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 3: Golfing at St Andrews - My Brothers Are So Jealous

Both my brothers are wicked golfers, the youngest one maybe the most wicked. So imagine their surprise today when I forwarded this photo of Katie creating her first divot on the driving range at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland.

I think I heard him screaming.

As it turns out, this wasn't St. Andrews, it's at a local golf academy, SRUC Elmwood Campus, where you can earn an International Golf Education!

It's not just that it looks like she's trying to kill a spider, but that grip! Oh my. Thankfully there are several photos of the kids on the Facebook page (which is private but you can see some here) and most of them look quite striking (double entendre intended? you be the judge).

Katie managed a quick call at 1:15pm and said it was such a relaxed day. They enjoyed the golfing and then the just kind of drove by the beach they talk about below and walked around St. Andrews.

Bopping around St. Andrews.

She was more amazed by the daylight at 9:15 at night and I reminded her it was the first day of summer - she didn't know. It was very light out - but I expect maybe the Wyoming people see more evening light than we do in Santa Cruz. [Just did a little research: Inverness, where they will be tomorrow, is nearly on the same latitude as Juneau, Alaska! They are up north!]

She said they've had plenty of time to eat so far this year (in year's past it can be a dine and dash situation) and the kids are all getting along and enjoying themselves. They head out tomorrow for a new location so this is the first time repacking (queue evil laugh) and I think they might get wet tomorrow!

From the People to People Itinerary:

• Be the envy of every golfer with a stop at the world-famous Old Course in St. Andrews.
• Visit one of Scotland's finest golfing academies, ElmwoodCollege, where you can try your hand at chipping and driving with help from a local golfer.
• Explore St. Andrews, one of the most historic towns in Scotland. St Andrews University, founded in 1412, was where Prince William, heir to the British throne, studied. (2001 - 2005) West Sands, is one of Scotland's best beaches and was the location for many scenes in the film 'Chariots of Fire'.

A view of St. Andrews golf course from the air. 

West Sands Beach...can't you just see Chariots of Fire?