P2P Day 16: JackWills Is Katie's New Boy Friend, A Knight to Remember in Warwick

I hope it's raining because she's all wet!

So I guess my rock star experienced repeller didn't repel so well yesterday! She managed to bruise her neck, spine and arm and is feeling it today!

Bummer.

She called to say the day was great - but it looks a little wet - and they toured Warwick Castle and did some Knight training. The leaders posted some great photos of the kids earning their stripes (see below).

It's JW - duh...

Warwick Castle

But that wasn't the highlight of the day. No, that happened earlier when the kids had a little free time and they got to run about the town of Chester (bytheway, look at the two links below about Chester - the walls are kind of amazing). Apparently this has been the "fashion trip" (no I haven't looked at my credit card transactions yet, now I'm afraid to).

One of the brands she had to get is called JackWills (JW) and it's apparently huge in the UK. She's sporting her new sweatshirt there on the FaceTime photo. Thank god she was able to get this sweatshirt, I'd hate to think she was missing out somehow - I mean being all of 14 and getting to freaking go to the UK to being with! Sheesh.

Tonight ended with a few fireworks. She wasn't sure why they were seeing them (I figure there have to be some Americans around somewhere causing trouble). After four years of missing out on July 4th, she was happy to see them!

Tomorrow they bust a move to London (staying in Wembley) and they will see a play tomorrow night! She said they wouldn't tell her which one. I will crack up if it's Shakespeare.

From the People to People Itinerary

Spend some time exploring the wonderful Roman city of Chester, which was once the capital of Great Britain. Receive a guided orientation from your Delegation Manager of the Amphitheatre and the fortress walls before breaking into groups and exploring this historic city on your own.

On arrival at Warwick, you will have time to explore the magnificent, medieval castle. In 1068, William the Conqueror fortified the site, which overlooks the river Avon. Imagine yourself in the Middle Ages as you explore the dark and gloomy dungeon, gruesome torture chamber and splendid armory.

Calling all Student Ambassadors! Are you brave enough to join the Earl of Warwick's celebrated army? This evening, you will be whisked back in time and invited to train as a soldier in a specially recreated medieval encampment! You will be taught the arts of sword fighting, bill drill training and other pre-battle rituals before being treated to the spectacular sight of the firing of the world's largest trebuchet (catapult) [check out this video - advance to 2:30 and then WATCH!]. With the summer sun softly shining on your back [I think it was raining], this wonderful and unique experience will live long in the memory! You will truly enjoy this People to People exclusive opportunity.

This must be Chester.

Warwick Castle

Jack Bauer - the early years.

It appears my child either has issues with authority or can't follow instructions. Or both.

Discipline is harsh in People to People!

I love this shot - World's Largest Trebuchet and our great kids!

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 Day 6: Where Braveheart Outmaneuvered the English - Stirling, Scotland

She's gonna kill me
for this one.

They left the Highlands today and headed south to Stirling.

Their final destination was Glasgow and I finally got a FaceTime call right in the middle of a business lunch. I couldn't talk and barely saw her but she's breathing, happy and tired so all's well.

Matching monsters. All of them.

Katie also posted a favorite pic of hers on Instagram. I guess they didn't find the real Nessie but the found something just as good.

Here's the thing: those aren't her shoes. I'm wondering if any parent out there recognizes them. Katie has big feet (this is not news, I am not telling secrets). I am shocked someone else has the same sized feet that she has (oh Lord, it just occurred to me that maybe she bought them - that would be twice the price based on the exchange rate for American shoes?!).

The leaders have only posted a few photos but they include pictures of sheepdogs - and lots of huge smiles. I can't wait to see more. Today they should have made their way to Stirling on their way to Glasgow. There are interesting facts about Stirling below. Tomorrow they will head out on the ferry and make their way to Belfast.

From the People to People Itinerary

This morning we will leave the beautiful Scottish Highlands and head to Stirling.

Discover the medieval town of Stirling - once regarded as the most strategically important town in Scotland. It was at Stirling Bridge that Braveheart - William Wallace -outmaneuvered the English army and inspired the idea of an independent Scotland. The heart of the ancient town still survives today and gives Stirling its distinctive and historic appearance. The old town trail starts at the Castle Esplanade car park, comes down into the medieval streets and through the town defenses.

Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is situated on a volcanic outcrop guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. The castle is said to be a great symbol of Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national pride. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542. There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle. This is a great opportunity to visit and explore the castle and familiarize yourself with the history of this imposing battlement.

Stirling Bridge

Stirling Castle

P2P Day 2: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Visions of Sleep

I love the delegation managers this year. They are great about communicating and posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram. This one is a favorite!

Katie managed to FaceTime me around 12:30pm my time (8:30pm their time) and she said she hadn't slept since I woke her up at 4am yesterday. Look at the snap, I'd say she looks like that!

She said the flight went well and when they arrived they were exhausted.

They stumbled around the castle and the mile but it was pretty free form today. [I don't even know how they were moving much less touring and I'm not sure they did the Royal Mile Murder Mystery referenced below.] Katie said everything was green and there's lot of water (which is a big deal when you're from California and the drought is in full swing). I predict many long showers in her immediate future.

She and her roommate were nesting and looking forward to getting some real sleep. I think she said her roomie was Morgan.

The leaders posted the group shot. I'm pleased to say that's my girl in the coral jacket who's either contemplating her navel or in a sleep-deprived face plant. Tomorrow they play golf. Her uncle will be so proud. I guess if you are in Scotland and you don't play golf you'd be a real nudge! Here's to a hole in one!

From the People to People Itinerary:

Today you arrive in Scotland; a land of amazing beauty with its soaring mountains and sparkling lochs. Scotland has an intricate past, which is expressed in a rich and diverse cultural heritage which you will enjoy during your stay in the country. Scotland’s currency is the GBP [on today's date, one pound is equal to $1.70 American - I weeping a little]. Do you have Scottish ancestry? Do you know your family clan name and tartan? [Katie's gramma is a Donald!]

• Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Delegation Manager upon arrival.
• Safety first, don’t forget that traffic runs a different direction in the UK than in the U.S. so be aware before getting to your motor coach. [Funny story, in New Zealand, Katie and another delegate nearly got picked off because of this problem! I reminded her to pay attention this time.]
• Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop the crags of an ancient volcano right in the center of the city.
• See stunning Georgian andVictorian architecture and medieval streets, the Old Town of Edinburgh and capital of Scotland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Have fun taking part in "The Royal Mile Murder Mystery'' - an interactive quiz along the famous Royal Mile. As its name suggests, it is approximately one Scottish mile long and runs between Edinburgh Castle at the top of Castle Rock, down to Holyrood Abbey.

Here's a link to this map of the area. 

And there's the Edinburgh Castle.Wow.

A few pics that came in from the delegation leaders (thank you!):

Edinburgh Castle

Lunch or snack or who knows!

On the Royal Mile