European Tour: Phase Three (Nuremberg > Munich)

Yesterday we spent the afternoon in Nuremberg. It was a beautiful day (nicest weather we've had yet) and we walked through the streets, art galleries, churches, and market. I dug it.

Then, on to Munich... we started with a late night/early morning with a visit to the Hofbrau Haus. Thus, I ended up sleeping through much of the bus tour of the city this morning. So, when we got out for lunch, Schmidty and I rented bikes and set off for our own survey of the city. I think it was much cooler than seeing a city by bus anyway. We went through the gardens, the university district, and out to the Olympic center (home of the 1972 Summer Olympics). I even talked Schmidty into skipping lunch for a swim in the Olympic pool. It was pretty damn cool doing flips off the olympic diving boards.

European Tour: Phase Two (Dresden > Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC)

Well, Berlin was a blast! On D-Day we went to Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery (the largest remaining section of the Wall), and the Prater Biergarten. We ended up going to some authentic dive, an underground college bar that is Wes' (our awesome tour director, Irish) old hangout when he went to university in Germany. The stories are too many to share now, but remind me and I'll elaborate later.

Yesterday we visited Dresden on our way to the Czech Republic. Dresden was very relaxed and had a throwback vibe about it that let us enjoy the history and the sights before hitting the lively streets of Prague.

Prague is wonderful. Truly. I must and will return for a longer visit, but I am enjoying every second of my time here now. As Wes says, "we collected a good day today." From the Prague Castle to the gorgeous art nouveau paintings of Alfons Mucha to the Jewish Synagogue Museum to the walk through the market, the city boasts beauty in many ways. Tonight I took a few to their first jazz club. We went to Agharta Jazz Centrum downtown to see this killer sextet and enjoy some local wine.

European Tour: Phase One (Berlin, GERMANY)

In this, my third trip to Europe, I am embarking on a tour with thirteen students (high school and college, present and former art students of mine) and my colleague/pal Schmidty from WRHS. We are tackling six countries in two weeks! I'm sure I can't possibly keep up with this journal each day, but I'll try to post a few thoughts and photos as I go... Today is our first full day in Europe and we are exploring Germany's largest city. Berlin is righteous; it's edgy demeanor and vivid green tree covering are attractive to me. The hundreds of beer gardens are merely a bonus. Tonight we'll see what that's all about. This is the gang... awesome kids!

Moondance.

I love dancing with my moon, my Luna. I leave for a two-week European stint tomorrow (Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Nuremberg, Munich, Lucerne, Paris) and it'll be the first time I've ever been away from my best friend for that long. When I return, we'll hit the states in the bus for some summer roadtripping, as usual. Updates to come... maybe.

WR Farmer Baseball: Third in State

I had an amazing year in my first spring season as an assistant coach with Wheat Ridge. I feel fortunate to be able to have been a part of it all, and am proud of the boys for a damn good season. We went 18-6 and finished third in state after losing in the semi-finals to the eventual state champion Cheyenne Mountain Indians (Colorado Springs). It was a heartbreaking loss, but a few days later now, I'm starting to realize our accomplishments and the fun that made it all worth it. From a week in Phoenix this spring to the state playoff run, it's been more than an exciting ride. Adam and John are incredible coaches and I appreciate them welcoming me to the team. Learning the tradition of excellence and winning is what makes the legacy of Wheat Ridge Farmer baseball. It's difficult to let go of a season that ended like that and even harder to say goodbye to all the dynamic seniors we'll be losing. But, some of them will go on to play college ball (and some further), and they all will leave as better men. Good luck Marv, Arty, Park, G, Duffer, JB, and Hondo. I'll see the rest of you on the diamond this summer...

2nd Annual FRESH 23 Fashion Show

FRESH 23 is back for an encore show and it's right around the corner. I realize I haven't posted any life news in a while, but this has been what is occupying the majority of my time when I'm not on the baseball field with the WR Farmers. Please check out the student-run blogspot on our upcoming event. The show is on Monday, May 18 at 6:00pm.

This year's show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Building on last year's blowout event, we have added several great sponsors and kicked it up a notch to include video production, limited edition bottles of soda (from Jones Soda), in addition to the same great tradition of complimentary refreshments, live music, a live DJ, and the quality sneaker art that our audience has come to expect.

Studio 23 Website Launch.

So, a lot of time has passed since the last post, but not a lot has changed. I'm back at school, enjoying the challenges of teaching and being occupied with distractions.

Recently, I have been investing a lot of time developing a website for my teaching career and for our studio at Wheat Ridge High School. I had a student artist help me with the design and construction of the page, and after a lot of work, it's ready to launch. Of course, there are things we're still working on and there are bugs to squash, but if you get a chance... give it a test drive and let me know what you think...

www.ScaglioneStudio.com