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!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! A huge thank you to all the traveler's dads. The kids are so amazing and are having a great time.

We started a bit late today and spent most of the day on the water. First on a ferry that took us to the island of Poros, then on the beach. This is a beautiful place and I think most of the kids would like to spend the next week here. Our hotel is something out of the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" according to Whitney. Lovely white building with blue trim, trees, flowering shrubs and such a pretty pool. I was surprised everyone went to the beach instead of sticking around here.

Athens

There seems to be a problem adding pictures to the blog. The photos I added to yesterday's post aren't showing up. I'm assuming it has something to do with the internet here. I'll keep trying but know it may be a few days before pictures are up.

Today was an official tour of Athens. Our city guide, Gemma, is a resident of the city and passionate about sharing it with others. Not only did she give us dates and events but she tied them together to make them relevant. She was also not afraid to explain what is happening politically in Greece and make her views known.

We first stopped at Constitution Square just in time to see the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. We learned that in Greece every young man must join the military for two years but of all those soldiers there are only 60 honor guard that hold this special position. They 'change' every hour on the hour around the clock.







Then off to the old new Olympic stadium. It was built in 1886 in preparation for the first games of the modern olympics. It is made entirely of marble (except the track) and is a very long and narrow oval.

We made it to the Acropolis around 10 it was already getting pretty hot but there was a good breeze to fight the heat. First, at the base of the rock is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Then after a climb the monumental entrance - the Propylaia. Then at the top the Parthenon, Erechtheion with it's porch of maidens, and the Old Temple.

It was nice to get out of the heat and wind at the Acropolis museum. This is only about 6 years old and one of the nicest museums I've been to. In an effort to preserve the Parthenon the government is taking on a huge restoration project of the acropolis. Many of the original statues and carvings have been taken off the hill and placed in the museum. Then they are placing replicas as replacements. They are also adding missing and damages pieces of the Parthenon. I'm not sure how much is planned for the 'restoration.' It seems to me it would be odd to completely restore the Parthenon to it's original form but who knows? Gemma probably did but we didn't think to ask he until it was too late.




We then broke for lunch and a little shopping in the town center, everyone going their own way. Arnoud then showed us the way back to the hotel and then most of the kids headed back to the markets to spend some money. In an hour we leave for dinner and a Greek culture show. I'm taking my video camera, rumor is that some of the kids may be asked to dance!

OK, back from dinner & the rumors are true - there was singing, dancing, drinking, kissing. Almost all of it 'G' rated. The program ran long but the kids were great, as they have been every minute so far. I have blackmail film from tonight's program. If I ever get to a place with better internet connection I'll try to send some.

Tomorrow off for a tiny bit of relaxation on the island of Poros. Good night!

The Troops Have Arrived!

It's already been a day of adventure! With Mary's boarding pass fiasco, barely having enough time between flights in Paris to navigate the ENTIRE Charles de Gaulle airport and four lost suitcases (Matt, Katie, Kalani, and Nona) we already have lots of stories to tell.

1-The boarding pass was easily obtained in Paris.

2-Stephen was awesome at getting us through the airport in good time and the kids were great about staying together (and paying attention)

3-The luggage is still lost but Air France is on the case. Each of those travelers got a courtesy kit to get them through the night until the bags can be found. We also have lots of generous people willing to share until the problem is resolved. Hopefully the airline will deliver the bags to the hotel tomorrow!

4-We are all checked in to our hotel. It is quaint and within a 5 minute walk of the Plaka district. We can see the Acropolis up close and personal from the hotel. Dinner is in an hour on the roof of the hotel so we can enjoy the historic site while we eat.

We have also been met by our tour director, Arnoud. I've worked with him before and specifically requested him for this trip. I'm so glad he agreed to work with us! He has already posted on our Explorica web page. Go check it out!



Dinner was on the hotel roof. It has the most spectacular view!

Breakfast!

For the last three days I've cooked breakfast. Not typical behavior for my first week of vacation. I've been preparing for the next month of 'continental' breakfasts. Rolls, cheese, warm milk.... I guess its one of the reasons I always lose weight on this trip even though I indulge in yummys like gelato & crepes!

I am so excited to leave tomorrow! My suitcase is sitting by the front door and all my electronics are plugged in and charging. All I have to do is throw them (and their cords) into my carry on and I'm ready to go!

See you at terminal 2 at 2:30pm tomorrow!

Only 5 days!

Next Saturday we will be in Athens, I reminded my husband as we walked out the door this morning!  We are so excited!  A couple of last minute things:
1) Remember its Father's Day after we leave, so do something nice for dad before Thursday!
2) Make sure you have money exchanged so you're prepared when we land.
3) Call your credit card company and let them know the dates you will be travelling!
4) Be extra nice to your family (you'll miss them) and tell them thanks for all they have done (and will do over the next couple of days) so you can go.
5) START PACKING!

See you at 2:30pm on Thursday -- International Terminal!

Family Picnic Pics

The picnic last night was so fun!  It was a great chance to ask last questions, talk about preparations and eat some delicious food!  Thank you to everyone who came and everything you brought.  All of the travellers are so great I can't wait to head out on our adventure!  Only 9 days left...

11 Days!

It was great to see so many cute kids all dressed up for the "Last Dance." Graduation is just a few days away and then it's time to travel! I spent the weekend going through my packing list to make sure I have everything I need. I'm trying to avoid any last minute panic because I didn't plan ahead. This weekend I did pick up an extra battery pack and an 8GB memory card for my camera and a couple of pairs of good, thin, cotton, no show socks. Now I'm starting to think "if I don't have it by now I don't really need it."

Several kids have shared with me their worry that they will forget something. Here is my response to that... if you have your medications and your passport you'll be OK. We are traveling to civilized countries with people we know and love so we can borrow or buy anything you may need when we're over there.

Since Katie left a quote I'll repeat my favorite:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad/Roughing It

22 Days!!!

I can't believe we leave in 22 days!!  I think I'm more excited about Europe than ever because of the great group we have going.  As we end school (8 days) my thoughts are turning to packing and all those last minute details to take care of before we fly away.  I was reading my journal from my last trip and came across a quote I love: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine.  I'm so excited we are going to be "reading" lots of pages over the next several weeks!

Final Meeting!

Great meeting tonight. Thanks to all who came and sat through that marathon. As we went over the checklist and hit the line that said 'become a follower of the blog,' I realized I hadn't posted in a long time. No need to follow if there's nothing new to see - sorry! If you missed the meeting stop by and pick up the missing papers and get your travel book put together. Remember that I will be updating the hotel page and still need to finish the travelers list and trip itinerary. The family party is planned for June 4 in Sugar House Park. I'll be sending out invitations and food assignments shortly. This is our chance to relax and enjoy each others company and get to know the families of the traveler. We'll also take our final practice group photo. Come cute!

Meetings!

I love meeting night! Not the time preparing or the lecturing - that's just work. What I love is being with the travelers and talking with people once the meeting is over. Parents ask such intelligent questions and the excitement of the kids is infectious. Last night in the meeting we covered how phones work (don't take your cell phone)and how to deal with money (get an ATM card attached to a CHECKING ACCOUNT with a PLUS or CIRRUS symbol & a numerical pin)Then we took a PowerPoint tour of Florence and Venice. For those that missed the meeting come to my room and pick up your traveler's book pages. See you in February!

Six months

I know I get obnoxious with countdowns sometimes, but when I realized we leave 6 months from today I got so psyched! I even had a little Freudian slip when a student asked me today's date and I said, 'June 14th!" I guess I really can't wait to go!

It was also strange not having a meeting this month. I actually missed it and look forward to getting together with you all again in January. Enjoy the holiday season with your family, we'll see you in the new year!

Thanksgiving

At this time of year there are a couple of things to mention. First, I'm thankful to be able to share something I love with such an amazing group of young people. Parents, thank you for providing such an amazing opportunity for your children. Travelers, thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity and positive attitude. And thanks for being so nice to Katie & me!

Next, it's obvious that it's a busy time of year. Turn out to the last meeting was very low. Here are the important things... Get an appointment for a physical and dental check up for the traveler soon. You want to have both done before May. That way if there are any complications they can be resolved before we go. While you're with the doctor ask for a prescription for a general/broad spectrum antibiotic. I like Zithromax (Z-pack) because it works well and you only need 3-5 pills, but your doctor will know what works best for you. The travelers will need to pack the actual medicine with them when we go. Also, remember there is no meeting in December.

Finally, It's that week when people start their holiday shopping. Here are a few ideas for your travelers...
1- A suitcase. Don't worry about getting the most expensive model. We'll beat them up pretty well. I recommend a 24" but no more than a 26-27". More than that is too bulky and heavy. Beware of the 4 wheel spinners. They are great for regular travel but make navigating brick and cobbled streets of Europe a challenge. Rolling duffel bags are also a great option. The two section duffels work best. Check the weight of either choice. Depending on the airline, total weight allowed for a packed bag is between 35-50 lbs. Don't waste it all on a heavy bag. Most important, make sure whatever you get can be locked/secured.
2- A camera. Again, get something that works well but doesn't kill you if it gets stolen or broken. Consider size, weight and lens. Nothing too big & bulky but something with a decent zoom. Nikkon is making some great new models. Also think about how to power it up. If it's rechargable consider a second battery pack so when one loses power they can pop in the other one.
3- Watch. These days most kids use their cell phone to keep time but we recommend leaving the cell home. The travelers need to be able to be prompt on a tight schedule.
4- Toiletry Kit Bag. These are convenient as the kids share a hotel room with one bath. It allows them to just grab the kit and head to the shower. Get one that is lined so that if the shampoo bursts during the flight, everything else in the suitcase isn't ruined. LandsEnd.com sells some great ones.
5- Travel alarm. The hotel wake up call doesn't always come. It's best if the travelers don't have to rely on them.
6- Adapters/converter. These allow the kids to power up. The outlets in Europe are different shapes. Adapters adjust our plugs to fit. Europe also uses 220 volt vs. our 110 volt. The converter keeps the extra power from burning out our appliances. Check your gadgets. These days many are dual voltage and you won't need the converter.
7- MP3 stuff. If your kid has an i-Pod/i-Pad or other type MP3, get a wall charger. They won't have a computer to use to charge up. Another idea - noise reducing ear phones. This minimizes the background hum of the plane and bus (or roommates). Most types are rather big but I have a great pair of Sony's that are ear buds.
8- Exchanged money. How about some Euros and/or Pounds as a stocking stuffer? The main branch of Zions or Wells Fargo Bank will exchange. Your bank might have some at their main branch as well or can order some for you. You can also order on line but beware of service fees!
9- A Day Bag. The travelers will need a carry-on that doubles as a day pack. It has to be big enough for all their flight needs and comfortable/compact enough to carry their wallet, sunglasses, water bottle, maps, ect. around for the day. A backpack works great!

A lot of these things can be found around the house. It isn't necessary to buy everything new. Most of what you don't have can be found around town. I get my adapters at OfficeMax or Walmart. The iPod wall charger from Target. I bought my kids duffel at Costco & a CoolPix camera at Sam's Club. Shapiro's and Brookstone (both at Fashion Place Mall) are fun travel stores. They run a bit pricey but have cool gadgets. Some online ideas - LandsEnd.com, Magellans.com, REI.com, Overstock.com. If you have other great suggestions let me know & I'll get the information out to everyone else.

Last thing. Use the days off from school between now and New Years to take care of getting a passport. Time is flying. 205 days to departure!

It's Official!

What a fantastic group! It was great to see almost every traveler either at the meeting or represented by a parent. Katie gave us some great information on Greece - the politics, mythology, architecture, and art. Remember to review the paper that lists Greek people of note and the gods, heroes & legends.

Also, make a plan to get your passport. (Book not card.) I forgot to mention that if you have a passport that expires within 6 months of our trip you should get it renewed before we go. That means if it expires before December 31, 2012 get a new one!

Thanks to everyone for coming and for all the great questions. My favorite part of the night was practicing our group photo shot. Here it is.......


Oh, in case you're wondering we leave in 276 days!

300!

Three hundred days seems like a lot but with as busy as we will all be this school year those days will fly by! Katie and I sat down a few weeks ago and planned our traveler meeting series. Our goal is to make sure every student is as prepared and knowledgeable as possible, they have the skills to be a successful & happy traveler, and that we have some fun! First stop on the meeting plan - Greece!

The Acropolis

The Island of Poros