Travel Day By: Brooke M. aka “LB”--Highland, Michigan

My travel experience was not one of the best I’ve ever had. Since I live in Michigan, we flew out of Detroit around 3:30. We boarded the plane and ended up waiting an hour delay for people from London because their connecting plane was late. After arriving in New York at 6:30, our flight was supposed to take off at 7. We had to take a tram to the gate because it was so far away. We got on the tram and it ended up taking us to the wrong gate after an airport worker told us that this was the correct gate we needed. We asked the lady behind the desk where we had to go and she had said we needed to go to the opposite side of the airport. This airport was huge. We were already on the wrong side and had about 15 minutes to get there. We ran through the airport with all of our luggage and my mom ran ahead while I walked with my grandma. We heard our names on the announcements of the airport because the plane was calling for us. We finally got there and we got on the plane with our stuff. I was carrying my grandma’s stuff and my backpack with my pillow case full of clothes; pretty much everything you can imagine. My backpack was my brother’s and stuffed full with everything so it was already too big for me. I kept hitting everyone in first class with my backpack and tried to get through to my seat. Everyone was staring at us because we were late and the last ones to board the plane. Eventually we landed in Italy and found out my mom’s global phone doesn’t work. So now we can’t contact any of my family. The travel day was definitely not the best, but hopefully the rest of the trip goes good!

Editor’s Note: The original Jax group includes Meghan, Ceej, Marion, Taelor, Emily, Cindy or mama Cin,  Taylor aka “TD”, Savannah aka “GA”, Brooke,  and the “soul sisters” aka Kaye and Endea.  We flew to Detroit where we met up with Kady, affectionately known as “Louis” to UTVB.  After receiving news that this flight was a bit behind schedule, we grabbed a bite to eat and then meandered to our gate.  As per TSA requirements, many of us received free massages (or pat downs) courtesy of the Northwest flight crew.  They were rather pleasant.  While loading the plane, we noticed a safety pin located suspiciously on a backpack in front of us.  We may or may not have mentioned that to a passing officer, who may or may not have removed said individual from the premises (just kidding).  After securing the safety of our fellow passengers, we took our seats and mentally prepared for the grueling journey that lay before us.  Once arriving in Amsterdam, at 5:00 am their time, we all immediately were introduced to the national plant, cannabis (also a joke).  Misguided, we went to gate B8, where we learned our flight was relocated to gate B28.  A few dozed on the floor, while others searched for some sustenance.  Ceej told horror stories of the past, in attempts to waver any youngins from fraternizing with schnapps or gluvine.  This mostly frightened Cindy and gave hope to the college students on tour.  Arriving in Venice, we met Megan and were amazed by 100% baggage retrieval.  Let’s hope the rest of the tour goes as smoothly as this one.

Day 1: Venice, Italy  By Savannah, aka “GA”—Tampa, FL

After a long, long, long trip we finally arrived at the Titian Inn. I was so ready to be greeted by a warm comfortable (preferably similar to American) hotel that I could freshen up in before our journey.  My roommates were assigned and I was very excited. My first hotel in Italy will be with some of the girls I enjoy the most (who I also just met back at the Jacksonville airport). We lugged our suitcases outdoors to our rooms to find there was no elevator and it was up the stairs for us with our overweight surplus of suitcases. Due to my massive suitcase, I was the last one to make it in the room and the only one not to call a bed. I received the couch. Next, to the bathroom… and there were two toilets?  I was very confused and came to learn that one was a bide, it gave the room something to laugh about. Finally after changing at least five times each, comprised of adding and subtracting layers, we locked up and went down stairs to meet the group. After a pep talk from CJ about times to meet back the bus and our plan of adventure for the day, we walked to bus stop. Waiting for the city bus was actually quite harmless, it didn’t take long and we were off to Venice! All fifteen of us were to make it to San Marco Square TOGETHER. Venice was crowded and full of local shoppers and we stood out like a sore thumb. Not only could we not speak Italian, our large group struggled to journey through many narrow walkways and over bridges especially at a rate where Momma Jeanette and Gramma would be able to keep up.  Eventually we made it and I was in shock, it wasn’t the beauty I was expecting but it was so old and the buildings were so beautiful in a different way. The Italian people sure got a kick out of all the American girls standing on tables taking pictures, I know I did. Then we split up into smaller groups. I walked and walked and walked, but after a long adventure we ended up back in San Marco Square!  The signs were obviously not as helpful as we thought. We never pulled out the map; it was part of the adventure. Finally we stopped somewhere to eat and ordered the best spaghetti and meatballs I have ever had. The fun began when the bill arrived, 70 euros! Only four people ate, we all drank “still water” and they managed to charge us for everything. TD (Taylor D) and I were so confused and attempted to argue, but the manager just got angry in none other then the language we did not understand at all. We managed and spent the next four hours adventuring. We shopped, ate ice cream and took lots of pictures. It was a blast!  When it got close to time to meet at the bus, we headed out of the beautiful city and towards the buses, and of course we stopped at the hut. There were hoodies and shirts galore and we all just found it absolutely necessary to buy one. I bought a hoodie that I love for 16 euros. After that we met on the park steps and everyone was ready to go. It was a great time and I loved it, but I definitely was cold and tired. It was time for a great Italian pizza dinner and nice long shower.

Editor’s Note:  Our arrival to the hotel gave us our first roommates, team jerseys, and our Michiganders: “grandma”, Jeanette, and “ LB” or Brooke M.  Ceej was left behind at the hotel to wait for the Miami and Atlanta groups to arrive while the rest of us went into the canal-filled city. Because of the tales of massive flooding throughout the city, we decided our best route to San Marco Plaza was a hike around the outskirts of Venice. It took us an hour to get there but we stayed high and dry!  Multiple stops were necessary, as grandma was unable to keep up with our long volleyball legs led by Meghan.  Finally reaching our destination, we took a group photo and split up into groups to search for our first European meal.  We walked. And we walked. And we walked some more. Until finally it was time to search for Piazzale Roma.  What we learned: Venetians like to play cruel jokes on tourists called “follow this crooked arrow, guess three more turns, and if you got it right we rewarded you with another confusing sign pointing you in two directions.”  Needless to say, we should’ve aced the SAT with our impeccable guessing abilities.  Retreating from the cold to the #5 bus, we made it back to the hotel and rested our weary legs before dinner.  Just as the bus attempts to leave the city, two more Americans jumped in, turning to say “Meghan!”  None other than K-Putt and Gracie.  Our first meal as a group was at Crazy Pizzeria, where the adults were awed by the consumption quantity of our group.  This was a great start to our European adventure. What will hold in store for us next?