Final entry for Abbey Road "Modern Europe 2016"... :)

Hello all. We have arrived safely in JFK, and all students have either been picked up or continued on to their final destination. Thanks to everyone who participated. It was a great trip! Au revoir! ;)

At the airport in Prague...

Just a quick update... :)
We are at the international airport in Prague. All is well. At this moment we expect an on-time departure.

Day 14: Prague (Last Full Day!)

Abbey Road Modern Europe is sadly coming to a close, and with that, your favorite son or daughter will be home before you know it (tomorrow). We spent our final day enjoying both the company of our new friends and the sights and sounds that this beautiful city has to offer. In the morning we reflected on our favorite experiences, funniest moments, and anything in between that will likely give the students craving to travel more and more, feeding their appetite for knowledge and adventure. In the culmination of our two-week progression to becoming savvy travelers and explorers, we took the day to enjoy Prague in however we each saw fit. Some visited museums and galleries while others strolled along the cobble-stone pathways from the Old Town Square to the Charles Bridge; some finished last-minute shopping while others grabbed a final view of the city with their new-found friends.

Our group flight is set to leave tomorrow at 12:40pm. Thanks for tuning in... Take care!

Day 13: Prague

Walking the same famous path as first completed by Charles IV, the first Holy Roman Emperor to be seated in Prague, and thereby crossing the scenic Charles Bridge, the group made its first excursion of the day with a visit to Prague Castle. Towering over the city landscape, the numerous art galleries, cathedrals, and exhibits not only enlightened us, but the castle also gave us an unparalleled view of the historic city. After grabbing some lunch near a french-inspired festival, the group used some free time to enjoy the city - and its river (paddle boating)! Just before dinner we were able to check out the Museum of Communism, reminding us of the city's more recent past. To close out the day's events, the group participated in an escape-room challenge, working together to "defuse a bomb during the Cold War" and to "break out of a Communist-controlled prison to join the revolution." And who said history wasn't fun? Here are just a few of the photos we were able to capture... hopefully tomorrow we can share more!

Day 12: Dresden to Prague

A noon departure time allowed the group to collect themselves, from sleeping to shopping (and everything in between), and consequently, enjoy a few final moments in Dresden. After a short bus ride to Prague and a quick check-in at our final hotel for the trip, we grabbed a late lunch and set up for a little stroll through the old town square. Soaking in both the views and light rain, the group checked out the world's oldest functioning astronomical clock, the famous 14th century Charles Bridge, and the John Lennon Wall. With a myriad of shops, food stands, and Czech artistry in every direction along our way, we simply enjoyed the relaxed evening's many entertainments.

Already excited for tomorrow, we'll be heading to Prague Castle just after breakfast!

Enjoy our photos (from yesterday and today)     :)

Day 11: Dresden

Modern Europe left Berlin today, arriving in what some know as "the Florence on the Elbe" - Dresden, Germany. After we had some time to explore the city's old town and grab some lunch, we headed for the heart of Dresden, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Here we engaged in some thoughts on the consequences of conflict in Modern Europe, and namely, the infamous firebombing of the city of Dresden, and therefore the Frauenkirche, during the Second World War. Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five may come to mind. And so, the group has yet another challenging legacy of the many pivotal twentieth century events to contemplate. 

Following our visit to the city center, the group used the remainder of the day as they saw fit. Some napped while others shopped, while still yet a few others simply soaked in the city's beauty. A brief rain shower cooled the night air just in time for the final activity of the evening - an open-air viewing of The Martian right on the river bank. The surreal backdrop and amiable atmosphere helped us to enjoy the movie through the very end. What a night! Pictures to come soon...

Day 10: Berlin and its History, part 3

The DDR Museum... the German Historical Museum... a "historical hunt" that had students revisit a photograph Brandenburg Gate, Check Point Charlie, Neue Wache, Alexanderplatz, etc... Supper at Restaurant 1840 in Hackescher Markt... Tomorrow we leave Berlin for Dresden. More photos to come. :)

Day 9: Saturday in Berlin

Today, the Modern Europe curriculum challenged our group with deep thoughts and heavy hearts as we visited the Sachsenhausen Memorial & Museum. With a willingness to encounter the past - in pursuit of the unblemished truth, our group continues to encounter the realities of humanity yesterday to better understand our world today. Reflection and exhaustion followed, with the former likely to continue throughout much of the rest of our lives.
Tomorrow looks to be a fun and adventurous day with a team scavenger hunt and a trip to an interactive museum lined up. We're looking forward to a great last day in Berlin!

Day 8: Berlin and its history, part 1

This morning, after breakfast, we walk through Alexanderplatz and along Unter den Linden to Brandenburg Gate. We stopped in at The Gate and watched a very interesting multi-screen video presentation introducing us to the some of the major historical events that took place in and around this part of Berlin. Then we crossed through Brandenburg gate and into the Tiergarten where we sat to address questions students had about various related topics like Hitler's rise to power, the building of the Wall, the fall of the Wall, etc. Afterwards we had lunch in the park.

The group then went to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe... As you may expect, this was a moment of serious reflection for many of us.

This was followed by a stroll along Wilhelm Str. to the Topography of Terror, a museum exhibiting the history of Nazi institutions.

We ended the day with a major shift in gear: the Berlin Mall. The students shopped and dined here before going to the Clarchens Balhaus to dance the night away.

Day 7: Köln to Berlin

A nice breakfast at hotel... A morning stroll around Köln... A long but comfortable train ride to Berlin... Dinner and ice-cream on Alexander Platz... It's been a good day. Stay tuned for more photos. :)