We awoke knowing we were going to have the opportunity to abseil down a castle wall at Penrhyn Castle. The Full On crew did some team building activities in the morning, like breaking boards and a maze, as well as discussing issues with the students. Then later in the day (early afternoon) we headed out on the coach to the castle. We got a breif safety demonstration (more to come later at the top of the castle turret) and got all harnessed up. Most students went all the way throught with the abseiling. All climbed to the top, but there were some who backed out when they saw how high up they were. But everyone did an excellent job with the activity.
We headed back to the hotel a little before dinner. Students again had some time to "chill" with their electronics and/or play frisbee.
Tomorrow - Dublin!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 13 - Glasgow to Wales
We spent the morning on the coach as we headed from Scotland to Wales. We stopped in the town of Chester, England for lunch. We were supposed to tour the town, but again it was raining. Since the tour wasn't guided and we were going to have quite a walk into the city from where the coach parked, we decided to forego the tour and continue on to Wales.
If I was to admit it, we were all a little depressed because we were going to be giving up our favorite coach driver since arriving - Kyle. The students loved him. He is from Northern Ireland and joked and teased the students. He interacted with them more than most drivers do. I do have to say, just in case Bruce reads this, that while Kyle was awesome, he doesn't quite measure up to Bruce White, our driver when I was in Australia a couple of years ago. It would take a miracle to out-rank him.
Once in Wales, we said farewell to Kyle. Our accommodations were changed from what we were expecting, which was University dorms at Bangor University. Instead we were put up in a hotel. Since Kyle left and we didn't get a new driver until the next day, students had some "chill" time. The hotel had a nice common area students can gather as well as free wifi internet. So some stayed inside and did the electronic thing, while others went outside and played frisbee.
Tomorrow - Full On day. Breaking boards and abseiling down a castle wall!
If I was to admit it, we were all a little depressed because we were going to be giving up our favorite coach driver since arriving - Kyle. The students loved him. He is from Northern Ireland and joked and teased the students. He interacted with them more than most drivers do. I do have to say, just in case Bruce reads this, that while Kyle was awesome, he doesn't quite measure up to Bruce White, our driver when I was in Australia a couple of years ago. It would take a miracle to out-rank him.
Once in Wales, we said farewell to Kyle. Our accommodations were changed from what we were expecting, which was University dorms at Bangor University. Instead we were put up in a hotel. Since Kyle left and we didn't get a new driver until the next day, students had some "chill" time. The hotel had a nice common area students can gather as well as free wifi internet. So some stayed inside and did the electronic thing, while others went outside and played frisbee.
Tomorrow - Full On day. Breaking boards and abseiling down a castle wall!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 12 - Aviemore and Edinburgh
We headed out to Edinburgh Castle first thing after lunch (the morning was mainly driving). I must say I was very impressed with the city of Edinburgh. London is an old city, but many buildings are newer architecture. Not so with Edinburgh. There were very few modern buildings that we saw in the city.
Edinburgh Castle is on the small side compared to others we got to see, but no less beautiful. Students had about an hour and a half to explore the castle.
After our Castle visit, we headed down the Royal Mile and combined a scavenger hunt with shopping. Unfortunately, during a time when we were waiting for our directions on our next step of the day, students witnessed an elderly lady fall in the street. She was stepping down from the sidewalk and missed the last step. She fell and had a pretty severe head injury as a result. We quickly got our group away from the scene, but many were very upset by the incident.
We got back on the coach and headed to Glasgow.
Edinburgh Castle is on the small side compared to others we got to see, but no less beautiful. Students had about an hour and a half to explore the castle.
After our Castle visit, we headed down the Royal Mile and combined a scavenger hunt with shopping. Unfortunately, during a time when we were waiting for our directions on our next step of the day, students witnessed an elderly lady fall in the street. She was stepping down from the sidewalk and missed the last step. She fell and had a pretty severe head injury as a result. We quickly got our group away from the scene, but many were very upset by the incident.
We got back on the coach and headed to Glasgow.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Day 10 - Loch Ness
Our first stop of the day was Loch Ness. Yes, we were determined to find the Loch Ness Monster, fondly referred to as Nessie. Alas, no one got what qualified as a "real" photograph of Nessie, but the lake cruise was beautiful. There was lingering fog, which just made the experience more mysterious.
After lunch, we headed to a Highland Folk Museum. Again, it was raining. It was a village type museum where you walked a path and visited buildings replicated to fit the era. Since it was outside and raining, we didn't linger long.
Next was a sheep hearding demonstration. The students loved watching the sheep dogs work. I have to say that watching the rancher control his dogs with different whistles was pretty amazing. He had different whistle calls for each dog for each movement he wanted them to make. He must have really intelligent dogs.
We ended the day in Aviemore, Scotland
After lunch, we headed to a Highland Folk Museum. Again, it was raining. It was a village type museum where you walked a path and visited buildings replicated to fit the era. Since it was outside and raining, we didn't linger long.
Next was a sheep hearding demonstration. The students loved watching the sheep dogs work. I have to say that watching the rancher control his dogs with different whistles was pretty amazing. He had different whistle calls for each dog for each movement he wanted them to make. He must have really intelligent dogs.
We ended the day in Aviemore, Scotland
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 10 - Pitlochry to Aviemore
We began today by checking out of our hostel and heading to Aberfeld for some ducking (a lot like canoeing).
After ducking, our coach driver Kyle was nice enough to take the back roads and surprise us with a visit to the Scottish residence of JK Rowling. It was a most impressive house with a gated entry. As much as we all wanted to knock and meet the Harry Potter author, we resisted the temptation and headed back to Pitlochry for lunch.
Again, this was a famous travel day. After the ducking, we headed to Aviemore.
After ducking, our coach driver Kyle was nice enough to take the back roads and surprise us with a visit to the Scottish residence of JK Rowling. It was a most impressive house with a gated entry. As much as we all wanted to knock and meet the Harry Potter author, we resisted the temptation and headed back to Pitlochry for lunch.
Again, this was a famous travel day. After the ducking, we headed to Aviemore.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Day 9 - Pitlochry and St. Andrews
Our morning started with a coach ride to St. Andrews. We walked the main street and were able to see where Wills and Kate (now the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge) met for coffee and where they went to University.
Afterward, we headed to the driving range and got to learn some golf - in the rain of course.
We concluded our evening with an introduction into ancient Scottish life with a local Scotsman. He showed the group how to make and use a kilt. Who knew there could be so many uses and meanings for kilts. We also learned about the warriors weapons and how they used them to fight off enemies. It was a very informative session that the students enjoyed a lot.
Afterward, we headed to the driving range and got to learn some golf - in the rain of course.
We concluded our evening with an introduction into ancient Scottish life with a local Scotsman. He showed the group how to make and use a kilt. Who knew there could be so many uses and meanings for kilts. We also learned about the warriors weapons and how they used them to fight off enemies. It was a very informative session that the students enjoyed a lot.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day 8 - Warwick to Pitlochry
Today was one of our fabulous travel days. A day where we spend most of the time on the coach, with a few stops along the way.
Lunch was at a hotel in Gretna Green. It was explained to us that Gretna Green (just across the border into Scotland) was the only place in the UK that people aged 16 could get married. Couples that wanted to get married, but weren't old enough in other towns, would run away to Gretna Green. After lunch, we had a pretend ceremony with 2 students from our delegation. The group found the idea pretty funny.
Our destination for the evening was Pitlochry, Scotland. We stayed at a youth hostel for 2 nights. Lets just say that bunk beds and 8 girls in a room are not conducive to much sleep :). They had fun though, which is all that matters.
Lunch was at a hotel in Gretna Green. It was explained to us that Gretna Green (just across the border into Scotland) was the only place in the UK that people aged 16 could get married. Couples that wanted to get married, but weren't old enough in other towns, would run away to Gretna Green. After lunch, we had a pretend ceremony with 2 students from our delegation. The group found the idea pretty funny.
Our destination for the evening was Pitlochry, Scotland. We stayed at a youth hostel for 2 nights. Lets just say that bunk beds and 8 girls in a room are not conducive to much sleep :). They had fun though, which is all that matters.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Day 7 - Warwick
We left our homestay families this morning. While I didn't see any tears, I know some students had a difficult time saying goodbye.
Next up - Oxford. The bustling university town of England. When I say it's a bustling town, that really doesn't do it justice. It is CROWDED and BUSY!! We spent about an hour or so touring the city.
Our evening ended at Warwick Castle. Students had a little over an hour to explore, then we had dinner and then the students were able to participate in lessons on how people back in the day faught. They learned sword fighting and how to joust. The night was capped with a firing of a trebuchet. Students a quite a lot of fun with the jousting and sword fighting!
We did not camp out at the castle like I did a few years ago. I was glad of that. When I explained to the students and other leaders and Phillip about the experience, they found it extremely funny. All I can say is that words DO NOT describe how bad of an experience the camping was. I was more than happy to not have to do it again.
Tomorrow - Pitlochry, Scotland
Next up - Oxford. The bustling university town of England. When I say it's a bustling town, that really doesn't do it justice. It is CROWDED and BUSY!! We spent about an hour or so touring the city.
Our evening ended at Warwick Castle. Students had a little over an hour to explore, then we had dinner and then the students were able to participate in lessons on how people back in the day faught. They learned sword fighting and how to joust. The night was capped with a firing of a trebuchet. Students a quite a lot of fun with the jousting and sword fighting!
We did not camp out at the castle like I did a few years ago. I was glad of that. When I explained to the students and other leaders and Phillip about the experience, they found it extremely funny. All I can say is that words DO NOT describe how bad of an experience the camping was. I was more than happy to not have to do it again.
Tomorrow - Pitlochry, Scotland
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 6 - Hereford and Wales
Breakfast with the homestay family. Then the delegation met up to head to Wales for the day.
First up was a Welsh Village museum visit. Of course it rained on and off. Seems like it is always raining when we have something to do outside. We don't let it get us down though!!!
Next up - The Big Pit coal mine. This isn't a working mine, so students were geared up and taken down into the "big pit". They all seemed to enjoy it.
Dinner was with the homestay family.
Tomorrow we leave Hereford for Warwick.
First up was a Welsh Village museum visit. Of course it rained on and off. Seems like it is always raining when we have something to do outside. We don't let it get us down though!!!
Next up - The Big Pit coal mine. This isn't a working mine, so students were geared up and taken down into the "big pit". They all seemed to enjoy it.
Dinner was with the homestay family.
Tomorrow we leave Hereford for Warwick.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day 5 - Hereford, England
We started the morning with breakfast with our homestay families. Then we met up with the rest of the delegation in town.
Students had a city quest to complete in the city of Hereford. I must admit that the city was much larger than your first impression allows. Students had different points to visit with questions to answer over each point.
About halfway through our city quest we took time out to meet with the Madam Mayor. The mayor of the city only serves for one year, and it's VERY difficult to hold the job twice. While in office, the individual who is serving as mayor is also referred to as the First Citizen. People in the town consider it a great honor to serve as mayor of the city.
Dinner with the homestay families.
Tomorrow - Hereford and part of Wales
Students had a city quest to complete in the city of Hereford. I must admit that the city was much larger than your first impression allows. Students had different points to visit with questions to answer over each point.
About halfway through our city quest we took time out to meet with the Madam Mayor. The mayor of the city only serves for one year, and it's VERY difficult to hold the job twice. While in office, the individual who is serving as mayor is also referred to as the First Citizen. People in the town consider it a great honor to serve as mayor of the city.
Dinner with the homestay families.
Tomorrow - Hereford and part of Wales
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 4 - London and Hereford
Students woke up a little nervous knowing they were going to be meeting their homestay families today.
We began with a guided tour of London with Jeanie. This was my 3rd tour guide for the city. It never fails to amaze me how much there is to see of the city ad how every guide has different information to share.
We went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. Of course it rained, so we saw the "wet" version of the change as opposed to the full version. No band, no black fuzzy hats. Just a quick march in with the new guard and march out with the old. I hate that the first time visitors didn't get to see the whole shebang.
Lunch was fish and chips. Always a favorite, at least for me.
Next it was off to Hereford to meet our homestay families. We were happy to find out that none of our students were in single homestays. That eased the trepidation somewhat.
Tomorrow - Hereford
We began with a guided tour of London with Jeanie. This was my 3rd tour guide for the city. It never fails to amaze me how much there is to see of the city ad how every guide has different information to share.
We went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. Of course it rained, so we saw the "wet" version of the change as opposed to the full version. No band, no black fuzzy hats. Just a quick march in with the new guard and march out with the old. I hate that the first time visitors didn't get to see the whole shebang.
Lunch was fish and chips. Always a favorite, at least for me.
Next it was off to Hereford to meet our homestay families. We were happy to find out that none of our students were in single homestays. That eased the trepidation somewhat.
Tomorrow - Hereford
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Day 3 - London, England
Today we got to experience the London Underground. The students had fun and no one got left behind. That's quite an accomplishment when you're talking 44 middle school students!
We started our day taking the above ground train from our hotel into the city before catching the underground. First on our agenda - a meeting with an MP - Patrick Nichols at the London School of Economics. He began by speaking for a little while on English government and politics. He ended by speaking about how much he loves the USA. I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Nichols a few years ago. I came away feeling very proud to be an American (nothing better than a Brit making you feel proud to be American)!
We had a Medieval Banquet for lunch and were greeted by King Henry VIII himself!
Off to cruise the River Thames. Of course, typical of the UK, it began to rain as we waited to board our boat. Luckily the boat was covered.
Dinner was a the New World Chinese Restaurant. It was very good!
We wrapped up our evening by going to the theatre in London. On the playbill - Thriller Live! The music was absolutely fabulous! All the singers and dancers really knew their Michael Jackson.
We were cutting it close getting back to our hotel. We had about 15 minutes to make the connection between the underground and above ground to catch the last train out to the hotel. Luckily, we made it with about 8 minutes to spare.
Tomorrow we leave London for Hereford!
We started our day taking the above ground train from our hotel into the city before catching the underground. First on our agenda - a meeting with an MP - Patrick Nichols at the London School of Economics. He began by speaking for a little while on English government and politics. He ended by speaking about how much he loves the USA. I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Nichols a few years ago. I came away feeling very proud to be an American (nothing better than a Brit making you feel proud to be American)!
We had a Medieval Banquet for lunch and were greeted by King Henry VIII himself!
Off to cruise the River Thames. Of course, typical of the UK, it began to rain as we waited to board our boat. Luckily the boat was covered.
Dinner was a the New World Chinese Restaurant. It was very good!
We wrapped up our evening by going to the theatre in London. On the playbill - Thriller Live! The music was absolutely fabulous! All the singers and dancers really knew their Michael Jackson.
We were cutting it close getting back to our hotel. We had about 15 minutes to make the connection between the underground and above ground to catch the last train out to the hotel. Luckily, we made it with about 8 minutes to spare.
Tomorrow we leave London for Hereford!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Day 2 - London, England
Today we met our delegation leader - Phillip Brett of Northern Ireland. A very tall Irish man!
Once we were all loaded up onto our coach, we headed off to Runnymede. It's a memorial on American soil that the English have dedicated in JFK's memory.
Next it was off to lunch at Auberge. Afterwards, the London Eye. The largest observation wheel int he world! The view from the top (400+ feet in the air) is amazing.
Dinner was at the Square Restaurant at The Royal Trafalgar London Hotel. Then off to our hotel for the night - Premier Inn London at the Excel. It was located very close to the hotel I stayed at the last time I was in London.
We were all very tired from the full day of flying followed by a full day of activities. We did bed check as soon as we hit the hotel.
Tomorrow - London
Once we were all loaded up onto our coach, we headed off to Runnymede. It's a memorial on American soil that the English have dedicated in JFK's memory.
Next it was off to lunch at Auberge. Afterwards, the London Eye. The largest observation wheel int he world! The view from the top (400+ feet in the air) is amazing.
Dinner was at the Square Restaurant at The Royal Trafalgar London Hotel. Then off to our hotel for the night - Premier Inn London at the Excel. It was located very close to the hotel I stayed at the last time I was in London.
We were all very tired from the full day of flying followed by a full day of activities. We did bed check as soon as we hit the hotel.
Tomorrow - London
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day 1 - Flying
Spending all day on an airplane is not my idea of fun. Some of the students have realized this as well. Although for those who had their first plane ride today, I'm sure it was pretty exciting. Nothing really exciting happened today, which is good at 30,000+ feet in the air. I do think that my students enjoyed meeting the students from Arizona.
Tomorrow - London! My favorite city to visit.
Tomorrow - London! My favorite city to visit.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
UK-Europe Bound!
In 19 short days, 9 students from East Texas will be meeting up with students from Arizona and departing for England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. I, along with 3 others, will serve as a delegation leader. So looking forward to it! Watch for updates on our adventures!
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