Day 19: They All Fly Home!

They fly American from Paris.

"It's everything I expected and more," Katie said today clearly enchanted with Paris. 

I have to say, after all the saving and planning and drama, I can't image anything she could say that would have sounded any better. With those few words, I knew is was all worth it.

She saw the Mona Lisa and other artwork that captured her imagination. She and Mariah ended up having an adventure of their very own when they accidentally got separated from the group. A few minutes fantasy for two school girls on their own in Paris.

Katie's text at 11:35pm our time.

Awesome.

They head for the airport tomorrow morning. They have a long ride home in two shifts. Part one from Paris to Chicago and then a layover and part two Chicago to San Francisco. I can hardly wait! More when I see her. May time past swiftly and safely.

Here are a few interesting stats from their trip:

• To fly from San Francisco to Rome: it took 12:31 minutes (but really longer because of the bad weather and their emergency stop in Peoria).
• Once they made it "across the pond", they traveled 2454 KM or 1,525 miles by coach. That's about 25 hours of driving.
• They went to six countries: Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France and then they just drove through the corners of Lichtenstein and Germany.
• They stayed in nine different hotels (and four nights with their Italian families).
• They ate at least 57 meals that we did not have to prepare!
• The hottest day was 97 degrees in Vatican City and the coldest was 61 degrees in Salzburg, Austria.
• The flight home from Paris to San Francisco is about 12:40 minutes (with a five hour layover in Chicago).

American Airlines	041	Paris	Chicago	7/17/12    12:15:00 PM (Paris Time)	7/17/12    2:25:00 PM (Chicago Time)	8 hrs, 10mins
American Airlines	2427	Chicago	San Francisco	7/17/12    7:00:00 PM (Chicago Time)	7/17/12    9:30:00 PM (San Francisco Time)	4 hrs, 30mins

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People to People Itinerary: TUESDAY, JULY 17 Depart from Paris for the United States

• Say goodbye to Europe! Have a nice flight back home!

From Italy to Austria to Switzerland to France. Booyah!

Day 18: The Eiffel Tower! Finally! Mission Accomplished!

Paris!

Today is the last day of the trip and their last day in Paris.

They barely arrived and yet they need to do as much as they can in the little time they have left. They will get to the top of the Eiffel Tower (finally, Katie, finally!) and then move over to the Louvre.

Katie says they haven't had any time to shop and didn't get to buy anything in Montmarte today. I guess they are always running late and are behind all the time.

I did get a great text this morning at 5:35 my time that has pretty much made my whole day!

Katie said wherever they went, she could spy the Tower and poor Mariah may need a new arm because Katie smacked her so hard with excitement! We may owe Mariah a dinner or something. Sheesh.

Mona.

The had escargot today and when Katie told me the story, it started like this, "How come I always have to be the spaz when it comes to eating?" (a question long asked and never answered). "Everyone had a strategy for eating their snail. Some people swallowed it with water, some chewed quickly and drank some Coke, so I planned out my strategy," she explained.

The aspiring escargot.

"I got my snail and started chewing. I had my drink ready. It didn't taste that bad. Not at first. But then - it was pretty chewy - the taste started to change. And this juice started coming out. The juice tasted terrible! So I swallowed. And then I choked," she said pausing.

The cooked escargot.

"Not a little a lot!" she exclaimed. "My throat must be small, and well, it's still sore and I still have a really stuffy nose, but anyway, I choked and then it all came back out. On my plate. It was disgusting and the thing really looked like a snail when I coughed it back up. The whole table was grossed out."

That's my girl. All class.
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People to People Itinerary: MONDAY, JULY 16: Paris, France

• Admire a dazzling view of Paris! There's only one place to go: take the elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower (899 feet) which was built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the French Revolution.
• Enjoy a guided exploration of one of the most important art collections in the world, the famous Musee du Louvre. You will visit the principal parts of the museum - including a look at Leonardo's masterpiece, Mona Lisa.
• Today is your last evening in Europe! Gather for your farewell meeting! Share the best moments and most memorable experiences of the past weeks. What was YOUR favorite highlight and why?

The Louvre.

Day 17: Paris! Starting with Versailles, Ending with Montemarte!

The Palace of Versailles.

Bonjour!

Katie says today they do not get to see the Eiffel Tower but I think maybe they may get a peek. Her excitement is near a crescendo as the inch closer to The City of Light.

Today they see the Palace of Versailles. Of course I keep hearing Al Stewart singing his song (does that mean I am old?). Now that I read the lyrics, I understand more about what they mean.

The Hall of Mirrors.

I didn't realize the end of King Louis XIV came with the French Revolution (now I hear Les Miserables in my head) and Napoelon rose to power.

Next the itinerary is vague as it speaks of a guide providing an orientation to the city Hemingway called "a movable feast." I found the quote but I have no idea what the kids will be doing!

Ernest Hemingway's posthumously published memoirs of his life in 1920s Paris, called "A Moveable Feast", did much to bring the term to the general language: "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

After touring, the kids will head to Montmartre where they will see the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre and get to shop around an area that similar to The Village in NYC according to websites. It's where you can find the Moulin Rouge which ends my musical tour of greater Paris as I think of Nicole Kidman in that great musical.

When Katie called, she confirmed they didn't get to see one little ounce of Bastille Day (what a stinking shame). They spent more of their time in transit and they weren't really tired enough to go to bed but it was time to be in their rooms to get started nesting. I told her to throw open the windows and listen (it was 9:17pm) and she might her the pop of fireworks somewhere in town.

She's excited about tomorrow and so anxious to see Paris. It looks like the will have a very busy next-two-days. I can't wait to hear all about it!

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People to People Itinerary: SUNDAY, JULY 15: Paris, France

• Explore the magnificent Chateau de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on your own. Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it was the seat of the royal court from 1682 to 1789, when the French Revolution put an end to the monarchy.
• Voila Paris! A French guide will now join you for an orientation of the city Ernest Hemingway called "a moveable feast."
• Visit the historic Montmartre area, a haven for artists and writers before WWI. Marvel at the white Basilique du Sacre Coeur, which is the second highest point in Paris. Take some time to discover this area's treasures in small groups.

The Basilique du Sacre Coeur.

And, but of course, The Moulin Rouge!

Day 16: July 14 is Bastille Day in France!

The kids were supposed to play baseball today with The Bootleggers in Argancy. But it's been cancelled. Someone didn't do the math properly because our kids arrive in Paris for Bastille Day!

Foot fest in Austria. Every year, France celebrates the 14th of July as Bastille Day, also known as “ La Fête Nationale.” Bastille Day symbolizes the overthrow of the monarchy and the beginning of a new French Republic. On July 14, 1789, the common people of France stormed Bastille, a military prison, to show their opposition to the tyrannical rule of the French aristocrats. Traditionally Bastille Day is celebrated with a military parade, the largest of which is held on a famous Paris street, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, where the head of the state and other prominent people are present.  In France people celebrate the holiday in different regions by organizing local dance and fireworks displays during the evening. The history of this celebration is rooted to the significance of the birth of the republic.

While they will be in transit a portion of the day, I hope P2P have figured out some way the kids can participate in the celebration. When they day is over, they head to their final hotel, the Quality Inn Rosny-sous-Bois right outside of Paris. Maybe they will at least get to enjoy some fireworks!

Folk dancing lessons.

Judy, the delegation leader, send along a few photos of the kids (and Katie). Love getting them.

I also discovered they ate at Burger King today in Lucerne! I saw a charge come through for the most expensive fast food ever.Katie called and said they wanted American food so badly they decided to eat there. P2P gave the kids money - 10 Swiss Francs - but the food cost more than that so Katie had to charge and now she's got 10 Francs she can use anywhere because they are in France.

Luzerne Burger King

Katie said Lucerne was amazing and they did get to see the Lion of Lucerne. It was as beautiful and tragic as it appears and she couldn't stop taking photos of it. They did spend a lot of time in transit and were feeling pretty squirrely when they got to the hotel (she called late and was wound up and pretty silly). It was a great call and the excitement about France was tangible.

Bonne Fête Nationale!

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People to People Itinerary: SATURDAY, JULY 14: Paris, France

• Share a real People to People Moment with a French baseball club and enjoy a friendly game together.
• Enjoy your lunch in Argancy with your new French friends, from the baseball club "The Bootleggers!"

Day 15: Strasbourg, France via Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

I believe Katie said today is mostly travel by bus into France. France! They are finally making it to France!

They will have some free time in the morning, but then they jump on board and travel. From Mols, Switzerland to Lucerne is just a little over an hour. The itinerary says they will tour there for awhile and then they go on to France.

Seriously, where is everyone?! Halloo!?!

Then they head to Hotel Les Colonnes Strasbourg-Zenith in Eckbolsheim, France where they will stay one night before heading on to their final destination in Paris for the last three nights of the trip. The drive from Lucerne to Eckbolsheim is about two and a half hours.

Eckbolsheim looks cute but there don't appear to be any people. This should make access to the town easy since they won't have to wait in any lines for anything!

But seriously, on the itinerary they say Strasbourg and that's the big city right next to this little town where they are staying. Strasbourg has a rich architectural history – the entire city center of Strasbourg is classified as world heritage.

Strasbourg, France (close to Germany).

When I talked with Katie today, she thought it was going to be about six hours but Google Maps thinks it's much shorter. I hope so, Lucerne looks like an amazing place to hang out for awhile.

They did make the Apfelstrudel today (and left with the recipe), but Katie said they didn't eat the one they made, they ate other ones (I am thinking that was to their advantage). She said it tasted great. They hotel was really a hostel and there wasn't any place to shop. This was a point of frustration for Katie who clearly hasn't bought enough souvenirs yet.

I could hear her excitement building as they inch closer to France. She sounds so much healthier. Looks like things have smoothed out!
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People to People Itinerary: FRIDAY, JULY 13: Strasbourg, France

• Discover Lucerne, a city in the heart of Switzerland situated on a lake and surrounded by high mountains!

No idea of the kids will see this. The Lion of Lucerne commemorates the Swiss Guards who were
massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution.The American writer Mark Twain praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." 

Day 14: Baking Apfestrudel in Switzerland

Austrian Apfelstrudel.

Oh come on!

Salzburg is absolutely amazingly beautiful (see photo below)! This must be blowing their minds. Today they tour the city and then lunch in Innsbruck at a tourism school (if Katie comes back deciding to major in tourism, People to People better be prepared to hire her!). And they get to learn to cook  Austrian Apfelstrudel and then eat it!? Cool beans.

When it's all said and done, they end up in Switzerland and they are staying at the quaint Hotel Schiffahrt that looks adorable - like something out of Solvang (I know, wrong country - but close!).

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As I updated in yesterday's post, Katie finally called very briefly last night and assured me her health was better and that she had been saving the last charge in her phone for the Eiffel Tower (duh). She'd bum a charge of someone for that day but she was almost out and otherwise fine. What a relief.

Then, this morning, I work up to a miracle. Oh a whim, I decided I'd check the FedEx just to see where in the world it might be (I figured parked in Vienna). But the thing said, "Delivered to Salzburg!" No freaking way! I mean no way!!! I almost couldn't breath. I quickly called the hotel and they confirmed they had it and expected Katie in a couple hours! She'd have it shortly.

Best Face EVER!

Best Text EVER!

Then I got this text. Wow. And a few minutes later, a phone call - with Face Time because they had free wi-fi! You could hear all the kids calling and texting and otherwise being excited with the connection!

Of course I busted her for being sunburned ("first time mom, I promise!) and she told me about the concentration camp and the survivor yesterday ("I couldn't swallow or eat afterward. I had a pit in my stomach that was huge. It was horrible mom"). I am so glad it went in: deep.

So I am breathing again. Relieved off the charts. I already sent FedEx a thank you letter because one woman, Carolyn Harris, did something huge to get that sucker through customs. I don't know what she did, but she did it. That and all the positive thoughts and prayers from everyone who imagined that box getting in Katie's hands.
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People to People Itinerary: THURSDAY, JULY 12: Heidiland, Switzerland

• Uncover Salzburg's hidden treasures as you explore this beautiful and historic city with your local guide.
• In Innsbruck, enjoy a unique lunch at the Villa Blanka. At this tourism school you will learn about the Austrian Tourism School system and have the opportunity to test your skills at baking your own dessert - the famous Austrian Apfelstrudel!
• Board the ship to cross the lake at romantic Heidiland and enjoy the beautiful landscape!

The fortress in Salzburg.

Day 13: Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Salzburg, Austria

Just a taste of Vienna.

Today they are off to view the sights with a City Quest checking out some of Vienna's most important sights. I expect that's probably in the morning because they then move on to Salzburg and an area just 20km away that houses the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. 

From what I read, this camp was created to work the prisoners to death. It's hard to imagine something that horrific. That people sat in a room, conceived of this and then somehow made it come true. The link below provides some background and after today's visit with a Camp Survivor, I think this will be a very meaningful visit for the kids.

It's supposed to rain and lightening in the afternoon; it's interesting how nature will conspire to make the camp even more ominous and desperate. 

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In the good old US, I was up at 4am trying to work with Customs in Vienna who have her package but won't release it without a copy of her passport. I actually thought I had a copy - I looked for more than an hour - but did not find it and sent what I had to the agent. I called to follow up and was told he had just stepped out and would call me right back. 

I waited 30 minutes and called back, at about 4:03 pm their time, and the office had closed. That was that. As I have learned with FedEx, if it ain't on the truck to Salzburg tonight, it's not gonna be there tomorrow. What's even more aggravating is there are both in the same place right this minute (Katie and the package) but I can't get them together!

I know Judy has an iPad charger that will work on Katie's phone. I have asked her to at least give Katie a charge for Eiffel Tower day. That's all she's dreamed of since she signed up for this trip nearly a year ago. I hope Judy will come through in the clutch. 

Otherwise, no other news. No photos. No health update.

This Just In: It's 10:28pm my time, 7:28am their time. Judy just sent me a message that did manage to make it through. Pretty much all I needed to hear!

I did send another message but it is still sitting in my out box along with 3 other emails of pictures that I sent last night. After unpacking and repacking everything in my suitcase I discovered a battery operated charger that my husband must have stuck in at the last minute. I'll give it to Katie at breakfast and in a 1/2 hour or so she should be able to call you. The other message said that we would figure something out. If all else fails, I will share my charger with her. Relax, it will all work out.

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People to People Itinerary: WEDNESDAY, JULY 11: Salzburg, Austria

• Continue with a City Quest including Vienna's most important cultural highlights like the State Opera House, the Imperial Palace, St. Stephan's Cathedral and many more...
• Experience a darker chapter of European History when you visit the infamous Mauthausen Concentration Camp. Learn about the history of these camps as you delve into Mauthausen's terrible past.

Day 12: Service Project in Vienna, Austria

This is the structure so far.

Today they work on the Castle Project which is all-the-buzz among historians, archaeologists and scientists. This article describes the amazing feat: building an entire castle by hand (just like the old days). 

The project sounds amazing - if not crazy - and it's thrilling that our kids get to be part of something so big. It won't be finished until they are in their mid-40s! That means they can return to this site to see the completed castle with their children and say, "Hey, I worked on this!"

This is the People to People service project. They always do one on every trip. 

Tonight they stay in Vienna (I can almost hear music when I hear that name). They will stay at the Eventhotel Pyramide in the south of Vienna. Based on the website, it looks pretty posh. They might get a little lightening and rain tomorrow.

I did not hear from Katie today. It's like having a broken TV. I sit here with no idea what's happening in the next episode. Jeez. I did manage to successfully send a converter and a charger to Austria. Now we pray it sails through customs and arrives in Salzburg on Wednesday. I am pathologically checking the tracking number so I can see what's happening. I have never been more grateful for a client onsite tomorrow -the distraction of going to San Francisco is welcome. It will help the time pass.

In the meantime, I look forward to hearing about their visit with concentration camp survivor. They are rapidly aging and dying and I so want this piece of living history to be part of Katie's life experience.

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People to People Itinerary: TUESDAY, JULY 10: Vienna, Austria

• Participate in a true People to People moment as you work with local residents on the "Castle Project". For over 30 years, volunteers have been united in building an authentic medieval castle without the use of modern technology.
• Meet and take part in a discussion with a survivor of a concentration camp (Theresienstadt). This is an unique opportunity and a true honor for Student Ambassadors.
• This evening you'll attend a performance at one of the famous concert houses of Vienna.

This is just one of the Viennese concert houses. Wow. Gorgeous.

Day 11: Folk Dancing in Austria

I wonder if they can see this castle? Wow!

It's Monday morning, and today they are off to Austria to learn how to folk dance and an evening of Medieval games.

I have no idea what that means but seems very diverse doesn't it? Hard to image those archery experts getting their folk dancing on! The temperatures don't go down much but the vibe will likely change quite a bit from the pace of Italy.

They are staying at the Burg Friesach in Friesach, Austria. I can't find a direct link for the hotel, but I did find it on the map. It looks small in a small town so probably not worth their having a website.

The trip is officially more than half over.

The hotel is the little red dot.

It's Sunday morning and Katie called in distress. It's really the first time since she's been gone. She's been tired before but I could tell when I answered, she was upset. She left her converter and iPhone charger at the  home stay.

Figures.

Nothing about that darn home stay went very well. She's super stressed about leaving it because she so wants to be able to call home once a day (and get my texts that I pathologically send all day long - she pulls them just twice a day but I can send all day long!). The father has the darn thing but their hotel is in Padua and that's kind of far from Venice.

So first had to talk her down. Hopefully she can get a charge off someone else but that's going to be a challenge since they need to charge too and their time is limited. In my alternate reality, I have been trying to figure out how to get one to her. Not. So. Easy.I even tried reaching out using social media. But their next town is kind of in the boondocks. And it's Sunday night there.

So my plan B: I can FedEx a charger to Salzburg and make a bet that it gets there when she gets there. There are no guarantees it will make it but FedEx feels pretty confident. I wanted odds but apparently they aren't bookies and they don't give odds. I am learning so much.

In related news, Judy, her delegation leader called last night and we talked briefly about Katie's infection. She was on the problem and would help Katie get some meds. Today they were able to get decongestants and nasal spray which will help tremendously. Katie said it was working.

Whew.

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People to People Itinerary: MONDAY, JULY 9: Friesach, Austria

• The picturesque town of Sirnitz also known as the "Official People to People Town of Carinthia" invites you to spend an unforgettable day in the countryside. After a warm welcome together with town officials you will get to try a very special local treat.
• Now a unique cultural experience waits for you! Learn more about the traditional life, e.g. folk dance lessons and farmers' Olympics! Afterwards enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
• Join in a splendid evening of authentic Medieval games, including archery or chavelot, followed by an opulent banquet!

I suspect it won't be anything this involved. But it sure looks exciting!

Day 10: Padua, (Last Day in) Italy

They will get to ride in a Gondola.

As we go to bed tonight, Katie will be waking up and reuniting with her fellow delegates! Whoopie!


I think I will sleep well tonight knowing she's surrounded by the energy of her old crew. I hope she finds other kids who had similar experiences since there's nothing better than, "me too!" to make it all feel okay.

Today they get to see the Murano glass blowers. I found an interesting brief history of glass and it's explains how Venice because a hot spot for production.

The Bridge of Sighs. 

They are staying in some nice digs tonight. The Vergilius Hotel Spa and Business Resort that has a pool so it could be very fun for the kids as they reunite, get loose and hopefully cool down! 

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Murano Glass (looks like candy!)

Saturday Afternoon in California: Katie called before heading out to dinner. She thinks she has a sinus infection (I will spare you the details but I am convinced) and she doesn't know how to proceed. Neither do I! I am going to call P2P and see what happens next - if anything - maybe we can get something to her by Austria on Monday. Who knows! 

Considering her throat hurts and her ear hurts she's in pretty good spirits. She had an interesting day in the mountains. She couldn't explain why because she didn't have privacy but she said no one expected it to go the way it did. No idea what that means.

She was with Hanah today so that made it ever-so-much better. She also bought shorts and she said they are "cheap" and she's worried they might fail. I told her wear cool underwear and if they do, she'll just in Italian fashion showing lots of flesh (I guess at the house the mom and daughter wear bikinis all day and the dad some "tidy whitey" thing).

When we got off the phone, I sent her some translated text messages in Italian that she's going to convert into thank you notes. It's 8:30, she has to shower, go eat dinner, write thank you notes and completely repack her suitcase. I think this might be a late night. They have to be back with the delegates by 8:30 tomorrow so it's time to rock and roll and get outta there!

I tried the power of suggestion and told her she might start feeling a lot better when she gets back with her team. It's crap but it might help!

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People to People Itinerary: SUNDAY, JULY 8: Padua, Italy

• Enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and prepare to ride in a Venetian gondola. While passing along the "Canale Grande" and narrow channels you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the "Fenice Theater," and Mozart's Venice Residence.
• During a guided orientation you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and narrow canals of Venice. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs.
• Take part in an informative presentation about the art of Murano Glass blowing. You will learn about each step - from the composition to the polishing of the glass. You'll be fascinated by the live demonstration of the production process.

Day 9: Last Day in Venice

The note that came with these said, "Team Building."

"I feel like I am a broken toy," Katie said today (Friday my time) on her call. "They were expecting this really good thing and now they are bored with me and disappointed because I am not what they expected."

Apparently there's supposed to be at least one family member who is fluent in English, but that's not the case with Katie's family. So she's been kind of kicked to the curb while they hook up with friends (when they are taking her out and about) and she's just sitting there missing everything because she can't speak Italian.

This looks more like team rolling to me! In Pisa.

That said, she is learning a few words and did manage to share a translated text I sent to her that said, "I need to buy shorts. Is there a shop?" That made them laugh and they will take her by a market tomorrow. Let's see how that goes!

She was getting ready to hit the shower ("the shower head is at my waist, my hair so isn't clean!") and then the family is taking her to grampa's birthday party. I asked her if she was looking forward to it but she said, "No, because I can't talk to anyone!" Hopefully a English-speaking relative will be in the crowd and take her under their wing. It's already 8pm and they are just leaving for the party where she'll eat dinner. She said the food is good, "but they eat so late, I am hungry all the time." Maybe now she'll appreciate my cooking!

Today they went on a boat ride and the day was saved because Hanah was with her and she had someone to talk to. Thank goodness! I guess Hanah is doing a bit better; her family speaks more English. Katie can't believe she has to get through two more nights and one more day before this portion is over. I just wish we had been better prepared for a home stay (okay, prepared at all would have been good) so she could have enjoyed it more. At least she could have taken an English-Italian dictionary!

Tomorrow - er um - today they will go to the mountains. And buy shorts. Maybe. There might be an adult going that speaks a little bit of English. I hope it goes smoothly.

At least she sounded more upbeat today. That's a relief to me. I was really sweating this - because I am a worry wart and I know what it's like to feel uncomfortable. I am just sorry Katie feels like she's a disappointment to them. That's not a good feeling and I am sure it's not the case. Needless to say, this relationship will be over when it's over; no long term connection there.

Oh! And I did have the right house! I don't know why I think that's so cool, but it is!

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People to People Itinerary: SATURDAY, JULY 7: Home Stay, Italy

• Today will be the last day you spend with your home stay family. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their hospitality! Write a thank you note to leave with them or to mail the next day!