VENICE, ITALY

Heading from Seefeld, Austria to Venice, Italy.  It was a beautiful morning and as easy drive.

We stopped along the way at a "Truck stop," but these truck stops do not resemble anything like we see in the US.  This barista is making fresh off the press expresso!  Tasty!

It's everywhere!

On the ferry to the island of Venice.  St. Mark's here we come!

Our "backstage" tour of Venice included history as well as a view of how the full time residents live.

Beautiful St. Mark's Cathedral.  The choir sang two sacred numbers here....cameras not allowed inside!

Many chose to have lunch at an outdoor restaurant on the Grand Canal.  What a treat!

Dr. B's selfie in St. Mark's square.  Couldn't help himself....

SEEFELD, AUSTRIA

Crans-Montana and Zermatt, Switzerland

These are pictures from our time in Crans-Montana and the day trip to Zermatt, Switzerland.  Included are also a couple of shots from our visit to the Château of Chillon and Montreux.  Switzerland was the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle and go go go of the past six days in London and Paris.  The air is clean and crisp and the scenery is spectacular.  On our concert day we played to a packed tent of local residents and all three ensembles performed with expertise and quality!  Zermatt was a wonderful day trip to see the Matterhorn and shop in this lovely little mountain village.  To get to the photo spot we rode a cable car INSIDE THE MOUNTAIN.  As one emerges from the tunnel one sees the majesty of the Matterhorn across the valley.  At the end of our Zermatt day we had a terrific fondue party with entertainment provided by an amazing array of local talent.  The students all had a chance to play alphorns!  We loathed the end of our time here but will always remember the beauty and peacefulness of this wonderful mountain village.

Great yogurt!

Model of the château.

Beautiful wood carved window.

The toilet.  A LONG way down to the water of Lake Geneva.

Beautiful Lake Geneva, on a rainy and misty day.

Concert day!

Beautiful flowers were everywhere!

A local resident!  Mr. Bernese!

The Matterhorn!

Could be worse.

Concerts!

Red Bus

Green Bus

Orange Bus

Blue Bus

YES!  IT REALLY WAS THAT BEAUTIFUL!

PARIS

LONDON

 The traditional Illinois Ambassadors of Music 1st night group picture on the steps of beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral.  This evening's walk includes crossing the Millennium Bridge to Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the back via the excavated Roman ruins.  Londinium, as it was called by the Romans, is over 2000 year old, having been established on the site of modern London, in 47 CE.  

St. Paul's Cathedral at about 10 pm.  It stays light much longer in this latitude!

Staff with our amazing city guide, Nigel.  Nigel is a retired London Bobby and knows his city like the back of his hand.  Terrific stories and great insight into the history of London.

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben!

Palace of Westminster, which now houses Parliament.

This is a terrific group of our students who chose to ride the London Eye.  What an amazing view from the top.

The choir and orchestra performed in Wesley's Chapel (yes....that Wesley) and then again with the band at the Victoria Embankment Gardens.  We had an excellent crowd who was most appreciative.

The Rosetta Stone at the British Museum.

There are two evenings of optional theater in the West End of London.  Les Mis was spectacular!

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The London Eye from the ground!