James has now been out of the country for a week, and time is flying by. He calls or texts home once a day to let us know how he is doing and Mom and Dad both remind him to enjoy this time and this trip as he may never have this opportunity again.

Today is a travel day for James as the class will leave Prague and head to Munich Germany. One of the highlights of the trip will be visiting the Mercedes Benz that is located there and learning about European manufacturing from one of the most success business in the world. Spread across a lavish 400 sqm, Studio Odeonsplatz in the heart of Munich is an integrated physical and digital platform for our guests to network, talk to each other, and get inspiration. Constantly changing campaigns, exclusive themed worlds and cutting-edge installations – created in collaboration with leading designers, artists, tech experts and makers – fill Studio Odeonsplatz with vibrant life. The concept is topped off with a coworking and community area, complete with super speedy Wi-Fi and sweeping city views.

James and his class continued on their European visit, this day it was continuing in Prague.

There was plenty to keep the class busy as they visited multiple businesses, took tours of the business, and even worked some ledgers so the trip was not all sight seeing.

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River.

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.

James had a great time and some decent weather while playing a tourist in Prague.

Continue reading “Prague Czech Republic” →

Today was a travel day so we will say one last thing about Wroclaw Poland.

Wrocław is a city on the Oder River in western Poland. It’s known for its Market Square, lined with elegant townhouses and featuring a modern fountain. Also on the square is the Gothic Old Town Hall, with its large astronomical clock. Nearby is the Panorama of Racławice, a painting depicting the 1794 battle for independence. The Centennial Hall auditorium, with its giant dome and tall spire, lies across the river.

This was a busy day for James as the class had to pack their bags, check out of the hotel, and take a train to Prague of the Czech Republic.

Along the way there was plenty of time for sight seeing. James saw a couple strange sights as well, such as the Duck Boutique and the Communism Museum, neither of which he entered.

Continue reading “Travel Day Poland to Czech Republic” →

The trip to Central Europe was certainly not all business and school work. There was plenty of sight seeing on the schedule and plenty of sites to see and it is a good thing for James because he is not sure when his next chance to visit Poland will occur.

A beautiful museum that was filled with all sorts of motorcycles and automobiles through Polands history was one of the first stops. Lots of items from the war were on display here as well.

Wrocław is the third largest city in Poland and one of the most popular cities in Poland – and it’s no wonder. Its unique atmosphere, unique architecture and monuments, atmospheric restaurants and large number of tourist attractions mean that there is no place for boredom in this city.

Continue reading “Wroclaw Poland Museum” →

After arriving in Amsterdam, James boarded another flight to Wroclew Poland. Once James arrived in Poland he was reacquainted with his classmates (not all classmates left from Detroit, some went to Canada for the trip out).

Once together there was not a whole lot to do for the class but to get adjusted to the time and grab something to eat.

James had his own room in a very nice hotel which included a fridge. Each morning the classmates met in the lobby at a specific time. These times could be anywhere from 5am till noon, depending on the schedule for that particular day.

Continue reading “Wroclaw Poland” →

This is actually Jame’s first event or class as a senior at Wayne State University. James signed up for a European Business class where they will be gone for 15 days and studying business abroad.

James was all packed and ready ahead of time for his flight. He had to get their a couple hours early as is common these days.

Once he got through security, and through customs, it was a matter of waiting. However once on board James showed some of the new technology that is available to people on long flight. Meanwhile Mom and Dad were tracking his flight on their own from the Delta website.

James arrived safely there (and back of course)

Continue reading “James Flight To Amsterdam” →

We travelled to the airport to drop off James but we wanted to make sure everything was ok and he got through security.

As it turned out it was a good thing that we stuck around as James weight on his luggage was six pounds over the limit so Mom helped James thin things out so that it would be acceptable.

Everything worked out and the extra stuff we took out of his suitcase we took home with us.

A reminder for flights in the future, it is not wise to pack several rolls of euros for the buses and vending machines, convert the euros when you get to the country.

This did give us a chance to snap a couple pics of James getting ready to leave.

Have a safe flight and enjoy the trip to Europe!

Continue reading “Getting James On His Flight” →

VIP Camp had an excellent day of activities including bowling at a great complex called Kudos on Pardee road before Eureka.

In addition to bowling their was arcade games for the kids, plenty of room for parties, and plenty of food. Activities such as the afore mentioned bowling, ping pong, and pickle ball are available along with some bizarre ones. Some of the more bizarre games included Axe Throwing and Football bowling.

The menu included hot food such as wings and pizza along with salads and Mac and Cheese.

We were very impressed with this facility and would suggest it to anyone looking for a place to host a party not only for children but for adults. Continue reading “VIP Camp Visits Kudos” →

The Sears store in Lincoln Park has been a staple in the neighborhood for years and many have very fond memories not only of this Sears store but the entire complex which included gift shops, a movie theatre, a toy store, and (of course) a Big Boy which was a favorite of James Grandma.

This Sears store used to be not only the largest Sears in Michigan but in the entire U.S.

It will be replaced with Business condo’s including a Chick Filet and a car wash. The identity of the other stores is unknown at this time but talks with Costco fell through so it won’t be a Costco. Continue reading “2024 Sears Demolition Begins” →

Happy Mothers Day

What a perfect Spring Day for Mothers day, after the somewhat dreary day we had yesterday. This year we took Mom out to probably her favorite restaurant, an Oriental Buffet in Canton that has crab legs and all sorts of seafood. We found this place while Grandma was in a rehab center a few blocks away. Mom had a 15% off coupon which always makes a day brighter.

This year was a little sad as it was the first one without Grandma, but we were sure she was looking down on us this day.