GERMANY TOUR WITH JAZZ AVENUE

March 20-25, 2012

Day 1: Breakfast at The Big Kitchen

A friend and treasured supporter of Jazz Avenue was kind enough to treat us to free breakfast at their eatery, The Big Kitchen.

Breakfast started at 8:30 AM and ended around 10:00 AM. The departure for the flight was not until 1:30 PM so we had some time to burn just before taking off to Washington D.C.

Day 1: The AirportMy Uncle who I call Uncle Bart took me, my family , and all the heavy luggage to the airport. The name of the airport is Charles Lindberg Airport.

Upon arriving we met up with Chaz Cabrera, the leader of Jazz Avenue and his family. After checking in out luggage and going through security check, we encountered the rest of the band, along with Ms. Paige

Day 1: The Flight to Washington D.C

Somewhat of a long flight. 5 hours wasn’t too bad; spent most of it sleeping.

Day 1: Arrival in Washington D.C. Airport

Day 1: Off to Frankfurt, Germany

An even longer flight that the one to D.C.! If I recall correctly, the flight was about 8-9 hours. Pretty long, but not as long as the trip to the Philippines.

Day 2: Arrival in Frankfurt Airport

First thing I noticed was the weather, it’s not all that cold compared to what the forecast said!

Got our luggage and soon after, we all took cabs to our hotels.

Day 2: The Hotel

The parents, Ms. Paige, and I checked into the Sheraton Congress while the Band and Chaperone checked into the Holiday Inn Express.

The rooms were pretty small, but they looked pretty comfy.

Day 2: Walking Tour of Frankfurt with Jennifer

Jennifer was to be our tour guide in Germany but we first had to meet with her in Hauptbanhnhof Train Station. Here are some pictures of our journey through the unknown streets of Frankfurt.

Side note: we had to leave right after checked in, so we were still pretty tired.

Day 2: The Train Station/Meeting Spot

The train station was definitely busy. People were making their way through all directions!

Day 2: Bratwurst/German SausagesThe food in Germany is heavenly.

Day 2: Saint Bartholomew Cathedral

One word: Beautiful.

Day 2: Top of Galleria

Amidst the highest point of Galleria (the mall). Such a great view.

Day 2: End of the Day/Dinner Time! After a long a tiring day

of walking and visiting place, Jennifer took us to a nice restaurant to eat our dinner.

Day 3: Trip Back to the Station

Day 3: First Visit to MusikMesse

MusikMesse was the place Jazz Avenue would be performing as the opening act for SchoolJam Germany 2012. MusikMesse is also a convention dedicated to anything musical.

Day 3: Trip to HeidelbergAfter leaving MusikMesse, we took a train to Heidelberg.

Apparently, there’s castle in Heidelberg.

Day 3: Heidelberg Castle and TourOur tour guide’s name was Julian. He was such a

gentleman; very knowledgeable as well.

Day 3: Heidelberg Castle and Tour (continued)

Day 3: Journey Back to Frankfurt

On our way back, we got lost a couple of times, but eventually we got to our rendezvous point.

Day 3: Dinner and Dessert with the Group

The food and that apple strudel were pretty good.

Day 4: Trip to Bonn

Pretty long train ride to Bonn. Approximately 2 hours.

Day 4: Beethoven HouseThe one and only Beethoven House. Such an experience to go there. Only downside was

that you couldn’t take pictures inside.

Day 4: Return Back from BonnI was extremely tired, I crashed not long after

boarding the train.

Day 5: Free Time in FrankfurtVisiting places we wanted to newly explore or revisit before

the big SchoolJam performance that afternoon.

Day 5: SchoolJam Germany Competition in MusikMesse - PrePerformances

Some performers performing on stage before the competition starts; along with some award winning musicians.

Day 5: First Opening Act – SchoolJam UK 2012 Winners

Forgot their name, but absolutely loved their music!

Day 5- Second Opening Act -SchoolJam USA 2012 Winners- Jazz Avenue

They finally make their appearance. Finally!

There were just amazing on that huge stage, left everyone wanting more! Go-Go Jazz Avenue!

Day 6: Departure and ArrivalSo, March 25, 2012 was our last day in Germany. Can’t wait

to come again! Such a beautiful place and great vacationing location!