tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47984887907570405852024-02-19T08:44:49.699-08:002011 Italy GreeceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-69554883167663763622011-07-10T10:10:00.000-07:002011-07-12T13:59:50.196-07:00Recap-Day 2 - Karen Wells<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rV0VxWuO2TdOSfF5N72-5tznz2_p46CTv8v6zMyfBSfgPSc6J-casSh8uJSANnDar0trVxsVXZ9J5BuXJ3-QftqTj9nkF2paboFoSpeHYjHtckiA9Dj0mR49x7VdIbyGNjaQXTAFOVJo/s1600/DSC02418.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627896394516353890" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rV0VxWuO2TdOSfF5N72-5tznz2_p46CTv8v6zMyfBSfgPSc6J-casSh8uJSANnDar0trVxsVXZ9J5BuXJ3-QftqTj9nkF2paboFoSpeHYjHtckiA9Dj0mR49x7VdIbyGNjaQXTAFOVJo/s320/DSC02418.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br />Two girls play "Rock, Paper, Scissors" in the Athens market.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHFP4cxqsXa7HIH7aJbzdJLB288aS0q7oicGdkWGtMS0rOxEIxNSv0DJQ4H7392srGWpvazjKZL_KxvxMomP6wAyvMzPwm2uqNJckCIJW_PKuTICE9X3blEDzZe9inHicc8F6neuYBZbj/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627775288807018514" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHFP4cxqsXa7HIH7aJbzdJLB288aS0q7oicGdkWGtMS0rOxEIxNSv0DJQ4H7392srGWpvazjKZL_KxvxMomP6wAyvMzPwm2uqNJckCIJW_PKuTICE9X3blEDzZe9inHicc8F6neuYBZbj/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This is our tour guide for Athens. The students thought we looked like sisters. I didn't think so until I saw this photo. Notice the hats and glasses. Who knows???</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwlWbdLkhscMRM0WE2p2e5tzQvfmreO9-H4NqsSgu4Q7UB07Y2z2-kgTipV2dd1gVXL4joHySDqYj_5voXpubBIs-17qFcsW3ujNu1GPCfiaGgLXzrJwtiCV3JTGk2hEsivLYPHDVFes3/s1600/DSC02415.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627776427063179570" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwlWbdLkhscMRM0WE2p2e5tzQvfmreO9-H4NqsSgu4Q7UB07Y2z2-kgTipV2dd1gVXL4joHySDqYj_5voXpubBIs-17qFcsW3ujNu1GPCfiaGgLXzrJwtiCV3JTGk2hEsivLYPHDVFes3/s320/DSC02415.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The flowers in Athens are beautiful.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswsMNxxDS5BA5dGT5CMK8UzH6XfBRk8eEzSlKO5fU0TQaMvT-y2xALAFBxadZYknjazaAMvsqFb5FMwLtK9SETa3MBCIipgnOdTvZkGZTe9BFgNnA_WP1sC6f07B-2qjn7aikCWnl2aHZ/s1600/DSC02422.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627777018572441314" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswsMNxxDS5BA5dGT5CMK8UzH6XfBRk8eEzSlKO5fU0TQaMvT-y2xALAFBxadZYknjazaAMvsqFb5FMwLtK9SETa3MBCIipgnOdTvZkGZTe9BFgNnA_WP1sC6f07B-2qjn7aikCWnl2aHZ/s320/DSC02422.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The gelato is spectacular!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbhEOvMnx37JUo-9Pj2H71QbCb-lYH10cHMqTJrhKYE0VzV2M3QdGcwsYLauAdJva7vmymrs0d1gIVKHsO23Zrcesx1t6VCU209oj6Y7CissffbXNZ5_IWjc1_nLvpKVD97n9AgWstt_J/s1600/DSC02429.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627783687871160562" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbhEOvMnx37JUo-9Pj2H71QbCb-lYH10cHMqTJrhKYE0VzV2M3QdGcwsYLauAdJva7vmymrs0d1gIVKHsO23Zrcesx1t6VCU209oj6Y7CissffbXNZ5_IWjc1_nLvpKVD97n9AgWstt_J/s320/DSC02429.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The bridal bouquet from the wedding we "crashed" in Greece.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlxJBmf8ogKb-FCetYgD6I5z2rhiEFQnKH9JrLlo6CHxgrA1o-ZX_hkMqPieDdCnhw7DvFm-FunAcd3fvCJKhlnW2apihb3QkZ5T-ZJAkyjlFgCzCXpugfrZobbeki18ddjpOAlekYKSX/s1600/DSC02416.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627781581942946338" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlxJBmf8ogKb-FCetYgD6I5z2rhiEFQnKH9JrLlo6CHxgrA1o-ZX_hkMqPieDdCnhw7DvFm-FunAcd3fvCJKhlnW2apihb3QkZ5T-ZJAkyjlFgCzCXpugfrZobbeki18ddjpOAlekYKSX/s320/DSC02416.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The graffiti that covers a lot of the buildings in Athens.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Yr6HuqGt7eOTNQVOKKps6SPwlkpGqlZOu3fnIT4vwT2k73DadY1q9AZbFRhck-D9PNzNl3r4pXHHBN3mN4_Zf5AMniCmkDjbg1CyWykXJZwRxEZ9yh15bwGIUBlLx_-a7gcbO6mZ2CL/s1600/DSC02432.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627891889245306178" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 240px; height: 320px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2Yr6HuqGt7eOTNQVOKKps6SPwlkpGqlZOu3fnIT4vwT2k73DadY1q9AZbFRhck-D9PNzNl3r4pXHHBN3mN4_Zf5AMniCmkDjbg1CyWykXJZwRxEZ9yh15bwGIUBlLx_-a7gcbO6mZ2CL/s320/DSC02432.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br />Austin writing in his journal.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLJxEHwu5u_aozVjWcKaby6R6ppZjWPUIADpT8uW7XRtlT3YX_x2yqnMkEOjL99y_55WD4yvxtTjLPxQ_FtRWbZfcUvwDo1XyVtzis2Jx4jQbHgeQkj_eMcBdvqeN3JqddzabBZ3lhdbX/s1600/DSC02432.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfe92T5Mvywb1kEqy2JA0N3FP1A4YbhbQHFswQpo3JoRz2L2Dqg7rt_BBgKuf4iT30iJo0Ul2iROaxInRBl6e3QqFDL9JpruuJo2iyEdcIfxuwPhsjrD88-our4xoYoyUoYs8xHLGrcym/s1600/DSC02419.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627782665475614450" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfe92T5Mvywb1kEqy2JA0N3FP1A4YbhbQHFswQpo3JoRz2L2Dqg7rt_BBgKuf4iT30iJo0Ul2iROaxInRBl6e3QqFDL9JpruuJo2iyEdcIfxuwPhsjrD88-our4xoYoyUoYs8xHLGrcym/s320/DSC02419.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Niki finds a good deal in an out-of-the-way souvenir shop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-57147653793668459332011-07-06T09:40:00.000-07:002011-07-06T09:53:30.367-07:00Recap-Day 1 - Karen Wells<div><br /><div>Since it was difficult to load pictures while we were traveling, I am going to add my favorite photo(s) from each day. Hope you enjoy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ctUqTwXT29yFP-B2QWMpmi25LDew0eiG7VRjee8S1sGXkzXKzkcXJQT8dfC28QbG0k8gFQTA0AoaN28QW9ydQ2oQ_LAt-xQfLadCPqkA1rTWR-t5lhXZrMpMaMMxp8kXxfT4vtmGPsx-/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626281931285215938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ctUqTwXT29yFP-B2QWMpmi25LDew0eiG7VRjee8S1sGXkzXKzkcXJQT8dfC28QbG0k8gFQTA0AoaN28QW9ydQ2oQ_LAt-xQfLadCPqkA1rTWR-t5lhXZrMpMaMMxp8kXxfT4vtmGPsx-/s320/IMG_0103.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />While several of the students watched movies for 12 hours, many of us found out favorite screen was the one showing how close we were to Athens.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjRYuRinYe1nWArELEhQW4aANLbRsYFz2j9s73Y6SB9vX_mID0lTryHVVa8RvjbmrV81sedBl4o1M2zDnuG2RdpLuKaowBasMeTZZ0h1B8omgWJc7M45h3sYQWJSvNgz7p5kMnffbhGwf/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626281319235326802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjRYuRinYe1nWArELEhQW4aANLbRsYFz2j9s73Y6SB9vX_mID0lTryHVVa8RvjbmrV81sedBl4o1M2zDnuG2RdpLuKaowBasMeTZZ0h1B8omgWJc7M45h3sYQWJSvNgz7p5kMnffbhGwf/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Greece, at last. I thought Italy would be the ultimate part of our journey, but I found that I absolutely loved Greece.</div></div>Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-33492280262665139792011-07-01T11:28:00.003-07:002011-07-01T11:28:53.990-07:00Let The Power Of The Fountain Allow Me To ReturnAs much as I wanted to stay, I really enjoyed the way we ended this wonderful trip. We were given the opportunity to discover Rome on our own through a scavenger hunt. We followed a map that led us to the famous and historical sights of Rome, and at those different points we had tasks that we had to complete. We walked all over the city visiting the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. It was an amazing experience to walk around our own with no guides getting a first hand view on Italian life throughout the streets and feeling the lively energy of the city. At the end of our adventurous day, we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe and told stories of the lifetime memories we made. Then we went back to our hotel and spent more time together before getting ready to leave the city. The next morning we got up bright and early to catch our plane. As much as I wanted to stay in the beautiful city, I was ready to come home and see my family and friends. I will always be grateful for this experience, because it has inspired me in so many ways to return and to follow my dream to live in a different country attempting to dive fully into its culture and living a vastly different life than what I've known. I will continue to hope and believe that the power of throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain will allow me to return and relive the greatest time of my life once again.<br /><br />Bethany Roberson<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-91597081949486512282011-07-01T11:28:00.001-07:002011-07-01T11:28:40.080-07:00Our Last Day in RomeAs we are on the plane coming home, the memories from Italy and Greece fill my mind. Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the entire trip because we went on a scavenger hunt through Rome. We started off the day by exploring the amazing Colosseum. I tried to imagine the 70,000 spectators shouting at the gladiators and wild animals in the games. Everything we saw in Rome was so well constructed. People took such pride and time in their artwork. I thought about the cities I have been to and I know they will not last for 2,000 or more years like the places in Rome have. On our scavenger hunt we split into two groups with maps, checkpoints, and went on our way. Some of the destinations we went to were The Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, and The Trevi Fountain to name a few. I felt like a true roman, walking the streets, eating gelato, and bargaining with the shop keepers. This was truly the trip of a lifetime. As sad as I am to leave, I am also filled with the joy of the memories and friends I made along the way.<br /><br />Niki Pulliam<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-710348607137686062011-06-30T15:00:00.001-07:002011-06-30T15:00:40.864-07:00Last day.... Coliseum!!Our last day in Rome, Italy!! We started our last day by going to the Coliseum! This was by far my favorite thing to see on the trip. Just to be inside this building where the gladiators fought was an awesome feeling! After we saw the Coliseum we ate some lunch then split up to do our scavenger hunt! We had 4 hours to go around Rome to see all the historical sights. We went and saw the Forum Romanum, Capitoline Hill, Piazza Venezia, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Colonna, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. It was a great day! Just to walk the streets at your own pace and just shop! We had a lot of fun! I am so blessed to be able to go on this once in a lifetime trip. Being my age and seeing all of these historical sights is an amazing feeling! Thank you Mom, Dad, Mrs. Wells and Discovery Student Adventures.<br /><br />Sarah York<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-76662850711106045672011-06-29T13:52:00.000-07:002011-06-29T14:32:38.009-07:00The last day in RomeTomorrow we head back to the United States. While we are sad to be leaving Italy, it is time to see family and friends again. The students are enjoying their last night together and will post about today's activities while they are waiting on their flights. They have been awesome bloggers and great travelers. I think they were the perfect group to travel to Greece and Italy, and I will have fond memories of them. I have known Jon for a long time and will always remember his love of meeting people and his willingness to help out the group whenever needed. He will go far in this life, and I look forward to helping him on his future medical missions. Austin has grown tremendously while on this trip. Every day I watched him take on more leadership responsibilities and will always remember his confidence when he gave his presentation before the sea turtle volunteers in Greece. I have also enjoyed his wit and great sense of humor. Bethany, what a traveler she is! She has such a sense of awe when she visits new sites. I found her to be the one I turned to whenever I experienced something that was too beautiful for words. She not only understands beauty, she feels it. Sarah was the only traveler I had never had in class. What a joy it has been to get to know her. She is full of practical information and about as dependable a kid as I have ever known. She loves learning about new places; I predict that more travel lies in her future. She could go anywhere and find her way around. Niki is my travel companion. I will miss her tremendously next year but am grateful that I have had the opportunity to travel to five countries with her. She and I share many memories, and I feel that she is going to make a huge impact on this world. Our traveling days may have come to an end, but our paths have become too entwined for us to go separate ways. She will always remain an integral part of my life. Thanks guys for a great trip. Karen WellsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-68242511427671357222011-06-29T13:34:00.000-07:002011-06-29T13:51:59.679-07:00The VaticanVisiting the Vatican wasn't on my bucket list, but it should have been! How amazing the whole experience has been. Visiting the Sistene Chapel literally took my breath away. Because our guide had gone over the details of the artwork before we entered the building, I was able to pick out images that I would not have been able to before his talk. Just the sheer magnitude of the artwork and the skill involved was pretty amazing. One interesting fact I learned was that the Japanese had paid to have the paintings cleaned in the past couple of years. As part of their agreement, they have the copyright to the images. Thus, they are the only ones who can take pictures of the ceiling until 2015. We also visited Saint Peter's Basilica when Peter is buried. Twenty thousand people a day visit this site. While the area was filled with beautiful statues, we had to hurry through because of the magnitude of the crowd. We also visited a priest in Saint Ann's Church. Saint Ann was the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. The priest's talk was very informative and helped clear up some questions I had about the Catholic religion. We finished with a visit from a former Swiss Guard and witnessed the changing of the guard. Karen WellsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-45889090433606328882011-06-28T14:43:00.003-07:002011-06-28T14:43:35.061-07:00The VaticanA country within a city!! It was so beautiful! First we waited in line for 45min to get into the Vatican. Then we got a guided tour of the museum...so much to see in such a little time. Some of our favorite things were the sistine chapel, all the super old statues, and st. Peters basilica! The Sistine chapel was soo amazing! All the art work was soo beautiful...and learning what it all meant was even better! Once our tour was done we headed over to St. Peters square! We went inside the basilica...all the detail to everything in side was so amazing, it was hard to grasp everything. Soon after that we went and talked to a Roman catholic priest and it was very educational. Once done with that we went back to St. Peter's square and talked to a Swiss guard! It was a little hard to understand him since he had a Swiss accent but it was overall really good. We had dinner at this little restaurant and ate really yummy food! We went back to the hotel after that and walked around some. Now it's night time<br /><br /><br /><br />Megan Tappan and Alexis Cordova<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-56868038528811236582011-06-28T14:43:00.001-07:002011-06-28T14:43:13.696-07:00A Day in the VaticanToday we went to the Vatican. It was simply amazing. It was much different than what I expected. In a day's time, we didn't even scratch the surface. There were famous statues, paintings, and artifacts. Like in Athens, I couldn't wrap my head around what I was seeing. The details of the artwork were unbelievable. There just aren't painters like that anymore. There were all sorts of optical illusions and all the ceilings were covered in art. When we went to the Sistine Chapel I didn't know what to think. We weren't allowed to talk or take pictures because we were in a holy place. To look up and see what Michelangelo depicted as creation and sin coming into the world was unbelievable. He truly was a gifted man. He would stay up for days at a time painting; this is what caused his eyes to bleed. He also stood painting with his head lifted up for so long that he couldn't put it down and had to have a chiropractor fix it. As I stared in silence, I couldn't help but wonder if it was because nobody was allowed to talk or if everybody was in awe. I think it may have been a little of both. Niki Pulliam<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-82108350393911321872011-06-28T14:42:00.005-07:002011-06-28T14:42:43.200-07:00Day 13Today we had a jam-packed day. We woke up pretty early and boarded the bus. We arrived at the Vatican after a short bus ride. We were a little early, so we found us a spot in line. We waited for about an hour before we made it in. We had to pass through security and me and Ms. Wells got our bags taken away. It turned out to be a good thing when we didn't haven to carry them around. We entered the Vatican after that. We saw many amazing sights including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Pope's gardens, and more. We also saw many sculptures that had been well preserved; they also had the only sculpture that had the original eye paintings on it. The Pope's gardens were amazing, but they lacked only one thing. The pope :/. We walked through the Sistine Chapel where there were many great sights and a lot of shushes from guards. We also talked to a "retired" Swiss Guard about his service along with other things. We had a good time, and I can't wait till tomorrow.<br /><br />Austin<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-2376801214416594322011-06-28T14:42:00.003-07:002011-06-28T14:42:28.382-07:00Day 13 The Vatican!!Today we got up really early to go stand in line to see the Vatican. We have been in 3 countries in the past 2 weeks. The Vatican was an amazing place! So many paintings and famous sculptures. It was such an overwhelming feeling to be in there. After we saw the Vatican we went and talked to a Roman Catholic Priest. He explained the Vatican and the Roman Catholic religion to us. After we left the church, we went to Saint Peter's Basilica where we saw a statute of St. Peter and the Swiss guards. Then we actually got to talk to a former Swiss guard. He showed us the changing of the Swiss guards. This was a really cool thing to see; that was my favorite part of today. The Sistine Chapel was really awesome. This building is older than America itself. It was absolutely amazing. I can't even believe I saw that today!<br />Sarah York<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-14799189729322064772011-06-28T14:42:00.001-07:002011-06-28T14:42:03.983-07:00Day 13Well, today we to the Vatican. It was so much too absorb in such a short time. I saw some of the most incredible paintings and sculptures ever!! The Sistine Chapel was breathtaking. I still can't believe how beautiful it was. We also saw Saint Peter's Basilica which was equally amazing. We got to see Saint Peter all dressed up which is special because tomorrow is his day!! We also talked to a priest and a Swiss Guard which was very educational. Overall, a wow day!!! Jon Farrar<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-62465523507292949782011-06-28T14:41:00.001-07:002011-06-28T14:41:41.841-07:00A Whole New WorldToday we traveled to a different country that resides within another country. The Vatican. We waited in line outside its city walls excited to get in. I had never realized that the Vatican was indeed its own country and how important it was to the world. It was so odd being there knowing that the pope was actually on the city's grounds and also some of the worlds most famous and life changing people had been there to visit just I had today. As we walked through the museum filled with extravagant paintings and statues, I was struggling to take it all in. So much beauty to see and hundreds of years of history in art that surrounded us was almost overwhelming. I was also getting extremely anxious as we got closer and closer to the entrance of the Sistine Chapel. The signs near the entrance were telling those fixing to go in to remain silent while in the chapel and to refrain from using our cameras. When we were in under the awe-inspiring scenes painted on the arched ceilings and standing by all the painted murals on the walls, I got chills. The amazing beauty and the shocking realization that I was in the Sistine Chapel was so powerful. We looked around and our tour guide said that the building was older than the discovery of America. And I was in it. I could have stayed in there for days just observing in silence the intricate details that years of hard work strived to perfect. After we left the Vatican city, we visited Saint Peter's Basilica. There too were grand paintings, statues, and architectural structures. We also talked to a Roman Catholic priest and a former Swiss Guard member. Today was a wonderful and once in a lifetime experience. Overall, my first impression of Roma left me speechless.<br /><br />Bethany Roberson<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-64893152652411864612011-06-27T21:15:00.001-07:002011-06-27T21:15:06.438-07:00I conquered Mt Etna!! ( Day 9 & 10)Today we got the chance to go to the local pottery shop and try our hand out at painting pottery. Later that day we took our bike ride around Mt Etna. On day 10 we got up bright and early to start out hike on Mt Etna. We hiked 4 hours, we reached 2900 meters. This is not all the way at the top because Mt Etna was looking active, so for safety reasons that was as high as we could go. Being on top of that volcano was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. We got so high up we were in the snow, where we had a snowball fight. How many people can say they had a snowball fight on an active volcano in Italy?!? Being up that high were you can see everything opens up a new perspective on your life, the world and your heart. I experienced this and became very emotional, but I am very glad to be standing at the top of that volcano and feel this. For a very hard climb, being sunburnt and sore the next day it was worth it in the end to see that view from the very top.<br />Sarah York <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-52094083702550556832011-06-27T13:54:00.001-07:002011-06-27T21:23:06.424-07:00PompeiCheck one off my bucket list. When I was a little girl, I had a book about Pompei. I thought it was the most amazing book, and today I got to walk through the streets of Pompei! It was a huge city with all kinds of shops and bakeries, and to actually be able to run my hands along the ancient walls and see the chariot tracks in the road gave me chills. As a young girl, I never dreamed I would someday experience Pompei with a group of my students. One of the reasons it was amazing was because we had a tremendous guide who gave us great insight into the history of Pompei. For example, I did not know that the gladiators who fought in the city's stadium were actually prisoners who remained locked up in individual cells surrounding the city's main theatre area. These men were only able to come out when they needed to practice for their upcoming events. How frightening it must have been for them to feel the earthquakes that shook the city in the days immediately preceding the explosion and to see the ash and smell the gases that escaped from the mountain. They had no place to go. This tour was one of my favorites so far.<br />Karen Wells<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadDiscovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-47891127877924209382011-06-27T12:34:00.003-07:002011-06-27T12:34:15.446-07:00R & R to AshesDay 11 was an easier day. Some time was spent on the bus traveling, but then we got our day going. We got up and had breakfast. Then, we hit the road once again. Our first destination was to the pottery shop that we visited a few days ago to pick up our finished pottery. After that we visited a nearby farm that produced marmalade. We had lunch there and then traveled to Palermo, Italy to board yet another ferry. We had several hours of free time; we spent them walking around, exploring, and talking on the boat. When we arrived in Naples this morning, we unboarded - or however you say it - the ferry. We went to a water park this morning as well! They had slides, a pool, and more. The water was pretty frigid ( Sarah's description ) though. Afterwards, we headed off to Pompei, the city that was completely buried under 24 feet of flaming hot ash. The structures were built about 2,000 years ago and were beginning to be excavated in the 17th or 18th century. The structures that the Romans were able to construct at that time is amazing. The fact that they have been so well preserved is astonishing to me. It is definitely a sight to see. They had restaurants, cross walks, plumbing and more. It is obvious that they were a dominant civilization. Now we are on our way to Rome. Only a few days left and so much more to explore!<br /><br />- Austin<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-71910054381211887762011-06-27T12:34:00.001-07:002011-06-27T12:34:07.546-07:00Day 11 & 12 Marmalade & Pompei!!!On day 11 we got to see the plates we got to decorate, then we headed to see how marmalade was made. All the fruit was grown on site and used to make marmalade and for cooking. That night we got on another overnight ferry, and we woke up in Naples. On day 12 we started the day off by going to a water park and dancing by the pool. We left the park and had lunch, spaghetti! We then got to see Pompei, we learned that the city of Pompei was built a thousand years ago. When Mt. Vesuvius erupted it covered the city with 24 feet of ash. It was buried for thousands of years and no one knew about it. People were frozen in whatever daily activities they were doing from the intense heat. It reached approximately 500 degrees. Not only people where frozen but animals, bread, cheese, and pottery; were frozen in what ever condition they were in when the volcano erupted. It was the most amazing sight to see this city that existed thousands of year ago, then covered in ash and then found again. Now we are headed to the city of Roma!!!<br /><br />Sarah York<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad <br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-13752913311305888082011-06-27T12:33:00.003-07:002011-06-27T12:33:59.170-07:00Days 11 and 12Day 11 was mainly a travel day but we got to tour a Marmalade factory and even though we was sunburnt we had fun!! We also saw an Italian wedding, had an interesting dinner, and then boarded the ferry! Day 12 we got to experience an Italian water park which was awesome!! It was like a water party. There was dancing and fun everywhere! After we had amaaaazing spaghetti, we toured Pompei. Pompei is amazing something so tragic that is so beautiful it's hard to wrap your head around it. Gosh this trip has flown by; it's truly amazing though!!<br /><br /><br />-Jon Farrar<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-20321730780999112622011-06-27T12:33:00.001-07:002011-06-27T12:33:50.629-07:00Italy Frozen In TimeYesterday we left the Kikajon lodge and went to a marmalade factory. Italy is very big on agriturismo, which is a mix between agriculture and tourism. This is what the marmalade factory was. Tourist could come and room there and have recreational activities; however, all their farm was there also such as cherry trees, orange trees, and so on. After touring the farm, we had lunch from the actual farm. Then we went to Palermo to have dinner and board our overnight ferry to Naples. The restaurant we ate at was established in 1834. It was neat to have Italian food in such an old restaurant. On the ferry we got a special tour of the boat. We got to see many things behind the scenes like the navigation room, where the captian has dinner, and we met some of the cooks. As good as yesterday was, today was just incredible. When we got off our ferry, we went to a water park! The water was so cold at first, but how could we complain when we were in Italy?! Then the staff came out and started singing and dancing beside the wave pool. Along with some other people there, the staff drug Dr. Lacey, Alexis, Megan, Bethany, and me out there to dance along with them. It was so much fun. After all that we were hungry. We went to lunch where we had spaghetti! It was the best spaghetti I have ever tasted and it filled me up. I should've known better than to eat so much because then came out our second course. Chicken and fries. It was so good, but so much. And of course they brought us delicious ice cream for dessert. Then we went to Pompei. It was so different than what I expected. Pompei was covered in ash from a volcano in 79 a.d. Because of this the ancient city of Pompei was literally frozen in time. The remains were incredible. The city was so well remained that as I walked on the originals cobblestone road, I could see where the chariots made grooves in the road. There were bakeries, theaters, and courthouses. As I sat in the spot a council man may sat in the amphitheater and my feet touched the original marble, I was amazed. Pictures on the walls and signs above houses were still there. The town of Pompei that I walked down was bigger than my hometown. This was a huge city. It was so sad to see that it was destroyed, but so interesting to see it preserved. <br /><br />Niki Pulliam<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-31453962888168796732011-06-27T12:32:00.001-07:002011-06-27T12:32:46.321-07:00Fire and IceMt. Etna - what magic lies on top of its dome. Fire boils deep in the cone and ice forms a winter scene inside the craters. It is a setting full of contrast - an ever changing landscape that draws out emotions from deep inside that erupt with a power much like that of the volcano. Many of the students have relayed facts about the volcano itself; others have talked about the emotional release a person feels when he is above the clouds. I was very intrigued with the plants and examined the ones that struggled to survive on the lava beds. The plant with the red flower is the first to peek its head out (usually eight to ten years after an eruption) with the yellow plant following close behind. Trees usually appear after 100 years. Although there was a mild eruption this May, most of the lava flow we traversed is from the 2002 eruption. Thus, the landscape is still very barren with a smattering of flowering plants - almost like walking on the moon. After our guide led us down into a volcanic crater, he took me aside and showed me a plant that was surviving even though it was feeling the direct blast from an active steam vent. Amazing! Equally amazing is the journey we took down the mountain. Not necessarily the journey of hiking down, but the journey of friendship. Midland parents, you would have been proud of your students. Like true Mustangs they formed a bond that was amazing to behold. It became a journey of making sure that everyone finished the hike. When altitude sickness or aching joints made the journey tough for some, others fell into place to offer an arm for support or to pick up a backpack. Looking out for self became less important than the group's best interest. The power of the mountain led some to openingly share emotions and fears they had kept hidden. The topic of conversation quickly turned to the opportunity that had been given to them by their parents. They felt undeserving of the sacrifices others had made that allowed them to travel to Greece and Italy. I assured them that working multiple jobs, taking out loans, and putting your children first are part of being a parent and providing experiences for your child. We talked about "paying it forward" to their children and grandchildren. Giving future generations the opportunity they had been given - the opportunity to experience the world. When you see the souvenirs made from volcanic rock, remember it's much more than a reminder of where they been and what they have accomplished; it's a symbol of who they have become and where they are going. May the power of the mountain live within them always, Karen Wells<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad j<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-27259246859441687662011-06-27T12:00:00.003-07:002011-06-27T12:00:38.589-07:00Mt. Etna....we conquered it!!!On day 9 &10 we conquered Mt. Etna!!! On day 9 we had to mountain bike up the side of the volcano. It was so difficult but the view at the end was worth it. We were supposed to mountain bike for 5k but we only were able to complete 1 which ended up taking 2 hours! The view at the end was amazing! On day 10 we were suppose to hike up to the top and down, but because of Mt. Etna's activity a jeep had to take us up to about 2900k and we hiked down. Being at the top of the volcano was amazing! We felt like we were on top of the world, well we were because we were above the clouds!!! The hike down was amazing and had some great views...especially when the guide showed us the Craters. We even went inside one!! Even though it was scary when we went off the road, in the end it was all worth it! How many people can say they hiked an active volcano! Megan and I were buddies the whole way down...we sang songs and ran down some parts of the volcano! Not to brag or anything.....but yes we were the first ones down!!!! Today we got out plates that we made on day 8! And now we are on our way to catch the ferry back to main land Italy!!! <br /> -Megan Tappan and Alexis Cordova. <br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-19090436229427950662011-06-27T12:00:00.001-07:002011-06-27T12:00:03.440-07:00The Extreme Challenge: Mount EtnaI've survived Mount Etna! I knew that it was going to be physically challenging, but I had no idea it was going to be anything like it was once I got up there. The first part of the challenge was the bike ride. We started at a certain point of a bike trail. After about ten minutes, I was already getting tired and feeling the burn in my legs. But I kept going knowing that I should not give up. We went up and saw a lava flow or what was left of it, which was tons and tons of black rock that wound all the way up the mountain. It was an amazing sight to see with its cryptic feel and dark existence. After we got to a point to where we couldn't go any further, we turned our bikes around and coasted down the slope we had climbed. The rest of the evening we rested, preparing our bodies for the challenge that was to come the next day. The following morning we left and a bus took us to the top of the volcano. On the way up, the altitude started getting to me. It made me weak and somewhat nauseas. At the peak I was shaky, both with sickness and the overwhelming fact that I was on an active volcano in Italy. But I knew that I had to go on. I had to overcome the obstacle, I had to face the challenge, and I had to experience the vulnerability that the volcano gave me. I knew I had made the right choice when I saw the deep craters that lay on the side if the mountain and when I saw the surrounding ocean and towns from miles and miles away. It was absolutely breathtaking and so amazing. It will be something that I will tell people about for the rest of my life.<br /><br />Bethany Roberson<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-72680652444058806712011-06-27T11:59:00.003-07:002011-06-27T11:59:19.256-07:00Days 9 and 10 Mt. EtnaThis trip is hard to explain, never could I have dreamed about what all we would see and do. Mt Etna is an active volcano and on day 9 we biked through lava flats up hills and around the mountain. Biking around the mountain was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I had to keep telling myself to keep going it was worth it in the end. I was proud I only pushed my bike once! The view was incredible you could see so much! It wasn't until day 10 though that I truly appreciated Etna. Standing above the clouds at 2900 meters was such a mix of emotions. You feel so free and the moment will take your breathe away. I couldn't stop thinking about my family and all they have done for me especially Gran, Pops and Moma, they help me climb the mountains in my everyday life and if it wasn't for them I couldn't have reached the top of this mountain. We had a snowball fight on a volcano :) who does that!?!?! On the way down we had a group heart to heart and our little family got even closer. When this dream is over and we get back to reality, it's going to be weird without them!! I will never forget yellin with Niki on top of the volcano and so many other things!! This is truly a dream trip!! <br /><br />-Jon Farrar <br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-20686128039480612332011-06-27T11:59:00.001-07:002011-06-27T11:59:08.177-07:00We Rode The Bull!The past two days were spent mostly on Mt. Etna. Friday we visited a pottery shop and painted our own plate. It looked so easy when the professional did it, but it wasn't easy for me at all. You had a flat surface that you spun the plate on, and you kept your brush steady to paint smoothly. I immediately thought it would be simple, but it wasn't; I had a tough time keeping my brush steady. Mine wasn't the best plate, but I am proud of it. After painting our plates, we ate lunch at our lodge near Mt. Etna. After that we went mountain biking on the amazing volcano. We chose our bikes, and then blasted off. It was definitely a challenge, but I made it to where we stopped. On the way we were able to see previous lava flows from 2002. They covered quite a large area. We also had many great views of the surrounding cities and the sea. The trip back was nearly all downhill. It was very fun. The amazing views and the wind through my hair were definitely worth the effort I put into biking up, let alone the sense of accomplishment it gave me. Dr. Lacey and I stuck together on the trip down. We both enjoyed every second of it. When we all reached the bottom, we grabbed a drink to refresh ourselves. I think we all deserved a nice, cold coca cola. Yesterday was the big day. We got up and pumped for the day ahead. We loaded the bus that the guides provided, handmade our way to 2,900 meters (approximately 8,700 feet) on the volcano. We saw tons of snow by the time we reached our destination. It was a lot harder to breathe when I stepped off the bus, but it didn't seem too bad. I was in awe by how close we were to the top and the views of much of the island. We could see that we were above the clouds that were to our left. We then took pictures before we began our descent. After that we began our journey for the day. Not long after we started, we came across one of the large patches of snow that we had seen on the climb up. We took group pictures, and then we had a quick - but intense - snowball fight. That was fun! Having a snowball fight at 2,900 meters on a volcano! I was surprised because it was not that cold, but there was snow. It is still a mystery to me. The trip down the volcano was extraordinary. We talked and took our time. I know that we grew much closer as a group and learned much about one another. The descent took about four hours. We were able to go inside one of the craters that had previously erupted. We saw and felt the steam that was rising between a few of the rocks in the crater. It was hot - our guide said about 100*. After viewing the crater, we once again began descending. We later stopped for lunch on a previous lava flow and saw a large black boulder looking object. It was black, matching the rest of the lava. Our guide said that it was a boom, or an explosion that resulted in this object. We found relatively flat surfaces and ate our lunch. That is where Ms. Wells ripped her pants. Good thing she had several layers on. After lunch, we continued down the volcano. Once we reached the bottom we were proud of our accomplishment! We rode the bull! We then had the chance to visit souvenir shops. After that we all returned to the lodge, cleaned up, and slept. Being on this volcano gives you a new perspective of the world. I was amazed at what God has created. It is simply amazing. These two days have been my favorites so far, and I can't wait till Rome now!<br />Austin<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798488790757040585.post-16331279714603676622011-06-27T11:58:00.001-07:002011-06-27T11:58:53.402-07:00A Perspective From Mt. EtnaThe past two days we have had an adventure that most never have accomplished. We mountain biked and hiked Mt. Etna. The first day we arrived to our lovely lodge, Kikajon. Our room had two big beds, a bunk bed, and a private garden. After we got settled in and had lunch, we went to mountain bike Etna. The task was more difficult than I think any of us thought it would be. The next day we got up, sack lunches in hand, and headed out to Etna. Instead of climbing up Etna, they changed plans. We got on a truck and rode to the top, only to hike all 2,900 meters down. This was so wonderful because the altitude got to some of us, and it would also be extremely difficult to both climb and hike on the volcano. The sights were unbelievable. At the top of the volcano, Jon and I screamed to the top of our lungs. We felt as if we were on top of the world. We could see miles of Italy's landscape, including cities and the ocean. We played in the snow as we watched the volcano smoke. Then we began our four hour hike down. As beautiful as the sights were, my favorite thing I saw was six different people coming together to take care of one another on our journey. We went to our own pace and talked about many things. Our travel manager told us that from the mountain our perspective has an open view, therefore opening our hearts. That is exactly what we did on Mt. Etna.<br /><br />Niki Pulliam<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Discovery Travelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02565523957425450280noreply@blogger.com0