Blog post for July 30 - John Fusco

Sadly today was the last full day of our amazing trip. The atmosphere at breakfast was a mixture of sadness, excitement and fatigue. The morning was scheduled for our final school assignment, the literary café. Everyone was responsible for choosing a character to portray and packing a costume before the trip began. It was surprising to see how well everyone was able to represent their characters, even the small details including accents and mannerisms. It was quite interesting to walk around and listen to on-going conversations. Some people had ridiculous costumes and put a great deal of effort into bringing their characters to life.

When the café finished, the teachers informed us that we were short on class hours. After a short break everyone loaded up to travel into Dublin for a tour of Saint Enda’s museum. Everyone was eager to visit this historical school because it was relatable to the novel, 1916, we studied in class. It was stimulating to see the breath-taking beauty of the school’s campus. After a mandatory two hour class, we were relived of class until dinner and had a chance to do some last minute shopping in Dublin.

After our free time, we met up at our residence and split into our separate classes. First we evaluated the quality of the Georgia Hardy experience. Then we received our ISU, exam and final marks. Nobody seemed to be disappointed with their marks, which is a positive reflection on the teaching.

After packing for the final time, we gathered in the court yard for a small celebration. The staff gave out personalized awards for each of the members on the trip. Some of the awards included Best Dressed and Best Poker Face. The evening ended with a talent show where everyone was given the opportunity to reveal any hidden talents. This trip was one of the best experiences of our young lives and I speak for everyone when I say these memories will last a life time. The bonds that were created will never be broken and the choice to journey with Georgia Hardy ultimately worth while.

- John

Blog Post for July 29 - Lara De Beer

We are now down to the last few days of our trip. There are only two more days until we shall all be reunited with our families once more. Everyone is feeling very bitter sweet right now. We are all super excited to finally go home and see our family but nobody wants to leave Ireland either.

In the morning though, tensions were high as everyone was doing their last minute cramming for our exam. By 9am, everyone was gathered outside of the exam building… to find out it was closed on a Sunday. Luckily, we had resourceful Susan who quickly found us a substitute building to write the exam within minutes.

For the next 3 hours we were all working feverously away to complete 6 passage analysis and a comparative essay. By the end of the time limit, everyone had successfully completed their exam.

It must’ve been quite the sight for all of the other people on the UCD campus for you could easily pick out the Georgia Hardy kids dancing, singing or jumping for joy down the street. Although we still have to do the Literary Café tomorrow to complete our ENG 4U course, we were all elated that we have completed our Grade 12 English credit.

For the rest of the day, we were rewarded with free time. For most people, this meant it was time to get all of the last minute shopping for gifts done. Most of chose to venture to Grafton Street, which we were told by Susan, was the best place to do all of your shopping. Once we got to the area we discovered that Susan was 100% correct. There were hundreds of stores to choose from to shop at as well as a market in the local mall. One of the highlights while shopping was definitely when we found a milkshake shop that could blend any type of chocolate bar imaginable into a milkshake. They were all super sweet and filling, but so worth it.

After our shopping adventure, we all broke up into smaller groups to search for somewhere to eat. A small group of us decided to go to a local pub. The place was considerably busy but we found that there was a roof top garden seating area. It was a lot nicer up on the roof because we had the fresh air and there was a T.V with the Olympics playing on it. After our dinner we head back to residence so we would make it back for curfew on time and still have time to spare to play cards. After a few rounds of president we had to call it a night.

It’s sad to think that this was our second last night before we leave. The planning for reunions in August has already begun. We all plan on keeping in touch for a long time after this trip ends. Parents, brace yourself for a lot of tears on Tuesday.

- Lara

Blog Post for July 27 - Gemma Glenn and Brianna Tunks

Hello Lads and Lasses!

  Its Gemma and Brianna here in Dublin, Ireland! Today was definitely the highlight of our time in Ireland so far!  This morning we were awoken by Mama Sue at 7:30am. Instead of our usual morning class, we made our way to Kilmainham Gaol, the jail made famous by the Irish Rebellion in 1916. This is what our novel study is based on, so it was exceptionally interesting to see. Everyone took tons of pictures and our tour guide was awesome. The jail itself was spectacular. It was a lot larger than most people expected. Although it had many cells for occupancy, it was over crowded and the living conditions were terrible at the time of its operation. We were particularly moved by the execution stories that were told. To see the novel 1916 come to life was an amazing experience. Let’s face it: how many times have you had the opportunity to visit the place a book you’ve read takes place in? We also got to look at the last words of the Irish Rebellion leaders, such as Padraic Pearse and Joseph Plunkett. Joe Plunkett’s letter was a favourite to all the girls, as it was a love letter to his wife. The pair were married minutes before his execution, and were only able to spend 10 minutes alone in a guarded cell together.

     After Kilmainham Gaol, we took the bus to Trinity College and were able to have some free time. A group of us went out for lunch (TImmies!!) and then went shopping. Once our free time was over, we were fortunate enough to have Mr. M and Ms. Stokes take us to Trinity College for class. Ms. Skokes’ class presented their historical research analysis on the leaders of the Irish Rebellion. We then had a heated debate involving both classes on the main protagonist in 1916.

      When we got back for Trinity, we went straight to dinner, as we were on a tight schedule to go to a traditional Irish Ceili! A Ceili is an Irish party filled with Irish dancing and traditional Irish music. It was a good craic!! Everyone was eager to learn the dances and was able to temporarily forget that the ISU is due tomorrow! We were dancing so much we were sweating buckets. Thankfully, we were treated to a much needed scone and glass of water. Although we had to cut it short to catch a bus, we all had a blast!

    We came home late and were very tired from all the dancing. Everyone went to bed straight away to prepare for a long work day ahead of us!

Slán go foil, or goodbye for now!

                   -Gemma and Brianna 

Blog Entry for July 28 - Andrew Wilkes

Hello from Dublin, as you know our time here is narrowing down, and you have all been missed so very much.  I am pleased to tell you all that everyone is safe, and we are all enjoying our trip.  Everyone is getting along with each other, and we are making our last few days of our trip really count.

As our trip narrows to an end, the stress and work load increases.  Today we spent the first half of our day working on our ISUs. The stress level for some people got a little high today but everyone was successful with completing their work and handing it in on time.  Our next step to finishing our classes was to study for our final exam, which will be taking place tomorrow morning.  To study for this exam we have to read over all of the stories and poems that we have covered over this last month.  We are all getting anxious to finish our classes and just enjoy our last few days in Dublin with no stress.

            Due to the fact we do not get a supplied supper on Saturday, people were getting very creative with their meals.  It could of consisted groups of people running through the rain to the Centra near our residence to get pizza, or making food in the different common rooms.   

            I know I can speak for the whole group when I say that we are all having an amazing time on this unbelievable experience.  We’ve enjoyed every moment of this month, and I cannot wait to meet up with all of these amazing people again the near future.  Finally I hope all of my fellow classmates do well on the final exam tomorrow, and we can’t wait to tell you all about this amazing experience.

Andrew Wilkes

Blog Post for July 24 - Morgan Lindner

Today was our last day in Galway some of us stayed back in the morning to have breakfast at the residence thinking we could sleep in. only to remember that we had a tour of the campus this made a slight change in our plans so we went on our walking tour and learned more about the buildings we had been passing every day we had been there such as the solar panels on the engineering building the tour ended at the collage area in which the picture above took place. From this we shortly after went to class in which we analyzed poems after class we were given free time some went into town others back into residence waiting to go the movies later that night. The movie we went to see was the new batman movie the movie was great the walk to the theater however was a different matter something about walking about in the rain on the highway just doesn’t sound inviting but we all walked to batman none the less the walk home however was more inviting with all our feet wet and tired we really just wanted to go to bed and the fact that the rain was now gone also added to the quality of the walk home as did the discussions about the movie but in the end we all made it home and went to bed knowing that in the morning we were off to Dublin.




- Morgan

Blog Entry for July 26 - Brynne Duffy

Today, Thursday July 26, 2012 was our first full day in Dublin Ireland. In the morning we had yet another day of class as we finished up our poetry unit. Later, when class was over and our assignments had been handed in, we made our first journey into the city of Ireland.

The first destination was the famous Guinness Brewery. We boarded a double-decker bus and began the journey towards downtown Dublin. Once we arrived at the Brewery, our loving, “mamma Sue” took pictures of the whole group, with many of the group member’s cameras. Little to say, she did an exquisite job, despite the technological challenge with the most simplistic green camera. All the photos looked great and everyone was happy with them.

Once inside the brewery itself we were aloud to explore in smaller groups. Many of us saw the amazing view from the top of the factory, which stretched over the entire city. Some people also stopped for lunch within the brewery and got their own special treats. Not to worry parents, the students had specific tickets explaining how we are too young to be having any of the famous drafts.

There was lots of historic things to see, as there was floor dedicated to the development and brewing process of the famous Guinness beer.

Many people may not realize, but the Guinness brand is also connected to the Guinness Book of World Records. Believe it or not, too girls on the Georgia Hardy trip, namely Lara DeBeer and Brynne Duffy, were apart of the world’s largest dance of the Macarena. The school, Ancaster High made history when 1861 people danced on the back football field, to promote awareness for world diabetes day.

After we finished in the Guinness Brewery, we walked around the city of Dublin and Suzan showed us some of the highlights of the famous city.

Tonight, most of us are working on our various assignments, as the trip is nearing its end. Despite the fact that many of us miss the people at home, this England and Ireland trip has been one of a lifetime and one that many of us will never forget.

- Brynne Duffy

Ps. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! 

Blog Entry for July 25 - Shelagh Hulbert

So today we have arrived in Dublin and it is actually sunny and rather warm. I wouldn’t say hot because Canada is hot right now but warmer than we expected. Saying farewell to Galway was hard but saying Dia duit (pronounced dia gwit) to Dublin. That’s hello in Irish by the way, and while we are not in the parts of Ireland when it is commonly spoken we often see it on signs and other such things. I will miss corrib village, their key cards had a fish on them where as these one are just red and silly. Corrib was a lot smaller and quainter, everything was closer and easy to find. I fear that I may get lost in this monster of a campus. It’s a little out of town, the campus, not out of city limits of course but far enough away that the idea of walking to O’Connell Street makes me cringe. But Knowing Mama Sue, it is unlikely that we will take the bus, and I hope it’s not as far as oxford was. The thing is we walk and walk during our free time till was can’t stand the pain in our feet and legs any longer, and then we have to walk home. 

Any who enough of the complaining, I love Dublin! Although I have been here once before it was still so exciting to see all the shops and street, everything is so much smaller in Europe I love it. I have family who live here and it is awesome to see them again, they come to Canada sometimes but they can only do that so much. We started work on our ISU’s (or at least I just started) and they are due Saturday, understandably every one is a wee bit stressed. It helps that we have had a fair amount of class time, today and all of next Saturdays class, dedicated to it especially when the teachers have every right not to. They did however pull a mean joke by telling us they would drop the ISU just to see our faces. From their perspective it must have been funny but to us it was just disappointing. We only have a few days left on the trip and wow has time flown, Dublin is the last leg of the trip and we will enjoy it.

- Shelagh

The Aran Islands - July 23 - Pablo Sajgalik

Today was a very interesting day. Everybody woke up fairly early to have breakfast at eight thirty in the morning, but since I was too lazy to walk down to the usual breakfast place, a few friends and I made a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were extremely good. I think I’ll be doing this for the rest of the trip, because I get to wake up later and sleep in a little more. Anyways after breakfast everybody went to class for about two and a half hours to learn about the history of Ireland since 7500 BCE. We also began our poetry unit. I don’t know a lot about poetry and I’m not too fond of it, but I think by the end of this unit I’ll be able to learn some of my teachers tricks in writing some profound poems. 

After class we took a bus towards the ocean and then an hour long ferry ride to the Aran Islands. The island was awesome and I was so glad that I took the bus tour to get to know more about my surroundings. We had the best tour guide and he told us everything from everyday life of a typical person living on the island to the stone walls that extend for over 6000 kilometers. The tour guide was even able to spot North Atlantic seals resting on the shoreline and I took this opportunity to take a picture of one. The scenery on the island was extravagant. There were many rocks, a lot of green and an abundance of wildlife which all contributed to the vibe of the island. The best part of this expedition was hiking to the highest point where I got to witness the amazing cliffs that stands hundreds of meters high from the rough waves below.

We came back to Galway in the afternoon around 4:00pm and arrived three hours later. We all walked to the cafeteria to have dinner. Then, my friends and I headed back to our residences to finish up some homework and play some cards. I’m so pleased that class will start at 1:00pm tomorrow so I could go into town and walk around. Maybe I’ll be able to sleep in. This trip keeps getting better and better. It’s too bad were departing tomorrow for Dublin, but I’m sure that these past four days in Galway will stay in my memories for the rest of my life.

- Pablo

Blog post from July 12th - Maddie Phillips

Today, July 12th, we enjoyed one of our most exciting days yet. As a substitute to class this morning we travelled on the tube to one of London’s most popular and exciting tourist attractions, The London Dungeon. Once in the dungeon we were taken on a spooky journey through the worst parts of London’s history. We saw plague victims and learned about the beliefs that covering one’s skin in leaches, bathing in urine, and drinking the boils were all thought to cure the plague.We were then shown some of the age’s gruesome torture techniques as we proceeded to take part in a 17th century witch trial. This was quite humorous when our teachers were tried for the most outrageous of crimes. 

As we continued we watched as Andrew was burned at the stake just like many others were under the reign of Queen Mary. We were customers at Sweeney Todd’s barbershop, then joined in a seance at 50 Berkeley Square. The scariest for me was being a victim of Jack the Ripper because the actor appeared out of nowhere right beside me. The exhilarating conclusion of the tour was being hung from high gate. 

After our tour of the London Dungeon we then were given free time to spend shopping or sightseeing before dinner. Most of us decided to head to Oxford Street, the most popular shopping district in London. Despite the crowds we all managed to navigate our way well since we are now London experts. We visited the most popular stores such as TopShop, Urban Outfitters, Primark, and Next. 

That night at dinner we all shared our purchases and the experiences we partook in amongst the crowds. Dinner was brief however since most of us headed to see the musical Wicked that night. Personally this was my third time seeing Wicked and I love it even more every time. The catchy songs and great acting is incredible and it was hard not to resist the urge to sing along. After the show everyone was exhausted after our long day so we all wen’t back and headed to bed. 

Overall it was a great day, but we have class again tomorrow so a good sleep is necessary. Today was also our last day in London and I think I can say on behalf of everyone it was the perfect ending to an exhilarating week.

Cheers!

Maddie Phillips

Blog Post for July 22, 2012 – Allyson and Meagan M

Today we were able to relatively sleep in for the first time in a while, having to meet for the bus at 9 a.m. to leave for our first Ireland optional excursion.  This trip included seeing the Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher.  The bus ride to the cave was approximately an hour and a half, but our bus driver was also our tour guide so we learned a lot about Ireland on the way.  It was also our first look at the beautiful countryside around Galway.  Once we got to the caves, we got an opportunity to look at the gift shop before our tour began.  We went inside the caves at 11 a.m. and had a half hour tour.  Seeing the Cave was magnificent and we learned a lot about its history.  The best part was when our tour guide turned off the lights, showing us what it would be like to be inside the caves when they were first discovered.  It was complete darkness, you could not even see your own hand if you held it up to your face.  We learned that if you were to spend 72 hours in the cave’s darkness, you would go blind. 

After our tour of the Aillwee Cave, we began our journey to the Cliffs of Moher.  Everyone was extremely excited to see the amazing view and to stand on the cliffs.  We got to the cliffs at around 1 p.m. and had two hours to explore.  When first approaching the cliffs, the view was spectacular as we got a panoramic view of the main cliffs.  It is impossible to describe how spectacular the experience truly was and the endless amount of photographs attempt to show this beauty.  To the left was the well-known span of cliffs where the barriers ended.  Many people went pass this and were able to get closer.  To the right was a viewing tower that opened up to the main cliffs, giving those who went up the best view there.  Everyone had a blast and the cliffs definitely surpassed our expectations. 

Once we left the cliffs, we took the scenic route back to the university.  We stopped multiple times at different landmarks along the Atlantic Ocean, including Dunguaire Castle.  We all got amazing pictures of the scenery and were extremely happy to get a closer look at Ireland’s history as well as to get off the bus.  We made it back to the residence just in time to go to dinner with those who did not go on the excursion.  These people spent the day sleeping in, touring Galway, relaxing, or catching up on schoolwork.  It was by far one of the best days on the trip and we are all loving Ireland!

Slán Agat,

Meagan and Allyson

Blog Post for July 21 by Francesca Bosca

Today was our first full day in Ireland! After a full day of travelling, it felt good to be back on solid ground again. We are staying at the National University of Ireland in the outskirts of downtown Galway.

           

We had class this morning, where we practiced our King Lear skits all morning in preparation for the presentation at the end of class. The presentations were hilarious, everyone did an amazing job! Groups remade one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies in ghetto, kindergarten classroom and retirement home settings.

           

After a laughter-filled morning most of us went down to Centra, a small grocery store a mere 10 minute walk away, to try some of their amazing sandwiches. I had a chicken and bacon, and I can say it was one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had!

           

After lunch, we took a Suzann-guided walking tour of downtown Galway. It is a very beautiful city filled with small cobblestone streets packed with tourists, locals and street performers all out to enjoy a sunny Saturday afternoon. One of the Georgia Hardy students even partook in a street performance, performing a duet with a cardboard guitar player. Once the tour concluded we all took off in separate directions, but of course staying in groups of at least four. Some of us had a traditional Irish meal, fish and ships and most of the girls bought claddagh rings.

On behalf of everyone, I wish that everyone’s having a blast across the pond and not missing us too much!

The Travel Day that Seemed as If It Would Never End...in a Good Way - By Gabbi VanLooyen and Harris Petch

We began our day at the wonderful, cheery hour of four in the morning. Many of us, not having slept a wink the previous night thanks to our decision to watch The Women in Black, were ready to start our eleven-odd hour trip to Galway. Our bus driving team loaded our bags efficiently into the vast trunk space of our coach. Awaiting our promised bagged breakfast, all thirty two of us settled in, claiming our turf with various and sundry purses and backpacks that were not travelling in economy class in the trunk.  Suzann boarded the bus and bore the bad news; the staff had made us food but it had vanished without a trace. How the heck do forty bagged meals just disappear? It made no sense.

            Thankfully, we got the chance to pop in at a road-stop and grab our replacement breakfast. Costa makes really good food. Satisfied and filled with the goodness that is yoghurt parfait, I sunk into my leather chair and blasted my IPod for the rest of the bus ride.  

            I do not know what it is about Northern England and Wales but they are probably the most beautiful places I have ever had the privilege to drive through. The rising mountains surrounded the road, their rocky faces and green backsides resembling the forms of sleeping giants. The sea, shimmering and crystal blue, crashed against the ragged shore. Little houses and lighthouses dotted the coastline and the rolling hills, nestled in like hatchlings in their nests. The looming forms of ancient castles were tucked amongst the mountain ridges. Flocks of sheep and various herds of horses and cows shared the paddocks with many of these ancient ruins, making their homes within to escape the rain.   I would live there in an instant!

            The city of Holyhead came into view before in no time at all. The old buildings with their age and charm seemed to greet us, welcoming GeorgiaHardy Tours to their little corner of the world. A mother and her young son jogged in front of the bus as we turned into the parking lot of the port. The white-washed building contained a coffee shop, claw machine, seats and a check in desk. Our wait lasted for about an hour and a half, our lot spending the time indulging in the free wifi-a rare blessing-and playing President with a well loved deck of cards. I read a book. Just as I was about to pay for a smoothie and a pack of lozenges, Suzann told us we were about to check our luggage. With a groan, I put my almost-purchase back on the shelf and returned to my suitcases. As soon as we bid our bags goodbye, we navigated our way up to the lounge. It was a room with quite the decorating theme, blue carpet chairs, blue walls and brace yourself, blue carpet! Out of habit, I whipped my music device out from my backpack ad sat back. We boarded about twenty minutes later.

            I have never been on a ferry as big as the one we travelled on. The vessel was about the size of a small cruise ship! I picked a comfortable seat with my friends by the window. As we left the port, the familiar grumble of my stomach alerted me that it was way past lunch time. For a ferry boat, the food was excellent!  I had a delightful yellow curry. The shopping was excellent if you liked kooky things or books. Thankfully, sheep crossed with emoticons and literature is right up my alley! My friend Shelagh and I sat beside the cutest family for the entire ride. They were returning to Belfast after vacationing in Wales for a week. There youngest, a three year old girl with fire truck red hair, fell into my lap multiple times as she attempted to get onto the chairs. It was entertaining to watch her, her brother and cousins war over who coloured the best. Little kids are so funny!

            When it came time to disembark, we ran into a bit of a mix-up. Nobody knew how to get off the boat! It took almost twenty minutes to get off and another twenty minutes to franticly get our bags off the carousel. With our bags in hand, we flooded into the parking lot and found our bus driver, an adorable middle aged Irishman who believed strongly that the boys should take our luggage. I was not complaining!
 - Gabbi


Hey folks, Harris Petch here to report on the latter half of our trip to Ireland, which was, put bluntly, rather boring. After we disembarked from the boat and got our baggage sorted out, we boarded a coach to Galway. What little of the scenery I did see was quite nice, but I didn’t see very much, as I will freely admit to having my nose buried in a book for ninety-nine percent of the three-hour trip across the Emerald Isle. We arrived at the residences at around 9 p.m., and after some room key mix-ups everyone, to the extent of my knowledge, went to there rooms and passed out. Overall not a very exciting day, but fun, and its nice to have a break now and then.


- Harris

Blog post for July 17th - Maggie Di Gravio

Our fourth day in Oxford was full of exciting moments and great memories. We started off the day with our King Lear quote test. By the end of the two hours all our hands had cramps and our minds were fried. Lucky we had break and went back to class to discuss our King Lear Essay. After class we headed to lunch and then into Oxford to punt down the river. Our journey to the river was a bendy one, taking many wrong turns. These mistakes took us on a great adventure of seeing swans, ducks and cows, a true glimpse into the wildlife of Oxford. When we finally arrived at the punting take off docks we split into groups of five and four proceeding into our punting boats. The river was extremely high, due to all the rain we've been having, therefore we did not get to punt ourselves but instead got a guided tour by expert punters. Even with the experts steering our boats, the water current was so strong they even struggled to remain in control. Our take off was rocky and we bumped into multiple boats but after that it was smooth sailing. The river was beautiful, willow trees draped over the water while artistic bridges filled the horizon, we even got reminded of home by seeing some patriotic Canadian geese. Once we were back on solid ground we had some free time to do as we pleased. Some went shoe shopping while others enjoyed a nice dinner out. After returning back to our dorm many gathered on the field our front of our residence to play a friendly rally of volley ball. We learned that the majority of us have no future in the sport therefore we retreated back into the dorm and watched a great movie. We are all excited to get started on King Lear essays and see Legally Blonde the musical tomorrow.


- Maggie

Blog Post for July 19 - Natalie Greig

Our last full day in Oxford was filled with stress, laughter, and an incredible amount of final pictures of the beautiful landscape and historic buildings.

Stresses mounted as the classes hurried to put their finishing touches on our King Lear essays. We knew this was an important project, yet some of us have been feeling the weight a little too much. An extension on the due time allotted us an afternoon to visit Christ Church and to hopefully spend a few hours forgetting about essay structure and punctuation.. Harry Potter fans had a mini heart attack when we got to enter the dining hall that inspired the layout of the Grand Hall in the films. It was a majestic experience; just the thought that they actually did film some scenes there gave us all Goosebumps.

            After a lengthy walk of the beautiful grounds of one of the most famous buildings of Oxford University, we stopped for an indulgent treat that can only be found in few places. What do you get when you have a deep fryer and one of the finest chocolate bars in the world? That’s right, a deep-fried Mars Bar! As if that wasn’t enough to quench our hunger for junk food goodness, some of us stopped by Shakespeare’s Milkshake Bar. It’s an innovative little shop that can make a milkshake out of any candy bar you can imagine, as well as recipes inspired by some of his famous plays!

            As the day wound down to our final evening in Oxford, the group split in two for either a poker tournament or to watch a scary movie! It was a great way to spend our last night together in England, but the 5am wake up time was less than peachy. Most of us were off to bed early to clock in as much sleep as we could!

            Farewell St. Edward’s and Oxford; you will be missed!


- Natalie

Blog Post for July 18 - Michaelya Brown

We had a very productive day today. We started off the day at our normal wake up time around 7am for most of us and went to breakfast. After breakfast we went to class which starts at 8:45 am. As you all know, we have been reading King Lear, written by William Shakespeare. The assignment for this unit was to write an essay, and the topic for this essay was given to us today in class. We have to write our essays over two classes, which means all in all we have about eight hours in total to write our King Lear essays.

After class and lunch we headed to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, which is very similar to the ROM in Toronto. There was medieval tapestry, dishes, beautiful paintings and so much more to see at the museum.  It was a very cultural experience seeing all the history involved in each spot of the museum.

We had free time after that, in which some of the girls got their nails done and others went shopping. It was a beautiful market with many little stores and food of all cultures. The markets name is Golden Cross Shopping center.  One of the most popular attractions in the market is Ben’s Cookies. These cookies are delicious and cost up to two pounds. The reputation of these cookies is that they are the best in town. I have to agree with that statement; it was by far the best cookie I have ever eaten in my life!

To conclude our busy day we went to see the very popular musical Legally Blonde. Many of the girls can relate to this play. The boys also enjoyed the play because of the humor and the music. For those of you how have seen the movie or the play all know that there is a very attractive mail delivery boy. Needless to say us girls have been ranting and raving about the attractive male delivery boy in the musical, we have also been singing songs and quoting the play all night!  

I speak for the group when I say was are all having an amazing time and appreciate all you sending us over here to have the time of our lives and meet lots of new friends and amazing people.  We have all become a close family and support each other all the way. It will be hard to say goodbye to everyone in 13 days when we return!

- Michaelya Brown

Blog Post for July 16 by Yvonne

Hello Parents!I'm so please to tell you that, we are enjoy this trip so much! Everyone is nice and funny, we are just like a big family, our teachers are nice, especially Suzann, our MotherSu, is not only nice but also cute.

Today after breakfast, we had class together , just finished the book [King Lear] , and we are going to have a test tomorrow, cheer for us!

After lunch, our little five-people group went to the common room for discussing the sense that we are going to perform.

We also did some sports after dinner, doing sports together is always a good way to make people getting closer. We had so much fun.

What a lovely day!

Don't worry,we are studying very hard~

Thanks for all the parents , Julie , Suzann,Mr.M and Ms.Stokes!

Forgiving my short sentences.

- Xiao Yang

Blog Entry for July 15th, 2012 – Jenna Eaket

Today was our second full day at St. Edward’s School just outside of Oxford. It was also the only full day of sun we have seen since beginning our trip. In England, July 15th is known as St. Swithin’s day, and the legend goes that if it rains on this day, then it will rain for the next forty days. Hopefully this story turns out to be true and the rest of our time in England will be nice and sunny!

Our main event today was another full day of class. This morning we went over the second and third acts of King Lear; the story is really getting good. We also handed our short story assignment, and most – if not all – of us received our marks for our ‘modest proposal’ and our short story test. All in all, the class was very productive and work went quickly.

As Oxford and Summertown (a quaint town just outside of the school gates) have no time-consuming events going on, the rest of the day was free time to spend as we chose. A group of about ten of us decided it was the perfect time to get our first ‘real’ loads of laundry done, and so we made our way to the local laundromat in Summertown. The rest of the group either remained in the residence to catch up on any work they may need to do, or they made their way to Oxford to buy their official Oxford University sweaters. Most people on the trip now own one of these sweaters.

Today, while mainly uneventful, was a good day, in all. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in sight, which made it a fabulous day in England.

- Jenna Eaket

Blog Post by Alex Merkel for July 14

Today was our first official day in Oxford! We are staying at St. Edward’s School, about 15 minutes outside of Oxford in a little town called Summertown. We had class this morning, and we have started to study Shakespeare’s King Lear. It is so amazing to be studying Shakespeare when we are so close to his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon!

After class we did a walking tour of Oxford and the University. It was amazing! There are little shops and boutiques along the main street, local pubs and restaurants, and so much more. The University was also amazing – with multiple campuses spread all around the town rather than just one central campus. All of the different campuses are specific to certain areas of study, so people who are taking the same or similar subjects as you are always close by. There is a subtle beauty to this town, and it is so different from London. London was very busy and very fast pace, but Oxford is smaller, slightly less busy, and very relaxed.

Everyone seems to be having a great time! This smaller town is a nice break from the city life of London and we are all taking the opportunity to relax a little bit. The residence here is just as nice as London, both having their pros and cons. For the parents who are wondering – all of us are showering, eating, and I promise you we are getting a good amount of exercise! We walked ALL OVER London and there are no elevators (or as the Brits would say, “lifts”), so we are all constantly moving. Laundry has been a challenge, the washing machines here are broken at the moment, but there is a laundromat in town that we have access to. Some are still struggling with the time change, myself included, feeling hungry around 11PM our time (6PM Canada time) or still feeling tired at noon here (7AM Canada time).

Before I sign off, I would like to give a super special shout out! It’s my Dad’s birthday today and I’m not home right now – so I am going to send a virtual hug to my Dad all the way across the pond! Happy Birthday Dad! Miss you and love you!

Alex Merkel

Meghan P-Smith’s Blog for Friday July 13

It’s transfer day! This means it was a very long and tiring day. Not only did we travel from London to Oxford but we also had our first unit test in the morning. This means that after Sunday, when we hand in our last unit one assignment, our short story, we’re done unit one! This, I feel, is a momenteous cause for celebration. It means that we are now one quarter way through the course, and although it’s sad to think that in three short weeks we will be leaving all the friends we’ve made as well as this beautiful country, it is comforting to know that we will be returning to our families who I know we have all missedao much, and not just because we have to pay for our own stuff over here.

The residence in Oxford we are staying at is beautiful! It has open greens, huge rooms, good food and most importantly for the first time in just over a week fresh air! Although London is beautiful it is filthy! It seems as though everyone in that city smokes! So it is so nice to finally be able to take a deep breath and not worry about lung cancer. The food is also a huge step up on the edible scale which is good since will be eating it for three square meals a day. It’s also good because since we don’t have to pay for meals we have more spending money. Although with an ISU proposal due tomorrow, a short story due Sunday and only more assignments to come, I doubt that we will be getting much shopping done anytime soon.

All in all it’s been a great trip so far and it can only get better.

Meghan P-Smith p.s. Happy Birthday Dad! Hope you have a good one and I’m sorry I’m not there with you!

Blog Entry for July 11 by Kayley Marner

Today was another full day of excitement, adventure and of course learning! After enjoying a hot breakfast together at the university cafeteria, we all headed upstairs for our morning lesson. In our classes we discussed the elements of short stories-specifically looking at James Joyce’s Eveline. We participated in a long and riveting discussion of symbolism, connections to other works, and the component s of a short story. Afterwards, we all received our second assignment. We are to write our own short story that connects somehow to the Tower of London, which we visited yesterday. (This assignment is due on Sunday if any of you parents would like to give your son or daughter a gentle reminder!)

After class we all took the Tube to Oxford Circus where we boarded the Big Bus Tour. It was a ‘hop on, hop off’ tour so we were able to divide ourselves into groups of four or more students and discover London for ourselves. Most decided to ride on the open top of the double decker bus to take pictures of the city and its landmarks as we drove past them. It soon proved to be the perfect day for this as it was actually sunny for once! If there was an attraction that a group decided they wanted to explore they were free to leave the bus and check it out.

My group and I decided to use this opportunity to see the infamous Westminster Abbey. We went inside and participated in a self-guided tour, providing ourselves with the opportunity to discover the wonderful treasures of the Abbey. Not only was it the location of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but it also houses the tombs of many past monarchs- including Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, King Henry V and King Edward III among many others.

Some used this time to visit Buckingham Palace where they took pictures with the Queen’s Guards. Others went walking sightseeing, taking pictures of London’s many other attractions; including the Parliament Buildings, the London Eye, the Themes River and of course those notorious red telephone booths! Those who decided to hang back from the tour got the chance to do some shopping on Oxford Street- one of London’s most well-known shopping districts. Regardless of what each group did, we all had a wonderful time and were able to share our many exciting stories together at dinner.

It is hard to believe that after today, we only have one full day left here in London! Tomorrow we will be visiting the London Dungeons as a class and will then divide into our groups for free time, soaking up as much of the culture as we can. After dinner, some of us are also going to see a production of Wicked at the beautiful Victoria Theater. With only one day left in London, let’s make it count!

Cheers!

- Kayley