P2P Day 15: When's the Last Time You Repelled Down a Castle Wall?

They are still in Wales.

And they are repelling down the wall of a castle tower? wall? what's the word? The tall thing. Up they went and down they came. I have no idea if everyone did it but I know everyone was encouraged! Katie lives for this stuff so I'm sure she scampered to the top.

This is Penrhyn Castle and that's a 75 foot drop. Awesome.

It also looks like they did some sort of game (with the checkerboard squares) and they also broke boards with their bare hands!

Didn't hear a word from the kiddo today.

The leaders posted a picture of the hotel or guest house they are staying at (see below). Looks pretty nice (even if there are spiders in the basement). Tomorrow they head for England with a start in Warwick.

From the People to People Itinerary

Today is all about challenge, excitement and energy! Get ready for a day full of adventure and personal growth through interactive and challenging workshops led by the Full On team.

You will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills, set personal goals and step outside your comfort zone. Conquer FEAR by abseiling 75 feet off a tower wall at Penrhyn Castle!

P2P Day 14: They Arrive in Wales After a Simply Splendid Four-Hour Ferry Ride. Cheers!

They are in Wales!

Katie said the ferry ride was fabulous. Apparently she's reading some book of poetry (who is she?!) and she and her friends were discussing the poetry and drinking coffee on the ferry ride - "Mom, I'm drinking so much coffee now, I just love it!" - and they were being all smart and discussy.

"Katie, you're in England, you're supposed to drink tea," I told her.

"Geez mom, we haven't even gotten to England yet. What's wrong with you, they drink coffee in Ireland and Scotland."

And there you have it. I guess I might have to get a coffee pot. Lord knows I don't drink the stuff and I'm not ready to buy stock in Starbucks. But, I do like the smell and if it helps her get up in the morning....

The ferry ride was about four hours long. Then the got to Wales and spent time learning history and doing some touring. She and her roommate were the only girls on the boys floor ("in the dungeon with spiders everywhere") but the part of the hotel I could see looked nice.

Once again the leaders to the rescue with great shots of the day's events. Tomorrow they have a Full-On experience - she got to do one in New Zealand (repelling) and in Canada they did something similar called Tree-Go. Basically they are team building, personal challenge experiences that are fun but push you to try new things. Can't wait to find out what they will be doing!

Noswaith dda - which is to say, good evening, in Welsh. [OMG I love this video!]

From the People to People Itinerary

This morning you will say goodbye to the "Emerald Isle" and make your way to the ferry port where your ferry will take you over to Wales.

Be welcomed by the Welsh Country Manager, and receive an introduction to Wales, local sights and activities. Crossing over GeorgeStephenson's magnificent iron bridge with the beautiful Menai Straits below, you will then arrive onto the Welsh mainland.

Encounter the village that boasts one of the world's longest station names: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch! [Why?]

During your time in Wales, you may notice the distinct Welshlanguage. In some areas, it is still the primary language and today you will learn some basic phrases in this Celtic language.

Diane "Golden" Miller - this is all I know!

The bridge they talk about above.

Larry called this: Zap Game in Wales.

P2P: Oh Man - She's Leaving for Europe in Just Over a Week!

Math class, SnapChat, Desperation

But first she has to get through finals!

Katie's first year in high school was a real challenge. She loved the social part, she hated the academic part. Her school is on an excel schedule (which means one semester for a year-long class - fewer classes per semester but it goes fast and there's a lot to do!). But it's finally coming to an end and I looking at just for our days of having a freshman.

This year's journey with People to People will take her to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. These are the lands of her people. Lush with green meadows, fantastic accents and good beer, er um, wait, that's for my blog - amazing sites, she'll be touring with a group from Santa Barbara, Ventura and Wyoming.

Katie will fly by herself to Chicago where she'll me up with the gang and then off they go on June 19th. Her tour is called Celtic Cultures. Here's what the website says about it:

Escape to a magical land famous for its medieval castles, alluring cultures, breathtaking landscapes … and leprechauns! It’s the UK as you’ve only imagined. Become an honorary knight during an exclusive tour of the spellbinding Warwick Castle. Shear sheep on a family-owned farm. Meet a legendary Scottish Highlander during a demonstration involving weapons, kilts, and clans! Experience these magnificent countries in ways that will inspire your imagination, feed your curiosity, and give you a new perspective on this amazing part of the world.

I can't wait to see photos of her shearing sheep! She'll come home alone too but at least she'll get all the way to LA with the gang before they send her packing back to San Jose. She'll be back on July 7th just in time to get ready for her 15th birthday.

I'll start blogging her itinerary on the 19th! Look for photos from the airport, links to the highlights and so much more. Thank you People to People!