As I am writing this the delegates are enjoying a dance party here in Chartres. Some French students were invited, but I do not know if they will join in.
If you have heard about the strike by ground crews and flight attendants at Lufthansa and are worried if it will impact us. I am aware of the situation and we are monitoring it. The flight department at the People to People national office are also aware of the situation are confident it will not impact our flights. If that changes, we will let you know right away.
The delegates are not aware of this, and I do not think they need to be; they have had enough to worry about with faulty air conditioning on trains and buses, so I do not think they need this as well.
Otherwise, the program is going well, and everyone is having fun. Just wait until you see the pictures! See you all Saturday.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Update from the road
I finally have an opportunity to post, so here goes. Eveything is going fine. Delegates are having a lot of fun, and learning a lot. We had a great time in Athens, are heading today to Olympia (not the one south of you), and tonight we'll take our overnight ferry to Italy.
So far they've learned how to dance traditional Greek dances, played volleyball with Greek students, heard a private concert in a 2,300 year old theater (okay, it was Janet singing, but it was private), and climbed the Acropolis. A lot more, but breakfast now awaits us, and then our next full day.
So far they've learned how to dance traditional Greek dances, played volleyball with Greek students, heard a private concert in a 2,300 year old theater (okay, it was Janet singing, but it was private), and climbed the Acropolis. A lot more, but breakfast now awaits us, and then our next full day.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Lufthansa
Parents: we'll use the phone tree to let you know of our arrival, but if you want to check with the airline on-line, here is a link:
http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/us/info_and_services/flightinfo/arrivals_departures?nodeid=1699706&l=en&cid=1000390
Just type in our flight number:
Seattle to Frankfurt 491
Frankfurt to Athens 3382
Return:
Paris to Frankfurt 4235
Frankfurt to Seattle 490
http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/us/info_and_services/flightinfo/arrivals_departures?nodeid=1699706&l=en&cid=1000390
Just type in our flight number:
Seattle to Frankfurt 491
Frankfurt to Athens 3382
Return:
Paris to Frankfurt 4235
Frankfurt to Seattle 490
Airport Meeting Part 2
Bring your passport!
If for some reason you are delayed getting to the airport (major bridge collapse, alien attack from outer space, etc.), or if you can't find us there (very unlikely) I'll have my cell phone with me. 253-376-3537.
If for some reason you are delayed getting to the airport (major bridge collapse, alien attack from outer space, etc.), or if you can't find us there (very unlikely) I'll have my cell phone with me. 253-376-3537.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
E-mail check
Please let me know you received my email, and more importantly have read the current postings, by emailing me at charleshall@yahoo.com with the subject line "Plato was from Greece". Thank you, and we'll see you Monday!
Parents: Phone cards
Recently, People to People emailed many of us regarding Cellhire, a for rent cell phone service. That is an option open to you, however it can be expensive, and it really isn't necessary. If you need to contact your delegate during the program, please call the delegate assistance team at 800-669-7882. They will know where we are 24/7, and can call me on my international cell phone if you need to speak with your son or daughter.
If you do send your child with an international cell phone, please keep in mind that just as when your child is in school there will be times when phones must be turned off, and when it would be innappropriate for a conversation.
The best way for them to communicate with you is to have them take a phone card. The one I use is the MCI/Verizon card from Costco. It is very inexpensive, and the easiest to use. Trust me, I've had delegates take other phone cards, and end up using mine because they couldn't use their own. If you want to leave a message for your child, you may send one to the next hotel where we are staying and ask that the message be given to us at check-in.
If you do send your child with an international cell phone, please keep in mind that just as when your child is in school there will be times when phones must be turned off, and when it would be innappropriate for a conversation.
The best way for them to communicate with you is to have them take a phone card. The one I use is the MCI/Verizon card from Costco. It is very inexpensive, and the easiest to use. Trust me, I've had delegates take other phone cards, and end up using mine because they couldn't use their own. If you want to leave a message for your child, you may send one to the next hotel where we are staying and ask that the message be given to us at check-in.
Weather
The weather forecast for Athens, for the next few days, is for temperatures in the 90's under sunny skies. Rome this week is around 90 degrees, and Paris today and tomorrow should have rain and 73 degrees.
Why am I posting this? To remind you to check the suggested packing list in the "2008 Student Ambassador Protocol" handbook. It is not at all uncommon for us to experience light rain in Parisian summers, so a light jacket with a hood is a good idea. If you have everything on the list, you should be just fine.
One item not on that list, but one I strongly suggest you take, is a refillable water bottle. When you are walking a lot, and we will be walking a lot, in 90 degree weather, you'll need to drink lots of water, and you won't want to stop and buy bottles of it.
Why am I posting this? To remind you to check the suggested packing list in the "2008 Student Ambassador Protocol" handbook. It is not at all uncommon for us to experience light rain in Parisian summers, so a light jacket with a hood is a good idea. If you have everything on the list, you should be just fine.
One item not on that list, but one I strongly suggest you take, is a refillable water bottle. When you are walking a lot, and we will be walking a lot, in 90 degree weather, you'll need to drink lots of water, and you won't want to stop and buy bottles of it.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Schedule of Activities
Some of you have let me know you've not been able to find this information on the People to People website, so I've posted it here.
JULY 14 - AUGUST 2, 2008
MONDAY, JULY 14
Depart for Athens
Meet your delegation and board your international overnight flight to Europe.
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Athens, Greece
Welcome to Europe! After arrival at the airport your Delegation Manager and coach
driver will greet you!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Athens, Greece
Enjoy a guided city walk taking in such amazing sights as the majestic Acropolis as well
as the Parthenon which symbolizes the glory of ancient Greece.
Take some time with your delegation Manager for a walk in the old part of Athens -
Plaka, and enjoy the flair on your own.
Take some time to relax and refresh yourself.
Learn the first steps of the most popular Greek dances at the public school of Ano
Liossia.
Participate in a traditional folkloric dance show by professional dancers. Don't be shy!
You can also join the dance in the end!
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Athens, Greece
Enjoy your day on the beach with swimming and sport activities!
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Peloponnesus, Greece
Take part in a service project in Glyfada near Athens. The "Archelon Association" takes
care for the protection of sea turtles- Caretta Caretta, especially for the preservation of
their natural living space and the existing of their species.
Join a guided visit of the famous theatre of Epidaurus! The theater is marveled for its
exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken
word from the stage to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating!
SATURDAY, JULY 19
Overnight ferry to Bari, Italy
Guided visit of Olympia, where the Olympic Games first took place in 776 BC. At
ancient Olympia, you can see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus as well as a 3rd century
BC athletic stadium.
Departure of your overnight ferry to Bari on the Italian mainland.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Naples, Italy
Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, Vesuvius' most famous victim. When the mountain
erupted in AD 79, it rained ash and stone and completely destroyed and buried the city.
MONDAY, JULY 21
Rome, Italy
Take an excursion to Mount Vesuvius, one of Europe's few active volcanoes. Don't
worry, the last eruption was in 1944.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
Rome, Italy
Today you will visit the capital of Catholicism and the world's smallest state, the
Vatican! Admire St. Peter’s cathedral, including Michelangelo's glorious Pieta and the
Sistine Chapel.
Continue with a city exploration in the way of a Riddle Rally including Piazza Navona,
the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Bring some coins - tossing a
coin in the fountain will ensure your return to Rome!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Assisi, Italy
Some of Rome's most popular highlights are waiting for you: your guide will take you
through the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. The city of Rome with its antique
monuments and religious sites has been UNESCO World Heritage since 1980.
Participate in an Educational Meeting at the monastery. You will have the privilege to
speak to a monk or a priest of the Franciscan Order who will tell you about life in the
monastery and its founder, Saint Francis who lived in Assisi in the 12th century
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Assisi, Italy
Your day with Full On is a fear overcoming, confidence building and horizon expanding
personal development experience. The day involves indoor and outdoor challenges,
adventure and learning and the opportunity to abseil off an 800-year-old medieval
tower!
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Montecatini, Italy
Now your guide will take you for a walk through the city of Florence, passing by the
Duomo and the bronze doors to the Baptistery, known as the Gate to Paradise.
Pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's colossal statue,
David.
Get to know Pisa, while your DM will show you around. Use the free time for visiting the
Duomo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
SATURDAY, JULY 26
Vicenza, Italy
Enjoy an official welcome by an employee of the American Battle Monuments
Commission who will also guide you through the American Cemetery Florence, where
over 4.000 American soldiers, which were killed during the capture of Rome in June
1944, are buried.
Enjoy a warm and official welcome to Brescello by a member of the town hall, or the
Director of the "Museum Peppone e don Camillo!"
Visit the Museum Peppone e don Camillo and see some of the film sets throughout the
town.
SUNDAY, JULY 27
Overnight train, Italy - France
Enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and take a ride in a gondola. Passing "Canale
Grande" and narrow channels you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the
"Fenice Theater" and Mozart's Venice Residence.
During a guided orientation you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and
narrow canals of Venice. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sigh.
Take part in an informative presentation about the making of glass in Murano. You will
learn about the singular steps leading from the composition to the polish of glass. A
demonstration of each of the working steps will underline the speech.
Say good-bye to Venice and depart with the overnight train for the magical city of Paris!
MONDAY, JULY 28
Guesthouse, France
Today you will learn how to express yourself in French! Attend a French language
lesson where you can learn a few phrases in preparation for your Home Stay/Guest
House.
Enjoy a guided exploration of one of the most important art collections in the world, the
famous Musee du Louvre. You will visit the principal parts of the museum - including a
look at Leonardo's masterpiece, Mona Lisa.
TUESDAY, JULY 29
Guesthouse, France
Enjoy an exciting day at the guesthouse and spend your time with different activities!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
Guesthouse, France
Enjoy your last full day at the guesthouse!
THURSDAY, JULY 31
Paris, France
Say good bye to your guesthouse and head for Paris!
Voila Paris! A French guide will now join you for an orientation of the city Ernest
Hemingway called "a moveable feast".
Visit the historic Montmartre area, a haven for artists and writers before WWI. Marvel at
the white Basilique du Sacre Coeur, which is the second highest point in Paris. Take
some time to discover this area's treasures in small groups.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
Paris, France
Admire a dazzling view of Paris! There's only one place to go: take the elevator up to
the top of the Eiffel Tower (899 feet) which was built for the 1889 World's Fair to
commemorate the French Revolution.
Explore the magnificent Chateau de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on
your own. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it was the seat of the royal
court from 1682 to 1789, when the French Revolution put an end to the monarchy.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
Depart from Paris for the United States
Say goodbye to Europe! Have a nice flight back home!
Important Preparatory Information:
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
A water bottle is highly recommended
Climate can vary greatly during the program, be prepared for very warm and cool
weather
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary may change at any time without notice. Updated
Schedule of Activities will be posted on your student’s OnBoard Web Site
JULY 14 - AUGUST 2, 2008
MONDAY, JULY 14
Depart for Athens
Meet your delegation and board your international overnight flight to Europe.
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Athens, Greece
Welcome to Europe! After arrival at the airport your Delegation Manager and coach
driver will greet you!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Athens, Greece
Enjoy a guided city walk taking in such amazing sights as the majestic Acropolis as well
as the Parthenon which symbolizes the glory of ancient Greece.
Take some time with your delegation Manager for a walk in the old part of Athens -
Plaka, and enjoy the flair on your own.
Take some time to relax and refresh yourself.
Learn the first steps of the most popular Greek dances at the public school of Ano
Liossia.
Participate in a traditional folkloric dance show by professional dancers. Don't be shy!
You can also join the dance in the end!
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Athens, Greece
Enjoy your day on the beach with swimming and sport activities!
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Peloponnesus, Greece
Take part in a service project in Glyfada near Athens. The "Archelon Association" takes
care for the protection of sea turtles- Caretta Caretta, especially for the preservation of
their natural living space and the existing of their species.
Join a guided visit of the famous theatre of Epidaurus! The theater is marveled for its
exceptional acoustics, which permit almost perfect intelligibility of unamplified spoken
word from the stage to all 15,000 spectators, regardless of their seating!
SATURDAY, JULY 19
Overnight ferry to Bari, Italy
Guided visit of Olympia, where the Olympic Games first took place in 776 BC. At
ancient Olympia, you can see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus as well as a 3rd century
BC athletic stadium.
Departure of your overnight ferry to Bari on the Italian mainland.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Naples, Italy
Visit the ancient city of Pompeii, Vesuvius' most famous victim. When the mountain
erupted in AD 79, it rained ash and stone and completely destroyed and buried the city.
MONDAY, JULY 21
Rome, Italy
Take an excursion to Mount Vesuvius, one of Europe's few active volcanoes. Don't
worry, the last eruption was in 1944.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
Rome, Italy
Today you will visit the capital of Catholicism and the world's smallest state, the
Vatican! Admire St. Peter’s cathedral, including Michelangelo's glorious Pieta and the
Sistine Chapel.
Continue with a city exploration in the way of a Riddle Rally including Piazza Navona,
the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Bring some coins - tossing a
coin in the fountain will ensure your return to Rome!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Assisi, Italy
Some of Rome's most popular highlights are waiting for you: your guide will take you
through the Coliseum and the Roman Forum. The city of Rome with its antique
monuments and religious sites has been UNESCO World Heritage since 1980.
Participate in an Educational Meeting at the monastery. You will have the privilege to
speak to a monk or a priest of the Franciscan Order who will tell you about life in the
monastery and its founder, Saint Francis who lived in Assisi in the 12th century
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Assisi, Italy
Your day with Full On is a fear overcoming, confidence building and horizon expanding
personal development experience. The day involves indoor and outdoor challenges,
adventure and learning and the opportunity to abseil off an 800-year-old medieval
tower!
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Montecatini, Italy
Now your guide will take you for a walk through the city of Florence, passing by the
Duomo and the bronze doors to the Baptistery, known as the Gate to Paradise.
Pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo's colossal statue,
David.
Get to know Pisa, while your DM will show you around. Use the free time for visiting the
Duomo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
SATURDAY, JULY 26
Vicenza, Italy
Enjoy an official welcome by an employee of the American Battle Monuments
Commission who will also guide you through the American Cemetery Florence, where
over 4.000 American soldiers, which were killed during the capture of Rome in June
1944, are buried.
Enjoy a warm and official welcome to Brescello by a member of the town hall, or the
Director of the "Museum Peppone e don Camillo!"
Visit the Museum Peppone e don Camillo and see some of the film sets throughout the
town.
SUNDAY, JULY 27
Overnight train, Italy - France
Enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and take a ride in a gondola. Passing "Canale
Grande" and narrow channels you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the
"Fenice Theater" and Mozart's Venice Residence.
During a guided orientation you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and
narrow canals of Venice. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sigh.
Take part in an informative presentation about the making of glass in Murano. You will
learn about the singular steps leading from the composition to the polish of glass. A
demonstration of each of the working steps will underline the speech.
Say good-bye to Venice and depart with the overnight train for the magical city of Paris!
MONDAY, JULY 28
Guesthouse, France
Today you will learn how to express yourself in French! Attend a French language
lesson where you can learn a few phrases in preparation for your Home Stay/Guest
House.
Enjoy a guided exploration of one of the most important art collections in the world, the
famous Musee du Louvre. You will visit the principal parts of the museum - including a
look at Leonardo's masterpiece, Mona Lisa.
TUESDAY, JULY 29
Guesthouse, France
Enjoy an exciting day at the guesthouse and spend your time with different activities!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
Guesthouse, France
Enjoy your last full day at the guesthouse!
THURSDAY, JULY 31
Paris, France
Say good bye to your guesthouse and head for Paris!
Voila Paris! A French guide will now join you for an orientation of the city Ernest
Hemingway called "a moveable feast".
Visit the historic Montmartre area, a haven for artists and writers before WWI. Marvel at
the white Basilique du Sacre Coeur, which is the second highest point in Paris. Take
some time to discover this area's treasures in small groups.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
Paris, France
Admire a dazzling view of Paris! There's only one place to go: take the elevator up to
the top of the Eiffel Tower (899 feet) which was built for the 1889 World's Fair to
commemorate the French Revolution.
Explore the magnificent Chateau de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on
your own. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it was the seat of the royal
court from 1682 to 1789, when the French Revolution put an end to the monarchy.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
Depart from Paris for the United States
Say goodbye to Europe! Have a nice flight back home!
Important Preparatory Information:
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
A water bottle is highly recommended
Climate can vary greatly during the program, be prepared for very warm and cool
weather
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary may change at any time without notice. Updated
Schedule of Activities will be posted on your student’s OnBoard Web Site
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Airport Meeting
Bring your passport!
Seriously, if you don't bring your passport, you won't go with us! We'll meet at the southern end of the ticket counter area, at the overlook of the historic airplanes display. Parents, remember delegates are checked in and out by their passport. I'll know they've arrived when I have their passport, and upon our return August 2nd I'll know you've picked them up when you've collected their passport. Delegates, your passport is the most important possession you'll take with you on this trip.
Our flight, Lufthansa 491, is scheduled to depart at 2:25 P.M. Monday, July 14th. This is an international flight, so we should plan on being there 3 (three) hours before departure. That means we should be there at 11:25 A.M. Monday morning. Yes, I know that is early, and yes, I know we'll probably spend some time waiting before we depart. However, we are not travelling as individuals, or even as a small family group. There will be 31 of us checking in, and frequently the airline won't let us even START checking in until EVERYONE has arrived. So please don't be late! If arriving at the airport before 11:25 A.M. Monday is an inconvenience, please let me know and I'll help you make alternative arrangements.
Seriously, if you don't bring your passport, you won't go with us! We'll meet at the southern end of the ticket counter area, at the overlook of the historic airplanes display. Parents, remember delegates are checked in and out by their passport. I'll know they've arrived when I have their passport, and upon our return August 2nd I'll know you've picked them up when you've collected their passport. Delegates, your passport is the most important possession you'll take with you on this trip.
Our flight, Lufthansa 491, is scheduled to depart at 2:25 P.M. Monday, July 14th. This is an international flight, so we should plan on being there 3 (three) hours before departure. That means we should be there at 11:25 A.M. Monday morning. Yes, I know that is early, and yes, I know we'll probably spend some time waiting before we depart. However, we are not travelling as individuals, or even as a small family group. There will be 31 of us checking in, and frequently the airline won't let us even START checking in until EVERYONE has arrived. So please don't be late! If arriving at the airport before 11:25 A.M. Monday is an inconvenience, please let me know and I'll help you make alternative arrangements.
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