Day 10 - Prague

Day 10 was the last, but one of the best, days in Europe. The day started out by heading to the old royal's area and current President's office, where we met up with our Summit County friend and Czech tour guide Arny. While half of us were going to tour with Martina, our local tour guide, Arnie was going to show the rest of us around Prague.

Group Martina -

Since the Cathedral was not open at the early hour we arrived at the royal grounds, we took a sightseeing tour around the gates, where the bells rang for 15 minutes in between 9:45 and 10:00! We got to go into the old dining hall and ballroom for the monarchs, as well as most of the shops around it. The beautiful scenery of the entire city was not missed while we were there.






After a quick break on one of the spectacular bridges, we traveled back to the main square in order to watch the astronomical clock hit 12:00 before a lunch break.






When we finished eating and souvenir shopping, for the time being, we traveled to the Jewish Museums and Synagogues of Prague. Here we observed intriguing artifacts and further learned the history of the Jewish culture in Europe.

We also observed a Jewish Cemetary used for over 300 years in medieval times. The final Synagogue we visited was the Old-New Synagogue, which is the only one we visited still in use today.

Once we were finished with the tour, we were allowed more free-time before dinner.


Group Arny -

Today we saw Arny, which was fun. He was very delighted to see his classmates. When we saw him he showed up with a smile on his face and his dad behind him. We met him on the stairs of the front building in the Royal Courtyard. After we found him, we walked to the fountain and took pictures until Marina showed up with the tickets. We then walked around the building while Arny told us different words in Czech. He took us to some places such as the top of the Royal Catholic Church.
Lynn then took control of our group when we got out of the building. Lynn mostly lead the group while we were in the Prague Castle, where there were many different weapons from the medieval times. Arny also took us to lunch and told us some facts about the buildings and cars that were seen.

After lunch Ally took us on a scenic route along the canal where most of us got lost, but in the end, we all found each other again, so nobody got lost permanently. Unfortunately, we have no more Arny in our group.

Dinner was delicious potatoes, steak, and chocolate drizzled on a cake. Once we got back to the hotel, each group had time to prepare their 'task', which was what was taken away and your experience on this trip. Even though it was a competition (and a very entertaining one), everyone luckily won. We said goodbye to our wonderful bus driver Marian, and started to pack for our airplanes ride tomorrow.

Days 8 & 9 - Krakow & Krakow - Prague

Day 8 for many was one of the most emotional days of the trip. It started out with a quick tour around some castles and churches around the city center of Krakow (guided by the lovely Marina). We got to tour Wawel Royal Church, which was very pretty both on the inside and outside. Even though we could not take pictures on the inside, even the outside of the castle itself is a beauty. 

After making our way back to the central square, everyone split into groups in order to get lunch and souvenirs. JB Jones (Justin) photobombed every group photo. 

 

One of the main attractions was The Leaky Cauldron, a Harry Potter-themed cafe on the main street of Krakow. Of course, all of the book fanatics stopped by.

When the groups got back from free time, we set out on the ride to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II - Birkenau Concentration Camps. Once we got to the first camp, we were able to take an about 2-hour tour through the first camp (the museum camp) in two different groups. After a drive to the second camp, we took another tour through the second memorial camp. Since this was such a huge experience, there will be a second blog both explaining the tour and different quotes from the student's reflections. 

On the way home from Auschwitz, we stopped for a comfort food dinner of fried chicken, potato chips, and carrots. Since we got back to the hotel later than usual, most had just enough time to say goodnight before curfew. 

Day 9, although it consisted of the longest transportation ride of the entire visit, was one of the most entertaining days. We had a later start to our day before we set out on the approximately 8-hour bus ride to the capital city of the Czech Republic. During the bus ride, we first watched the very informative film, The Liberation of Auschwitz, which showed just how the liberation of the camp came about, and how terrible condition all those who survived it were in. Even though that film brought the mood down, we also watched Moana, which was a good comfort and fun film to watch. 

Once we got to the very scenic city of Prague, we were able to tour the main square for a little bit of time. We were able to get pastries, exchange currencies again, and even get pictures with Polar Bears and play with bubbles. 

What really made the day though, was the Folklore dinner we went to. This included amazing music, food, dancing, and even getting JB to dance with a lady. (We think that your mom would be proud Justin:))

This incredible experience made many memories which will be continued on our last full day in Europe!

Day 7 - Warsaw to Krakow

We started day 7 at the exciting and very interactive Copernicus Science Centre. There were many amazing and fun things to do at the centre, including a psychology and bubble room. Since the museum was entirely made up of demonstrations and self-experiences, it was both a learning and a fun interactive event. This really made the day before the long bus ride to Krakow. 

On the bus ride, there were many sleeping faces (which will OF COURSE be featured on the gag reel), and we watched the very applicable movie, The Zookeeper's Wife. After the long journey, we arrived in Krakow. Upon arrival, Marina took us to the former Schindler Factory. Although we did not have much time, we were still able to hear about the courageous man who saved over 1,000 Jews from concentration and death camps. 

We were also able to see former Jewish people's houses from before the war on the way to dinner, which we all took a moment of silence for. 

After our delightful dinner of soup, pierogi, and carrot cake, we traveled back to the hotel, which there was a pool. I'm sure there will be many a hilarious highlight from both these experiences and others. 

Day 6 - Warsaw

Day six was a great experience in many ways!! It started out with another beautiful tour and learning about the history of the city we were in, Warsaw. We first traveled to the recreation of the old city, which although was sadly destroyed in World War II, was rebuilt and was made to look as similar as possible to the original. Upon arrival, Marina showed us all of the different building styles throughout the different replicated buildings. We first went the Swedish King of Poland, Sigismund III Vasa's, palace.

After we met up with our wonderful local tour guide Agnieszka, she showed us the remaining parts of the wall around the former Warsaw Ghetto, as well as the many important churches and what parts they played in the events during both the Holocaust and the Warsaw Uprising. 

Another stop we visited was the house of scientist and role model Marye Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Along the same road, we were taken to a larger than life-sized group of three woman statues built by a famous Polish King for the different woman that made a difference both in his life and the history of Poland during that time period. 

In order to have a break from the sun, we stopped in a park dedicated to the Polish Composer Choppin. 

Next, Agnieszka took us to a Jewish Memorial that pictures the Polish Jews being taken to a concentration or death camp, while the only people that show any emotions are the children. The other side shows the children of today fighting against the bad things that they experienced. It states the children of today can beat the terrors of tomorrow, which a very encouraging statement. 

Our final stop on the tour was a commemoration to the remains of one of the parts of the Warsaw Ghetto, where we stood in silence in order to remember those who had suffered and died there. 

After a lunch of choice, we were sadly unable to get into the exciting Copernicus Science Center at the time, but were instead able to delay the trip until the next morning. Instead, many of the kids went to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, where the interactive sounds, displays, and graphic pictures gave a very informative insight into the bravery and planning behind the Warsaw Uprising. 

Lastly, we had a very proper three-course meal of tomato and pasta soup for an appetizer, breaded chicken and potatoes entree, and a fruit jelly with whipped cream. We had an early return to the hotel in anticipation for the early but exciting morning for day 7. 

Day 6 Hilarious Highlights

The humor starts off at the park, where Calvin ate a strange leaf off one of the trees. Five minutes later, he is found trying to feed a stick to the peacocks. Coincidence? While Lynn is trying to film this, one of the two peacocks flies over to him and sees his camera. It doesn't like the camera, and now Lynn has scars. If you would like to see the video, it is 5 euro. All proceeds go towards Lynn's medical bills. After this fiasco, Calvin ate the stick that he was trying to get the peacocks to eat. I don't want to know. The day is rather uneventful until we get to the old city of Warsaw, where Calvin is now trying to eat a Coca-Cola can. What is it with this kid? I mean, his sister is... relatively sane. Nothing happens until we get on the bus to dinner and a glitter stress toy explodes. One of the seats is now purple and shiny. When we actually get to dinner, another one explodes, causing the restaurant to be purple and shiny as well. Then, once dessert comes around, (fruit in Jell-O with whipped cream) Lynn makes a very important scientific discovery. You can puree Jell-O with a spoon. I never WANTED to know that, but now I do. Memory wipe, please. Another two stress toys explode between dinner and the hotel, but everyone is safe and sound (maybe not Lynn. His arm started to swell soon after the peacock attack.) Tune in next week for more "Hilarious Highlights!*"

*This is meant to be read in a very cheesy announcer voice.

Written by: Liam Macreery.

Day 4 & 5 Hilarious Highlights

Hilarious Highlights from Day 4/5:

Day 4 (Berlin)-

1. Kevin Kennedy wants to live longer than JFK and reasoned our unanswered questions with the fact that marijuana was legal in Colorado. As he says, "Albert Einstein was the greatest physicist of all time... relatively."

2. Lynn stabs Liam in his foot with a stick. Liam's foot, as we know, is still intact.

3. A naked woman was seen driving through the middle of town.

4. Marina heroically saves a bumble bee from being run over by a car.

5. A bird came very very close to perching on Scout's head.

6. Kayla got yelled at three times in a museum (it really wasn't her fault...mostly).

7. Kamilla does a cartwheel over Avey and scales arm. Regrets it.

8. Children bought sausage toys and were flinging them around the entire day.

9. A book falls into Julia's hands profoundly asking for a place to live. (Our German friend from America!!)

10. Maya tried to steal 4 loaves of bread from breakfast and got yelled at by an old(er) German woman. The same woman was seen yelling at students for being too early for breakfast. Classic German.

Day 5 (Berlin-Warsaw)-

1. Max gets hit in the head with a traffic gate. We hope the encounter helps to stop his extreme syndrome of forgetting everything, including his shoes multiple times.

2. Certain 8th Grade girls create cult on train worshipping Lipton Iced 'Tee'. (All videos will later be featured on the highly-advertised gag reel.)

3. Fischer gets locked out of his hotel room in his underwear.

Day 5 - Berlin to Warsaw

Day 5 was probably the least packed (but most relaxed) day of the trip so far. We took our last train ride out of Berlin and started on our 6-hour ride to Warsaw, Poland. The chaperones (who were quite grateful for the peace and quiet) and some students were able to travel in Harry Potter-style cabins full-time while some of the other kids came and went throughout the train ride

Once we got to the capital city of Warsaw, we were greeted by our very friendly bus driver Marian, who will be staying with us for the rest of the tour. We passed through the recreated old town of Warsaw on the way to dinner, where we were informed of the history of Poland and it's hardships.

After arriving at the hotel, many kids went to the close-by mall in order to buy different items, including a wall of candy recommended by Marina.


Witamy w Polsce!!

Days 3 & 4 - Amsterdam to Berlin

On day 3 we started out on a 6-hour train ride from Amsterdam to Berlin. Everyone was pretty tired and bored, so they started playing card (and video) games. To keep the kids busy, students ran errands for chaperones including getting them coffee from the cafe train, which inconveniently was in the last car.

We then arrived in Berlin and everyone was exhausted. Marina first taught us the rules of public transportation in Berlin (lots and lots of trains). As we walked to dinner, we saw the Brandenburg Gate, which shows the symbol of peace for Germany.

We got a police escort through the thick crowd gathered to watch the Germany vs Mexico soccer game. Mexico won and the police were not too shabby looking. After a filling and delicious dinner of Spatzle, Marina took us to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, where we all remembered the Jews and interpreted the monument in a different way. It was quite a beautiful and humbling experience.

We got back on the public transportation and headed back to the hotel. As far as we can tell, day 3 was a pretty relaxed and good day.


Day 4 was our first (and sadly only) full day in Berlin. Our local German tour director Kevin Kennedy took us on a very intriguing tour of the capital city filled with amazing sights, history, and jokes. We visited a very aesthetically pleasing Soviet monument with a darker history in former East Berlin, as well as getting to know the many important facts about the separating of Germany after World War II.

After the adventurous bus tour, we got dropped off at one of the last Market Halls left in Berlin, where we were joined by our American/German friend Julia. The students had free time to get lunch and other souvenirs, which resulted in many going on the classic food tour of Berlin. Some dishes are bigger than you think when ordering. Afterward, we found our way to the Jewish Museum in Germany, in which we got to tour the art and history-filled building with a gold mine of everything from crazy interactive art with a meaning to artifacts explaining parts of the Jewish Religion.

Although we did end up going to one of the murdered Jews' courtyards, the group as a whole seemed to be exhausted, so we hung out for a bit before a dinner with meatballs, rice, and vegetables.

We headed home after dinner, where a warm bed was waiting for all to collapse on.

Day 3 - Hilarious Highlights

Hilarious Highlights From Day 2/3:

Day 2-

1. Calvin's sleepwalking. Ally and Amanda accidentally woke him up.....he was scared of them. Good times.

2. Dead pigeon-Mathew 1- Pigeon 0.

3. Tiny little teacher woman feels suddenly uncomfortable at cheese farm, looks like shes found herself a new lover. Watch out fiancee.

Day 3-

1. Ethan hits head on concrete while riding on Benji's shoulders, 1 too many red bulls, new limit 2.

2. Soccer VIP escort to add to that Mexico wins! Our North American next door neighbors.

3. Justin becomes Dad to Jake.

4.  Almost lost Keaton at train station (that dare devil) and Max almost lost bag.

5. Zoe continues to avoid pictures being taken of her "having fun," Kamilla takes a picture of her.

6. Lynn tries a judgy face and looks more or less confused, everyone then judges him for trying.

7. Children play on large concrete blocks, maybe not the best idea but who cares?

8. Tea comes out of Kayla's nose on train.

•  Alondra gets the friend award for meeting friends who speak Spanish on the train.

• Will gets the sweetest award.

• JB Jones gets best winking award. 

Day 2- Cheese Farm & The Anne Frank House

Day two was amazing! The morning started out early with a driving tour around Amsterdam. We were fortunate to take a tour of a local cheese farm. The owner told us all about his cheese making skills (and dubbed Ms. Lindsey Daniels as "the happy little teacher woman"). Fun fact, the Dutch are famous for their cheese, however, the only cheese they actually make is Gouda.








He also makes wooden clogs. The process takes a total of 1.5 minutes.

His cows were also lovely.







Quick photo stop at the windmill (Lila and Kayla.......awwwwwwww)





When our tour was over, we got lunch and walked around the city center.

Then, we went to the Anne Frank Huis (house). We learned that while Anne was in the annex, she reread through her diary and began a collection of "Beautiful Little Sentences". Here are some beautiful sentences gathered from the reflections of our travelers:

"I love the feeling you get to stand where she did. It was humbling" -Keaton

"She wants to make a change in the world that is average. She does not want to be an average woman living in a world that she knows she can make better." -Lynn

"There is something about actually, physically being inside the annex that made her story all the more real... I too enjoy writing and expressing my feelings so I can relate to Anne and her passion" -Anonymous

In response to the following quote.."I'll make my voice be heard, I'll go out into the world and work for mankind!" - Anne Frank:
"It is important for any person's voice to be heard. The fact that someone as isolated and trapped as Anne Frank has the hope to think that, is amazing because she does not even come into contact with the world. She was so unlucky and does not have a good life at all, but she still has hope for the future." -Lila

Oh, and then there's this... !!!


Bis Morgen Deutschland!

Day 1- Amsterdam

Today was a fantastic day! Here are the highlights:

1.   Marina is LOVELY (our Tour Director)

2.   Child loses passport (thanks American Airlines.......FOUND!) 

3.   The canal tour = nap time.

4.   Landon saved lives! #SaintLandon

5.   The lightest bag goes to.......STONE!!!!!!! #PunIntended

6.   Matthew has close encounter with pigeon..... blames pigeon..... pigeon blames Matthew. Sorry, pigeon walked into Matthew. Who really knows? (Find out next week on Teachers Abroad)

7.   Travelers asleep by 9 PM (as far as we know)

8.   Random guy tries to tell Ally, Anne Frank was from Switzerland...... random guy gets shown "The Diary of Anne Frank" and gets offended.