We are HOME!

We finally arrived back in the Bay Area and to our families about 2 hours later than expected but arrive we did.

A few delays and potential connection miss almost spoiled our return, but in the end we made it home after a great, exciting and educational adventure. In case you wondered with all our luggage, which had multiplied.

On our way back to America

As the trip come to an end, we are getting ready to travel to the airport for our flight home. We look forward to seeing everyone when we return.

I am very proud of your daughters, they did an amazing job.

I hope you enjoyed this blog of our excursion and I will post some final photos upon our return.

Mr. D

Venice back to London

We all woke up early to make our way by water taxi (very cool way to travel) directly to the Marco Polo Airport. It was a beautiful morning to travel for 30 minutes on the water.

Our check-in and flight on Easy Jet were fine. Once everyone figured out how to beat the system of luggage weight. (Only charged 54 euros for 6kg over when we were at least 25kgs over)

Make sure to ask about the new carry-on luggage that Malika, Christy, and Danielle purchased.

We arrived at London-Gatwick airport and made our way over to Heathrow and our final hotel. Our flights begin at 11:25 am tommorrow as our adventure concludes.

We will be one journalist short as Deniz is off to her family and internship.

Venice Day 3

Today the group had the opportunity to continue their exploration of Venice after a morning "slide slam." The numbers of beautiful photos that they have taken is outstanding.

We also made the decision to FedEx the cameras and lens back to Harker. (luggage issue again)


Shopping and eating gelato was a main stay of the day for many. It was quite warm and humid but it did not deter them. Ms. Blair and I made sure that they were hydrated as the day progressed.

Stephanie, Erica and Deniz ventured in to the Basillica and enjoyed seeing the building that dates back to the 11th century.

After a nice time to rest and bond with their roommates, we all dressed up and went out for our last "fancy" meal of the trip. We found a wonderful little Italian place off one of the alleys and had a private dining experience. The menu consisted of 3 courses, each getting to choose from a wide selection.

After dinner we made our way to our favorite gelato place for our last scoops. ( for Talon Alumni who were on Europe trip one, it is the same place) Amanda had 5 scoops this time which was a total of 10 for the day ands 26 scoops over the 3 days. Stephanie met the Wong, Chang challenge and also devoured 5 scoops at one time, for a total of 15 for the trip. Another 5 scoop eater, Tianna.

Venice Day 2

Today began with an hour of looking for stories in St. Marcos Square. The girls broke off in to groups of two and went hunting for stories. They talked with tourists, square vendors, families, and Danielle and Mahum went to the local police station and interviewed them, the official police translator was very happy to help them.






Some of the stories they found were: Pigeons; good or bad for Venice, Will Venice last another generation, and The language barrier and the tourists to name a few.





After the interviews they had to write their article in a 45 minute time limit. They all did a good job, only a few will need re-working. Once they completed their written assignments they were off to photograph Venice.




It was also our second birthday of the trip, Erica turned 15.

We ventured out to a dinner in a small cafe. Then made our way back to St. Marco's Square for some music and fun in the square.

One more from Venice Day 1

A FANTASTIC GROUP!!!

A photo requested by Chris Doll.

The View from Hotel and a Canal

Venice Day 1

After depositing our bags at the hotel we made our way over to Lido and the beach of the Adriatic Sea. The girls, Ms. Blair and I enjoyed the refreshing water for a few hours.  It was very crowded and different from the beaches at home.

Once back at the hotel and checked in, everyone took a well-deserved break to shower and cool off. The rooms are spacious, clean and air-conditioned.

After the break we ventured out to explore a little of the city. 1st stop gelato (twice today), then we made our way to the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal.

We decided to have an early (4:30pm) traditional dinner (3 courses) looking down the Grand Canal. One of our waiters once he found out they were journalists wanted to share with us about his son (14) who was named #1 in math. Also one of them wanted permission to marry Malika! ( I of course said NO!!!)

On our way back we watched an amazing artist produce a work in 3 minutes (see photo) and he GAVE it to us.  Also the girls noticed and ran (non-journalist, but fan) after Lauren Conrad (reality show actress in The Hills) then we ran into a Harker alumnus from the class of 2003, Alex Iftimi.

As we wrap up today, I have taken the girls our this evening to see some more of Venice at night and then an early night for bed so they are rested for their work tomorrow.

The girls really love comments so please keep them coming.  They all cannot wait to share all their experiences with you.

Mr. D.

Overnight train

The train cars we had were MUCH nicer than the one two years ago. It helped only having four per car instead of six. Still no the best night sleep in the world for all, but not bad. (lots of stop and starts over 14 hours.) Everyone was great however, and when we arrived in Venice and the HEAT all handled that and their luggage well. Okay, so we did hire a water taxi, but they still had to lug their luggage about 700 yards through the Palazzo San Marco to our hotel.

As we arrived Stephanie commented how much she really wants to bring her mom to Venice with her and wished she was here to see it. (Something about a tape she used to listen to with you, Eva.)

Paris Day 4

The girls got to sleep in a little today.  We did not leave the hotel until 10:00am.  We ventured to the Post office, so expect post cards.  We then made our way to the Seine to travel by boat to Notre Dame.  Spent some time in that region, a tour through the church, lunch and shopping were also a part of the day.  Let the girls have some time on the Champs Elysee.  

After a little rest, relaxation  and work everyone got ready for our nice dinner in Paris.  We choose La Butte Chaillot, a very elegant establishment, where the other customers were wowed when they entered. The Food was excellent!

A few moving pictures

On one of the warmer days, some decide to cool off.

Sloth II

Paris Day 3 -part II

One more from London - Sloth

Stephanie decided to teach everyone a little game called "sloth" (Heidi W. taught her). It is very simple someone says 1,2,3, Sloth and you make the face and hands of a sloth trying to see who will laugh first.  So be sure to try this when they return.

Mr. D

Paris day 3

Woke up and did the second slide slam of the L'ouvre photos.  All the "photo journalists" did a great job. I think you will really enjoy seeing them all.

At 10:00am we ventured out the Eiffel Tour.  Deniz, Erica, Christy, Danielle and Amanda went up, some to the top and some to the first landing. (photos posted later).  

The weather turned so we made our way back to the hotel to finish the theme packet (ybook) and article search (newspaper)

Be sure to ask Danielle and Christy about the gypsies.

We will go to the Arc de Triumph tonight.

Paris-Louvre II

Paris-Louvre photos

Having a little fun with photography.