Little Bites

55 Days!  I've decided that if I pack or prepare one or two little things each day I'll have everything I need and won't have a stressful crunch trying to get ready at the end. I just need to be careful that I don't add to the list because now there is extra time to talk myself into buying extra stuff. Remember to pack light!

Today I put my laundry kits together. I have one with washing machine size packets of Tide (.97 each @ Target) and a few dryer sheets. That one is to grab as I go to the laundromat/launderette. The other has a sink stopper, braided cord, and sink size packets of Tide and Woolite. This is for when I need to wash a few things in the hotel sink. We can't always find a laundry and have to wash by hand. Tide works great for shirts and socks but Woolite is good for my delicates. If you can't find little packets just transfer detergent and/or woolite into a small squeeze bottle. A little squirt will do a load in the sink. And pods work as well as the large packets.

I also carry Shout wipes and Bounce with me. Shout takes care of the little stains right as they happen. Dryer sheets are amazing. One in the suitcase keeps clothes from smelling like musty luggage, tuck them in shoes at night to get rid of odor, rub them on clothes to get rid of static, use them to tame fly away hair, and you can even rub on your skin as insect repellent.

Enjoy Spring Break!

Meet the Leaders 4 & 5

Hi! This is Kalani and Katie and we are so excited to head out the Europe in 67 days!  Although we are a little anxious leaving our new son Kawika Gary, we know he will be spoiled like crazy while he stays stateside with his Grandma Noni (who chaperoned in Europe last time) and Great-Grandma Mary. 

Kalani -- Kalani grew up on the beautiful island of Sandy, Utah where he graduated from Jordan High School in 2000. He went on an LDS mission to Manila, Philippines where he learned Tagalog as well as to love balut.  In high school he played both football and basketball and still loves a good game of pickup basketball anytime.  Kalani worked for many, many years in the banking industry but finally decided that sitting behind a desk wasn't for him.  Kalani currently works for the Post Office as a mail carrier in Holladay. Kalani's mom, Nani, lives in Oceanside, California. He has two younger sisters: Lia, her husband, Spencer, and their daughter Nohea live in Huntington Beach, California and Kalei and her son Mykah live in Orem, Utah. Kalani traveled to Europe for the first time two years ago as a chaperone on this trip.

Katie -- Katie grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah where she graduated from Highland High School in 1994.  She attended the University of Utah where she graduated with a double major in Literature and Secondary Education. Then she attended Western Governors University for her two Masters degrees. Katie has been teaching at Highland since 2001, has been Athletic Director and now is Assistant Principal.  Katie's mom, Noni, lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and Katie caught the travelling bug from her parents (Katie's Dad, Gary, passed away 15 years ago). Katie has two younger sisters: Betsy, her husband, Ben, and their kids Michael, Emma, Sarah and Nate live in Midlothian, Virginia and Barbie, her husband, Colby and their son Ollie live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Katie has been to Europe six times as a chaperone on this trip.

Kalani & Katie were married in March of 2012. They love to spend their summers at their cabin at Bear Lake and to travel all over the world together.  They both have a close extended family and spend a lot of time with them.

Who Are You?

We had a fun meeting last night. We spent some time putting names to faces and then learned about Heidelberg and Luxembourg. We also learned the rules of group metro travel. 1)Figure out where we are going and which stop is ours before we get on. 2)Get on as a group and with a group this big it means get on fast. Use 2 cars if necessary and help your buddies get on with you. 3)Pay attention! Count down to our stop watch for it. 4)Jump off, move away from the train and then wait on the platform for roll call. 5)If you miss our stop get off at the next stop and wait on the platform so you can be seen. One of the chaperones will come for you to get you back with the group.

Our final lesson was group photos. These are important. They are posted on the blog so your parents can see that you are still with us and having fun. Tips for a good picture... Tall people in back, scrunch together, make levels and make sure no one is in front of your face. If you can't see me the camera can't see you. Here is our first attempt - not bad but needs to be balanced left to right just a little. The photographer also needs to pay better attention to things in the foreground and background. Remember - left click to enlarge, right click to download. See you in April!

Meet the Leaders 3

I am Todd Wright and am one of the chaperones coming on the 2014 Europe trip! 

I was born and raised in Layton, UT, the youngest of 4 kids. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers, anywhere from 10-6 years older than me.

I graduated from Layton High in 2005. During high school I was in the show choir which performed all over the wasatch front and even took tours to southern California every spring where we would perform in Disneyland and various places in San Diego. After high school, I served an LDS mission in Fort Worth, TX, speaking Spanish. There I developed an appreciation for spicy food and a love of other languages and cultures. When I returned, I continued my education at Utah State University, originally as a mechanical engineering major, then changing to Spanish and Secondary education. I want to share my passion of the Spanish language and the cultures surrounding it with others.

While at USU, I met my lovely wife Christine. We will have been married for 5 years this August. We do not have kids yet, but have an awesome 4 year old Border Collie named Lily that keeps us on our toes. We love taking Lily out for walks and to play ball. 

As for my own hobbies, I enjoy reading, writing, and drawing. This past year I took my drawings and began selling them through my own small business. I also enjoy crochet and am selling some of the items I make as well. I like to play video games in my spare time, mainly shooters, adventure games, or racing simulators. I also enjoy movies and consider myself a bit of a popcorn connoisseur. I am a bit of an adrenaline junky and enjoy biking, hiking, longboarding, and skiing. In the last few years with coaching from my wife's family, I have started to autocross race with them and have developed a great passion for this sport. I look forward to continuing my experiences and spending time with them on the weekends this summer. 

My travel experience is mainly here in the United States, having been to 21 states in the continental US and Hawaii. I have also traveled to British Colombia on the west coast of Canada, which really was not that much different from the US.

So, I am VERY excited to come with all of you to our various stops in Europe and learn more about those countries, their languages, and their cultures. 

Packing Light

Tonight we talked about packing light. Here is a copy of the packing list so you can access it online when you need. Remember to pack LIGHT! Do not waste your energy hauling around lots of extra stuff.  Space on the bus is limited, many hotels are located inside cities where we cannot park a bus, and many don't have elevators so you will be lifting that suitcase up multiple flights of narrow stairs! Our recommendation is one 24-27" suitcase and a backpack/carry on that can double as a day bag.

Packing Checklist

PASSPORT!!!

TRAVELER JOURNAL 

CREDIT/ATM CARD, MONEY YOU EXCHANGED, PHONE CARD

NAME TAGS ON ALL LUGGAGE: make them bright & easy to spot

CARRY ON TO INCLUDE: Anything you can’t live without for a day

• TOILETRIES – All liquids 3 oz. or less in a small baggie - soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, contact stuff, your beauty stuff
• MEDICATIONS – pain reliever, prescriptions (in original container), allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, antibiotic, etc. 
• CAMERA – Extra memory card, charger or batteries, (film?)
• STUFF – glasses, sunglasses, MP3, batteries, chargers, books, cards (for layovers), etc.
• ALL VALUABLES – don’t pack anything in your suitcase that might be stolen – bring it with you! (Cash especially)
• ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES – including underwear (just in case your suitcase is delayed or lost)
• MUNCHIES – water bottle, snacks, gum…..

       SUITCASE – Label inside and out. Tuck a copy of the itinerary inside.

• CLOTHING FOR HOT & COOL WEATHER: long pants (1-2), long sleeved shirt (1), shorts (2), short sleeved shirts (6), jacket (1).  Choose lightweight & fast drying!
• COMFORTABLE SHOES: with socks - break in well before we leave!!!
• UNDERWEAR: at least 6 pair
• ONE SEMI-DRESSY OUTFIT: for the theatre (shoes to match?)
• BELTS, SWIMMING SUIT, HAT 
• TOILETRIES: This time 24 days worth - soap, deodorant, toothbruch & toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, contact stuff, your beauty stuff, hand sanitizer
• CONVERTER/ADAPTER & CHARGERS - if you bring any electronics you will need these!
• PLASTIC BAG FOR WET ITEMS (or plasticized section in luggage)
• LAUNDRY DETERGENT (close securely), CLOTHES LINE, STOPPER
• GUM & SNACKS
• FANNY PACK/BACK PACK: purses & wallets are easier to snatch. You could make your carry-on your back pack… just transfer everything to your suitcase once you get to the hotel then put your day items in the pack.
• RAIN GEAR: Jacket/windbreaker w/hood, poncho, or umbrella

PACK LIGHT! You must carry what you take & be sure to leave room for trinkets!

Baby, Baby!

Congrats to Katie and Kalani as they welcomed little Kawika Gary on Weds. Oct. 23rd. We're glad he's here safe and sound! I stole these pictures from their Facebook. He's adorable!

Meet the Leaders 2

My name is Christine Curtis Wright, I am 24 and very excited to be a chaperone for the 2014 Europe tour! With both parents as teachers, I grew up in the halls of high schools.  From the time I was small I tagged along to any event they would let me. My dad coached basketball so I went to a lot of the camps and games for the team. It was following

my dad that I gained a joy for playing sports. I'm sure trying to keep up with my brothers also added to that. Tagging along with my mom meant growing up in the halls of Highland and attending many Highland related things (especially rugby).  Luckily for me, tagging along with Mom also meant being able to go to Europe a couple times while in high school.

I graduated from Highland where I was in senate, pep club, and on the softball team. After graduation I did a semester at BYU Idaho and then 'converted' to Utah State. While at USU I met my husband, Todd. We have now been married for four years. We are busy adventuring and enjoying life while it is still just us and our dog, Lily. We have been blessed to live blocks away from my family. I have enjoyed being able to be so close to them and being able to continue to strengthen my friendships with each family member.

 I love biology and like to think this is somehow related to the fact that I absolutely love being outdoors! My favorite activities are hiking, exploring, camping and running my dog. We have been training Lily in obedience and agility. One goal is to teach her to be a therapy animal. I have had the opportunity to learn how to teach basic training and have started teaching obedience classes. It has been fun to be able to use my knowledge of dogs to help others live in a better environment with their pets. I hope to be an animal behaviorist one day. I am also very artistic; be it crafts, paintings, drawings, music, photography, or just doodles. Even my shoe collection shows my artistic side, along with my love for having fun. I am currently working as a nanny for two energetically cute boys (4 and 1.5 yrs) who never fail to remind me to never take life too serious. 

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I am truly excited and grateful to be able to explore Europe again! I look forward to getting to know the group and being able to share such a marvelous opportunity with them!

2014 meetings begin!

First meeting over and done! I was really scattered but Katie had it together. Everyone was really nice and took the frantic pace in stride. I'm starting to get a feel for how big this group is going to be. It will take some careful management but its going to be a great bunch to travel with.

The chaperones met  briefly after the meeting and decided we should dedicate the next few blog entries to introduce ourselves. Hopefully this gives the travelers and their parents a better idea of who we are and why we do this.

We'll start with me - Wendy. I grew up traveling. My parents had lived in Germany and frequently flew our family back there over the summers to visit old friends and then we would take off exploring some region of Europe. I've visited all of Western Europe, Scandinavia, much of Eastern Europe and the 'Soviet Block' countries, and the Middle East. My favorite places are almost all in the United Kingdom.

I graduated from Highland, the "U" with a degree in FCS Education, and then earned a masters degree from Utah State University. I had the opportunity to write some of the architecture curriculum used in interior design classes across the state. Returning to Highland to teach in 1992 I was mentored by Dean Collett who invited me to join him on his Europe tours. Dean is still a pillar of the Highland faculty but age made it difficult to continue traveling so I inherited the program back in the '90s. (Dean turns 85 on Sept 29, if you are a student or former student stop by room D102 and wish him a happy day!)

In 2004, I invited the fabulous new humanities teacher to come along and enhance the trip. What a great plan! You'll learn about how amazing Katie is in another post.

This summer I will celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary while on the trip (my husband is a home body). I have four children: Stephen, Christine (Todd), Drew and David. I drag them along to Europe when I can.

I am addicted to exploring Europe and love to share that addiction with new generations. My favorite parts of travel are exploring the markets or any place the 'locals' hang out and finding the yummy special treats in each country. I also love watching as the student travelers gain confidence as they learn to navigate these foreign lands on their own, realize how big and diverse this planet is, and become citizens of the world. 

Are you a tourist or traveler?

It's time to begin the official countdown... By this time next year we will have been home for a week!  We have a lot to do in the next year to be ready to travel. One of our goals for this trip is for the kids to become citizens of the world. Part of the fun is really getting in to the cultures we visit. We learn not only from the things we see about history and art but from the people that live there. As we rush from site to site stop and talk to people along the way. Our travelers from last year became best friends with the owner of the small restaurant across from the hotel in Poros. A few still keep in contact with that awesome lady. One of my favorite things to do in any city is to find the market. Not the tourist trap shops but the place the real people shop. It is fun and educational to see the "natives in their natural habitat" along with finding really yummy food. Those that have the best experience on the trip are the ones that become travelers instead of tourists. Here's how...

We will be starting our meetings for travelers and their parents on September 9th, 7pm. Katie and I are already planning a course of classes that is fun and informational. Remember that you can earn school credit while on the trip. We'll explain how in September. See you then!

Oh, and remember to sign up to follow the blog. Along with my  narrative and opinions it will keep you up to date and informed about the trip.

We have a group!

So, in case you hadn't heard, Katie and Kalani are expecting a little Ieremia this fall. Congratulations, we are so excited for you! The first thing they did was make arrangements for grandmas to stay with the baby while they are away. That is true committment!

The trip is nearly full and we haven't even finished school yet. Talk about an eager group of travelers! We were a bit pushy recruiting because the cost of the trip is higher than we'd like and we wanted everyone to be able to take advantage of the $500 discount. The up side is that it allows us to make sure every traveler is well educated and prepared before we leave.

On this cold, rainy morning I'm dreaming of the warm, sunny beaches on our favorite island of Poros. 1 year + 2 weeks until we're there! (Thanks Whit for letting me steal this beautiful photo!)

 

2014 - the beginning

It's been a difficult fall and winter so we have been very behind in the planning process. Things are starting to settle and as they do we are moving fast on the trip. We signed with EF yesterday (gasp!), something I said I'd never do but they have been so on the ball and very serious about our concerns. Now that we have the itinerary and the travel agency it's time to start collecting travelers. I'm so excited - first meeting in an hour!

The Next Adventure

So, I would be well on my way to planning the 2014 trip if it weren't for my real life. Time to push through and get going. I've asked Dean Collett for a list of his top 10 favorite cities to visit and the top three things to see in each of those cities. With all of his experience I figure that will be a great place to start. I really wish he were traveling with us. There is no one more positive and fun to have around, he sings silly songs and tells stupid jokes. You just have to be happy when you're with him. I'm lucky he gave me this gift of his Highland Europe Trip. I learned from the best.

HOME!

Travel home went smoothly. We heard rumors about a problem at JFK but it didn't affect us at all. It was so great to see everyone at the airport. Thanks so much for the warm welcome home! Thanks also for all the support over the past year. We had a great time and the kids were fantastic. Now we look forward to a 'reunion' sometime in the near future!

The Last Day....

We met at 9am to get everyone on the same page before we all took off to do our own thing. The kids had a great time exploring and finishing up their shopping. Many wished we had one more day in London. In a way I agree. There is so much to see and do in this city. As much as I've loved traveling with this group however, I'm ready to come home.

As we met for dinner we all had a good laugh. The guys had obviously shopped with a plan today and all came dressed in matching outfits. They got lots of comments though the course of the evening. At dinner we took a minute to thank our tour director, Arnoud. He has done such a great job for us. The kids will never know how many problems he solved before they ever knew they existed. Arnoud deserves a medal!

After dinner we went to see Wicked. Some were very familiar with the story and for others it was their first time seeing the play. It was a great production, well cast and performed. Elphaba was fantastic!

We're all back safely in the hotel trying to figure out how to get everything home. We are up and headed to the airport first thing tomorrow!

It's always rainy in london!

This morning was our city tour with a blue badge guide. It turned out to be a tricky proposition since the London 10K was being run and many of the streets we needed to travel were closed. Our guide, Richard, did a great job of navigating around to some different sites and had lots of interesting facts about seemingly everything we drove past. We took a group photo near the Albert memorial and then we dropped about half the group off in the area so they could go to church. The rest continued on to the British museum where we concluded our tour.

The museum had the medals for the upcoming Olympics on display along with the usual outstanding exhibits. This museum is the home of the Rosetta Stone, one of the largest mummy collections outside of Egypt and the 'Elgin' marbles. These are the carvings that were on top of the Parthenon and brought to England. It's interesting to think we've come full circle - from the ruins of Greece to the ruins of Greece.

After the tour was free time. Some went out to Wimbledon, others chose another museum and again with the shopping. We met early for dinner and had a very traditional 'bangers and mash' sausages and mashed potatoes in a pub while we watched the men's tennis finals at Wimbledon. The locals were very invested since a Brit was playing. It's always fun to be part of the local culture.

Where Are the Fish?

Off to London. It was definitely a "Murphy's Law" day. We had to leave by 6:15 to catch our train. At 6:30 we are still waiting to load the bus. Two busses in front of the hotel, no clue which is ours, no tour director. Arnoud did not receive his wake up call from the front desk. Neither, we discover, did Clara and Sarah P. Those girls are amazing packed up and down to the bus in 5 minutes. Unfortunatly that led to the next trauma. Art left at the hotel. The bus driver was a magician, got us back to the hotel and to the station just in time.

The Eurostar is an interesting train. You'd never know you're going as fast as you are. Almost 200 MPH! The scenery flies by but is still pretty, you just learn to look to the distance so you can focus. The chunnel is just a dark tunnel and most of the kids were asleep so no one really noticed. We did have a discussion with a few however, that they should paint fish on the sides of the tube to make it look like you're traveling under water.

There was a weird unsheduled stop while on the train and then another mix up with the bus so we missed our guided tour of Westminster Abbey but we'll try to reschedule for Monday. We went to the Tower of London and turned the kids loose. It's always been a great site to visit but it was all cleaned up and had new exhibits in honor of the Queen's Jubilee (and for the Olympic crowd.

Then it was off to the Marlbarough Pub for fish and chips. Even some of the kids who swear they hate fish ate & enjoyed. A few took off for Phantom of the Opera and the rest took to the town. All are home safe and sound.

Free Day

Internet wasn't working very well last night and we're off in a few to London so this post has to be fast.

It was our free day today. Most of the kids made lots of really good plans. First thing we met, wished Whitney W. a happy birthday and got our meeting time and place for dinner. Then the kids took off. Places to visit foday were Fragonards perfume factory, the d'Orsay Museum, the Pompidou, Tullieries, and of course shopping.

We met at the base of the Sacre Cour and as we were waiting for the entire group to arrive the rain hit. Whoever said Paris in the rain is romantic was crazy. It was a deluge. The kids were drenched.

After dinner about half the group came home and the other half to the carnival in the Tullieries. They chose not to do EuroDisney so wanted to go on a few of the rides. Off to Lond

on!

Louvre

This morning's excursion was to the Louvre. It was also our first excursion all together on the metro. It's an interesting process to try and get 40 people on the same car going the same way on a busy Paris line but we made it.

Everyone went to see the Mona Lisa and some of the other significant pieces but then took their own path and own time through the museum. Some were finished quickly and others spent hours there. Then everyone had free time and did their own thing. Many went to the Musee d'Orsay, some to Notre Dame, other interesting spots and of course shopping.

It started raining in the afternoon so we had to change our plans a bit for the evening. The original idea was Mont Martre to see the street artists but they wouldn't have been out in the weather so we walked the Champs Elysee and then did an evening Seine River cruise. Its a beautiful city with all the lights.

Remember - Arnoud also posts pictures everyday we have internet. Check them out at http://www.explorica.com/Tour-Diaries/Tour-Diary.aspx?code=YDAvo1jBlFrmqD20AbMdfw%3d%3d&diaryDate=07/02/2012&imageNum=2

Sun King and Crepes!

Its a beautiful day in Paris! We headed out early, by bus, to Versailles Palace. Two great tour guides took us through the palace's main rooms to see the King and Queen's apartments, the incredible Hall of Mirrors and the gigantic ceiling and wall paintings. In the last two years they have re-guilded the front gates which practically make it glow like the "Sun King"'s palace should! After the tour we headed out the the gardens for free time until dinner back in Paris. The kids split up to various activities including rowing on the Grand Canal, biking through the gardens or visiting Marie Antoinette's hamlet.

Different groups returned from Versailles via the RER train, at various times to see Notre Dame, and wander the streets of Paris. Our meeting place for dinner was in front of Notre Dame. It was great to have everyone together to share their afternoon experiences. Dinner took us to a delicious creperie. We had savory crepes for dinner and dark chocolate crepes for dessert.

Dinner ended at about 7:30pm -- dinner is always early in Paris! So that makes for a great free night in Paris!

To Paris!

Sorry, we had a super long day. Left the hotel at 8 am and got into the hotel at 11pm. I'll do a super brief blog now so you know we're OK and come back and edit later. We drove to Paris and dropped our bags in a locked room at the hotel then headed into the city. Our city guide, Janice, was a comedian - so funny! She did a great job and taught us so much about the city. After dinner we went to the Eiffel Tower and those that wanted to take the lift stood in line forever. The smart ones took the stairs. We're off this morning for Versailles. I'll update you all later!