July 2010
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Hey From Venice... |
Jul 19, 2010 5:16 PM
Natalie Mancini |
Hey Parents!
Today was definitely eventful as we traveled to Venice! It was absolutely stunning and combined with the 30-degree weather it couldn’t have been a better day. We started the day off with an early wake up call, having breakfast at 7:00 and leaving at 7:15. As we boarded the bus we all knew we were awaiting a long 3 and a half hour bus ride; however, practically all of us used it to our advantage and caught up on some sleep. The journey from Florence to Venice was filled with beautiful scenery, as we drove through Tuscany, and it was definitely an experience to remember. When we arrived to the docks we took a private boat to the island itself, and this was also filled with great views of many islands, cruise ships, homes and of course Venice itself. The first thing that we did when arriving to Venice was a walking tour of the island. We split up into classes and headed off with our tour guides who were really helpful when explaining both the history and the importance of Venice. During the tour we also learnt about the formation of the islands, and about certain buildings and their architecture famous to Italy, such as the Opera House. Following our tour we were granted the rest of the afternoon off, which left us able to roam around, grab some lunch and enjoy Venice as a whole. Almost right away the majority of us set off to grab lunch or gelato, as it was already late and our stomachs were complaining! A group of friends and I ate at a small restaurant outside on the terrace, and our food was absolutely delicious! For the rest of the afternoon everyone did his or her own thing. Whether it was shopping, taking a gondola ride or just relaxing in the sun, everyone seemed to have a great time, taking in all that Venice has to offer. Lots of gifts and souvenirs were bought, such as sunglasses and sailor hats, but at the end of the day everyone was exhausted from traveling and the heat, and we still had a long journey back to the hotel. Our day in Venice was definitely one to remember and it was clear on our ride home that many memories had been made, as our friendships continued to grow stronger. As for school the English students have lots of work to do on our point of view assignments, Julius Caesar play and our summatives, although tomorrow is another busy day, going to see the Academia and Pisa. The trip seems to be flying by, and I can comfortably say that I feel like everyone has made life-long friends and we really are like one giant family.
We miss you and love you!
Michelle A |
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Day 1 in Florence! |
Jul 19, 2010 5:14 PM
Natalie Mancini |
What a leap from rainy Galway to sunny Florence. It was our first full day and I know we all missed our sunshine. We started today with classes during which we started reading through Julius Caesar. So far so good English class!
After classes, Natalie showed us the way to her favorite leather market. The one thing you should ALWAYS buy in Florence is a leather jacket or purse. I know a few of us were very successful. Then Natalie showed us great scarves. I know what you’re thinking, buying scarves in 38 degree heat does not sound appealing but they were just too tempting. All the varied colors and sizes they were just too pretty to pass up.
After our successful morning of shopping we all grabbed Gelato and sat outside in the Piazza. Man is life good!
Later in the afternoon we were taken on a walking tour around Florence, the Duomo, the Santa Croche Church, the Uffizi, and the Ponte Veccio. By the end of the day we all had sandal tans.
Can’t wait for tomorrow!
Thinking of you parents,
Emilie P |
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Last Day in Ireland |
Jul 14, 2010 3:18 PM
Natalie Mancini |
July 14
Today was our last day in Ireland. It was a fairly stressful morning for the English students who had their first literary essay to write entirely in class. Everyone finished on time and now we have one less assignment to worry about. The Business class was much more relaxed. Today was the day they presented their movie assignments. In groups the class had to make short movies on specific world issues. In the afternoon, there was an option of either soccer or horseback riding, and many students spent their time in town doing last minute shopping or just exploring Galway for the final time. Everyone playing soccer had a blast and horseback riding was a huge hit. It was the first time riding for many people and they all enjoyed it immensely. I’m sure we’re all in for an early night tonight because tomorrow, we have a very early start. Tomorrow we leave Galway at 4:00 AM to embark on the next leg of our journey. It’s been real Ireland, Italy here we come.
-Devon C. |
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Student Blog! |
Jul 14, 2010 2:57 PM
Natalie Mancini |
July 13th
This morning we left for our all day excursion to the Aran islands at 9:00. After a short bus ride we took the ferry over to the island of Inis Mor. Inis Mor is the largest of the Aran Islands and is absolutely stunning. Once we arrived at the pier we were all told to meet back at the ferry at 3:30 and that we had the whole island to explore however we wanted to. Most of the students headed off to find lunch in the main town of Kilronan. There we found many quaint restaurants serving delicious food. In different groups we all eventually moved on to either shopping or sightseeing. Many of us purchased the famous Aran Island wool sweaters, socks and hats. If you have a son our daughter on the trip you may look forward to a present. Lots of us also went off to see the sights of Inis Mor by horse buggy, bike or through a tour. The most popular sight to see is Dun Aengus, and ancient hill fort on a majestic cliff. The whole island is filled with beautiful scenery though not just a single sight. Inis Moor was breathtaking and the whole group had a great day.
I typed this up in the lab which would not allow me to attach any pictures.Hopefully I can borrow someones laptop and send a second email with pictures.
Kyle M.
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My Fair Lady |
Jul 13, 2010 10:02 AM
Natalie Mancini |
July 12th
Today the students in the English class began class at the normal time of 8:15 in the morning. The business class, on the other hand, didn’t begin class until 1. Today was the first day of our trip that we did not have anything happen. It is the first of three days in a row that we have the afternoon off.
The students in English received their Pygmalion literary essay topic and also were given time to work on it. The students in Business started their bi-lateral trade and news article presentations. Later in the day, the English students watched My Fair Lady, a movie based on the play Pygmalion. It was a long movie but it was nice to see the story told in another perspective and I think most of the students enjoyed it.
Overall it was a pretty quiet and relaxing day. All the students are very excited for tomorrow, where we are visiting the beautiful Aran Island. It should be amazing and all the students are looking forward to it.
-Cam L. |
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FIFA Fever! |
Jul 12, 2010 11:00 AM
Natalie Mancini |
Its day 4 in beautiful Galway and we had our first real sunny day here. We started class late allowing us all to sleep in. We’ve definitely missed our sleep!
Class began at 1 and the English class finally finished Pygmalion and then started a new group project. It was great to meet new people in our class and mingle.
So we were lucky enough to be in Galway during the final FIFA game: Netherlands vs. Spain. We were all very high-spirited and took the game to heart. I even know of a few people like Jane K, Megan P, Jeanette G, Michelle Al and myself dressed all orange for the occasion. Even though our tour was cheering for separate sides we came together and went out to watch the game and to enjoy the cheerful party that was the celebration of the Spanish win.
It was really fun and interesting to be in Europe while the FIFA games were on, they take spirit to a whole new level. To add to the enthusiasm, there was an onslaught of Spanish tourists in Galway, what are the odds of that!
We’re all missing you guys back home but our new family has made the trip so great!
-Emilie P
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