Mission College Humanities 30 - Trip to Budapest, Vienna & Prague

The class and trip are now over and we all have so many memories to share. My students are required to turn in a journal about the trip and their experiences which I will be reading shortly.

As for me, here are some final thoughts:
The class really bonded from each class together and traveled so well together, it was really a pleasure. Worldstrides International Discovery really came through to make the trip come out well and met all our needs. What can I say about our tour director, Cairan Moss, who's experience, knowledge and personality made him the best ever.

Budapest, Hungary: At first it seemed like an old worn out city on the way from the airport but what a change when we got into the city. Lively, interesting, historical, still old but full of friendly people who enjoy living there. Loved the outdoor cafes, Bartok home was beautiful, Liszt Museum was stunning for me. What an unexpected surprise from the ballet of Snow White and the opera house was amazing. I think we're still thinking about the Strauss opera. :) Oh the boat ride past the Parliament building....right when I needed it. The sudden organ music at the cathedral was unimaginable. Thank you to the gentleman who found my passport that I dropped near the mineral bath house while buying a drink.

Vienna, Austria: The train ride was so comfortable and it was taking us to my favorite city on the tour. There was so much here and I was so excited...just the city center near the cathedral was amazing, the Sacher cafe, Mozart statue, KunstHistoriche Museum was a last minute addition that was wonderful, the birth home of Schubert was such a surprise, the Heilegenstadt home of Beethoven was unforgettable, and the cemetery with so many composers was so moving to all of us. The unexpected surprise of attending The Magic Flute at the opera house was awesome, thank you Rachel. Of course, the highlight of the entire trip for me was attending the concert at the Musikverein, it really moved me. Great food and fun. "I'll be back"

Prague, Czech Republic: It was brief and I was ill for the first half but what a happening place. I'm so happy everyone enjoyed the concert at the Smetana Hall. I hope to be there again soon but for now I'm happy that it all worked out for the class to enjoy the final concert. The city is picturesque, historical, and energetic. The final dinner was a blast and such great food. Speaking of food, I don't want to forget to mention the New York cafe in Budapest and the 14th century restaurant in Vienna that were awesome. Again, great job Rachel.

And speaking of Rachel, thanks for giving me your aisle seats both ways between SFO and London. I never would have made it in a middle seat for those long flights. You're the best! And yes, I almost lost my passport again on the flight home. Thank you to the lovely flight attendant for returning it and I think I need to work on a new plan for how to carry that. :)

Once again, special thanks to Cairan Moss, a real gentleman and expert. Thanks to Mission College for allowing this to take place. Our group will be meeting again to share and enjoy one more meal together. And plan for the next trip?? :)

We landed on time on Friday, June 13, and flew through customs only to have major luggage delays. But everyone got their luggage and was on their way home after a great trip. I was so tired I slept all evening and then was too tired to post today, Saturday, but finally have a couple photos here. Final class summary to come.

Great views of the city flying into London. Now we're relaxing at Starbucks and Pret A Manger (another of my favorites) before our flight to SFO. —

At the Prague airport at 5:00 am. Long trip ahead but looking forward to get home with lots of new memories.

Thursday, June 12. Last day of our trip. I'm feeling better and got to enjoy some sightsing and dinner. What a great time. Will get ay be 4-5 hours sleep now before heading to the airport. See you in San Francisco!

Wednesday, June 11, Vienna was wonderful. We had a train ride to Prague and when we arrived we went to the Dvorak museum. It was great. Unfortunately I came down with food poisoning and had to stay in my room all night. No concert for me but I'm better now and had a little breakfast. No more fever. Will have to relax the last day here. But the group enjoyed the concert.

June 10 continued.

Tuesday, June 10. We covered a lot of ground today....Stadt Park, Beethoven's death location, Franz Josef Church, Schubert's birth house, Beethoven's Heilengestadt home, Central Cemetery, and St. Stephens cathedral. Wow! Followed by an enjoyable dinner.