Hey everyone!

Of course we’re all really excited about our upcoming trips! Meetings this year to plan have been great but separate trips over the summer will really take our meetings to the next level for the upcoming year! It was a really great idea to start a joint blog to keep track of each other’s travels and interact throughout the summer! Make sure to blog often and take lots of pictures so everyone can stay involved!

Looking forward to being reunited at the beginning of the school year!

Clara, Kingston, Andrea, Sophia, Eliza, Dana, Joseph, Tyler, Rachel, Maria, Timothy, Lindsay, Kelder, Norman

Buon Giorno!

                I’m on the airplane to Italy now! I have to say I’ve been waiting for this trip for 20 years (my whole life). You should have seen my Nonno at the airport this morning, not only is he reeking in jealousy, he is extremely proud that I’ve chosen to spend my summer in Italy. He’s always said he lives in the greatest country in the world only because of my Nonna, otherwise he’d have moved back to the actual greatest country in the world (Italy) at his first chance. “Did you know America was named for an Italian, Clara?” he used to always ask me! (America was named for Amerigo Vespucci in 1507 after a pamphlet wrong named his as the discovered instead of the man who realized that it was a separate landmass – can you tell I’ve heard this plenty of times?) (36) Anyway, back to my anticipation of my awesome trip J! I’m flying into Venice now. I’ll spend a couple days there before taking another train to Florence to explore the amazing architecture and art in the city of the Renaissance. I’m ending my trip in Rome. I’ll be there for 4 ½ days living with my Great Uncle and cousins. I’m really excited because it’s been years since I’ve seen most of them. Maria studied in New York for a semester just over a year ago, so I got to spend time with her.  She said she might even take me down to see Pompeii for a day, since I showed her around Washington DC over Fall Break. I asked her if she misses the states or just me last night. She said, “I miss my friends and family. I miss traveling where I have never been. But I do not miss the weather and my health.” Used to the Mediterranean climates, Maria was not happy with the cool fall and cold winter months she got to spend in New York and the amount of time she spent in doctor’s offices and hospitals. “In Italy I do not have to pay anything, but I wait in longer lines sometimes. Plus, we are ranked number 2 by the World Health Organization. Cousin Marco is well past the 80 year life expectancy at 94 and it’s all because of our beautiful climate.” It’s funny how quickly conversations become playfully competitive. We’re about to land! Venice Calls! I’ll write in a few days!

Ciao,

Clara

Tourism and Sports

Day 1:

Hello Everyone,

Today I arrived in Athens, Greece!! I already miss everyone, but I’m sure you are all having a blast throughout Europe. Can’t wait to read about everyone’s travels ASAP! So far, I met a local on the airplane who ensured me I would fall in love with Greece and all it had to offer. Well, I can assure you he was correct, as I was instantly in love from the moment we landed at Athens International Airport. The flight was long, but well worth it and I am determined to not let jetlag hold me back from exploring the city immediately.

The bustling airport and crowded city indicates that Greece, and particularly Athens, is a huge tourist destination internationally. I feel like there are a lot of Chinese tourists especially, which the receptionist at my hotel said is one of the main groups of tourists that come to the city. I am staying at Hotel Attalos, a low priced hotel that is within walking distance to the Acropolis, metro station, and many of Greece’s 51 marinas. I walked around the hotel, and explored my options for lunch, and finally found a local cafe close to the marina. I got a delicious Greek cuisine, known as, horiaktiki salatas, that consisted of fresh ripe red tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, olives, a big hunk of feta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, oregano and some capers. As a vegetarian this made my initial Greek experience with food amazing… Can’t wait to try more extraordinary Mediterranean dishes in the weeks to come!

After the café I continued to walk to the marina, which attracts even more tourists than the city, and admired the docked ferries that took travelers from the mainland to islands and back. I plan on spending a lot of time at the marina, as it is a good place to meet many locals and foreigners alike, and a good chance to see all of Greece’s many geographical wonders. I have brought my camera along with me, so I will be sure to capture all the marvel and beauty Greece has to offer while I am here.

Lounging at the marina and soaking in the sun was wonderful, but I was eager to see more of the city, so I ventured to the Acropolis of Athens. I had always seen pictures and heard about the Acropolis, but I did not really know what it was until I arrived in Greece. I soon found out that there are several acropoleis in Greece, better known as elevated grounds that once served a defensive purpose and were considered the nuclei of large cities. The Acropolis of Athens is the most popular because of the monuments mounted on it, such as the famous Parthenon. This showed me how much history Greece has to offer, and made me even more eager to continue traveling throughout Greece! So today was a full day of fun and exploration in the city, and I’m utterly exhausted. As the Greeks would say goodnight, “Kaliníhta.”

–Kingston Ray

Hi everyone!

I just landed in Chisinau Airport in Chisinau, Moldova, late last night. I can’t wait to explore Moldova. Chisinau is the capital city, but I’ve already ventured away from it. Today I headed out to Codrii Reserve, in Lozova, which is about fifty kilometers from Chisinau. I heard it has an amazing variety of species; half of the plants there are only found in Moldova. It has a huge forest and some parts are not open to the public because of the endangered species found there. It was wonderful; tomorrow I plan to go sightseeing around Chisinau more. The tour guide at Codrii told me that Chisinau is a great city, but that most of it was destroyed in battles during World War II. But a few buildings remain from that time period, like the bell tower and the Orthodox Cathedral. I hope to check out some of the local music, and maybe see some more of the natural forests; Moldova has beautiful forests, rivers, and valleys.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

-Dana

This is Maria, writing to you all from the enchanting city of Paris, France!  First off, I want to say how happy I am that we’ve all agreed to stay in touch through this blog, sharing our memories and experiences from our summer travels–I miss you all dearly and cannot wait to hear all about your many adventures in Europe!!  So, Paris is incredible!  I flew in two nights ago, and since then have spent my time roaming the streets and taking in all of the beautiful sights.  I climbed the Eiffel Tower yesterday (well, not all of it…you know how I’m afraid of heights!) and today strolled by the beautiful Arc de Triomphe!  It’s a little bit scary being in such a big city by myself, but luckily my dad put me in touch with the daughter of one of his boyhood friends, Pierre.  I phoned the girl, Jacqueline, this morning, but she was headed off to school.  It’s so weird how the schools in Europe continue classes all the way into July!!  Having gone to boarding school all of our lives, most of us aren’t accustomed to the ways of the city school systems.  Jacqueline’s is an interesting one—she is currently in her last year of collége, which actually is the equivalent of Middle School in France.   She also attends a Catholic private school, although a majority of the schools here are public.  All of the schools, public and private alike, are regulated by the Ministry of National Education and have a very strict curriculum that is the same for every grade level.  Jacqueline will go on to lycée (like high school) next year before going on to baccalauréat.  I don’t know about you all, but I really feel like these travels have given me so much more of an appreciation for other cultures and life-styles, I’m intrigued!!

And Clara, it is SO good to hear from you—Italy sounds absolutely captivating!  I have already decided where my next trip is going to be—I’ve always wanted to go to the Basilica and the FOOD sounds divine!  Speaking of, I’m going to run off and get some lunch at the crêpe stand, I’ll have to let you know how it is later!

Take care, can’t wait to hear from all of you!

Aimer,

Maria

Well everybody, I know you’re all excited about the trips you’re going on, and I’m excited to go to Lithuania too, but after everything that’s happened in the last few months this trip is going to have a lot of extra significance for me.  Mom only mentioned bringing me to visit her home country a couple times, but I talked with Grandpa Zydrunas and I think completing the trip on my own is what she would have wanted.  Over the summer I’ll be touring the country, reconnecting with some relatives and trying to cope with my loss.  Thanks for all the support, I can’t wait to hear about everyone’s adventures!

~Kelder

May 21, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I arrived at the Edinburgh International Airport in Scotland around six in the afternoon and I’m still recovering from such a long flight and of course jet lag. I’m glad to hear that everyone is doing well and enjoying their travels. Continue to update me with your progress and make sure to include pictures!! I enjoy reading your posts, but you know the saying: “A pictures worth a thousand words!”  So please remember to include pictures.

I’m currently staying in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, which is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Scotland and only twenty minutes away from the airport. Located on Princes Street, in Edinburgh’s main shopping plaza and next to Waverly Station, the Balmoral Hotel is within walking distance to all the main attractions. The view from my room is simply amazing and I can even see the Scott Monument from my window. I never realized that the Scott Monument is two hundred feet high and it even has a series of viewing decks that can be reached by a series of narrow spiral staircases. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to take a tour because I hear from Scottish natives that you can get the best panoramic views of central Edinburgh and its surroundings from the Scott Monument. I did however manage to take a picture of the Scott Monument for you guys before nightfall.

After placing my luggage in the hotel room I walked around in hopes of discovering my best option for dinner. My aim coming into Edinburgh was to eat foods that were characteristic of Scotland. I decided to get suggestions from several Scottish natives on what type of food I should eat tonight. Ironically, they all excitedly stated, “Haggis!” I had no idea what type of food to expect after hearing them suggest this. I instantly thought of my friend Zach’s pet fish named Haggis and wondered if Zach gave him this name on purpose? I heard that the best Haggis in Edinburgh could be found at North Bridge Brasserie. When I arrived at the restaurant I was anxious to try this dish. From the menu I discovered that Haggis is made from the lung, liver, and heart of a sheep! Although, this description may not sound good the Haggis actually turned out well. The Haggis is traditionally served with potatoes and turnips. After I finished my meal I asked the waiter more about the origins of Haggis.

The waiter explained that the Haggis was immortalized by a famous Scottish poet Robert Burns in his Address to the Haggis in the 18^th century and is celebrated in Scotland and throughout the world on Burns Night, January 25^th, in memory of Robert Burns. In his Address to the Haggis, Burns presents the Haggis as being a unique and symbolic part of Scottish identity and culture. The Haggis was used as the vehicle to demonstrate Burns’ proud Scottish nationalism and how unique Scotland really was. Thus there was a link between Scotland’s identity at the time and the serving of Haggis to ordinary Scots. Burns wrote the poem as a celebration of Scotland and all things Scottish. In some ways it is quite strange and rather amusing to think that one of the world’s greatest poets should write so passionately about a simple meal, but in this instance, the poem’s celebration of Haggis became the symbol of Scottish nationalism and national identity.

Well I must go to bed now and get some rest for my travels tomorrow. My hope is to visit the International festival and the Jazz and Blues festival tomorrow. I’ll write about my travels tomorrow evening!! Goodnight!

–Timothy

Hello

I reached Croatia this morning after a 12 hour flight from Newark.  I do not quite feel the effects of jet lag just yet :/…. Checking into a hostel is my first priority in order to insure that I have a goodnight.  When I arrived at my room I passed out until right now, which is 8 in the evening.  So, I decided to go check out the night life in Zadar, which is famous for its lavish night scene.  I first stop off at the popular bar Arsenal before going to night clubs because they do not get going until after midnight.  After a few drinks at the Arsenal and enjoying the amazing Croatian atmosphere I was ready to hit the clubs.  Going into Pula proved to be the best choice to go clubbing because they party until the sun comes up.  Club Aruba and Rock Club Uljanek were favorites of mine because of their wild and spontaneous crowds.  I had a lot of fun tonight.

Lets see what Croatia has to offer!

Norman

Greetings Everyone,

I’m kind of disappointed at the fact that once again I was outvoted on the choice of the family vacation spot.  It would have been much more exciting to go to France and wake up every morning to steaming French toast as well as have the chance to practice that amazing year of Spanish that I took, but no one in my family even considered France.  There was talk of Romania for awhile until I scared my little sister out of it by reading her the Count Dracula book (which then caused her to cry until she got her way as always).  In the end my mom, dad, and both sisters decided on Bosnia without my consent!  What am I supposed to do in Bosnia?  I am more than irritated that I had no influence with the vacation decision.  More importantly, WHAT LANGUAGE AM I SUPPOSED TO PRACTICE IN BOSNIA?  My family did not think this decision through at all.  In fact, I think I am the only one who did any research on what to expect when we arrive at the Modriča Airport in Modriča, Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Basically, my family is in for a rude awakening when they figure out that nearly everyone speaks Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.  I plan on being silent this entire trip and just sitting back and watching and watching my “family fun” fall apart.  Maybe I can sneak away and still do a couple of the fun things I found when I researched (or maybe I can sneak to Italy or France and have some real fun).  Save me some French toast by the way!  Sorry if I have depressed you guys with my rant about my family, but there are a couple of things that sounded pretty interesting about Bosnia and Herzegovina that I would like to tell you about.  I read that the government of Bosnia is extremely corrupt and that the problem with and Herzegovina’s people is that they keep electing the same officials.  The article said that whenever a new problem arises the people always expect the government to solve it, when all the government is doing is granting themselves more power.  Below the article I actually found a link with the date of a rally opposing the socialist ideas of the government and I plan on attending it.  I might be able to make something of this trip after all!  Don’t forget to send pictures of everything you guys do!  I’ll write again tomorrow after I land in the wonderful world of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Until tomorrow,

Joseph

July 16, 2010

Hey everyone!

It sounds like everybody’s summer adventures have been great so far! I am currently en route to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, which is Sweden’s busiest and largest airport.  The last week has gone by so slow because of how much I have been looking forward to this trip!  Not only do I have the opportunity to tour one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, but I also get to experience it with my whole family.  My parents as well as my sister and her family are all along for this journey to the third largest country in the European Union.  Because it’s so large, we are unfortunately are not going to be able to tour the whole country.  However, we are going to visit the major cities of Stockholm, and Gothenburg.  This is my first trip to Europe so I am very anxious to see how it compares with the United States and other countries I have visited.  It is also the first time that my nieces (ages 9 and 6) have been out of the country so it’s going to be great to see their reactions! Ill be sure and keep you all posted on my adventure through Sweden and I can’t wait to read more about you all’s adventures as well!

Talk to you soon!

-Rachel

July 18, 2010