A Little Bit of Paradise

Out of the hotel and onto a hydrofoil which took us to the island of Poros. This is honestly one of my favorite places. A little resort island that is pretty much undiscovered by a million loud, obnoxious American tourists. (Yep, we can be pretty awful) It is however a vacation spot for the people of Greece so has lots of things to do. We walked to a little spot just down from the hotel for lunch and found a bunch of the girls had already beat us there. They were a bit frustrated that their lunch was taking so long to come when the beautiful blue water was calling but that's the way it goes here. Everything relaxed and the food made with care, fresh from scratch.

The adults took care of a little business and then headed into town for a little shopping. The kids went every which way. I've caught glimpses of them here and there so I'm assuming they're all still alive. Believe it or not I've spent the afternoon on the balcony of my room overlooking the Aegean Sea catching up on the blog. It's been a delightful time!

Athens

From Rome to Greece. Somehow this seems a little backwards since the Greeks started it all (western thought, politics, civilization...) and then Rome copied them but it is what it is. We caught an early flight, rushed to our hotel, gulped down whatever lunch we could find in 15 minutes and headed out on a city tour. Our guide Chris was a tall man and easy to keep track of. He was good at moving us along on the tour and got us up to the Acropolis. He explained some of the politics behind the 'restoration' of the Parthenon and the purposes of the Acropolis in ancient times.

Next we headed to the Acropolis museum where they have created a reconstruction of the pediments and friezes that should be on the Parthenon based on pieces they have found. There are also a lot of other ancient artifacts from the area. The museum is built on top of an ancient archaeological site so the floors are glass and you can see down into an ancient neighborhood. Pretty cool.

I love the 4 guys on the trip. They've been great! Dylan is right behind Asher. Every time I thought I had all four boys in the shot he would move. That kid never stands still!

Dinner was at the hotel and was spaghetti. Not the most Greek of dishes but I don't think anyone cared. The kids headed out to the Plaka district after dinner. They are determined to wring every last experience from the trip. They shopped and stopped at the shop for a fish nibble foot treatment.

Ancient Roma

Today we headed to ancient Rome. First stop was the Colosseum. An amazing feat of Etruscan architecture and slave labor this huge arena was built in eight years! Our guide Monica was tiny but full of information. We learned about the construction, the political purpose, and the actual competitions, tournaments, slaughters.... you decide what to call it. She was also very good about finding shady spots to stand when she talked because today was hot!

After the tour and time for some photo ops we headed over to the Forum. This was the old 'downtown' of Rome. There were three distinct sections - the economic (market), religious (temples), and political (senate).

At the end of our tour we met back up with Rudi who was going to take us on a walking tour of the city but as we made our way it started to rain. It rained hard so we ducked into an art gallery for some shelter. They were nice about it and we saw some interesting modernist paintings, glass and furniture.

We hustled to the bus and headed back down to Piazza Navona. Here we split. Some went to a typical Roman lunch that Rudi had arranged. Those that didn't want to do that found lunch on their own and spent some free time in the area. Then we all got back together and finished the walking tour. This took us to the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain. Then to dinner for pizza!

It was a late night by the time we got back to the hotel and we have to be up early in the morning!

Too Many Museums, Too Little Time

We really need one more day in Rome. We had two major museums crammed in to today. First up was the Borghese Museum. This is a beautiful Villa located in the middle of a park. It actually used to be the estate of the Borghese family, a wealthy, politically and religiously connected family from the 1500's. This happens to be one of my favorite museums. First off it is a beautifully decorated palace. Next, it is home to some very famous and beautiful sculptures by Bernini. Then there are the paintings! Carravagio, Donatello, Titian, Rubens, and Rafaels.


Then to Popolo Square for lunch. Everyone took off and did their own thing and then met back at the bus to go to Vatican City. We toured this museum and saw the amazing art, tapestries, maps and of course the Sistine Chapel. The tour guide moved pretty quick but today I think that was a good thing, the kids were starting to get museum-ed out!

Dinner was a nice lasagne and salad near Navona square. We are finally home and the kids are beat!

On the Road to Rome

This morning brought a nice surprise for me. I've been bringing students to Florence for almost 20 years and learned something new today. Our tour director Rudi suggested that we stop at the American cemetery on our way out of Florence. I didn't even know there was an American cemetery this far south. He explained the politics of Italy during WWII and the role of the Allied Forces in finally driving the Germans out of the country,  It was a beautiful place where over 4.000 U.S. soldiers from the Italian theatre are buried. It also honors over 1,000 that were un-recovered during the campaigns. I'm always so impressed to see how well these memorials are kept up so far away from home.

Next stop was San Gimignano. This is an amazing medieval town full of towers. The towers were a way of showing off the wealth of the family. At one time the city had over 70 towers but now there are only about 13 still standing. The kids got to climb the 223 steps to the top of the Torre Grossa, the largest tower still standing. From there the views of the Tuscan countryside are spectacular.

The rest of the day was a quiet one on the bus. We arrived at our hotel WAY outside of Rome around 8pm. After dinner we had a cake and celebrated Leah's 16th birthday.

Free in Florence

We started a bit later this morning which the kids loved! Rudy took us walking a bit through another part of the city on the way to the markets. We traveled down a great street of kiosks and then headed into the city market. The main level of this place is where many of the locals shop. It's an old school market with a butcher stand, fruit stand, pasta stand, cheese stand,... you get the picture. Then upstairs was more like a modern mall food court. Once they were again oriented with the city layout we turned them loose. I'm sure you've seen some of their pictures.

After dinner we headed up to Piazza Michelangelo. This is an area above the city that sports a copy of the David and some spectacular views of the city. It was great to be there as the sun set over the Arno. 

Firenze

First of all Happy Father's Day. Thanks to all the Dads and/or Grandpas who helped make this trip possible for their kids.

It was nice to sleep in a bit and have a good breakfast this morning. Seriously, the management of this hotel is so kind. The typical breakfast should be cereal, rolls,cheese and juice but they added hard boiled and scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, yogurt and a wide variety of breakfast/coffee cakes.

We headed into the city and met our local guide. She took us on an informative tour of Florence showing us Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise on the baptistry doors, the Duomo, Republica Square and Dante's birthplace. It did a good job of orienting the kids to where things could be found in the city.

After that we visited a goldsmith shop and leather shop where we were told about characteristics of quality products. Hopefully it was enough for the kids to know what to look for when dealing with the street vendors.

Then we turned them loose for lunch and free time. The old town of Florence is small enough that they can get around easily on foot. I think they did really well! Then in the afternoon we stopped at the Uffizi museum. Some of the most famous art in the world is here! I challenged the kids to at least find Botticili's Birth of Venus & Prima Vera and Michelangelo's Holy Family. I think most of them succeeded.

Our meeting spot for dinner was right next to a big arena where they play Florintine football. Our tour director Rudi explained it to be a bit of soccer mixed with a bit of boxing. WILD! Tonight's match was a 'retired' players event where the old guys come back and play an exhibition match with all the procedes going to charity. These old guys were tough!

After dinner we headed back to the hotel. It was a full day but many stayed up to do laundry. 

Off to Italy

We were up early and on the bus heading to Florence. It was another on again off again day. There were a few quick stops along the way and the kids were great to make every stop fast. We had an appointment at the Accademia at 4:45 and a long way to drive.

The Italian Border!

We actually made our appointment early! At the museum we got to experience one of Michelangelo's greatest works, The Statue of David. Then a traditional Tuscan dinner and off to the hotel. Our hotel is a "Villa" on the outskirts of the city. It is actually an old (built in the 1400's) monestary attached to a church. I'm pretty sure it is still owned by the Catholic church but run as a hotel. It is so full of atmosphere, the kids are thrilled. The management is really nice. They had juice waiting at check in and there is a huge game room downstairs with ping pong, pool, and foosball. The secret I haven't told the kids yet is that there are a few washing machines... the adults are getting our laundry done tonight and then the kids can have at it! Eric took all the pictures today and he's downstairs in the laundry. I'll upload his photos when he gets back upstairs

The View of Florence from Our Hotel

The Best Day Ever

The kids picked the title for today. We had a traditional Swiss breakfast and headed into Lucerne. Rudi took the kids on a tour and we saw the Lion Monument, Kappelbruke, Lake Lucerne and the amazing traditional painted buildings in Old Town. Then the kids had a couple of hours to explore the city. They came back with some fun stories and some fun things.

After lunch we boarded a boat and toured Lake Lucerne. It was a beautiful, calm ride that took a lot longer than expected.

Once we disembarked we boarded a cog wheel train that has been in existence since 1889! The views were stunning and every once in a while we'd get a good look at what was happening and were  a little frightened.

The top of Mt. Pilatus was amazing. It was cold up there. The weather has been stormy in every city we've visited but the rain, wind and altitude combined for a chilly experience. There were trails to hike and a beautiful visitors center. Some were adventurous and some chose to enjoy the 'view' from behind the glass. After an hour of exploring we went down the other side of the mountain on a gondola. 

Switzerland, Here We Come!

Not much to report about today, We got up, ate breakfast and got on the bus. We drove a few hours, took a break, drove a few more hours, took a break, drove a few more hours, took a break... you get the idea. The upside to the day was that the kids finally got to catch up on some much needed rest and we passed through some spectacular countryside. Our hotel is a cute chalet in a charming villiage located right in the Alps. The management is very friendly and dinner was great. Seconds for everyone so the kids were happy. Too much rest on the bus meant lots of energy last night but the kids were still really good about trip rules!

Kings and Culture

Today was jam packed. First thing we headed to the Versaillies, the palace of King Louis the 14th - 16th. We had a guide take us through the palace and also had some time in the beautiful gardens. Then back to the city for a quick lunch and the Louvre. This is such a great museum but is so overwhelming. Then to dinner and after to the Seine for a night cruise. This is the time the "City of Lights" really looks its best. Final news - George arrived today, there is a full staff of chaperones!

Paree!

Off to St. Pancreas to catch the Eurostar. The kids flew through customs like champs! Most took advantage of the ride to take a much needed 2 hour nap but a few stayed up and enjoyed the views of the beautiful French countryside.

On arrival we immediately jumped on a bus and met our city guide Isabelle. She was very informative and give us some great insights on the city. We drove around Republic square, the Ritz, the Louvre, D'Orsay, Place d'Concorde, Tuleries, and ended at the Eiffel Tower. Then check in! We're in a good hotel a bit outside of the city center. With everything going on downtown I think its a good thing. Dinner was flammekueche, a square, thin crusted bread dough covered with a cream and cheese sauce then meat &/or vegetable toppings. It's a traditional dish from the Alsatian area of France. They just keep serving more boards of flammekueche until the kids are full. Then comes the dessert flamms topped with shaved chocolate or apples.

The final stop of the night was Montparnasse. It was the replacement for the Eiffel Tower and at first everyone was just trying to be nice about the idea. Once they were at the top they had a great time. I think they were happy with the choice. This is the tallest skyscraper in Paris and just a mile or so away from Eiffel. After a surprisingly smooth and swift ride to the 56th floor you exit to a floor with panoranic view of Paris. Then you can climb a few flights of stairs to an open terrace on the roof. Amazing. As Rudi said, this place has the one thing the Eiffel Tower doesn't, A view of the Eiffel Tower! We're just back to the hotel and finished bed check. Everyone is safe and accounted for!

An Even More Rainy Day in London Town

We were off first thing this morning to visit Westminster Abbey. This fabulous cathedral is the site of royal coronations, funerals, and weddings. It was built nearly 800 years ago and hold the tombs of some of England's most famous citizens. Then we walked over to Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard. It was very rainy today so it was an abbreviated ceremony. No marching band and very little drilling in the courtyard. Then free time! A couple of travelers actually took some time to go to a museum but most of the kids are going to need a second suitcase... a lot of shopping was done today. We met early for a traditional fish & chips dinner and then to Wicked. It was a fantastic cast and great performance. Sorry, not many pictures, everyone was scattered too far today. I'll do better tomorrow.

Rainy Day in London Town

It was a typical English summer day - lots of rain. We had a traditional English breakfast to start the day. I think the kids appreciated everything but the baked beans.

We caught a coach and went into the city to pick up our guide Alan. He was awesome! Such a fun personality and so full of interesting information. He kept calling the kids silly names like poppit, and pumpkin, He taught us that it's the bell that's called Big Ben, and that bell is inside the Queen Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben was forged at the same foundry as our Liberty Bell.  He walked us through St. James Park to get a good view of Buckingham Palace, which was blocked off today from the mains streets for a birthday party for the Queen (patron's lunch). Then we saw the Australian building which was used as Gringotts Bank in Harry Potter. Our final stop was St. Paul's Cathedral which has the second largest dome in Europe. We toured both the city of Westminster and the City of London. The kids listened pretty well as we drove around and learned about the city.





Next stop was Tower Hill where the kids were set loose to find lunch. Then tickets into the Tower of London. There was no formal tour but the kids were instructed that the best plan was to catch a tour from the Yeoman Warders. Most ignored the advice and ran around on their own. Then it was free time until dinner. Some of your kids are serious shoppers!




Finally, Rudi arranged for anyone interested to get a ticket to the London Eye. This huge Ferris wheel provides and amazing 360* views of the city. It was a great experience but we've started to see a problem. Many of our travelers are missing out on the opportunities of the trip. Running off to shop instead of touring the Tower and spending the entire trip around the London Eye looking down at a phone screen. Please remind your kids that they need to make the most of all the great things are here to see.  Thanks!

Exactly how much of London are they seeing?

Now to the rumors... Yes, there were two fire alarms last night, one at 11pm and one at 1am. No it wasn't a fire. They each lasted about 30 seconds and then stopped. There was a glitch in the system and it has been repaired (hopefully). To make it worse someone in our group received a report that there had been an explosion in London. That caused a bit of unnecessary panic. No bombs! There was an apartment building fire outside of London at 1pm (10 & 12 hours before our alarms) and someone in the area reported they might have heard an explosion making the fire officials think it may have been a gas or oil fire. Only the top floors of the building were damaged, 50 people evacuated and 3 to hospital with smoke inhalation. Everything is well. No worries!

Off to See the World

We made it! Everyone is safe and accounted and tired! The plane ride went smoothly. It was customs in London that was quite the queue. Picture space mountain on a holiday weekend xv20. It took two hours to get everyone through. We were met by our tour director Rudi. He is friendly, on top of it and great with the kids.

(The above picture was taken after waiting in line down 3 long hallways - over an hour of waiting prior to this line.)

After a quick refresh at the hotel we took a walking tour of the city. The kids were great. So tired and jet-lagged but still positive and cooperative. They were happily taking pictures of Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus Regent Street and Trafalgar Square. The best pictures were all the selfies!

Dinner was at Mother Mash. A tasty chicken pie and mash (mashed potatoes with gravy) was the menu tonight. The kids were having a hard time staying awake through dinner so we're back at the hotel and everyone is heading to bed.

Hotels

Rudolpho provided a chart of the hotels and his contact information so everyone is informed. I can already tell he is going to be a great director!

LONDON
Holiday Inn London West
4 Portal Way, Gypsy
Corner/A40
W3 6RT London
0044 (0)208 753 0800

PARIS
Ibis Issy Les Moulineaux Val
213 rue Jean Jacques Rousseau
92130 Issy Les Moulineaux
0033 (0) 147 36 42 00

LUCERNE
Alpenhof-Post Melchtal
Melchtalerstrasse
CH-6067 Kerns
00 41 (0) 41 669 12 37

FLORENCE
Villa Morghen
Via Feliceto, 8
50135 Florence
0039 055 697362

ROME
Villa Robinia
Viale Rosselli, 19
(ss Appia Nuova km 28,500)
00045 Genzano di Roma
0039 069396409

ATHENS
Hotel Arion
18 Agiou Dimitriou
Psyrri
105 54 Athens
0030 (0)210 324 0415

POROS
Hotel New Aegli
Askeli
18002 Poros
0030 (0)229 802 2372

ATHENS
Hotel Oscar
25 Filadelphias and Samou Str
10439 Athens
0030 (0) 210 883 42

Tour Director
Rudi
0039 340 62 44 327

Packing

I've had requests for the packing list. It was my topic for today anyway, I was going to wait until my bag was packed so I could show everyone but I still have some laundry to do first. Here is a copy of the packing list so you can access it online when you need. Remember to pack LIGHT! Do not waste your energy hauling around lots of extra stuff.  Space on the bus is limited, many hotels are located inside cities where we cannot park a bus, and many don't have elevators so you will be lifting that suitcase up multiple flights of narrow stairs! Our recommendation is one 24-27" suitcase and a backpack/carry on that can double as a day bag.

Packing Checklist

NECK POUCH OR MONEY BELT with:

• PASSPORT!!!
• CREDIT/ATM CARD
• MONEY YOU EXCHANGED & SOME US DOLLARS

TRAVELER JOURNAL

NAME TAGS ON ALL LUGGAGE: Use the one EF provided or make them bright & easy to spot

CARRY ON TO INCLUDE: Anything you can’t live without for a day or two

• TOILETRIES – All liquids 3 oz. or less in a small baggie - soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, contact stuff, your beauty stuff
• MEDICATIONS – prescriptions (in original container), pain reliever, allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, antibiotic, etc. 
• CAMERA – Extra memory card, charger or batteries
• STUFF – glasses, sunglasses, MP3/headphones, chargers, books, cards (for layovers), etc.
• ALL VALUABLES – don’t pack anything in your suitcase that might be stolen – bring it with you! (Cash especially)
• ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES – including underwear (just in case your suitcase is delayed or lost)
• MUNCHIES – water bottle, snacks, gum….

       SUITCASE – Label inside and out. Tuck a copy of the itinerary inside. (Itinerary is on the EF site)

• CLOTHING FOR HOT & COOL WEATHER: long pants (1-2), long sleeved shirt (1), shorts (2), short sleeved shirts (6), jacket (1).  Choose lightweight & fast drying!  Remember you must have modest, cathedral appropriate clothes!
• COMFORTABLE SHOES: with socks - break in well before we leave!!!
• UNDERWEAR: at least 6 pair
• ONE SEMI-DRESSY OUTFIT: for the theatre (shoes to match?)
• BELT, SWIMMING SUIT, HAT 
• TOILETRIES: This time 18 days worth - soap, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, contact stuff (bring an extra set of contact lenses), your beauty stuff, hand sanitizer. Hotels on this trip will not have courtesy mini bottles in the shower for you. 
• CONVERTER/ADAPTER & CHARGERS - if you bring any electronics you will need these!
• PLASTIC BAG FOR WET ITEMS (or plasticized section in luggage)
• LAUNDRY KIT - detergent (close securely), clothes line, sink stopper
• GUM & SNACKS
• sometimes food provided for the tour seems a little sparse, especially for growing boys with big appetites. Pack granola/protein bars to carry for a quick pick me up. 
• FANNY PACK/BACK PACK: purses & wallets are easier to snatch. You could make your carry-on your back pack… just transfer everything to your suitcase once you get to the hotel then put your day items in the pack.
• RAIN GEAR: Jacket/windbreaker w/hood, poncho, or umbrella

PACK LIGHT! You must carry what you take & be sure to leave room for trinkets!

Carry on, carry on...

My carry on/day pack is ready to go. Here's what I put in it for the plane ride.

• My medicine - carry on everything you absolutely must have. Then if your suitcase is lost you're OK until it is found or we can get replacements. I also have a mini first aid kit.
• Change of clothes (including underwear)- who wants to wear the same thing for 3 days?
• Wallet - with just enough cash for the day and my i.d. (driver's license)
• Laptop - I never put valuables in my suitcase for the flight. (I do not recommend anyone else take a computer. They are heavy and bulky and a theft risk. Your phone/tablet is enough.  Anyone that needs computer time can borrow mine!)
• Tablet - for reading, games and everything else.
• Camera - big memory card and extra battery
• Phone - make sure you've set it up for international and know how your plan works overseas. (Yes, your phone can take the place of the tablet and camera)
• Cords and chargers for everything in the bag
• Good headphones
• Snacks & gum
• Glasses & sunglasses
• My travel binder - time to read up on what I need to know and start my journal!
• Coloring book (and these cool self sharpening colored pencils I found)
• Pen to fill out any forms required by customs
• One quart bag with mini (3oz or less) shampoo, antiperspirant, contact solution & case, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion and chapstick. Keep this in an outside pocket so you can get it out quickly for security check. 
• Jacket - the plane can get cold. 
• A blow up neck pillow
• I buy a cheap bottle of water once I get through security and then refill it the rest of the trip. 
• You do not need to pack exactly like me. Think of your carry on in two categories: the things you must have to function if your suitcase is lost and entertainment. Customize it for yourself and remember to pack light!

I empty and repack this bag for day trips once I get to the hotel. For out and about town it holds my wallet, sunglasses, mini first aid kit, sunscreen, phone or tablet for navigation and travel apps, jacket, umbrella and water bottle. 

This list does not include the things I have in my neck wallet - passport, credit card, cash. The neck pouch stays on me the entire trip without fail!

4 days!

The Italian Gentleman

Today I received an email from the gentleman who will be our escort throughout our trip.  It is his job to make sure we are safe, comfortable and get the trip that was planned for us. I'm attaching some of the advice he sent along as well as his picture. 

My name is Rodolfo Gaita and I am going to be the Tour Director of your upcoming EF trip London to Athens. It will be me welcoming you at the airport in London in June, on the 11th.

I would like to pass on a few information and recommendations:

·       The UEFA Euro Cup (European football championships) commences on Friday 10^th June, expect Paris to be much busier than usual 

·       If you, the students and chaperons are travelling with a smart-phone (which I think is the case) I advise to set up a “watsapp” group that includes all the phone numbers.

Personal Safety

      • Valuables such as passports and credit/debit cards should be kept in a money pouch or similar that is worn under clothing. It is a good idea to limit cash in outer pockets to amounts needed for normal daily expenses.

      • Any backpacks or bags carried should be zipped or fastened, and worn across the chest. Nothing of value should be stored in outer pockets. Backpacks should be worn to the front when using public transport.

     • Recommend use of safety belts (where fitted) on the bus

          Hotels

     • Recommend the use of hotel safes. Anything of intrinsic value should not be left in hotel rooms, unless locked in luggage or a room safe (where available). The main hotel safe is the best option if you wish to store valuables.

       • Your group should take note of fire notices and fire escape routes when they first enter their rooms. Should any fire exit appear to be locked/inaccessible, inform the TD (or hotel management if TD unavailable) immediately. All hotels we use are required to provide us with current certification that they meet relevant safety requirements.

I need a response back from everyone (traveler and/or parent) on two things:

1. Are you taking a phone? If so what is the number?
2. Do you have any special dietary requirements? (vegetarian, gluten sensitive, allergies)

If the answer to either or both questions is no then send a response telling me so. 

We are 5 days away from departure! Check your email or the blog every day for updates on the tour!

See you at the airport at 4:45 p.m. Friday afternoon!