We made it here!
There were no gypsies searchin for presents from us on last night's train from Praha to AMS, but it was Julian's 18th birthday at midnight and we all lined up in the hallway of the train with our legs wide open and we made him crawl through them and we each took our turn spanking him 18 times. My family tradition, called the "Birthday Spanking Machine". Those are the memories we do not have on film, but will last forever in the kid's hearts. What a great birthday for Julian!
We all SLEPT so soundly on the train that we woke up when the Netherlands Customs asked us for our passports an hour before departure, so at 9:30 everyone groggily made their way to the train restroom, (no toilet paper) and tried to freshen up before entering the prettiest of all of the cities.
It was very easy to take the tram to the hotel, the streets were not cobble stoned, so the kids didnn't have too much trouble walking the few blocks to our hotel, and the rooms were not ready...as usual...so we all walked to the INFAMOUS PANCAKE BAKERY, which was took us past Anne Frank's Huis, and we all did a Family Style ordering so we could taste the many different delectables, such as cinammon caramel and ice cream pancake, nutella and banana, and chocolate sauce. OMGosh we all agreed one of the best meals (although we have been saying that alot recently). We didn't write about Prague's group meal in Wenceslas Square. The waiters were by far all models, and the food from Devilish Chicken Stew, to Roasted Chicken (served on the spit) the kids were so full, but not tired enough to call it a night. Again they went dancing. So much fun, following them around and watching them dance. The smiles and the sweat and the friendships are so far unreal!!! I am so happy to watch them become a family and absorb these memories together.
So, we just finished a 3 hour bike tour of Amsterdam, not as many historical monuments to listen to stories about, but our Tour Guide, Aaron, is from Long Beach, actually, Wrightwood, and helped the kids find out the friendliest neighborhoods, the local Los Angeles shops, and took us up and down the MANY canals, and taught us how to understand the "Bike"" culture. We also ALL loved Vondelpark, which is where the hippies lay out (sometimes nude, although not today... thank goodness) and we admired how beautiful everyone is riding their bikes around.
Most of the kids are tired, but not enough to not hit the Amsterdam H & M and get lost along the canals.
We just finished eating at Eat At Joe's and had Vegetairan lasagne, BBQ ribs, the BEST Greek salad (it was the Goat Cheese) ever!
We will meet back up at 10 pm for a safe tour of the Red Light District, before we hit the dance club which opens after midnight....(I have like 50 more gray hairs...and I am in EXCELLENT SHAPE), but my eyes are watering right now, as I must get back my room and close them for at least an hour before another whirlwind night, and day.
Tomorrow, there are many who are visiting the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank's House, and others just want to SHOP as it is OUR LAST DAY IN EUROPE.
(The Two Jen's went to Anne's house today, and said it was depressing).
In any case,
Phone less, but still able to keep an eye on all the kids, and happy that we have made it this far with only Marcella's skinned toe, a few mosquito bites and one or two hickies (huh???)
Ok,
Love to all parents family and friends.
See you soon!
oh, and sorry no more pictures, i was only able to do the pictures because of my phone and now...poo poo, the gypsies took out sight away...
Each kid has over 1000 pictures, so you will see them soon~!
:Love
Ty
Friday, July 9, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hi Everyone
Jennifer Miskabi here. Budapest was awesome. My favorite part while in Budapest was on the second day, when Jennifer Cohenmehr and I visited the biggest synagogue in all of Europe. It was amazing to see so much culture and religion in one place. The architecture was amazing as well. Some parts of the synagogue (such as the "beema")were made with actual gold, and it made the synagogue even more beautiful than it really was. Cohenmehr and I took a tour of the synagogue, and it turned out that our tour guide had an interesting past to share with us. Her father, a devout Catholic, saved many lives during the Holocaust. As she shared her story many of us teared up. Overall it was a great experience that will stick with me.
Now Kimberley Hammilton will take over.
Well, it's actually Kimberly Hamilton... thanks Jen!!! Anyways, hello to all that are reading the tales of our extraordinary Euro-Trip. I have been having the time of my life since we step foot in LAX the day after graduation. Recently, we finished our voyage in Budapest, and I must say that mine wasn't as meaningful as most of the group's. My first day in Budapest was spent sleeping in the lobby while waiting for our rooms to be ready. I wasn't feeling very well when we got off the train from Venice, and all I really wanted was sleep and my favorite stuffed animal (which i left at home. Everyone else went on an intense bike ride. I was extremely jealous when they all came back with their stories of how great the views were from certain bridges and that that was the best bike tour by far. The next day I was much better and went out shopping with some of the girls. Our main goal was to hit up the funkiest stores out there, and let me tell you, there were A LOT!! We also managed to make our way to a mall (as if there weren't any in la. My favorite part of budapest was seeing all of the intricately designed buildings that surrounded the streets and the views at night from the bridges. My least favorite part, was the food. Our last night's choice for dinner in Budapest: fried cheese or chicken with french fries. I could feel my arteries clogging up after every single bite. The train ride was hot and smelly, and of course I got no sleep, but it was al worth it because Prague is bsolutely beautiful!!!! Once we made it to the hostel, which is funky and pink, we slept in the lobby for a couple of hours. A group of girls and I went over to starbucks for a pick me up, and ended sleeping on the couches! The whole group then headed down for our bike tour, which ended up getting completely rained on. There was thunder and lightning and the rain was hitting us like bullets. I was freezing in my tank top, shorts, and flip flops and yearned for a hot shower and warm, cozy bed. Dinner was great, we had many choices and I chose the fettucine with chicken and spinach. After dinner, Miskabi and I tracked down a mini mart with international calling, and we both made long needed calls to our parents. It was so great to hear their voices, and I cried when I heard my mother tell me she loved me. It had been over a week!! Overall, I'm really enjoying it here in prague and can't wait to hit up amsterdam!!!
peace out everybody!!!
~Kimbo
(Kimberly Hamilton)
Now Kimberley Hammilton will take over.
Well, it's actually Kimberly Hamilton... thanks Jen!!! Anyways, hello to all that are reading the tales of our extraordinary Euro-Trip. I have been having the time of my life since we step foot in LAX the day after graduation. Recently, we finished our voyage in Budapest, and I must say that mine wasn't as meaningful as most of the group's. My first day in Budapest was spent sleeping in the lobby while waiting for our rooms to be ready. I wasn't feeling very well when we got off the train from Venice, and all I really wanted was sleep and my favorite stuffed animal (which i left at home. Everyone else went on an intense bike ride. I was extremely jealous when they all came back with their stories of how great the views were from certain bridges and that that was the best bike tour by far. The next day I was much better and went out shopping with some of the girls. Our main goal was to hit up the funkiest stores out there, and let me tell you, there were A LOT!! We also managed to make our way to a mall (as if there weren't any in la. My favorite part of budapest was seeing all of the intricately designed buildings that surrounded the streets and the views at night from the bridges. My least favorite part, was the food. Our last night's choice for dinner in Budapest: fried cheese or chicken with french fries. I could feel my arteries clogging up after every single bite. The train ride was hot and smelly, and of course I got no sleep, but it was al worth it because Prague is bsolutely beautiful!!!! Once we made it to the hostel, which is funky and pink, we slept in the lobby for a couple of hours. A group of girls and I went over to starbucks for a pick me up, and ended sleeping on the couches! The whole group then headed down for our bike tour, which ended up getting completely rained on. There was thunder and lightning and the rain was hitting us like bullets. I was freezing in my tank top, shorts, and flip flops and yearned for a hot shower and warm, cozy bed. Dinner was great, we had many choices and I chose the fettucine with chicken and spinach. After dinner, Miskabi and I tracked down a mini mart with international calling, and we both made long needed calls to our parents. It was so great to hear their voices, and I cried when I heard my mother tell me she loved me. It had been over a week!! Overall, I'm really enjoying it here in prague and can't wait to hit up amsterdam!!!
peace out everybody!!!
~Kimbo
(Kimberly Hamilton)
Miss Ty's view Budapest and 1st day in Prague
Hello Parents,
This is Tylene. I have lost my phone and internet access to gypsies!!! It has been a tough road from Budapest to Prague. The trip, however, is still a success. The kids are at breakfast right now, right be hind me, and it is 9 ish in the morning on the 7th of July. We are all stumbling around as our feet, from walking around Prague in the rain, all day yesterday has caught up with us.
I keep begging the kids to write this blog for me, but no one wants too...not for the lack of communication with parents and friends, but becaause the kids have 12 to 1 in teh shower department. We keep playing "nose goes" and it's been working as a first -last strategy.
Last night, i ditched out on dinner in Prague and slept ( i don't think I've done that on this trip yet) and they all had a huge variety of food to choose from. Veyas has been finding awesome restaurants that meet our tight budget. We started a bike tour yesterday at 11:30, but a huge, cold, rainstorm came, the girls were cold and wet, so we abandoned the tour, and will try again today, at least the streets will be clean for us all!
In Budapest the kids had an awesome time at the dance clubs. I went with and watched them smiling more than walking around any city. Oh, the best part of Budapest, was when on the bike tour, we stopped to get Starbucks (yes, they are everywhere) and I was so hot that I rode through one of those ground spouting fountain sprays that go up and down. Well, monkey see mondey do, and the kids all got off of their bikes and started playing in the water. My gosh, my three year old never has had so much fun, they were pulling eachother in to see if the spray would go up them, betting eachother who could run through without getting wet, etc. Now Veyas the guide, and myself were just standing there in wonderment, cuz there's St. Istvan's Cathedral, the Budapest Castle and The Opera House, but the kids loved the water fountain!!! All is good.
So far, the family that has been made is wonderful. There are basically 2/3 groups. The Persian girls just LOVE to shop, so on their free time you can find them at Kate Moss' Top Shop and then there are two other groups, or one depending on the destination.
I am begging the kids to post,
Thank you all for being so understanding about how much the gypsies needed to call their loved ones with my phone>>>>>
Cheers
Ty
This is Tylene. I have lost my phone and internet access to gypsies!!! It has been a tough road from Budapest to Prague. The trip, however, is still a success. The kids are at breakfast right now, right be hind me, and it is 9 ish in the morning on the 7th of July. We are all stumbling around as our feet, from walking around Prague in the rain, all day yesterday has caught up with us.
I keep begging the kids to write this blog for me, but no one wants too...not for the lack of communication with parents and friends, but becaause the kids have 12 to 1 in teh shower department. We keep playing "nose goes" and it's been working as a first -last strategy.
Last night, i ditched out on dinner in Prague and slept ( i don't think I've done that on this trip yet) and they all had a huge variety of food to choose from. Veyas has been finding awesome restaurants that meet our tight budget. We started a bike tour yesterday at 11:30, but a huge, cold, rainstorm came, the girls were cold and wet, so we abandoned the tour, and will try again today, at least the streets will be clean for us all!
In Budapest the kids had an awesome time at the dance clubs. I went with and watched them smiling more than walking around any city. Oh, the best part of Budapest, was when on the bike tour, we stopped to get Starbucks (yes, they are everywhere) and I was so hot that I rode through one of those ground spouting fountain sprays that go up and down. Well, monkey see mondey do, and the kids all got off of their bikes and started playing in the water. My gosh, my three year old never has had so much fun, they were pulling eachother in to see if the spray would go up them, betting eachother who could run through without getting wet, etc. Now Veyas the guide, and myself were just standing there in wonderment, cuz there's St. Istvan's Cathedral, the Budapest Castle and The Opera House, but the kids loved the water fountain!!! All is good.
So far, the family that has been made is wonderful. There are basically 2/3 groups. The Persian girls just LOVE to shop, so on their free time you can find them at Kate Moss' Top Shop and then there are two other groups, or one depending on the destination.
I am begging the kids to post,
Thank you all for being so understanding about how much the gypsies needed to call their loved ones with my phone>>>>>
Cheers
Ty
Saturday, July 3, 2010
OMGűare we on daz 4 5 6 or 7.
that is the keyboard, not mewe are in budapest and the mosquitos have welcomed us gladly.In Venice it had beautiful archectecture and Dzlan believes it felt magestic. The walking tour was informal and the students loved listening to the stories our tour guide gave, especiallz about Marco íPolo. Venice has water taxis that take the kids everywhere they found the island of Murano which was peaceful and gave a fresh view of what Venice might be like if their werent an obnoxious amount of of tourists. At night the kids found a little more pace getting lost through the allies. Teh food was excellent. Pizza, gelato, and lasagne were the three most popular dishes. The hotel room was hot and had mosquitos too, but it was literallz two blocks from St. Marks Square. so the kids were able to find their waz back after their adventures. We boarded a 92o night train to budapest and the kids fell quicklz to sleep, however, the polizia and customs officers woke the kids up 6 times. within teh 1ö hour period. that means thez reallz didnt sleep that well. and our new group joke is zelling at eachother PASSPORT, because that is waht they woke us up sazing. Only one lost phone bug bites, and a slight head cold and 2ö happz tired footed IKOSI DEKIANS.....i will do mz best to post pictures tongiht so zou can wake up with some fresh views of our adventures.
Miss Ty
that is the keyboard, not mewe are in budapest and the mosquitos have welcomed us gladly.In Venice it had beautiful archectecture and Dzlan believes it felt magestic. The walking tour was informal and the students loved listening to the stories our tour guide gave, especiallz about Marco íPolo. Venice has water taxis that take the kids everywhere they found the island of Murano which was peaceful and gave a fresh view of what Venice might be like if their werent an obnoxious amount of of tourists. At night the kids found a little more pace getting lost through the allies. Teh food was excellent. Pizza, gelato, and lasagne were the three most popular dishes. The hotel room was hot and had mosquitos too, but it was literallz two blocks from St. Marks Square. so the kids were able to find their waz back after their adventures. We boarded a 92o night train to budapest and the kids fell quicklz to sleep, however, the polizia and customs officers woke the kids up 6 times. within teh 1ö hour period. that means thez reallz didnt sleep that well. and our new group joke is zelling at eachother PASSPORT, because that is waht they woke us up sazing. Only one lost phone bug bites, and a slight head cold and 2ö happz tired footed IKOSI DEKIANS.....i will do mz best to post pictures tongiht so zou can wake up with some fresh views of our adventures.
Miss Ty
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
London and Paris
(Sacre Couer steps)
(SALUTE!!)
(On River Cruise in Front of Eiffel Tower)
(Looking at Notre Dame on Bike Tour)
(Alex Gelber's Ikosi Deka Tribute in Brighton)
(In Hyde Park in London by Diana's Fountain)
(At Buckingham palace in london)
(ON BUS IN LONDON)
Day 5 Gay Paree
Eberyone planned to meet in Lobby at 8 to go to Versailles, but by 10:30 only 3 left. Theyy spent all day there and had an amazing time. They saw the whole inside and also the lands and Marie Antoinettes house! Parker got sunburnt. Lexi Roxy Bennet Alex and Julian were off on their feet and walked the ehole length from Ile St. Loius to Eiffel Tower. The Persian girls had their own private adventure and veyas and ty spent all day traveling the subways trying to make train refunds, make meetings and book dinner reservations, but they were able to stop at a cafe and have escargot!
Everyone met at 5 for jambon and cheese baguettes on the grass under the view of the Eiffel Tower before an amazing 4 hour bike tour of the streets of Paris and were able to see most all famous sites. Then take a Seine River cruise and watch the Eiffel Tower flicker with lights and the couples and parties make out on the River shore. The group has unified as a family and MANY pictures have been taken. Plus the chant of USA or IKOSI DEKA was heard echoing down the river.
Tommmorow promises to be full with most everyone discovering the art of the Louvre and eating in the Latin Quarter.
Dinner at La Poutre and heading out of Paris on a night train to Venezia.
And although that is the "plan". We will write again tomorrow to let the Real day plans onto the Blog!!!!!
Everyone met at 5 for jambon and cheese baguettes on the grass under the view of the Eiffel Tower before an amazing 4 hour bike tour of the streets of Paris and were able to see most all famous sites. Then take a Seine River cruise and watch the Eiffel Tower flicker with lights and the couples and parties make out on the River shore. The group has unified as a family and MANY pictures have been taken. Plus the chant of USA or IKOSI DEKA was heard echoing down the river.
Tommmorow promises to be full with most everyone discovering the art of the Louvre and eating in the Latin Quarter.
Dinner at La Poutre and heading out of Paris on a night train to Venezia.
And although that is the "plan". We will write again tomorrow to let the Real day plans onto the Blog!!!!!
Day 4 London to Paris
We woke up and had to pack up for our train to Paris. Half the group had the hostel's carbo-breakfast, the other half went to the waffle house around the corner. My waffle with fruit and whipped cream was the best thing I ate in London.
Took the double decker bus to the surprisingly beautiful train station. The train ride took us through the english countryside, through the channel and through france. Most of us slept through the ride. When I woke up we were surrounded in graffiti. Gelber was enthused.
Took the metro to our hotel. The Carlton's was a huge upgrade from the london hostel. We cleaned ourseves up and ate dinner at a local italian spot. Pasta for everyone. After dinner we hiked up the hills of MontMartre and sat on the steps in front of the Sacre Coeur church. As the sun set, the lights of Paris began to flicker on. The breathtaking sight excited us all to begin exploring.
Took the double decker bus to the surprisingly beautiful train station. The train ride took us through the english countryside, through the channel and through france. Most of us slept through the ride. When I woke up we were surrounded in graffiti. Gelber was enthused.
Took the metro to our hotel. The Carlton's was a huge upgrade from the london hostel. We cleaned ourseves up and ate dinner at a local italian spot. Pasta for everyone. After dinner we hiked up the hills of MontMartre and sat on the steps in front of the Sacre Coeur church. As the sun set, the lights of Paris began to flicker on. The breathtaking sight excited us all to begin exploring.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
London Day 3
There were so many ideas about what to do today that the group decided to split up into four/five groups today.
One group began their adventures for their first optional day in London waking up early to catch an 830 train out of the Harry Potter Victoria Station to the English Countryside to see the awe inspiring and magnificently placed 18 foot high blue hanging stones presently known to be called STONEHENGE which were believed to be carried by raft down from Wales, not only to mark the sun's calendar. but also to hold the posiiton of authrity amongst the 3000 BC land owners. The bus ride was napiful both ways.Rich$mond looked like upper New York.
Once back in town the 5 girls Plus Ty tool the tube to the Tower of London, bought icecream cones and walked across the Tower bridge to find Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Henry the Eighth is presently being shown. We were able hop theough a few fountains to cool off as we continued walking down Fleet Streey passing Trafalgar Sq. Into Piccadilly Circus, only to rush back to the hotel to clean up before Indian Food for Dinner.
The second group of 4 boys stayed at the hotel until Bauer arrived from LA. Then they took an hour train ride to BrighTon. Alex set himself a spot to paint DEKA in the most beautifully done wall piece I have ever seen, I hope to find a way to post that picture! While he was hard at work for 3 hours the other 3 walked around the beach and watched England lose the World Cup in a Pub.
They scurried home as fast as the train let them in time to have Curry for dinner.
The third group
Chose an easier day, Trafalgar Square after sleeping in to see the Rosetta Stone at the National Gallery. Then to a relatives home for dinner. Then back to the rooms to cool off before visiting a dance club.
The last two groups melded into one sortof.
This group slept in. Two boys headed off for Piccadilly Square while the girls stayed around Bayswater and ate a nice lunch. Then they met up with the boys at Will Call for the Hyde Park Concert: Hard Rock Calling to see Paul Mc Cartney! Then stopped for Hookah ( I just got a bbm invite lol).then they will decide to meet up with the dancing girls or not, but io am sure my phone will be buzzn with new updates momentarily. BBM has allowed all of us to keep in touch on the hour all day today!!!
But like me, tired and tired, there are a bunch of us barely standing after Veyas too them to the largest ferris Wheel in the world to see all of London in the LoNDon Eye.
Tomorrow we are to meet in the lobby at 10 am to catch our train to Paris!
Keepin my fingers crossed thaty noone lost a room key as there was a 50 lb deposit I had to give...other than that I am headed for a deep sleep!
Marcella writes:
. Boy,it was a long day!.
7 girls one bath room...
40 minutes to shower and get ready for dinner...
Loads of fun!!
London eye tonight and train to Paris tomorrow!
(Ready to get away from the pounds!!!!)
One group began their adventures for their first optional day in London waking up early to catch an 830 train out of the Harry Potter Victoria Station to the English Countryside to see the awe inspiring and magnificently placed 18 foot high blue hanging stones presently known to be called STONEHENGE which were believed to be carried by raft down from Wales, not only to mark the sun's calendar. but also to hold the posiiton of authrity amongst the 3000 BC land owners. The bus ride was napiful both ways.Rich$mond looked like upper New York.
Once back in town the 5 girls Plus Ty tool the tube to the Tower of London, bought icecream cones and walked across the Tower bridge to find Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Henry the Eighth is presently being shown. We were able hop theough a few fountains to cool off as we continued walking down Fleet Streey passing Trafalgar Sq. Into Piccadilly Circus, only to rush back to the hotel to clean up before Indian Food for Dinner.
The second group of 4 boys stayed at the hotel until Bauer arrived from LA. Then they took an hour train ride to BrighTon. Alex set himself a spot to paint DEKA in the most beautifully done wall piece I have ever seen, I hope to find a way to post that picture! While he was hard at work for 3 hours the other 3 walked around the beach and watched England lose the World Cup in a Pub.
They scurried home as fast as the train let them in time to have Curry for dinner.
The third group
Chose an easier day, Trafalgar Square after sleeping in to see the Rosetta Stone at the National Gallery. Then to a relatives home for dinner. Then back to the rooms to cool off before visiting a dance club.
The last two groups melded into one sortof.
This group slept in. Two boys headed off for Piccadilly Square while the girls stayed around Bayswater and ate a nice lunch. Then they met up with the boys at Will Call for the Hyde Park Concert: Hard Rock Calling to see Paul Mc Cartney! Then stopped for Hookah ( I just got a bbm invite lol).then they will decide to meet up with the dancing girls or not, but io am sure my phone will be buzzn with new updates momentarily. BBM has allowed all of us to keep in touch on the hour all day today!!!
But like me, tired and tired, there are a bunch of us barely standing after Veyas too them to the largest ferris Wheel in the world to see all of London in the LoNDon Eye.
Tomorrow we are to meet in the lobby at 10 am to catch our train to Paris!
Keepin my fingers crossed thaty noone lost a room key as there was a 50 lb deposit I had to give...other than that I am headed for a deep sleep!
Marcella writes:
. Boy,it was a long day!.
7 girls one bath room...
40 minutes to shower and get ready for dinner...
Loads of fun!!
London eye tonight and train to Paris tomorrow!
(Ready to get away from the pounds!!!!)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
London Day 2
A FULL first day for IKOSI DEKA.
Arrived safely at Heathrow airport. Sailed through customs. Easy enoughj to find the TUBE another thing altogether to follow the color lines. Got on a green line instead of the yellow and ended up missing our 11 am Bike Tour. Yet, our rooms weren't clean anyway so the kids walked around Queensway just North of Hyde Park for an hour and had llunch. Rooms were available at 12:30 and kids only were given 2 towels for rooms with 66 beds...WTF? We were able to make a 3 pm Bike Tour with Liam from Cook's Island as our wonderful (and the girls though "very cute" tour guide. Were able to bike to Kengington Garden, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Diana's Fountain as well as viewing Big Ben, the Queens garden and summer home and see the guards pacing back and forth in front of a gate. Noone could believe they wanted that job.
Dinner was Fish n Chips and the ones not too tired hit Bricklane to go dance. Others went straight to bed.
Tomorrow the itinerary has Stonehenge for the early risers, Brighton for the boys and the rest will enjoy Tower of London and a closer look at Westminister Abbey.
Then a group dinner before we all ride the London Eye Ferris Wheel at dusk.
There have been phone issues, money issues, shower issues, meeting times on time issues and bike issues but all in all, happy and tired faces.
Am trying to post pictures, and hope to before we leave London!
Again. Please email Miss Ty at tdevine@palihigh.org with any mesaages for kids!
Day 1 is done!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Sunday Night Movie!
Hey group!
Mandy is hosting a Movie Night at her house tomorrow at 5 pm. Hopefully everyone has subscribed to this blog by now, and will receive this blog post. She is going to show HOSTEL. The perfect movie to see before we leave, right!!!
Please call Mandy for directions to her house. Her number is 310-806-2177.
Someone should bring popcorn and take notes about what NOT to do on our trip...
Mandy is hosting a Movie Night at her house tomorrow at 5 pm. Hopefully everyone has subscribed to this blog by now, and will receive this blog post. She is going to show HOSTEL. The perfect movie to see before we leave, right!!!
Please call Mandy for directions to her house. Her number is 310-806-2177.
Someone should bring popcorn and take notes about what NOT to do on our trip...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
2nd Lunch Meeting 4/22/10
April 22Lunch meeting:
Today's meeting brought a group of listeners who mostly listened to Miss Ty and Veyas explain how important it will be for them to listen to, and follow, directions when in Europe!
Actions that took place:
Greeted new sign-ups: Marcella Ablaza and Alex Gelber.
Met first time lunchers: Tim Mahoney, Jennifer Miskabi and Lauren Harbour.
Group Name:
The group also turned in their choice for group names, which will be voted on next Thursday.
Movie Night:
Mandy is hosting a movie night this Sunday.
Group Leaders:
Reza and Lexi are going to be the "leaders" of the group.
Cities Discussed:
London Optional Tours were discussed. A day trip to Stonehenge costs 29 lbs and a day trip to Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath is 68 lb. Students must decide which one they want to do and if they want to asap.
Venice hotel is located near the Piazzo San Marco! But it will cost 6 euro one way to get there 12 euro both ways. OR buy the 36 hour pass for 21 euro and be able to cruise the water busses the whole time you're on the island (which is ultimately better and cheaper than an 80 euro half hour gondola ride)and saves on time.
Showcase Night
Mandy Arami, Misakabi and Jennifer Cohenmehr are going to take turns "manning the booth" to announce that the trip has 9 spots available, and help discuss next year's trip: Madrid, Barcelona Spain, Venice, Florence, Rome Italy and Athens and 3 Islands in Greece.
Thank you ALL for showing up, being responsible and participating!
See ya all next Thursday
Thursday, April 15, 2010
First Thursday Lunch Meeting 4/14
The first lunch meeting brought a wild and excited group of travelers to room A202. All were on time, and only 2 came and left as they had other club meetings to be at. Everyone else surrounded Miss Ty berating her with their enthusiasm and questions. Questions such as rooming, tours, train sleeping arrangements and the number one topic: night life! Miss Ty tried to answer all questions, with emphasis on traveler's professional social conduct while on the trip.
Mrs. Haskins, Pali's amazing principal, stopped in and praised us all for stepping out into the world with the joy of seeing the excited faces. She also, as everyone else, was not understanding how we can travel with such small suitcases for 17 days!
Reza has offered his home to host a movie night, where we plan to watch Hostel, Taken and Hangover.
There was only one assignment given and that was to think of a group name that we can use on the dog tags, for hotel and restaurant check in, and also for Miss Ty to scream on the street cars so all Pali kids exit on the right stops.
Please plan to come to the next meeting Thursday April 22nd to discuss the group name, and decide upon a bike riding on the beach bike path ride date and an evening date for movie night.
Please invite a friend, (no boyfriends and girlfriends though LOL) as there are 14 spots still available.
It looks to be a lively group, and a wonderful adventure for all!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
WELCOME LETTER!
Bon Journo! Benvenuto! Welkum!
I welcome the following students to the TRIP OF YOUR LIFE!
Mandy Arami
Parker Chenoweth
Jennifer Cohenmehr
Charlotte Dadbin
Sayeh Forantan
Nicki Haghani
Reza Hajisanje
Kimberly Hamilton
Lauren Harbour
Bennett Hirsch
Roxanne Houman
Amy Mahoney
Tim Mahoney
Devorah Mehrzadi
Jennifer Miskabi
Yasmin Mossanen
Dylan Palladino
Lexi Rubaum
Julian Teixeira
and
Ashley Wald
It is very important that you read the blog updates, as new information will be given to you as needed. I will refer to these directions as "steps" towards our trip departure.
First Step of the trip: if you have any questions, ever, about any possible area of the trip, please contact Miss Ty, or Veyas immediately, before you forget the question, so please put our information (found below) in your cell phones right now! Do a test text right now to Miss Ty, saying Hi, with your name. I will check your name off that you can follow directions. If you fail to follow more than 3 directions before we leave, there is a possibility that you cannot follow directions, and Veyas and I will discuss if you should accompany us on this trip. It is imperative that you can follow directions, as little or stupid (in your opinion) that they are, in Europe as many times to meet, or train tracks numbers, or making lefts instead of rights, are made at the last minute and we like to practice changes with you before we leave, to help you get used to working in a group, and following directions. Listen for announcements on the PA, flyers, emails and Blogs. (Bev Hill's girls, you are exempt from Pali PA announcements..lol..) In any case, text Miss Ty. HELLO, THIS IS (insert name) so she can put your name into her phone. RIGHT NOW, so we know that you are receiving these updates.
Chaperone Info:
Tylene DeVine Room A202 tdevine@palihigh.org 323-394-6678
Veyas Anaya Room U118 vejas34@yahoo.com 310-487-1170
Second Step of Trip: Read the following and text Miss Ty your opinions where applicable.
Rooming: Please start thinking about who you will room with in variations of 2, 3, 4 and 5 beds. Each hotel will have a different amount of beds, and you will be asked to give Miss Ty this information before we depart for Europe.
Hotels: Although I am expecting more sign ups, I have put in our reservations at the hotels for 20 and should have the hotel names and addresses listed soon, so that you may look at the addresses and get acquainted with the area using Google maps satellite.
Flights: Veyas is setting up our flights, and should be locking in our dates soon. There is only one traveler who has notified me that they will be needing a different return flight. I NEED TO KNOW ASAP if this is the case for you and you have not notified me.
Itinerary: I am also thinking about adding one more day to either Prague or Amsterdam, as I made a date error on the itinerary, so it is possible we can stay one more day, to make it a 17 day trip, as the itinerary suggests! Please tell me what city you prefer to spend more time in; Prague would be cheaper, but there are more events to do in Amsterdam, such as boat rides and finally shopping, as it is our last stop and you can fill up your suitcases with souvenirs! As it is I figured out the hours we have in each town before any changes: London 48 hours, Paris 54 hours, Venice 36 hours, Budapest 58 hours, Prague 36 hours, Amsterdam 47 hours. Please, please, please let me know where you would like more time. Maybe another option is a day between London and Paris as that is a day train, and we can split time between those two. If you have an opinion, text Miss Ty now with your opinion.
Third Step of Trip: You must attend all meetings, or speak to Miss Ty prior to meeting.
Thursday Meeting Updates: Please make it a priority to stop in with Miss Ty in room A202 on Thursday's at lunch. I will keep a check sheet of travelers checking in, as it is important to learn to check in at appointed stops in Europe. I will not require you to stay and chat (as Seniors like to leave at lunch) but if you can check in before you leave campus, or before lunch ends, I will be able to see that you are a worthy traveler. Veyas and I HATE to wait for travelers to check in, say in front of the Eiffel Tower to get tickets, or at the restaurants to sit down to eat. There are 10 Thursdays before we leave, so I expect you to check in 90 percent of these.
Meet and Greet Party: A group meeting for 2010 travelers to meet and discuss the trip with 2009 travelers is scheduled for June (when they come home from college), which will be held at Veyas Anaya's home in Venice Beach. Exact date is not yet known.
Parent and Traveler Meeting: The second parent meeting is scheduled for June 5th, travelers are asked to come so that all parents may meet all travelers. However, if parents would like to add a meeting before then, please let me know. Parents may call Miss Ty or Veyas at any time for answers to their questions.
Suitcases and Packing: Travelers should walk into an REI or STA travel store and become familiar with traveling options. All of our hotels provide sheets and towels, however, travelers might want to buy washable socks or underwear, travel size Tide wash tablets, ear plugs, Plug adapters, fanny packs etc. Start looking at options and reading travel blogs to help you get a sense of how LITTLE you need to pack. I am SERIOUS when I say bring a SMALLER size suitcase and only fill half of it up.
Fourth Step: Please subscribe to this blog site, create a profile and have your parents sign up as well.
FYI. Only buy ONE travel language book per group of friends that has all European main phrases, and ONE Europe book which has all countries, otherwise, just your travel tour books will take up half of your suitcase, you will be able to share these books on the train before arrival to next city.
YOU ARE GOING TO EUROPE IN 74 DAYS!!!
I welcome the following students to the TRIP OF YOUR LIFE!
Mandy Arami
Parker Chenoweth
Jennifer Cohenmehr
Charlotte Dadbin
Sayeh Forantan
Nicki Haghani
Reza Hajisanje
Kimberly Hamilton
Lauren Harbour
Bennett Hirsch
Roxanne Houman
Amy Mahoney
Tim Mahoney
Devorah Mehrzadi
Jennifer Miskabi
Yasmin Mossanen
Dylan Palladino
Lexi Rubaum
Julian Teixeira
and
Ashley Wald
It is very important that you read the blog updates, as new information will be given to you as needed. I will refer to these directions as "steps" towards our trip departure.
First Step of the trip: if you have any questions, ever, about any possible area of the trip, please contact Miss Ty, or Veyas immediately, before you forget the question, so please put our information (found below) in your cell phones right now! Do a test text right now to Miss Ty, saying Hi, with your name. I will check your name off that you can follow directions. If you fail to follow more than 3 directions before we leave, there is a possibility that you cannot follow directions, and Veyas and I will discuss if you should accompany us on this trip. It is imperative that you can follow directions, as little or stupid (in your opinion) that they are, in Europe as many times to meet, or train tracks numbers, or making lefts instead of rights, are made at the last minute and we like to practice changes with you before we leave, to help you get used to working in a group, and following directions. Listen for announcements on the PA, flyers, emails and Blogs. (Bev Hill's girls, you are exempt from Pali PA announcements..lol..) In any case, text Miss Ty. HELLO, THIS IS (insert name) so she can put your name into her phone. RIGHT NOW, so we know that you are receiving these updates.
Chaperone Info:
Tylene DeVine Room A202 tdevine@palihigh.org 323-394-6678
Veyas Anaya Room U118 vejas34@yahoo.com 310-487-1170
Second Step of Trip: Read the following and text Miss Ty your opinions where applicable.
Rooming: Please start thinking about who you will room with in variations of 2, 3, 4 and 5 beds. Each hotel will have a different amount of beds, and you will be asked to give Miss Ty this information before we depart for Europe.
Hotels: Although I am expecting more sign ups, I have put in our reservations at the hotels for 20 and should have the hotel names and addresses listed soon, so that you may look at the addresses and get acquainted with the area using Google maps satellite.
Flights: Veyas is setting up our flights, and should be locking in our dates soon. There is only one traveler who has notified me that they will be needing a different return flight. I NEED TO KNOW ASAP if this is the case for you and you have not notified me.
Itinerary: I am also thinking about adding one more day to either Prague or Amsterdam, as I made a date error on the itinerary, so it is possible we can stay one more day, to make it a 17 day trip, as the itinerary suggests! Please tell me what city you prefer to spend more time in; Prague would be cheaper, but there are more events to do in Amsterdam, such as boat rides and finally shopping, as it is our last stop and you can fill up your suitcases with souvenirs! As it is I figured out the hours we have in each town before any changes: London 48 hours, Paris 54 hours, Venice 36 hours, Budapest 58 hours, Prague 36 hours, Amsterdam 47 hours. Please, please, please let me know where you would like more time. Maybe another option is a day between London and Paris as that is a day train, and we can split time between those two. If you have an opinion, text Miss Ty now with your opinion.
Third Step of Trip: You must attend all meetings, or speak to Miss Ty prior to meeting.
Thursday Meeting Updates: Please make it a priority to stop in with Miss Ty in room A202 on Thursday's at lunch. I will keep a check sheet of travelers checking in, as it is important to learn to check in at appointed stops in Europe. I will not require you to stay and chat (as Seniors like to leave at lunch) but if you can check in before you leave campus, or before lunch ends, I will be able to see that you are a worthy traveler. Veyas and I HATE to wait for travelers to check in, say in front of the Eiffel Tower to get tickets, or at the restaurants to sit down to eat. There are 10 Thursdays before we leave, so I expect you to check in 90 percent of these.
Meet and Greet Party: A group meeting for 2010 travelers to meet and discuss the trip with 2009 travelers is scheduled for June (when they come home from college), which will be held at Veyas Anaya's home in Venice Beach. Exact date is not yet known.
Parent and Traveler Meeting: The second parent meeting is scheduled for June 5th, travelers are asked to come so that all parents may meet all travelers. However, if parents would like to add a meeting before then, please let me know. Parents may call Miss Ty or Veyas at any time for answers to their questions.
Suitcases and Packing: Travelers should walk into an REI or STA travel store and become familiar with traveling options. All of our hotels provide sheets and towels, however, travelers might want to buy washable socks or underwear, travel size Tide wash tablets, ear plugs, Plug adapters, fanny packs etc. Start looking at options and reading travel blogs to help you get a sense of how LITTLE you need to pack. I am SERIOUS when I say bring a SMALLER size suitcase and only fill half of it up.
Fourth Step: Please subscribe to this blog site, create a profile and have your parents sign up as well.
FYI. Only buy ONE travel language book per group of friends that has all European main phrases, and ONE Europe book which has all countries, otherwise, just your travel tour books will take up half of your suitcase, you will be able to share these books on the train before arrival to next city.
YOU ARE GOING TO EUROPE IN 74 DAYS!!!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
2010 Tour Itinerary
The “Beauty of Europe” Tour
2010 Itinerary
London, Paris, Venice, Budapest, Prague, Amsterdam
| Day | Date | City | Via/Hotel | Tours |
| 1 | Fri June 25 | Depart LAX @ 12:45 pm | Continental Flight # 6066 | 10 am meet at Terminal 6 Non-stop-overnight (10 hour 45 min) |
| 2 | Sat June 26 | Arrive London, England @ 7:30 am | | 9am check in at hotel, 10 am subway to tour 11am Bike Tour Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey 7pm Dinner |
| 3 | Sun June 27 | London, England | | 10am Optional Day Tours: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath, Cotswold , Stratford-upon-Avon 7 pm Dinner |
| 4 | Mon June 28 | Depart London, England @ 12:30 pm Arrive Paris, France @ 2:20 | Day Train | 10am leave hotel in London, 3pm check in @hotel in Paris 4pm Early dinner on Eiffel Tower grass 7 pm Bike Tour Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter, Champs Elysees, Arc deTriomphe 9pm Seine Boat Cruise |
| 6 | Tues June 29 | Paris, France | | 10am Optional Day Tour #1: Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Loire Valley Castles, Chateaux Country 7 pm Dinner |
| 7 | Wed June 30 | Paris, France Depart Paris @ 8:33 pm | Night Train | 10am checkout bring luggage to storeroom Optional Day Tour #2 6pm meet at hotel |
| 8 | Thur July 1 | Arrive Venezia, Italy @ 9:34 am | | 10am check in at hotel 2 pm Walking Tour 7 pm Dinner |
| 9 | Fri 7/2 | Depart Venezia @ 9 pm | Night Train | 10am checkout, bring luggage to storeroom FREE DAY 6 pm Dinner |
| 10 | Sat 7/3 | Arrive Budapest, Hungary @ 11am | | 12pm check in 3 pm Bike Tour Freedom Square, Hungarian Parliament, Andrassy Street, The Broadway of Budapest, Vajdahunyad Castel, Szecheny, Fun Park and Budapest Zoo, Basilika, Big Synagogue 6 pm Dinner |
| 11 | Sun 7/4 | Budapest, Hungary | | FREE DAY Optional Tours, REST, Laundry 7 pm Dinner |
| 12 | Mon 7/5 | Depart Budapest @ 8 | Night Train | 10am checkout Bring luggage to storeroom 5 pm Dinner |
| 13 | Tues 7/6 | Arrive Praha @ 6:30 am | | 8 am check in 11am Bike Tour Old Town Square, Republic Square, Wenceslas Square, Prague Castle, Charles Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Rudolfinum, Josefov, Astronomical Clock & Old Town 7 pm Dinner |
| 14 | Wed 7/7 | Depart Praha @ 6:30 pm | Night Train | 10am Optional Tours: Karlstein Castle, Prague Castle, Konopiste Castle, Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov 4pm Dinner |
| 15 | Fri 7/8 | Arrive Amsterdam, Holland @ 10:30 am | | 4 pm Bike Tour Wooden Draw bridges, houseboats, Royal Palace on Dam Square, National Monument, the Skinny Bridge, Red Light District, Jordaan district, Leidespleen, Vondelpark 9 pm Dinner |
| 16 | Sat 7/9 | Amsterdam, Holland | | Optional Tours: Van Gogh Museum,Anne Frank’s House, Rijksmuseum, Canal Walk, Vondelpark, 9 Streets LAST NIGHT 7 pm Dinner |
| 17 | Sun 7/10 | | Depart AMS @ 9:45 Arrive LAX @4:40pm | 7am Check out of Hotel |
$300.00 deposit + $3500.00 tour Total Tour Trip Fee = $3800.00
Deposit, colored passport copy, and application are all due before March 31st ,2010. Any sign-ups after April 1st will be charged a $300.00 late fee.
Final Payments are due before May 1st, 2010. Any late payments will be charged a $300.00 late fee. Make checks payable to: Tylene De Vine
Parent Meeting.
On Saturday morning, the parents of future senior travelers to Europe meet in B101. A $300 dollar deposit is due by March 31st. (although since that date is during spring break April 9th will be the final day to accept deposit.) Any parents who miss the first meeting may look forward to a second parent meeting June 5th. Can't wait!
Please check out itinerary.
Please check out itinerary.
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