SMU Travel Bug » intro http://smutravelbug.com where in the world are sierra, cody, and shelley? Mon, 31 May 2010 01:00:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Part 9: Transit Stage “Ferry fun” http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-9-transit-stage/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-9-transit-stage/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:46:56 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=230 We will board the ’superfast’ ferry and float through the mediteranean, slummin on the decks, swapping stories and mingling with fellow travlers. We’ll be catching our zzzs under the stars and hopefully sail to sleep to the strum of a guitar. (I hope someone on board plays an instrument…otherwise cody can just sing us a song.)

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-9-transit-stage/feed/ 2 Part 12: Switzerland http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-12-switzerland/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-12-switzerland/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:39:34 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=218 Sporting four national languages (French, German, Italian, Romansh) this small densely populated nation of the ‘great outdoors’ shares much of its culture with its neighbors, Italy, Austria, France and Germany. 60 percent of country is in engulfed in the alpine region, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.

Look Forward To…

We plan on leaving no rock unturned as we have a go at Canyoning, hiking, biking, paragliding, and hangliding through Interlocken, Gimmewald, Murren and beyond…

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-12-switzerland/feed/ 0 Part 11: Slovenia http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-11-slovenia/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-11-slovenia/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:39:08 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=216 This tranquil and serene escape is one of Eastern Europe’s best kept secrets. Only recently did globe trotters begin to explore this hideaway of less than 2 million inhabitants after it peaceably broke away from Ugilsovia 15 years ago. It’s natural beauty and allure is compared to that of Switzerland’s, and possesses mystic rivers, lakes, mountains, caves, and castles minus the summer tourism buzz.

Look Forward To…

- Snapshots from majestic lake Bled
- Stroll to the thousand-year-old castle perched above the water
- Exploration of the Postojna Caves, the largest underground cave system in Europe.

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-11-slovenia/feed/ 0 Part 10: Croatia http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-10-croatia/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-10-croatia/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:38:40 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=214 Multiple cultural influences have combined and intertwined to create this seaside escape. The Greeks, Romans, Celtics, Illyrians, Austrians, Hungarians, Byzantines and Islamics, all left a piece of themselves here and so will you. An expanse of endless beaches and crystal seas make this former republic of Yugislavia a seaside splendor, yet its charm stretches further with its rugged coastline speckled with romantic hilltop castles and ancient Roman ruins.

Look Forward To…

Our sure to be whirl-wind rent-a-car experience as we plunge our way into the lush region of cosmic culture and pristine beaches.

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-10-croatia/feed/ 0 Part 8: Greece http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-8-greece/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-8-greece/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:37:36 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=211 Greece of course, is the hub of ancient ruins and archeological wonders…not to mention the Olympic games and Greek mythology. Athens, the country’s capital since the 5th Century BC has laid the foundations of Western civilization.

Look Forward To…

-Island hopping in the Agean sea to Mykynos and Santorini
-We’ll soak in the sun and sights via boat, bike, on foot, and, true to Greecian custom, on donkey back of course!
-Seafood galore!
-The Acropolis & the Parthenon
-Jogging through the Olympic stadium

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-8-greece/feed/ 0 Part 7: Targus Mures, Romania http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-7-targus-mures-romania/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-7-targus-mures-romania/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:36:49 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=209 Romania (Targus Mures)- ‘Liven Livada Orphanage’ (4 days)

This South-Eastern treasure chest of ancient heritage contains numerous examples of diverse culture and art. The population, predominantly Romanians, with Hungarian, and minorities German and Gypsy, is just about split, with half living in urban areas, and half in rural locations.

However, one can’t ignore the mounting problem of the growing numbers of children placed in orphanages. The staggering numbers are due to substandard population policies there, forbidding birth control and abortion, and require women to have five children. These laws have led to the birth of far more children than can be supported by the country. For our service project we will be spending four days serving in the Livada Orphanage in Targu Mures.

Look Forward To…

-Ludus Baby Hospital
-Fun and games with the Children
-Take kids to the zoo and Museum Astra

(link to website: http://www.livada.org/)

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-7-targus-mures-romania/feed/ 0 Part 6: Budapest, Hungary http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-6-budapest-hungary/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-6-budapest-hungary/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:36:13 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=207 ‘The City of Spas’ (1 day)

Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, the relatively young 136 year-old capital of Hungary is actually a combination of three separate cities: Buda, Pest and Óbuda, meaning ‘old Buda.’ The city is well known for its spa and bathhouses, the greatest concentration of natural springs are situated in Obuda, near Gellert Hill.

We will explore the city, walking the ancient pathways and crossing historic bridges. On the double-deckers we’ll be treading all over this three-in-one city, soaking in the clear views, waters, and historical sights. And who couldn’t use some R&R after all that? We’ll hope the Turkish baths will do just the trick.

Look forward to…

-Liberation Monument
-Roosevelt Square
-Castle District and Fisherman’s Bastion
-Parliament building & the Buddha Castle

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-6-budapest-hungary/feed/ 0 Part 5: Krakow, Poland http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-5-krakow-poland/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-5-krakow-poland/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:35:31 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=205 Here, we’ll have a chance to connect with the world that existed 60 years ago by experiencing the horrors of what our history books in school always taught us. Krakow is home of Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the most notorious of Nazi concentration camps established throughout Eastern Europe in the 1940s.

Look Forward To…

- Auschwitz Concentration Camp

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-5-krakow-poland/feed/ 0 Part 4: Czech Republic http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-4-czech-republic/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-4-czech-republic/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:34:11 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=203 One of Europe’s best preserved cities, the ‘Pearl of Europe’ enjoys its freedom after 40 years of Communist rule. We’ll pick up Cody (our stray bug) on the quaint cobblestone streets speckled quaint cafes with and explore the thriving and popular cities.

Look Forward To…

-Charles Bridge strolls
-Prague castle
-Wenceslas Square
-Vibrant nightlife

]]> http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-4-czech-republic/feed/ 0 Part 3: Austria http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-3-austria/ http://smutravelbug.com/2009/06/12/part-3-austria/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:33:44 +0000 SMU Travel Bug http://smutravelbug.com/?p=201 The hills are alive

…with the sounds of three Americans on a bus, belting it out like Julia Andrews

Austria is made up of nine federal states, and is one of six European countries to declare permanent neutrality. Alpine skiing, among a feast of other outdoor activities remains top priority in this scenic, outdoorsy hub.

Look Forward To…
a day in Salzburg

-Mozarts Diggs

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