Busy month of June!

Well, hello! Since the last blog, I have been around the world and back...literally! OK...maybe not EXACTLY around the world, but it did feel like it! I left on June 15th with 1 other adult, and 13 young people from Dallas and traveled to London, Paris, Florence, Assisi, and Rome! It was a trip that I began planning over a year ago, and I couldn't believe that it was finally time to go!

It was truly an awesome experience! It was the first time that I had ever been in charge of a group of students that were traveling abroad, and I am not ashamed to say...it was tougher than I expected! Thank God that I had the group of girls and boys that I did, because they were terrific about helping eachother, including everyone, and helping me keep track of everyone!

We started off in London, England. I was very excited to visit London because I have been a fan of Princess Diana since I was a little girl! It was amazing for me to stand in front of Buckingham Palace and know that Diana had been in residence there for a time. We were able to view the London Eye, Big Ben, and the London Bridge (which is NOT the original London Bridge; the real one was purchased by a man in Arizona and moved there!). I have never been a "practicing" fan of architecture, but with the help of the mom that accompanied me, and the beautiful structures that grace that London skyline, I have a new appreciation for buildings. I found myself looking at the details and lines of the buildings, and being a history teacher, I couldn't help but reflect back on, and appreciate, the amount of effort that it must have taken hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago to produce such masterpieces. It amazed me how the people of London, and throughout the rest of Europe, embraced such historical buildings and have learned how to incorporate them without much, if any, alterations. I am used to the American way...when the buildings original purpose is finished...tear it down, and build something else.

We ate typical London food, visited Picadilly's Circus, and were able to attend the theater. For most of my students, this was the first time that they had experienced a subway system. They adapted well, and seemed to really enjoy it. They LOVED the "Mind the Gap" announcement!

On one of the days that we were in London, we visited a food market where we were able to talk to local vendors/farmers and make selections for ourselves! Everyone seemed to really enjoy this experience, and the food was delicious! I had a "Turkey & Dressing with Cranberries" sandwich! It was to die for!

While we were in London, the races (Ascot) were occurring. It was a real treat to see all the people dressed up and on their way to Ascot. The men were in "Coat/Tails/and Top Hats", and the women had the most extraordinary dresses and hats!

The students were exposed to the task of "exchanging currency" for the first time, and it was a great lesson (for them, as well as myself) in world economics when they realized how little the American dollar was worth on that day! I was very proud of them through out the entire trip at the way that each one of them managed their money! Their parents should be proud!

We took note of the fact that there were not a lot (if any) public restrooms, or trash cans. Our tour guide informed us that the reason for so few trash cans, especially in the subway, was the fact that is where terrorists had typically placed bombs! It really made us aware of the fact that the English & Europeans deal with terrorism on a daily basis.

Before we left the city, I was able to acquire some English tea for myself and some family members. The students were so cute when they would buy souveniers...they didn't buy for themselves so much, but they wanted to make sure that they took back goodies for their families and friends. As a group, I have never been around such generous kids!

My impression of London was that its energy and "make up"is very similar to New York City. We really enjoyed the fact that English was spoken in London (duh!), and appreciated that fact more as our trip continued into other countries where English wasn't the language of choice!

From London to Paris, we traveled on the EuroStar. I had never traveled by train before, and I really enjoyed the experience...although I did sleep through the tunnel part!!!!

Since I feel like I just relived my time in London, I am exhausted! Out of respect for my memories of the other locations that we visited, I am going to save more of my reflections for tomorrow...