Day 6 European Discovery

Day 6

Jesolo, Italy

Thursday, 16.6.2011

Today we had wake-up at 7:00, Room Checks at 7:30, breakfast from 7:45 – 8:15 and then load the bus by 8:15. Once again our ambassadors were right on time and ready to go. We dumbfounding Bernhard, he has not ever had a group as responsible as this, he is a bit worried I think he is worried about what might be coming.... We assure him, what you see is what you get, this is a great group of young people.

It was a good breakfast; bread (as usual), meats, fruit, juice, etc. Coffee of course.

Our first stop will be Jesolo. It will be about an hour ride but we hit a traffic jam so we were a bit late. But finally made it. Jesolo is a beautiful city.

Hop on your bus and head for Florence, Italy's city of the arts!

So far it looks like a great trip to Europe would be to fly into Venice, drive to Florence, Jesolo and then on to Voltera. :)

Pay a visit to the Academia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's colossal statue, David.

Our first stop was, of course, Academia Gallery, in Florence, Italy and were able to see sooooo many great works of art, including David, which it too, I believe, Michelangelo 24 years to do. We had a guide for the gallery but she was a bit difficult to understand. So this was not so successful but it was just amazing to be standing in the area of such historical art work. One could spend days in here exploring and we had a such a short amount of time. The guide took us to some other sites and then we ended up in this large square.

After this we had a bit of time to shop, some hit an ATM and other walked down to a river. I bought a belt, Tracy and Greg bought a purses, sometime we will have to talk about that!!! :)

Now your guide will take you for a walk through the city of Florence, you'll pass by the Duomo and the bronze doors to the Baptistery, known as the Gate to Paradise.

1:00 PM

After this tour we went to our restaurant for. Luigi did a good job of getting us there today. Sometimes Luigi is a bit unreliable. Our meal was great. We had something that was a bit like Spanish rice, which was then followed up with Chicken and Potatoes. Of course we had a desert

Today's lunch will be served at the restaurant La Vecchia Firenze.

Continue your journey to Jesolo!

Now we are our way to Jesolo, a quick walk to the bus, fast pace, quite hot again today. Once again blessed with great weather, have not had any rain to date, hate to say that, probably jinx us. Loaded the bus and heading on the Jesolo, close to Venice.

6:30 PM

Savor your pizza at one of the best Pizzerias in Jesolo.

Tonight we ate at a Pizzerias, fantastic food. Tonight we had a choice as to what we wanted to eat, which we did quite often, it seemed. That was nice. Although it didn't always turn out like we wanted but still a nice idea anyway. But tonight we could pick from: Pizza Margarita, Lasagna, Salad buffet and one other type of Pizza. I think they were all great.

After dinner we headed back to the hotel. Many wanted to hit the beach because we were like 100 yards from the North Sea. Lets head swimming. Everyone changed and we headed for the beach. Of course Roger was first down, not in but as they say, “On Guard”. Everyone was soooooo excited. It was late so we didn't have a lot of time but how wonderful!!! The hotel people were very nice and it was a great hotel. Almost like an efficiency apartment; had kitchen stove, refrigerator, etc. All you need really to make your own food.

The place we stayed also had camping areas closer to the beach, cabin areas, etc. It was a huge place. Down by the beach was a restaurant, bar, pool, etc. Almost like a resort, a great family retreat area; kid friendly.

Take some time together to learn about your upcoming home-stay. Ask questions and understand expectations for the next days with your European families.

We will spend some time tomorrow night talking about our home-stays coming up.

As Tracy would say and said many times on this journey, “Another day in Paradise.”

Room checks as usual.

Florence

Florence (“Firenze”), cradle of the Renaissance, is renowned for its wealth of art and architecture. Most sights lie north of the River Arno – including the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, Giotto's tower, and the baptistery, with its magnificent bronze doors. Another cluster of sites is formed by the Bargello Museum withits stunning collection of renaissance sculpture, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, and the statue-adorned church of Orsanmichele. The church of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels, housing Michelangelo's heroic sculptures of “Day”, “Night”, “Dawn”, and “Dusk” aren't too far from here. Further artistic riches are to be found in the church of Santa maria Novella. Be sure to visit the Accademia Gallery which contains Michelangelo's “David”.

Duomo – Cathedral of Florence

The Duomo, begun in 1294, was crowned in the 15th century with a splendid dome by Brunellischi – one of the most famous Renaissance masterpieces, and the largest of its time. It is well worth climbing to the top so see the construction technique as well as the view. The rest of the exterior is beautifully decorated in colored marble. The cathedrals' interior exhibits works by Luca della Robbia, Paolo Uccello, and Andrea Castagno; as well as, first-class stained glass in the drum of the dome, exquisitely carved sacristy cupboards, and excavations of the earlier churches on this site.

Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence (“Firenze”), begun in 1299, with rooms (including the “Salone dei Cinquecento” and the “Studiolo”) decorated under the direction of Giorgio Vasari at the end of the 16^th century, and a chapel with frescoes by Agnolo Bronzino. The older rooms of the palace have ceilings and doorways by Giuliano da Maiano and frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Donatello's statue of “Judith and Holofernes” and Verrocchio's “Putto with a Dolphin” are also kept here.

Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery (“Galleria dell' Addademia”) contains a superb collection of sculptures by Michelandelo, including his all-too-famous marble “David”, carved at the age of 29 for “Piazza della Signoria”, which established him as the greatest sculptor of his day. This colossal nude figure, atypical of Michelangelo's works, is perhaps the best known single work of art in Europe. The “Four Prisoners” (or Slaves) and “Saint Matthew” are masterpieces of his “non finto” - style. The gallery also has an important collection of Florentine paintings.

Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio (literally “old bridge”) is the famous picturesque bridge across the river Arno, lined with quaint jewelers' shops. Although there has been ab ridge here since the 11^th century, the present construction dates back to 1345. A corridor, with round windows, built by Vasari, runs above the shops. From the center of the bridge there is a good view of the beautifully proportioned “Ponte Santa Trinita” by Ammannati (1567).

Day 5 European Discovery

Day 5

Montecatini, Italy

Wednesday, 15.6.2011

Today we got to rise and shine at a decent time. :) Everyone was up and out at right time and bags down and ready to go, just like clockwork. This was our first time to have a hotel with free WI Fi. This was first time to post on Facebook. (The whole Facebook thing didn't quite work like I wanted it to but we did get a few things out. What one forgets is that all of that takes time and time is something that is short all the time on these journeys.)

We arrived last night a little late so we allowed everyone to stay up a little later, maybe midnight even. The hotel was old but quaint, actually quite lovely. Voltera, which is where we stayed last night is a spot to go back to. It is a beautiful city with beautiful sights, scenery, etc.

Breakfast was at the hotel; Cold cereal, cold meats, cheese, etc. Actually quite good, lots of different sorts of bread and of course coffee of all sorts and milk as well. There is usually juice of some sort also. After this there is a walking tour of the city.

(We left our bags in the lobby during our walking tour. I believe we were to get them the bus first but there was an issue with making that happen so will do it when we get back. Will just load and go.)

An English speaking guide will lead you through the narrow streets in the city of Volterra. Discover spots highlighted in the book “New Moon”, like Vicolo Mazzoni or the Etruscan Arch, the gate from where Bella and Edward left the city of the Volturi.

The guide talked about the history of the city. Hopefully some of it is on the video. The guide said that Volterra is a medieval town in Tuscany. It has an ancient Etruscan history and has become somewhat of a cult destination among teenagers and people in their early 20's. Probably due to the movie series, “New Moon”; rising Twilight... Some of the movie, one of them, maybe the original or maybe some of all of them were shot in this city.

We walked down some of the areas that they filmed in and I believe we saw some names of people in the movies written down on the stone or brick. After the tour our guide took us to the Alabaster Factory.

According to the speaker, who I believe owned the company, told us that alabaster is another name for two minerals, gypsum and calcite. Gypsum is what is used today. It is mined underground and taken from limestone, it is sort of embedded in the limestone somehow. We didn't really see that. It is found in many parts of Europe but the Alabaster trade is really centered in Italy, most of it in Florence. There is a difference in quality of alabaster, there seems to be quite a few different types.

In the factory we saw a gentleman carving figures and things using a wheel to spin and a tool to make the shape. Fascinating. (Should be on video). After this we went into the store where we could purchase items. Everyone also should have received a booklet about it.

Servcemarks: The guided orientation is on foot, so please make sure that students wear comfortable shoes.

At Voterra, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding Tuscan hills, Mr. Fiumi will welcome you into his Alabaster Factory. Learn everything about the old tradition of Alabaster arts and the many uses of this beautiful stone.

Servicemarks: Mr. Piero Fiumi, the owner himself, will guide you through his Alabaster factory!

The suspense is not over: a thrilling surprise is waiting for you in the cellars of Palazzo Viti. You will be escorted underground like Bella, Edward and Alice with the Volturi.

After our tour of the Alabaster company we walked to the restaurant where we were going to eat lunch, not far, according to Luigi. The restaurant put on a little show for us before we ate. We were divided up into two groups, one waited outside and the other followed the owner into the restaurant. He proceeded to take us down into the basement , following these winding stairs. There were only candles burning and individuals with Robes on, (3). These three individuals were walking around. The gate at the top was locked, you could hear the chains being pulled through the gate and then paddle locked shut, or so it sounded. I will have to admit, I was bit claustrophobic at that moment.

The individuals then pulled one delegate, in our group, it happened to be Dakota Fontese and laid them on a table in the middle of the room. It was supposed to be, like a scene from the movie, Twilight Saga, sort of a Vampire sort of experience. At the very end they had all the candles out, pitch black. I was glad to be climbing the stairs to the next level, which was underground as well, so we were probably two levels down when we were in the cellar. (Of course this was done for both groups so it took a while, the group outside had some time to debrief).

Lunch was outstanding. It was a pasta dish that was almost like strogenhoff. Then a great salad, it seems like there was something else, and of course desert. Best meal yet. After this we had a three-hour bus ride. We were on our way to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Servicemarks: Please remind the students to take a sweatshirt with them as it might get cold in the cellars.

1:00 PM

Enjoy your lunch in the underground area where the Volturi lived. You will also meet local inhabitants to talk about Twilight, New Moon and your preferred characters. (Didn't happen)

Continue on your journey to Pisa!

We are on the way to Pisa. When we arrived we had to take a shuttle to the tower. There were lots of panhandlers around, everywhere it seemed, sunglasses, purses, selling hats, umbrellas, trinkets, etc. Would come right up to you, a bit bothersome, we had some of these around the coliseum.

Of course as usual we needed to hit a bathroom before we continued on. This happened to be one you needed to pay to use, worth every penny. :)

Once on the shuttle and at the Leaning Tower of Pisa the streets are lined, as far as you can see with vendors selling their wares. We walk by many of these as we head for the main gate, this is just outside. After going through the gate we could see that there were just as many vendor inside as out, of course it was packed with people, what a tourist trap. Still it is something one needs to see while in this area, just happens to be a place everyone wants to see also.

Now is the time for pictures and a little exploring on own and maybe a bit of shopping. We did a bit of shopping, Gelato Ice Cream, went inside a building called the Baptismal building, maybe baptistery is the correct word. You can take steps to the top of the building, look outside and of course down on the inside. We were able to get quite a few gifts for home here.

After we had everyone back at the meeting point, and of course no one was late, GREAT JOB everyone, there was maybe a half hour bus ride. Back through all the vendors, hot, hot, hot, very, very hot today. Lots of water needed, probably a bit short on this today.

Be inspired by some of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the Italian city of Pisa. You will see on of the most iconic buildings in Europe; the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

7:30 PM

Dinner Time: Savor a delicious dinner at the Hotel Villa delle Rose!

Overnight will be at the Hotel Villa delle Rose.

It is always challenging to get rooms assigned as we prepare to go to the next hotel. My dream is to switch up so people room with as many different ambassadors as possible and have less overlap, doesn't always happen, not ever found a great way to do that. It was nice having as many males because we could switch them up better, and of course double rooms vs triple rooms always adds a challenge as well.

It is quite a sight when we are distributing room keys, etc. This was a very nice hotel. Our rooms are a bit spread out, lots of places for our kids to sit and relax, etc. Dinner was first on the agenda once suitcases to rooms. The meals here were great, forgot to write down what we had.

WI FI was 3 Euro and hour and 5 E for 2 hours. Our delegates could use the phone in the lobby with phone card and some used their own phones. Everyone had about two hours to hang; some just sat around and talked, some sat by the pool, to late to swim unfortunately, very relaxing evening, wish more could have been like that. 11:00 bed check.

Tomorrow we will wake up at 7:00, Room check at 7:30 and breakfast at 8:15, this is a one night hotel. Once again our luggage was in the lobby area while we had breakfast, I believe.

Breakfast was outstanding; cold meat, cereal, cheese, watermelon, scrambled eggs,...juice..

Now on our way to our next destination.

Pisa

In the Middle Ages, Pisa was an important Mediterranean trade center, and accumulated vast mercantile wealth. This is reflected in the splendid buildings of the era – particularly the “Duomo”, one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Tuscany, the circular Baptistery, which contains Nicola Pisano's magnificent marble pulpit, and the “Campanille”, more famously known as the Leaning Tower. All of these are gathered together in the “Campo dei Miracoli” alongside the “Camposanto” and the National Museum which contains a wealth of Pisan and Florentine art from the 12^th and 17^th centuries.

Duomo – Cathedral of Florence

The Duomo, begun in 1294, was crowned in the 15th century with a splendid dome by Brunelleschi – one of the most famous Renaissance masterpieces, and the largest of its time. It is well worth climbing to the top so see the construction technique as well as the view. The rest of the exterior is beautifully decorated in colored marble. The cathedrals' interior exhibits works by Luca della Robbia, Paolo Uccello, and Andrea Castagno; as well as, first-class stained glass in the drum of the dome, exquisitely carved sacristy cupboards, and excavations of the earlier churches on this site.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower is one of the most famous buildings in Italy. The beautiful circular Romanesque bell tower leans 5.4 meters (17.6 inches). Construction began in 1173. Subsidence of soil caused it to start inclining when it was 10 meters high. The tower was completed in the late 14^th century, and a complicated operation is under way to stabilize the structure. The interior, with a spiral staircase and a good view,has been closed since 1990. The tower's apparent flouting of laws of gravity has attracted many visitors over the centuries including the Pisan scientist Galileo Galilee (1564 – 1642), who climbed to the top to conduct his famous experiments on the velocity of falling objects.

Day 4 European Discovery

Day 4

Volterra

(Tascany Area)

Tuesday, 14.6.2011

Breakfast at the hotel: Cold meats, cereal, coffee, orange juice.

Today's program in Rome will be very interactive! Head to the city center of Rome.

Continue your adventure with a City Quest including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.

Another beautiful day in paradise. 80+ sunny, will be very hot again today. Same bus driver today, Roberto, look forward getting to know him better.

Last night was a great night. Wake up will be a bit later tomorrow, and curfew will be a little later as well tonight I believe.

Today I woke up at 6:00 or so. Went down to get hot water once again. Kids were great again. What a great group of kids we have. Sooooo lucky!!!

Everyone was up and ready to go today.

After breakfast we were off to our scavnger hunt in Piazza Navona. Kids went after being given directions: 8 groups of 4 or no more than 5., may shop if they choose a bit as well if they finish. There will be prizes awarded after the sheets are scored.

We had a meeting place, Spanish …..

I had myself set up to go with one of the groups of kids as they were one short, but the adults convinced me to go with them, should have stayed with the kids. We got lost, off track and had a difficult time getting back, were late. Now we will have to sing......

Servicemarks: This is a unique opportunity for the student ambassadors to get in direct contact with the Roman inhabitants – enjoy this People to People experience.

12:00 PM Relax over your lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Rome.

Lunch: Hamburger, french fries, ice cream. It was good to have something sort of American. :) God Bless America!!!!

Depart for the beautiful medieval town of Volterra.

Olive oil has long been produced in Tuscany. Learn how extra-virgin olive oil of the highest quality is made. Each phase of the production such as picking, washing, pressing, extraction, separation and preservation will be explained.

The Olive Oil factory was not what I had sort of expected, not sure what I really expected, maybe something a bit bigger.

A young lady translated what an older gentleman was telling us about the process of making the Olive oil. As the oil is being made the olives go through a number of machines as they the oil is being extracted from the olive. It was interesting to sort of see how this is done first hand. Although it wasn't production season so we didn't actually see the process done.

There is a season for harvest and this is done by hand or by machine. (video)

We had a chance to taste the olive oil after our talk, dipped bread in it, wonderful. The had a chance to buy olive oil, etc. to take back home. There is always a chance to buy.....:)

After this we loaded up the bus and headed on to Volterra, Italy where we will spend the night.

But, before we arrive in Volterra, we will stop in the country for a traditinal Italian dish for dinner. We drove out into the countryside which proved to be a bit challenging, even with Luigi, our GPS guide. We had a terrible time finding it, arrived late, quite a bit late, probably over an hour.

We had to turn the bus around a couple of times in an area where it would have been difficult to turn a car around in. (Video) It was sort of an adventure.

I thought dinner was great, sort of a chicken dish, I believe what some didn't like was that it had bones in it, a few. It was very much like dishes I had when I was growing up on the farm. Kids today don't experience dishes like that. We also had bread with it, as we do with almost every meal, lots of carbs. :)

After dinner Bernhard announced the winners of the scavenger hunt this morning.

7:00 PM Now, enjoy a traditional Italian dish at the Fattoria Lischeto located in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. It included water and sparkling water (carbonated water) bread, oil, salad and dessert, sort of dry cake.

After dinner Roger performed his song, a song he used to sing around a campfire as a boy scout. This was for being late getting back from Scavenger hunt. Then Bernhard sang his National Anthem for leaving his clipboard at a restaurant. He was on his way back to get it, oh, to late Bernhard. We already confiscated it.

The girsl reluctantly performed a skit.....questionable at best????? Could have been better. Sam's team were the winners... and that was the team I was going to be on. Bernhard bought keychainsfor the winners. Roger was given one for abstention from his original team..

We had a birthday and a little homesickness as well. Some are still recovering from the first few days of travel. Still catching up on sleep, etc.

Dinner: It was sort of a chicken dish with a brownie cake for dessert, with water...

Overnight at the Hotel Nazionale.

Tuscany

Renowned for its art, history, and beautiful landscape, Tuscany (“Toscana”) is a region where the past and the present merge in pleasant Harmony. Etruscan walls encircle hill towns such as San Gimignano, where streets are lined with medieval and Renaissance palaces. Tuscany's pastoral landscape is dotted with castles and fortified villages, reminders of the wars and battles fought during the Middle Ages. Later, cities such as Florence (“Firenze”), Pisa, and Siena enjoyed a great artistic period, and today, together with Lucca, Cortona, and Arezzo, they hold some of Italy's most significant art treasures. Popular beaches, a rich and rustic cuisine, and a range of excellent wines ensure Tuscany's continuing appeal for visitors to Italy.

Alabaster