Wednesday, August 13, 2008

AT LAST SOME MORE NEWS FROM AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

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

Monday, August 4, 2008

Sunday beach

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!

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

Friday, August 1, 2008

Greetings from Boston

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

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

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)

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