DAY 8 - Munich to Luzerne. With a stop at that one world famous castle! 🏰 But first some memories of last night since most of the students are sleeping because of our 6 AM wake-up call. 😴🥱
King Ludwig II, a very lonely king, sometimes considered crazy by his court, built Neuschwanstein Castle in honor of Wagner and his love of opera. Many believe it to be the inspiration of Cinderella’s castle in Disney World. #MVInterim2023#MVInterim#MVEurope2023
The walk up the hill to the castle was quite intense. Some of us passed to take in the view. Others ran! 🙃🏃♂️ #MVEurope2023#MVInterim#MVInterim2023
Of course, it was another location where there were no photos allowed inside the castle. #MVEurope2023#MVInterim#MVInterim2023 We all had a great time nonetheless.
On the bus to Switzerland, students are learning about 6 famous German figures to do a debate. Beethoven vs. Guttenberg, Goethe vs. Einstein, and Hildegard von Bingen vs. Martin Luther. #MVInterim2023#MVEurope2023#MVInterim
Emily fills all of our bus rides with challenges and learning. Earlier from lunch, they had to learn Slovakian words from our driver. They are also preparing to lead our tour around Lucerne based on 6 different Swiss stereotypes! #MVEurope2023#MVInterim2023#MVInterim
Beethoven: “I revolutionized all music. There would be no Cardi B without me.”
Gutenberg: “I helped to spread the written word and printing technology around the world.”
Winners of the debate… EVERYONE! Because we learned a great deal about these famous figures from German history and their contributions to the world! #MVInterim2023#MVEurope2023#MVInterim
When Emily says “Switzerland,” you say….
🍫 Chocolate
🍴 Swiss Army Knives
🏔️ Alps
☮️ Neutrality
Teaching others is a constant enterprise @TheMVSchool
When Emily says “Switzerland,” you say…
⌚️Watch
🧀 Cheese
👧 Heidi
The countryside is stunning. I know most of the students are sleeping, but this isn’t something I wanted to miss in Switzerland! #MVEurope2023#MVInterim2023#MVInterim
No photos from dinner. 😢😴 Mostly because we are tired after a long day and also because the conversation and friendships have been thriving. #MVInterim2023#MVEurope2023#MVInterim
One student complained that all I do is share is bad photos of her. So here are a few doozies of me during the trip so far. I hope this makes her happy. 🤣 #MVEurope2023#MVInterim2023#MVInterim
Ok… time for bed!
Because you can’t take pictures in the Sistine Chapel, guides teach about its history, importance, and symbolism outside of the chapel and Vatican Museums.
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Along the way, we get to see numerous works of art, including the famous Laocoon.
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We also learn geography!
A corridor filled the over 40 maps of the territories of Italy!
Of course, I took pictures of the hallway, not the maps. But Trey took plenty!
DAY 8 THREAD:
After breakfast in the hotel, we get pumped in the lobby for a day of walking around the city to view the artifacts of Ancient Rome and share reminders about public transportation in a foreign city. First view: St Mary of the Nativity.
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Next up: the Coliseum! And wishing Charlie a Happy Birthday! We are learning about the engineering of this Coliseum and how it is still used today as the blueprints for modern stadiums.
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Our meeting point is The Arch of Constantine. Arches were built to commemorate great victories. In the distance, the hill where Romulus and Remus founded the ancient city of Rome.
A nice sunrise and walk across the city with our luggage. On the bus for our drive to Palermo.
A few lovely views along the way to Palermo!
And, no, I didn’t take pictures of anyone sleeping on the bus!
Mt. Aetna in the background of one photo.
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Pictures weren’t allowed at our stop this morning — the Capuchin Crypts, where bodies have been mummified, preserved, and displayed for nearly 400 years.
DAY 6 THREAD:
After a sweet breakfast, common for Italians, students jumped on the bus to head to the Siracusa Archeological Park — meeting our local guide, Lucia. Lucia shared info on the history of this area as a quarry.
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We learned about the feats of engineering used to create giant blocks for building. But we also learned about the importance of pillars in supporting the roof structures.
DAY 4 begins! A morning bus ride out of the capitol to the outer rim of the island.
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Driving through the city happened to catch some of the various architectural sights you can see across the island — a true mix of influences!
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A stroll along the bayside of Marsaxlokk Port and stalls. We had the chance to learn about the role the bay plays in Maltese culture. Boats are prized possessions and are often painted in vibrant colors.