Questa è la bella vita (This is the Good Life)! – Backpack Europe

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Jul 262011

Greetings Backpack Europe Friends and Family,

Sorrento has been a very popular destination amongst our trip members because of its abundance of water based activities, fresh “all natural” cuisine and exciting night life. Upon arrival at the hotel, we immediately jumped into the hotel pool and cooled off.  Alec and Mike got the group playing some popular aquatic games like colors and Marco Polo. Next it was on to Fauno Restaurant, where we were treated to a four course traditional Italian meal, seated on a beautiful outdoor patio that featured views of Piazza Tasso.

The next morning, we met Ernesto, our tour guide for our day on the Island of Capri. After a short ferry and then train ride (called the Funicular), we were amidst Capri, a town that Remi noted was built right into the side of the cliffs. As we walked around the town, Alex tried a fresh wild strawberry tart from the local bakery, while most trip members opted for the Capri version of granita (the slushy lemon drink takes on different qualities depending on which region you are in). Once we had fully explored the town, we boarded our own private boat and set out to explore the limestone cliffs and grottos that Capri is famous for. Jenny and Shayna enjoyed singing along to the eclectic tunes that our boat driver played for us. On the ferry ride back to Sorrento, Jeremy brought out his electronic trivia game (Sporkle) and Bennet and Aidan enjoyed testing out their pop-culture knowledge. We parted ways with our Capri guide Ernesto back in Sorrento and he remarked that we were the best group he has led all year!!

For our last day in Sorrento, we ventured out to the beach town of Positano. Sunny had been here earlier this year with her family and was a huge advocate for jumping into the clear blue waters and exploring the local art galleries. Emma appreciated having some rest and relaxation time because with two days left, we have a lot of exciting touring and activity ahead of us. At the moment we are en route to Rome and we have just stopped to visit the historic town of Pompeii. Mara was excited to visit because she watched a cool National Geographic documentary on Pompeii and she had a lot of good questions to ask our guide Maryse. The tour was very informative and Sam remarked that she was pleasantly surprised by the sights and artifacts, more so than she had anticipated.

We have Rome and Vatican City left on our itinerary but sadly, our trip is almost over. The summer has flown by but we have certainly made the most of it. It’s been the summer of a lifetime and we can’t wait to share pictures and stories with you all back at home!

See you soon and thanks for reading about our travels!

The Westcoast Blogger

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Ciao from Italy! – ON TOUR European Experience

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Jul 262011

Upon arriving in the Adriatic seaside resort of Rimini, everyone was happy to get straight to the beach. Steph P., Shelby, Lori, Madison Y and Amanda tanned on their lounge chairs. Bari, Matt and Eric rented paddle boats and had fun going down the slide while Dean, Will, and Adam S. dived right into the water.  Jess also learned the easy lesson that the only thing better than gelato in Venice is gelato on the beach in Rimini.

After a great beach day, we headed out for a night on the town.  Armed with fresh tans, the group was ready to hit up our first Italian dance club.  Alex, Jon, and Jason S. showed Italy how Americans like to Dance. Rachel, Carly Z. and Lisa were the true dancing queens of the evening.  Ben L. was declared the king of the dance floor.

After a fun night, the group was ready to return to the beach for another day of rest and relaxation. The group then got ready for a fun evening surprise. David announced the surprise of mini-golf and gelato.  Adam S., Brandon, and Ben H. proved to be the Tiger Woods of the group with their golf skills.

With our beach days complete, the trip chariot headed off to Rome. When in Rome, it goes without saying that the best way to start off a stay is to have a traditional roman toga party.  Justin, Ben R., Zack L. and Tyler rocked the toga style and had a tough time readjusting to the 21st century after the party.  Emily even sang and danced with the waiters dressed as Roman warriors.   After a dinner back in time, we headed to the famous Trevi Fountain where Steph B., Cassidy, and Madison M. followed tradition by throwing coins and making a wish.

Our guided tour showed us all of what Rome had to offer. After a stop at the Pantheon, we went to the Colosseum with our beloved tour guide Mario.  Although we were about 2,000 years late for the gladiator fight, Adam B., Bryan, Ty, and Jason E. made sure to take advantage of the photo opportunities.  Danielle and Sarah S even took a picture with a man dressed as a gladiator.  The Roman experience continued with a dinner at Piazza Navona. Ben F., Julian, Richie, and Mike made sure to enjoy their Italian dinner, while Jess, Matt, and Zack L. appreciated their final serving of Roman gelato.

On the way down the Amalfi Coast to the town of  Sorrento we stopped at Pompeii for a tour of the ruins. Kelly, Alyssa, David, Jason S, Jason E and Richie were spotted taking pics on the mosaic sidewalks which were covered in ash after the eruption.

Today we had an amazing day on the Isle of Capri. We enjoyed some free time for lunch and exploring the beautiful gardens and views. In the afternoon we took a boat to circle the island and swim through the grottos. Cassidy, Jess and Zack F. were the first off the boat and kept jumping in for more at every stop. We’re having a great time traveling around Italy and can’t wait to visit Positano tomorrow!

Ciao for now,

The ON TOUR European Experience Staff

The Westcoast Blogger

Posted by wcc360summer at 3:49 PM Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When in Rome do as the Romans do! – European Discovery

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Jul 242011

Dearest friends and family!

We drove from Rimini to Rome, anxiously awaiting our first opportunity to utter the words, “When in Rome do as the Romans do”! (Sam W. was the first to set the trend). Our first stop was to a traditional Roman restaurant where trip members experienced a real-life toga party, complete with festive attire for everyone. Emily B. and Allie L. looked like natives in their new togas, while Emily G. and Mel came prepared with braided belts to supplement their outfits. After a few minutes, an Italian opera singer accompanied by a very talented accordion played just for us. Sammy F., Brooke and Josh were rewarded for their enthusiasm with tambourines to play with the band. After an active meal, we proceeded to the Trevi Fountain, famous for making wishes come true based on how many coins you surrender. Marielle, Lindsey, and Stephanie each threw two coins for love while Abby, Liza and Jen threw three, which signified that they’d all return to Rome. First stop in the morning was for a guided tour of the Vatican, where trip members, especially Dani and Alexa, marveled at Michelangelo’s intricate paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Although we didn’t catch a glimpse of the Pope, we were lucky enough to wander through St. Peter’s Basilica in his footsteps. Following the Vatican, we were led through the city by our engaging tour guide who showed us some of Rome’s best local restaurants. Soon after, we took a trip to the past when we visited the ancient coliseum. We tried as hard as we could to take in as much of the enormous coliseum as possible. Whitney, Jillian and Gabby allowed their imaginations to take over traveling back in time to when gladiators and animals fought in front of more than 50,0000 people. And this season on The Amazing Race: five teams battle it out in the first leg of Discovery’s version of the successful television show. The journey took us from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain, the first pit stop, where the trip members took a group picture and proceeded to bolt to the Pantheon for another group photo before heading off to the final check point at Piazza Navona. Groups showed their pictures to Trip Director Adam and were ranked for their departure times when the race actually begins. Allison’s team consisting of Lauren W., Jake, Ilana, Emily L., Jessie W., Zach, Rachel, Lauren B., and Josh secured first place, naming themselves “Team Roses and Thorns”.

After a fun-filled day, we rested up for Pompeii, where the ruins would soon enlighten us all. The tour was remarkably interesting.  Anthony, Dylan and Melanie all described the ruins as one of the most interesting things they have ever seen. Now, off to Sorrento and we can already smell the lemons!

Arriverderci!

All of us on the European Discovery

The Westcoast Blogger

Posted by wcc360summer at 12:48 PM Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Embracing the Culture, Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of Europe – European Discovery

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Aug 032009

The latest from the European Discovery!

The Westcoast Blogger

Bonjour from the South of France!!!

We have finished our visit of Italy… great sites and more amazing food!

I’m writing to you as we leave our final Italian site, Pisa, on route to Nice, the final stop on our tour.

It’s been an incredible ride through Italy…We went from Venice to Rimini.  Rimini was full of relaxation.  We started it off with an evening round of mini-putt, where everybody let their competitive side out.  The next two days were BEACH DAYS!  Catching the waves, going down water slides, playing Knights, Calvary, and Barbarian, building sand castles, and playing football – American style.  Let’s not forget to mention that we all got to work on our tans and the gelato was delicious.  In Rimini, we experienced our first taste of a European Disco.  Techno music was going through our heads until the early morning.

After our revitalization on the beach, we headed to the historic city of Rome.  We took pictures at the Trevi Fountain and all made wishes tossing in a coin over our shoulder.  We had a busy following day in Rome: a guided city tour, the Vatican Museum, Coliseum…who could want anything more.  Then on the way to Sorrento, we visited the Ruins of Pompeii, the city that was partially buried by Mt. Vesuvius during a volcanic eruption.  Our first dinner in Sorrento, we were serenaded by a pianist who made our dinner so inviting.  The next day we took a charted yacht around the island of Capri.  We got to swim through the green grotto – so beautiful and picturesque.  We walked around the island of Capri, saw the beautiful gardens and then jumped in the Adriatic Sea to cool off.  The next day, it was time to move on to our last city in Italy, Florence.  In Florence, we got to barter at the Leather Market – some great skills I must say and some of us are coming home with amazing leather jackets, belts, and purses.  In Florence, we also got to experience the Synagogue, we climbed the Duomo Tower, and made our own Italian style dinner at our Tuscan Cooking School – we learned how to make spaghetti noodles from scratch, spinach crepes, stuffed zucchini, and dessert. Our final day in Florence was spent experiencing the historical culture of Florence in the Galleries – we saw Michalengelo’s David and evenings of action packed disco dancing!

Now we are in Nice…the final stop on our 32 day journey. It is sad to realize that the trip is coming to an end.

It’s amazing the growth of the group from day 1 to 29! We have learned a lot from our teenagers.  It was our staff mission that each teenager would return home embracing the culture, sights, sounds, and tastes of Europe. We are so proud as our mission is 2 days away from being accomplished.

Until next time…enjoy your summer and we’ll talk soon!

Posted by wcc360 at 10:10 AM Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Finishing A Warm Summer Night At the Disco – European Experience

European Experience No Responses »
Jul 312009

An e-mail update from the European Experience!

The Westcoast Blogger

Hi Parents of European Experience!

Our trip is moving fast but we have not wasted any time and have managed to take in as much as we can of the sights, culture and cuisine! We kicked off our stay in Rome with a romantic dinner to celebrate fashionista and professional dancer Max’s birthday, with an impressive birthday card drawn by the talented Krissy. We then visited the Trevi Fountain, where Layne and Jackie showed off their cartwheels to the observing tourists. Meanwhile Jackie, Britt, Shelby, Lindsay, Michelle and Lexi smiled for the cameras as they made wishes for good luck. We continued on our Gelato mission of finding the best flavors Italy has to offer. Brett discovered Yogurt Blanco flavor gelato, a new fan favorite, while Ryan and Stephen dug through their Gelato cups for kiwi flavor with seeds. After spending time in Rome, we all became more familiar with the historical sights such as the Vatican and the Coliseum. Layne took over as the Vatican expert, while Ryan, our very own history buff, explained the significance of some of the sights as well.

As we traveled to Sorrento we stopped by the ruins of Pompeii, where Melissa and Heather were fascinated by the intricate preserves. The following day we swam in the grottos and explored the island of Capri upon arrival from our chartered yacht, a definite highlight of the trip. Evan B and Max B took turns doing flips into the water from our boat and everyone else soaked up the sun and the beautiful aquamarine water. Sasha, Brett, Matt, Kara, Allie, Yui, Henry, Michelle, Carly, Stafan and Ali all enjoyed free time walking around the island of Capri. We dined and ate lemon flavored treats, the specialty of Capri. ShelbyWe ended our stay in Sorrento with a great dinner and disco. We finished the warm summer night at the disco, where we danced the night away and prepared for the remainder of our journey through Europe.

We are now headed to Florence and will continue to update you on our adventures!

Posted by wcc360 at 9:47 AM Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,
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