor it just got downright silly by the end of the day.

There really isn't much to report today. We stopped at the church used for the wedding scene in the Sound of Music, made up some circle games to play with the soccer ball during rest stops and endured some pretty gross bathrooms.

I had to yell at the kids today. I'm getting frustrated with the online lifestyle. We have noticed that as soon as they find wi-fi they are connected. It wouldn't bother me so much if it wasn't interfering with their exploration and enjoyment of the places they are visiting. They could stay home to email, text and chat. To sit in a hotel lobby instead of go to the beaches of Jesolo or hike the hills of Austria is criminal in my opinion!

Our hotel is very nice. They have treated us well and fed us a good dinner. There is a 'European' bowling alley downstairs and the kids are currently having a great time.

OK maybe I should take back the internet rant. We have the most accident prone bunch on this trip. The only safe thing is to sit quietly in the lobby. Our latest casualty is Anna P. Her finger got caught between the side and the ball and it smashed the ring on her finger nearly flat. Pliers, ice, vaseline, and Nurse Nona and all is well. It is not broken but she'll be a bit bruised and sore but all is well.

Wonderful Day in Vence

Internet continues to be a problem.... sorry! Another hot and muggy day. We were promised better weather but it hasn't come yet. We took our bus to a ferry which took us to the island of Murano. We saw an awesome glass blowing demonstration. Madi O. & Max B. became apprentice glass blowers. Madi made a fish and Max a snail. We then shopped and walked around this island named the "the most beautiful prison on earth" because once one learned the secret of making Venetian glass they were never allowed to leave. Fortunately we were allowed to leave and took the vaparetto (water bus) to Venice.

We took a guided tour of the Doge's palace and learned about the republic system of government in Venice. We also saw lots of spectacular art. During our tour we crossed the bridge of sighs and got a taste of what it must have been like to be a prisoner taking that last walk of freedom.

After our tour we had free time on the island. Most shopped (I'm starting to hear a lot of "I've got to stop spending now") and walked and got lost in the maze of alleys and canals. Many took advantage of the opportunity to take a ride in a gondola, some went to a lace making demonstration and everyone enjoyed the day.

Back to our hotel in Jesolo and some more free time to relax. Dinner was an incredible pizza feast. First came the margarita pizza (plain cheese), then the hot dog pizza. Yep, you read that one right - I could have done without that one! Then mushroom, then pepperoni then ham. It was the first time the guys have actually turned food away on this trip.

The kids took advantage of the evening by going to the beach and/or one more game of soccer!

Sacrements and Soccer Games

Sorry about the late post. We had a few medical emergencies last night so I didn't get around to writing. Don't worry, all is well. I'll explain in a minute...

First I have to mention the marathon. As we walked back from dinner last night some of the squares and streets were roped off. The marathon went through the city but was begun at night. Understandable considering how hot the days are. The course even took the runners right through the piazza right in front of our hotel and down the street. Katie said she saw a cute dad running with his young daughter, holding her hand the whole way. They were at the end of the pack but having a good time together.

OK, so we packed up and left Florence in good time. We had planned to stop at the Piazzele Michelangelo, a look-out plaza over the city with a copy of the David. The plan was to take some last minute pictures of the Florence skyline. When we got there it was fenced off. Because it is the patron saint day for the city there were fireworks planned and that was the staging point. Our fabulous driver Pino took us up a bit higher and we got good pictures anyway!

The day on the bus ran a bit long so we altered the itinerary and stopped in Padova for our lunch break. There is a pilgrimage church of St. Antonio there. We are now so used to walking into a church as tourists that we hadn't thought things through very carefully. Since it is Sunday there was a Mass being held. We were all a bit surprised.

Then we traveled the rest of the way to Lido di Jesolo, the location of our hotel. It is about 100 meters from the beach so the kids tried to take full advantage. It is the most crowded beach you've ever seen. No bubble of personal space here!

The best part of the day was using the soccer field across the street from the hotel. There was a pretty intense and totally fun pickup game for about two hours. The kids got to burn off a ton of energy and got to play soccer in Italy. How many can say that?

Now to the medical stuff since I know those words make parents panic. Howard C. did a pretty good number on the bottom of his foot nearly ripping off the entire callous at the ball of his big toe. Good cleaning, Neosporin, Moleskin and Nona the nurse and all was well. Since everyone was so hot and sweaty they decided to go to the beach for a swim. John H. stepped on a sea creature and got a nasty sting. Good cleaning, Hydrogen Peroxide, Neosporin, Antibiotics and Nurse Nona and all is well.

Florence

We are done with the heat! The kids are fried. It is hard to tour like we do in the first place, throw in 95*+ weather at 50% humidity and you get tired, cranky kids. They are in the "I don't want to do one more thing" stage. We leave for Venice in the morning and are hoping for cooler weather.

We started at the Accademia Museo this morning with Michelangelo's "Prisoners" sculptures. These lead up to the "David" a spectacular sculpture with such incredible detail. There are also many stunning pieces of art in this museum.

After the kids had some free time. Some climbed the Campanile (bell tower) and others climbed the Dome. Some went to Santa Croce, a church that has beautiful stained glass, frescos and the tomb of many famous Florentines, Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo.... Many shopped. We met again and most went to the Uffizi museum. I went to the Galileo museum of science. I'd recommend it to anyone that has ever taken a science class!

The kids then had more free time before dinner. After we ate they took an evening stroll to the Ponte Vecchio and enjoyed the cooler air.

Bad internet connection again. Pictures to come!

Tuscany

We left Rome today and drove through beautiful Italian country side. Watching the pretty landscape through the window of an air conditioned bus was deceptive. It was still very hot today.
After about 2 hours on the bus we stopped in the medieval town of San Gimignano. This village was 'showing off' at its worst according to our tour director Arnoud. He says each person would try to build a bigger tower to show they had more wealth and power than their neighbor. At the town's height of prosperity there were about 70 towers built. Now only about 15 remain. The biggest, Torre Grosse, provides an amazing view of the country side. Some of our kids climbed it but most just shopped and ate lunch. Then another hour on the bus to Florence.

Our Florence hotel is right in the old town and only about a 5 minute walk to the Duomo. We took a guided tour and then had dinner. Our guide showed us the huge Duomo, Maria del Fiore, the baptistry with the 'Gates of Paradise,' Piazza Republica, and Santa Maria Croce. The last is one of my favorite churches with beautiful frescos and the tombs of many important Florentines. It is one of the places I will go tomorrow on my free time. There is a big square in front of this church and it has an unusual arena set up there. We always hear about a huge 'football' game that takes place every year that seems to be more warfare than soccer. Today as we walked by there were horses and knights in armor. June 24 is the celebration of the patron saint of Florence and there are medieval tournaments, parties and fireworks to celebrate. I'm pretty sure some of the boys will use their free time to go back and watch the jousting.

The kids then had free time. Some wandered the town, others went to sleep, and some were at the laundry mat doing their wash with me. We even had a little lesson on using the machines and how to do laundry. The learning opportunities on this trip never end!

The Vatican

This morning's excursion was the Vatican. The kids were again fabulous. It is so hot and they didn't make a peep about wearing long pants or covering their arms. Our guide, Carla, was so entertaining and had so much knowledge. She was also willing to reroute our tour so we could see the 'School of Athens,' a famous painting that shouldn't be missed but was on a different path then she had planned to take. We really enjoyed the Sistine Chapel and Carla's explanation of the "Last Judgement,' the ceiling and how new Popes are elected.

We have had a free afternoon and the kids took full advantage. All are currently out searching for that one piece of art, monument, or souvenir that that will become their favorite memory before we leave Rome first thing tomorrow.

Update: they all made it back to the hotel with their treasures and then we went to a restaurant that served authentic Italian pizza. Not what the kids are used to but I think it's yummy!

Ancient Rome

First off I have to say, the kids are great. They never complain and are always up for whatever we have planned. It is so nice to be with people with such good attitudes!

Second I have to say I have never felt Rome as hot as it has been the past two days! They are having a heat wave that is more appropriate for July/August. Today was 98* with humidity we are not used to. One of the great things about Rome is that fountains are everywhere and the water is pure. We can refill the bottles everywhere and today the kids pretty much bathed in the fountains outside the Borghese museum.

We started at the Colosseum today with a guided tour. Today we learned that they could simultaneously open 64 trap doors from the tunnels to the arena floor. That made it difficult for the gladiators to defend themselves. We also learned the arena was occasionally filled with water for ship battles but that ended when the animal bones from the fights clogged up the pipes that drained the water. Who knew?





Then we took an abbreviated walk through the Forum and while there saw a really cool exhibit about Roman glass and mosaics housed in the senate building.





After a quick lunch we headed to the Borghese Museum. This is one of my favorites. The kids were so interested in what the guides had to teach them. The sculptures by Bernini seemed to be the favorites. It was amazing how on "Apollo and Daphne" the realism was extraordinary! The kids walk around and around in fascination.

We then headed to San Pietro in Vincoli. This church houses the chains that were on Peter as he was brought to Rome. The kids commented on how remarkable it was to be so close to something tangible which had been on one of the disciples of Christ. They were also interested in Michelangelo's "Moses."

Dinner was finally a bit of variety and now the kids are out spending their parent's hard earned money. They have Kalani and Stephen with them and it will be interesting to see how they do on their first Metro ride as they come back to the hotel. Bueno Notte!

Update - the kids all made it back to the hotel with no problems!

Off to Rome

We left very early for Rome. Wake up call was 3am and down with bags on he bus by 4. Of course this combined with teenagers spells trouble. Most were really good but one room missed the wake up call. No worries, we had a great bus driver, Theo (pronounced tay-oh) that made the 45 minute drive in 30 thank to no traffic - surprise!

We arrived in Rome and the second problem of the day arose. No bus to pick us up. Apparently his company booked two jobs for him. We waited for an hour and a half before he showed up. The kids were great and spent the time getting lunch and hanging at the airport.

We are in a pretty nice hotel for Rome. A bit outside the center but not too far from a metro station. Even so, the company has arranged for a bus to use as we tour. We were dropped off not far from the top of the Spanish Steps. We then walked to the Trevi fountain, the Pantheon and finished up at Piazza Navona with it's beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers. The kids learned, shopped ant ate gelato! They also threw their coins in the Trevi which means they hope to come back to Rome.




Everyone is completely thrashed. It was a long, difficult, eventful day. I'm at my end too. Pictures tomorrow, I promise!

Poros

Greece simply has poor internet service. We're back in Athens, a major city with 4 million people, and the pictures still won't load. I'm hoping for better luck in Rome so go back and check older posts for pictures in a few days!

Today was a fun morning on Poros. Our hotel was great and the people of the town so nice! The kids spent more time at the beach and in the pool. Then most rented ATV's to navigate the island. They all doubled up to share the costs and so that the experienced drivers could chauffeur the less experienced around. They were very safe and had a great time! We were sorry to leave the island, all wished for at least one more day there.








We took a quick ferry to the mainland and were met by a bus that drove us back to Athens. It was a beautiful drive and we stopped at the Corinth canal. That was so impressive. It is like standing over the Grand Canyon.

Our new hotel this evening is very nice. Comfortable, and across the street from the sea. I think we gave the restaurant staff a bit of a shock tonight. Dinner service was buffet style and began at 7:30. We have some big boys and some little girls that are pretty big eaters. It was entertaining to watch as they loaded up their plates and the servers tried to keep the warmers full. At least no one went to bed hungry!

We are out of the hotel by 4am to catch our flight to Rome. Good night!