ONE MORE SLEEP!!!!!

Here we are ... the day before departure.  A few things to note.

1.  We will have the chance to attend a "safe" club in Heidelburg on our last night.  You may want to consider packing something for this night, but rest assured that Kov and me will be in jeans!

2.  On night 2 or 3 we have the opportunity to attend a concert at the Sound of Vienna.  This will be an EXTRA cost to students, and by no means must you attend.  I will not be attending, however the Californians and Kov and Herr Roescher will be going.  Here is a link to the website.  Tickets will be about 40 Euros, so it is expensive.  Please rest assured that you will be well taken care of, should you decide to stay at the hotel with me.

3.  We have a surprise planned for the border of Germany and Austria, but should the Californians happen to mention it, I'll introduce it first!  We will be doing a saltmine tour, complete with "magic" lake, a roller coaster into the mine, and a photo op when we all dress up in miners' clothes! 

4.  Weather: looks BEAUTIFUL!!!  anywhere from 0-15 degrees, depending on the day.  I was asked what I was bringing and here are a few things to consider.  Turtlenecks and sweaters for layering, one extra pair of shoes ONLY, and a coat that doubles as a rain coat.  It looks like we're going to have rain on the weekend.

5.  Suitcase:  I'm not joking, but our partnered group has been told to bring a suitcase that is no bigger than 22" (carry-onish size).  Please try to compact your clothes as much as possible.  I fit everything in mine (20"), but am carrying my coat on the plane.

Check back again later today or tomorrow for anything I have forgotten.  Please call your friends if they are not on the blog, or if they do no have internet access at home.

We are so looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow! 

Introducing ...

Name: Chelsea
Grade: 12
Favourite Book: Don't like reading!
Favourite Movie(s): 300, Wolverine, Role Models
Favourite Food: Pasta and anything Polish/Ukranian.
Previous Travels: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Florida, British Columbia, Barbados, British Vigin Islands, a lot of other Caribbean islands that I can't remember and Nova Scotia.
On the plane I will...:  Listening to my ipod, watching some movie then hopefully sleeping.
On the bus I will...: Taking pictures or sleeping.
On this trip, I am more looking forward to...: Hanging out with my friends and exploring Europe :)

Introducing ...

First Name: Nicole (on left)
Grade: 11
Movie: Ninja Turtles I, II
Book: The Time Travellers Wife
Food: White Bread
Plane: Sleep. Talk.
Bus: Talk. Sleep.
Looking Forward To: Trying white german bread.

First Name: Niki (on right)
Grade:11
Movie:Jurassic Park I, II, III
Book: East of Eden
Food: Brown Bread
Plane: Sleep. Talk.
Bus: Talk. Sleep.
Looking Forward To: Seeing a schnitzel museum

Introducing ...

Jennifer
Grade:  12
Best loved book and movie:  Twilight Series; Avatar
Previous travel:  All the to Alberta and to the farthest eastern point of Canada.
Favorite food:  Pitas and Lemon Meringue Pie
On the plane I will .......Even though I don't know what it's like on a plane, I plan to sleep, listen to music, and watch movies
On the bus I will........take lots of pictures of the landscape and people on the bus. 
On this trip I am most looking forward to ..........buying and eating chocolate; seeing old castles, old cathedrals and the Alps.  I want to shop and experience the Europeon culture.

Introducing ...

First Name: Harrison  
Grade: 10
Best Loved Movie: Step Brothers
Previous Travels: Florida, New York, Arizona and various provinces in Canada
Favourite Food: Steak
On the plane I will… watch movies and sleep.
On the bus I will… talk with everyone and take pictures.
On this trip I am looking forward to… trying new food and trying to speak new languages.

Mt. Pilatus

Check out the weather on top of the world!
Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland!

Webcam up there!  Parents ... take a look on the day we are scheduled to be there!

Introducing ...

 

First Name: Courtney
Grade:11
Best loved book and movie: Book- Killing Time by David Wicks, Movie- Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, Runaway Bride
Previous travels:Across Canada- From B.C. to Toronto, California, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Favourite Food:Chocolate, Cheese, and many kinds of Baked goods!!!
On the plane I will... Not really sure, maybe read or talk or watch movies.
On the bus I will... Take tons of pictures, and take with friends.
On this trip I am most looking forward to... eating different food, sightseeing,  and attempting to speak German!

Introducing ...

 

Name: Amanda Kurpieweit
Grade: 11
Favourite Book: Twilight Series
Favourite Movie: Fame, The Proposal, and many more !
Previous Travels: Daytona Florida, Orlando Florida, Cuba.
On the plane I will.... probably listen to music, sleep, talk !
On the bus I will... take lots of pictures !
On this trip I am most looking forward to: all the sights to see, meeting new people, making this the best trip ever ! 

Introducing ...

 

 Name: Dallas

Grade: 11

Best Loved Book: Atlas Shrugged -- Ayn Rand

Best Loved Movie: Depends on what I'm in the mood for

Previous Travels: All provinces, bulk of the northern states, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles

On the Plane I will: Try to swap seats with the guy at the Emergency Exit

On the Bus I Will: Complain that there are no seatbelts

On this Trip I am most looking forward to: Speaking German

Introducing ...

 

First Name: Dani

Grade: 10
Best loved book: the one that was really interesting but I don't remember it's name
Best loved movie: Way to many to name
Previous Travels: Germany many times, Hawaii and British Columbia
On the plane I will.. be listening to music, playing games on my i pod, daring myself to look out the window, watching movies and maybe getting some sleep in
On the bus I will... be taking pictures of whats outside and enjoying the scenery
On this trip, I am more looking forward to... taking many amazing photo's, having a blast, and everything else thats lots of fun

Introducing ...

First Name: Chelsea


Grade: 11

Best loved book: Harry Potter Series

Best loved movie: Probably Little Miss Sunshine, however it always changes!

Previous Travels: California (Nevada/ Arizona) has been my favourite trip that I have gone on, I loved seeing Palm Springs, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. I previously have traveled out west to see B.C and Alberta as well as out East to see P.E.I , New Brunswick and Quebec. I've traveled to Washington D.C and Orlando Florida  to see Disney World! I most recently went to New York city which was very fun! However I have never been to Europe so I am extremely excited.

On the plane I will... probably read, sleep or talk.

On the bus I will... once again read, sleep or talk.

Switzerland is probably the place I am most excited to see!

Introducing ...

Name: Sarah Waldie
Grade: 11
Favourite Book(s): The Harry Potter Series
Favourite Movie(s): Almost Famous/ Across The Universe/ Avatar... many more :P
Favourite Food: Scalloped Potatoes :D
Previous Travels: I haven't been many places, only a few places in the U.S (Florida/ Ohio) and Canada.
On the plane I will...: Bicker with Dallas Shewfelt, watch a movie or two? and sleep.
On the bus I will...: Take many pictures!
On this trip, I am more looking forward to...: Everything! I'm sure it's going to be a trip to remember. :)

Hotel Information

Here are the links to the hotels we will be staying in.  Please contact us with any questions you may have.  Phone numbers are listed on each site.  A printed copy of this will be given at the meeting next week.

March 17-19: Vienna          Asperner Loewe
March 19-21: Munich         Hotel Imperial
March 21-22: Tyrol            Alpengasthof Windegg
March 22-24: Lucerne        Hotel Engel - Emmetten
March 24-25: Heidelberg    Haas'sche Muehle

Introducing ...

 

The Name is, McQuarrie, Tia McQuarrie
Grade: 12
Favourite Book: Unlike everyone else I'll admit that i hate books so therefore I don't have a favourite book.
Favourite Movie: Anything Disney.
Favourite Food: Perogies & ice cream but I probably wouldn't have them together.
Previous Travels: I've been on the last school trip to France and Italy ,which was amazing, I've also been to Holland for the 60th anniversary of Holland being liberated. I've also been to the Dominican Republic as well as Florida and I have travelled to Nova Scotia every summer since I was five to visit family.
On the Plane I will: I will most likely be knocked out by gravol along side Kalsey Jordan Smith.
On the bus I will: I'll be doing the exact same thing that i was doing on the plane, it's pathetic i know but for me there's only one way around motion sickness; and that is the wonderful GRAVOL.
On this trip I am most looking forward to: Taking amazing pictures with friends and the locals, as well as eating unfamiliar cuisine, shopping, and simply living the moment the best I can. I plan on making this trip unforgettable!

Introducing ...

 

Name: Michaela
Grade: 9
Best loved book: Eragon series, or Harry Potter
Best loved movie: StarWars =D
Previous Travels: Caribbean, Italy, Malta, Sicily, Burmuda, Florida (various other states), B.C., and NFLD
On the plane i will... draw, read, listen to music, or daydream
On the bus i will...join in a singsong, read, and try to get to know people.
On this trip i'm am most looking forward to... the landscape.

Introducing ...

Name: Marc
Grade: 12
Best Loved Book/Movie: No coins, Please/Avatar, Fast and Furious
Previous Travels: Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida, New Brunswick, Newfandland, British Columbia
Favourite Food: Pasta
On this trip, I am looking forward to meeting new people, learning some German and then ordering food in German

Introducing ...

First Name: Katelyn (girl on left)
Grade: 12 yeahhh!
Best loved book and movie: love all kinds of novels, maybe more so of the historical kind, so I’ve got to have “A Knight's Tale” as my favourite movie.
Previous travels: France, Monaco, Italy, Florida, Nova Scotia, Vermont, Buffalo, and Quebec
Favourite food: all kinds of chocolate and meat...such a weird combination eh?
On the plane I will... be either passed out sleeping or be an insomniac, watching countless movies and talking nonstop with whomever is beside me till we touch ground! (you were warned Taylor :P ).
On the bus I will... act like a perfect tourist, taking in the sights and countless pictures of them, and simply enjoying the journey

On this trip I am most looking forward to...simply having the best trip possible with the best of friends already made and to be made. YEAH!


First Name: Tanya (girl on right)
Grade: 12
Best loved book and movie: I don't have a favourite book, but my favourite movie would have to be Titanic :)
Previous travels: no where crazy, just various provinces in Canada and a few states
Favourite food: pork chops, waffles, any kinds of muffins or cake, oh and dippin’ dots are pretty amazing too!
On the plane I will... look out the window and be super excited
On the bus I will... take pictures of the lovely views and pretty much just enjoy life
On this trip I am most looking forward to...  everything!

Introducing ...

First name: Taylor (girl on left)
Grade: 12
Best loved book: Twilight!!! Hahah
Best loved movie: Fight Club
On the plane I will...pass out or throw up.
On the bus I will...sing until my lungs give out.
On this trip I am most looking forward to...the sights and the
food...mmm head cheese...

Introducing ...

Name: Kalsey
Grade: 12
Best Loved Book/Movie...  The Sword of Truth series/all three Bourne movies
Previous travels: France Monaco and Italy (with Kov, Madelle and Roesch), Florida, New York, and various provinces in Canada
Favourite Food: Homemade pasta
On the plane... if they have those touch screen tvs on every seat I will probably end up watching every movie :) Sleep.
On the bus I will... talk with everyone! or sit next to Tia and probably get car sick :)
On this trip I am most looking forward to... the awsome times and memories!

Introducing ...

Name: Mike
Grade: 10
Best loved book and movie: book/SKETCHES   movie/THE PRODUCERS
Previous Travels: Ontario, and Florida
Favourite Food: Moms home-made stir fry or lasagna
On the plane I will... Listen to music, watch a movie, and chatt with a neighbouring friend.
On the bus I will... Take lots of pictures, have fun ;), and I really dont know what else.
I am most looking forward to on this trip... Absolutely everything especially the sights and having a great time with new friends!

Introducing ...

Name: Jorden
Grade: Victory Lap
Loved Book: Jane Eyre
Loved Movie: Harvey
Previous Travels: France, Italy, Virginia, Memphis, Tennessee, Nashville.
Favourite Food: Mac & Cheese!

We need some input, please!

Please email me at kovicha@hdsb.ca with your ideas.  We are looking at either Roots Canada Toques or a Blanket for our special gift this year.  Please let me know what you would prefer.  It'll be the same gift for all ... we hope you like it!

Introducing ...

Name: Katlyn

Grade: 13

Favourite Book: A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

Favourite Movie: The Breakfast Club

Previous Travels: Carribean, Southern United States, Eastern Canada

Favourite Food: Anything Meatless

On the plane I will.. Read my Alps travel guide, sleep.

On the bus I will.. Take a lot of pictures!

The thing I am most looking forward to about this trip.. EVERYTHING.

Flight Info

Our flight info has arrived!  Mark the following on your calendars and let your work know that you are going to the ALPS!

PLEASE PLEASE become a follower of this blog if you are not already, and start harrassing other travelmates and all parents to join!

Dep:
March 16  10:15 pm
Toronto to London (Heathrow)
British Airways Flight 98
Arrive 9:15 am

Arrive London March 17
Depart for Vienna 10:55 am (local time)
British Airways Flight 700
Arrive Vienna 2:10 pm (local time)


Dep for home:
March 25 10:00 a.m. (local time)
From Frankfurt Germany
Air Canada Flight 873

ARRIVE WITH VERY TIRED AND HAPPY TRAVELLERS
1:35 pm - Toronto Pearson (local time)

If students have aeroplan or any other kind of travel reward program they may register their number at check-in.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns!

Introducing ...

First name: Tristram
Grade: 12
Best loved book and movie: Hands down Harry Potter series for the best books, Avatar or Dark Knight for my favourite movie.
Previous travels: Ummm, around Canada mostly, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Georgetown.
Favourite Food: Mussels (or anything served at Salty's Restaurant), and Spaghetti, but certainly not together!
On the plane I will be the sharpest lookin guy next to Danny Holmes.
On the bus I will: Sing and miss my guitar, point out sports cars, crack the odd one-liner, ya know.
On this trip I am most looking forward to THE BLACK FOREST!!! and Vienna, and the funny things that will happen that will be retold endlessly in years to come.

Introducing ...

Name: Danny
Grade: 12
Favourite book/movie: Anthem by Ayn Rand/Zoolander
Previous Travels: Dominican Rep./Myrtle Beach/Banff
Favourite Food: Steak and potatoes
On the Plane I will... sleep and maybe read, chat or listen to music
On the bus I will... see the sights! And maybe sleep and listen to music
On this trip I am most looking forward to... Experiencing a new culture! I have wanted to visit europe for years, and German culture has always been fascinating to me.

3 Things

1) PLEASE please please tell your families and friends to follow the blog.  This is our most important means of communication.  If you know someone going on the trip, and they are not following the blog, please get them to do so.

2)  Our slogan for the trip will be something like "Acton's Alps Adventures" or "Acton Travels the Alps."  We need a logo made for our surprise gift for you ... can anyone help us?  We'd like the "A" of Acton and Alps to be made from a mountain.

3) Fundraising effort #3 will be handed out during exam week.  We will be selling spring bulbs and seeds.  You will be fundraising for yourself, and will earn 50% of what you sell.  Please see Kov, Roescher or me with any questions.

Now go and bug your family to follow the blog!  And please track down the missing travellers!
Thanks!

Introducing ...

First Name: Cara Lyall
Grade: 12
Best loved book and movie: My favourite movie of all time would have to not be twillight, and actually be a classic Arthur's Christmas. My best loved book is definitely Babysitter's Club.
Previous travels: Canada
On the plane I will... think about Tess's explanation of why planes are bad and scary, and how jets make people want to vomit because they are cold and stupid babies kick your seat when they sit behind you. AND that the inconsiderate lady sits beside you and reads Harry Potter when you haven't read it yet, and you keep getting peaks of what is happening and you're all like, "Voldemort said whaaaaaaaaaaat". Also, there are always business men from Florida that talk about themselves alot, and fight over blankets and pillows, and leg room. Then taylor falls asleep on him. Next time Tess flies, she`s doing first class. She can`t handle normal planes. For some reason, her hands will get tired and bloody. Don`t know why. Oh, that`s Tess`s hands. Yup.
On the bus I will...eat. think. watch. understand. sniffle. love. laugh.
Favourite food: something without meat.  :) Taylor likes chicken. Amy likes fish, but loves birds the most. She also likes cheese and onion pies. That is all.

Introducing ...

First name: Jessica
Grade: 12
Best loved book and movie: Harry Potter books are pretty great, and Breakfast at Tiffany's is a nice movie
Previous travels: France, Monaco, and Italy (with the Kovich's and Roesch), Dominican, Jamaica, Florida, Boston, Chicago, various provinces in Canada, and various parts of Europe
Favourite food: Pasta and pretty much anything with chocolate :)
On the plane I will... bug Kelly with some lovely singing
On the bus I will... take pictures out the window and possibly bug Kelly some more
On this trip I am most looking forward to... seeing lots of cool stuff, having fun, and pretty much everything!!!

Needed ... food allergies and preferences

If you have any food allergies or food preferences (vegetarian etc) please let us know this week.

Thanks!

Introducing ...

Thanks to Amy and Taylor who are the first to respond to our request for photo and info.  Here is a little bit about these two lovely ladies who will be joining us in March.  Their own info in their own words. 

First Name: Taylor Nicole Bulstrode the Third
Grade: 12
Best loved book and movie: My two favourite pieces of literature are Wag the Dog and Mice and Men
Previous travels: France, Monaco, Italy (with the Kovichs, Roesch and friends), England, Florida, Temagami
Favourite food: Cookies :) of all colours, shapes and sizes
On the plane I will... be determined not to sit next to a snoring man, or one who coordinates all his travels with mine, asking questions non-stop
On the bus I will... contemplate life's fundamental  questions by comparing different philosophers such as Locke and Aquinas
On this trip I am most looking forward to... not eating duck, quack quack.


First Name: Amy Louise Brierley the Tenth
Grade: 12
Best loved book and movie: Harry Potter (fine novels they are)  and Serendipity
Previous travels: France, Monaco & Italy (The Kovich and Roesch trip when I was in grade 10), Temagami, England, New York City, Florida, Australia and day trips around here :)
Favourite food: Chocolate and Chicken Curry (but not together)
On the plane I will... have deep conversations with Danny Holmes and find out everything I can about him ahah
On the bus I will... look out the window and love life
I am most looking forward to on this trip... I am looking forward to absolutly everything except for when tia gets grumpy!! haha