Day One: Let the Journey Begin...

This is my second attempt at a blog tonight...the other attempt might end up posting when we land. It'll be funny because I thought I had worked around the "pay" internet to blog...but I hadn't.  I ended up paying after all.

Due to the way this internet is working, I am doubtful that I will get any pictures up tonight.  That's okay. I already posted some through Facebook and Instagram.  I will catch up in France as well.

Travel days are always hectic.  You never know what to expect, but you can certainly expect something unexpected.  Our group met at Terminal E and began preparing for the trip.  Once everyone had arrived, we planned on going through security, but we had a slight issue. One of our travelers was told by the ticket counter that their reservation was supposed to be for Thursday night. Obviously, that's an issue.  I immediately called EF and began the process of fixing the mistake when the ticket counter called us over.  They printed the ticket and we were on our way.  I think they had made a mistake, because the EF Reps called me back a few minutes later to say that their system seemed to check out.  Regardless, we were off through security.  It was actually pretty quick and painless.  We did have one lost ticket, but that too was promptly rectified.  

Our long wait seemed to fly by. Terminal E started getting busier and busier and the life of an airport resonated throughout.  There were a few other school groups there (one on the flight with us) and it was great to see so many excited kids.  A few of our kids got some food and some Starbucks...but I am a healthier guy and only bought a fruit cup, lol.  It was good, but not $7.99 good!!! The pizza some kids bought looked amazing, but I am saving my pizza for Italy.

Finally, 5pm came.  We boarded the flight and patiently awaited take off.  The ride was bumpy in the early going.  It wasn't anything that bad, but for inexperienced travelers, they might have been nervous.  After it smoothed out, the served dinner. I had the chicken.  It was Balsamic  and came with mashed potatoes and a pasta salad. There is something about airline food that intrigues me. I know it isn't tasty, but I devour it.  Tonight's dish was just that.  The potato was a lot to be desired, but I ate every last morsel.  (As I type this, I'm about to eat a King Size KitKat).  The dinner also came with a chocolate frosted yellow cake.  I can picture Gordon Ramsey critiquing this dessert.  I just can't type what he's saying, lol...and yet, I ate the whole thing. 

It is getting late here and I have a little bit of work to do before bed, so I am going to try and post this entry...for those still up at home, we land in Paris around midnight your time...I will make sure to post a picture when we have Wifi again.

Mr. Lavoie, currently sitting in seat 32D with a dimly lit computer, an extra large kitkat, and a broken set of airline headphones.

Eurotrip22: Twas the night before travel....

My last post was two months ago.  I can't believe how quickly those two months have passed.  Honestly, with everything we've been through over the past two years, I am actually shocked at how quickly time moves in general. When Covid first hit, it shut down a trip to Central Europe.  We had twelve students signed up for that one.  One of those students is joining us tomorrow.  I hope she feels the same excitement as I do. I also hope it seems the time has passed faster, now that we are looking backwards.

By this time tomorrow, we should be en route over the Atlantic.  29 students and 5 chaperones.  We are headed to two places that I care about deeply.  France started my international travel when I was a junior at Saugus High School and Italy started my career, lol, as an international tour guide for my students.  I didn't run that trip, but it was still my first time traveling with students and helping them to see the world.

I have a motto that I use to think about travel.  It comes from Mark Twain, he wrote "One Must Travel To Learn."  I have truly tried to embrace that philosophy and to teach that lesson to the students in my classroom and to those who travel the world with me.  I try to stay humble and to show gratitude and in this initial blog for Eurotrip22, I want to do both...I'd like to thank Kevin Fontanella for starting international travel at SHS.  I also want to thank Angela Morando for setting the highest of standards for all of us teachers who have embarked on similar journeys.  Together, SHS teachers have taken hundreds of kids to four continents and over twenty-five countries.  This would not be possible without strong advocates of student travel who have sat, and continue to sit, on our School Committee.  It would also not be possible without the continued support of our administration over the years.  Many folks don't realize that I am the teachers' union president for Saugus...these folks and I don't agree on everything, but we all agree that One Must Travel to Learn.  For the support these people, collectively, have shown over the years, I say thank you.

The Saugus High School Alumni Association is among our strongest supporters.  Over the years, their generosity has selflessly touched the lives of thousands of SHS students.  For me, a proud alumnus of the Class of 95, I am eternally grateful for their help in providing sweatshirts, raincoats, dry wick t-shirts, and other forms of support over the years.  Their donations have helped me keep track of our travelers in busy Metro cars, along bustling Flower Markets, and even on Mediterranean Cruise Ships.  They don't just agree that One Must Travel To Learn; they make it happen on a regular basis.  Also helping us, is so many ways, are the folks at Old School Apparel.  They've given me price breaks and dealt with my scatterbrain every winter that we've traveled.  Their commitment to quality and their community is unmatched.  Every time I go into their offices, I see a printout of one of our shirts hanging proudly on their wall.  They make my vision a reality.  If One Must Travel To Learn, these folks make us look good while we are doing it.

Tomorrow, I am the luckiest teacher in the United States...which is ironic because we will be leaving the United States, lol.  I get to show 29 students that the world is filled with much more good than bad...and my, do we need that lesson right now.  I will show them how to order ice cream in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower or which Gelato is the best (it's pistachio, btw).  I am sure that more than a few of them will order a Doner Kebab near St. Michel or laugh a little at the ancient graffiti in the Coliseum or Pompeii.  They will gasp in awe at famous landmarks and wonder how people without the technological advances of today could build such things.  For many, the Vatican museum and the Louvre will be their first exposure to art hanging on the wall.  I can't wait to show them favorites and hear why certain pieces are theirs.  We will stumble over French and Italian phrases, but we will succeed in meeting people from far away places.  We will be reminded that goodness exists in the eyes and smiles of those whose language is foreign to our ears.  Tomorrow, I get to travel to learn with some of the best our town has to offer.  I don't take this responsibility lightly...It has become a passion project of mine.

It's about 10pm in Saugus.  I'll most likely buy the wifi on the plane (if available) and post again tomorrow evening, but my next big post, with pictures and all of the flare will probably be from Rome and roughly 10pm local time.  I hope that this blog will continue to show folks back in Saugus what we do while on tour and how it is so much more than just a trip.  I have a bit of a tradition, in the sense that I sign off each night with a statement explaining where in the world I am...hence the name of this blog.  In reality, I am all over the place tonight...lol.  I am just making sure that I don't forget anything...I hope you'll understand.  Please read the blog each night, share it with family and friends, and feel free to comment. I will be posting pictures via Instagram and Facebook and the kids have convinced me to give TikTok a try.  The accounts are below...

Mr. Lavoie, currently packing his bag one final time and trying to explain to his pup that he isn't going away forever!

Instagram: MrLavoieSHS

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lavoie76

Twitter: History01906

TikTok: OneMustTravelToLearn

Eurotrip22: Two Months Away, Let's Go!!!

Wow, I cannot express how happy I am to sit at a computer and start writing blogposts again.  For those who are looking to read about Saugus High School's World adventures, you've got a few months to wait, but it is coming.  Today's post is really just a test run for me and a way to share this blog with a whole new set of parents and students.  We are prepping for a 9 day adventure to two familiar spots: Rome and Paris.  We have 29 students and 5 chaperons ready to go...we just need to wait a little longer for our trip of a life time.

The name of this blog is a reference to the coolest travel video game ever created, "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?"  My parents bought it for my brothers and I when we were kids and I have incredible memories of trying to figure out where she had run off to this time.  It was my first real exposure to a world outside of Saugus.  I usually end each post with a reference to where I am...even if it in the form of a clue.  Additionally, my travel philosophy is covered with a quote from Mark Twain.  He once wrote that "one must travel to learn."  I've never take that to mean, literally.  If we read a good book, the author takes us on a journey.  We see through their eyes.  We smell and taste the food.  We learn through their words.  That's my goal with this blog.  I hope all are able to learn while we travel!

Some Saugus and Saskatchewan kids hanging out in Budapest 

For those not that familiar with the blog, let me give you a little history of it before I jump into the trip update that I promised to deliver at our most recent meetings.  This blog began in 2013 as Saugus High School traveled to England, Ireland, and Wales. We were in Ireland when the Boston Marathon bombings took place and when our beloved SHS Drama teacher Nancy Lemoine passed away.  Although those two events filled our hearts with sadness and empathy, the trip remains one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

A few of the 2013 students ready for take-off

The blog was not just a way to keep parent's in the loop, over the next 6 years, it became something the students anticipated while we were on tour.  I speak often of how the kids should journal their experiences while on tour. My blog aims to be an example of that.  I have found that the style of the blog has changed over the different trips.  I try to add more photos now than I originally did.  I also posted more frequently in the past.  Now, I usually find myself sitting in the hotel lobby late at night detailing our daily experience.  I try to add some wit and charm to the blog (I've kissed the Blarney Stone twice) and I love feedback from those who read my words.  I hope, for 2022, to hear from a lot of people while we are overseas.

The past two years have seen so many pivots.  Our way of life has been disrupted in so many different manners that it would be tough to jot them all down.  One thing that hurt the most, for me, was the isolation.  Now, as numbers begin to subside and the world opens back up again, I am most excited to bring kids back to Europe.  I was going to retire from student travel, but because our travel program looked like it might succumb to covid, I am committed to taking kids overseas this year and next year.  Who knows if I will go for a 2024 trip at this point, but I am hoping SMHS goes even if I don't.

Part of our group in Italy not too long ago.

Okay, I am going to switch gears a bit, and begin covering some important details for the 2022 group.  All are welcome to read, but the words are specific to the upcoming trip to Rome and Italy.  I am covering some of the topics which were discussed at our Feb. 15 and 17th meetings.

The first topics are Covid related.  The links below should work and be helpful, but please remember requirements due to Covid are changing on a daily basis.  I will provide a more current picture of what is needed before we travel.  Prior to our departure, we will all have to be tested.  We will need to have a negative Covid-19 Antigen and/or PCR test within 72 hours of departure.  Currently, each traveler will need to arrange their test on their own, but I will try to coordinate some type of group testing as we get closer to the departure date.  If someone reports positive, they will not be able to travel.  If this is the case, there are several options outlined here. 

In Europe, we will most likely have to check-in at a health office.  There we will submit our vaccination information and receive some paperwork that will allow us entry into the restaurants, museums, and shops that we will on tour.  At this time, I believe that this pass will be accepted in both Italy and France. I am also confident that we will not need to test again in Italy before departing for Paris. 

Prior to departing France, we will need to get tested again.  This will most likely happen at our hotel.  EF will coordinate it.  From what I've read online, a nurse may come to the hotel, test our group, and then report back to us our results.  The cost for this test is not included in our EF pricing.  I will let folks know the cost when I have a better idea myself.  If someone tests positive at this time, they will have to quarantine in France.  EF will pay for anyone's needs while in quarantine and no student will be left alone if they have to remain behind the group.  There are more details regarding this policy, but I am hoping we don't need to use it.  The previous link should cover that practice too.

Now to discuss the regular travel details:

We will plan on meeting at Logan airport approximately three hours before our departure time.  We will meet at the ticket counter and after all travelers have received their ticket, we will go through security as a group.  Once through, we will find our departure gate and wait for our flight.  While waiting, the kids can grab last minute snacks or dinner, but no one should be alone.

I recommend that each traveler do their best to get some sleep on our flight.  We will land and hit the ground running.  We may not even go to our hotel until late in the evening after we've landed.  On tour, we will have a tour director with us each step of the way.  This person works for EF and they coordinate everything.  We will also meet several bus drivers, city guides, and museum guides.  Some of these people will be tipped for their services.  I will collect tip money from each traveler before we depart.  The total amount will be roughly $100.00. 

Rooming assignments vary greatly in Europe.  We can expect roommate to be organized into rooms of 2, 3, 4, or even 5, students to one room.  I will do my best to ensure that each travelers is roomed with one of their friends in each hotel, but their is a possibility that they will be grouped with some kids that they do no know that well.  Travel is about learning and making new friends.  We will not be joined by any other schools on our trip; so all roommates will be part of our group.

Before we depart, I will prepare some paperwork for all of the parents and guardians.  It will include our travel information, hotel phone numbers and websites, and other important details.  It will also include a detailed itinerary.  You will know where we are and when we are there. I will also provide my contact information in case of an emergency.  As part of that research, I will also check to see what amenities are provided at each hotel.  This should cut down on us having to bring some items with us to Europe.

Most airlines limit your suitcase to 50lbs.  Anything over that costs extra!!!  To prepare, ensure that your suitcase only includes the bare minimum.  Try to keep it under 40lbs.  Do not bring things that are bulky and take up weight.  Save room for souvenirs! 

If you click here, you will find an EF packing list.  There are a few things I want to highlight: (I am not endorsing any of these by the way, just giving examples, lol)

1. One dressier outfit.  When we tour the Vatican, we might want to be a little dressed up.  If we have the opportunity to do anything else that requires nicer clothes, we want to be ready.

2. A battery pack to charge your phone throughout the day.

3. A travel adapter.  Look for one with a surge protector and USB plugs built into it.

4. A security pouch for cash and documents.

5. A reusable water bottle.

Okay...I think that is it for now.  I have written a lot and I certainly don't want to lose anyone's attention. I will be sure to write a few more entries before we depart as new information becomes available.  Until then, enjoy the February vacation.

Mr. Lavoie, thanking you for reading while chilling out in Maine with his dog.

Virtuo-Euro Trip 2020 - Day 11 - Our Last Full Day in Europe

These trips take a lot out of me.  Long days followed by sleepless nights, but there is never any regret for giving up alone time to see the world with others.  I find myself at the end of our last full day in Europe looking back at the past 11 days.  It took forever for them to arrive and then time slowed down and sped up at the same time.  It is a strange feeling, but it is the only way I can explain it.  

We woke this morning and had a hearty breakfast.  We gathered in the lobby of our hotel and met Franzzzzzzz, Karl, and Gina.  Our morning was another bus tour of the city. As we drove through Vienna, Gina explained many parts of this amazing city.  Every once in a while, we were able to get off of the bus for some photo ops and a coffee.  Our first stop was the Hundertwasserhaus.  The best way to describe this place is that it is an artists' village.  The designer was a philosopher and he believed people should be able to live in harmony with nature.  There is green everywhere and it feels like the trees have taken over.  

We then went to the summer residence of the Imperial Empress Maria Theresa.  We had visited briefly yesterday, but we were excited that the Easter Market was open and in full force.  European Easter Markets are amazing and having missed the one in Prague, I did not have confidence that we would see one...but this one was amazing.  The markets are typically filled with food and fun.  There was a little stage here and we caught the end of a puppet show and the beginning of a family of young singers.  Even though it felt like we just had breakfast, most of us partook of the food available to us.

 Some of the kids and I bought pancake bits mixed with a sweet sauce and apple.  It was very tasty.  Others enjoyed pretzels and hot cocoa.  There was cotton candy, popcorn, and meat, lol.  I think it was beef, but I did not order it and I don't think any of the kids did too. It was probably amazing!

We left the market and continued on our tour.  It is hard to describe the architecture here in Vienna.  The city contains amazing cathedrals and much of it looks and feels very old, but it is also mixed in with a bustling metropolis.  In the heart of Vienna, we broke into small groups to explore.  Most of us started with the Cathedral (which I am only just realizing I didn't photograph) and its clock tower which overlooks downtown.  Others walked to the Mozart Museum to learn a little more about the famed composer.  Some just walked through the square window shopping in the many boutiques and others grabbed a coffee and watched the crowd move through.  Every once in a while, a street performer would stop the crowd and earn tips and applause.  A few of the kids risked spoiling dinner to have a piece of Chocolate Cake.  

We took a carriage ride around the main square and became the envy of everyone else

Eventually, we gathered up and met with Gina, who took us to our restaurant for dinner.  It is funny that we only seem to eat on days like this, but we are constantly walking and burning off calories...so the many meals and snacks aren't that big of a deal.  After dinner, We continued to explore the neighborhood.  Gina had worked long past her scheduled visit, but wanted to show us one more amazing site.  Not too far away, there was a circus-type plaza with a giant Ferris Wheel.  The kids, well most of them, hopped on and took it for a spin.

Saugus kids are in all three cars!

We returned to the hotel at about 8:30pm.  The kids are all packing up their belongings.  We have an early wake-up and we head home pretty early.  I have my suitcase scale going around to make sure that no one will have to pay a fee on the return trip.  I am in the lobby and I fully expect the kids to come down and hang out for a bit before lights out.  

I am so very lucky to have these experiences.  These kids have been great and we've thoroughly enjoyed our travel.  Time has come, however, for us to come back to reality.

Mr. Lavoie, this has been a fun experience, but writing the blog and doing my remote learning was tough yesterday and today...too much screen time.  






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Virtuo-Euro Trip 2020 - Day 10 - Vienna

Of all of our transfer days, the ride to Vienna is the shortest.  This trip includes all of what is sometimes known as the Three Jewels of Europe...Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.  The beauty of these cities should not be compared against each other, instead, they should be taken as a whole.  Vienna is a much more industrialized and modern nation than the Czech Republic and Hungary.  Even with that, there are elements of Vienna that surpass those of some of Europe's most famed cities.  We arrived in time to have lunch and an authentic brewery.  There was no beer served to our weary travelers, but we had an amazing wiener schnitzel.  After lunch, we went on a brief tour of the city, knowing that we had a much more complete adventure tomorrow.

One of the highlights for us was visiting the Hofburg.  It is the former Imperial palace for the Austrian Empire.  The building is beautiful and it is huge.  Many of our travelers have been to Washington DC, but nothing could have prepared them for the size of the Hofburg.  As we walked through the halls and admired the artwork, I was pleased to see so many of kids stopping and really examining specific pieces.  You cannot take photos inside, but I was tempted to break the rules to show how much appreciation our kids seemingly had for the time and effort of the artists.

After the museum concluded, we returned to Karl and he introduced us to tomorrow's guide, Gina.  She is a native Viennese woman and you could see that she absolutely loved her city (she met us a day early, lol).  She gave us a quick orientation and told us some things to look forward too.

Around dinner time, Gina took us to a marketplace surrounded by cafes.  It allowed the kids to grab something to their liking...lunch was included as part of our tour today instead of dinner.  One of the most important desserts in Austria is Chocolate cake.  Our arms were twisted!

Others tried more unique fair, like sausages and kebabs.  I am also fairly confident a few pizzas were also consumed.  It was strange, however, walking the streets of this city knowing that within 48 hours we would be on our way home.  I've asked the kids, a few times, what they miss the most about home.  Most mention their families and friends of course, but I redirected them to answer about Saugus.  Over chocolate cake and coffee, one of the kids said that they missed the familiarity of Route 1...the idea that you are home when you are on that road.  The irony of their answer became apparent as we turned the corner towards our hotel.  Standing there, across the street, was a restaurant that needed no introduction.  It was a reminder that home is an idea.  

Mr. Lavoie, wishing that the idea of home was not being isolated in his home and writing about Europe...but things will turn for the better soon.

Virtuo-Euro Trip 2020 - Day 9 - Bathing in the Beauty of Budapest

I know I used this picture on yesterday's blog, but it is just too good not to use a second time.  These signs are all over the place now and I love finding them and having the kids pose in front of them...even if it is wicked tacky.

Today, in Budapest, we woke at a normal hour (7am) and began our day. We had a traditional breakfast and departed for our cities tour.  I wrote cities tour, because Budapest is really two different cities. Each are separated by the Danube River.  Our bus had to travel up the hills of Buda and through the narrow streets of Pest.  I asked Franzzzzzzz what he preferred.  He said that Buda was better and that driving through Pest was a pest.  I should have seen that coming.  

Up in Buda, we had a couple of stops.  Some statues honoring the Soviet Union proudly overlook the city.  It is strange because in our world, the Soviets stand for oppression, but to many Hungarians, they were liberators.  That said, they oppressed Hungarians too, but I guess the relationship is complicated, lol.  

We also visited the Fisherman's Bastion. It is a well preserved medieval structure that contains artists and street performers.  Not only did most of us get ice cream, but a couple of us tempted fate and took the burden of this trip upon our own shoulders.

We were also able to visit Budapest's famous baths.  These hot spring waterworks are supposedly therapeutic but after the traveling we have done, the ability to hop into some warm water and relax was great.  Not everyone was accustom to European bathing habits, however, and it was not the highlight of all of our travelers.

After the bathhouse, we were exhausted and we took the metro back to our hotel.  This metro ride was fun and everyone enjoyed being on the small cars which seemed to be 50 years old with how rocky they were.

Tomorrow, we head to Vienna.  It has been an amazing trip so far and I know I am missing so much on this blog, but it is hard to fit it all in, lol.  Tomorrow, back home, we are returning to school, but not our SHS...we will be moving into the new building.  I hope it goes smoothly.

Mr. Lavoie, I've only been to Budapest twice.  Once was 13 years ago, and I don't remember much of it...except that it is beautiful and that I can't wait to go back.

Virtuo-Euro Trip 2020 - Day 8 - The World's Most Amazing Rest Stop

Hotel Pop, or System Hotel as it is currently called is on the outskirts of Krakow which makes leaving the city pretty easy.  We had a long day ahead of us while we made our drive to Budapest.  The drive was over 5 hours long and took us through the small nation of Slovakia.  

The kids dropping extra Zzzz's for Franzzzzzz!!!!

Knowing the drive would take a long time and that the kids would be asleep for a portion of the ride, we all decided to get up a little earlier and hit the road...why not sleep while we move and then enjoy Budapest a little bit more when we arrived.  It was a great idea, but I think some of the kids took it is a challenge to stay up later than expected.  They were quiet when I did room checks last night, but they were definitely dragging this morning.  

Our morning jaunt went without major delay.  After about 1.5 hours on the road, Franz pulled over for a quick rest stop.  We had just passed through the border in Slovakia and I thought it would mean kids could not use any of their Euros, Polish Zloty, or Czeck Koruna, but most of them had cards and the rest stop seemingly took all currency.  We supplied ourselves with junk for the next haul, but Franz told us that our lunch spot would be well worth the wait.  The kids have really taken to Franz.  They love holding onto the Z at the end of his name...so he is called Franzzzz.  (Ed note: One of the kids just informed me that it is Franzzzzzzz)  He has been super accommodating and personable.  He is one of the better bus drivers that I've had on one of these tours.  

The road was hilly.  I don't really like heights, so there were times where I was a little nervous, but it was not as bad as I remembered.  Additionally, the landscape was amazing.  Beautifully peaceful farmland with the broken remains of castles adorned the highway.  Every once in a while, a more intact castle came into and faded from view.  I feel like I heard the kids mention Dracula like 15 times even though we aren't even close, lol.  

The long drive to lunch was starting to get to me and I could feel me stomach rumble a bit.  Franzzzzzzz informed me that we were very close to the Koliba U sv. Kristofa.  This place was amazing.  It accepted all currency, including US Dollars, and the portions were huge.  The cost was remarkably low too.  A few kids did not have any cash on them, so I told them, "I will cover your meal."  I pulled $100 USD out of my pocket constitution and was prepared for a bill of about $75.  The total for five of us, with coke's, was only about $30.  I tipped the waiter heavily because I was so impressed.  I had the Specialties of St. Christopher.  It was like a potato pancake burrito filled with meat and cheese. Totally delicious!  The decor was themed as a hunting lodge, but they had table service for at least 200 people.  Franzzzzzzz knows what he is doing!

My meal (stock photo)

Traditional Dinner (Stock Photo)

With full bellies, we got back onto the bus and headed south.  We arrived in Hungary full from the road, but excited to see what this city had to offer.  Our full tour is tomorrow, but we were able to walk around a bit and grab desserts.

It is hard, in these town squares, to get all of the kids together, lol.  I did my best to capture the fun we were having after a long day on the road and our food comas.  I cannot wait to go back to Kristofs...hopefully it will be sooner than 13 years from now!

Mr. Lavoie, realizing that he has not had dinner yet after posting those food pictures.