Abbey Road - American Experience 2

Thank You American Experience

2008-08-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello from DC.Well it's been a great trip and last night we had a good time at the baseball game!We had seats way up high with a view of the ballpark and the city beyond. Eventhough the hometeam got beat by the New York Mets, it was truelly a cultural experience and we had fun singing during the seventh inning stretch! The metro ride back to our hotel was another fun time and when we arrived it hit home that it was our last night together. Another true American Experience.
This morning after packing up, some of us got up early early to see our Venezuelans off in the morning twilight. Soon it was time to board the bus and check in at the airport. After the staff said their goodbyes, I waited at the security gate, tears in my eyes, after all the warm goodbyes, cards of kindness and our last attempt at singing our favorite Abbey Road song, " Somewhere over the rainbow.." As I think back on these last three weeks, I treasure the laughter, fun, conversations, time learning about our similarities and differences. We decided that we would " make a bridge" from venezuela, to russia, to germany, to hungary, to france, to dubai, to italy to the usa. We make a bridge of all our friendships and look to the future when we will see one another again.
Thank you to Jeremy for all his great humor, games, enthusiasm, to Jennika for her caring spirit, great lessons, laughter, to Jennifer for her dedication, ability to keep us all together no matter what, to Janet for being there for eveything we needed at any given time. Thank you to all of you for sending your children to experience such a great summer.
I will post a blog tomorrow when I know everyone has landed safely and we are all in our homes wondering what the plan is for tomorrow. I am sure I will hear " Tracy" from the sweet voices for days to come.
To each of you students don't forget to write, and do one random act of kindness each day. You have touched all our lives forever. Keep singing.
Aloha.
Tracy , Jennika, Jeremy, and Jennifer.
p.s. I invite the staff and students to post your letters so we can hear about your reentry into your home life.

2008-08-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

The big tour

2008-08-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

Two days before leaving, we spent three hours visiting the city at night. We had a driver and a guide to show us the most beautiful sights and monuments in Washington DC. It was wonderful!

The Indian restaurant

2008-08-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

In front of the hotel, there was an Indian restaurant. It became our cafeteria; we spent our last meals there. We celebrated the Jeremy's birthday during one of these moments.

First day in Washington DC

2008-08-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

In Washington DC, we visited a lot of monuments like the White House or the Arlington National Cemetery. The sunny weather allowed us to walk around the city and to enjoy this great moment. In the cemetery, we learned to be quiet...

Atlantic City, Washington DC, Holocaust Museum, Georgetown, Smithsonian Museums, National Mall, WHite House, War Memoritals, Lincoln Memorial

2008-08-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Good morning from Washington DC.
We will be posting many photos this morning on the blog so please come back and visit to see some of the excitement.
We left New York on Sunday morning and drove out to Atlantic City. The weather was a bit cloudy so we enjoyed walking on the Boardwalk, watching the many people, checking out the outlet stores and having lunch along the beach.Our driver picked us up and took us by way of the scenic route, due to a detour on the highway.The students were challenged to tell us all the different states we have been in and today we had visited New York, New Jersey, crossed the Potomac on the Delaware Bridge, through Maryland to Washington DC. We have comfortable rooms here at the Days Inn and everyone has said how nice the beds are. I think we were all just a bit tired and were happy to have the big quilts and soft pillows!We had a wonderful dinner across the street from the hotel, where we ate Indian food and were treated like locals!!
On monday we took the metro to the Smithsonian stop and walked the short distance to the Holocaust Museum where we spent the morning. It was an exceptional museum and
the exhibits were filled with facts, photographs and memories of Holocaust survivors.Truly an overwhelming and powerful experience. I am sure it will make a lasting impact on everyone. We had a picnic in
the park and spent the afternoon on a walking tour. In the evening we had dinner in small groups. Some enjoyed chinese food, mexican food, and others went to a french restaurant where there was some musicians playing in a lively area called Adams Morgan.
Tuesday we spent the morning at the American Indian Museum which had incredible exhibits of many of the Native populations that make up the North and South American continents. It is here were we learned more about the first inhabitants of the USA and their many languages, songs, what they wore and how they lived. We saw a spectacular movie in a surround theatre tha was very inspirational. The afternoon included shopping and a trip to Georgetown. We had a dinner of a variety of dishes last night, and then boarded the bus for our night tour of Washington.
It was a beautiful starry night and some of us saw some meteors from the meteor showers. We were amazed at seeing the monuments lit up at night. We walked into the massive Lincoln Memorial and took a stroll through the Korean War Memorial. The statues of the soldiers were overwhelming and looked so real. Our guide also took us see the Lincoln Center, with it's hall of flags, and a view of the city including the Washington Memorial. The city under lights was truly memorable.
We are having a farewell brunch today, a walk to the National Cathedral and time for last minute. Tonight we will be going to see a baseball game where the Nationals will play the Mets. I hope to teach them the Star Spangled Banner and " Take me out to the ballgame" before we leave so that we can join in with the crowd at the stadium. It will be a true AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.
The students have come together like a mini United Nations and we have had many conversations where they have shared their life stories from their own homelands. I have learned a great deal from all of them and I know the rest of the staff has as well. We have all grown quite attached and we hope that we will be able to keep in touch. I will send another blog tomorrow after we send them off. I am sure it will be a sad moment, but they are also eager to come home and see all of you and share their stories.
Thank you for such incredibly mature and respectful sons, daughters and grandchildren. I truly believe that they are so special because of the caring jobs you have done as parents and grandparents. I hope you are all safe and talk to you soon.
Aloha from your director Tracy and Jennifer, Jeremy and Jennika.

Culinary talents

2008-08-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

In NYC, one night, each room had to cook a meal for all the group in order to show their culinary talents. Bon appetit...

The United Nations

2008-08-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to enter the United Nations main office building. It was a moment of peace.

Central Park

2008-08-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

We didn't spend a long time in Central Park, but we enjoyed it nevertheless.

The statue of liberty

2008-08-13T21:27:00.001-07:00

We went to see the famous Statue of Liberty. We had to take the ferry on a beautiful day where we enjoyed the skyline of NYC from liberty island.

The first day in NYC...

2008-08-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

For our first day in the Big Apple, we had the chance to look around the city in a limousine...incredible! Then, we went to see the Kanye West concert & the musical "Rent" on Broadway. It was a memorable moment for everybody!

Juan's birthday

2008-08-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Juan was 16 during this trip. We decided to buy a cake for him in order to celebrate this event with him. He was really surprised and happy to share this moment with us...

The talent show

2008-08-13T07:27:00.001-07:00

We asked the kids to show their talents, which they did in a fantastic way! They impressed us!! Some even chose to participate at the very last minute. We are proud of their courage.

The raining...

2008-08-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

We wanted to show you these pictures because it was a really funny time for us. While we were in the Boston park near the University, it started to rain! After five minutes, we were totally wet from head to foot!!

Karaoke

2008-08-13T06:40:00.001-07:00

The pictures below remember us the great time spending in Suffolk University...

AT LAST SOME MORE NEWS FROM AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

2008-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello from all of us!
Please forgive the absence from the postings. We had some technical difficulties with the blog and we hope to fill you into today with stories of our adventures and pictures of the many things we had experienced in the last week.
After saying goodbye to Boston we boarded the coach and drove to the Big Apple of New York where we stayed at the beautiful Bedford Hotel near the Empire State Building.Our country director Janet was there to spend time with us which made us all happy. New York was bustling and we rode the subway to many destinations. The first night was filled with huge excitement. Some of us went to see a hiphop concert by Kanye West and others took in a Broadway show called "Rent." We all went to these shows in a limousine which took us through Times Square. Everyone had a fantastic night.
The weather has been perfect with low humidity and only some rare showers to cool us down. We went to have a tour at the United Nations which was fascinating. I told the students I could imagine seeing some of them working there one day! We also went out on the ferry to see the majestic Statue of Liberty, and as we were approaching some of our french students serenades the boat with a lively rendition of " La Marsaillase." Another day we went out to the beach in Coney Island and had a picnic on the beach until the rain came.We were also able to visit some of the many neighborhoods in New York inclduing Soho, Chinatown and Little Italy. Of course there has been plenty of time for some great shopping and I'm sure you will see many treasures that your students will be bringing home to you.
We had some time for cooking dinners including one where everyone came with their own ideas and we had a " potluck" dinner in the staff common room. There have been many nights of playing guitar and ukulele and singing songs. We have many talented musicians. They are so enthusiastic and spend alot of time with each other laughing and speaking about their experiences. I am sure it will not be an easy day tomorrow when we say goodbye, or " until we meet again."
Our classtime in New York was filled with interesting conversations, using the library where the students were able to practice their english. They are all improving each day.
The last day in New York we were able to walk down Park Avenue which had been closed to cars and there were many joggers and bicyclists everywhere. We had a picnic in central park and some of us took in the many exhibits in the Metropolitan Museum.In the evening there were walks to Times Square and Janet took some students to enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge by night. It was a memorable time for all.
It was now time to take off for Atlantic City.See you soon.
Thanks again for the great students you have sent us at Abbey Road.
See you soon.
Tracy Campbell
Director American Experience
and Jennifer, Jennika

Sunday beach

2008-08-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

We went to Revere Beach, where we had funny time. We could swim in the cold sea, play soccer and rugby on the sand and do Tai-Chi. Enjoy the pictures...

Hello again!

2008-08-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

It is Monday and we had a fantastic weekend in and around Boston. On Saturday morning we got up early and took the train to Revere Beach. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the beach was not too crowded! There were some immense sandcastle figures that were created for a contest that were amazing. The ocean was a bit cold but most of went swimming anyways! We had a picnic on the beach, played some rugby,cards, soccer and even danced. Jeremy also showed some of the students show to do Tai Chi.It was a fun and relaxing day for everyone.
Saturday night after we ate together in the residence, we went to see a hip hop peace concert outside. It was a cultural experience with all kinds of people. We took a walk to the North End of Boston called " Little Italy" where there was a street fair to celebrate a feast day. There were many booths with games, and a group playing music where we danced. It was very festive with lots of lights and interesting food and people.
Sunday we all slept in, which everyone was happy to do! After brunch we went to the park with our paints and did some watercolors of Boston. Then Jennifer led a game with the group which was alot of fun.Each small group had 10 apples that they had to take to different stores and trade for any item they could get from the shopkeeper. The students came back with alot of different things like belts, books, posters, other fruit! There was a huge rainstorm with hail that made for an exciting run back to the residence!
Today we are having class again and going for the last visit of Boston. Some of us are going to play some sports in the Commons, some are going to the Museum of Comtemporary Art and others are coming with me to visit my sister's business in the south end where she is a Fashion Designer and will show us a small tour of the fashion industry! Tonight we are having a Talent Show which we are excited about!
Tomorrow we are getting up early to take a coach ride for four to five hours to New York City. Everyone is looking forward to our next city. Tomorrow night we have planned to take some of the students who chose to go to see a concert of Kanye West at Madison Square Garden, and the others will go to see a Broadway Musical called " Rent," which is a modern story of La Boheme with fantastic music. We are also excited to see our Country Director Janet in New York and spend some time with her!
Talk to you soon!
Sincerely,
Tracy Campbell
Director American Experience
and Jennifer, Jeremy and Jennika
Director of American

Greetings from Boston

2008-08-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hello again from Boston!
It's been a busy and fun week with our Abbey Road Students! We went to the Museum of Fine Arts to enjoy the many exhibits including one on Sumo Wrestling, Art from Greece, mummies from Egypt and an ancient collection of musical instruments. We were able to see Boston from a bus that turned into a boat- called a "duck" and you will see some of them driving the boat in the harbor. We learned that these boats were brought to Normandy during WW2 by the Americans to be used on the land and sea.
We took the subway to Cambridge to have a tour of Harvard University and visit Harvard square. Ask them when they retrun home how to speak like a Harvard student!!! The evenings have been filled with an adventure in a haunted house, a classical concert of Stravinsky's " Rite of Spring" and an lively " american music" concert performed on a barge in Boston Harbor by a blues band. Some of us even danced!
There has been plenty of time for shopping in various places like Fanueil Hall and the enormous Prudential Center and Copley Plaza. We have also been enjoying our morning group meetings, exciting classes with activities in the city. Often you can hear singing outside the rooms at night. Some have been practicing sports, going to the gym and playing games in the park.
We are going to the beach tomorrow to swim in the Atlantic and have a picnic. The students are practicing for a talent show for monday night before we pack up and take a coach to New York.
Everyone is speaking more english each day and we are all enjoying learning something new about each other whenever we can.
More later!
Aloha from your Director Tracy
and Teachers Jeremy, Jennika and Jennifer

Harvard University

2008-08-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

We went to visit Harvard University, one of the most competitive university in America. The students could touch the gold foot of the famous statue for luck.

The Duck Tour

2008-08-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

The kids had the chance to learn about the American history during the Duck Tour.
We even had some experienced drivers...

During the class (the other group)

2008-08-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

As you can see on the pictures, the students are really involved during the class time. Some of them could become some famous drawers....

During the class (one group)

2008-07-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

Group meeting

2008-07-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

American Experience- Greetings from Your Director

2008-07-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Aloha and Hello to Everyone!

Thank you for being patient with our BLOG!!!! We will post pictures and updates each day from now on and we await your responses and comments!
The students all arrived safely to the Boston airport from France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Hungary and Venezuela. Our staff member from France, Jennifer did a great job getting them here with everything they needed. Our Italian students were very patient waiting 24 hours for their luggage to arrive from Air France! After we were settled into our housing at Suffolk University, we spent time getting to know the city and each other.
The first night we went to a Shakespeare Play, " A Comedy of Errors," put on by teenagers from an inner city high school here in Boston. It was very humorous and entertaining and the actors and actresses were pleased and appreciative to know that the Abbey Road students were there to watch in the audience.
Our next day we took an excursion by bus to the beautiful seaside town of Salem where we visited the visitors center and watched a film about the early settlers and their experiences with the Native Americans, which was truly the beginning of the American Melting Pot! We also went to the Peabody Essex Museum to see exhibits including one on the ancient Maoris of New Zealand, art and painting from India and China, and an exhibit about the Arctic and Antarctica. We had a walk through the town of Salem and some of us went to the Salem Witch Museum, some played sports in the park, and we all visited a multicultural fair in where we saw performances of Russian Folkdancing, Jamaican Reggae, and Japanese Taiko Drumming. You will see some pictures of the students learning a traditional Japanese Obon dance. It was a day of seeing the mixture of cultures through art, dance and music, that make up the many ethnic cultures of our great country of the USA.
Sunday we took the subway to visit the Museum of Science, which covers three floors and has hundreds of "hands on" exhibits. Our staff Jeremy and Jennika created a page of questions where they were to go throughout the museum to find the answers. It was fun seeing them search for the answers, ask guards where they might find the exhibit and help each other. It was also a day of scientific exploration and learning about new discoveries.
Class has started and the students are divided into two groups. They will also be able to have individual conversation and instruction from each staff member as they improve their english skills. They have time each night to work on homework and we encourage them to keep a daily journal of their experiences and reflections. Today we are talking a famous walking tour called the "Freedom Walk" which leads them through many historical monuments including " The Old State House", " The Burial Ground" where Ben Franklin, Mother Goose and Samuel Adams are buried, and the Massachusetts State House.
Our evenings have been filled with fun activities, including a scavenger hunt on Newberry Street, interactive games, making homemade facials,playing and singing music, speaking about their different lives, watching a movie and taking walks to see the city in lights at night. Last night we all enjoyed a dance party in our cafeteria with music of all kinds and teaching each other different dance steps!They are eager to learn and participate in everything!
We are excited to go to see a classical concert this week performed outside by the river, by a well know orchestra here in Boston. We will be listening to Stravinsky, " The Rite of Spring," which is one of the most important pieces in musical history! On Thursday evening we will go to another outdoor concert that will feature the well known blues singer "Jeff Pritchard." Hopefully our choices of activities will help enrich your students cultural awareness and open their eyes to new experiences.
The students have been coming together with many conversations as we get to know each other and learn about our similarities and differences, especially in our morning group meetings. The staff has commented how respectful they are and how much we enjoy their humor, motivation, enthusiasm and energy. Be assured they are all eating well, sleeping well and keeping us on our toes.Thank you for sending them to us!!!
We will post new pictures each day and comments to the Blog and please email us or let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Ms. Patricia ( Tracy) Campbell
and staff
Jeremy, Jennika and Jennifer

Museum of Science

2008-07-28T12:06:00.001-07:00

Free-time at the Residence

2008-07-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sebastian and his musical talents
Learning how to play the ukelele with Tracy

Salem Museum Visit

2008-07-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

We visited a museum in Salem with several exhibits on American cultures