Thursday, March 31, 2011

Venice and another day of travel

Ah Venice! We arrived safe and sound Wednesday morning at the Venice trainstation. I wandered ahead to figure out vaporetto passes and after some general confusion with their system of entryways (which are quite simple once you get the hang of it), we crammed into the #1 route, which drives straight down the Grand Canal (making eeeevery stop) to the south end of the island. Our first attempt at using the "roadmap" was confusing as the "roads" are teeny alleys (no cars!). We found the hotel and our tour guide had agreed to meet us at the hotel (we were running late!). We grabbed a quick lunch (sandwiches so cheap compared to Rome, and delicious!) and headed to San Marco (while the adult males raced ahead to get tickets to the Palace).

Saints Marks is amazing! Our tour guide was much better than our Rome guide, and everyone enjoyed him more. We got the full tour of the Ducal Palace, and we were shutting the place down since we were so late.

On the way home, we set a home base and sent the kids off in groups (to return in 90 minutes). It went smoothly and we enjoyed another group dinner. Most folks stayed in the hotel (Schaffers went out wandering- learning the vaporetto system and paths). Then another late night of cards at the hotel!

Thursday was generally a free day, with the students in groups and wandering Venice. Everyone hopefully will share their own stories!

Friday morning came early to make our train. A vaporetto strike made it interesting, but we are at the train station waiting for our track!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tuesday!

We had an exciting group dinner at our new favorite place near the hotel, complete with several courses and a low price. Most folks stayed up late playing cards in the hotel until we got shut down by a phone call for noise.

This led to a late morning, with most people barely making it to breakfast by 10am. We finally got ready for the day and I figured out the bus system enough to get us close to Piazza Navona for a couple hours of browsing and lunch.

From there we wandered west across the river to the Vatican City and met our tour guide. The tour, complete with the Museum, tons of tapestries, statues, ceilings, and other artwork also included the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peters Basilica. The excitement of the day was definitely Baylor getting lost! He stepped aside to take a picture, rushed to catch up and sailed right on by the group, all the way down into the Sistine Chapel. We realized he was missing almost immediately, but he was long gone in his attempt to find us! He even heard our tour guide talking to him over the headset but had no way to respond. Eventually, a Vatican guide put word out for a missing tourist and Baylor was relieved when a guide walked up to him in the Chapel and said "what is your name?" then herded him back to our crew.

We were all fading fast by the end, and were relieved when it was time to head back to the hotel by bus. The bus filled up super quick ending with Samantha on Emily's lap and Baylor taking a snooze on Kaleb.

Now we are back on the town for dinner and festivities!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Monday morning

It was a confusing night with everyone's energy and sleep levels put of whack. That led to a delayed morning as well. Once we convened, we headed out to the Spanish Steps and shopping. Upon meeting at the fountain we found a horde of Italian boys flocked around our girls, generally flirting. Samantha stepped in and ran interference, saving Pearson.

Now we are walking in the direction of our bike tour, looking for lunch on the way!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Rome! Day one

Whew- everyone is exhausted!

We arrived safely, got our bags, and were immediately met by our bus! A 30 minute drive to the hotel followed by a bit of a wait wile our passports were copied and rooms acquired. We only got 4 rooms to start the day, but that was enough to dump our luggage and get dressed for a day on the town.

From the hotel, we wandered west and south, past the baths of Diocletian and the Fountain of the Naiads, pausing while your fearless guide hit a much needed ATM. We broke into two groups for lunch, with plenty of pizza, lasagna, and other delicious items. We almost left/lost Ashley and Vivian to shopping and then almost left/lost Pearson and Sarada who hit an ATM while we retrieved the first two! Forging onward to the Quirinale and it's plazza, then to the famed Trevi Fountain. Plenty of pictures taken and coins tossed (to assure a return to Rome), and even photos of a couple making out in the corner (awkward!).

Next up was the Piazza Venezia to meet our tour guide for Ancient Rome. Everyone was fading fast, with heads nodding off (or outright snoozing) from Kasha, Orson, Abby, Ashley, and Baylor. We powered through the Forums and climbed the interior of the Colosseum.

We hit a gelato stand on the way back to the hotel, fought our way through construction blocking our best path, and most folks are probably napping.

As with any trip, there have been issues! Cash needs are rising quickly, and credit card cash advances are not happy about international status (the Schaffer card is being denied!). We will need to figure something out soon! Always exciting!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

We have landed!

We are in Italy! A long night, sleepless for most of us, at least for the first half! Hopefully everyone got a few hours in. Morning greeted us with a beautiful view of the Alps, poking through the clouds. We flew over the Mediterranean and had a smooth landing. Hurray!

On to Rome!

We made the final call at the gate, with Mr Moss and Emily sprinting through the airport with guitar over her shoulder! Naturally, our gate was the VERY last one in the whole place! Everyone on board, off we go!

One flight down!

We are in Philly, taking a bus between concourses. Mr Moss and Emily are waiting for the luggage that had to be checked on plane 1. One step down, one big step to go!

On the plane!

A little bit late, but hopefully we will get in the air asap! Tight connection in Philly.

Departure day

7 students and the Schaffers are loaded up on the Webb short bus! Just left Murfreesboro and heading for BNA. 8 more kids to find, plus the senior Mosses!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Webb School goes to Italy!

Saturday, March 26! 16 students and 4 adults will be departing Middle Tennessee for an overseas adventure! 3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Venice, 2 nights in Florence, 2 bus rides, 4 flights, 2 trains, bicycles, and boats await in Italy!

Born from a simple "hmm, what would be a fun trip?" and developing into a full-fledged school trip, this spring break trip will be an absolute blast.

More details and updates to follow!