Day 8 European Discovery

Day 8

Friesach, Austria

Saturday, 18.6.2011

Today we started our day at 7:00, room checks, etc. as we will be leaving our, Joker Hotel, by the beach and journeying to Austria. We had a cold breakfast in the foyer after room checks and were supposed to be loaded on the bus at 8:00.

Continue your journey to the beautiful city of Sirnitz in the region of Carinthia!

The picturesque town of Sirnitz also known as the “Official People to People Town of Carinthia” invites you to spend an unforgettable day in the countryside. After a warm welcome together with town officials you will get to try a very special local treat.

We were welcomed here with a warm welcome. We we were greeted by an official of the city. She talked with us about the city, telling us a little of the history and then we had some strudel and something to drink. It was wonderful. She also presented us with a Plaque which was very nice. (Later we presented that Plaque to Bernhard, everyone signed it).

After our refreshments we met a young gentleman that got on the bus with us and took us up the mountain to an original grist mill. It still has original wooden parts and is run by water coming down the mountain. Actually quite interesting. The corn is ground by huge stone turning by the power of the water.

Then the ground product is sent down a shoot where it is separated into 3 parts; the very fine flower, a more rough ground sort of flower, and then another that is sent back to be ground again. They are preserving the history of the past.

After that we walked back to the farm for lunch. It was quite a walk down to the grist mill and of course back. We had a guide that directed us and sort of guided us through all this, he actually works in the city. This same young man has directed PTP trips before.

While we were waiting for lunch to be ready we played some games on a large grassy area; throwing boots in an attempt to get them through a tire hanging, getting a boot to stand up on a stump, and another that I have forgotten. (hopefully on the video or in pictures somewhere)

Lunch was prepared for us in this big barn. Tables were set up and we had a feast. Lunch consisted of flour (from the grist mill), mixed with eggs, bacon bits and cheese. I believe the call it (Fricka) and of course bread was served with the meal as well. Excellent!!! I goggled it but couldn't find any reference for the dish.

We had cinnamon-raising bread for desert. Wow! It was great as well.

After this we danced a little, two different dances – lots of fun – one was an individual dance and the other was a partner dance. Lots of fun as well.

Now a unique cultural experience waits for you! Learn more about the traditional life, e.g. folk dance lessons and farmer's Olympics! Afterward enjoy a delicious traditional meal.

Servicemarks: Please tell your group to wear comfortable shoes and in case of bad weather extra clothes.

Your destination today is the historic town of Friesach in the beautiful Austrian province of Carinthia! Friesach is over 800 years old and hods historical significance as one of the most powerful cities along the Vienna to Venice trade route.

Join in splendid evening of authentic Medieval games , including archery or chavelot, followed by an opulent banquet!

After our dancing was completed, maybe 2:00 or 2:30, it was a late lunch, we left Sirnitz and continued on the the historic town of Friesach.

Tonight we will be staying in a tent. It has started to rain. :( This is the first rain we have seen, but it is a chilly rain as well because of how high up we are. When we arrived in Friesach we set ourselves up in our tents, which actually were in this huge barn-like structure. Lights were low, and in the tents there really weren't any lights. Flashlights were at a premium as well as anyway to plug our electronics into, light sockets were few. There were 4- 6 or 8 per tent, but they were huge with cots and heavy feather blanket, very warm, it will be a good sleeping night tonight. Cold outside the blankets but warm under.

Unfortunately the bathrooms were outside and it was raining. Taking care of personal tasks during the night and before bed tasks should be interesting. One good thing is that they have heaters in them so it is warm in there when you go out. It never really stopped raining and grew colder and colder through the night. (There was also thunder and lightning in the night as well.)

After getting things stowed away we headed to dinner, in the rain of course. It wasn't to far of a walk and we were back inside. We sat around tables that were set up in rows, opposite each other, with delegates on both sides of the table. Dinner consisted of fried chicken (legs and thighs), pork ribs and potatoes. They were cut in hind-quarters style. It was probably the best meal yet, all you could eat, they kept bringing more. There was bread as well. Of course desert, strudel, oh my, with whipped cream on the side. Throughout dinner and at the end we had entertainment on the stage and around us.

A couple of ladies and lords were elected and crowned as Ladies and Lords, knights were knighted. David and ______, Alex and Elizabeth. They were given a certificate as well. Scotty went into the torture ring that spun around, and Hannah and Curtis put on this neck lock apparatus. (see video)

After dinner we headed outside to the courtyard to so medieval games; archery, something like horseshoes, and nut smashing. After the competitions and winners were announced we headed downstairs for a disco dance. We were supposed to do a campfire but to nasty, rainy – cold – etc. After gobs of fun dancing we headed back to our home for the night. It was about 9:15. Everyone hung around, sort of got ready for bed...visited....and before you know it the time arrived for bed.

Alex stood guard at the door and sort of helped people in and out of the barn to the bathrooms. That was actually quite helpful as the door outside was very big and difficult to open and close. Plus you needed an umbrella because it was storming quite hard outside.

Sleep tight, should tonight, thunder..... Wake up 8:15 Tomorrow I believe, a little later.

Tonight, you will sleep at the foot of a medieval castle wall. Dress warmly and enjoy your unique accommodations in one of several pavilion tents.

Austria

An electric mix of Hungarian, Italian, and German influences, Austria (“Osterreich”) is a complex country, sophisticated and urbane yet respectful of rural culture and traditions. While the modern republic of Austria is relatively small, its magnificent landscape and rich cultural heritage, epitomized by the city of Vienna, have ensured that the country maintains a significant profile within Europe. This cultural importance owes much to its illustrious past as part of the mighty Habsburg Empire. The Habsburgs, whose name once virtually symbolized Austria, rose from medieval obscurity to become lords of almost half of Europe. Their state – and with it Austria-Hungariaon Empire – collapsed in 1918 in the Wake of WWI. But every town, city, and hamlet in the land bears the stamp of their former grandeur in the form of flamboyant palaces, splendidly appointed baroque churches, genteel spas, and meticulously manicured country parks.

Vienna is the principal focus of interest in Austria, because of its astonishing richness of architecture, world-famous museums, and a musical tradition that outshines most other European capitals. Salzburg too, with its many sights associated with Mozart – including his birthplace – is an essential destination for anyone with an interest in the life and music of the composer. The Habsburgs considered the city of Innsbruck, set in the spectacular mountain province of Tyrol, especially attractive, thus ensuring a particularly rich array of buildings in the old part of town.

Modern Austria is a federation of nine individual provinces: Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Burgenland, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, and the city of Vienna. Three-quarters of the land is Alpine, and skiing and mountaineering are not only major tourist attractions but an integral part of the country's culture. However, Austria's landscape is a varied one, and vineyards, castles, and lakeside villages also rank among the touring highlights. The River Danube, as it winds across Europe, flows for about 350 kilometers (217 miles) through the northern part of Austria. For many years the polluted river was a major embarrassment, bu a determined cleaning operation is already showing the fruits of success.

Food and Drink

Austria

Austrian cuisine is German in essence, but modified by Italian, Magyar, Slavic, and Parisian influences. The traditional menu centers around meat dishes, of which the “Wiener Schnitzel” (veal fried in breadcrumbs) is the best known. A Viennese classic is “Tafelspitz”, boiled beef often served with a slice of liver and seasoned with horseradish sauce. Other favorites include beef goulash and “Schopsernes”, a mutton stew, often preceded by “Frittatensuppe” (a soup containing pieces of pancake). In the provinces, one may try “Bauernschmaus”, a mixed meat plate with dumplings and “Sauerkraut”, (pickled cabbage), or “Trioler Gerostl”, small pieces of boiled veal fried with egg and potatoes. The level of formality exercised in grand old Viennese restaurants may baffle visitors from Anglo-Saxon lands. This contrasts with the informality of “Beisein”, modestly priced establishments that often feature wooden benches and a single hot dish to accompany the wine or beer, and the jolly informality of “Heurigen”, the traditional wine taverns of the Vienna area.

Carinthia

Austria's southernmost province, Carinthia (“Karnten”), enjoys a mild climate moderated by the Mediterranean winds. It promotes itself as the “Austrian Riviera” o account of its many lakes (notably Worther See, Millstatter See and Weiber See). The Carinthian lake region offers some of the prettiest Alpine scenery in Austria, although the mountains here are not high enough for serious skiing. The chief attractions of the province lie close to Klagenfurt, the provincial capital. They include the historic towns of St. Veit and Gurk, the pilgrimage center of maria Saal, the Hochosterwitz Castle, the elegant resort of Velden, and Europa-Park on Worther Lake.

Friesach

Friesach, Carinthia's oldest town, is without doubt a total work of art that is extremely well worth seeing. In the High Middle Ages, the town achieved a European dimension as a religious and cultural center. Both the town itself and the surrounding “Hemma Region” contain countless historically unique architectural monuments, embedded in an idyllic and unspoiled landscape that invites the visitor to stay a while.

Day 7 European Discovery

Day 7

Jesolo, Italy

Friday, June 17

This will be our second day at the hotel. Wonderful to not have to pack up again right away. Today wake-up was 7:15, Breakfast will be at 7:45 and no room checks...:) Be on the bus and ready to go by 8:15.

Breakfast was at the hotel. It was the basics, cereal, milk, juice, bread, but not much else, although the coffee wasn't bad. Nothing special, lots of carbs... :) Still pushing the water.

This morning you will have a private boat ride from Punta Sabbioni to Piazza San Marco.

We took the bus to the Adriatic Sea, sort of an inlet, and then took a boat across to Venice. It was quite a walk from the bus to the boat. The boat ride over to Venice was not very long, maybe 10 minutes.

Unbelievable, that there is a city that is actually built on water. Canals run through the city. After we arrived we made our way through the city to the Gondola rides. This was an outstanding experience, to wind our way through city. Our gondola boat captain was “Luca”, he has been a gondola captain for 25 years, he sure didn't look his years, even sang a bit.... :) Our ride maybe lasted an hour or so and then we arrived back at the dock. Bernhard said he thought that if you were here on holiday, a gondola ride might cost 80Euro.

As we worked our way through the canals we could see they were lined with apartments, hotels, etc. People everywhere had suitcases.

Enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and prepare to ride in a Venetian gondola. While passing along the “Canale Grande” and narrow channels you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the “Fenice Theater,” and Mozart's Venice Residence.

Following the gondola ride we met our guide that would take us on a tour of the city. We saw so many things; Marco Polo's home, San Marco's Square (magnificent).

During a guided orientation you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and narrow canals of Venice. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs (This is a bridge that goes between basically the jail and the courthouse, has windows and might be the last time prisoners would see the outside world and they would sigh as they walked across.

1:00 PM

For lunch, proceed to the restaurant Da Bruno – Antica Cucina Veneziana.

Lunch was wonderful. We had a great Lasagna, tomatoes and motzerella cheese balls, ice cream. Absolutely wonderful. And the best part of this restauraunt was they played the our National Anthem when we walked in, and we ended up singing the last half of it. Fun!!

Take part in an informative presentation about the art of Murano Glass blowing. You will learn about each step – from composition to the polishing of the glass. You'll be fascinated by the live demonstration of the production process.

We had an opportunity to see a master make a horse our of red-hot glass using tools of the trade. It was amazing. He even made a pitcher from red-hot glass. While he worked, his uncle told us about the process of finding the best glass and how there are different grades of it. Of course then after this they took us to the shopping area and we had a chance to purchase items, special prices for us, or so they said. Still, fun anyway. They had sooooooo much stuff, but couldn't take any pictures, so no video or pictures of the shopping area. :(

After our Murano experience we walked back to San Marco Square and from there we were going to have some time on our own. We were given 7Euro once again and could use it how we wanted for dinner. Everyone will have about 3 hours on their own before we meet back at this spot.

Servicemarks: The factory will offer each delegate a little present as memory of this educational meeting. The DM or one of the leaders will get a box to distribute them later.

5:00 PM

Are you ready for a challenge? Like a real Venetian, you'll be independent and plan the dinner you want. In groups visit local supermarkets, buy a pizza from a pizzeria, or select from a wide range of Venetian panini with every imaginable filling.

During this 3 hours Tracy and I wondered around looking for an Armani Store and did end up finding one but we didn't know that Armani and Armani Exchange, one is US and one is Europe. Still fun anyway. On our way we discovered a Hard Rock Restaurant so decided we would eat there when it was time to grab a bit. Continued to walk around, huge place, lots of shopping, still quite hot. Our Ambassadors were off in their groups doing their thing; shopping, site seeing, eating.....We, or should I say I, was a bit worried about getting lost and not being able to get back on track so didn't wander to far off the beaten path. The city is quite complex. Actually that is probably a nice way to describe it.

Once everyone returned we headed back to the mainland. It was probably 7:00 by now. We still needed to take the Ferry back to the mainland and then the coach back to the hotel. We arrived back at the hotel at about 8:00, we will meet on the beach at 8:30 for a short meeting on our home-stays coming up. Then in the water....... :) It was starting to get dark by then.. Time was of the essence.

We had a short meeting about our home-stays where Bernhard shared some informoration. 1 delegate per family. No one without kids. Will go to school with them, 2 different schools, one focused on music and one focused on sports. Great – wonderful opportunity.

Leaders will go to a place called “Pyramid Hotel”, this will be our first time where we did not have a home-stay, a bit disappointing I might add. The hotel is supposed to be quite nice and this is where our delegates will spend their fourth night after the homestay. Then we are off to our next destination.

Everyone has to pack a day pack tomorrow as tomorrow night we will be sleeping in a tent, as it turns out a barn with tents I the barn..... quite cold and rainy as well. But they will not have access to their suitcases in the tents so need essentials with them in their backpacks.

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

Bed checks tonight at 11:00

You will have a private boat transfer from the center of Venice to Punta Sabbioni, where you will be picked up by your motor coach.

Good-night

Venice

Venice (“Venezia”), a city of pedestrians and water traffic, is so richly adorned that many visits are required to fully explore it. Most popular are the Basilica of San Marco, mausoleum of Venice's patron saint, the Doges' Palace, and the “Accademia”, which any student of Venetian art should not miss. Of the other city museums, the “Ca'Rezzonico” (18^th – Century art), the Correr Museum, and the Penny Guggenheim Collections (20^th Century art) are the most important. Venice's other outstanding sites are her smaller churches; Gothic “Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari”, “Santi Giovanni e Palo”, the “Gesuati”, “San Zaccaria”, and the “Redentore”; with their paintings, tombs, sculptures and treasuries, are also museums. Beyond the city, there are the islands of Murano, burano, and Torcello where the pace of life is slower.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal (“Canal Grande”) is Venice's Main Street, 3.8 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, with an average width of 70 meters (230 feet) and a depth of max. 5 meters (16 feet). It follows the course of an ancient river, cutting through the city from Northwest to Southeast in the shape of a reversed (S). As it is crossed by only three bridges and mostly hidden from pedestrians, the only way to see it is from the water, from which the splendor and wealth of the city's past is overwhelmingly impressive. More than 100 palaces line the banks, representing every style of architecture from the 12^th century to the early 18^th century. The most magnificent style is the arcaded Venetian Gothic Style, flamboyantly represented by the “Ca'd'Oro”, and the Early Renaissance, typified by the “Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi”, perhaps the greatest architectural masterpieces along the Grand Canal.

Basilica of San Marco

Founded in 832, the Basilica of San Marco was built to enshrine the body of Saint Mark, patron saint of Venice. The present structure dates from 11^th century, though it has been modified over the years. It once served as the doges' private church, reflecting the fabulous wealth of the Venetian Republic. Essentially a Byzantine-styled Greek cross, structure, it has five domes, an exterior bristling with Romanesque and Gothic carvings, and an interior embellished with magnificent mosaics, marbles, and carvings. Among many treasures in the museum (“Museo di San Marco”) are the four gilded bronze horses from the basilica's facade; they were brought inside to escape pollution and have been replaced with copies.

Doges' Palace

The Doges' Palace (“Palazzo Ducale”) was the official residence of the dukes (doges) of Venice and the seat of government from the 9^th century until the late 18^th century. Externally, the 14^th – century building is an extraordinary example of florid Gothic architecture, with porticoes and loggia at the bottom and the heavier mass of walls above, miraculously balanced. Inside are the magnificent late Renaissance and Baroque state rooms, richly decorated, with gilded ceilings and a multitude of paintings, including notable “Tintorettos” and “Veroneses”. The State Armory (“Sala d'Armi”) contains a remarkable collection of prestigious arms and armaments and intriguing experimental weapons.

Accademia

The Accademia's 25 galleries form the most complete collection of Venetian painting in the world. It charts the glorious story Venetian art, starting I the 14^th century with the Byzantine work of the so-called Venetian Primitives, through the 15^th-century innovations of Giovannti Bellini and the astonishing High Renaissance era of Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese, culminating in the work of the great rococo artist Tiepolo in the 18^th century. World-famous works on show include, among others, Carpaccio's “Saint Ursula Cycle”, Titian's “Presentation of the Virgin”, and Giorgione's mysterious “Tempest”.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge (“Ponte di Rialto”) was built in the late 16^th century, designed by Antonio da Ponte, and is situated halfway along the Grant Canal. Plans by far greater architects, such as Palladio, Sansovino, and Michelangelo, were rejected in favor of da Ponte's often criticized design, which includes two rows of shops and three pedestrian passageways. There are fine views upstream and downstream from the bridge, and it has become a symbol of the city's antiquity and exotic character.

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).