2008 European Religious History Tour

Does everyone have their Passports?

2008-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Switzerland becomes the 25th European country to join the Schengen Agreement, whereby cross-border passport checks will be abolished.

Processing the Pieces

2008-10-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

So we are all home, in school, working.... or doing whatever we knew we would be doing post-Europe. Some of us never want to leave American soil again, others of us are itching to get back, or even making plans for their next big adventure as I type this.
The other day I went to lunch with a friend and she asked "So, how was Europe?" I stared at her for a second as the following thoughts streamed through my mind "Wow, I just saw some of the most significant things in the WORLD, had a life changing experience, met and grew to appreciate and even love about 50 new people, experienced over 7 entirely new and different cultures, learned thousands of new things about myself and other, saw the world and the gospel in a whole new perspective, and am not sure how I really feel about half the stuff that I saw and did!!!!" After blinking at her for a few seconds while my mouth caught up with my brain I said, "Uh, it was great. Yea... it was really great."
The rest of the lunch she tried to think of questions to ask, and I tried to think of stuff to say - unfortunately neither of us were super successful. I walked away thinking, "How can I ever begin to explain Europe when someone asks a question as broad as 'how was it?' " and I am sure she thought something along the lines of, "What was her problem? She spent a month over there, how could she not even get more than a sentence or two out about it?"

SO in the wake of that embarrassing moment, I decided that I was going to type up every possible question I could think of related to this trip that I would ask someone and then answer them. As I was compiling the list, I realized that others might have encountered the same frustrating situation, so I opted to posted them here also, if anyone is interested in looking through them. If you have anything that you think would be good to ask, or you appreciated that someone asked you, and want it posted, send it my way (s.denker@yahoo.com OR facebook me!) and I can add it to the list.

***** ALSO, Sister Sturm's uncle is in the hospital. Please pray for both of them. She asked us once on the trip to pray for him specifically, and I get the vibe that they are close.******

My thoughts about the Brigham Young University – Idaho 2008 European Religious History Tour:

What was your favorite place? Why did you like it?

Rank the cities and countries in favorite to least favorite.

What was one shining moment about each city?

What were some of the landmark things you saw and why did you enjoy seeing them?

What would you like to go back and see?

If you could relive one moment, what would it be?

What was your first thought as you saw some of the places you’ve dreamed about, such as the Louver, the Vatican, the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, etc?

What was one thing your brought that you were especially thankful for?

What was something your brought that you never used?

How would you pack differently if you could do it again?

Would you change your shopping patterns/habits if you could go again?

Is there anything you wished you had/had not bought?

Who was someone that made your trip better? What did they do/say that impacted you the most?

How did you like the daily routine? What would you keep and change?

Out of the cities you didn’t enjoy as much, what could you have done to make it more enjoyable?

What would you have seen or done that you did not see or do in each city?

What were the top three spiritual moments?

What was something that was done differently on this trip that you liked and disliked? (i.e. Sacrament meeting, morning devotionals)

What was one food that you liked there more than America? What was one food you were grateful to eat once back in the States?

What was the hardest part about the trip, physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially? Most enjoyable? Easiest?

What did you learn about your personality?

Out of the friends that you made, what were some of the common qualities that you found in them? Why did you like these qualities?

List five experiences or moments that make you smile.

List five funny quotes that other people said.

What was your most embarrassing moment? What make it so bad, and in retrospect was there anyway to have sidestep the situation?

What did you think about the styles you saw?

Did you see anything that shocked you? What and why?

How often did you feel homesick? What did you miss, and what helped you get over those feelings?

Are there any cities you would have liked to spend more or less time in? Any places such as monuments or museums you would have liked to visit longer?

Thinking about some of the more holy or reverent places, such as Normandy Beaches or the Vatican, are there any that you liked more than the others? Why, and what order would you put them in?

Did you like the monuments or cathedrals better? Why?

What category of places did you like the most? (i.e. cathedrals, museums, historical monuments, parks)

What are five things that you experienced in Europe that made you appreciate the States?

What are some things you experience in Europe that helped you appreciate your experience there more than a similar experience in the States?

Did you feel that people differed from one country to the next? In which country were people the friendliest, meanest, and most helpful?

If you were asked to give each country a book title, what would they be? Each city?

What did you find yourself talking about the most?

What was something that someone in the group did that affected everyone in the group? Was this a personality thing, or an ‘America’ thing?

If you could have shared moments of your trip with people from home, what moments would you have shared with whom?

What was one experience that made you truly happy? Was there a moment when you felt true sorrow? Empathy? Anger? Pity? Compassion?

Jet Lag Anyone?

2008-10-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

We did it!!! We made it back to the States alive and well!!!

As I thought about the trip as a whole on the flight and over the course of today, I had a few thoughts - as I am sure many of you did. Some of us are going home to stay with families, others are going back to school, some are starting jobs again, and others aren't really sure what the next step is. In some ways, it is sad to realize that such a fantastic season of life is over, for now. On the flip side - we all have another big adventure waiting for us as we start on this next phase of life.
One of the things that I personally learned from the trip was how to enjoy the process of change. One of my favorite things was the bus rides; odd, I know. But I was able to see the country side, reflect on the experience of the city, and really think through some personal thoughts and feelings. I was able to learn that as we transition from one phase of life to another, we can learn to enjoy the transition. During the bus rides, I was able to ask myself 'what about this previous experience can help me improve myself?' And as I thought about that I was able to see qualities others had well developed, but I was lacking.
James Barry, the author of Peter Pan, once said, "God gave us memories so that we may have June roses in the Decembers of our lives." So as we all head off to the next grand adventure in life, I hope we will each be able to savor the better parts, or June roses, of the 2008 Religious History Tour and allow the less than perfect parts fade rapidly from our minds.

I'm interested to hear what everyone favorite aspect of the trip was. Please feel free to leave comments!

Numbers & Bones

2008-09-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow Travelers,

Tomorrow will be our last day of classes! By the time most of you read this, it will be done and over with. Tonight I was writing a family member an e-mail explaining the type of work that we are finishing up tomorrow. I crunched some numbers and came up with the following. *Please note that I did the math for someone taking 9 credits like myself. If you're taking ten, give yourself an extra pat on the back.*

"I just took nine university credits in two weeks. Most people, even fellow university students, don't understand quite how that works so I'll explain it a little. Your average university class will meet for about 3-5 hours a week, for 16 weeks. That equals 64 hours of lecture time, plus an average of 2 hours of library studying per every hour of class lecture. So for an average, 3 credit class one will spend about 192 hours on in 16 weeks. Not bad.
But do the math for my classes. 9 credits, times 64 hours per credit, in 14 days, equals about 576 hours worth of work. w-o-w.
Also, a cool fact I just noticed, these above numbers (with the exception of 14 and 3-5) are all prime numbers. I guess I could call the last two weeks the most prime weeks I've spent in my university career."

Guys, that is pretty outstanding. I think that our group has demonstrated a great deal of maturity, strength, endurance, and a passion for learning as seen in our interactions in class and with each other and our professors. I am really excited to get to Europe and put some cultural flesh on the skeleton of knowledge that we and our amazing tour directors have created!

Europe - here we come!

Week One is Done!

2008-09-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Guess what?!?! We got through the first week!!! AMAZING!
I have loved every moment of class, but sleeping this weekend will be equally as enjoyable. It's been great to meet and get to know everyone - I think we have a really great group. We are going to have a blast!

Today in class Brother Anderson talked quite extensively about serving one another, being united, and discerning the needs of one another. I've been thinking a lot about that. It occurred to me that we all have our expectations of what this trip will hold and do for us. Because of our different backgrounds, ambitions, majors, interests... etc, it could be interesting when we are put in groups and these expectations clash and we experience 'personality fatigue'.
So, what are attitudes we can adopt before and during the trip that will help ease any tense or annoying situations when these clashes arise?
Just click the little 'comment' link, to leave your thoughts!

ITINERARY!!!!!!!

2008-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Tour Members:

I am attaching some items of interest to you. They are the following:

1. Our flight information and hotel list (see below)
2. Our itinerary (see below)

I hope you are well into taking your tests. Remember we begin Sept. 8^th.

Please note the following:

1. Please change $100 dollars or so into Euro and bring the Euro with you on the plane
2. You should begin walking and breaking in your shoes. We walk an average of 8 miles a day
3. Make sure you bring your 3-5 page paper to the first day of class on Sept. 8^th
4. Make sure all of your tests are done by Sept. 8^th, the first day of class

Are you all getting excited? I am getting excited myself. I hope all is well with you.

Sincerely, Bro. A

ITINERARY

Thursday, Sept. 25^th Salt Lake City to Rome

10:00 a.m.—Meet at the Salt Lake City Airport—Delta International Ticketing Area

1:30 p.m.—Leave for Rome

Friday, Sept. 26^th Arrive in Rome

10:45 a.m.—Arrive in Rome, Travel to Hotel

12:00 noon—Hotel Check-in

1:00 p.m.—Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Walk to the Forum 8:30-7:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.—Walk to St. Peter in Chains/Michelangelo’s Moses 7-12:30 p.m. 3:30-6:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.—Walk to the Colleseum 8:30-7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.—Walk to the Trevi Fountain

8:00 p.m.—Dinner at the Pantheon 8:30-7:30 p.m.

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Saturday, Sept. 27^th Rome

6:30 a.m.—Bernini’s Ecstasy of St.Teresa (Santa Maria Della Vittoria) 6:30-12 Noon 4:30-6:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m.—Michelangelo’s Astronomy Church (Santa Maria Delgi Angeli) 7:30-7:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.—The Sacred Steps ( Scala Santa) 6:00-12 Noon 2:30-6:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m.—St. John’s Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) 7:00-6:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.—Metro to Spagna (Spanish Steps), Exchange Money, Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Walk to the Galleria Borghese

3:00 p.m.—Tour the Galleria Borghese (Reservation for 2 hours only) 9:00-7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.—View of Rome

6:00 p.m.—Walk to Piazza Del Popolo

7:00 p.m.—Visit Santa Maria Del Popolo (Caravaggio’s Peter and Paul) 7:00-12 Noon 4:00-7:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Sunday, Sept. 28^th Rome

8:00 a.m.—Walk to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Square and Basilica

9:00 a.m.—Visit the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel (Last Sunday of Month Free) 10:00-1:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.—Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Visit St. Peter’s Basilica 9:00-7:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.—Walk to Piazza Navona

5:00 p.m.—Dinner at Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, etc. etc.

7:00 p.m.—Visit the Pantheon 8:30-7:30 p.m.

9:00 p.m.—Hotel for Sacrament Meeting

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Monday, Sept. 29th Rome to Pisa: 375 km- 5 hrs; Pisa to Florence: 100 km- 1:30 hrs

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Pisa

1:00 p.m.—Arrive in Pisa, Tour and eat Lunch

3:00 p.m.—Leave for Florence

5:00 p.m.—Arrive in Florence, Hotel Check-in, Walking Tour

7:00 p.m.—Free Time, Dinner

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Tuesday, Sept. 30th Florence

9:00 a.m.—Walk to the Accademia Museum (Michelangelo’s David)

10:00 a.m.—Tour of the Accademia Museum (Michelangelo’s David)

12:00 a.m.—Lunch

12:45 p.m.—Tour of the Uffizi Museum

3:00 p.m.—Tour of the Doors of Paradise, Baptistry, Duomo

5:00 p.m.—Free time—Dinner, Flea Market, Michelangelo’s Hill

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Wednesday, Oct. 1st Florence to Ravenna: 135 km- 2:30 hrs; Ravenna to Padova: 135 km- 2:30 hrs

7:00 a.m.—Leave for Ravenna

9:30 a.m.—Arrive in Ravenna

10:00 a.m.—Visit San Apollinare in Classe Mosaics and Early Lunch

11:00 a.m.—Visit San Apollinare Nuovo Basilica Mosaics

12:00 Noon—Walk to Arian Baptistry and San Vitale Mosaics

1:00 p.m.—Load Bus and Leave for Padova

3:30 p.m.—Arrive in Padova

4:00 p.m.—Visit Basilica of St. Anthony

5:00 p.m.—Dinner and Visit Cathedral Baptistry

6:00 p.m.—Walk to Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella Degli Scrovegni)

6:30 p.m.—Half of the Group Visit the Scrovegni Chapel; Paintings by Giotto

6:45 p.m.—The Other Half of the group Visit the Scrovegni Chapel; Paintings by Giotto

7:00 p.m.—Load the Bus and Travel to Hotel

7:30 p.m.—Hotel Check-in and Free Time

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Thursday, Oct. 2nd Padova to Venice: 40 km- 45 min.

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Venice

9:00 a.m.—Arrive at Boat

10:00 a.m.—Boat to Venice

11:00 a.m.—Arrive in Venice

12:00 Noon—Walk to Basilica of San Marco and St. Mark’s Square; Lunch; Tour Venice: Basilica of San Marco, Doge’s Palace, The Clock Tower, The Glass Factory, The Rialto Bridge, Gondola Ride

5:00 p.m.—Walk back to Load Boat

6:00 p.m.—Load Boat and Travel back to Bus

7:00 p.m.—Load Bus and Travel back to Hotel

8:00 p.m.—Arrive at Hotel in Padova, Free Time

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Friday, Oct. 3rd Venice/Padova to Salzburg: 407.4 km- 6 hrs

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Salzburg

12:00 Noon—Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Salt Mines

4:00 p.m.—Hotel Check-in

5:00 p.m.—Free Time: Dinner, Hohensalzburg Castle, Mozart’s Birthplace

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Saturday, Oct. 4^th Salzburg

9:00 p.m.---Hellbrunn Water Gardens Palace, Sound of Music Gazebo and House

12:00 Noon—Lunch

1:00 p.m.—Free Time: Dinner, Mozart Concert, Bike Rides, Eagle’s Nest (45 min. drive)

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Sunday, Oct. 5^th Salzburg

8:00 a.m.—Walk to Salzburg Cathedral for Mass

10:00 a.m.—Mozart Catholic Mass

12:00 Noon—Lunch

1:00 p.m.—Free Time: Sound of Music Tour

9:00 p.m.—Sacrament Meeting

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Monday, Oct. 6^th Salzburg to Prague: 335.8 km- 4:30 hrs

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Mauthausen Concentration Camp- 147.2 km- 1:30 hrs

9:30 a.m.—Arrive at Mauthausen Concentration Camp

10:00 a.m.—Tour Mauthausen Concentration Camp

12:00 Noon—Lunch

1:00 p.m.—Travel to Prague, Czech Republic- 253.3 km- 3:21 hrs

4:30 p.m.—Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic

5:00 p.m.—Hotel Check-in, Dinner, Free Time

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Tuesday, Oct. 7^th Prague

8:00 a.m.—Travel to St. Vitus Cathedral and Climb to the Top of the Tower

10:00 a.m.—Walk down The Golden Lane and the Old Royal Palace (The Defenestration of Prague)

11:00 a.m.—Walk across the Charles Bridge to The Old Town Square and Old Town Hall with the

Astronomical Clock

12:00 Noon—Visit the Jan Huss Monument, Lunch

1:00 p.m.—Free Time: The Tyn Church, The Jewish Quarter (Jewish Cemetery, Old/New Synagogue,

Pinkas Synagogue), Attend a Concert

9:00 p.m.—Meet Bus at Angel Bridge and Metronome

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Wednesday, Oct. 8^th Prague to Wittenberg: 535.9 km- 5:31 hrs

7:00 a.m.—Leave for Wittenberg

1:00 p.m.—Arrive in Wittenberg, Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Visit Lutheran History Museum (Review Lutheran Reformation Movement)

3:00 p.m.—Visit the Castle Church (Luther Nailed 95 Thesis), Luther’s Tomb, Melanchton’s Tomb

4:00 p.m.—Visit St. Mary’s Town Church (Site Luther Preached the Most)

5:00 p.m.—Dinner in Market Square, Monuments to Luther and Melanchton, Cranach House

7:00 p.m.—Free Time

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Thursday, Oct. 9^th Wittenberg to Berlin: 187 km- 1:30 hrs; Fly to Copenhagen

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Berlin

10:00 a.m.—Arrive in Berlin

11:00 a.m.—Lunch, Visit the Berliner Dom

12:00 Noon—Visit the Pergamon Museum (Babylon, Ishtar Gate and Walls)

2:00 p.m.—Visit Check Point Charlie and Remains of Berlin Wall

5:00 p.m.—Hotel Check-in, Dinner, Free Time

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Friday, Oct. 10^th Berlin to Munich: 589.7 km- 5 hrs

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Munich

1:00 p.m.—Arrive in Munich, Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Hotel Mirabel Check-in

3:00 p.m.—Walk to Marienplatz; Free Time: Neues Rathaus (City Hall), Frauenkirche (Catholic Mass),

St. Michael’s, St. Peterskirche, The Residenz

5:00 p.m.—Meet at The City Hall for the Famed Glockenspiel (Huge Clock)

6:00 p.m.—Free Time: Dinner, Hofbrauhaus

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Saturday, Oct. 11^th Munich

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Wieskirche

9:00 a.m.—Tour Wieskirche

10:00 a.m.—Drive to Neuschwanstein Castle

11:00 a.m.—Tour Neuschwanstein Castle

1:00 p.m.—Lunch at Grocery Store (Buy Chocolate)

2:00 p.m.—Travel to Munich

4:00 p.m.—Free Time, Dinner

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Sunday, Oct. 12^th Munich

8:00 a.m.---Walk to Frauenkirche for Catholic Mass

9:00 a.m.---Attend Mass

12:00 Noon---Lunch

1:00 p.m.---Free Time: Visit the Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus (City Hall), St. Michael’s, St. Peterskirche, The Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, Olympic Park, City Park

5:00 p.m.---Dinner

9:00 p.m.---Sacrament meeting at Hotel

10:00 p.m.---Bed

Monday, Oct. 13^th Munich to Geneva: 586 km- 5 hrs

7:00 a.m.—Leave for Geneva

1:00 a.m.—Arrive in Geneva, Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Visit the Floral Clock, St. Peter’s Church, Russian Orthodox Church, and the Reformer’s Wall

5:00 p.m.—Hostel Check-in

6:00 p.m.—Free Time: Dinner, The Jet d’Eau Fountain, Botanical Gardens, United Nations Building

Tuesday, Oct. 14^th Geneva to Paris: 537.6 km- 4:30 hrs

7:00 a.m.---Visit St. Peter’s Church

8:00 a.m.—Leave for Paris

1:00 p.m.—Arrive in Paris, Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Hotel Check-in

3:00 p.m.—Metro to Sacre Coeur

5:00 p.m.—Dinner

6:00 p.m.—Metro to Eiffel Tower, Travel to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

7:00 p.m.—Free Time

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Wednesday, Oct. 15^th Paris

7:00 a.m.—Breakfast at McDonalds

8:00 a.m.—Walk to the Louvre

9:15 a.m.—Tour the Louvre, Lunch

1:30 p.m.—Walk to the Musee D’Orsay

2:00 p.m.—Tour the Musee D’Orsay

5:00 p.m.—Free Time: Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, Champs Elysees,

Seine River Cruise

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Thursday, Oct. 16^th Paris

8:00 a.m.—Load Bus and Travel to Versailles

9:00 a.m.—Tour Versailles

1:00 p.m.—Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Load Bus and return to Paris; Free Time: Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, Champs Elysees, Seine River Cruise

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Friday, Oct. 17^th Paris to Chartres: 80 km- 0:57 hrs; Chartres to Normandy: 313 km – 3:15 hrs;

Normandy to Caen: 80 km- 1 hour

7:30 a.m.—Leave for Chartres Cathedral- 80 km- 1 hour

8:30 a.m.—Tour Chartres Cathedral (Daily 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

10:00 a.m.—Travel to St. Mere Eglise, Lunch- 313 km- 3:15 hrs

2:00 p.m.—Travel to Normandy Beaches (Utah, Omaha, Pointe Du Hoc, American Cemetery)

5:00 p.m.—Tour Normandy Beaches (Utah, Omaha, Pointe Du Hoc, American Cemetery=closes at 5 p.m.)

6:00 p.m.—Travel to Caen

7:00 p.m.—Hotel Check-in, Dinner

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Saturday, Oct. 18th Caen to Calais: 340 km- 4:30 hrs; Calais to Dover: 7 km- 2 hrs; Dover to Canterbury:

25 km- 0:30 hrs; Canterbury to London: 100 km- 1:30 hrs

7:00 a.m.—Leave for Calais, Sacrament Meeting on Bus- 340 km- 4:30 hrs

11:30 a.m.—Board Ferry for England

1:00 p.m.—Arrive in England

1:30 p.m.—Drive to London

5:00 p.m.---Arrive in London, Good-bye to Peder and the Elbo Bus

5:30 p.m.—Hotel Umi Check-in

6:00 p.m.---Dinner and Free Time

9:00 p.m.---Special Meeting at Umi Hotel

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Sunday, Oct. 19th London

8:00 a.m.—Leave the Hotel, Travel the London Underground (The Tube)

8:30 a.m.—Walking Tour of London

10:30 a.m.—Travel the London Underground (The Tube)

11:30 a.m.—Buckingham Palace, The Changing of the Guard

12:30 p.m.—Travel The Tube to Tower Hill

1:00 p.m.—Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Tour of the Tower of London (Yeoman’s Tour, Crown Jewels, White Tower, Medieval Palace)

4:30 p.m.—Free Time: Dinner, More Tower of London, British Library, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, Lambeth Palace, Westminster Abbey, Harry Potter Train Station, Abbey Road and Beatles, National Gallery of Art, Piccadily Square

9:00 p.m.---Sacrament Meeting at Umi Hotel

10:00 p.m.—Bed

Monday, Oct. 20th London

8:00 a.m.—Leave Westminster Hotel, Travel The Tube

8:30 a.m.—Visit Speaker’s Corner

9:00 a.m.—Travel The Tube to St. Paul’s Cathedral

9:30 a.m.—Walking Tour of London

1:00 p.m.—Lunch

2:00 p.m.—Free Time: British Library, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, Lambeth Palace, Westminster Abbey, Harry Potter Train Station, Abbey Road and Beatles, National Gallery of Art, Piccadily Square, Play

10:00 p.m.—Hotel

Tuesday, Oct. 21st Fly to Salt Lake City

6:00 a.m.—Leave Umi Hotel for London Temple

7:00 a.m.—Walk Grounds of London Temple

7:30 a.m.—Travel to Gatwick Airport

8:00 a.m.—Check-in to Gatwick Airport (North Terminal)

10:25 a.m.—Fly to Cincinnatti (8:55 hrs)

2:20 p.m.—Arrive in Cincinnatti

5:05 p.m.—Leave Cincinnatti for Salt Lake City

6:49 p.m.—Arrive in Salt Lake City

FLIGHT SCHEDULES

Salt Lake to Rome (Thursday-Friday, September 25-26, 2008)

Delta 48 Leaves Salt Lake 1:30 p.m. Arrives Cincinnati 6:55 p.m.

Delta 32 Leaves Cincinnatti 7:30 p.m. Arrives Rome 10:45 a.m. (Friday)

London to Salt Lake (Tuesday, 0ct 21, 2008)

Delta 37 Leaves London 10:25 a.m. Arrives Cincinnatti 2:20 p.m.

Delta 49 Leaves Cincinnatti 5:05 p.m. Arrives Salt Lake 6:49 p.m

HOTELS:

Friday- Sunday, Sept. 26-28, Rome, Italy

Isitituto Santa Giuliana Falconieri

Vía San Giuseppe Calasanzio,1 00186 Roma

TEL: 06-6880-3344

Fax: 06-6871-471

e-mail: s.giulianafalconieri@virgilio.it

Monday- Tuesday, Sept. 29-30, Florence, Italy

Hotel Kursaal Ausonia
Vía Nazionale 24(nero), 50123 Florence, Italy
TEL: 39 55 496324/+39 055.496547
Fax: 39 55 4626615
e-mail: info@kursonia.com

Wednesday- Thursday, Oct. 1-2, Padova, Italy

Hotel Campanile

Corso Stati Uniti, 54

35127 Padova

TEL: 39 49 6988313

Fax: 39 49 6988320

e-mail: padova@campanile.com

Friday- Sunday, Oct. 3-5, Salzburg, Austria

Jugendherberge Salzburg

Josef-Preis-Allee 18

A-5020 Salzburg, Austria

TEL: 43 662 8426700

Fax: 43 662 841101

e-mail: salzburg@jfgh.at

Monday- Tuesday, Oct. 6-7, Prague, Czech Republic

JSC Travel, s.r.o.

Pristavni 2

170 00 Prague 7

The Czech Republic

TEL: 420-220 80 5684

Fax: 420-220 80 6912

e-mail: jsc@jsc.cz

Wednesday, Oct. 8, Wittenberg, Germany

Jugendherberge Wittenberg

Lutherstadt Wittenberg

Wittenberg Schloss

Schloss

06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg

TEL: 49 349 1403255

Fax: 49 349 1409422

e-mail: Jugendherberge.wittenberg@gmx.de

Thursday, Oct. 9, Berlin, Germany

Jugendherberge Berlin- Am Wannsee

Badeweg 1

D-14129 Berlin

TEL: 49 30 8032034

Fax: 49 30 8035908

e-mail: JH-Wannsee@jugendherberge.de

Friday- Sunday, Oct. 10-12, Munich, Germany

Hotel Mirabell

Landwehrstrasse 42/ Eingang Goethestrasse

80336 Munchen

TEL: +49 (0) 89-54-91 74 0

Fax: +49 (0) 89- 55 03 701

e-mail: info@hotelmirabell.de

Monday, Oct. 13, Geneva, Switzerland

Jugendherberge Geneva

Geneva Youth Hostel

Rue Rothschild 30

1202 Geneve

TEL: +41 22 732 62 62

Fax: +41 22 738 39 87

e-mail: booking@yh-geneva.ch

Tuesday- Thursday, Oct. 14-16, Paris, France

Phenix Hotel

5, rue du General LANREZAC

75017 Paris

TEL: (33) 01 44 09 05 05

Fax: (33) 01 44 09 01 21

e-mail: phenixhotel@orange.fr

Friday, Oct. 17, Caen, France

Ibis Caen Herouville

Boulevard Grand Parc

14200 Herouville Saint Clair

TEL: +33 (0) 231 956 000

Fax: +33 (0) 231 060 843

e-mail: H0605@accor.com

Saturday- Monday, Oct. 18-20, London, England

Umi Hotel

16 Leinster Square

Bayswater, London W2 4PR

TEL: 44 20 7221 9131

Fax: 44 20 7221 4073

e-mail: reservations@umihotels.co.uk

www.umihotles.co.uk

While in London....

2008-08-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Travelers~

One thing I've always wanted to do when visiting London is the Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum. Since we are required to travel in groups while visiting the cities on the tour, I am sending this email to see if any of you are interested in going too.

If you don't know what Madam Tussaud is, it's one of London's must see spots and features life sized wax figures of A-list celebrities, heads of state, and historical figures, all of which you can go right up to and take pictures with as if you really met them. Here is a link to their website where you can get a small preview of what the museum has to offer.

http://www.madametussauds.com/London/Default.aspx Single tickets run about 25.00 pounds (aprox $50) if you buy it at the door the day you go. but you'll also have to wait about an hour and a half in line before even getting the ticket.

What I suggest is the group rate for 15 or more people. If bought on the day we go it is the same price as the single ticket, but we get to go in the group door and so have a wait line that is GREATLY reduced.

We can save a little but of money if we buy the tickets on line, but there is always the risk then of someone backing out or not getting everyone to pay there share and then worrying about getting them in the mail in time, and that's only three of many possible problems of buying them online.

I think this would be something very fun to do and hope some of you guys do to so we can get a group together. If your interest PLEASE email me back and so I can get a count of how many people would like to go. My email is mil04034@byui.edu

See you all in about a month!! ~Megan Miller

Quote for the day

2008-07-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

Art is science made clear.
- Jean Cocteau

After a loooong break, we're back.

2008-06-17T17:44:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!

I've been SUPER busy these past few weeks; I moved to LA and started an internship at the UCLA campus! It's been amazing, but I've been itching to get back to Europe stuff.

I'll keep you posted, and make some changes here soon.

-Susan

Itinerary with cool hyperlinks

2008-05-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

RELIGIOUS HISTORY TOUR

FALL 2008

Wednesday September 10-23 ------------Class Instruction

Wednesday September 24----------------Travel to Salt Lake City, Utah airport

Thursday September 25------------------Fly to Rome, Italy

Friday September 26-28-----------------Rome, Italy

Monday September 29-30---------------Florence, Italy

Wednesday October 1--------------------Ravenna/Padova, Italy

Thursday October 2 ---------------------Venice, Italy

Friday October 3-5 ----------------------Salzburg, Austria

Monday October 6-7 --------------------Prague, Czech Republic

Wednesday October 8 ------------------Wittenburg, Germany

Thursday October 9---------------------Berlin, Germany

Friday October 10-12 -------------------Munich, Germany

Monday October 13---------------------Geneva, Switzerland

Tuesday October 14-16-----------------Paris , France

Friday October 17----------------------Normandy, France

Saturday October 18-20----------------London, England (Check out the EarthCam)

Tuesday October 21--------------------Fly to Salt Lake City, Utah airport

Wednesday October 22-----------------Travel home to Rexburg

Wednesday October 22-----------------2^nd Block classes begin at BYU-Idaho

Course Syllabus

2008-05-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people ask me if there was a syllabus for this course, and this is the best that I could come up with. I've found it very useful.

http://www.byui.edu/travelprograms/european-religionhist.htm

Useful Packing Articles

2008-05-23T09:20:00.001-07:00

Hello again - Fellow World Explorers,

I recently heard some great advice from a cousin of mine who's traveled to Europe several times, Thailand, and is gearing up for the Philippines. "Pack your bags. Then, take out half your clothes and take twice the money." The reasoning was this, you'll buy clothes, souvenirs, and memrobillia there (thus spending money) and will need the extra space (from taking out half your clothes) to put them.

Also I found this great artical on Yahoo! from the AP -Get the most from your carry-on bag
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080522/ap_tr_ge/
travel_light_packing

I plan on bringing most of my stuff in my carry on, and an empty suit case to bring stuff back in. How many times will we get to shop in Italy!?!?

In this article there is a link to this page http://www.smartpacking.com/index.php?cat_id=5389 and I found it really useful.

As for comments on this post - list how you're planing to pack and any little tips you have.

Cheers!
Susan

P.S. - I hope everyone's gotten a chance to read the Guest Profile because I'll be switching it up again pretty soon!

Discussion Time!

2008-05-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

I think that a discussion about this would be good to have before we all met:

Why are you going and what is the number one thing you expect this trip to do for you?

Click on "comments" to post, reply, or read.

Preparation Tips From Bro. Anderson

2008-05-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

This is something Bro. Anderson recently e-mailed me and it is GREAT stuff. I recommend reading it and re-reading it when you start to lose enthusiasm about the trip (is that possible?).

Also, I'd like to start guiding the direction of the comments so a good conversation about the post can be fostered. So for this week the Comment Discussion is: What are different group dynamics you are already expecting?

EUROPEAN RELIGIOUS HISTORY TOUR PREPARATION TIPS

STANDARDS

Participants need not be LDS, but they are required to maintain the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Code of Honor of BYUI. These include high standards of honor, integrity, morality, graciousness and application of Christian ideals. Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illegal drugs is required.

Clothing should be modest in fabric, fit, and style. Skirts should be at least knee-length. Clothing which is sleeveless, strapless, or revealing is NOT acceptable AND will not be permitted. Please do not bring shirts and pants that reveal the midriff.

GROUP DYNAMICS

VERY IMPORTANT: The actions of one member of the group effects all members. If you are late, we are all late. If you are rude with the Europeans or loud in the hotels we will all be labeled as rude and loud. Therefore, please be prepared to have a “team player” mentality. Because of safety concerns, we insist that participants be cooperative in following the instructions of tour leaders.

There are structured group experiences each day that you will want to be part of. Also there is individual time where small groups of individuals can explore things on their own. We will try to help you fulfill your expectations, but there are obviously limitations on some activities. For instance, tour participants are NOT allowed to travel on their own outside of the city that we are visiting as a group. There is plenty to do in the cities that we visit.

We expect you to keep curfew–normally this will mean be in the hotel by 9-10 PM and in bed by 11:00 PM. The trip is physically demanding. We leave every morning by 8:00 or 9:00 AM and we are on the go almost all day. You and others will need a good night’s sleep every night. If you get a good night’s sleep every night, you will maximize what you will see on tour and be happier. There have been some in the past who have taken naps during their free time because they don’t get to sleep at a decent hour at night. That is your choice...if the hotel is close enough for you to go back. But remember, that this may be the only chance you have to see some of the greatest sites in Europe. Don’t stay up late playing UNO–you can do that at home in the US.

You will learn a lot about yourself and human dynamics on this trip. You will see how you and others react when you are rested and when you are tired. You will find opportunities to see yourself and others respond selflessly or selfishly. You will have many opportunities to be honest and test your integrity or be dishonest and fail. If as individuals we pull together and function as a group, honestly and selflessly, we will have much more fun. We will enjoy each other much more and make friends for life.

As tour directors, we have worked very hard to help you have a great experience in Europe. A small part of your tour fee pays for our expertise. In other words, a part of your fee pays for the airfare, lodging, and transportation of the directors. We do not, however, receive a salary. Nor do you pay for any family members that might accompany a director. We have worked hard to keep your costs at a minimum and still provide you with a great tour. We work hard to use your money for you and the tour. We are very anxious to help you have a wonderful and exciting experience. YOU can make our experience as directors easier and more enjoyable if you will just be honest with us. If we know we can trust you, it greatly decreases our worries and allows us to say “yes” to you more often.

If you have desires or wants, or you are not pleased with something on the tour, please come and talk to the tour directors. We will be open with you and try to consider your viewpoint. We want you to communicate with us.

PASSPORTS

All U.S. citizens, even infants and children, need a valid passport to enter the countries we will be going to. (In Rexburg you can pick up application forms at the courthouse. Non-U.S. citizens will have to contact their own government agencies.) You will need an official birth certificate and two passport pictures (can be obtained at the McKay Library) to submit with the passport application. Although passports are usually mailed within two weeks of your application's receipt, it is best to allow three weeks for delivery in low season, five weeks or more from April through summer. (Get it now so you don’t have to worry about it.)

Please send us a copy of the first page of your passport (the one with your picture on it). If you lose your passport it is much easier to get it replaced if we have a copy. Also leave a copy of the same page with loved ones at home.

VISAS

If you are a U.S. citizen you do not need visas for the countries that we are traveling to. Your passport is the only document you will need. For non-U.S. citizens you will have to check with the governments of the countries involved to see if visas are needed.

MONEY

Bring whatever amount of money you think you would like to spend, but $100 to $200 will probably be enough for pastries, Italian ice cream, snacks, and a few souvenirs if you are pinching pennies. Bring more if you want to. Some students bring a combination of money and travelers checks. Money is easier to cash in most places, but travelers checks provide more safety. It is also a wise investment to buy a money belt, either for around the waist or the neck or both (under $10 at K-mart or WalMart). I like to keep my passport in a money belt that hangs from the neck and my money in one around the waist.

A credit card or debit card is also a good idea as a backup and for large purchases. But it is not wise to rely on cards as your sole means of finance. Keep your card safely tucked away in a money belt. Shopping is best done during free time, not during group time. The mostly widely accepted credit cards are Visa and Master Card.

PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT

BYUI is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of luggage or personal belongings. Mark your luggage with your name. NEVER leave valuables (money, credit cards, etc.) in your room or in your luggage. Luggage is easily lost, misplaced or stolen. Don't bring anything too valuable that will ruin your trip if it's stolen. Take appropriate precautions and there should be no problems. If you lose passports or plane tickets or money you are responsible to replace them.

HEALTH

Be forewarned: this trip can be physically demanding. We have a nice bus that will get us from city to city. There are times when we will take subways in certain cities. Nonetheless, there is still no way to see Europe without walking a lot–sometimes as much as 10 miles a day. Get in shape. Start walking daily (2 miles is a minimum). You will see more and enjoy Europe more if you are able to walk a lot each day. When in Europe, get a good night's sleep every night. You will pay for that fun pajama party/blab session with fatigue (or illness) the next day.

A first-aid kit could include vitamins, aspirin, cold capsules, band aids, antibiotics, and medications. If you have special needs like contacts, make sure you are well outfitted.

Try to get lots of sleep and rest the week before the trip, particularly the last two days. Get some sleep on the plane. Before you go, bolster your digestive system with yogurt. Get lots of fluids on the plane. On arrival, make yourself stay awake until an early local bedtime, take a walk and get some fresh air.

Most water in Europe is safe to drink. Some outside taps are not for drinking; read the signs. If you get diarrhea eat a bland diet (bread, rice, baked potato, clear soup).

You will not need any vaccinations.

LUGGAGE

You are responsible for your own luggage. The lighter you are able to pack the better off you are. Bring what you need, but be wise. The more you bring, the more complicated it gets. Start collecting the things you will take. Try to get by with as little as possible.

The airlines will allow you to bring a carry on, about the size of a overstuffed briefcase (or a college student back pack) and luggage that weighs up to 50 lbs. Two pieces total. No knives, hat pins, etc. Aerosol cans should not be packed in the carry on.

There are laundromats in Europe but it is sometimes just as easy to wash out our clothes in sinks and tubs at night and hang them up to dry. Do this as inconspicuously as possible. In other words try to hang wet things over tubs and in shower rather than over carpets. Bring darker clothes that wash and dry QUICKLY. Use big zip-lock or nylon stuff bags for toiletries, underwear and socks, camera gear, and stationary. Roll any clothes that can be rolled. Pack things tightly.

We suggest the following:

BESIDES WHAT YOU ARE WEARING OR CAN CARRY IN YOUR POCKETS

* A bag of some kind for carrying purchases. A small backpack works well.

* 1 skirt for church. Also many churches (particularly in Italy) require that legs be covered.

* 1 tie and shirt for church.

* 1-2 extra pair of pants. Bring pants made of material that will wash out quickly. Levi's are durable and comfortable.

* 7-8 extra shirts or blouses. Please no sleeveless or blouses that are too short at the belly or are cut too low at the top.

* 7-8 extra sets of underclothes and socks.

* Shoes should be comfortable and broken in. I bring a very comfortable pair for daily use and light, small, but comfortable pair for church. COMFORTABLE walking shoes are very important.

* As few toiletry items as you can get by with (but don't forget toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and soap in a small plastic container)! Carry as few liquid items as you can. They are prone to breakage and messy to clean up.

* If you must have a hair blower and curling iron make them as small as you can find and don't forget they must have European plugs or adaptors (220 watts). Some hotels will have hair dryers; some will not.

* A warm jacket and/or sweater.

* A small portable alarm clock.

* A camera. A camera case is recommended.

* Well made, strong fanny packs can be used for both men and women.

* A pen and journal.

* You may want a hat of some kind that gives good shade but can take abuse.

* A Portable clothesline and some Woolite.

* 1 small towel.

* Umbrella

The idea is to MAXIMIZE minimum space.

POLITENESS

Among many Europeans, Americans have the reputation of being ill-behaved and arrogant. They feel that we expect them to speak our language, eat our food, and put up with our manners. Common courtesy would demand that we behave as their guests. Be observant. Watch how the Europeans are acting and try to blend in. In general, the Europeans will be less boisterous and more reserved (speaking generally). While each country will be a little different, notice that few Europeans will shout at each other in the street, put their feet on the seat of the train in front of them, or sprawl out on the floor of the hotel lobby. Act like a representative of BYUI, be polite, and most Europeans will be warm and friendly.

EATING

Tipping is generally unnecessary as a 15% tip has already been added to the bill. If a tip is expected, it will normally say so on the menu or bill. To get tap water at a restaurant be polite, patient, and know the right phrase. Or carry a water bottle (Probably not a good idea in really good restaurants.)

The unit of measure in Europe will be a kilo, about 2.2 pounds. A kilo has 1000 grams. 100 grams of cheese or meat tucked into a loaf of French bread gives you about a quarter pounder. Figure out the money system; don't just hold out money and expect the correct change to come back. If you bring food into the hotels please do not make a mess; do not throw wrappers and paper on the floor.

THE LANGUAGE BARRIER.

Be polite, patient, and undemanding. Speak slowly, clearly, and with carefully chosen words. Do not use slang or contractions. Keep it simple. Use internationally understood words (ok, photo, pardon, holiday not vacation), use sign language, be observant and figure things out, try to use a little bit of their language if you can.

MISC.

Europeans reverse the day and month in numbered dates. Christmas day is 25-12-95.
Commas are decimal points and decimal points are commas. A dollar and a half is 1,50. There are 5.280 feet in a mile.
When counting start with your thumb. The peace sign is an obscene gesture.
The 24 hour clock is used.
Europe measures temperature in Celsius. For a rough estimation, double the Celsius temperature and add 30.
A kilometer is six-tenths of a mile. Multiply the kilometers by 6, divide by 10.
Most places you will see will sell post cards and tourist books. Practice with your camera before you go.

CUSTOMS

You can take $400 of souvenirs home duty-free. The next $1000 is taxed at 10%. You can mail home one package per person per day worth up to $50 duty-free. Mark it "Unsolicited Gift." Post offices generally provide boxes and string and tape for about a $1. Customs regulations require about 10-15 frustrating minutes filling out forms. A box the size of a small fruit crate costs about $40 by slow boat (six weeks). Books are cheaper if sent separately.

Amazing Tip's

2008-05-07T00:31:00.001-07:00

Here are some tips that have been passed on:

Abbey Price on 5/6/08:

-Take as many disposable items as possible
kleenex packets are divine - small shampoo bottles, wipes, hand sanitizer.
throw things away along the way and you have more room for bought items.

-take clothes that dry fast
sometimes you have to do laundry in the sink in our hostels, and they visit the laundry mat about once a week.

-pack light and easy, stay organized in your suitcase.

-get and stay in shape, learn how to keep yourself hydrated.

-start spending money wisely, you do not want to run out of money.

-you will spend about half your money on food, emotionally prepare yourself for this now.

-learn about the culture of the cities that we go to so we are not disrespectiful. We represent a country, school, and most importantly, a religion.

-learn important phrases (where are the bathrooms, is this eatable, help me, dont hate me because im an american etc)
*** Several very important language documents are listed under our Blackboard/I-learn Link to this course. I've looked them over and they are GREAT. I strongly recommend we make flashcards and start learning them.

Welcome!

2008-05-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Fellow Travelers,

The purpose of this blog is to help each other prepare for this Europe trip.

It is designed to help up support each other in our physical, mental, academic, and spiritual preparation for this trip. I know some people are on track, others are working two or more full times jobs... I know we are all busy. That is the definition of a student.

BUT, I really believe that we can make this trip a life changing experience. The more we prepare, the more fascinating, amazing, and meaningful this trip will be. Please check out the blog, and leave comments or e-mail me with your thoughts. Lets make this the most amazing trip and group Brother Anderson has ever taken.

I thought it would be fun and supportive to create a log of what you are doing to prepare, and then post it here.

For example, I've been trying to walk about 3-4 miles everyday. Also, I know some people have set up a reading schedule to finish The Western Humanities before we go.

So, I would like to set some common goals that we can support each other in.

My goals are:
- Be able to walk 3.5 miles an hour (1 mile every 17 minutes).

I would love comments, feed back, and any and all suggestions you might have! (Did I mention that I would LOVE comments and feedback?) I am new to this blog thing, so if someone who is more familiar with it would like to help, that would be amazing!

Thanks a million,
Susan Denker