We got up really early today to get to Pier 33, where we needed to catch a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz is located a mile and a half from the mainland and used to be a prison for some of America's most dangerous criminals until it closed in 1963. The island requests that students travel in groups of no larger than seven, so we had a few additional chaperones join some of the groups for our tour.
On the ferry ride over, many of us took pictures as we approached the island. After our orientation on the island, we started an audio tour through the prison. The audio tour had voices from actual ex-prisoners and officers who used to work at the prison and sound effects to make it feel like you were really there at the prime of the prison's functioning time. Following the audio tour, some students watched a short movie about the history of Alcatraz.
When we were done exploring the island, we took the ferry boat back to Pier 33 and then headed down to Pier 39 for lunch and one last shopping trip. Many of us tried the traditional San Francisco dish, clam chowder and sourdough bread and stocked up on souvenirs! After Pier 39, we drove to the Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic red bridge in San Francisco. We had many opportunities to take photographs and see the beautiful city from a distance as we walked across it. It felt like we had hopped inside of a postcard! Even though we were a little chilly and wind-blown after our walk, we took one last group picture with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
After that, we drove back to our hotel for some time to rest and pack. We met up again for our last meal together as a whole group in one of the ballrooms at the hotel. We shared laughter and memories from the trip and the "superlatives" were revealed. A DJ played music for us after dinner, so we had an awesome dance party! The DJ organized games and contests, including limbo, hula hoop, and the Gangnam style dance. People who won received CDs and glow sticks. When the dance wrapped up, we all hugged and said our good-byes. It was so sad to say farewell to the new friends we have made these past two weeks!
We are so glad to have made friendships for life with students from all over the world on our west coast trip. This trip has opened our eyes to the history and many different cultures that exist in each unique city we visited. It had truly been an experience that we will never forget!
Jenny - Germany, Larissa - Germany & Rebecca - Norway
PICTURES WILL BE POSTED AS SOON ASPOSSIBLE
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
June 17 San Francisco, Cable Car and City Tour
This morning we had the best breakfast ever before we took off on the bus to our first activity of the day - riding a classic cable car around downtown San Francisco! It was so much fun sitting on the cable car and riding up and down the hills of the city and seeing all the scenic shops and homes along the way. After the cable car, we had a few hours of free time to explore the downtown area. Many of us used our time to do some more shopping and get lunch at one of the many options for dining.
Then we went back to the bus for a guided tour of the city. Our tour guide, Yette, led us to many various stops around the city and gave us information about each one. We went to Lombard street - the most crooked road in the city - and walked all the way down. We learned a lot about the different houses found in San Francisco and also stopped at the sister houses where the show "Full House" taped a scene in their opening credits. We drove by the church that was used in the movie "Sister Act" and the church where Marilyn Monroe was "married." We visited the beautiful city hall, and then we drove through Haight-Ashbury - an area famous for its role in the 1960s hippie era. Our final stop was the Twin Peaks, where we had a perfect view of the gorgeous city layout from up high. We made it just in time before the fog started rolling in and blocking our view!
After our guided tour, we drove back to Chinatown and had some free time to check out the unique stores filled with authentic Chinese goods. We all met at a Chinese restaurant and ate a delicious traditional Chinese dinner with many different dishes to try. We were so full afterwards, some of us had trouble walking! After dinner, we went to Treasure Island to take pictures of the sun setting over the bay. It was breathtaking!
On our way home, everyone took turns singing their national anthems on the bus microphone. We ended by all joining in on singing the American national anthem. We had a wonderful day and are excited to have another day in San Francisco with our new friends, even though we are sad it will be the last day of the trip!
Elisa - Italy, Carlotta - Germany
Then we went back to the bus for a guided tour of the city. Our tour guide, Yette, led us to many various stops around the city and gave us information about each one. We went to Lombard street - the most crooked road in the city - and walked all the way down. We learned a lot about the different houses found in San Francisco and also stopped at the sister houses where the show "Full House" taped a scene in their opening credits. We drove by the church that was used in the movie "Sister Act" and the church where Marilyn Monroe was "married." We visited the beautiful city hall, and then we drove through Haight-Ashbury - an area famous for its role in the 1960s hippie era. Our final stop was the Twin Peaks, where we had a perfect view of the gorgeous city layout from up high. We made it just in time before the fog started rolling in and blocking our view!
After our guided tour, we drove back to Chinatown and had some free time to check out the unique stores filled with authentic Chinese goods. We all met at a Chinese restaurant and ate a delicious traditional Chinese dinner with many different dishes to try. We were so full afterwards, some of us had trouble walking! After dinner, we went to Treasure Island to take pictures of the sun setting over the bay. It was breathtaking!
On our way home, everyone took turns singing their national anthems on the bus microphone. We ended by all joining in on singing the American national anthem. We had a wonderful day and are excited to have another day in San Francisco with our new friends, even though we are sad it will be the last day of the trip!
Elisa - Italy, Carlotta - Germany
Our cable car!
Lombard Street
The beautiful old San Francisco homes with the new city as a backdrop!
Gorgeous view from the Twin Peaks
Beautiful sunset from Treasure Island
Monday, June 17, 2013
June 16 Yosemite to San Franisco
Today we woke up at the hotel in Merced (near Yosemite National Park), and left at 10 o'clock for our last city on the trip, San Francisco, CA! We made one stop along the way to the famous In N Out Burger for delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. After lunch, we hopped back in the bus and continued on to San Francisco. We knew we had finally reached the city when we crossed over the beautiful Bay Bridge and looked out on the city skyline.
Our first destination in San Francisco was the deYoung Art Museum, which contained all types of inspiring artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles from all over the world. After the museum, we went to Pier 39, where we had a perfect view of the bay. We went shopping at some of the many shops, watched the sea lions sunbathing on docks, and ate dinner at the restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp, which was based on the movie Forrest Gump.
At dinner, we celebrated Tam's 17th birthday with a special birthday song and dessert. Once we got back to the hotel, we were excited because we got to choose our own roommates for the last few nights of the trip! We spent the night playing games in the game room, including ping long, pool, and air hockey. We are so excited to see more of San Francisco and learn more about the city's culture on our tour tomorrow!
Mal, Denmark & Sophie, Austria
PICTURES WILL BE POSTED SOON! :)
Our first destination in San Francisco was the deYoung Art Museum, which contained all types of inspiring artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles from all over the world. After the museum, we went to Pier 39, where we had a perfect view of the bay. We went shopping at some of the many shops, watched the sea lions sunbathing on docks, and ate dinner at the restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp, which was based on the movie Forrest Gump.
At dinner, we celebrated Tam's 17th birthday with a special birthday song and dessert. Once we got back to the hotel, we were excited because we got to choose our own roommates for the last few nights of the trip! We spent the night playing games in the game room, including ping long, pool, and air hockey. We are so excited to see more of San Francisco and learn more about the city's culture on our tour tomorrow!
Mal, Denmark & Sophie, Austria
PICTURES WILL BE POSTED SOON! :)
June 15 Yosemite National Park
We got up early today so we could get on the road to Yosemite National Park located about an hour from our hotel in Merced. There was beautiful scenery along the way, which changed from rocks and fields to mountains and tall trees. We were excited to look out for different types of wildlife at the park, but were a little worried we might encounter a bear!
We arrived at the park, and we noticed the fresh mountain air and beautiful waterfalls surrounding us. We started out on a hike up Vernal Falls, a hilly walk to a huge waterfall. When we got to the waterfall, we spotted rainbows and cooled off in the waterfall mist. We also spotted many squirrels, and some of them were singing and eating!
After the hike, we had a bite to eat for lunch before we went rafting or biking. The rafters paddled down a peaceful river. Some of us splashed each other or swam in the clear water, even though it was very cold! One group was even sprayed by some little boys holding water guns! It was relaxing and refreshing after our morning hike. By the end of the afternoon, we had worked up quite an appetite!
We ate dinner together in the lodge cafeteria, where we were able to choose whatever we wanted to eat for dinner. On our way back to our hotel, we made one last stop to get pictures of the Half Dome - one of the massive cliffs in the park. It was a scenic outlook with tons of trees spread across the land with the sun setting across the rocks.
On our way back home, we sung songs and danced on the bus - Carleigh even danced with us! What a perfect day! We are excited to move on to San Francisco but we are sad that this will be the last city in our West Coast adventure!
Lory - Italy, Elisa - Italy, Pearl - Thailand, Nink - Thailand, Jenny - Germany
We arrived at the park, and we noticed the fresh mountain air and beautiful waterfalls surrounding us. We started out on a hike up Vernal Falls, a hilly walk to a huge waterfall. When we got to the waterfall, we spotted rainbows and cooled off in the waterfall mist. We also spotted many squirrels, and some of them were singing and eating!
After the hike, we had a bite to eat for lunch before we went rafting or biking. The rafters paddled down a peaceful river. Some of us splashed each other or swam in the clear water, even though it was very cold! One group was even sprayed by some little boys holding water guns! It was relaxing and refreshing after our morning hike. By the end of the afternoon, we had worked up quite an appetite!
We ate dinner together in the lodge cafeteria, where we were able to choose whatever we wanted to eat for dinner. On our way back to our hotel, we made one last stop to get pictures of the Half Dome - one of the massive cliffs in the park. It was a scenic outlook with tons of trees spread across the land with the sun setting across the rocks.
On our way back home, we sung songs and danced on the bus - Carleigh even danced with us! What a perfect day! We are excited to move on to San Francisco but we are sad that this will be the last city in our West Coast adventure!
Lory - Italy, Elisa - Italy, Pearl - Thailand, Nink - Thailand, Jenny - Germany
The perfect picture of a waterfall!
Good friends, beautiful view!
The whole group, even Grant our bus driver!
Rafting at Yosemite National Park!
The gorgeous view from the rafts
A beautiful sunset in the park
June 14 LA, Beverly Hills to Yosemite
When we boarded the bus in Los Angeles this morning, everybody was still a little sleepy from our busy day at Disneyland yesterday. But our energy level picked up as we drove up a winding, hilly road to the Griffith Observatory, where we could see the famous "Hollywood" sign from a distance. That vantage point also gave us a view of beautiful Los Angeles from up high. Everyone had a chance to take pictures with the sign in the background.
Then we got back on the bus and stopped by the famous Beverly Hills - home of the rich and famous! We took a group picture in front of the Beverly Hills sign,and then we had time to check out the shops and restaurants along Rodeo Drive. We had fun scouting for celebrities and spotting expensive cars! After Beverly Hills, we got back on the road for a long trip to Merced, CA. We listened to music, watched movies, talked with friends, and looked at the California scenery we passed along the way.
Once we got to Merced, we stopped for a delicious pizza dinner, and at the restaurant, we celebrated Betts's 18th birthday! We are turning in early tonight to get a good night's sleep before our day at Yosemite National Park tomorrow!
Then we got back on the bus and stopped by the famous Beverly Hills - home of the rich and famous! We took a group picture in front of the Beverly Hills sign,and then we had time to check out the shops and restaurants along Rodeo Drive. We had fun scouting for celebrities and spotting expensive cars! After Beverly Hills, we got back on the road for a long trip to Merced, CA. We listened to music, watched movies, talked with friends, and looked at the California scenery we passed along the way.
Once we got to Merced, we stopped for a delicious pizza dinner, and at the restaurant, we celebrated Betts's 18th birthday! We are turning in early tonight to get a good night's sleep before our day at Yosemite National Park tomorrow!
Hollywood!
Group shot!
Panoramic
Jumping picture, classic!
Lovely ladies at Beverly Hills
Keeping it classy in Beverly Hills!
Visiting the famous Rodeo Drive
Friday, June 14, 2013
June 13 Disneyland
Today, we spent our day at Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks - "the happiest place on Earth!" There were many thrilling rides and attractions all featuring various Disney movie themes as well as many options for dining and shopping. Some of our favorite rides included the California Screamin' roller coster, the Tower of Terror, Soarin' California, Grizzly Peak, Pirates of the Caribbean, the "Cars" land, and Space Mountain!
After lunch, we met for a group picture in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle, and from there, we were able to watch a lively parade on Main Street that featured many famous Disney characters as well as dancers and entertainers. At the end of the day, we watched a spectacular fireworks show set to music over Sleeping Beauty's castle and the "World of Color" show in California Adventure, which incorporates water, fire, and lasers to showcase scenes from various Disney movies. Although we were exhausted after exploring the parks for many hours, we had a magical, fun-filled day!
-Martin, Czech Republic & Nils, Germany
After lunch, we met for a group picture in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle, and from there, we were able to watch a lively parade on Main Street that featured many famous Disney characters as well as dancers and entertainers. At the end of the day, we watched a spectacular fireworks show set to music over Sleeping Beauty's castle and the "World of Color" show in California Adventure, which incorporates water, fire, and lasers to showcase scenes from various Disney movies. Although we were exhausted after exploring the parks for many hours, we had a magical, fun-filled day!
-Martin, Czech Republic & Nils, Germany
Our group picture in front of Snow White's Castle!
Meeting Mickey and sporting matching Minnie Mouse ears!
Rides are fun, and their faces show it!
Beautiful lights on the ferris wheel!
The Wonderful World of Color
(An amazing water, music, lights show!)
June 12 Hollywood Blvd, Huntington Beach
After having an delicious breakfast at the hotel and a "party" on the bus, we went to the Madame Tussaud's Wax museum; we saw a lot of famous people like Brad Pitt, Michael Jackson, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, President Obama and Beyoncé. We took a lot of funny pictures! After we walked on the Walk of Fame, to see the different celebrities and musicians plaques, we did a little bit of shopping. From an over pass in a mall there we could see the famous Hollywood sign. It wasn’t what most of us had expected. With all those tourists and people selling stuff on the street “Hollywood” seemed to have lost most of its glamour.
After checking out the ”must-see place” in LA we headed to Huntington Beach. It is a nice beach city, also known as the “Surf City, USA” because of its nice waves and mild climate. The beach itself turned out to be nice and wide even though we had to wait for sunshine for almost two hours. But finally at about 4 ‘o’ clock, as Carleigh forecast, the sun came out and we enjoyed another two hours in the fairly cold water or playing beach volleyball. Some of us seemed to have underestimated the sun though, especially Nils and Arnie looked more red than white a few hours afterwards. Nevertheless, the beach was one of the highlights until now and it was also a nice compensator to the crowded Hollywood.
From there we drove to an Italian restaurant, officially named “buca di beppo”. Carleigh, Liz and Sarah however, were unable to pronounce such an unusual name, so instead they joked and just renamed it to “Bibidi babidi buuu”. In any way, we had a great time there as well! We enjoyed salad, Italian Pasta and we had delicious cake for dessert.
Back at the hotel we brought the day to a nice close spending the last few hours in the pool and hot tub, talking, and jumping in the pool. And with that the first week of our journey ended, leaving us with another 1.5 days in Los Angelas, then Yosemite National Park, and finally San Francisco.
Andrea Boonin Cadogan, Paraguay
Jacqueline Koch, Germany
Ramon Marques Pastre, Brazil,
Finn Grotheer, Germany
At Madame Tussaud's Wax museum with President Obama!
Beach volleyball!
Huntington Beach, CA
Belo USA Travel West Coast Trip June 6!
YAY!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)