Well, now that we all stopped sniffling....! I can’t believe they are finally on their way. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in the auditorium of the NYS Ed Building! Hopefully they will practice their count-off on the bus ride!!
Jess called and said that half the gropu left around 2pm from Newark and the other half of them were leaving at 5:45pm. She said the weather down there was fine and the flights weren't delayed (earlier someone told me Newark was under a lot of delays from rain).
Caitlin left a message at about 3 PM stating that the flight from Newark was delayed. I haven't been able to get through to her since. Sometimes flights are delayed because earlier weather problems have a domino effect on later flights.
Caitlin just called from the airport in D.C. She was in the first group. They just landed and are on their way to the hotel. Their flight was delayed by about 4 hours.
Jess just called, she was in the second group, their flight has been cancelled! Ruth and 15 of the kids are in Newark. They are either staying over and flying out tommorrow morning or renting a bus. Jess is going to call me and let me know what is going ont.
Jess just called and said that the group in Newark is staying at the Ramada Inn and they are taking a bus to washington in the morning. (actual time right now 11:45pm)
The second group had a really long day yesterday. Erin called at 12:30am to say they were finally at the hotel. They had a little pizza party and were turning in for the night. They have their luggage and are taking a bus in the morning. She seemed to be having a great time in spite of it all:) Hopefully they are getting all the rough parts of the trip out of the way right up front and the rest of the trip goes a little smoother.
Spoke with Sarah this morning. they were on the bus at 7 en route to DC. They didn't get to bed until almost 2; were very tired but having a great time.They were treating this as a mini-adventure and everyone was very positive and even happy that they had this time to bond with some of the kids that they didn't know very well.The were loooking forward to joining the rest of the group. Sarah said that Ruth was great and had everything under control. THANKS RUTH!!
I just spoke to Jess. The second group made it to DC and is sitting on the bus that drives them around DC waiting for the the rest of the kids. She said the bus from Jersey City smelled funny, the bathroom was gross and the driver was annoying! Other than that, they are in good spirits, just very tired.
Saturday 7/21: We spoke to Sarah last night. The group had dinner at the Saudi Embassy. She said that it was great, but she was surprised that they served Italian food! She was hoping to try Saudi food. She was part of the second group to reach DC and was still very tired from that late night adventure. They were off to Arlington today and then looking forward to the departure to Athens tonight.
Just wanted to give you all a heads up. We are all together and we are happy about that. We went to Lincoln Memorial, FDR memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the capital and the air and space museum. Everyone is having a great time. Now that the weather has cleared and Ruth's group has finally made it here. Today we are going to the Holocaust Museum, the Arlington cemetery, and the Vietnam Memorial. We are taking off to Greece, and will write when we get there, as well as call.
Thanks for the Official Update. Glad thnings are back on track. Adventure is past of the deal. Looking forward until tomorrow's news. By the way, the weather here in the Adriatic is warm and sunny, with more great weather in the forecast. Cara Kennedy
Lynne called from the airport. She was well prepared for the long flight with her Harry Potter 7 book in hand and a new book light so as not to bother anyone with her (probable)flight-long read. Hope she gets at least a little shut-eye.
Chelsea also called from the Airport and said they had a very good day, she had made some new friends already, and her late night Jersey City adventure was already forgotten. She said everyone was buying Harry Potter for the long flight. They got off on time, and lets hope they make all of their connections.
I spoke to Alex yesterday before they left but I am anxious to hear that they have arrived safely in Athens. Please post if you hear any news today and I will do the same. Lucille Campito
7/22 1:30 PM Sarah called. They had very comfortable flights .. were even served shrimp! The hotel is in downtown Athens, rooms are small but have balconies and are well appointed. She and Ryan are w/o luggage as of now. The airlines suspects that their bags are on the next flight in from Frankfurt which should be in later tonight ; if not, she will need to do some shopping. The airlines gave them a bag to get them through with personal supplies and a very large t-shirt ( Sarah said it resembles a hospital gown, but hey, it is her first souvenir). They flew over the acropolis on the way in and she said it was quite a site. She said it is very warm ( about 95) but every site is breath-taking. They had dinner and were getting ready to call it a night. Most of them didn't sleep much on the flights and were very tired. All is well with our kids in Athens!!
I just spoke to Alex( the international cell phone was agreat purchase!). They Have to be in their rooms tonight at 9:00. She sounds tired- not much sleep on the plane as the sun started to come up after 5 hours of their flight. It's 95 at 6P.M. but there is air conditioning. They are psyched about the hotel in Santorini, it's on the beach. Something to look forward to while they are at the Acropolis tomorrow in the heat. There is time evry day for shopping so Alex is very happy.
Hello everyone we are in Greece. These last few days were just blurred together.Tomorrow we are going to check out all of Athens. We are going to the Parthenon, and visiting the original site of the Olympics. We are all a little tired from our long flights today but we are doing fine. We had a great buffet for our first Greek dinner. Overall everyone seems to be doing great. I will work on having your kids call home. We had some glitches with our phone cards today, but I think that I worked them out. I will do my best.
I will write back when I get a chance. We will be busy for the next few days. So talk to you in a couple of days.
Jess called and said they are having a great time. She said they had a blast bartering with the merchants. They are going on some type of all day cruise tomorrow, so I don't know if I will hear from her. Also, apparently they are still having a lot of problems with the phone cards.
I spoke to Alex around 3:30 this afternoon. They haven't mastered the cell phone cards yet and the phones at the hotel are not usable. They had a GREAT day today. Saw the Acropolis went out to lunch where they cooked their own food- Alex thought it was delicious. They spent the afternoon at a flea market where they bought many treasures. They have to be up tomorrw at 5A.M. and on the ferry to Santorini at 7A.M. It's aa 8 or 9 hour ride and they can spend the day sitting in the sun. They are not sure what the service project is yet but aren't concerned. Hopefully the phone system will be better and you will hear from your children soon. All is well and they are having a great time. Lucille Campito
I just spoke to alex from Santorini.She said it id THE most beautiful place she has ever been. It's exactly like the pictures, whit buildings with yellow and pink trim. The ferry ride from Athens was tedious and of course full of Greek people. They checked into their hotel and went to the beach. A beautiful black sand beach. They had dinner together and she said by the time you eat you will eat whatever you are served.Tomorrow is another busy day. The morning is their service project- raking, sweeping and cleaning. Then on to another beach for a swim, and then for a donkey ride. Unfortunately there are no phones in the hotel which is why no one has heard from their children. Alex will call at the same time tomorrow and I will update you again after I talk to her. Lucille Campito
Caitlin has sent a couple of emails today. She said that Santorini is beautiful. The ferry ride over was very long - but interesting. They are all having a great time and everyone gets along really well. It is very hot in Santorini and they are walking a lot. Caitlin is spending a lot of money on water to stay hydrated. Today is the donkey ride. The hotel has no phone - so no calls. But, there is a computer for emails.
Jess called me (she had to use here credit card from a payphone!) and said they are having a great time. They were getting ready to go on the donkey ride and was looking forward to it.
Hi everyone - I got to see some of the kids today. I met Michelle in Oia, in Santorini. She said that some of them cleaned a path to a church for the service project and some others cleaned up a beach. I caught up with them during their free time. All the kids I ran into were happy and enjoying themselves. They seemed very comfortable wandering around the town and followong the guidelines of the leaders, a good mix of obedience and adventure. Their Santorini hotel looked very nice from the outside, and Michelle discribed starting her morning by going out on her balcony. Of course I asked Michelle to tell me the "inside scoop" and she said things were great, and that people were getting along well. She said the food has been fine. She explained that some people on the ferry did not have seats, so the kids hac to deal with people just sitting in the hallways. As we know, part of this trip is to let the kids see other ways of living. Bottom line, things looked great, (and Ruth was still smiling when I ran into her!)
I wish I was lucky enough to have seen Alex in Santorini today, but I will have to be happy with a phone call. All is well and I hear the beauty is overwhelming. Alex was with the group that cleaned the beach. She said it took about an hour. The temp today was 40C- very hot, but still no complaints. They took a boat ride to another part of the island and spent time at the beach. After lunch they went to the top of the mountain in a cable car. Their donkey ride took them through the back roads where the "real people" live. They were able to see private homes and pools. Another swim in the Aegean, dinner and then out to the pool. Tomorrow is an island tour and Greek dancing class. I can't wait to hear about this! If you have any specific concerns feel free to call me- I will gladly get info if you need more. They are having a hard time finding working pay phones. I will be away the week they are in Italy and may not have access to a computer. Hopefully the telphone system will be better in Italy. Lucille Campito
Sarah called us at 5 AM our time. Wow it was great to hear her voice! She said that the few pay phones on the island that work take multiple tries to get the calls through and eat up minutes during every try. The e-mail usage at the hotel ( there are only 4 computer) costs and many have been reluctant to spend their euros. Many have been writing letters and sending them via snail mail ( who would have thought!) so some of us may actually get a letter! Greece is having a major heat wave and it is well over 100 degrees every day. They take every opportunity to swim~ both to cool off and to get "clean" ( the showers at the hotel are little more than trickles of warm water). They had a lesson in greek dancing today and had great fun. The donkey ride was apparently hilarious as several of the donkeys seemed to have their own agenda about the ride through the village. The kids are fine. They are as frustrated as we are about their inability to communicate.
Sarah sent an e-mail a few minutes ago. Calling cards are not going through for most of the kids.She said she wasn't even going to attempt to use the phone again until she gets to Italy. She reiterates that they are having the best time ever! They had a tour of the island today and where heading out to dinner now. I think this communication piece is really getting to them. Sarah said she had a lot of things to tell us but wanted to do it over the phone because it would be easier and faster.
Got a short email from Lynne today. She said the ferry to Santorini made her seasick (great, they've got 2 more ferry rides coming up - what? me worry?). She said she was hot but things were "great and soooo pretty." If her Visa card expenditure is any indication, she's having a wonderful time. Thanks to all who keep posting. Remember, Mary - Ohm...
I'm glad some of you have heard from your children. Today was the first time Alex said she was tired. The morning began with Greek dance class and she said it was just like My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They all danced together in a circle. There were professional dancers there also.They had lunch and were off on a tour of Santorini. More pictures!!! she's up to 400 already. They had anafternoon swim then dinner. Tomorrow they wre taking the high speed ferry which will only take them 4 hours to get back to Athens. They will head to Isthmia afterthe ferry. The temp was again 130- they are having a heat wave in Greece. Everyone is still happy and soon they'll be in Italy!
Dang! I missed Lynne's phone call this morning. She left a voice mail (2 actually) and sounded very happy. They were at their new hotel with WORKING SHOWERS. I could hear Annmarie and Sarah in the background. They all sounded wonderful. She bought something for Grandma (who has been sick) that's "really pretty." Don't ya just love em?!
Hello everyone we made it back in Athens and we are doing great. I think that everyone will probably call home tonight from their rooms. Or E-mail. Tomorrow off to Olympia!!!
I will keep everyone up to date as we continue on our Journey. Thanks for all your support to our staff and your kids.
Chelsea just called, she said the beach and ocean were amazing. She is having a wonderful time and is enjoying making lots of new friends. They met up with another group on the ferry who was from Ireland, and the company made the trip much faster.
Her only complaints were the cost of phone calls, and she sent her laundry out and it cam back wrinkled.
Chelsea said they were all pleasantly surprised that they were given a couple hours of freedom a day.
The chaperones are all great, especially Tina who is a fellow vegetarian.
I spoke to Sarah twice today. Now that the phone card issue is resolved, life is good again. She and Lynne , Annmarie, Alex and Chelsea have been hanging out together and are having a great time. Kevin told them that he appreciates their cooperative spirits ( now that makes a mom feel proud!); she said the leaders have been wonderful. They were in their hotel and everyone was enjoying a shower that had some water pressure. This hotel also has phones in the rooms and that is making life more pleasurable. I sense that good friendships are being forged and they really are having the time of their lives. Sarah mailed the recipes home from their cooking class; she said the food has been great. They are all looking forward to Italy and being able to barter at Rome's open air flea market!
I spoke to Sarah twice today. Now that the phone card issue is resolved, life is good again. She and Lynne , Annmarie, Alex and Chelsea have been hanging out together and are having a great time. Kevin told them that he appreciates their cooperative spirits ( now that makes a mom feel proud!); she said the leaders have been wonderful. They were in their hotel and everyone was enjoying a shower that had some water pressure. This hotel also has phones in the rooms and that is making life more pleasurable. I sense that good friendships are being forged and they really are having the time of their lives. Sarah mailed the recipes home from their cooking class; she said the food has been great. They are all looking forward to Italy and being able to barter at Rome's open air flea market!
Lynne called again and this time she got me. We talked for half an hour and then my cell phone battery died. It was so good to hear her voice. She had many stories to tell and had me laughing quite a bit. In the background I got to hear Brittany, Megan, Sarah and Annmarie.
Sounds like they're having the experience of a lifetime.
Jess called me twice today also. She said they are having a great time, but that it has been HOT. They are going on a hike tomorrow before they head to the overnight ferry. She said the food has been good, a lot of "meat and potatoes" and when she gets home we are going to try and make some of the dishes she really liked. I hope the phone cards work without any problems in Italy, it was good to talk to her!
Caitlin emailed from the ferry last night - she was on her way to the disco. It sounds like they had quite a bit of fun planned for the ride to Italy. That was about all the news that I got.
Sarah called. She was with Lynne, Annmarie, Chelsea and James. They were all chattering in the background. The weather in Italy is in the 90s but after the heat and humidity of Greece, she said it feels chilly to them. The hotel is ok, but the AC is not working all that well.There aren't any computers in this hotel. They were about to have a "laundry party" so things will dry before they need to be repacked. They have been bartering in the open air markets and making some wonderful purchases. She climbed MT Vesuvius and thought that was very cool; they also went to a cameo factory and watched them make cameos. They toured Pompeii, but the famous dog wasn't there. He is on loan to a museum in Canada. Sarah said the food so far in Italy has been wonderful. A nice change from the meat and potatoes in Greece. Dinners and lunches are served in courses with the meal always starting w/pasta (tonight's was in a vodka sauce) and followed by a meat or fish. After all the meat in Greece, Sarah was very excited about having Salmon and flounder. She hasn't been able to have gelato yet, but they served them canoli cream pudding w/chocolate sauce that was excellent. They are having a great time. I asked if the group she was with had any messages for their parents and they all called back: "tell them we love them". So that is the news from the Hotel Bled.
Lynne called this afternoon using Sarah's phone card. I guess it's her turn for the phone card not to work. Like Sarah, she welcomed the change from meat and potatoes and said the desserts were excellent. (I guess her appetite is coming back.) She said Vesuvius was hot and "really, really high." She has purchased a cameo and fared better on the last ferry ride. I think she got a little homesick when she heard the dog bark in the background, but I'm sure that disappeared as soon as she got off the phone - thanks to the folks I heard in the background.
Hi to all once again. Sorry I haven't written for the past week I was away. I have spoken to Alex almost every day. She is having no problem with the phone cards purchased through people to people. I was a liitle concerned as the last time I spoke to her was after they went rapelling(sp?) an she thought she was getting sick. She was REALLY tired!! Luckily she sounded better today. They saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the statue of David today. Yesterday they went to an alabaster factory. Beforehand was not at all happy about this stop and when I spoke to her today she said it was awesome and bought several pieces. She also found some beautiful Italian leather. She bought several wallets and a bag for herself. She was also looking for gold, earrings in particular for her sister. They too were purchased. I can't wait till she gets to Murano. Tomorrow the are going to the Ferrari factory and tomorrow evening they will arrive in Venice. The food has been wonderful, they went to a private home and were cooked a home made italian dinner. Alex thinks she's gaining weight. I can't believe they have been gone for 2 1/2 weeks already. They'll be home before I know it. We got our first post card from Greece today, so the mail is slow. Lucille Campito
The phones do not work in their rooms at the hotel, so phoning was a little tricky today. They are 1 hour from Venice. Tomorrow morning is the gondola ride. I can't wait to hear how they like the way it smells in Venice. All I've heard about is how wonderful the food and the desserts have been. Alex has had gelato every day- it's her favorite. All is well everyone is having a great time.
Alex loved Venice!!! They went on a gondola ride and did some shopping. They are not going to the island of Murano but went to a Murano factory in Venice. 5 weeks to receive the things she had shipped. She has no more room to carry anything else home. Tonight they will be in Austria- a 4-5 hour ride today. Instead of staying in the Castle they will be sleeping outside in tents with no shower in the morning. I'll look forward to hearing about this adventure. No call today as they won't be staying in a hotel. One more week and they'll be home!! Lucille Campito
Our kids are in Salzburg today! Alex wasn't too happy about their stay at the hostel. She was bored- too much down time along with the realization that she will be away at college in less than two weeks. We will be very busy when she returns. This was an awesome experience, they are all soooo lucky!!! Lucille Campito
Alex just called from the airport in Frankfurt (10:40 A.M.) our time, they are boarding their plane. I hope all goes well when they get to NY so they'll be home ata reasonable hour tonight. I can't wait to see her!!! Lucille Campito
52 comments:
Jess called and said that half the gropu left around 2pm from Newark and the other half of them were leaving at 5:45pm. She said the weather down there was fine and the flights weren't delayed (earlier someone told me Newark was under a lot of delays from rain).
Caitlin left a message at about 3 PM stating that the flight from Newark was delayed. I haven't been able to get through to her since. Sometimes flights are delayed because earlier weather problems have a domino effect on later flights.
Jean Mahserjian
Caitlin just called from the airport in D.C. She was in the first group. They just landed and are on their way to the hotel. Their flight was delayed by about 4 hours.
Jean Mahserjian
Jess just called, she was in the second group, their flight has been cancelled! Ruth and 15 of the kids are in Newark. They are either staying over and flying out tommorrow morning or renting a bus. Jess is going to call me and let me know what is going ont.
Jess just called and said that the group in Newark is staying at the Ramada Inn and they are taking a bus to washington in the morning. (actual time right now 11:45pm)
The second group had a really long day yesterday. Erin called at 12:30am to say they were finally at the hotel. They had a little pizza party and were turning in for the night. They have their luggage and are taking a bus in the morning. She seemed to be having a great time in spite of it all:)
Hopefully they are getting all the rough parts of the trip out of the way right up front and the rest of the trip goes a little smoother.
Spoke with Sarah this morning. they were on the bus at 7 en route to DC. They didn't get to bed until almost 2; were very tired but having a great time.They were treating this as a mini-adventure and everyone was very positive and even happy that they had this time to bond with some of the kids that they didn't know very well.The were loooking forward to joining the rest of the group. Sarah said that Ruth was great and had everything under control. THANKS RUTH!!
I just spoke to Jess. The second group made it to DC and is sitting on the bus that drives them around DC waiting for the the rest of the kids. She said the bus from Jersey City smelled funny, the bathroom was gross and the driver was annoying! Other than that, they are in good spirits, just very tired.
hi everyone - i was supposed to fly out of Albany on Thursday, and everything in the notheast was a mess. I'm glad everyone got to DC!
Saturday 7/21: We spoke to Sarah last night. The group had dinner at the Saudi Embassy. She said that it was great, but she was surprised that they served Italian food! She was hoping to try Saudi food. She was part of the second group to reach DC and was still very tired from that late night adventure. They were off to Arlington today and then looking forward to the departure to Athens tonight.
Mary Bjork
Just wanted to give you all a heads up. We are all together and we are happy about that.
We went to Lincoln Memorial, FDR memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the capital and the air and space museum. Everyone is having a great time. Now that the weather has cleared and Ruth's group has finally made it here. Today we are going to the Holocaust Museum, the Arlington cemetery, and the Vietnam Memorial. We are taking off to Greece, and will write when we get there, as well as call.
See you all there
Kevin
Kevin: thank you for the update. Glad to hear that all are together now and having a great time. Looking forward to the next posting.
Thanks for the Official Update. Glad thnings are back on track. Adventure is past of the deal. Looking forward until tomorrow's news. By the way, the weather here in the Adriatic is warm and sunny, with more great weather in the forecast. Cara Kennedy
Lynne called from the airport. She was well prepared for the long flight with her Harry Potter 7 book in hand and a new book light so as not to bother anyone with her (probable)flight-long read. Hope she gets at least a little shut-eye.
Chelsea also called from the Airport and said they had a very good day, she had made some new friends already, and her late night Jersey City adventure was already forgotten. She said everyone was buying Harry Potter for the long flight. They got off on time, and lets hope they make all of their connections.
Karen Callahan
I spoke to Alex yesterday before they left but I am anxious to hear that they have arrived safely in Athens. Please post if you hear any news today and I will do the same.
Lucille Campito
Haven't heard from Lynne, but Lufthansa's website says the flight landed just a few minutes later than scheduled. Let the fun begin.
Patti Hilliker
So excited for all the group!!
per the phone tree, the kids have landed safely in Greece
7/22 1:30 PM
Sarah called. They had very comfortable flights .. were even served shrimp! The hotel is in downtown Athens, rooms are small but have balconies and are well appointed. She and Ryan are w/o luggage as of now. The airlines suspects that their bags are on the next flight in from Frankfurt which should be in later tonight ; if not, she will need to do some shopping. The airlines gave them a bag to get them through with personal supplies and a very large t-shirt ( Sarah said it resembles a hospital gown, but hey, it is her first souvenir). They flew over the acropolis on the way in and she said it was quite a site. She said it is very warm ( about 95) but every site is breath-taking.
They had dinner and were getting ready to call it a night. Most of them didn't sleep much on the flights and were very tired.
All is well with our kids in Athens!!
I just spoke to Alex( the international cell phone was agreat purchase!). They Have to be in their rooms tonight at 9:00. She sounds tired- not much sleep on the plane as the sun started to come up after 5 hours of their flight. It's 95 at 6P.M. but there is air conditioning. They are psyched about the hotel in Santorini, it's on the beach. Something to look forward to while they are at the Acropolis tomorrow in the heat. There is time evry day for shopping so Alex is very happy.
Hello everyone we are in Greece. These last few days were just blurred together.Tomorrow we are going to check out all of Athens. We are going to the Parthenon, and visiting the original site of the Olympics. We are all a little tired from our long flights today but we are doing fine. We had a great buffet for our first Greek dinner. Overall everyone seems to be doing great. I will work on having your kids call home. We had some glitches with our phone cards today, but I think that I worked them out. I will do my best.
I will write back when I get a chance. We will be busy for the next few days. So talk to you in a couple of days.
Kevin
Thanks Kevin for all the updates...and thank you to all the delegate leaders for all you are doing for our children.Have a wonderful time!
has anyone heard anything today? I am hungry for news... my kid is not calling.....
Jess called and said they are having a great time. She said they had a blast bartering with the merchants. They are going on some type of all day cruise tomorrow, so I don't know if I will hear from her. Also, apparently they are still having a lot of problems with the phone cards.
I spoke to Alex around 3:30 this afternoon. They haven't mastered the cell phone cards yet and the phones at the hotel are not usable. They had a GREAT day today. Saw the Acropolis went out to lunch where they cooked their own food- Alex thought it was delicious. They spent the afternoon at a flea market where they bought many treasures. They have to be up tomorrw at 5A.M. and on the ferry to Santorini at 7A.M. It's aa 8 or 9 hour ride and they can spend the day sitting in the sun. They are not sure what the service project is yet but aren't concerned. Hopefully the phone system will be better and you will hear from your children soon. All is well and they are having a great time.
Lucille Campito
I just spoke to alex from Santorini.She said it id THE most beautiful place she has ever been. It's exactly like the pictures, whit buildings with yellow and pink trim. The ferry ride from Athens was tedious and of course full of Greek people. They checked into their hotel and went to the beach. A beautiful black sand beach. They had dinner together and she said by the time you eat you will eat whatever you are served.Tomorrow is another busy day. The morning is their service project- raking, sweeping and cleaning. Then on to another beach for a swim, and then for a donkey ride. Unfortunately there are no phones in the hotel which is why no one has heard from their children. Alex will call at the same time tomorrow and I will update you again after I talk to her.
Lucille Campito
Dear Lucille,
Thank you and Alex so very much for the daily updates. I've yet to hear from Chelsea and I appreciate all your news.
Caitlin has sent a couple of emails today. She said that Santorini is beautiful. The ferry ride over was very long - but interesting. They are all having a great time and everyone gets along really well. It is very hot in Santorini and they are walking a lot. Caitlin is spending a lot of money on water to stay hydrated. Today is the donkey ride. The hotel has no phone - so no calls. But, there is a computer for emails.
Jess called me (she had to use here credit card from a payphone!) and said they are having a great time. They were getting ready to go on the donkey ride and was looking forward to it.
Hi everyone - I got to see some of the kids today. I met Michelle in Oia, in Santorini. She said that some of them cleaned a path to a church for the service project and some others cleaned up a beach. I caught up with them during their free time. All the kids I ran into were happy and enjoying themselves. They seemed very comfortable wandering around the town and followong the guidelines of the leaders, a good mix of obedience and adventure. Their Santorini hotel looked very nice from the outside, and Michelle discribed starting her morning by going out on her balcony. Of course I asked Michelle to tell me the "inside scoop" and she said things were great, and that people were getting along well. She said the food has been fine. She explained that some people on the ferry did not have seats, so the kids hac to deal with people just sitting in the hallways. As we know, part of this trip is to let the kids see other ways of living. Bottom line, things looked great, (and Ruth was still smiling when I ran into her!)
Silly me - Cara Kennedy wrote the last note, I just forgot to sign it.
I wish I was lucky enough to have seen Alex in Santorini today, but I will have to be happy with a phone call. All is well and I hear the beauty is overwhelming. Alex was with the group that cleaned the beach. She said it took about an hour. The temp today was 40C- very hot, but still no complaints. They took a boat ride to another part of the island and spent time at the beach. After lunch they went to the top of the mountain in a cable car. Their donkey ride took them through the back roads where the "real people" live. They were able to see private homes and pools. Another swim in the Aegean, dinner and then out to the pool. Tomorrow is an island tour and Greek dancing class. I can't wait to hear about this! If you have any specific concerns feel free to call me- I will gladly get info if you need more. They are having a hard time finding working pay phones. I will be away the week they are in Italy and may not have access to a computer. Hopefully the telphone system will be better in Italy.
Lucille Campito
Sarah called us at 5 AM our time. Wow it was great to hear her voice!
She said that the few pay phones on the island that work take multiple tries to get the calls through and eat up minutes during every try. The e-mail usage at the hotel ( there are only 4 computer) costs and many have been reluctant to spend their euros.
Many have been writing letters and sending them via snail mail ( who would have thought!) so some of us may actually get a letter!
Greece is having a major heat wave and it is well over 100 degrees every day. They take every opportunity to swim~ both to cool off and to get "clean" ( the showers at the hotel are little more than trickles of warm water).
They had a lesson in greek dancing today and had great fun. The donkey ride was apparently hilarious as several of the donkeys seemed to have their own agenda about the ride through the village.
The kids are fine. They are as frustrated as we are about their inability to communicate.
Sarah sent an e-mail a few minutes ago. Calling cards are not going through for most of the kids.She said she wasn't even going to attempt to use the phone again until she gets to Italy.
She reiterates that they are having the best time ever!
They had a tour of the island today and where heading out to dinner now.
I think this communication piece is really getting to them. Sarah said she had a lot of things to tell us but wanted to do it over the phone because it would be easier and faster.
Got a short email from Lynne today. She said the ferry to Santorini made her seasick (great, they've got 2 more ferry rides coming up - what? me worry?). She said she was hot but things were "great and soooo pretty." If her Visa card expenditure is any indication, she's having a wonderful time. Thanks to all who keep posting. Remember, Mary - Ohm...
I'm glad some of you have heard from your children. Today was the first time Alex said she was tired. The morning began with Greek dance class and she said it was just like My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They all danced together in a circle. There were professional dancers there also.They had lunch and were off on a tour of Santorini. More pictures!!! she's up to 400 already. They had anafternoon swim then dinner. Tomorrow they wre taking the high speed ferry which will only take them 4 hours to get back to Athens. They will head to Isthmia afterthe ferry. The temp was again 130- they are having a heat wave in Greece. Everyone is still happy and soon they'll be in Italy!
Dang! I missed Lynne's phone call this morning. She left a voice mail (2 actually) and sounded very happy. They were at their new hotel with WORKING SHOWERS. I could hear Annmarie and Sarah in the background. They all sounded wonderful. She bought something for Grandma (who has been sick) that's "really pretty." Don't ya just love em?!
Hello everyone we made it back in Athens and we are doing great. I think that everyone will probably call home tonight from their rooms. Or E-mail. Tomorrow off to Olympia!!!
I will keep everyone up to date as we continue on our Journey. Thanks for all your support to our staff and your kids.
Keep up the good work parents.
Kevin
Hey Everyone:
Chelsea just called, she said the beach and ocean were amazing. She is having a wonderful time and is enjoying making lots of new friends.
They met up with another group on the ferry who was from Ireland, and the company made the trip much faster.
Her only complaints were the cost of phone calls, and she sent her laundry out and it cam back wrinkled.
Chelsea said they were all pleasantly surprised that they were given a couple hours of freedom a day.
The chaperones are all great, especially Tina who is a fellow vegetarian.
They group is all looking forward to Italy!
Karen Callahan
I spoke to Sarah twice today. Now that the phone card issue is resolved, life is good again.
She and Lynne , Annmarie, Alex and Chelsea have been hanging out together and are having a great time.
Kevin told them that he appreciates their cooperative spirits ( now that makes a mom feel proud!); she said the leaders have been wonderful.
They were in their hotel and everyone was enjoying a shower that had some water pressure. This hotel also has phones in the rooms and that is making life more pleasurable.
I sense that good friendships are being forged and they really are having the time of their lives.
Sarah mailed the recipes home from their cooking class; she said the food has been great.
They are all looking forward to Italy and being able to barter at Rome's open air flea market!
I spoke to Sarah twice today. Now that the phone card issue is resolved, life is good again.
She and Lynne , Annmarie, Alex and Chelsea have been hanging out together and are having a great time.
Kevin told them that he appreciates their cooperative spirits ( now that makes a mom feel proud!); she said the leaders have been wonderful.
They were in their hotel and everyone was enjoying a shower that had some water pressure. This hotel also has phones in the rooms and that is making life more pleasurable.
I sense that good friendships are being forged and they really are having the time of their lives.
Sarah mailed the recipes home from their cooking class; she said the food has been great.
They are all looking forward to Italy and being able to barter at Rome's open air flea market!
Lynne called again and this time she got me. We talked for half an hour and then my cell phone battery died. It was so good to hear her voice. She had many stories to tell and had me laughing quite a bit. In the background I got to hear Brittany, Megan, Sarah and Annmarie.
Sounds like they're having the experience of a lifetime.
Jess called me twice today also. She said they are having a great time, but that it has been HOT. They are going on a hike tomorrow before they head to the overnight ferry. She said the food has been good, a lot of "meat and potatoes" and when she gets home we are going to try and make some of the dishes she really liked. I hope the phone cards work without any problems in Italy, it was good to talk to her!
Caitlin emailed from the ferry last night - she was on her way to the disco. It sounds like they had quite a bit of fun planned for the ride to Italy. That was about all the news that I got.
Sarah called. She was with Lynne, Annmarie, Chelsea and James. They were all chattering in the background.
The weather in Italy is in the 90s but after the heat and humidity of Greece, she said it feels chilly to them. The hotel is ok, but the AC is not working all that well.There aren't any computers in this hotel. They were about to have a "laundry party" so things will dry before they need to be repacked.
They have been bartering in the open air markets and making some wonderful purchases. She climbed MT Vesuvius and thought that was very cool; they also went to a cameo factory and watched them make cameos. They toured Pompeii, but the famous dog wasn't there. He is on loan to a museum in Canada.
Sarah said the food so far in Italy has been wonderful. A nice change from the meat and potatoes in Greece. Dinners and lunches are served in courses with the meal always starting w/pasta (tonight's was in a vodka sauce) and followed by a meat or fish. After all the meat in Greece, Sarah was very excited about having Salmon and flounder. She hasn't been able to have gelato yet, but they served them canoli cream pudding w/chocolate sauce that was excellent.
They are having a great time. I asked if the group she was with had any messages for their parents and they all called back: "tell them we love them".
So that is the news from the Hotel Bled.
Thanks for the post Mary.
Lynne called this afternoon using Sarah's phone card. I guess it's her turn for the phone card not to work. Like Sarah, she welcomed the change from meat and potatoes and said the desserts were excellent. (I guess her appetite is coming back.) She said Vesuvius was hot and "really, really high." She has purchased a cameo and fared better on the last ferry ride. I think she got a little homesick when she heard the dog bark in the background, but I'm sure that disappeared as soon as she got off the phone - thanks to the folks I heard in the background.
Hi to all once again. Sorry I haven't written for the past week I was away. I have spoken to Alex almost every day. She is having no problem with the phone cards purchased through people to people. I was a liitle concerned as the last time I spoke to her was after they went rapelling(sp?) an she thought she was getting sick. She was REALLY tired!! Luckily she sounded better today. They saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the statue of David today. Yesterday they went to an alabaster factory. Beforehand was not at all happy about this stop and when I spoke to her today she said it was awesome and bought several pieces. She also found some beautiful Italian leather. She bought several wallets and a bag for herself. She was also looking for gold, earrings in particular for her sister. They too were purchased. I can't wait till she gets to Murano. Tomorrow the are going to the Ferrari factory and tomorrow evening they will arrive in Venice. The food has been wonderful, they went to a private home and were cooked a home made italian dinner. Alex thinks she's gaining weight. I can't believe they have been gone for 2 1/2 weeks already. They'll be home before I know it. We got our first post card from Greece today, so the mail is slow.
Lucille Campito
The phones do not work in their rooms at the hotel, so phoning was a little tricky today. They are 1 hour from Venice. Tomorrow morning is the gondola ride. I can't wait to hear how they like the way it smells in Venice. All I've heard about is how wonderful the food and the desserts have been. Alex has had gelato every day- it's her favorite. All is well everyone is having a great time.
Alex loved Venice!!! They went on a gondola ride and did some shopping. They are not going to the island of Murano but went to a Murano factory in Venice. 5 weeks to receive the things she had shipped. She has no more room to carry anything else home. Tonight they will be in Austria- a 4-5 hour ride today. Instead of staying in the Castle they will be sleeping outside in tents with no shower in the morning. I'll look forward to hearing about this adventure. No call today as they won't be staying in a hotel. One more week and they'll be home!!
Lucille Campito
Our kids are in Salzburg today! Alex wasn't too happy about their stay at the hostel. She was bored- too much down time along with the realization that she will be away at college in less than two weeks. We will be very busy when she returns. This was an awesome experience, they are all soooo lucky!!!
Lucille Campito
Alex just called from the airport in Frankfurt (10:40 A.M.) our time, they are boarding their plane. I hope all goes well when they get to NY so they'll be home ata reasonable hour tonight. I can't wait to see her!!!
Lucille Campito
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