Venezia (Venice), Italy

Today we left for Venice on the bus, and everybody but two made it.  We’ve kept telling the students that we WILL leave at the time we tell them, but this was the first time the threat was in effect. (They eventually made it to Venice on their own).

The bus dropped us off at the pier, and we boarded a ferry which sailed us to Venice.

In Venice the students had 6 hours on their own, to explore as they felt like. Many of them went on the traditional gondola rides around the canals – a very scenic and  cool experience.

Gondola ride!

The Rialto Bridge

After that we all spread out and had lunch (one of the most expensive on the entire trip – Venice is expeeeensive).

The weather was extremely nice, but the hot sun and the hundreds of thousands of millions of tourists forced everybody away from the Skt. Marcus square to seek out the quieter parts of the city which turned out to be quite a treat, with better shops, smaller canals and with a feel of the “true” Venice.

Beautifully detailed gates and fences in Venice

The Marcus Square (Piazza San Marco) seen from the water side

All abord the ferry home from Venezia

Back on the ferry all the students were all exhausted, but spirits were high – cause tonight there would be no curfew and we would all go to a club called The Splash, which is a soft-drink-only club just down the street from the hotel.

The students danced and sang all night, and around 2am the last ones left.

Most of the students went to bed, but around 10 stayed up all night to watch the sun rise on the beach – absolutely beautiful!

Lido De Jesolo, Italy

Today we woke up early and were on the bus around 8am. Ahead of us was one of the longest drives on the trip: 7 hours, going from Vienna to Lido de Jeselo, which is located just a short drive from Venice.

The day was mostly spent sleeping, and we got a good look into just how flexible the human body is, when all of the students were trying to get comfortable (Great photos will follow).

For lunch we stopped at a beautiful lake on the border to Italy – unfortunately for us, the scenic views could only be enjoyed from the rather pricey restaurant, so instead we had a picnic in the parking lot, which turned out to be just fine.

Arriving at our nice 3-star hotel in Lido, the students quickly dropped all of their belongings in their rooms, jumped in their swimsuits and headed for the beach, which is located just a few feet from the hotel.

Tonight is going to be spent in the area and on the beach, and tomorrow we’re heading for Venice!

Vienna Day 2

Today the students were off on their own in Vienna all day. We were dropped off at the Natural History Museum, and from there it was sightseeing-time. On our way downtown we saw many beautiful and historical buildings, and once downtown we stopped by the grand cathedral which is located at the very center of Vienna.

Some of us then went to see the wonderful, blue Donay river (Schönes blauen Donau) which turned out to be muddy and not exactly pretty.

 Vienna is good for some delicious coffee and tarts!

Once picked up in the afternoon it was time to go back to the hotel and dress up! We were going to a classical concert, and all of the students were in their nicest clothes and quite excited.

The downtown cathedral - huge!

The concert was quite decent, considering that tickets were onle €20/person, though if ever going back it might be worth it to spend some more money and go to a better one.

Vienna, Austria

The day started (as usual) early – breakfast was at 7am and all bags had to be ready to go on the bus by 7:40am. The students were up early though and well prepared as always, so everything went smooth. By now they’re so trained in the art of packing that we had the bus ready to go – all bags aboard and everybody inside in their seats within 15 minutes.

The students in front of the Schönbrunn Castle

Ahead of us laid a long day on the bus.

First stop was at a small mall on the Czech border where the students could shop for basic necessities as well as getting their last taste of the quite unique Czech cuisine. The guides went shopping for an upcoming picnic (loads of food for 70 people was 1,500 dkr or about €200 = Czech Republic is cheeeaaap).

Moving on we crossed the border to Austria where the guides treated the students to DJ Ötzi, Hansi Hinterseer and other magnificently great, German singers – the mood on the bus changed from tired to “After-Ski” with sing-along and dancing in the aisles.

The "outside dining room"

Time for a smoothie!

Arriving in Vienna we took a tour around the city ring and showed many of the sights worth seeing, when the students will have time on their own tomorrow.

Spectacular views of the castle and Vienna in the background

We stopped in at the Schönbrunn Schloβ where the students had about 2 ½ hours to go exploring. The Schönbrunn Schloβ is an absolutely vast building with beautiful gardens surrounding it, and was initially build as a “summer retreat”.

Once again: Being a guide can be tough

After that we went to the hotel where dinner was served at a nearby restaurant.

Unfortunately for the students they have to stay in tonight after dinner, as there was some late night running-around last night, but as the hotel offers both fussball, a good Internet connection and a nice lounge area they should be all right.

Going-out privileges will once again be granted tomorrow if they abide the curfew J

So far the trip has been absolutely great, and everybody is having a great time. We are all looking very much forward to go exploring in Vienna tomorrow.

Tomorrow night the students are in for a treat: We will all go to a 1 ½ hour classical concert at the former Imperial Palace. Should be a great time!

Prague Day 2, Czech Republic

Today the students were off on their own most of the time. The day started with breakfast at the hotel (a lot better than in Berlin, may I add), and then we all went to see the Castle of Prague. Upon arrival the students were given a time where they had to meet the bus counselors at a meeting point, and then they were free to do what they wanted the rest of the afternoon. Most students joined the bus counselors for a trip to the cathedral and the Paradise Gardens, followed by the Charles Bridge.

Then we all had a nice dinner at a restaurant close by. Everybody is quite excited about everything being extremely cheap in Prague. A nice lunch is less than €6 and soft drinks are equally cheap. 

Scenic views over Prague

The majestic Skt. Vitus Cathedral, build in 1344

 Scenic views over the Moldau river

Prague was home to quite a few expensive and exotic cars - and a lot of nice shops 

After meeting up we all went back to the hotel for another quite nice 3 course dinner and then the students once again had free time to go exploring – or catch up on some sleep.