Austria and now on to Switzerland another update from Bridget's Delegation Leader:

Good Evening Everyone from beautiful Salzburg Austria,

Today we visited the city of Vienna. We went to the City Centre and had a City Quest (more like a scavenger hunt). All groups did a fantastic job of not getting lost. The city is gorgeous. The architecture phenomal (no spell check). The Mozart concert last night was an experience for all. There was the orchestra, opera and ballet - wonderful production.

We left Vienna to go to the concentration camp. (By the way, our delegation did an incredible job answering questions of the survivor of a camp last night. We were in a room with another delegation - a high school delegation; yet our delegates were answering the questions - Connor B, Ethan, Sam and McKay) We were split into two groups. The group I was with, the tour guide was incredible with a wealth of knowlege; however, the other group did not receive the same treatment. I was disappointed to hear that (the program office was notified). Delegates shared their knowledge on the bus on the way to Salzburg.

As far as the current birthdays, McKay celebrated his birthday in the Swiss Alps with a special treat (apple with face and sparkler attached and a bowl of ice cream). Darcy celebrated hers in front of a fountain in Vienna (berry white cake with a sparkler attached). Our delegation manager, Gregor, also had his birthday today. Alexis and other delegates came up with a rap song for him. We have a terrific group of delegates. They get along, laugh, work together - so wonderful to see. I hope you will see growth in your child upon return.

Tomorrow we are set for a guided tour of Salzburg. Then we venture to Innsbruck. We have a lake cruise.

Thank you again for your support - it is truly appreciated. Remember to feel free to email. When you do, I give the phone to the delegate to respond.

Enjoy your day,
Rachelle

PJ here posting for Bridget:
We set up a Facebook account for her so she can load pictures and check in to her hotels and we can see where she is at.  She is having so much fun now.  We also set up KIK texting so we can be in better contact.  Her host family threw her a little bday party complete with a cake and a "strawberry" smelling watch.  Every picture we see of her in at her homestay she has a grin a mile wide.  Here is the latest note from her delegate leader:

Good Morning Parents. . .

 

We have made our way to Austria. We have seen so many sites. I think I left off in Roma, Italy. We visited the Vatican city. The next day we traveled to Florence. We had a city tour guide walk. Florence is a personal favorite of mine. You will have to ask which city your child liked the most. We had a tour of the Accademia (statue of David). We lost a delegate for about 15 minutes. No harm no foul he finally ventured to us. He had no buddy nor watch (Yes, he was talked to by me). 

The next morning we went on to Pisa. We viewed the Duomo and had lunch there. Then we drove to our homestays. The families were anxiously awaiting our arrival. The homestays were a delight for the delegates. Bridget was able to celebrate her birthday with the family (cake and gave her a strawberry smelling watch). We picked up the delegates from their homestay at the trainstation to journey into Venice. Of course, the Italians were striking, so Gregor (who is Austrian) laughed because we took an Austrian train into Venice. We had our gondola cruise (if you will) and then a guided tour of Venice. We had lunch there and dinner was the delegates choice (I think most chose gelato, in fact I heard that Jeremy was having withdrawals already from gelato). We left Venice and traveled to an outskirt city to spend the night.

The next day we traveled into Austria (through the Swiss Alps) We did a little hiking to a flour mill and fresh spring water. This area of Corinthia has 65 lakes. The delegates tasted frigga (eggs, bacon and onions there was vegeterian as well). They also received fresh made bread. Ethan loved the bread. All delegates seemed to enjoy this meal. They learned a couple of folk dances. From there, we traveled to another village in the Alps where we were treated to the medival times. Food, games and yes, a disco dance for them last night. We spent the night in a pavillion type tent.

Today, we traveled to Vienna. We are currently changing for our special treat (a survivor from the Holocaust will be speaking with us, then we will go to dinner and from there the Mozart opera) We are scheduled to be back at 11 tonight. Tomorrow we will have the city quest in Vienna.

All delegates are doing just fine. There have been a few glitches along the way, but nothing of major concern (medical concerns have been taken care of and behavior seems to be improving). Thank you parents for allowing your child this opportunity. Also, I so appreciate the support I feel from each and every one of you.

Please feel free to contact me through email, if you have a concern and or issue or just want to know how the program delegate is progressing.

Thank you again and enjoy your day because I know your child is,

Rachelle

This is Bridget's Mom. I thought I would post the emails coming from her leader as they arrive. I am posting two here so be sure to scroll all the way down as I just thought to do this to be able to share with everyone. I eagerly await the next update or phone call from Bridget or her leader.

 Sat, June 30th - their first day there:

Good Evening Parents. . .

A very long day as you can probably guess. I am hoping that the delegates are snuggled in their bed fast asleep for another adventure tomorrow.

We left for Chicago but the airport closed down due to severe thunderstorms. Christopher did very well (in fact he slept on the way to Rome almost missed the landing). Anyway, we were diverted to Peoria. We waited there, refueled and continued on to Chicago good thing for long layovers.

Now we are ready to board for Rome, but no we are the lucky ones for the routine maintenance (hour delay).

We finally arrived in Rome and met Gregor, our delegation manager. We set off for lunch consisting of salad, margarita pizza and tiramusu. From there we had a guided tour of the Colusseum and the Forum Hall. We walked to dinner from there to enjoy a choice of cheese pizza or risotto, salad with bruschette and watermelon. We have arrived at our home away from home for three nights.

Tomorrow agenda:

7:30 wake up
8:15 breakfast
9:00 leave for the warrior school and lunch then we have the City Quest (a walking tour of information about the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps all in all there are 5 designated sites we will walk to for a couple of hours)

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe then an informational meeting about the homestays back at the hotel.

Delegates are drinking their water. It is rather humid not so much hot.

I hope this finds parents enjoying their time and knowing that their child is experiencing a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everyone has been well mannered, polite and exhausted. The flight attendants were impressed with the delegates stating that they acted like seasoned travellers. That says quite a lot about your child with all the adventure so far - you should be very proud of them, I know I am!

Good Night,

Rachelle

Here is the next one from Sunday, July 1st:

Good Evening Parents. . .

We just got back from our excursion today. Boy! What an adventure! All delegates were bright eyed and bushy tailed (very talkative) at breakfast. We took off for Gladiator school. We learned quite a bit about the history of the gladiator (various types, games, etc.) Then delegates were instructed on sword fighting (attack and defend). I must say I am witness to Bridgets vicious side and grunts. Alexis smiled all the way through the fight very bouncy and on her feet. Connor Robert, Connor Nicholas, Ethan, David, and McKay had challenges with the instructor and or against others. Everyone practiced with another person and then there were random volunteers. All delegates received a certificate of completion. I think everyone truly enjoyed this mornings activity. Lunch was at warrior school (pasta, bread, salad, then a choice of calazone or cordon bleu with a raspberry type dessert).

From there, we ventured on to our City Quest. Delegates split up into four groups. I had the largest group of 16 from everyone. We started out at the Piazza Novano eating gelato and viewing the Piazza with the three fountains. Our next quest was the Pantheon. We stopped for directions from policia (of course, we had to take pictures never mind that there was a sign pointing out the direction). Students had time at each stop to take pictures, shop, view the attraction, etc. Third was making our way to the Colonna. We came across the Parliament building. From there, we ventured on to the Trevi Fountain to toss our coin wishing to come back to Roma. Our last quest stop was the Spanish Steps. What a sight! Delegates did a fantastic job of walking the Roman streets (FYI, no one got lost!!!)

Then we walked a ways to Hard Rock Cafe. Delegates were given an opportunity to shop there. Dinner has a choice menu and song choices.

We are now awaiting our meeting for the Home Stays. Our delegation manager, Gregor, is doing a fine job and will try to answer the delegates questions that may come up.

Again, the whole blended delegation is doing great. They are conversing outside the Fresno delegation. Wonderful to see them venture out. Forewarning parents that currently, David, Ethan and Connor Blech are so excited about their gladiator adventure!

Tomorrow we are in another country The Vatican!!!! I am plotting to make sure that we see Bastilla Day in Paris!! Today, Italy and Spain are playing for the World Cup in Futbol, if I am not mistaken. Italy will be nuts should they win cross our fingers for that another memory!

Ciao,
Rachelle

Cioa, I am in Rome,Italy and Ciao means hi in Italian. So far we have seen the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain to name a few. I trained like a gladiator and I am looking forward to our homestays on the 4 of July. I miss everyone so much and will give an update later. 

I finshed packing and I am ready to go! I leave at midnight tonight, so I can get to San Fransico at 3 A.M.!!!! I'm kinda nervous for my trip especially for my Italian homestay. A fun way to spend your 12 birthday. I will have accesss to Wi-Fi during parts of my trip so I can keep everyone updated. Less than 10 hours YEAH!!!

Thanks for all your support and wish me luck!

Bridget

Yodigity FUNdraiser for Europe!

Yodigity Yogurt at 2950 E. Nees Ave, Fresno, CA

Please join us on Thursday, May 10th from Noon-10 p.m. for some great yogurt. Yodigity will be giving Bridget 20% of their sales profit for the day. NO FLYER is needed. The weather is heating up and who couldn't use a little Yogurt to get us in the swing of Summer? This will be Bridget's last big FUNdraiser before she leaves for Europe on June 29th. Thanks for all your support!

 

For all of you that went to the Bunco Fundraiser, it was a great night and thank you for all your generous donations.  And congratulations to all our Bunco winners and raffle winners!

 

I have begun packing and I am getting really excited as the trip is starting to seem like it is actually happening.  I got my itinery and found out that I will be spending my 12th birthday with an Italian family for a home stay.  Wonder if they will have a birthdy cake :)

 

I am close to finishing my BIG project board.  It is my last assignment I have due and my other assignments will be packing, packing and packing.

 

 

 

 

Just got our Gold Canyon Candles order today and are sorting them out! Mom caught me off guard sampling one of the candles she bought. Thank you to all of those that ordered.  I hope that you will be able to come to my European Bunco Bash on Saturday, April 28th at 6 pm.  It's going to be a really fun night. We have gotten more items for the raffle including a gift certificate to Mother Mary's, two free pizzas from Me n Eds and an hour long facial certificate! Hope to see you there.