Creative Writing Book Project

You need to start reading your book for Creative Writing class. If you don't like to read, focus on finding something that looks less bad than everything else. I'll help you find the right book for you if you need help. If you've found your book, start reading. Oh, and you can't pick a book that you've read before. This is the honor system, because I can't possibly know what you've read and what you haven't, but don't cheat yourself. You're smarter than that. So, do yourself a favor, and find something new to read. The list is along the left side of this blog, and yes, you must pick one of those titles. Last little thing: if you choose a book that has the word (series) next to it, you can choose to read any or all of the books in that series.

Bonsoir

This is the first time I've blogged since the trip began, so I'm well behind in my writing. They've been scribbling in their notebooks and using the hotel computers to document their daily travels. Since the trip began we've given the travelers three assignments. To warm them up, we just wanted to get the first impressions of London. They've jotted down everything from our bus mishaps to tour guides to pigeon attacks. Second, we asked students to fictionalized some account of their trip by stepping into the shoes of someone we have come across: a passerby, another group member, our tour director Vico, or even me.

Yesterday we arrived in Paris and went first to Notre Dame. Apparently the people of Paris wanted to tear down the "eye sore" that is was until Victor Hugo wrote a little tale about a hunchback ringing the bells. Since then, it has been a point of pride in the city, and Hugo is heralded all over the place. We asked the students to use sensory detail and show their passion for something by telling us what they would like to save through their words. This shall be interested. As always, traveling to new and different places forces me to reflect on myself more than anything else. Wandering through city streets, attempting--rather pathetically--at new languages, and experiencing iconic landmarks causes me to egotistically think as much about myself as about the history and people and nature that have created this world. I both take pride and shame at my abilities to be clever, intelligent, authoritative, rude, snobbish, and curious. These are all things I already know about myself, but they come through in new ways. As I get to know the fourteen students, three parents, and twenty-seven other members of the tour group all led by one fast-walking, multi-lingual, Italian-British ex-pat, I broaden my views more than ever (though I know it never seems like it). I have in five days beamed at eighteen year-olds becoming adults and marveled at the ignorance of a well traveled middle-aged woman. A lot can be determined by observing simple decisions. Who will eat at McDonald's and who will try something new? Who will clumsily speak a little French and who will talk in English without thinking? Who will complain about their weary feet and who will run--yes, run-- from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower? Which would you do?

Oh, and for the record: running through Paris in a skirt surrounded by spirited high school students has been the highlight so far.

Bon Voyage!

I suppose people should be saying that to me right now. I'm all packed up and about to head to the airport. If I forgot to put anything in my suitcase, it's not going to make it now. Three options for when that happens:

1. Borrow someone else's

2. Buy a new one

3. Go without.

I know I have my passport, so I'm not too worried about anything else that might have been left behind. Hopefully the rest of the crew will be on time waiting at the airport. Now all we have to do is try to help 14 high school students fall asleep at 7:30 p.m. for the red eye. Hmm... If you have any ideas, please post them to my brain via telepathic means.

It also just occurred to me this afternoon that we are technically visiting four countries, not three. Vatican City is officially the smallest nation in the world, and I can't wait to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Just a few hours and we'll be on our way!

22 Days...

Your first big blog assignment is as follows:

1. Write a list by Tuesday, May 25: Top 5 Things I'm Looking Forward to in Europe
2. Explain each one with a bit more than a sentence or two. Let's hear your voice!
3. Include at least one image.
4. Include at least two links.
5. Check out everyone else's blogs. Read them and comment on at least three of them by our next meeting.

I'll see you at the last meeting before the trip:

Tuesday, June 1

Europe for the Trip? I'm up for the Trip!

Only 42 days left before the trip! There are only 26 school days (21 for seniors) in the way, and a few very hectic weekends full of cramming for finals, packing, learning French, Italian, and British (take a lift up to the loo in my flat, anyone?), making souvenir lists, reading, and blogging.

The next time we meet will be Tuesday, May 18 after school in Ms. Cardona's room, C114. Be sure to read the Bill Bryson pieces before then, and find your own example of travel writing--preferably something from London, Paris, or Rome. Bring that with you. Also, check out some cultural facts-- phrases, rules for tipping, how to act in certain places, whatever. Be ready to share those, too.

If you have not given Ms. Cardona your medical/travel forms yet, or you missed the meeting on May 3, then go see her immediately! Also, you probably aren't reading this. Hmm... a conundrum.

Start checking out each others' blogs. The more you get into this, the better it will be!

Jeopardy! for Exam 2

Last week's Jeopardy! is up and available for you to use while you study. But first... read what I assigned you!