Florence Day 1

This morning we left Rome early and headed off to Florence via San Gimignano. It rained most of the bus ride but when we arrived at the Tuscan Farm for our lunch the rain had stopped. We spent about a half hour on the Tunscan countryside touring the farm and vineyards. We were all particularly fascinated with the bottling machine used in the winery. After the tour, we headed up to the farm house where we ate a delicious lunch and enjoyed a picturesque view.

After a short bus ride, we arrived at our hotel in Florence. We immediately walked to the city center for a walking tour. The kids are great! They have good attitudes and are open to learning about other cultures. After the tour, the kids had free time for the evening.

It's A Water Park! - Rome Day 3

The day started fairly nice - cool and cloudy. It's a good thing (usually) when you're planning on visiting the colosseum and forum. We had a great tour of the colosseum & learned lots about the original sporting events, gladiators & the citizens of ancient Rome. Then we headed over to the forum and began to learn about the day to day life of the common people and the interesting temples that lie in ruins there. About 1/3 of the way through the skies opened and we were drenched. We hid out under the trees the best we could but it was definitely a mediterranean storm! The kids have been sent off to explore the last few things they want to see in Rome on their own. I'll update after dinner some of the great things they did today! Before I get to what the kids were up to, I forgot to mention we saw the mayor of Rome today. There was some historical auto club that was receiving honors and we walked right through it (twice!) If you watched the news here it may have been possible to see us coming down the stairs behind the presentation!

Now for the rest of today. Luke and Richard went to lunch with some Mirabelli family friends. A group found a market near the Vatican and spent the afternoon bartering & souvenir shopping. Another group walked up to a great park in the south west of Rome that Katie and I had never heard of before. It was quite a hike but they had a fabulous time. Another went to Maria del Vittoria and saw the St. Therese in Ecstacy or tried to anyway. Some made great advantage of the street artists. They were all back to the meeting point on time with no difficulties. You should all be so proud of how well they are all doing on the trip!

We had a yummy lasagne dinner and then spent the evening at Piazza Navona eating gelati and watching the street vendors. There was a fun group of break dancers there too. Off to Florence in the morning. Good night!

Stairs - Rome Day 2

Taking into consideration all we have seen it's hard to believe we've only been touring for 2 days. This morning we went to the Vatican museum. Our guide took us a 'different' way than I'm used to and we saw lots of great things. Katie & I both learned things today such as the reason much of the statuary is important is because it was used as models for the figures in the paintings in the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is always one of the highlights of the day. You can see it in books, on slides, or in movies but nothing does it the justice of seeing it in person.

After the museum we went to St. Peter's cathedral & took a quick look about. They were set up for something big so we couldn't see all of the basilica but we still had a great visit. Next we went up to the top of the dome. Us wimps of the group took an elevator to the roof and then walked the remaining 320 stairs (Matt counted 369) The brave ones started at ground level and added another 200 to that count.

After that we took our first trip as a group on the Metro. They were great! We ended up at the Spanish Steps - add another 168 to the last total. The kids then had free time for a few hours. Some went to museums, some to other famous sites, some just shopped. We then stopped at St. Peitro Vincoli. This is famous for Michaelangelo's Moses and because the chains that bound Peter as he was brought to Rome are there. Our last stop of the night was the Trevi Fountain. The kids all threw in a coin meaning they all wish to return to Rome!

This last photo is the view around the corner from our hotel. Spectacular!

Rome - Day 1

We made it - YEA! One thing you never want to hear your airline pilot say regarding the turbulance you're experiencing, "there are planes above us having trouble staying in the air." Seriously, did we need to know that? The ride to NYC was a bit bumpy but worked itself out. Then we get to our departure gate at JFK and are notified that the flight to Rome is heavily overbooked. We still got on. The kids have been spectacular. Great on the plane and then real troopers today as I've forced them to stay awake & adapt to EU time. They also walked about 10 miles. We went to St. Peter's piazza, Castle San Angelo, walked along the river, and stopped in the Pantheon. We also had the good luck to go past the French chapel which has some remarkable Carravagio's. Murphy's law struck & our tour director (the one that's supposed to be with us the whole trip) got in a car accident & is on bedrest for at least 1 week. We've now been assigned a new one & he should be arriving any time now. The kids are all taking a quick nap and showering before we go to dinner. Talk to you soon! Remember - double click to enlarge a picture, right click to save the image.

Time to go!!

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In just a few hours we will be at the airport and heading off on our adventure!!! A few last packing tips. Make sure the following things are in your CARRY-ON and not packed away in your checked luggage:

Passport
Money, Credit Cards, etc.
Prescription Medicine
Change of Clothes
iPod Charger (most likely you'll need it for the layover)
Watch

Can't wait to see you all, bright and early at 5:45am!!

It's All About Attitude

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It's a certainty that things can be difficult when you travel. You're tired or hungry or both. Some people you have to be with are annoying. You have expectations that don't get met. Sometimes things just go terribly wrong. At one hotel they added one more boy to the room and just tucked cots on each side of the two beds. (left) To get around they had to climb over each other. In another room the cot was in a permanently folded position. (below) Imagine sleeping shaped like an accordian. Last trip we spent a hellish night on a train from Rome to Paris. The windows wouldn't open & the AC was broken. It was like 8 hours in a sauna. I thought we would hear all kinds of complaints from the kids. Nope, they all dusted off their very best positive attitudes and found things to do and reasons to laugh. The trip is only as great as you allow it to be.

Airport

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This morning I went on a test run to the airport. It took exactly 18 minutes from the time I started the car until I turned it off in the car park. (I love living off of I-215!) The surprising thing was how many cars were on the road that time of day. There was a fair crowd at the terminal and it took about 20-30 min in line for a person just to get through security.

We take off from Terminal 2. As you come down to the ground level from parking there is a large open seating area to the left of the escalator. Its by the luggage carousels. We'll all meet there at 5:45 a.m. Thursday June 17th. That's giving you an extra 15 minutes to sleep but it means you can't be late!

Boarding passes are printed based on a scan of our passports. Have your passport on you when you get to the airport! Remember an empty water bottle to fill once you're through security. There will be a charge for food, pillows & blankets on the flight to NY, it's expensive! Tuck some snacks in your carry on or have some cash to buy something at the airport. There is no charge for those items on the flight to Rome but they do charge for headphones. Most of you will have your set from your iPod/MP3 - no problem.

Now to cautionary tales of flying trauma - First was a young lady that left her passport sitting home & had to go back to get it. Do I need to say it again? Yep, don't forget or pack your passport! NEVER put anything in the pocket of the seat in front of you. One girl left her passport there but remembered in time & luckily the flight crew let her back on board to get it. Next was a young man who tucked his boarding pass in that pocket. As we hurried to disembark he forgot & left it there. We spent all our layover/connecting time trying to work things out. They wouldn't let him on the plane & wouldn't let me miss my flight, so he was left behind. Eventually he had to catch a later flight & pay $300 for the ticket change! Finally, pay attention at the airports. Flight times are based on local time not SLC time. Don't wander too far from the group or our gate during layovers. During the rush through the large terminals to make connections stay in a group. We almost lost a traveler in Frankfurt last trip because I was dealing with the above mentioned and no one was watching the back of the group. Smart boy asked for help and made it to the plane on time!

Father's Day

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Katie & I frequently talk about how this is such a fantastic bunch of kids. This probably isn't needed but I want to remind everyone to break out from or expand your traditional friend group as we travel. First, this makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone. No one feels slighted or left out and you don't get tired of and irritable with those that are your good friends. Second, you'll make a whole new group of good friends. More importantly it's a safety issue. One traveler almost got left atop the Eiffel Tower because she wasn't part of a group and no one was watching out for her. Another time a traveler spent the first week of her trip wandering on her own. I was upset with her for breaking the rules, angry with the other travelers that had consistently excluded her, and furious with myself that it took so long to notice. Look around, pay attention and invite others to join you on your excursions.

We just had our Father's Day celebration. The kids got George a t-shirt that says 'Stud Muffin' though there's more muffin than anything these days. I'm grateful for a husband that is willing to let me take off for a month to explore the world with a bunch of teenagers. I'm also grateful to all the parents for trusting me with those teenagers.

Ogres are like onions

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Yesterday was spent getting a haircut, watching the USA vs. England soccer game, and shopping for a few last things. On the list - books, activity/game magazines, cards, coloring books and twistable colored pencils (I love to read but sometimes coloring is a good de-stresser for me). I've decided if I don't have it by now it probably isn't that important.

I'm surprised by the cool turn the weather has taken. I was tempted yesterday to pack my coat but no. Living in Utah we've all learned to layer. I have a long sleeved t-shirt, a hoodie and a windbreaker. All three together should be plenty. If it's not I'll buy a great souvenir sweatshirt wherever I am. Wow, I'm not going to pack the hoodie, then I'll have a great excuse to buy that sweatshirt!

Soccer

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As the World Cup gets under way it reminds me of our 2006 trip. The tournament was in full swing as we hit Germany. The main square in Munich was packed with people from all over the world sporting the colors of their team. Since we didn't have tickets the best place to watch games was the big screens in the bars. What an amazing experience to sit with people from all over the world and with the locals talking, laughing and cheering. We also had a mini impromptu soccer game with a very drunk Australian - too funny!

One of the best parts of international travel is learning about the people of the world. Strike up a conversation with others waiting in line with us. Where are they from and why are they traveling? Take the time to talk to the 'natives.' Ask thoughtful questions, listen to stories, ask them how to say something in their language. One of my favorite things is to go to the market. I love being where the locals are instead of in a touristy shop. It gives me a chance to be part of real life in a new place.

Pick Pockets

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The boys & I went to pick up a few last minute things today. David was balking at the idea of a money belt or neck wallet for keeping his valuables safe. He'd decided that just keeping everything in his front pocket would be good enough, that no one could get anything out of there (his no, no square) without him knowing. At that point Stephen, who is now a seasoned EU traveler, launched into story upon story of pickpocket attempts. I'll share a few of his & a few of mine.

One of our travelers didn't like her neck wallet either. We were in Rome, it was hot & she was sweaty so she took off her 'pouch' and tucked it in her front pocket. Within 15 minutes it was gone - money, debit card and passport! Another was stopped by a cute little boy that tied a woven bracelet on his wrist. The next thing he knew another boy was slipping his wallet out of his back pocket. Good thing a chaperone noticed, our traveler hadn't felt a thing! (Another problem with this scam is that they tie the thing on & then demand you pay for it and you can't get the thing off by yourself. Stay away from these cute kids!) I had a young boy, no more than 12, trying to slip my sunglass case out of my day bag while riding the subway in Rome. He wasn't very subtle so I noticed & yelled 'No.' Wouldn't he have been surprised if I'd let him get away with it? The subway was packed like sardines so there wasn't room to move & darn it, he tried again. I made an even bigger stink just as the doors opened & he bolted. The real surprise - there were so many people in that car, someone had to have seen what was happenening but no one stepped up to help. Yep, I'd broken one of the trip rules and was out by myself so there wasn't anyone from the tour to watch my back.

As we travel use all precautions - stay together, protect your valuables, and always be paying attention!

Graduation Day -- Day 7!!

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Graduation tonight was an awesome conclusion to the year and a high school career and it was also another big thing to mark off the calendar before we leave! There were some great musical numbers and speeches and the tribute to Oakley was particularly touching. It is really great to see Highland shine on a big night like this!

We leave in just a week and a few hours from now -- I can't wait! Now is the time to start packing if you haven't already. Packing in advance will give you the time to think carefully about what you are taking and time to pick up anything you may need before we leave. Think particularly about things like getting a watch (if you are accustomed to telling time by your phone), making sure your credit/debit cards work (especially if they are new for the trip) and getting a hidden pouch (belt or neck -- for your passport, money, etc.).

See you in a week at the airport!!

Congrats!

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This was a crazy day! Final assembly, yearbook day, shut the classroom down for the summer. Throw taking care of the family in there. I was at it until well after midnight. (so this is really a D-8 posting)

Big congrats to graduating seniors, juniors who are now seniors and especially to Katie who defended her masters thesis with flying colors!

I received the flight manifests today so we are ready to fly. It was the last detail I was waiting for. You will need your passport with you to get on the flight, not in the suitcase. Also, bring snacks, gum and things to do. I'm still trying to find out if they charge for pillows and blankets on international flights. Consider bringing your jacket on the flight. You can roll it up to use as a pillow or put it on if you get chilly. I carry an empty water bottle and then fill it once I get through security. Dehydration makes jetlag worse!

Shopping/Packing

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So, Katie notified me that I neglected to put the packing list in the traveler's journals. I'll be getting one to everybody soon but here's a copy so you can get started ASAP...

Packing Checklist

PASSPORT!!! – Have it with you!!! Keep it Safe!!!
TRAVELER JOURNAL – the little white binder, pens or pencils
CREDIT/ATM CARD, MONEY YOU EXCHANGED, PHONE CARD
NAME TAGS ON ALL LUGGAGE: make them bright & easy to spot (I'll be bringing one from NETC by soon.)

CARRY ON TO INCLUDE: Anything you can’t live without for a day
TOILETRIES – All liquids 3oz. or less in a small baggie on top…
soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, contact stuff, your beauty stuff
MEDICATIONS – pain reliever, prescriptions (in original container), allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, antibiotic, etc.
CAMERA – Extra memory card, charger or batteries, (film?)
STUFF – glasses, sunglasses, MP3 or headset w/CD’s, batteries, chargers, books, cards (for layovers), gum, 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 suitcase is delayed or lost)
MUNCHIES – water bottle, snacks, gum…..

SUITCASE – Label inside and out. Tuck a copy of the itinerary inside.
CLOTHING FOR HOT & COOL WEATHER: long pants (1-2), long sleeved shirt (1), shorts (2), short sleeved shirts (6), jacket (1), umbrella/poncho, (choose lightweight - fast drying!)
COMFORTABLE SHOES: with socks - break in well before we leave!!!
UNDERWEAR: at least 6 pair
ONE DRESSY OUTFIT: for the theatre (shoes to match?)
BELTS, HAT, SWIMMING SUIT (?)
CONVERTER/ADAPTORS & CHARGERS – if you bring any electronics you will need these!
PLASTIC BAG FOR WET ITEMS (or plasticized section in luggage)
LAUNDRY GEAR - detergent (close securely), clothes line, sink stopper
GUM & SNACKS
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.

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

Rain

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I've always loved the rain. It's probably one of the reasons I feel so comfortable in the UK. This storm tonight however, is spectacular. Not like anything I've experienced over seas. Remember that rain is probable at least once or twice while we travel. Last trip the rain joined us in Venice, the trip before that London. Bring something along to keep you dry. I carry an umbrella but most of the travelers just pack a cheap plastic poncho. Light, doesn't take up much space and does the job.

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Packing tip - I have three big tubs hiding behind the couch in my living room. One for me, one for Stephen and one for David. As I pick something up for the trip in to the bucket it goes. I'm doing the same thing with the wash. Once something I'm taking is clean it goes in too. (If there weren't 3 of us going or I had more room it would be the suitcases instead of the bins.) Everything that goes in the tub gets crossed off the packing list. That way I'll know if I'm missing something I need now rather than last minute.

I also dusted off my Italian phrases the other day. I'm terrible! A couple to know...
please - per favore
thank you - grazie
you're welcome - prego
excuse me - mi scusi
hello - ciao (also used as 'see you' or goodbye)
goodbye - arrivederci

June!

I've been counting down for a long time but now that it's June the trip feels real. I'm excited to be in the same month as departure. We have good news, we're being joined by a new traveler. Welcome to Patrick Ludlow!

SKYPE!

Today I set up a Skype account (skype.com). It was fairly simple & didn't take too long. Then I spent the next hour with my daughter Christine, each with our laptops "Skyping" each other. The funny part - she was sitting right next to me!

Picnic

Great picnic tonight! Thanks to everyone for coming and pitching in. I am so impressed by the young people that make up this group of travelers. They are bright, outgoing and fun. This is going to be an amazing trip. 30 days & counting!!!

The next thing for me to learn... how to attach video. This is tonight's performance of the drum corp at David's school. He's the one in the purple hoodie & Highland t-shirt!



Wow, it took over an hour to load the video. Either I figure out how to do it differently/faster or there will be no movies of our trip on the blog...