Adventure Awaits

This post is really just a test.

For those who are new my blog, you will notice much more detailed entries while we are on tour.  I usually try to include some photographs of our travels and maybe a bad pun or two.  I tend to get a bit wordy, but from the comments I've received, I guess people don't really mind.  If you are new to this blog, I am providing a little glimpse into who I am and what I look for while our students are traveling.  If you are already familiar with me, feel free to keep reading...or to skip the next paragraph.

My name is Richard Lavoie and I am a history teacher at Saugus High School.  I've been working at the high school for 15 years and this is probably my 10th trip to Europe.  I began traveling while I was a student at SHS in 1994.  It was a foreign exchange trip to Paris.  I spent three weeks in France and was able to visit Germany as well.  Since that first trip, I've been to about 25 foreign nations...most times with Saugus High School students.  In all of my trips, I've tried to encourage the kids to realize how fortunate they are to be outside of their nation and experiencing the world.  A few years ago, I started this blog.  As our world becomes smaller, I've realized that we can share our experiences with those at home.  The blog has become one of my favorite parts of traveling.  It allows us to connect with others, and at the same time, it creates a permanent record of all that we've seen.  Two years ago, our group was touring Ireland, Wales, and England.  We experienced the tragedies of the Boston Marathon Bombings and the loss of one of our most beloved teachers, Nancy Lemoine.  Through this blog, I was able to heal a bit.  I also think it allowed for family and friends of our travelers to realize that their kids were in good hands.  We all learned from that trip even if the lessons were tougher than we'd ever expect to experience.  Learning...that is really to goal behind student travel.  Our trips use a motto, originally stated by Mark Twain, to express why we are on the road.  The motto is "One Must Travel to Learn."  It's a great quote.  The minute we step off the plane, we are learning about a new culture and comparing it to our own.  I try to keep this quote in mind when we are on the road and while I am writing this blog.  One does not actually have to travel to learn...but one must keep their mind open to the possibility of traveling through the words and pictures of others.  It is my hope that this blog allows all of its readers to learn a little bit too.

Tomorrow, our group will assemble at Logan International Airport.  We will say our goodbyes and we will embark on an adventure that will showcase three beautiful countries.  We will witness sights that represent over a thousand years of World History.  We will try new foods; some of which will be tasty and others...notso much.  We will learn about those who came before us and how they shaped the world we see today.  We will share experiences with our closest friends and make memories with new friends.  We will be several thousand miles away from home and yet, Saugus will still be with us.  Some will take hundreds of pictures and some will paint permanent memories in their minds.  Adventure awaits us tomorrow. I am so excited for this trip...I hope you are as well.

Ps. For parents, family, friends, and SHS students, I appreciate your feedback and welcome your comments.  Please share this address with as many people as you'd like.