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Israel Handbell Festival – Day 4

Our first concert was tonight at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and it went really well! There were about 500 people in the audience and they seemed very appreciative. I will send the repertoire later this week when I have a bit more time.
The day, while long, was one of memorable moments: a visit to the traditional birth site of John the Baptist in the village of Ein Karem; a stop at a family run olive wood shop (this group can shop!) in Bethlehem; visits to the Church of the Nativity and The Shepherd’s Field; a quick stop for a bite to eat.

A few snapshots of the day: crossing the border through the wall from Israel into Palestinian Territory to visit sites in Bethlehem; standing in a line for an hour and and half to visit the site of the birth of Christ; hearing the sound of a group of French Catholics singing music of Taize in one of the outdoor chapels at the Shepherd’s Field.

Tomorrow is another long, but rewarding, day. I hope to download and post photos on Thursday….keep your fingers crossed!

Peace from Tel Aviv.

Israel Handbell Tour – Day 3

Day 3 started out with a walking tour of the Neveh Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv, the first Jewish settlement of the future city of Tel Aviv. While visiting the Suzanne Dellal Centre for dance and drama a siren was sounded throughout all of Israel in remembrance of the Holocaust. Sounding for 2 minutes, all activity and movement came to a standstill, even on the roads and freeways, as people stood with heads bowed to remember this atrocious time in our world’s history. It was a moving few minutes and we were overwhelmed with the privilege of being here to experience this moment.

Our next stop was in the ancient city of Jaffa. Now part of the greater area of Tel Aviv, Jaffa dates back to the 20^th century BC. Many of us know Jaffa (Joppa) as the port from which Jonah sailed on his ill-fated journey to Nineveh. Following time for exploration and lunch, we headed over to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art to unload the handbells and have a short rehearsal…Alas, TV1 never came….so much for our fleeting possible moment of fame!

After a wee bit of time to visit the museum holdings, we traveled back to the hotel for freshening up and a bite of supper.

As I am writing this, rehearsal is in progress in the Assia Hall at the museum. There are 42 ringers on stage rehearsing Fred Gramann’s An American Folk Hymn Sampler. It’s amazing watching all of these ringers, most of whom have never played together before, begin to make music as single ensemble.

An interesting environmental issue is in progress in Israel at the moment. Desert winds are blowing in and causing the sky to be very hazy…smog-like, but sand, not smog.

I will share the repertoire for tomorrow night’s concert with you later.

It is now 1 am on Day 4 and we just got back to the hotel from rehearsal an hour ago. It’s going to be a short night as we have to be up at 6:30 for a full day of sightseeing, followed by the first concert. Thus, no posting of new photos…please forgive.

Off to bed……

Israel Handbell Festival April 7 – Day 2

Today dawned bright, sunless and HOT! It was wonderful!

Following a good night’s rest, we explored a couple areas of modern Tel Aviv: the Carmel Market and the area of Bauhaus architecture found along Rothschild Blvd. Carmel Market, also known as a shuk, is second in size to that of the market in old Jerusalem. One can find just about anything one wants: clothes, household items, bathing products, fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade breads, pastries, candies, fish, meats…everything!

Walking next to Rothschild Blvd, we walked by Independence Hall, the residence of the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff. This is also the place where Ben Gurion declared the independence of Israel on May 14, 1948. Next on our adventure was a visit to the UNESCO designated Bauhaus area. This area contains the world’s largest assemblage of buildings that were built between 1930 and 1940, designed by immigrant architects, mainly from Germany. According to one source: “The simplicity and functionality of the style, which aimed to unify art with technology, was considered highly appropriate to the socialist ideals of Zionism…”

The remainder of the day was left for independent exploration and relaxing. Some shopped, some went to the beach, some slept! It has been a great second day.

An interesting note: from sundown tonight to sundown Monday, Holocaust Remembrance Day is happening. All shops, restaurants, nightclubs…everything…are closed by law, in corporate remembrance of this terrible time in history. While it has caused us somewhat of a challenge, it is a moving time to be here.

Pictures will, hopefully, be available tomorrow! Sorry for the delay.

Cheers!

Pictures available

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

“Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” at the Magic Kingdom.
Fall is in the air! Time to rake leaves…enjoy the beautiful colors of the trees…and, of course, start making plans for Halloween! I can’t imagine a better Halloween Party than “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” celebrated on select dates in the Magic Kingdom during the month of October.
During the party, ghosts and goblins of all ages are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes and “trick or treat” around the Magic Kingdom.
Not only will you be able to enjoy all your favorite attractions in the park, you’ll also enjoy special entertainment such as:
*Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade. This parade includes Disney Characters and the residents of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a ride of the Headless Horseman!
*”Happy HalloWishes” fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick or treating in the sky!
*Special lighting, music and effects will transform special areas in the Magic Kingdom into happy haunts!
Keep a watchful eye out around the Magic Kingdom…you never know who you’ll spot! But remember…it’s Halloween! So you may not recognize your favorite character when they’re all dressed up in their costumes!
And parents…don’t worry! This is “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary” Halloween Party so it is appropriate for children of all ages! This is a special ticketed event and the number of tickets sold for each date are limited. Call Witte Travel & Tours today for exact dates and pricing at 1-800-GO-WITTE.
Happy Haunting! BOO!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

17th Annual International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot

The 17th Annual International Food & Wine Festival begins September 28 and continues through November 12, 2012. The festival offers culinary delights from around the world that are sure to please everyone’s taste buds!
This year’s festival highlights include 30 international food and beverage marketplaces, signature dining experiences with celebrity chefs, culinary demonstrations and wine seminars, craft beer and mixology seminars, and the nightly “Eat to the Beat” concert series.
In addition to the international food marketplaces set up throughout the World Showcase, you will also find other venues to compliment the festival experience. “The Cellar” will feature over 300 wines showcased at the festival for you to purchase. It’s also possible to have your bottle(s) signed by the vintner! Complimentary tastings will also be offered at select times during the day.
The Festival Center Café will offer cheeses and light snacks along with a wine bar for you to enjoy during the day and the Stockpot Shop will offer cookbooks, gadgets and festival-themed goodies to take back home.
The International Food & Wine Festival has complimentary offerings that are included with your Epcot admission; however some extra-cost events are offered that will further enhance this event! Space is limited at some of these events, so secure your space early! You can call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation. You will also be able to purchase food items from the marketplace booths at minimal costs.
The International Food & Wine Festival promises culinary delights to please every palate! Let Witte Travel & Tours help you start planning your festival experience now! Give us a call at 1-800-469-4883 now!

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

When someone mentions “Disney World”, what do you think of? Theme parks? Characters? Rides? Family Fun? Of course you’ll find all those things at Disney World! But do you ever think of running a Marathon? How about a Half Marathon? No? Well maybe you should!
Walt Disney World Marathon weekend is January 10-13, 2013 and will feature events for every ability and age!
The Family 5K Event will start the weekend off on Friday! This non-timed 5K run/walk through EPCOT will have an unforgettable finish. This is a great even for the entire family to participate in. All participants will receive a Family 5K Finisher medallion.
Saturday will feature the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) through the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Participants will enjoy on-course entertainment, a Donald Duck finisher medal as well as an invitation to the “after party” on Sunday.
Sunday’s Full Marathon is 26.2 magical miles of fun! This course will cover all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and feature on-course entertainment, a Mickey Mouse finisher medal and the “after party” Sunday night.
Don’t worry…Disney hasn’t forgotten about the “future marathoners”! Kids from infant to age 13 can participate in event at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Five age categories will offer everything from a “Diaper Dash” for little crawlers to the “Mickey Mile” for older kids!
Still not enough of a challenge for you??? Then how about signing up for Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge??? This true test of endurance is for die-hard runners. The 39.3 mile adventure consists of both the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. If you finish both races, you’ll be awarded the much-coveted Goofy medal (in addition to your Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck medals!)
Visit www.rundisney.com for more information on Disney’s Marathon Weekend and other special events planned or for more information on other Run Disney events held throughout the year! Give me a call at 800-469-4883 extension 478 for help in planning your magical Disney Vacation!
Ready? Set? GO!!!!

New Fantasyland Grand Opening!

The next phase of Walt Disney World’s New Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom Park is scheduled to open on December 6, 2012! Attractions included in this phase are Be Out Guest Restaurant (counter service for lunch and full service for dinner), Gaston’s Tavern (counter service), Under the Sea—Journey of the Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto, and Bonjour! Village Gifts. Look for previews of these new venues in mid-November!
Dining reservations will be open for booking in later this month for Be Our Guest Restaurant. It is expected that this will use one table service for dinner or one counter service for lunch if you are on a Disney Meal Plan. We also expect a credit card guarantee and cancellation policy will apply for the dinner seating. Reservations can be made 180 days in advance so start planning now!
And the expansion won’t stop there! Princess Fairytale Hall will open in 2013 and a new Disney “mountain”—The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train—will debut in 2014!
The first phase of the New Fantasyland Expansion opened to guests in July of this year. Storybook Circus includes Barnstormer—Starring the Great Goofini!, the Casey Jr. Splash & Soak Station, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
This is the largest expansion of the Magic Kingdom since opening in October, 1971. Give us a call and let us help you start planning your visit to the newly expanded Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World!

Cars Land at Disneyland, CA

Get ready to rev up the fun at Disneyland!!! Inspired by Route 66, “Cars Land” at Disney California Adventure Park is scheduled to open June 15, 2012! “Radiator Springs”, the Gateway to Ornament Valley, will welcome guests with three new attractions (Radiator Springs Racers, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi’s Flying Tires), shops and food venues. Guests will be greeted by some of their favorite characters from the film including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Luigi and Ramone.
Disney Imagineers have spent the last five years developing the 12-acre land which will bring the world of Disney-Pixar’s Cars to life. Lightning McQueen and Mater drive in for Character meet-and-greets and Red puts on a water effects show which turns into an interactive fountain.
Are you ready for a road trip to Cars Land? Witte Travel can help! Pack up your bags and let’s get going…!