IsleEurope2011

All roads lead to Rome! The day of the Church.... that's what I'm calling today.... We saw the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy and then on to Rome and a tour of the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistene Chapel. It was a busy day! It really a awesome day. We had an incredible local tour guide... a Franciscan monk.... for our tour of Assisi. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed but you must google the Basilica to see the church. It was awe inspiring! The Vatican was also awe insipiring for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We were given a tour of the vast museums, spent several minutes peering up at Michelangelo's Sistene Chapel masterpiece and walked amidst the many pilgrims within the walls of St. Peter's Basilica. We capped off the night ... read more

Three countries in one day! France: Today we started out driving along the cliff highway above the French Riviera and oh the views we saw! We also visited a perfumery for a tour of the production and a chance to purchase factory products. Monacco: We were all thrilled to get the opportunity to visit the Principate of Monacco and the city of Monte Carlo this morning. We explored and saw the changing of the guards. Of course we have all decided to live there.... one problem.... it's just a wee bit expensive! Italy: Onward to Italy... we went through a tunnel and out the other side and country number three! We are staying in Florence tonight but on the way we visited the town of Pisa. We saw the Leaning Tower, Duomo and Bapistry. Tomorrow we ... read more

On to France! Tonight we are staying in the town of Orange near Avignon, France. It was a long travel day but we visited two incredible places. First we went to the medieval castle town of Carcassone. The kids, Kim and I enjoyed exploring the old streets looking in shops and poking our heads around corners. We are becoming experts at walking on cobblestones! The second site we visited was the Ponte Garde aqueduct. This 2000 year span crosses the River Garde. Wow! What a sight it was.... Tomorrow we visit Avignon and Nice. ... read more

Travel day from Madrid to Barcelona through Zaragoza, Spain The day was long. Our bus ride from Madrid to Zargoza was approximately 4 hours. However, upon arriving at Zaragoza, we visited the Basilica of the Pilar. As the story goes, thVirgin Mary appeared at a pilar in the square of this town during the Middle Ages. The Basilica was built around the pilar. Many pilgrims visit the site to kiss the pilar. The bus ride from Zaragoza to the seaside town of Calella, where our hotel was located, was another 4 hours. Of course after dinner, the kids couldn't resist walking down to the beach to put their feet into the Meditteraean Sea! ... read more

Greetings from Madrid, Spain!!! Wow what an incredible time we are all having. We have gotten to spend two days traveling around Madrid. Of course we have many pictures to share with you. This is just a taste of what we have seen and done. Ask Clint about his paella. Ask Lindsey and Maja about their calamari sandwiches. Ask Jen and Johnny about the pastry we shared in the Plaza del Sol. Ask Taylor about the glories of the Royal Palace. Ask Jessica about the streets and the architecture. It has really been a world wind. The students are just absorbing the people, culture and language. It's amazing how brave they are being and how much spanish they are picking up. Our days are packed but enjoying every minute!... read more