Day 9: Rheinfelden, Switzerland/Bregenz and Innsbruck, Austria

It is Sunday, May 24^th. As we said goodbye to our hotel in Engelberg I could not help but notice more sustainable practices. I noticed that the hallway lights stay on only when you walk in the hallway; also the toilets have different water usage levels. These small changes save more energy each year than most energy plans in the world. After breakfast in the hotel we made the beautiful drive to the Feldschlosschen Brewery in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. We had a private tour of the brewery and learned the ways in which they incorporate sustainability into making their beers. The factory and tour was very handicap accessible and the security of the facility was satisfactory. Some areas were open, which raised some concern. But, the brewery is in a very rural area. After the tour we had the privilege of tasting a few different beers along with delicious homemade pretzels. Today I made a new friend, Christian our bus driver. He told me about his German heritage and his passion for traveling and making new friends within his job. It was very enriching and eye opening for me to see a perspective of life from a foreign friend. After the brewery we made our way to the quaint town of Bregenz. The city is situated on Lake Constance, a sprawling lake with many sources. While we had limited time, a group and I had lunch at an Italian restaurant called Isola Bella. The prices were fairly decent, but the service was lackluster. The owner seemed very shocked by our request to order takeaway. He told us to relax and enjoy our meal. We would have if we had time. This goes to show the Europeans way of life and their slow enjoyment of life’s gifts. After our stop in Bregenz we made our way to the Hotel Jagerhof in Innsbruck. The hotel is situated on a beautiful mountain side, and the views from our rooms were spectacular. While I did not have dinner in the hotel restaurant, the bar was well stocked and the students enjoyed the local culture and feel. The most surprising thing I saw today was the size of the brewery we toured. It is amazing to think about all of the work it takes to make our beverages. The most important thing I learned today is to see life through another’s eyes, and to grow from what you learn. Back home I would tell everybody to sit back and relax in the moment. The Europeans do it, and they seem much happier and at ease with life. 

Day 5: Lake Como, Italy

                It is Wednesday, May 20^th. We are here at the quaint Lario Hotel in Mezzegra, Italy. We have a very busy day ahead of us. After our breakfast, we make our way by bus to Como, where we will take our boat tour of the Lake. Unfortunately, it is raining. But, the beauty of the lake is still present. After a light breakfast of a cappuccino, an Italian tradition, we meet with Roberta Caprani. She is our private tour guide of the lake and she spoke English for us due to the minimal English signage. The boat that we travel on seems to be a bit older than most, but the views outside the windows are magnificent. There was no handicap access on the boat, so any passengers with wheelchairs had to stay on the main level. The safety of the boat was strong, with little open areas and a large amount of guardrails. The history of the lake was very interesting, and seeing the aged villas and castles on the shores was something to remember. When we arrived in Bellagio, the pearl of the lake, we had time to shop a bit and to get lunch. We first went to a restaurant called Aperitivo et al. While we ordered a take away meal due to a time crunch, the staff seemed annoyed at this. The food quality was satisfactory and was enough to suffice. After I shopped for a bit, we had to leave to make our way to the Locanda Dell’Isola Comacina on a small island in the middle of the lake. We had the privilege of sitting in a traditional coffee ceremony that claimed to cleanse the evil spirits that roamed on the island. The owner of the restaurant, Benvenuto Puricelli, was very hospitable towards our group and invited us back anytime. While we did not eat here, the levels of service seemed to be the highest of anywhere we had been thus far. The island was very old and not accessible by handicaps. After we explored the island and all of the history it had to offer, we were taken to Domaso. We made the long walk up to the winery Azienda Agricola Sorsasso. We were greeted very warmly by the staff and were given a pasta making demonstration. Afterwards, we were taken into the wine cellar to indulge in a three course dinner where we tasted three kinds of wine with different food pairings. The quality of the food was superb and the service was fine tuned to the atmosphere and the level of hospitality. The winery seemed to be an older building; therefore there was little accessibility for wheelchairs. The most beautiful thing I saw on this day was the eerie feel of the lake and its beauty. The most surprising thing was the history of the lake and the many historical events that took place there. I feel that the level of hospitality that we received at the winery should be used as a model for American businesses to retain loyal customers and experiences.  

Day 1: Nice, France

This is Taylor checking in to tell you all about our first day in the beautiful city of Nice!

Honestly, I did not expect this city to be everything that it is. Of course, I knew it was going to be beautiful. It's the French Riviera! But, I was blown away immediately by the city's old time charm with a new age feel. The architecture is nothing short of spectacular, it lives up to the images I have had in my head picturing France ever since I was a child.

Once we got settled into our hotel, some students and I decided to take the raving recommendation from Diana (our tour guide) and climb the famous Colline du Chateau. The views from the top of the hill overlook the open ocean and the town that stretches for miles back into the mountain range. We discovered old pieces of history and found a quaint park where locals go to relax.

Naturally, we walked along the stretch of the Promenade de Anglais, widely known as the Bay of Angels. It was very interesting to see the locals on the public beaches along with tourists trying to take the perfect shot of the promenade.

After walking through the city some more, it was time for our group dinner. The restaurant was called L'Ecurie and was located in Old Town Nice. Being the first time dining in Europe for alot of students, it was interesting for us to see the differences in service and hospitality. With a much more relaxed atmosphere, we stayed and had a traditional three course French meal.

After our dinner, we had free time to do as we pleased. A few students and I strolled through the town and made plans for tomorrow. So far, Nice is spectacular and worth a visit for France travelers!

Pre-Departure Excitement!

By: Taylor

While we still have a little over two weeks until our departure, I am getting more and more excited every day! The reality is starting to set in.

When thinking of the trip ahead, I cannot think of a better way to go abroad for the first time. As students we will have the privilege of learning the European way of hospitality while also enjoying the wonderful things each city we see has to offer! I have heard nothing but amazing things from past program participants and Dr. Barber. I have a feeling that this group and our journey will be one that we will never forget.

T-minus days!