Saturday, February 21, 2015
Customs is painfully slow.
Title speaks for itself. I will be surprised if anyone comes out before 3:30.
WE ARE ON THE GROUND
We landed at Metro Airport at 1:50 PM. We will need an hour or so to collect luggage and clear customs.
Good morning Detroit
Hello.....we just finished passing through screening and check in. Everyone had their passports and has a boarding pass. We had one room of boys who slept in but other than that check in was extremely smooth. Ill blog again when we board.
Becky was absolutely magnificent ...... What a great lady. If we were to do a trip to England again I would specifically request her.
Lots of sleepy kids but lots of smiles. It's been a great trip.
Becky was absolutely magnificent ...... What a great lady. If we were to do a trip to England again I would specifically request her.
Lots of sleepy kids but lots of smiles. It's been a great trip.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Our final night.....
Today is mostly in the books. I'm down in the hotel lobby waiting for the Harry Potter tour to return. I came back to the hotel with the 11 kids who did not want to go while the other chaperones went with the kids. I had an absolute blast on the trains talking to Shannon, Sarah S, Kamiaya, Jordyn, Ian, and Laura on the way back.....lots of smiles and laughs all the way back.
Today turned out to be a fantastic day. We began the day at the Tower of London - it was a magnificient experience and we were short on time there but overall amazing. The Tower Bridge to me was one of the most fantastic photographic experiences of the week. Most of the kids then went with Mrs. Austin and Ms. Stein on the Thames River Cruise and London Eye experience and they all came back from that reporting that it was a terrific experience. We had several add at the last minute which is just fine.
I went with some of the kids around town while we waited for the touring folks. We went to Covent Garden so I could buy a replacement suitcase for a young lady who had hers damaged by Delta and also had lunch; then we headed to the National Portrait Gallery for an hour or so ..... saw some amazing portraits including some famous scientists (Robert Boyle, Henry Cavendish, and James Watt) which is right up my alley (many may not know my bachelor's degrees are in chemistry and physics). We then went to Harrods for some more shopping but the kids were penny wise.
After that, the group met up for dinner to have a traditional fish and chips dinner. It was pretty typical pub food. We split up from there and I am back at the hotel.
Overall I am getting the sense that this was a good idea and the trip has been a positive experience for all.....some more than others which is to be expected. I'll breathe easier when we are all on the ground in Detroit. Besides that neuroticism, I am pleased with how this trip has gone and learned a lot about running one.
I am thankful that the Berkley School District supported this trip. I believe that giving kids the opportunity to travel abroad is one of the greatest learning experiences we could possibly provide. Nothing replaces experiencing a new and far away place.
We check out tomorrow at 6:15 AM local time so I'll be doing a passport check tonight before kids go to bed.
Today turned out to be a fantastic day. We began the day at the Tower of London - it was a magnificient experience and we were short on time there but overall amazing. The Tower Bridge to me was one of the most fantastic photographic experiences of the week. Most of the kids then went with Mrs. Austin and Ms. Stein on the Thames River Cruise and London Eye experience and they all came back from that reporting that it was a terrific experience. We had several add at the last minute which is just fine.
I went with some of the kids around town while we waited for the touring folks. We went to Covent Garden so I could buy a replacement suitcase for a young lady who had hers damaged by Delta and also had lunch; then we headed to the National Portrait Gallery for an hour or so ..... saw some amazing portraits including some famous scientists (Robert Boyle, Henry Cavendish, and James Watt) which is right up my alley (many may not know my bachelor's degrees are in chemistry and physics). We then went to Harrods for some more shopping but the kids were penny wise.
After that, the group met up for dinner to have a traditional fish and chips dinner. It was pretty typical pub food. We split up from there and I am back at the hotel.
Overall I am getting the sense that this was a good idea and the trip has been a positive experience for all.....some more than others which is to be expected. I'll breathe easier when we are all on the ground in Detroit. Besides that neuroticism, I am pleased with how this trip has gone and learned a lot about running one.
I am thankful that the Berkley School District supported this trip. I believe that giving kids the opportunity to travel abroad is one of the greatest learning experiences we could possibly provide. Nothing replaces experiencing a new and far away place.
We check out tomorrow at 6:15 AM local time so I'll be doing a passport check tonight before kids go to bed.
Tower of London
Good morning! We are at the Tower of London. It is absolutely fabulous. I'm picking up some free Wifi while waiting in a long line to see the Crown Jewels.
Today everyone got to sleep in a little and everyone is in a much better disposition.
In about an hour 26 members of the group are heading to the London Eye excursion. Ms. Stein and Mrs. Austin will accompany them as well as Becky. We are taking the rest in groups around London. Tonight the Harry Potter tour will run (30 participants) with the remainder going back to the hotel with either Mr. Gawel or me.
I will blog again later tonight.
Today everyone got to sleep in a little and everyone is in a much better disposition.
In about an hour 26 members of the group are heading to the London Eye excursion. Ms. Stein and Mrs. Austin will accompany them as well as Becky. We are taking the rest in groups around London. Tonight the Harry Potter tour will run (30 participants) with the remainder going back to the hotel with either Mr. Gawel or me.
I will blog again later tonight.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Back in London
Good evening from London. We are back at our original hotel for the duration.
This morning we went to the University of Oxford - absolutely beautiful. Becky gave us a walking tour and then groups went on free time. My group went to have lunch at a small pub called The Eagle and the Child......the significance of this particular pub is that J.R.R. Tolkien used to meet with some of his fellow writers here to discuss lit.
We then took the long bus ride back to Watford to check into our hotel. We took the transport in to London and spent an hour at the British Museum. This was amazing but very chaotic......there were a lot of people. We found that the rain made the tube busier as well and it was extremely difficult to move the group together.
We had dinner together at an Induan restaurant which was by far the best meal of the week and headed back to the hotel.
Tomorrow we will be at the Tower of London in the AM. I'm about to go check on lights out. Good night.
This morning we went to the University of Oxford - absolutely beautiful. Becky gave us a walking tour and then groups went on free time. My group went to have lunch at a small pub called The Eagle and the Child......the significance of this particular pub is that J.R.R. Tolkien used to meet with some of his fellow writers here to discuss lit.
We then took the long bus ride back to Watford to check into our hotel. We took the transport in to London and spent an hour at the British Museum. This was amazing but very chaotic......there were a lot of people. We found that the rain made the tube busier as well and it was extremely difficult to move the group together.
We had dinner together at an Induan restaurant which was by far the best meal of the week and headed back to the hotel.
Tomorrow we will be at the Tower of London in the AM. I'm about to go check on lights out. Good night.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Good morning - 48 hours to go
Hello readers:
Your very sleep deprived writer is up at at 'em along with the rest of the travelers.
We are heading out to Oxford this morning. I will blog again from there.
I did want to take this quick opportunity to acknowledge the teachers who went this week. If the wrong chaperones go, a trip like this can really go south. You should know that the Berkley staffers are taking their roles very seriously and that your children are being treated as though they are family to our staff members. The teachers are finding times to enjoy the trip and are really enjoying getting to know the different students. Many thanks to Mrs. Austin, Ms. Stein, Mr. Gawel, Mrs. Sochacki, and Mrs. Sutherland for their work. I did not know Mrs. Sutherland at all until this week and she has been absolutely terrific particularly for the six girls from Anderson.
We are expecting a bit of rain the next couple of days but I think we are going to be pleased compared to what we are hearing about the weather in Michigan.
Your very sleep deprived writer is up at at 'em along with the rest of the travelers.
We are heading out to Oxford this morning. I will blog again from there.
I did want to take this quick opportunity to acknowledge the teachers who went this week. If the wrong chaperones go, a trip like this can really go south. You should know that the Berkley staffers are taking their roles very seriously and that your children are being treated as though they are family to our staff members. The teachers are finding times to enjoy the trip and are really enjoying getting to know the different students. Many thanks to Mrs. Austin, Ms. Stein, Mr. Gawel, Mrs. Sochacki, and Mrs. Sutherland for their work. I did not know Mrs. Sutherland at all until this week and she has been absolutely terrific particularly for the six girls from Anderson.
We are expecting a bit of rain the next couple of days but I think we are going to be pleased compared to what we are hearing about the weather in Michigan.
In for the night on Day 5
We are now at our Birmingham hotel and it is by far the nicest place we have stayed at. It is a newer hotel and most of the kids have twin rooms tonight. We ate dinner here at the hotel and it was also very good. We had a traditional spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic bread and ice cream dessert.
After our Bath visit, we took a long ride to Anne Hathaway's cottages for a short tour there. The kids generally liked it and we were back on the bus for a very short commute to the Shakespearean house in Stratford. The students also took a short tour there and enjoyed that. We then had some free time and had the students stick together in groups/pairs while staying in a 2-3 block vicinity of the very small town of Straford. Many of them enjoyed a traditional tea and scone during that time. After that we took a ride into Birmingham for hotel check in and dinner.
We are up at 7 AM tomorrow for an early breakfast and will be heading to Oxford in the morning. We then head back to London and Watford Junction.
I have been trying to get feedback from as many as possible. By and large most students are enjoying this trip tremendously.
It would be foolish to expect a trip of 43 travelers to have zero hitches, so in full disclosure, I can share with you the worst we have had to deal with so far:
- we had one noise complaint after lights out last night. We dealt with it quickly and have had no other issues in the hotels.
- one of our adults tripped and fell and hit her face on the ground today. She is A-OK.
- one student got motion sickness on the way out to the Hathaway cottage. She was fine after a few minutes.
Really - that has been it. Becky has marveled at how respectful our group is and how great the behavior has been from everyone. I concur with her and hope we finish London on a high note. We did address today what is expected after lights out and also to be mindful of roomies as well after lights out.
All for now from England. Good night.
After our Bath visit, we took a long ride to Anne Hathaway's cottages for a short tour there. The kids generally liked it and we were back on the bus for a very short commute to the Shakespearean house in Stratford. The students also took a short tour there and enjoyed that. We then had some free time and had the students stick together in groups/pairs while staying in a 2-3 block vicinity of the very small town of Straford. Many of them enjoyed a traditional tea and scone during that time. After that we took a ride into Birmingham for hotel check in and dinner.
We are up at 7 AM tomorrow for an early breakfast and will be heading to Oxford in the morning. We then head back to London and Watford Junction.
I have been trying to get feedback from as many as possible. By and large most students are enjoying this trip tremendously.
It would be foolish to expect a trip of 43 travelers to have zero hitches, so in full disclosure, I can share with you the worst we have had to deal with so far:
- we had one noise complaint after lights out last night. We dealt with it quickly and have had no other issues in the hotels.
- one of our adults tripped and fell and hit her face on the ground today. She is A-OK.
- one student got motion sickness on the way out to the Hathaway cottage. She was fine after a few minutes.
Really - that has been it. Becky has marveled at how respectful our group is and how great the behavior has been from everyone. I concur with her and hope we finish London on a high note. We did address today what is expected after lights out and also to be mindful of roomies as well after lights out.
All for now from England. Good night.
Roman Baths
Bath is an absolutely beautiful city. We took a bus tour of it and made a stop at a place called The Crescent". It was a group of old condominiums that cost several million pounds each. We then took a ride to the old Roman Bath house.......absolutely amazing.
We are heading to Shakespeare's birthplace after this followed by a visit to Anne Hathaway's.
The kids are adjusting to british life/culture and are struggling a bit with the cuisine. We have given the high school kids a little more freedom by giving them some small vicinities to roam without us for the free times while the middle school kids remain under our closer eye.
I will blog again around dinner time here. Time is flying by with the busy schedule. Stay warm in Detroit! We have a high of 53 degrees Fahrenheit here today.
We are heading to Shakespeare's birthplace after this followed by a visit to Anne Hathaway's.
The kids are adjusting to british life/culture and are struggling a bit with the cuisine. We have given the high school kids a little more freedom by giving them some small vicinities to roam without us for the free times while the middle school kids remain under our closer eye.
I will blog again around dinner time here. Time is flying by with the busy schedule. Stay warm in Detroit! We have a high of 53 degrees Fahrenheit here today.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Good morning
We begin Day 5 today and will be heading to Bath. Bath is a very beautiful town full from what we have seen so far.
I will post later today.
I will post later today.
We are at the Arnos Hotel
We all just checked in to the Arnos Hotel. It is way old school but beautiful from the outside.
This morning we started out at the Winchester cathedral. It was simply stunning. The Winchester cathedral was originally built in the year 648 AD and has been addd on to ever since. Buried inside the church are famous Brits such as Jane Austen and several war heroes. We got a small introduction from a guide there and then got to witness a monthly tribute ceremony to those lost in wars (which we did not know was going to happen) which was amazing.
From there groups got an hour of free time in downtown Winchester. It is a small and quaint town. Many of the groups chose to eat pasties as it is the main local cuisine. The town is built on a large hill and students found several stunning views.
From there we took an hour bus ride to Stonehenge. It is literally in the middle of NOWHERE. However, it is quite a stunning set up. The tourist center was 2 miles away from the actual set up and several groups chose to walk down there and back. Many of your students purchased souvenirs as well.
The bus ride into Bath was almost two hours long due to horrendous British traffic. We are going to have dinner at the hotel restaurant and have a down night, which is probably a great idea given the breakneck pace of the last three days.
We are off tomorrow at 8:15 AM local time to see more of Bath.
This morning we started out at the Winchester cathedral. It was simply stunning. The Winchester cathedral was originally built in the year 648 AD and has been addd on to ever since. Buried inside the church are famous Brits such as Jane Austen and several war heroes. We got a small introduction from a guide there and then got to witness a monthly tribute ceremony to those lost in wars (which we did not know was going to happen) which was amazing.
From there groups got an hour of free time in downtown Winchester. It is a small and quaint town. Many of the groups chose to eat pasties as it is the main local cuisine. The town is built on a large hill and students found several stunning views.
From there we took an hour bus ride to Stonehenge. It is literally in the middle of NOWHERE. However, it is quite a stunning set up. The tourist center was 2 miles away from the actual set up and several groups chose to walk down there and back. Many of your students purchased souvenirs as well.
The bus ride into Bath was almost two hours long due to horrendous British traffic. We are going to have dinner at the hotel restaurant and have a down night, which is probably a great idea given the breakneck pace of the last three days.
We are off tomorrow at 8:15 AM local time to see more of Bath.
Stonehenge
We are currently at Stonehenge. It is very impressive. Everyone is enjoying it. The weather is sunny and a crisp 40 degrees with some wind.
I will blog more when we arrive at the hotel.
I will blog more when we arrive at the hotel.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Up and running
Good morning from Watford!
We are all up and awake early. We have a 2 hr bus ride to the Winchester cathedral this morning. Our afternoon is at Stonehenge. I will write again from the next hotel.
The kids are doing great and socializing with each other a bit more.
We are all up and awake early. We have a 2 hr bus ride to the Winchester cathedral this morning. Our afternoon is at Stonehenge. I will write again from the next hotel.
The kids are doing great and socializing with each other a bit more.
Night 2 almost done
Hello everyone. It's 11:15 PM here. Some of the girls who were at the theatre with Mrs. Sutherland and Mrs. Sochacki are on their way back.
Mr. Gawel took one for the team and accompanied some of the kids who wanted to come back to the hotel. The day really wiped some of them out.
Ms. Stein, Mrs. Austin, and I accompanied 19 travelers to a couple of different parts to London. We all went to Harrods, which is an obnoxiously large and posh department store and the travelers really enjoyed wandering around it until close. We then took the tube to Piccadilly Square and the travelers got to enjoy some time in some of the stores there. We then had a long ride in the tube and train because a train in front of us lost power. We met a woman who moved here from Nebraska and she was quite friendly speaking to the students. I enjoyed talking to some of the kids in a different manner than principal/student.
We had one traveler who left us for a while to spend some time with family members here which I think is absolutely great. She is back with our group now.
The kids generally seem to be enjoying London and by and large are generally having a good time. The agenda is certainly busy and experience-wise I think your children are getting your money's worth so far. Becky is taking really good care of us and has really picked up everyone's names already.
Tomorrow we check out of our hotels early and head out to Winchester cathedral in the morning. I doubt I will be able to update you again until tomorrow evening as we will be more countryside.
Mr. Gawel took one for the team and accompanied some of the kids who wanted to come back to the hotel. The day really wiped some of them out.
Ms. Stein, Mrs. Austin, and I accompanied 19 travelers to a couple of different parts to London. We all went to Harrods, which is an obnoxiously large and posh department store and the travelers really enjoyed wandering around it until close. We then took the tube to Piccadilly Square and the travelers got to enjoy some time in some of the stores there. We then had a long ride in the tube and train because a train in front of us lost power. We met a woman who moved here from Nebraska and she was quite friendly speaking to the students. I enjoyed talking to some of the kids in a different manner than principal/student.
We had one traveler who left us for a while to spend some time with family members here which I think is absolutely great. She is back with our group now.
The kids generally seem to be enjoying London and by and large are generally having a good time. The agenda is certainly busy and experience-wise I think your children are getting your money's worth so far. Becky is taking really good care of us and has really picked up everyone's names already.
Tomorrow we check out of our hotels early and head out to Winchester cathedral in the morning. I doubt I will be able to update you again until tomorrow evening as we will be more countryside.
Dinner at Wagamamas
Well as a group leader I'm happy to say the time I was most worried about is over. 5 hours split up in groups but we are all accounted for.
We all started the day together with Keith, a guide who took us to different parts of London. We visited the entrance to Buckingham Palace and spent time at Westminster Abbey. We then visited the St. Paul cathedral and split up from there.
Team Gawel visited Arsenal Football Club's stadium (Emirates Stadium) and took a tour. They also visited the Imperial War Museum. Team Austin and Team Sochacki spent the afternoon at Covent Garden (best part of London IMO). Team Sutherland visited a few museums and bought tickets for a show for tonight.
The rest of us went to Windsor Castle with Keith. It was truly magnificent. The palace is very well kept and shows off many of the excess riches the Royal Family has. We then visited High Street and had an hour of free time before we all met together.
We are a bit waterlogged as it has rained all day. We are now at a place called Wagamamas for dinner. I'm on the free Wi-Fi (precious commodity in downtown London). I will post again when we all are back at the hotel.
In a nutshell, all is going well!
We all started the day together with Keith, a guide who took us to different parts of London. We visited the entrance to Buckingham Palace and spent time at Westminster Abbey. We then visited the St. Paul cathedral and split up from there.
Team Gawel visited Arsenal Football Club's stadium (Emirates Stadium) and took a tour. They also visited the Imperial War Museum. Team Austin and Team Sochacki spent the afternoon at Covent Garden (best part of London IMO). Team Sutherland visited a few museums and bought tickets for a show for tonight.
The rest of us went to Windsor Castle with Keith. It was truly magnificent. The palace is very well kept and shows off many of the excess riches the Royal Family has. We then visited High Street and had an hour of free time before we all met together.
We are a bit waterlogged as it has rained all day. We are now at a place called Wagamamas for dinner. I'm on the free Wi-Fi (precious commodity in downtown London). I will post again when we all are back at the hotel.
In a nutshell, all is going well!
Good morning!
It's 8:30 AM here in London. Everyone is up and eating breakfast.
Today we are heading out on a morning bus tour of London. Around lunch time some folks are heading on the Windsor Castle excursion while other groups are heading to various places in London (adult accompanied of course). We are all meeting together for dinner and then breaking out for some evening time in London.
We will also be taking a vote on the Harry Potter tour for the final night. The kids seem less enthusiastic about it than parents were at our final meeting.
Today we are heading out on a morning bus tour of London. Around lunch time some folks are heading on the Windsor Castle excursion while other groups are heading to various places in London (adult accompanied of course). We are all meeting together for dinner and then breaking out for some evening time in London.
We will also be taking a vote on the Harry Potter tour for the final night. The kids seem less enthusiastic about it than parents were at our final meeting.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
End of the first day
We are now back at the hotel. Your children are all wiped out and I imagine they will sleep well his evening.
We ate dinner at a restaurant called Ishtar. The portions were not nearly the massive size we are accustomed to in the United States. Becky was keen to see that Mrs. Sochacki's birthday was today so she arranged a birthday cake from the restaurant.
From there we walked around downtown London. The kids took plenty of pictures on the Thames River and around the London Eye. We also walked to Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square before turning in for the night. Many of the kids were eager to get some sleep.
Our group of 43 is quite massive to move everyone in the same direction.
Tomorrow we head back to London. Good night everyone.
We ate dinner at a restaurant called Ishtar. The portions were not nearly the massive size we are accustomed to in the United States. Becky was keen to see that Mrs. Sochacki's birthday was today so she arranged a birthday cake from the restaurant.
From there we walked around downtown London. The kids took plenty of pictures on the Thames River and around the London Eye. We also walked to Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square before turning in for the night. Many of the kids were eager to get some sleep.
Our group of 43 is quite massive to move everyone in the same direction.
Tomorrow we head back to London. Good night everyone.
Checked in
We are all checked in to our hotel. Becky (our tour director) is going over safety protocol.
Because our flight arrived so late, we were able to check in first. We are going out for an early dinner and then doing an evening walking tour of London.
Because our flight arrived so late, we were able to check in first. We are going out for an early dinner and then doing an evening walking tour of London.
Customs cleared
We all made it through customs. No lost baggage. We met our contact and she is taking us to the bus
We have arrived!
We are all accounted for at Heathrow. We are waiting in a long customs line. Kids are tired but in good spirits. I wanted to snap pics of them sleeping on the plane but I thought that might be mean.
Our contact is here and waiting for us. I went through with the students how to navigate a customs agent.
Our contact is here and waiting for us. I went through with the students how to navigate a customs agent.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Delta......not my favorite right now
I am blogging at 11:55, and we have not made it out to the runway. We've even watched the safety video already and they shut off the lights in the cabin. A lot of the kids are sleeping or occupied so it's quiet. No real explanation as to why we are still here. We will be arriving a little behind schedule.
All aboard!
We are all on board and are about to get moving. There are not a lot of passengers on this flight.....one of the least crowded flights I have ever seen in my life. The flight attendants are letting people move seats before take off which is not something I see happen usually.
We should be on the ground 11 AM local time (6 AM for those in the Berkley area).
I'll try to post when we arrive.
We should be on the ground 11 AM local time (6 AM for those in the Berkley area).
I'll try to post when we arrive.
We are all here!
We are at our gate waiting for boarding. The kids are very excited. Some are nervous about flying so long. Some are just tired.
Thank you for your patience at check in. The folks at the check in desk were really apologetic. Apparently their system cannot handle a group of our size which I find amazing in 2015. But I guess that's why they recommend getting here so early.
Thank you for your patience at check in. The folks at the check in desk were really apologetic. Apparently their system cannot handle a group of our size which I find amazing in 2015. But I guess that's why they recommend getting here so early.
Friday, February 13, 2015
See you tomorrow!
Also, if you are interested in international cell phone options, you may want to look into the MagicJack app for smartphones.
See you tomorrow. 7:30 PM at the latest.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Day 4 Hotel
Well travelers we are 6 days away!!
I heard from Rebecca Barry over the weekend and she let me know that the rooms for the Day 4 hotel have been booked. The girls will have 7 triples and the boys will have three triples and two doubles. I will send out these assignments via the EF e-mail.
The Harry Potter tour for the final night is also booked. That will be 10 pounds per student.
Also - I double checked with EF and your children do not count as unaccompanied minors so you can drop them off at the entrance at the McNamara terminal and say goodbyes there. I will take care of them from there. If you have any questions regarding this, EF customer service can answer your questions.
I heard from Rebecca Barry over the weekend and she let me know that the rooms for the Day 4 hotel have been booked. The girls will have 7 triples and the boys will have three triples and two doubles. I will send out these assignments via the EF e-mail.
The Harry Potter tour for the final night is also booked. That will be 10 pounds per student.
Also - I double checked with EF and your children do not count as unaccompanied minors so you can drop them off at the entrance at the McNamara terminal and say goodbyes there. I will take care of them from there. If you have any questions regarding this, EF customer service can answer your questions.
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