England 2007 is over. My pix and some commentary follow in reverse chronological order. I'm always asked... "will there be another?"
"Who knows?" I always say.
It is really up to the next class... but if this was the last England trip, it was a great finale!
What about the class of 2008???
Well, students and parents who are interested in an England trip for Easter Break in 2008 should contact RevTom. Click here for his email for trips.
Tentative plan is to leave Easter night, arriving London Easter Monday morning and return the following Sunday. Air travel is to and from Washington Dulles airport with no transportation to the airport. Cost of the trip is estimated at $1700. This will include everything except most lunches, most dinners and spending money. All transportation, breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch, all entry fees as a group member and lodging are included. Lodging in Oxford will be in the three star Oxford YHA Hostel and in London will be in a three star hotel.
Easter Sunday - check in at Dulles airport, overnight flight to London
Monday - arrive and travel to Oxford
Tuesday - Oxford, travel to London via train
Wednesday - London: British Library, Tower of London, shopping and Phantom of the Opera(?) late dinner or dessert at Planet Hollywood
Thursday - London: British Museum, shopping at Covent Garden, National Gallery, Dinner at St. Martin's in the Field Church Crypt, The London Eye
Friday - Travel to Cambridge for the day, return to London via train
Saturday - TBA, Last supper at the ORIGINAL HARD ROCK CAFE
Sunday - fly home, arriving Dulles at 3pm-ish for pick up
$300 deposit
$300 monthly payments by end of Feb, 2008.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
the last day
Monday was our last day... we've gotten to most of the places so we "had a lie in" (slept late) and then went to the Tower...
Ravens below
and then to Covent Garden for one last street performance, some of our gang watches here...
...it was a really great trip... one that will go down as one of my favs... thanks guys for being great travellers!
Ravens below
and then to Covent Garden for one last street performance, some of our gang watches here...and then a ride on the London Eye, seen behind the travellers...
...it was a really great trip... one that will go down as one of my favs... thanks guys for being great travellers!Sunday, April 15, 2007
Sunday
On Sunday we visited the Halls in Camden Town (northern London)...
We went to church with them...
the church had light pouring through the window... these followers of Christ are seeking to bring The Light to the folks who live in Camden Town...
We went to church with them...
the church had light pouring through the window... these followers of Christ are seeking to bring The Light to the folks who live in Camden Town...
after lunch we went for a walk through town which included a strech of the canal... then farewell to the Halls... back in the tube... then to St. Paul's cathedral...
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Happy Saturday from Cambridge (revised)
we trained to Cambridge this morning...
the gang went to lunch, shopping and next we head to punt the River Cam...
great weather continues as we head back to London and arrive at Kings Cross station...
and visit Platform 9 3/4
please keep praying for this trip... God has blessed us in SO many ways!!!
Friday, April 13, 2007
at British Museum
you thought you were going to see more kids, didn't you? I decided to let Hadrian take this post...
Thursday (revised)
Thursday found us heading from Oxford to London by train... an easy move since this group of travelers are really easy to travel with. Here we are at Paddington Station "Tube" station...
after checking into the hotel, some of us had a picnic in Hyde Park while others got noodles at Wagammas... then we hit Harrods for some expensive touristy window shopping... then time to clean up, dress up and head to Phantom, here is a blury pic of us on the way to the Theatre in Picadilly Circus... this group seemed to really enjoy Phantom
after checking into the hotel, some of us had a picnic in Hyde Park while others got noodles at Wagammas... then we hit Harrods for some expensive touristy window shopping... then time to clean up, dress up and head to Phantom, here is a blury pic of us on the way to the Theatre in Picadilly Circus... this group seemed to really enjoy Phantom
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
an excellent day - sorry for slow opening...
Note, the internet cafe that I am at tonight does not have a software to compress the pix, so I apologize for the time that it will take to open this post.
I must say that every member of this travelling party is really doing a great job on the trip. This group is considerate of one another, kind and they are not demanding. They seem to be soaking up the sights and the few tidbits that I share along the way. They appear to enjoy the unexpected the best, like the deer park on the grounds of Magdalen College this afternoon.
The weather remains just fantastic. Beautiful blue skys and white puffy clouds, the weather is in the upper sixties. In fact this morning the guys and I took our breakfast outside in the garden (on the patio). The forecast is for the weather to get better and better over the next three days!
Tommorow morning we pack up and head to London. We will be taking a train at around ten and arriving in London and transfering to the London Underground for a trip on the Circle line to our hotel. We will store our bags there and then get some lunch and then head out for our first sight of London. I'm not sure what that will be yet. Remember the itinerary says it will change! Tomorrow night IS Phantom of the Opera!
I am happy to report that Mrs. Caughey is much better, thanks for praying!
Well, I shall end these words and try to post a couple of pix. We're great and hope you are! The first is at Oxford Castle this morning (I had never seen it before as it just reopened in 2006) and the second is Magdalen College (C.S.Lewis taught there) in the afternoon. A great group of young people!!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
We're here!!! contact info...
Here's the view from the internet cafe, note the sunshine!!! the weather is fantastic today, eat yur heart out C'ville!!! So, the journey across the pond and up into the Midlands is over, the hardest leg of our trip is DONE!!! The kids are at lunch and I'm communicating!!!!
Please hold calls to emergencies... best way is to leave a message at the...
Hostel in Oxford: Tuesday and Wednesday nights - 011 44 870 770 5970
click here for hostel website
Hotel in London: Thursday through Monday nights - 011 44 870 333 9111
click here for hotel website
My Hungary mobile number should work (it has been working so far!!!) in dire straits:
011 36 30 384 5943
Hostel in Oxford: Tuesday and Wednesday nights - 011 44 870 770 5970
click here for hostel website
Hotel in London: Thursday through Monday nights - 011 44 870 333 9111
click here for hotel website
My Hungary mobile number should work (it has been working so far!!!) in dire straits:
011 36 30 384 5943
pray for us
Here's the trip roll, please pray for us!!! Katie P, Erika D, Ginny F, Jenna F, Kevin R, Nathan S, Kristy B, Sarah O, Ellen S, Megan S, Ms. Caughey, RevTom
will I keep up with the following???
Praises:
- Safe travel so far... everyone made the plane ride and the bus ride well...
- Weather is GREAT!!!!! Thanks be to God. The forcast has it getting better through Sat.
Requests:
- for Ms. Caughey to feel well and strong. She is suffering with a bit of a bug. Not to worry, she is resting this afternoon.
will I keep up with the following???
Praises:
- Safe travel so far... everyone made the plane ride and the bus ride well...
- Weather is GREAT!!!!! Thanks be to God. The forcast has it getting better through Sat.
Requests:
- for Ms. Caughey to feel well and strong. She is suffering with a bit of a bug. Not to worry, she is resting this afternoon.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Happy Easter! The weather looks...
GREAT!!!! click here for the latest five day forcast from the BBC. Weather forcast is 60s and at least partly sunny through Friday at least!!!
PLEASE NOTE: from the itinerary:
Monday April 9, meet at and DEPART from Washington Dulles Airport (THERE IS NO GROUP TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT, please make your own arrangements) on Virgin Atlantic Airlines FLIGHT 22 AT 7:05 p.m. Check-in is at 4:05 as a group, leave C’ville by 1:30 to be safe…
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen!!!!!
This may be my last post until Tuesday morning in Heathrow. At that time I plan to post phone numbers where you can either leave a message or call me. That post should be up by 7am USA time at the latest.
PLEASE NOTE: from the itinerary:
Monday April 9, meet at and DEPART from Washington Dulles Airport (THERE IS NO GROUP TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT, please make your own arrangements) on Virgin Atlantic Airlines FLIGHT 22 AT 7:05 p.m. Check-in is at 4:05 as a group, leave C’ville by 1:30 to be safe…
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen!!!!!
This may be my last post until Tuesday morning in Heathrow. At that time I plan to post phone numbers where you can either leave a message or call me. That post should be up by 7am USA time at the latest.
ELECTRICITY IN EUROPE
Saturday Notices!
Are you bringing Electrical devices? DO you know about the differences? Do you want your electrical device to keep working?
Be careful to bring those which use BOTH American and European voltages... click here to read on for important information... at least click on the link and scroll down and look at the diagrams and pictures.
Peace Frogs (Barracks Road) sells individual adapters for England. But adapters will not keep you from destroying the wrong voltage equipment. Be sure it says Input 105-240 V on the device. Read the web page.
Happy Snow Day!!!!
I will be leaving C'vill on Sunday afternoon. I will check email again Sun night and EARLY Monday morning. Call my mobile if you need to ask a question or alert me to some issue. after 7:30am Monday. 434-989-9497.
Happy Easter!!!
Are you bringing Electrical devices? DO you know about the differences? Do you want your electrical device to keep working?
Be careful to bring those which use BOTH American and European voltages... click here to read on for important information... at least click on the link and scroll down and look at the diagrams and pictures.
Peace Frogs (Barracks Road) sells individual adapters for England. But adapters will not keep you from destroying the wrong voltage equipment. Be sure it says Input 105-240 V on the device. Read the web page.
Happy Snow Day!!!!
I will be leaving C'vill on Sunday afternoon. I will check email again Sun night and EARLY Monday morning. Call my mobile if you need to ask a question or alert me to some issue. after 7:30am Monday. 434-989-9497.
Happy Easter!!!
Luggage and Packing
YOU will have to carry your luggage up stairs. There is no one to carry it for you. You may bring ONE BAG to check and one carry-on.
click here for TSA requirements
click here for Virgin Atlantic airlines baggage requirements
· PACK LIGHT, plan to re-wear clothing.
· Bring ONE dressy outfit for the theatre.
· Use a backpack or something on wheels.
· Bring a jacket that will repel rain and a sweater.
· Bring a towel, a gallon zip lock bag for the wet towel and a plastic trash bag to put your dirty clothes in. You will be sleeping in two different places and will be packing and re-packing several times.
· Wear loose, comfortable clothing for the flight and first day. Try to sleep; you might talk to your parents about some natural sleep aids like melatonin at the health food store. We start out as soon as we land. There is no time to nap except on the bus; you don’t want to miss out.
· Wear VERY comfortable walking shoes. Go for comfort not style! These shoes should have good support and repel water.
click here for TSA requirements
click here for Virgin Atlantic airlines baggage requirements
· PACK LIGHT, plan to re-wear clothing.
· Bring ONE dressy outfit for the theatre.
· Use a backpack or something on wheels.
· Bring a jacket that will repel rain and a sweater.
· Bring a towel, a gallon zip lock bag for the wet towel and a plastic trash bag to put your dirty clothes in. You will be sleeping in two different places and will be packing and re-packing several times.
· Wear loose, comfortable clothing for the flight and first day. Try to sleep; you might talk to your parents about some natural sleep aids like melatonin at the health food store. We start out as soon as we land. There is no time to nap except on the bus; you don’t want to miss out.
· Wear VERY comfortable walking shoes. Go for comfort not style! These shoes should have good support and repel water.
YOU MAY BRING ELECTRONIC DEVISES TO LISTEN TO MUSIC ON THE TRIP.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Good Friday Update
Good Friday to you!
As banks are tightening up their security on visa check cards, atms and credit cards. You might be wise today or Monday to call your bank and let them know that you will be travelling to England and using your card. They will make a note of it and that might prevent a hassle with your card in England. - Thanks to Mrs. Ramm for this good idea.
Another note, be sure you noted the need for a towel and a plastic bag in the packing instructions on the blog.
Finally, I will be collecting emergency numbers of families at the airport from students. Be sure parents and student know where families will be during the break and how to get in touch in case of an emergency.
As soon as I nail down which phone works in England, I will post the numbers at which you can reach me. Pray I don't have to rent a phone to save money.
As banks are tightening up their security on visa check cards, atms and credit cards. You might be wise today or Monday to call your bank and let them know that you will be travelling to England and using your card. They will make a note of it and that might prevent a hassle with your card in England. - Thanks to Mrs. Ramm for this good idea.
Another note, be sure you noted the need for a towel and a plastic bag in the packing instructions on the blog.
Finally, I will be collecting emergency numbers of families at the airport from students. Be sure parents and student know where families will be during the break and how to get in touch in case of an emergency.
As soon as I nail down which phone works in England, I will post the numbers at which you can reach me. Pray I don't have to rent a phone to save money.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Posts Reorganized and Weather
The Posts have been reordered as we appraoch take-off time. Please review them for important information.
Want a five day forcast from the BBC for London in fahrenheit? click here
The hope is that I will blog as often as possible and post a few pix along the way.
Want a five day forcast from the BBC for London in fahrenheit? click here
The hope is that I will blog as often as possible and post a few pix along the way.
Itinerary
TENATIVE ITINERARY
(plans are still in the making, plans WILL change!)
Monday April 9, meet at and DEPART from Washington Dulles Airport (THERE IS NO GROUP TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT, please make your own arrangements) on Virgin Atlantic Airlines FLIGHT 22 AT 7:05 p.m. (check-in is at 4:05 as a group, leave C’ville by 1:30 to be safe…)
Tuesday 7:05 a.m. – land at LONDON Heathrow Airport, ride a coach (highway bus - - nap time) to spend the day touring Oxford! Spend two nights at the Oxford Youth Hostel. Hostel phone number 011 44 870 770 5970
Wednesday – a walk around Oxford starting at the top of the 15th century Carfax Tower to get a great view of the towers and spires of Oxford. The day will include include Magdalene College and Lewis' home, The Kilns!
Thursday – a train ride to London where we will check into our hotel, then tour the Tower of London, back to the hotel to prepare for our theatre night at “Phantom of the Opera,” then dessert at Planet Hollywood!! Hotel info and phone number T.B.A.
Friday – a train ride to Cambridge, a walking tour, time for shopping, lunch and “punting” on the River Cam! This will be followed by evensong at Kings College Chapel and dinner out. We will take an after dinner train back to London.
Saturday – the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Westminster Abby, Trafalgar Square, take our first trip to Covent Garden; finishing our day with a ride on the London Eye.
Sunday – worship at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a walk across the Thames on the Millennium Bridge, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Hyde park
Monday – British Library, British Museum, other activities TBA, last supper at the original Hard Rock Cafe before a last night-time visit to Picadilly Circus before heading to the hotel to pack and prepare for the trip home tomorrow.
Tuesday April 17th – We will leave the hotel pretty early to arrive at the airport to fly Home on Virgin Atlantic flight number 21 landing time is 1440, by the time we clear customs; pick up is about 1515 (that’s 315 pm).
(plans are still in the making, plans WILL change!)
Monday April 9, meet at and DEPART from Washington Dulles Airport (THERE IS NO GROUP TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT, please make your own arrangements) on Virgin Atlantic Airlines FLIGHT 22 AT 7:05 p.m. (check-in is at 4:05 as a group, leave C’ville by 1:30 to be safe…)
Tuesday 7:05 a.m. – land at LONDON Heathrow Airport, ride a coach (highway bus - - nap time) to spend the day touring Oxford! Spend two nights at the Oxford Youth Hostel. Hostel phone number 011 44 870 770 5970
Wednesday – a walk around Oxford starting at the top of the 15th century Carfax Tower to get a great view of the towers and spires of Oxford. The day will include include Magdalene College and Lewis' home, The Kilns!
Thursday – a train ride to London where we will check into our hotel, then tour the Tower of London, back to the hotel to prepare for our theatre night at “Phantom of the Opera,” then dessert at Planet Hollywood!! Hotel info and phone number T.B.A.
Friday – a train ride to Cambridge, a walking tour, time for shopping, lunch and “punting” on the River Cam! This will be followed by evensong at Kings College Chapel and dinner out. We will take an after dinner train back to London.
Saturday – the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Westminster Abby, Trafalgar Square, take our first trip to Covent Garden; finishing our day with a ride on the London Eye.
Sunday – worship at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a walk across the Thames on the Millennium Bridge, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Hyde park
Monday – British Library, British Museum, other activities TBA, last supper at the original Hard Rock Cafe before a last night-time visit to Picadilly Circus before heading to the hotel to pack and prepare for the trip home tomorrow.
Tuesday April 17th – We will leave the hotel pretty early to arrive at the airport to fly Home on Virgin Atlantic flight number 21 landing time is 1440, by the time we clear customs; pick up is about 1515 (that’s 315 pm).
Spending money
· BEST WAY!!! (and safest) bring an atm card (make sure you KNOW your PIN number), there are atms (called “cash point”) everywhere! Take out what you need for a day or two and be safe! A check card can be used for purchases too!
· Easy but sketchy… bring dollars and change to British Pounds. Easy, but you will pay to change the money and you could get ripped off or pick-pocketed.
· DO NOT USE traveler’s checks - - - they are NOT widely accepted by merchants especially by teenagers. If you go this route, get American Express in British Pounds and you will have better luck cashing then, BUT I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM AND THE USE OF THEM WILL CAUSE FRUSTRATION for you and for me!!!!!!
· Bring money for food. You need to plan to buy all lunches ($10 each) for 7 days and 6 dinners ($20 each). This means you should have access to $210 for food. You may eat more and need more money or you may eat less and need less money. This is a general guideline not a hard and fast rule. You will be able to eat cheaper by having a sandwich or salad from a supermarket for lunch or dinner.
· Gifts and souvenirs, you could spend thousands of dollars on this but remember YOU will have to CARRY EVERYTHING THAT YOU BUY ALL THE WAY HOME! You would be wise to shop in the market in Cambridge during free time and Covent Garden in London on a day when we are there.
· Easy but sketchy… bring dollars and change to British Pounds. Easy, but you will pay to change the money and you could get ripped off or pick-pocketed.
· DO NOT USE traveler’s checks - - - they are NOT widely accepted by merchants especially by teenagers. If you go this route, get American Express in British Pounds and you will have better luck cashing then, BUT I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM AND THE USE OF THEM WILL CAUSE FRUSTRATION for you and for me!!!!!!
· Bring money for food. You need to plan to buy all lunches ($10 each) for 7 days and 6 dinners ($20 each). This means you should have access to $210 for food. You may eat more and need more money or you may eat less and need less money. This is a general guideline not a hard and fast rule. You will be able to eat cheaper by having a sandwich or salad from a supermarket for lunch or dinner.
· Gifts and souvenirs, you could spend thousands of dollars on this but remember YOU will have to CARRY EVERYTHING THAT YOU BUY ALL THE WAY HOME! You would be wise to shop in the market in Cambridge during free time and Covent Garden in London on a day when we are there.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
England Trip Update
1. Plane tickets have been distributed.
2. The dollar remains awful… right now I’m hopeful that it will stay below $2.00 per British Pound (today it is at 1.96)… You will need to be sure you have ample funds to buys lunches and dinners. Keep this in mind for all purchases, you will DOUBLE the price marked to get the dollar cost. So, a cup of tea that cost 1.50 pounds is actually $3.00. Keep this in mind along the way.
3. The England Trip Blog has a currency converter over on the right near the top of this page that you can click on and has more information and will be updated along the way up to and during the trip as new info comes in.
Thank You! I am VERY excited about this trip with this awesome group of people!!!
2. The dollar remains awful… right now I’m hopeful that it will stay below $2.00 per British Pound (today it is at 1.96)… You will need to be sure you have ample funds to buys lunches and dinners. Keep this in mind for all purchases, you will DOUBLE the price marked to get the dollar cost. So, a cup of tea that cost 1.50 pounds is actually $3.00. Keep this in mind along the way.
3. The England Trip Blog has a currency converter over on the right near the top of this page that you can click on and has more information and will be updated along the way up to and during the trip as new info comes in.
Thank You! I am VERY excited about this trip with this awesome group of people!!!
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