Explorica sponsors a photo contest for students and teachers who have traveled on one of their trips. Prizes are Amazon gift cards. Here are the addresses with more info -
http://www.explorica.com/student-photo-contest
http://www.explorica.com/teacher-photo-contest
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Debit Cards and Photography
After speaking with a couple of banks and AAA, it is important that you choose a 4-DIGIT PIN for your debit card. Cards with a PIN longer than four digits may not work.
Of course... this only applies to you if you are using a debit card. Contact me with any questions. WE ARE LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!
There will be a mini photography class in room 213 on Thursday, June 25 @ noon. We will be covering how to use the camera, flash, video, etc. and how to take better photographs: design, lighting, basic rules of photography. This is open to anyone going on the tour.
If you will be attending, please RSVP ASAP!
Of course... this only applies to you if you are using a debit card. Contact me with any questions. WE ARE LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!
There will be a mini photography class in room 213 on Thursday, June 25 @ noon. We will be covering how to use the camera, flash, video, etc. and how to take better photographs: design, lighting, basic rules of photography. This is open to anyone going on the tour.
If you will be attending, please RSVP ASAP!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Odd and Ends from the Cancelled Meeting
Possible Excursion
Some travelers have expressed interest in visiting Stonehenge while in London. This will be an extra cost, but is not mandatory. I will get back with more details soon!
How will the students call home?
Parents should look into what international call cost on their cell phones. However, parents might consider having students purchase calling cards once we are in the British Isles.
How much money should they bring?
Should they put it on a debit card, use credit card or travelers checks?
Explorica suggests that each participant budget $30 to $50 in spending money for each day of the tour for souvenirs, transportation and meals not included in the Tour Fee, and other incidental expenses.
You will also need an additional 3-5 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $4 USD for North American tours ) for tipping your Tour Director and another 1-2 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $2 USD for North American tours ) for your bus driver.
I will be collecting the tip money ahead of time and dispersing it to the Tour Director and Bus Driver.
Try not to rely on a single method of carrying money while you travel -- a combination of ATM or credit cards, plus traveler's checks (in case those cards don't work abroad), is the safest way to ensure that you're covered.
* ATM or prepaid cash cards. These are a great convenience abroad, allowing you to withdraw money in the local currency at a fair rate and avoid the high fees that money changers often charge. You must, however, make sure the ATM card will work overseas! Look for a PLUS or CIRRUS network logo on the back of the card itself; most foreign ATMs will accept cards from these networks only. Also be sure that the PIN number is sufficient for foreign usage. Talk to your bank about to make sure your card will be accepted. **Credit Cards used oversees often require a PIN number as well (not required in the US), so be sure to speak to your card provider about this possibility as well. *** Always notify your bank and/or credit card companies that you will be traveling oversees to avoid security flags and frozen accounts!
* Cash. Try to limit the amount of cash you carry, especially if you'll be visiting several countries that use different currency (you don't want to keep paying exchange fees!). Before you leave, exchange enough cash to cover your first day abroad (about $30 - $50), but try to carry the rest of your money in traveler's checks or on your ATM or credit cards.
What is the time change?? 5 hours ahead
Do the kids need any immunizations before traveling?? N
Packing: Pack Light
All tour participants and all of their luggage must not only fit on the airplane, but also on tour buses, ferries, trains, hotel elevators, and hotel rooms. Therefore, it is recommended that each participant bring only one standard-size suitcase and one carry-on bag. Any participant who brings additional luggage will not be allowed to board the Explorica bus and will be required to reach each tour destination by taxi or public transportation at his or her own expense. NOTE: Most airlines are now charging coach passengers substantial fees to check a second bag.
A good rule of thumb is the "Can you carry it around the block?" test. Pack up your bag as if you were departing today, then walk around the block with it. If you can do that easily, and it complies with airline regulations, then it's probably a good size and weight for your trip.
Travel to/through/from Europe and Asia One bag carry-on. No charge
Two bags checked. No charge 45 in/114 cm (carry-on)
62 in/157 cm (checked) 40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)
50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)
Some travelers have expressed interest in visiting Stonehenge while in London. This will be an extra cost, but is not mandatory. I will get back with more details soon!
How will the students call home?
Parents should look into what international call cost on their cell phones. However, parents might consider having students purchase calling cards once we are in the British Isles.
How much money should they bring?
Should they put it on a debit card, use credit card or travelers checks?
Explorica suggests that each participant budget $30 to $50 in spending money for each day of the tour for souvenirs, transportation and meals not included in the Tour Fee, and other incidental expenses.
You will also need an additional 3-5 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $4 USD for North American tours ) for tipping your Tour Director and another 1-2 euros per day (or the equivalent in local currency, $2 USD for North American tours ) for your bus driver.
I will be collecting the tip money ahead of time and dispersing it to the Tour Director and Bus Driver.
Try not to rely on a single method of carrying money while you travel -- a combination of ATM or credit cards, plus traveler's checks (in case those cards don't work abroad), is the safest way to ensure that you're covered.
* ATM or prepaid cash cards. These are a great convenience abroad, allowing you to withdraw money in the local currency at a fair rate and avoid the high fees that money changers often charge. You must, however, make sure the ATM card will work overseas! Look for a PLUS or CIRRUS network logo on the back of the card itself; most foreign ATMs will accept cards from these networks only. Also be sure that the PIN number is sufficient for foreign usage. Talk to your bank about to make sure your card will be accepted. **Credit Cards used oversees often require a PIN number as well (not required in the US), so be sure to speak to your card provider about this possibility as well. *** Always notify your bank and/or credit card companies that you will be traveling oversees to avoid security flags and frozen accounts!
* Cash. Try to limit the amount of cash you carry, especially if you'll be visiting several countries that use different currency (you don't want to keep paying exchange fees!). Before you leave, exchange enough cash to cover your first day abroad (about $30 - $50), but try to carry the rest of your money in traveler's checks or on your ATM or credit cards.
What is the time change?? 5 hours ahead
Do the kids need any immunizations before traveling?? N
Packing: Pack Light
All tour participants and all of their luggage must not only fit on the airplane, but also on tour buses, ferries, trains, hotel elevators, and hotel rooms. Therefore, it is recommended that each participant bring only one standard-size suitcase and one carry-on bag. Any participant who brings additional luggage will not be allowed to board the Explorica bus and will be required to reach each tour destination by taxi or public transportation at his or her own expense. NOTE: Most airlines are now charging coach passengers substantial fees to check a second bag.
A good rule of thumb is the "Can you carry it around the block?" test. Pack up your bag as if you were departing today, then walk around the block with it. If you can do that easily, and it complies with airline regulations, then it's probably a good size and weight for your trip.
Travel to/through/from Europe and Asia One bag carry-on. No charge
Two bags checked. No charge 45 in/114 cm (carry-on)
62 in/157 cm (checked) 40 lbs/18 kgs. (carry-on)
50 lbs/23 kgs (checked)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Next Meeting and Flights!
Next meeting: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 6 PM. We will meet in room 213.
There will be plenty of packing information. If there are other issues you would like addressed, please email me prior to the meeting so that I may provide the best answer!
Flight Information!
JETBLUE 069 SYRACUSE on 6/28/2009 12:10 PM NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 1:20 PM
AER LINGUS 110 NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 6:30 PM SHANNON on 6/29/2009 5:50 AM
AER LINGUS 151 LONDON on 7/8/2009 7:30 AM DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 8:50 AM
AER LINGUS 105 DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 10:30 AM NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 1:00 PM
JETBLUE 012 NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 3:10 PM SYRACUSE on 7/8/2009 4:42 PM
There will be plenty of packing information. If there are other issues you would like addressed, please email me prior to the meeting so that I may provide the best answer!
Flight Information!
JETBLUE 069 SYRACUSE on 6/28/2009 12:10 PM NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 1:20 PM
AER LINGUS 110 NEW YORK on 6/28/2009 6:30 PM SHANNON on 6/29/2009 5:50 AM
AER LINGUS 151 LONDON on 7/8/2009 7:30 AM DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 8:50 AM
AER LINGUS 105 DUBLIN on 7/8/2009 10:30 AM NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 1:00 PM
JETBLUE 012 NEW YORK on 7/8/2009 3:10 PM SYRACUSE on 7/8/2009 4:42 PM
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Fund Raiser Update!
The amount each student earned at the fund raiser was $60.96 Please pay the amount you owe to Explorica, less this amount. If you have paid in full, you will receive a refund!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Homer's British Invasion
By all accounts, Friday night was a great success. Thank you for all of your involvement, it made the difference.
I will send the payment to Explorica ASAP.
I still have unclaimed T-shirts. Please contact me if you ordered a t-shirt and did not pick it up. As soon as I receive a bill, I will send out an email with payments due, thank you.
I will send the payment to Explorica ASAP.
I still have unclaimed T-shirts. Please contact me if you ordered a t-shirt and did not pick it up. As soon as I receive a bill, I will send out an email with payments due, thank you.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 16th Meeting
The Following is a list of parents working at the Homer British Invasion and their positions.
Selling Tickets: Martin and Phelps
Collecting Tickets: Austin and Brichfield
Food: Wixted, Larison and Kelleher
If your last name is not listed here, you are on foot patrol!
All parents are bringing either water or soda
Odds bring soda
Evens bring water
Drink and cookie drop off between 5:30 and 6:00
(drop off at main entrance)
If you did not purchase a T-shirt, please wear a dark top (navy blue if possible)with jeans.
WORKERS! WORKERS! WORKERS!
Please arrive between 5:30 and 6:00 PM This includes students!
This is going to be a great event. Thank you for your help!
Selling Tickets: Martin and Phelps
Collecting Tickets: Austin and Brichfield
Food: Wixted, Larison and Kelleher
If your last name is not listed here, you are on foot patrol!
All parents are bringing either water or soda
Odds bring soda
Evens bring water
Drink and cookie drop off between 5:30 and 6:00
(drop off at main entrance)
If you did not purchase a T-shirt, please wear a dark top (navy blue if possible)with jeans.
WORKERS! WORKERS! WORKERS!
Please arrive between 5:30 and 6:00 PM This includes students!
This is going to be a great event. Thank you for your help!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
British Invasion Tix!
STUDENTS!
There will be a meeting Monday, March 16th during 9th period. This meeting will be to address protocol for selling British Invasion tickets and to remind you for which lunch period you signed-up. See you then!
Parents,
This is a reminder that I will see you at 6 PM on Monday. We will address purchases to be made and baked goods to be sold. And of course, any questions you might have.
I hope you are as psyched for this event as I am!
There will be a meeting Monday, March 16th during 9th period. This meeting will be to address protocol for selling British Invasion tickets and to remind you for which lunch period you signed-up. See you then!
Parents,
This is a reminder that I will see you at 6 PM on Monday. We will address purchases to be made and baked goods to be sold. And of course, any questions you might have.
I hope you are as psyched for this event as I am!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
T-Shirts! T-Shirts! T-Shirts! T-Shirts!
If you have not ordered a shirt and you plan on helping at Homer's British Invasion please give me your shirt size. T-shirt money will not be due until they come in. Some have asked if t-shirts can be ordered for students working the event. I joked at the meeting, but I don't see why not. PLEASE ORDER by Monday, March 2, 2009!
T-shirts ordered:
Contento (2)
Morris (3)
Phelps (2)
Austin
Upper-left Chest
Full Back
Friday, February 27, 2009
Homer's British Invasion!
Homer's British Invasion!
Popcorn: Donated
Water: Donated
Soda: ?
Pizza:?
Baked Goods: ?
I need T-shirt sizes! No Later than Monday, 3.2.09!
Below is a list of people who have contacted me:
Mary Beth Austin
Peg Phelps (2)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Expectations
Behavior Expectations:
1) Smoking, consumption of alcohol, and use of illegal drugs is completely prohibited!!!
2) Everyone must carry his/her passport at all times. You cannot go on the trip without one!
3) Stay within the designated areas at all times, report to each destination as directed on time, remain in the assigned hotel room from bed check until wake-up call, leave the hotel room and other modes of transportation in excellent condition, and no inappropriate language or behavior.
Adult Supervision: Free Time
• There is one chaperone for every six participants, plus our Explorica Guide.
• The adults are always with the student group, even during free time.
• Free time is conducted under a controlled situation, where boundaries are set.
• Participants are asked to use the buddy system.
1) Smoking, consumption of alcohol, and use of illegal drugs is completely prohibited!!!
2) Everyone must carry his/her passport at all times. You cannot go on the trip without one!
3) Stay within the designated areas at all times, report to each destination as directed on time, remain in the assigned hotel room from bed check until wake-up call, leave the hotel room and other modes of transportation in excellent condition, and no inappropriate language or behavior.
Adult Supervision: Free Time
• There is one chaperone for every six participants, plus our Explorica Guide.
• The adults are always with the student group, even during free time.
• Free time is conducted under a controlled situation, where boundaries are set.
• Participants are asked to use the buddy system.
Final Payment Update!
This just in from Natalie Irby, our representative at Explorica.
I was able to get you an extension until March 28th. Anyone who is paying after that date will be subject to late payment fees.
I was able to get you an extension until March 28th. Anyone who is paying after that date will be subject to late payment fees.
Other Notes from 2/24
Roommates: Roommates will be decided approximately one week before the trip. Students will need to provide me with their choices of roommates in groups of threes and fours.
Calling Cards vs. Cell Phone: Please check with your local cell phone provider. Using a cell phone may be a less expensive option than using a phone card.
Money: Travelers Cheques may be the best option. ATM fees are around $5 for loaded credit cards. More information to come later
Shoes: Bring broken-in, comfortable shoes. We will be doing a lot of walking! More information on packing to come
Photo Class: A photo class will be offered to students before the trip. This class will provide an opportunity for students to learn how to get the most from their cameras or just to learn its basic operating functions.
Notes from 2/24 Meeting
Homer's British Invasion (band showcase)
March 20, 7-10 (5:30 - 11 for setup and breakdown) Doors @ 6:30
$5 pre-sale and $7 at the door
Refreshments - water, soda, popcorn, sheet pizza > $1 each
The popcorn will be donated for this event. If you know anyone that would like to donate some of the other items please make contact with them and get back to me ASAP.
Other items that will be needed include: plastic cups, plates, and napkins.
Baked goods (prices?) Item need to be donated! Please tell which items you will be willing to make/ donate.
Swag - Homer's British Invasion buttons $1
I need parents to help setup, breakdown, sit at the event's entrance and refreshment table and as a general presence. The more the better!
T-shirts! - The parents have decided to order (security) t-shirts, at an approximate cost of $5.25 per shirt, for this event. The shirt will be designed by students going on the tour. Please email names and adult male t-shirt sizes ASAP!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Meeting!
Meeting!
BRITISH ISLES TOUR MEETING:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2009
6:00 PM at the High School, RM 213
Please email me or post questions to the blog that you would like addressed at the meeting. Thanks!
BRITISH ISLES TOUR MEETING:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2009
6:00 PM at the High School, RM 213
Please email me or post questions to the blog that you would like addressed at the meeting. Thanks!
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Hotels, so far...
As of now, Explorica has posted three of our hotels. Here are names, locations, and pictures of each!
6/29/2009 to 7/1/2009
Whitesands Hotel - Ballyheigue Ballyheigue Killarney x Ireland
Telephone: 011 353 667133102
White Sands Hotel, a family run hotel, offers the ultimate blend of professional service and a welcoming atmosphere for hotel accommodation in Dublin.Our management and staff pride themselves on offering a personal service where we get to greet our guests by name and welcome them back time and time again. All 58 beautifully appointed rooms are furnished and decorated to ensure every comfort, some with spectacular sea views. Located in Portmarnock, on Dublin's golden north coast, White Sands Hotel in County Dublin is ideally located close to Dublin City & Airport.
7/1/2009 to 7/3/2009
City West Hotel
Leisure and Golf resort
Saggart Dublin, Ireland
Telephone: 00 353 14010500
4 star hotel and leisure complex approximately 10 miles from Dublin city centre. All rooms are en-suite and feature multi-channel TV, radio, ISDN/Broadband, internet access (on request), air conditioning (on request), smoking and non smoking rooms, tea & coffee making facilities, trouser press & ironing board and hairdryer.
The Hand Hotel Bridge St
Llangollen LL208PL Wales
Telephone: 44 1978 860303
Charming family run hotel situated in
the picturesque village of Llangollen in
North Wales.
6/29/2009 to 7/1/2009Whitesands Hotel - Ballyheigue Ballyheigue Killarney x Ireland
Telephone: 011 353 667133102
White Sands Hotel, a family run hotel, offers the ultimate blend of professional service and a welcoming atmosphere for hotel accommodation in Dublin.Our management and staff pride themselves on offering a personal service where we get to greet our guests by name and welcome them back time and time again. All 58 beautifully appointed rooms are furnished and decorated to ensure every comfort, some with spectacular sea views. Located in Portmarnock, on Dublin's golden north coast, White Sands Hotel in County Dublin is ideally located close to Dublin City & Airport.
7/1/2009 to 7/3/2009
City West Hotel
Leisure and Golf resort
Saggart Dublin, Ireland
Telephone: 00 353 14010500
4 star hotel and leisure complex approximately 10 miles from Dublin city centre. All rooms are en-suite and feature multi-channel TV, radio, ISDN/Broadband, internet access (on request), air conditioning (on request), smoking and non smoking rooms, tea & coffee making facilities, trouser press & ironing board and hairdryer.
7/3/2009 to 7/4/2009
The Hand Hotel Bridge St
Llangollen LL208PL Wales
Telephone: 44 1978 860303
Charming family run hotel situated in
the picturesque village of Llangollen in
North Wales.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Student Meeting 2/11
All students interested in fundraising, please meet in rm. 213 before homeroom on Wednesday, February 11th!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Meeting!
BRITISH ISLES TOUR MEETING:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2009
6:00 PM at the High School, RM 213
One spot left! If you know anyone interested, please have them contact me, ASAP!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2009
6:00 PM at the High School, RM 213
One spot left! If you know anyone interested, please have them contact me, ASAP!
International Travel Plug Adapter
Circuit City in Carousel Centre is going out of business.
I picked up a Kensington - International Travel Plug Adapter there on Friday, February 6, for $18.89. This includes the tax. They usually sell for around $25+. Because the British Isles have a different power outlet style than we do, one of these will be needed if you plan on charging phones/ iPods, using hair dryers, Crockpots...
Just kidding about that last one. If you would like me to get an adapter for you, please have money to me by Tuesday, February, 10th!
- Massenzio
Our Tour!
Day 1 > June 28 > Start Tour Day 2 > June 29 > Hello Killarney Meet your Tour Director, travel to Killarney & check into hotel
Day 3 > June 30 > Ring of Kerry
Bog Village visit
Day 4 > July 01 > Killarney--Dublin
Blarney Castle
Happany Bridge,
Dublin, Ireland
Day 5 > July 02 > Dublin Landmarks
Trinity College
Book of Kells visit
Day 6 > July 03 > Dublin--North Wales
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch Day 7 > July 04 > North Wales--Edinburgh
Dublin, Ireland
Day 5 > July 02 > Dublin Landmarks
Dublin guided sightseeing tour
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park
St. Patrick’s
Cathedral
Cathedral
Trinity College
Book of Kells visit
Dublin City Walk
O’Connell StreetParnell Square
Henry Street
Day 6 > July 03 > Dublin--North Wales
Ferry to Holyhead across Irish Sea
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
Snowdonia National Park
Beaumaris Castle visit
Beaumaris Castle visit
Rydal Mount visit
Travel to Edinburgh
Day 8 > July 05 > Edinburgh--London
Guided Sightseeing Tour
Old Town
Royal Mile
Sir Walter Scott Monument
Edinburgh Castle visit
Edinburgh - Overnight train to London
Day 9 > July 06 > London Landmarks
London Guided Sightseeing Tour
LONDON!
Buckingham Palace
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey
Tower Bridge
Hyde Park
St. Paul’s Cathedral
London City Walk
Thames River
Piccadilly Circus
Covent Garden
Trafalgar Square
Leicester Square
Soho
Day 10 > July 07 > London
London free time
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