2010 - Page 3 of 12 - Amazing Journeys

Archive for 2010

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Prague-Day 4

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Today was a meaningful and powerful day as we visited Terezin and the Hidden Synagogue. Our guide Sylvie Wittmann, is the third generation of a family deeply immersed in the Jewish history of Prague and is legendary in her own right. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989 that brought down communism, one could say that Sylvia, almost single-handedly, orchestrated the rebirth of Judiasm in the Czech Republic and Prague. We were fortunate to have her with us on this memorable day. Today we see some attractions rarely available for groups, including “The Hidden Synagogue,” named for the Jewish Terezin prisoners who burrowed underground to worship there.

Tonight’s dinner, taking place as this is being posted is at Bellevue, often thought to be the best restaurant in Prague. Our tables view the luminescent sparkle of the lighted Charles Bridge and Castle Hill

(photo: Memorial to Terezin – At the Krematorian)

Prague-Days 2 and 3

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

What an amazing weekend!! On Saturday we toured elegant Hradcany, The Royal Palace, Medieval St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica in its original 10th century condition and Golden Lane, a narrow road filled with shops. Dinner was with a special guest, Martina Stolbova, winner of an Emmy for Best Documentary film called “The Power of Good” which chronicles the beautiful story of Nicholas Winton, rescuer of Jewish Children. Nicholas Winton, listed among the “righteous” Jews, saved over 600 children by evacuating them by train to London.

On Sunday we visited Josefov, the historic Jewish Center and “The Jewish Museum,” a neighborhood surrounding five synagogues where we learned about the history of the Czech Jews and the Prague Jewish Community. We also went to the magnificent Old Town Square with its renowned Astrological Clock, and Wenceslas Square, where in November 1989, the Velvet Revolution took place and marked the end of Communism.

 We topped off the weekend with a night at the spectacular National Theatre to see “The Bartered Bride” considered to be the Czech version of “Fiddler on the Roof.”The opera is considered to have made a major contribution towards the development of Czech music. It was composed during the period 1863–66.  The National Theatre in Prague is a stunning neo-renaissance building, constructed from 1868-81. It sits proudly alongside the banks of the Vltava River, its golden roof gleaming in the sunshine on sunny days. For Czech people, the National Theatre is one of the most important cultural institutions in Prague.


..and what did you do this weekend??

Prague-Day 1

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Throughout the day today folks arrived into Prague. Now that we’re almost 40 strong, the heart of the tour is about to beginThe program began with a welcome reception and orientation followed by Shabbat Service at one of Prague’s beautiful Synagogues.   Shabbat dinner tonight was at the lovely Louvre Restaurant a historic establishment where the likes of . Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka dined. Prague is the most beautiful city in all of Europe.  On the walk home from dinner our guests were treated to an illuminated spectacle; a special and meaningful conclusion to the first day. 

Poland – Day 3

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Today the group departed Krakow  on a 9am train bound for Warsaw.

 Upon arrival, we had lunch with a guest from the Taube Foundation, an organization  supporting the ongoing revival of Jewish culture in Poland and to furthering awareness of this resurgence. 

After lunch we embarked on a sightseeing tour of Warsaw that included the former Jewish Ghetto with many inspiring monuments of World War II Nazi period, and the site of the bunker on Mila St., Mila 18 – headquarters of Warsaw Ghetto defenders and Umschlag Platz, where 300,000 Jews were deported. 

After checking into the hotel for an evening at leisure, all eyes are on the main part of our Central Europe tour beginning tomorrow, with 25 additional group members arriving into Prague.

Poland – Day 2

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Today has been a meaningful and powerful day for our group in Poland as they embarked on a tour of Jewish Krakow.   The day began with an introductory talk by Robert Gadek, the director of the Jewish Cultural Center. His talk on history of the Jews in Poland before and after World War II would prepare the group for the important touring that followed.

Today’s tour included a visit to Schindler’s Factory- recently opened as a museum to rave reviews, Kazimierz (Historic Ghetto)  and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau (see photo of the entrance to Auschwitz)

After an emotional afternoon, we lightened things up a bit to enjoy the music of our ancestors during dinner with Klezmer Music in Kasimierz.

Poland – Day 1

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Our Poland pre-tour group has arrived!  Today everyone is getting acquainted with a Walking Tour of Krakow that includes the famous Market Square (The Rynek) which has been a hub of Poland’s urban existence since 1257. Some of the great dramas of Poland’s history were played out here and Market Square remains one of the most vibrant and inspiring places in the country.

Tonight, everyone will join in a special dinner at The Wentzl,  one of Krakow’s most prestigious restaurants located in a house built in the 14th century.  Special guest speaker Rabbi Tanya Segel,  will provide an interesting prospective to Jewish life in Poland.

Living Vicariously with Amazing Journeys in Central Europe

Monday, October 4th, 2010

  Even if you can’t be with us as we tour this historical, meaningful and stunningly gorgeous region, why not live a little vicariously?  Amazing Journeys heads to Central Europe tonight to embark on a journey of re-birth and renewal.  After an optional 3 night pre-trip to Poland with thirteen passengers, 40 travelers will head to Prague and Budapest for an experience that will enrich their lives forever.
 
Sit back and enjoy a literary and photographic armchair tour of our Amazing Journey to Central Europe, beginning October 5th.







Random Fun Facts About the World

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

Alaska – More than half the coastline of the entire US is in Alaska

The Amazon – The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that hundreds of miles at sea off the mouth of the river, one can dip fresh water out of the ocean.  The volume of water in the Amazon River is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined.

Antarctica – 90% of the world’s ice covers Antarctica, despite the fact that the continent is a desert receiving an average of just 2″ of precipitation a year.  Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with absolute humidity lower than the Gobi Desert.

Brazil – The country of Brazil got its name from the nut, not the other way around

Canada – Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined.

Detroit – Woodward Avenue in Detroit, MI carries the designation M-1, so named because it was the first paved road anywhere.

Istanbul – Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents.

Kansas City – The city of Kansas City is the only city in America to be divided by two states.  You could be a resident of Kansas City, Kansas and your neighbor across the street could have a different area code, different laws and a different speed limit driving up the other side of the road to their home, living in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pitcairn Island – The smallest island with country status is Pitcairn Island in Polynesia; just 1.75 sq. miles.

Sahara Desert – There is a town in the Sahara Desert named Tidikelt,  Algeria where nary a drop of rain fell for more than 10 years.

Pittsburgh, PA – Known as the “city of bridges”, Pittsburgh has more bridges than any other city in the world other than Venice, Italy.

Pre-Cruise Package in Athens

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Israel Post-Cruise Options

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010