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 |   I have posted my response to MHWA Mental Health Challenge and other items to this journal. |
August 1-6 Itinerary We land in Madrid on 8/2 where we all meet up at Las-Musas, We will be in Madrid until Aug. 4th then we are onto Barcelona, then Montpelier, Monaco, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris ending in London. Hope you are ready for an adventure! You get a red-eye on the 30th back to civilization. I've got things to do in each city, we are traveling by train to each location, we are staying in hostels except for one splurge in Paris where we are staying at a hotel. Your first prompt is packing your backpack and familiarizing yourself with staying at hostels. Have you ever done this before? What do you think they are like? Have you traveled in Europe before, what was it like if you have? If you haven't what are you hoping to explore? this is our first one: http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Las-Musas-Hostel/Madrid/25547 Lyn, your crazy August travel agent August Week 1: 8/1 - Your first prompt is packing your backpack and familiarizing yourself with staying at hostels. "Backpacking Europe: Day 1"   Have you ever done this before? What do you think they are like? Have you traveled in Europe before, what was it like if you have? If you haven't what are you hoping to explore?Week 1: 8/2-8/4: Las-Musas Aug 2nd-- Madrid, Spain "Backpacking Europe: Day 2" http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Las-Musas-Hostel/Madrid/25547 arrival at 9 am drop our stuff off at lockers. Light Breakfast Begin tour at 11:00am Avoid the crowds as you skip the line and get the inside scoop on some of the best art at Madrid’s iconic Prado museum on this 90-minute guided tour. This sprawling museum is > nearly unparalleled in its collection of European art, but can also be overwhelming for new visitors. Let your guide introduce you to museum’s the top highlights and their fascinating backstories, including Diego Velazquez’s ‘Las Meninas’ and ‘The Annunciation’ by El Greco. Best of all, this small-group visit is limited to just 20 guests, ensuring a personalized experience. Highlights 1.5-hour tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid with skip-the-line entrance See the highlights of the Prado Museum’s incredible collection with an art expert guide Hear tales of King Charles III who commissioned the Prado to be built in the late 18th century Learn about influential European artists like Hieronymus Bosch and El Greco See masterpieces like Velazquez’s Las Meninas and Francisco Goya’s The Family of Carlos IV Small-group tour limited to 20 people ensures a personalized experience with your guide Read more about Skip the Line: Prado Museum Tour in Madrid - Madrid | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Madrid/Skip-the-Line-Prado-Museum-Express-Ticket-an... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_del_Prado 3:00pm segway tour Enjoy an alternative sightseeing experience of Madrid on a sleek, self-balancing Segway with a 1-5- or 2.5-hour tour of the captivating Spanish capital. Glide through the vibrant streets of the city and see some of its most iconic landmarks on your futuristic machine; cruise past the Royal Palace, Plaza de Mayor and the Templo de Debod and listen to entertaining and educational commentary from your expert guide. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, where numbers are limited to 10. Highlights Madrid by Segway tour Convenient and fun way to sightsee in Madrid Small group limited to 10 people for a more personalized experience Includes safety briefing and helmet Choice of 1.5 and 2.5-hour tours Local English-speaking guide Read more about Madrid Segway Tour - Madrid | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Madrid/Madrid-Segway-Tour/d566-2140JTEMA23?pub=vcps... we're doing splitting into 3 groups on the segway tours. Dinner Tour Madrid Authentic Tapas and History -- 7 pm https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail?product=13557P1&d=8294419&ai... "Start your Madrid walking tour greeting your guide at the meeting point. The itinerary includes the visit to one of the best known markets in the city center and four to five stops at authentic local bars and restaurants where you will flavor several tapas with wine or other drinks. Get a quick, yet authentic insight into Spanish culture, history, and gastronomic tradition on this 3.5-hour walking tour. The guides are Madrid-born connoisseurs with a deep knowledge of Spanish culture, history, and traditions. They enjoy cooking and know all there is to know about tapas. Tapas culture involves ancient and vibrant social traditions passed down from parents to children, generation after generation. Conversations about life combine with fantastic Spanish wines and food. For centuries Madrid has had the benefit of the finest products from farms and the bounty from the seas, including the Mediterranean, Cantabrian, and Atlantic. You’ll make four or five stops and have a chance to taste Iberian ham, paella, local cheese, and a lot more delicious favorites with a selection of red and white wines, beer, or soft drinks. Make the most of your visit to Madrid with this tour and get hints and tips from your guide to continue exploring this capital. " Aug 3rd--"Backpacking Europe: Day 3" Visit the UNESCO-listed cities of Segovia and Avila on this day trip from Madrid. Travel from Madrid to Avila by air-conditioned coach, and admire the picturebook old town with its stunning 11th century walls. See Avila Cathedral and the Basilica of St Vincent, and then continue to the historical showstopper of Segovia. Behold its massive Roman aqueduct and explore its Gothic cathedral and fairy tale-like Alcazar fortress-palace. Upgrade to include a simple, tourist-style lunch or a gourmet feast of Segovian specialities with drinks to make your Madrid-to-Segovia-and-Avila adventure extra special. Highlights Day trip from Madrid to Avila and Segovia Enjoy a photo stop with superb panoramic views of Avila Tour Avila's UNESCO-protected city walls and towers See Avila's San Vicente Basilica and cathedral Visit Segovia's magnificent Roman aqueduct and Gothic cathedral Optional tourist-style or gourmet Segovian lunch with drink Read more about Avila and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid - Madrid | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Madrid/Avila-and-Segovia-Day-Trip-from-Madrid/d566-... early evening guys because we hop the train at 7:00am for a 3 hour train ride to Barcelona. Tell us about what you saw, what kind of food did you choose? Remember the fun in our adventure is visiting your other blogging buds, too! Hop the train at 7:00am 3 hour train ride Wer're having a continental breakfast before we hop on the train. Aug 4th --- Barcelona, Spain {entry:} I bet you're ready for some quiet time alone, we're booked here for our stay in Barcelona. http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/en/hotel.html?id_referer=ADWORDS&gclid=COb-sZD8p... Discover the best of Barcelona on this convenient City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour. Choose from a 1- or 2-day pass, relax on the open-top, double-decker bus, and enjoy your own sightseeing itinerary as you travel the three routes and learn about the landmarks via the onboard commentary. Stay aboard to enjoy 360-degree views of the sights, and hop on and off at any of the 44 stops at leisure to explore top Barcelona attractions such as La Sagrada Familia, the medieval Gothic Quarter, the colorful Las Ramblas and more. Read more about City Sightseeing Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - Barcelona | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelona/City-Sightseeing-Barcelona-Hop-On-Hop-Off... Picasso Museum The Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), located in El Raval district, is Barcelona's most visited museum and occupies a medieval mansion that's worth a look for the architecture alone. But inside lay the greatest treasures - the works of Pablo Picasso. The artist had a strong connection to Barcelona, living in and studying mostly in the Ciutat Vella neighborhood from 1895-1904. In the years that followed he was no stranger to the city though no longer a permanent resident. The shared influence of Barcelona on Picasso and Picasso on Barcelona make this city a fitting place to establish a gallery of his work. The Picasso Museum - or Museu Picasso - is divided into various periods of the artist's career, starting chronologically with his earliest sketches and self-portraits then progressing on to his moody Blue period and ending with his study of Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez. Dinner 7:00pm Experience an exhilarating, 2-hour flamenco performance at Barcelona’s legendary Tablao Cordobes. Cheer on a talented troupe of flamenco dancers as a unique display of agility, passion and energy is demonstrated on stage. Take in the lively atmosphere of one of Spain’s most famous flamenco venues and opt to enjoy a traditional Spanish buffet or refreshing drink while watching the show. Read more about Flamenco Night at Tablao Cordobes - Barcelona | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelona/Flamenco-Night-at-Tablao-Cordobes/d562-21...} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqxJMCQxb_Q I've signed us all up for classes, dress for a night of fun. Let's hear about your dance moves. Talk about your adventures, your interaction with your fellow bloggers. Aug 5th-- Today you have fielder's choice: "Backpacking in Europe: Day 5" Enjoy a fun-filled day at Port Aventura near Barcelona, one of Europe’s largest theme parks. Wind your way through this adventure playland’s numerous water and thrill rides, shows and attractions, all spread across five distinct zones, plus countless restaurants and the family-friendly ‘Sesame Street’ area. Take an adrenaline-pumping ride aboard the park’s many rollercoasters, try out its heart-pumping accelerator attraction (the world’s fastest). The choice is yours. Your excursion includes transport to the park from Barcelona and admission. Highlights Day trip to PortAventura theme park from Barcelona Explore one of Europe’s largest theme parks at your own pace Visit the park’s different zones: Mediterrània, the Far West, Mexico, China and Polynesia Keep the kids entertained in SésamoAventura where their favorite Sesame Street characters can be seen Take an exhilarating ride on Europe’s tallest rollercoaster – the Shambhala Round-trip coach transport f rom Barcelona included Take in a nude beach: clothing is optional, if you want some down time. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/1117/mar-bella-beach.html Or take in the sights at your own leisure. We'll hook back up for dinner at https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelona/Small-Group-Montserrat-Tour-from-Barcelon... Those who want to play a round of golf, I've got you covered. Early evening we hop train at 7:00am 4 hour ride I recommend you take a snooze while you can. Aug 6th-- Montpellier, France "August Backpacking Europe: Day 6" Sorry, guys we are back to budget friendly while we are in Montpellier. http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Hotel-Prime/Montpellier/2999?dateFr... After the long train ride: We're going to see Antigone which is an interesting area of Montpellier. Its unusual neoclassical architecture was designed by Spanish architect, Ricardo Bofill. Antigone is built on the grounds of the former Joffre Barracks. It stretches from the Polygon Shopping Centre to the River Lez but not stopping because of the timing to reach our next tour. Spend a half-day sampling fine French wines in France’s largest wine region on this half day tour from Montpellier. Learn about wine production in the Languedoc-Roussillon region as you visit two elegant châteaux around Montpellier and tour the idyllic vineyards. After discovering the different grapes, peeking into the production rooms and learning about the aging process, indulge in an expert-led tasting of red, white and rosé wines. Highlights 3.5-hour wine châteaux tour from Montpellier Visit the vineyards of two magnificent châteaux wineries Sample a variety of fine red, white and rosé wines with expert-led tastings. We have afternoon departure and our travel is by air-conditioned minivan Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience Read more about Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour - Montpellier | Viator at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Montpellier/Small-Group-Half-Day-Chateaux-of-Montpe... dinner: 8:00pm for a little Central American/Latin we're hitting the Empanadas Club. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187153-d6902409-Reviews-Empanadas... and for those of you that want a bit of the nightlife check out the Games Taverne if you have the energy. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187153-d8702727-Reviews-Game_Tave... Hope you find some awesome photo moments! Tell us about a photo bomb moment you had today! |
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