Rotary Trip Emails 2010

Latest Emails on Top (Descending Order)

Western Trip Emails

Eastern Trip Emails

Western Trip Emails

June 12

June 11

1. Get to the airport 2 and a half hours before flight time, check in and go right through security, don't hang around.
2. Make sure you bring a valid government issued identification like a passport, drivers license or government ID card.
3. Make sure you have the confirmation number (listed on the web site)

June 10

June 9

June 8

June 4

Hello, Exchangers!  

Please share this letter with your host parents and Counselor!

I've got some very important things to tell you, all about your airline travel for the Western Adventure:

Take your flight CONFIRMATION NUMBER with you!  It will be a combination of letters and numbers, like 8BV97X.  You will find it on http://www.rotarytrip.org/Rotwest10airschedule.htm

You MUST go online or call the airline directly at least 24 hours before your flight to go over your schedule!

 All the airlines make flight number changes, and may change your actual flight times, during the Spring and Summer.  OR YOU MAY MISS YOUR FLIGHT!   They may have changed your times but as much as 30 minutes.

If you have a printer, you might even be able to print your boarding pass at home and take it with you, which can help you move within the airport faster.  BE SURE TO GET A BOARDING PASS FOR EACH FLIGHT YOU WILL BE TAKING ON THE WAY TO PHOENIX! 

Due to NEW security rules, the airlines AND the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will be asking you for your gender, meaning if you are a Male or Female.  They will want your date-of-birth, and ask to see your passport.  PLEASE be patient with the airline and Security people, as many of you have long names, and family "middle" names which they might find confusing.  If there is any time you think someone may not understand what you are saying, write things down and show them the paper!

You ALL have electronic airline tickets, which means all the information is saved in the computer, including a record of our payment for the ticket.   There is no "paper ticket" for you to hand in for each flight you will travel on; you will just need a boarding pass.  SAVE YOUR BOARDING PASS       in case your luggage is lost, or you need proof that you actually were on each flight.  Having a copy of your confirmation is NOT proof you travelled on each flight.

Most airlines now have a little machine, or "kiosk", for you to check in.  Just type in your CONFIRMATION NUMBER, or your name.  It will ask you how many bags you are checking in.  Most airlines now charge $15.00 to $25.00 for your bag.  Sorry, but you will have to pay for this yourself at the airport.   Be sure you have the cash or a credit card to pay for this, both on the way going to Phoenix, and for the trip home.  If you are taking connecting flights, you do not have to pay the money twice going over, and twice going home.  One payment is for BOTH flights going to Phoenix, then another payment for the two flights home.

Because it can take a very long time to get through Security, you MUST get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight!  Even if you call the airlines, and they say only 1 hour or 1-1/2 hours, even if your Counselor or Host Family say you don't have to, get there 2 hours ahead of time!  Many, many times there are not enough people doing the Security check-in, or a lot of people will all arrive at the same time to check in for the flights, and you will probably miss your flight!   

Security may have a body "sweep" with a stick or wand or even have someone body search you.  No sharp items.  The plan for liquids for carry-on is called 3-1-1.  You can carry a small quart-size see-through plastic bag.  You can carry 3 small jars in that bag, but it must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).  Place that bag in a security tray.  You can take larger amounts in your checked bags.  If you have questions, see their web site: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm.

Have a great trip!  Jeanne McMurray

 June 3

June 2

June 1

May 27

May 26

May 25

May 19

May 18

I have been out of touch with good internet for the last 5 days so I am behind on getting email and sending emails, so I am trying to catch up today. 

Right now the Rooming List is locked so no changes can be made.  Get to know and love your room mates.  All the hotels have our rooming list and that means we can't make changes. 

Almost everyone is paid in full. I have not updated the "Who Owes Money" web site lately. 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review the website and make sure you understand all the rules and what we are going to do. I have some changes to make in it, but keep looking at it.  Also make sure you have read all the old emails on the Western Trip.  

On the Bus:  We don't allow musical instruments on the bus or speakers so music is restricted to music players like the Ipod, CD Players, or the like.  Make sure you bring your chargers for the hotel (you can pick them up inexpensively at different electronic and dollar stores). 

In The Room:  Everyone will have things that need to be charged (Phones, cameras, Ipods) so bring a power strip so you can plug everything in.  I have a 6 prong power strip because I have 5 things to charge every night. 

Phones:  If you have a cell phone bring it with you.  They are handy if you get lost during free time or if you need to contact your host parents for any reason.   We will give you a list of all our chaperone phone numbers and hotel tour phone numbers so you can get in touch with us. 

Chaperone Facts:  Sam Sellinger is from Greensburg, PA, where the Pittsburgh Steelers have their spring training.  Sam is just finishing her year at Mercyhurst College (I saw her yesterday when picking up my daughter) and is really looking forward to the trip. 

Fun Trip Facts:  Each rock formation in Monument Valley is named, many with old Navaho names.  For instance one is called Snoopy because it looks like the famed Dog.  Another is Elephant Bluff... Of course everyone knows the Navaho's had Comic Strips and Elephants. ..lol. 

May 14

May 11

Make sure you keep up reading the emails.  Check out http://www.mcmurraytravelservice.com/rotemail10.htm
 That is all the emails sent since September.  They are exciting, fun and brilliantly written by a brilliant guy. 
 
The last two years we had fun with cowboy hats.  Yes people wear cowboy hats out west and they make a lot of sense.  I wouldn't not buy one out there as they are expensive. Look for one nearer to home.  Walmart sells them for about $10.  They are fun to wear and will keep your head from getting sun burned.  One of our French Exchange Students last year, "Q", really got into it with bandana, checkered shirts, and cowboy boots.  It was hilarious and people really liked it. 
 
There is an official secret wave for the Rotary Western Adventure.  Just extend your pinkie (little) finger and shake it.   Whenever you are caught speaking in your own language, Jackie will hideously quack at you.  
 
 Fun Fact:  We are going to Rattlesnake country.  In the United States, humans experience about 8000 bites from venomous snakes each year. Of those, an average of 12 per year, less than 1%, result in death.  In other words when we are hiking don't go off the trail.   Often Rattlesnakes are found in huge numbers.  If you wander off  the trail and step into a large den you are snake meat.  You can also find poisonous lizards off the trail.

May 7

May the 4th Be with You:

We have locked in the rooms for the hotels as we are presently mailing the final rooming list to the hotels.  WE WILL NOT CHANGE ROOMS.  Nope, Nunca, Nyet, Non, NEVER.    Rooms are places you sleep and you will hopefully only be in them from 9:45 pm until 6:30 am every day (never leaving them after 10PM).  You will be making friends with your room mates if you don't know them and many great personal friendships have been made on the trip.  Most of the fun is during the day. Night is for SLEEPING.  

April 30

April 28

April 26

April 22

Flight Information Web Page: http://www.mcmurraytravelservice.com/Rotwest10airschedule.htm

OK I have had a number of emails about students not understanding how to get their tickets for the trip.  Here it is in simple terms..

All the tickets are Electronic Tickets.  No paper ticket is issued to you. This means that boarding passes are issued by the airlines either on line or at the airport.  You can usually print off a boarding pass at home on the airline web site within 24 hours of the flight. (This is not true on all airlines, some require you to pick up your boarding passes at the airport).

You need to call the airline (or check on line) to make sure your flights are leaving on time the day before the trip.  (You have to call on June 10, since we are leaving on June 11).   FLIGHT NUMBERS and TIMES DO CHANGE.

Here are the airline phone numbers (and some Links). 

Continental Airlines ........ 800-525-0280
American Airlines ........... 800-433-7300
Delta Air Lines ............. 800-221-1212
Southwest Airlines........... 800-435-9792
United Airlines................. 800-241-6522
US Airways..................... 800-428-4322
(If these airline numbers don't work look them up in the Yellow Pages of the Phone Book.

Here is an example of flight information:

From = Departure City
To = Destination or Connection
Flight = Flight number (this can change at any time)
Date = The day the flight leaves
Departure Time = Time the flight is schedule to leave (this can change also slightly
Arrival Time = When the flight arrives.

Confirmation Number  = also called a Record Locator , Reservation Number.  Each airline has their own name for this number.  This is the letter/number combination you need to get the boarding pass.  On some listings they are next to your name.

Boarding Pass - This is what you need to get on the airplane and get through security. 

At the airport what you need to get your boarding pass is that number Confirmation Number / Record Locator / Reservation Number, a GOVERNMENT ISSUED Photo Identification card or your Original Passport.   The photo id can be a driver's license, a government ID card from your country, or a State Issued ID.  A passport will ALWAYS work. 

You need a boarding pass to get through security and get on the airplane.  You must get a boarding pass.

CHECKING YOUR LUGGAGE - After you get your boarding pass, you have to check your luggage onto the flight.  They will then direct you to take it to TSA for Security and TSA puts it on the airplane.  If you lock your luggage expect the lock to be broken if it is not an approved TSA lock.  I use wire ties (small plastic strips) which are replaceable.  You will probably be charged $15 to $25 for each bag you check each way.

Be at the airport on June 14 AT LEAST 2 hours before flight time,  at major airport 2.5 hours.  If you miss your flight because you got there late it is YOUR responsibility to meet the group at a later time.  A very expensive thing to do if you can do it.

Security - Go right from the check in (where you will check in your bags with the airlines)  through security.  Don't mess around, you can end up not getting through security in time for your flight.  Then go to your gate and wait for your flight. 

GATES CHANGE, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN TO SEE IF THE GATE HAS CHANGED.  LISTEN, TURN OFF YOUR IPODS, AND KEEP ALERT.

Email me bill@mcmurraytravel.com if you have any questions.

April 20

If you’ve paid at least your deposit, we have just issued your airline ticket.  You flight schedule can be found by City (sorry it’s not alphabetical) on the link  http://www.rotarytrip.org/Rotwest10airschedule.htm .  We have not issued tickets from Columbus (we have a group airfare for Columbus which we will be ticketing in May).    These tickets are non-refundable and you cannot change them.   We issue the flights based on you meeting the tour before noon on June 14^th.  We are planning of leaving Phoenix at 1 pm so we want everyone there. 

 These are ELECTRONIC TICKETS;  We don’t send you any paper ticket.   All you need to claim it is your name, government issued ID (passport), and the confirmation number which is next to the flight on the website  http://www.rotarytrip.org/Rotwest10airschedule.htm .

 All tickets are issued for the earliest possible flight on June 14^th so you will have to get to the airport VERY EARLY.  The reason for this is there is less of a chance of delays and problems.  If you are delayed we can continue the tour that day.    

 Get to the airport AT LEAST 2 hours before flight time.   If you wait till the last minute you will probably miss your flight (it’s happened).  If  you miss your flight YOU have to make arrangements to meet us at the next airport at your own expense.    If your plane leaves at 6:00 am, you have to be there by 4pm.  Once you check in go straight through security and to our gate.  Get on the plane the earliest you are allowed.  If you have a connection (most of you do), make sure you go straight to the next gate as fast as you can.  Get on that plane as quickly as you are allowed.  We try to group you together flying if possible.  Many of you will meet at connections (one connection has over 25 exchange students on it).  

 If you have paid your deposit, YOU ARE CONFIRMED ON THE WESTERN ADVENTURE.  We are definitely running a 2^nd bus.  Tell your friends to sign up quickly.

 I am working on rooming now.   The new rooming list will be on line soon. 

 Chaperone:  There are now 69 students on the tour and 8 chaperones.    The chaperones are Bill McMurray, Jackie Favret, Lexi Powers, Liz McMurray, Dave Saho, Christine O’Donnell, Samantha Sellinger, and Jazalene Campbell.  Every chaperone on this trip have done at least 3 trips and some as many as 19.  Counting this trip,  Lexi has done 10 trips,  Liz 5, Dave 4, Christine 4, Sam 4, Jaz 3, Jackie 9.  I’ve done 19.   Sam amd  Liz, will have just graduated from College right before the trip.    The chaperones all know each other very well.  Liz, Christine and Jackie have known each other since kindergarten.  Dave and Bill since grade school.   Lexi, Bill and Dave toured England together when Lexi was 17.   Sam and Liz went to college together. 

April 15

We have been getting some confusion about airline tickets for the western trip.

THE PRICE OF YOUR AIRLINE TICKET (getting to Arizona AND returning) IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP PRICE! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY YOUR OWN AIRLINE TICKET!!! We are doing it for you.

 We will be posting your flying schedules on the trip website AND we will be sending you your flight schedule to you either by mail or email individually.

I hope this clears up all the confusion. Please do not hesitate to email or call us if you have any questions.

April 14

We have figured out a way to run two buses by reducing the size of our buses (they are still deluxe motor coaches)  so we can confirm all the exchange students who have paid us. 

I am issuing airline tickets starting today and we will only issue tickets to people who have sent us money.  If you are late getting your money to us (deposit) and we have to pay a higher airfare because you were late you will pay the difference.   MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR MONEY TO US!!!!

Many of you have asked for flights from small regional airport that are within 90 minutes from a major international airport.  We want students to travel in groups if we can.   For instance, if you live in southern Michigan we would like to take you out of Detroit International Airport.     Keep that in mind.

Rooming:  We are working on the final rooming list and it will be on the web site this weekend.  

April 12

We have filled the first bus which is definitely going.  We have started to fill Bus 2 which will fill if we can hit 80 students.  Right now we have 17 students signed up for the 2^nd bus.  We need 9 more kids to confirm that bus.  Please let your friends know so we can get that going.   We need to fill that bus by May 1.  That’s about three weeks. 

I am getting ready to do all the airline tickets and I need to know which airport you can leave from  I try to have as many student flying together as I can.  Because of this some of you are going to have to drive a ways.  We allow only a certain amount of money per ticket and if you are far over that amount,  there may be a surcharge if you insist on a certain airport.
 
I haven’t even thought about who is rooming with whom (and won’t until we know whether the 2^nd bus is going).  But  when we do we will be looking at changing things up so everyone will get to know each other better.  

  
The average motor coach carries 55 passengers, is 17 meters long (45 feet) and weighs about 22,000 kilograms. Most get between 6 and 8 miles per gallon of diesel fuel and some have a range of over 1200 kilometers. They cost over $500,000 new.  Most West Coast Buses are restricted to a 72 miles per hour speed limit.  
 

Trip Fact:  Each of the Rock Formations in Monument Valley are named and most are famous because they have been featured in so many movies.  John Ford Point (named after a famous film director) is the most stunning place.  There is an old horse you can get up on for $2 and have your picture take.  The picture is one you will cherish all your life.   The horse is nice too.  Monument Valley is also a good place to get good quality Navaho Jewelry for a decent price.  It also actually helps the Navaho people, not some businessman

April 8

First of all, make sure you tell your friends who might be interested about the trip.  We need to get about 15 more people to run a 2^nd bus.

You might want to research some background about some of the places we are seeing to get the most out of awesome places we are visiting. 

Borrow Ken Burns: National Parks - America's Best Idea which was on PBS this past year.  Tells you the history of all the National Parks we are visiting, especially Yellowstone, Grand Canyon,  and Mesa Verde.  

Wallace Stegner’s Beyond the 100^th Meridian is about the discovery of the Colorado River.   It covers the entire last 5 days of our trip.  John Wesley Powell, a Civil War veteran who explored the Green and Colorado Rivers and the Grand Canyon.  We’ll be white water rafting in his footprints.

Death in the Grand Canyon is a great book about people who got killed in the Grand Canyon.  Read it and you’ll never get within 2 meters of the edge of the canyon.

Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West  is about how America reacted to Native Americans during the 19^th Century.  

Read any John Steinbeck story like Cannery Row about the old days near San Francisco.  Steinbeck also wrote Grapes of Wrath which is about people settling in the California during the Great Depression.

During the Eastern Trip I learned to make sure your shoes are not brand new and are comfortable before you attempt to walk a great distance.  Take care of your feet.  To white water raft you’ll need to have water shoes or some sort.  I use tevas which are sandals.  Don’t use flip flops as you will lose them and your feet might be injured.   Old tennis shoes or specifically designed water shoes are cheap and available at Walmart or Kmart.   Actually Tevas or similar types of sandals are OK for hiking and white water rafting at the same time.   

 We allow you a lot of free time to explore San Francisco but there are a few rules.  You have to stay in groups of 4 or more.  The hotel is close to Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.   It is also close to Lombard Street where there are many great Thai and Indian restaurants.  Over the hill is North Beach which is the Little Italy of San Francisco.  Across the street is China Town which is huge and great.  If you like radical books, the City Light’s Book Store has the USA’s best collection of progressive books.  It’s owned by Laurence Ferlinghetti who is a famous beat poet and liberal activist.  You’ll see him walking around the book store all the time.   

April 7

Our one bus is almost filled (as of right now about 5 places left)  They will be filled by tomorrow.  We have figured we need 21 more students to run a 2^nd bus so please tell your friends to get their applications and deposits into us.  Even after we fill the first bus, we will add another bus when we hit around 78 total students.   We know at least 25 students more want to go on the trip.  I’m sure we’ll run a 2^nd bus if you all tell your friends to sign up.  No one is confirmed on our trip until deposits are received.

Pack lightly.  You suitcase can’t weigh over 23 kilograms (50 lb).  Pack in layers, temperatures on the western trip range from -5C to +33C .    You should bring a windbreaker jacket, hooded sweatshirt, lots of t-shirts, jeans, shorts, solid walking or hiking shoes (good running shoes should be good).  You will also need a modest bathing suit (most of our hotels have pools).   You will need a sun hat or baseball cap.  You will also   sun tan lotion (30spf because the sun is so strong).  You MUST have a 2 liter water bottle because you NEED to be drinking water all the time.  At least 2 liters.   Every year students get very ill and often someone is hospitalized because of dehydration.  The weather in the west is mostly desert and very very dry.   Check out  http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotpacking.htm and http://www.rotarytrip.org/safehealthy.htm  for more information

We will be finalizing rooming list in about 2 weeks.    We will be switching rooms around from the eastern trip and if we run a 2^nd bus we will divide all the kids on former trips between the two buses. 

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and most famous national park in the world.  It is basically wilder than it was 150 years ago when it was named a National Park by President Ulysses S. Grant.  The park service has been working to introduce long gone species like timber wolves, and restore the park to totally natural.  You should see Eagles, bears (last year we saw grizzly and black bears), moose, American Bison, elk, antelope, coyotes, and much more.   You will also see the most active geo-thermal area in the USA.  The park is filled with geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and more.   When you have free time in West Yellowstone we tell students to stay alert because bears have been known to attack people in that town.   The most dangerous animal in Yellowstone is the bison.  2000 lbs, near-sighted, stupid and bad tempered they see people and think they are their natural enemy the black bear.   Stay 100 meters away from them or risk serious injury.

 April 5

We are not confirming anyone until we receive you deposit or full payment to be fair to everyone.  I know in some cases Rotary Clubs are paying for their exchange students  and in that case we will hold a spot with a guarantee from someone from the Rotary Club.   Right now there are 10 places left on the trip and 16 people who have indicated they want to go on the trip.  Once the trip fills the waitlist people should send their deposit and we will hold it.  Once a place clears (or we get to 80 total students including confirmed and waitlist  we will confirm your place on the trip.    We were sure we were going to get 80 plus students this year, but have had a number of cancellations due to various reasons.   Talk to your friends and have their confirm their place if they are interested.  We expect the trip to fill by Friday of this week.

Los Angeles is a huge city (the largest in the USA) and it’s a very flat featureless city.  It does have one wonderful place which we will visit.  That is Hollywood.  Hollywood was a housing development where the movie industry decided to settle in the early part of the 20^th century.   They settled their from New York because of the year around sun because in those days all movies were shot out of doors.   The major things to see are the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Melrose Avenue and the Hollywood Boulevard.   Expect to see some very strange looking people. 

We will begin issuing airline tickets very soon.  Make sure you tell us what airports are closest to you.  Also send us a copy of your passport so we get your names correct.  Some of you didn’t include those in your applications.   If you have Americanized your name, make sure we know what your name is in your own language for the airline ticket and for security.    When you fly you will need to take your original passport for identification.  

Chaperone Fact:   Samantha Sellinger is graduating from College right before the trip as is  Elizabeth McMurray.  Liz and Sam both attend Mercyhurst College in Erie PA.  Sam is a biology major while Liz is a Foreign Language and Culture Major (Turkish and Spanish).   Liz was an RYE 2005-06 in Turkey.   Both have chaperoned numerous trips.  Both are graduating with honors.

April 1

We just finished the Eastern trip on Monday afternoon and Jackie and I are very tired.  But total focus is now on the Western Trip and we will be updating you daily and giving you great information WHICH YOU NEED TO KNOW.  

We will have two buses on this trip so we need to have you get your payments in.  Final payments are due April 13, so get it sent in in the next couple of weeks.  The total cost of the trip is $1875 and if you sent the 1000.00 deposit you need to send 875.00.  If you didn’t send the entire amount.  We want a check or money order if possible made out to McMurray Travel Service.

If you were on the eastern trip please let me know if you want to be in a different room.   We will be making some changed in the next couple of weeks and  assigning groups and rooming.  It doesn’t make any difference which bus you are on, or which group you are in, you will meet everyone. 

 Tell your friends to get their applications in on the trip, we need 25 more kids to make the trip a success.

Trip Fact:  We will drive by Joshua Tree National Park which features the oldest living things on Earth, the Joshua Trees.    

February 24

We have filled out first bus on the Western Trip and are looking to start filling bus B.   We have had everywhere from 48 students to 150 on this trip over the years.  We expect around 90 this year.    The more the merrier, tell your friends about the trip.

The greatest fear I’ve had about this trip is that one of you will trip and fall off a cliff.  There are drops of up to 1400 meters on this trips and places where there is not wall or fence to keep you from falling.  To deal with this we have created the 2 meter rule.  Don’t get within 2 meters of the edge of the hikes in places like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and  Mesa Verde.   Hundreds of people have fallen to their deaths in the Grand Canyon and we don’t want to count you in that number.

Native Americans were known for years as Indians because Columbus thought he had arrived in India in 1492 instead of the Caribbean.  The name stuck and in the past few years the Native Tribes have adopted the name Native Americans.  They have been in North American for approximately 16,000 years  so they have seniority on  the rest of us.   We will be spend a lot of time around Native Americans.  In Monument Valley they will be giving you a tour of that incredibly beautiful place.  It is a sacred place to them and they will be singing in the valley for you.  A truly beautiful experience.   We meet them all over the west, but in the Navaho Tribal areas in Arizona they are the prominent population.

February 9, 2010

It’s been a while since I’ve sent you an email about the Western Trip.  If this is the first email you’ve gotten from me make sure you put me in you approved senders.  I might be found in your junk mail.  Also check the Trip Facebook page,  Rotary Western Adventure, become a fan.   I will be putting lots of info on that page as well a pictures and stories from kids who have done the trip in the past.  Also frequently check the web site as we update it regularly. 

The best part of the Western Trip is not only the great scenery, but all the time and shared experiences with other exchange students and RYE people who are chaperones.   It’s like a big family vacation with so many experiences.  I have put some pictures on the facebook fan page Rotary Western Adventure showing some of the craziness which takes place.  I have about 2000 stories from my 11 years doing this trip.

We have filled the first bus and are working on the 2^nd bus.  Our response isn’t bad for this time of year.  I am looking forward to a 2 bus trip.   Tell your friends to sign up soon.

Yes you will see real cowboys.  We spend a lot of time in Cowboy Country.  Several of the high schools in cities we stop in have Rodeo teams which are more popular than the football or soccer teams.  This includes bronco and bull riding.  Insanity.  We should also see crop dusting airplanes which is really exciting.  They flight at top speed a few feet above the fields dropping fertilizers and pesticides.   Last year we saw wild horses rushing across the plains.  It was amazing. 

The web site is http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotwest10.htm for the trip.  Keep looking at it as we update it. 

When we get within three months of the trip we start writing airline tickets.  We always put you on the first available flight out of your city.  We also return from Phoenix on the first available flight.   This save other problems. 

 If you are thinking about taking our eastern trip there are still a few spots available.

January 21, 2010

The Western trip has the most exciting itinerary we’ve ever done.  It’s got pretty much a taste of the entire west.    

Los Angeles is the largest city in the USA and takes hours to travel from one side to the other.  One of the most Spanish cities in the USA  a large part of the population is Mexican.  The part we will be visiting is Hollywood, home of the movie industry.  We’ll be walking on Melrose Avenue which is the center of Hollywood Fashion and Boutiques.   We will also spend some time on the Sunset Strip where you can see the Hollywood sign, Graumann’s Chinese Theater, and many other Hollywood Landmarks.  In Hollywood you’ll see many people who have taken body art and fashion to its farthest extremes.  That night we’ll staying near the artist colony of Solvang, a couple of hours north of Hollywood.  

 The drive up the coast to San Francisco is beautiful and different than you expect.   Enroute we’ll drive past Silicon Valley where Google, Intel, and many internet giants are located.   Our Hotel in San Francisco is located less than three blocks from the waterfront and 5 blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf.   Also near our hotel is Lombard Street, the backbone of the Marina District and at it’s extreme the Most Crooked Street in the world.   San Francisco is know for it’s openness and as a cultural and arts center.  The Museum of Modern Art is one of the best in the world.  It’s also home to many writers, journalist and artists.  

 On the other end of the Scale is Moab.  Centered in the beautiful rockbound mountains of South Central Utah, it has some of the most beautiful vistas and wild places on earth.  Arches National Park is an amazing place for scenery and excitement.  We’ll hike a trail through giant natural stone arches basted in golds, reds and oranges in a red “living” soil.  Macrobiotic soil is a living thing and hikers aren’t allowed off trail because the damage to the soil causes serious environmental damage.  Make sure your digital camera has at least an 8 gig sd card because you will take hundreds and hundreds of pictures.   Temperatures in Moab in June can reach 40C.   We area also going to white water raft down the scenic and wild Little Colorado River through some of the highest canyons in the west.   Moab is a popular place to shoot movies, advertisements and fashion layouts.   It is also where mountain biking became popular and is one of the best extreme mountain biking places on earth.

 From Nevada till the end of the trip there is a real danger of getting very sick from a lack of water.  We require students to bring a 2 liter water bottle on the trip and urge you to sip the water all day long.  Often you need to refill it during the day.  Many many exchange students have become ill from the effects of dehydration and four have required hospitalization on the trip.  Last year kids were complaining of extreme headaches,  dizziness and nausea.  All were fixed by drinking lots of water.    DRINK!!!!!  

Chaperone Fact:  Lexi Powers has been a fixture on these trips since the 2^nd one we’ve done.   In her normal life she is a teacher of autistic children and a very kind girl.   Lexi  Is married to our first chaperone, Dave Powers.   Lexi’s sister Liz will also be a chaperone on this trip.  Liz is a former exchange student and this will be her 5^th trip.

January 4, 2010

December 29, 2009

Eastern Trip Emails

March 16

I have put a new updated page on the web site for flight info http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastflightschedules10.htm .  Jeanne, Jackie and I went over each reservation we made and I checked the emails you sent me.  One problem has been that Northwest Airlines is now part of Delta Airlines so some Northwest Flights are now Delta flights and the confirmation numbers are new.  It’s very confusing.   We have tried to fix that problem in our web site/spreadsheet. 

You can go on to the Airline’s web site and check the status of your flights and reservations.   All you need is your confirmation number. 

If anyone has a food allergy, get carsick, suffer from some strange illness, please let us know so we can help you have a good time and stay healthy.   Make sure we know if you have a peanut allergy as those are pretty severe.  

With a little luck the Flowers might be blooming in Washington DC.  That is really pretty.

Only 3 days guys…. Hope you are getting excited, we are. 

March 15

In 4 days you’ll all be arriving in Columbus for the Rotary Eastern Adventure        We had our Rotary weekend this past weekend and met with the kids in our district going on the trip.  They had lots of questions and here are few of them. 

Packing for boys:   You’ll probably need 3-4 pairs of slacks/jeans, 8-10 t-shirts (bring Rotary ones if you have them),  underwear for each day, a warm sweater or sweatshirt, a hooded sweatshirt (warm), a waterproof rain jacket, poncho or windbreaker.  I have a good pair of shoes which are pretty waterproof (they are gore tex) so I only bring one pair of shoes.  You might think about bringing two pair (flip-flops are useless).   You’ll also need socks, handkerchiefs, and toiletries.

Packing for girls:  We know you need more “outfits” but remember you have to haul all your stuff yourself.  Sometimes up a couple of stair cases.   

Suitcase Size:  You have to handle your own suitcase.  If it is large and heavy you have to be able to handle it.  I recommend a duffel bag but you can bring a suitcase.   We have limited space under the bus and if we have lots of duffel bags we are good.   

The Neck Wallets:   We have nametags which double as neck wallets and they are wonderful in the cities to store a little cash.  There is VERY IMPORTANT information in the wallets so wear them all the time.  Itinerary, chaperone phone numbers,  maps of New York, Washington and New York. with pick up points and drop off points.  Hotel name, addresses and phone numbers.  If you are lost you will be very unhappy if you lose them.  I use mine for money, pens, whistles, you name it.

Whistles:  Jackie and I both carry whistles to get you attention.   If you hear a whistle look for us, it’s important and could save you.

A Tale of Woe:   Whenever we have had students who have been sent home from the trip for breaking the rules we hear the same thing.  “I’m so stupid, I am missing the rest of my exchange and worst than that the rest of this trip.”   The rules are not harsh and are easy to follow.   If you get sent home it ruins the trip for all the students, chaperones and even the bus drivers.   Students who miss something are mad at the student who caused the problem, not us.  DON’T BREAK THE RULES.   Everytime we have had to send students home it has resulted in the end of their exchange.  They go all the way home.   A bottle of beer, glass of wine or a joint aren’t worth that. 

Remember that most of your questions can be answered by looking at the emails http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotemail10.htm or in Frequently asked questions http://www.rotarytrip.org/FAQ.htm

March 12

THIS IS FOR KIDS DRIVING TO COLUMBUS AND BEING PICKED UP IN COLUMBUS

Give this information to your host families and your rides.

http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteast10.htm  Itinerary and all the links.

http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteast%20pickupdropoffinstruction.htm – Map, phone number, address and picture of hotels for pick up and drop off (two different hotels)

You should drop her off March 19 after 11am before 6:30 pm if possible  

Ramada Inn North

6767 Schrock Hill Ct
Columbus, OH 43229
Phone: 614-890-8111

Pick her up after 6:00pm at this hotel.

Baymont Inn & Suites Columbus Airport

4240 International Gateway
Columbus, OH 43219 US
Phone: 614-237-3403

Make sure the people who are driving you know this information.

March 10

I was talking to my three exchange students this morning and they are so excited about the trip.  I must admit that I am too.  In a little more than a week we will be starting an amazing adventure together.  Here some ideas which will make the trip perfect for everyone.

1.       Treat everyone on the trip like you would your best friends or family.  By the end of 9 days they will seem like family.

2.       Listen to the chaperones.  Most are very experienced and they can give you advice on how to get the most from the trip.

3.       Don’t go wandering around after 10pm.  It can be very dangerous and if you are caught (most people are) it can really mess up your trip.

4.       Dress in layers.  It hurts when we see a freezing exchange student.  One year in New York it was so cold that one girl got sick.  (New York in March is no place for a mini-skirt).

5.       Stay healthy.  Gets lots of sleep, eat healthy.

6.       Smile a lot

7.       Make it your job to get to know every person on the trip, chaperones and students.

8.       If someone looks like they are unhappy try to cheer them up and someone looks lonely include them in your group.

9.       Don’t sleep during the day.  Observe everything.

10.   Respect and love everyone on the trip. 

If you do these things this will be the best 9 days of your life.

Things that might mess up the trip for you.

1.       Yelling in the hallways of the hotels or the bus will get you yelled at by chaperones.

2.       Talk in a normal voice.  

3.       When you applaud don’t whistle.  It’s considered rude.  

4.       Don’t slam doors in the hotels.  Usually there is someone trying to sleep.  Even as early as 7pm.

5.       If you try to impress people it usually has the opposite effect.

6.       Chaperones are there to “mess with you”/  Don’t mess with them or make it a game to get one over on the chaperones.  It never pays.  Our job is to make your trip better.

7.       Go out of your room after 10pm.

8.       Be rude, nasty or mean to another exchange student.

9.       Don’t eat or drink water.  You’ll get sick.

10.   Forget or break the RYE Rules.

March 9

In 1814 the White House, Capitol and all the main government buildings were burned to the ground by British Troops during the War of 1812.   The First Lady Dolly Madison stayed until the last minute rescuing American treasures and papers for her Husband president James Madison.    After the war many people wanted to move the capitol inland (Harrisburg, PA was suggested).  Dolly Madison urged people to stay in Washington and people listened to her.  

In the 19^th century Washington DC was considered a dangerous and unhealthy place for foreign diplomats.  Many people died of Yellow Fever, Typhus, Malaria and other fatal diseases.    

Williamsburg, VA was the capitol of Colonial Virginia and during the Civil War was the site of a major battle.   It also houses the famous University of William and Mary which is named after a British King and Queen. 

One of the most famous speeches in American History was made there.  Patrick Henry ended his speech to the Virginia Colonial House of Burgesses by saying “Give me liberty or give me death”.  Which became a slogan of the American Revolution. 

New York was originally a Dutch town.  When you look at the streets of the city, many are of Dutch origin. 

The fastest growing neighborhood in New York is Chinatown.   It is in lower Manhattan.

March 8

A lot of students like to carry their flags on the trip.  We don’t have a problem with you bringing your flags but there are places where you DO NOT bring them out.  At the Monuments in Washington, especially the War Memorials (we’ll see World War2, Korea, and Vietnam and the Iwo Jima) please leave all flags on the bus.   It’s very rude to bring out foreign flags at these memorials.   Imagine how you would feel if someone was shouting and yelling and flying American flags at the memorials in your countries.    The same is true at the Statue of Liberty or the USA Capitol building.  The Park Rangers at the Statue have been known to confiscate foreign flags.    We urge you to act respectful at these memorials because people feel very strongly and some of the people at the memorials might have lost family members in those conflicts.

We are putting together neck wallets which double as security wallets and name tags for the trip.  Each tag will have information about you (so other students can get to know you easier) and carry lists of hotels, chaperones phone numbers, an itinerary and other information you will need.  Please wear the wallets.  While we are in big cities you can tuck the wallets inside your shirt and keep you money and credit cards safe. 

We will have one pick up place in New York City, make sure you remember it.  It is 49^th Street and 6^th Avenue, a block from the Radio City Music Hall and near Rockefeller Center.

The Rule of 4 – Whenever there is free time you have to stay in groups of 4 students at all time.  You can have more, but never fewer than 4.  If chaperones see you walking alone you have to spend the rest of your free time with the chaperones.  

Each bus will have a medical first aid kit if you are cut, have some stomach discomfort or a head ache.  Make sure you let us know if you have any allergy to any drugs.    We will also have motion sickness medicine.  We do have one boat ride, a ferry to the Statue of Liberty over New York Harbor.  It can be rough some days.   I always ask kids to bring their own Tylenol, aspirin, or advil as well as any allergy medicine you may need in your own bag.

We have arranged for each bus to have a table set up in the back of the bus.  Please don’t sit on the table or lean on it as it will break.   They are places where you can play cards or look at maps or books together.   Allow other people to use them. 

The buses have bathrooms but no way for you to wash your hands.  You might want to bring a portable hand sanitizer along with you. 

Trip Fact:  The Lincoln Tunnel in New York is one of the few tunnels in America where you have cell phone service.   The tunnel comes out at 42^nd Street.  If you have a US Cell phone bring it along with you.

March 4

Make sure you bring enough pins for 100 people as you will kick yourself if you don’t .   Also bring your cards and if possible contact information on small cards (Email, cell phone, home address in your own country) to pass out.  It is important.  Most kids make a number of lifelong friends on these trips.    I have over 1000 students who I still talk to or email that I’ve met on the trips.   Some of them I consider my closest young friends.

Make sure your host families see your flight schedules and if you are driving show them the web site (better to print that part of it out) and go over it with them.  

Here are the web sites: READ THEM and Show them to you rides and Host Families.

Main site to link to all the pages and trips :   http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotarytrip.htm 

Eastern Trip Site (Make sure you scroll down to the bottom to see all the links): http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteast10.htm

Pickup and Drop Info for students driving :  http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteast%20pickupdropoffinstruction.htm

Hotel Picture, addresses, phone and fax numbers: http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteasthotels10_adv.htmI

How to Fly where to meet the chaperones if you are flying: http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotary_eastern_trip_flying_instr.htm

All the emails we have sent on information: http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotemail10.htm

Packing List and instruction: http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotpacking.htm

Downloadable Packing List (PDF):  http://www.rotarytrip.org/Rotpacking.pdf

We have kids from 27 different countries, 23 Different US and Canadian Rotary Districts,   The largest number of kids is from Brazil (which is usually true) followed by France, then Germany.  We have a large number of kids from Taiwan, Spain, Czech Rep.,  Belgium.   This is why it is so important to speak only English. With so many Brazilians, Germans and French Students, if you speak your own language most kids are going to feel isolated.  Students are living in California, Washington State, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Nebraska, Ontario, British Columbia,  Michigan, and Arizona.  Most kids are from Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee  and Michigan because this is an Ohio-Erie trip, but kids are from everywhere on these trips.   But there are lots of kids from Washington State (Seattle and Spokane),  Montana and Idaho.   Total kids are the trip number 91.   There are 7 chaperones.  Almost all of us are Children of immigrants.  My mother is from England, Jackie’s family is from France and Ireland, Tim’s family is Serbia,  Larry’s is English, Chris’ family is Irish and German, Dave is Hungarian-Irish, Dustin’s Scotch Irish.   

March 3

When you drive each airline has created their own set of rules and strange fee structure which I can’t guarantee that I can tell you.  Make sure you check the airline’s web site for packing info,  charges onboard for different services, and luggage restrictions.   Most security check points won’t let any liquid in quantities of more than 3 ounces  (85 Grams),  so pack shampoos etc… (remember that most hotels do offer you shampoos, soaps and conditioners).  If you are taking prescription drugs make sure you carry the prescription  with you.   You will have to take off your shoes to go  through security.  ALLOW 2 HOURS for CHECK IN. 

 Luggage is limited to 50lb (22 kg) and the airlines may charge your for checking luggage.  We have room the buses for 50 suitcases, but remember you have to carry the bags so pack light.   You aren’t going to an opportunity to wash clothes so take enough clothes for the entire trip.  Remember you can wear pants, sweaters, hoodies etc.. for more than one day.   DO NOT BRING YOUR ROTARY JACKET.  Dress is completely casual.  

Pack in layers.  It can be between -10C to 30C on this trip.  You may have cold, wind, snow, rain…  in March you can expect any kind of weather in the Northeastern USA.   If it’s hot you can take off layers, if cold you can add layers.  Bring t-shirts,  a warm sweater, a hoodie, a waterproof windbreaker  or good poncho.  I carry jeans, a comfortable chino or khaki,  a pair of sweatpants for walking around the hotel.   I always pack a hat or watch cap for warmth and to keep rain off my glasses.  If you have sun glasses bring them as it can get pretty sunny.  If you wear contacts also bring your glasses.   Light gloves are not a  bad idea.   For shoes I only bring one pair of comfortable walking shoes.   Leave the high heels or dress shoes home.   Bring a backpack to bring what you need for the day as you cannot get into your luggage on the bus.   Bring a map or small atlas, a notepad and pens.   You will probably want to bring an Ipod or other MP3 player.

If you are driving to Westerville, we have a good Google Map to get your ride to the Ramada North in Westerville.   It is very easy to fine and is visible from I-270, just north of the outer-belt.  There will be someone at the hotel from 11:00am on March 19^th.    Check in with the chaperone at the hotel.  Hopefully keys will be available early so you can put your  stuff into your room.   There are fast food places near the hotel (Wendy’s KFC and Subway).  We are planning on having a pizza party around 6:30pm. 

March 2

We have created a web page of flight schedules http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastflightschedules10.htm  where you can find your flight schedules if you are flying to meet the trip. 

If you are flying and your name is not on the list please send me an email with your flight schedule.  

If your name is on the web site and there is no flight schedule next to your name  I DO NOT HAVE IT.   PLEASE SEND IT TO ME.

If you are NOT driving to meet the tour in Columbus you must be flying.  Make sure you have booked tickets. 

If you have a flight schedule which was booked by McMurray Travel Service, it will be an electronic ticket.   All you need is your flight schedule, your confirmation number, (a 6 or 7 code number which has letters and numbers) which is found at the end of each leg of the flight itinerary, a government issue photo ID such as a passport. 

Get to the airport 2 hours before flight time to check in.  There are usually kiosk or terminals where you can enter your information (or swipe your credit card) and it will print your boarding pass.  You then check your luggage  (for which you will probably be charged between $15 and $25 per bag depending on the airline).   Go through security as soon as possible, then take the flight.  Do not mess around during connections . Go straight to the new gate and pay attention.   Get on the connection as soon as they will let you.  

There will be someone meeting you in the airport in Columbus IF WE KNOW WHEN YOU ARE ARRIVING.   Please make sure we know.  If your name is not on the web site WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN YOU ARE ARRIVING.  

March 1

We are getting ready to put a web page for all the students who are flying.   If we have your flight schedule we will put it on the website.   We will also put instructions on how to pick up your boarding pass (all the tickets we issued are electronic tickets, you pick up boarding passes using your confirmation/record locator numbers).   You will need your government issued picture ID (passport) to check in at the airport and to go through security.   We will have more information about going through TSA security.   If you booked your own ticket (on line or with a local travel agency) please send me your complete itinerary and confirmation number.

We have finalized the rooming list and sent it off to all the hotels.  The only changes we’ll make are to add students to additional rooms.  Sorry we can’t change your rooming or buses.  The web page http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastkid2010.htm is the rooming list.  You’ll see a number and four pictures/info on the kids.  Each line is a room and those are the students in your room.  (It’s been that way for a while.   Try to contact your room mates on Facebook (almost all are on FB).  

Our chaperones are Bill McMurray, Jacket Favret (group leaders), Larry Jenkins, Dave Saho,  Dustin Sherman, Timothy Maksimovic and Christine O’Donnell.    

There is a tremendous amount of work in this trip.  We think you are going to love it.  We have added two surprises (which are AWESOME) and at the Statue of Liberty you will now be able to go up into the monument and visit the museum (something new).  Another new thing is to tour the capitol building.

Feb. 24

We have been making some pretty big changes on the rooming list.  Check out the list on http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastkid2010.htm to see the changes.   

As you know we strictly enforce all the Rotary Rules.  In the past 10 years we have had to send 8 students home from the trips because they have violated those rules.  If you do get sent home  YOU have to pay the cost of the airline ticket back to your district.  Normally students who are sent home have their exchange ended.  That means they go ALL the way to their home country.   This might happen if you are caught drinking (including purchasing alcohol, being in the room with someone drinking, and  using a phony ID to buy alcohol); caught using or buying drugs (which might get you arrested also); if you are caught having sex or in a sexual compromising position; or if you constantly are breaking the other rules.    Those rules include going out of your room after 10:00 pm; being rude or disrespectful to chaperones; or doing something which endangers yourself or other students.  See http://www.mcmurraytravelservice.com/rules.htm for a complete list.  

It’s really stupid to get sent home.  You are missing the rest of the tour (and getting no refund), having to pay hundreds of dollars for  and airline ticket, and lose the rest of your exchange.    The worst part is it ruins the trip for everyone.  NO ONE wants to see someone sent home.  Especially the chaperones.

Tours:  We have several tours on the trip.   Often Jackie and I conduct the tours, but on a couple of occasions we have step on guides who are professionals.   We ask you be quiet and listen to the guides.  The guides we have at Gettysburg are considered the best tour guides of their type in the world.  They are usually accredited historians, college professors and authors and if you have a questions they  will have the answers.   In New York Jackie and  I do the tour.  I am an expert in New York and Jackie as heard me often enough to be pretty good herself.   We ask that you don’t talk during our tours (and for any other tour). We will be pointing out all the places you are going to really want to see.  Most students are really interested.  If you aren’t, put in your headphones and don’t talk.   In Washington we cover most of the monuments, museums and main government buildings.

Money:  Make sure you get your final payments in on the tour.  You can’t go on the trip until you pay for the trip in total. 

Something a little more fun:   The Statue of Liberty has seen a lot.  She watched Orville and Wilbur Wright and Glenn Curtis fly the first airplanes around NYC.  She has seen 12 million immigrants arrive.  Seen Millions of Troops sail into danger during World War 1 and World War 2.  She has seen protest, the attack on the Twin Towers on 9/11, and was the centerpiece  of the 200^th birthday of America.  

Feb. 22

Remember that you MUST read the emails and remind your friends.  It’s critical to you knowing what is happening on the trip.  If you don’t you will  NOT have as good a time.  You can read the old emails on the web site http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotemail10.htm and catch up.  Tell your friends about it also.  Make sure they know about reading the emails.

We had a great chaperone training session on Sunday.   We spend 4 hours going over the rules, how to make the trip wonderful for you, and starting to work as a team.  Our two newest chaperones, Dustin Sherman and Tim M. (his name is just too long) got an earful from our group of experienced chaperones.  It’s interesting, when we asked the chaperones why they wanted to do this.  Their reason was to get to know you and experience the trips through your eyes.    The chaperones talked about how exciting the trips are.  Between all of us we have been on 59 rotary trips.    It’s a pretty dedicated group.

One thing we talked about was how important these trips have been for Exchange students who have been on them.  All the veteran chaperones constantly hear from exchange students on how know how the trips have helped students them get the essence of America.  

Rotary is an organization for positive change in the world and these trips are an integral part in getting you together so you can make friends, learn about our country.  Larry Jenkins and I are long time Rotarians and we see these trips as a important part of your Rotary experience.  It’s really hard to explain it until you have been on one of these trips.

When you get to the Ramada on 19 March we want you to all start getting to know each other and the chaperones.   We are going to have some events organized to help you meet everyone and make friends.  Jackie, Christine and Lexi are planning these.    Many of our Western Trip chaperones (and former chaperones) will be at the Ramada to help us get you adjusted to the trip.

Airlines:  Make sure you send us your flight information if you haven’t already.  

Trip Fact:  Our motor coaches  are 55 passenger, toilet equipped, 45 foot long buses.  They have reclining seats.    Our drivers are experienced tour bus drivers.  Doug Wilson is a former paratrooper and forest ranger.  He has 4 daughters and one grandchild.   This is his fourth RYE Trip. 

Feb. 17

There are only 30 days until you arrive in Columbus and we get ready to leave.  It’s coming soon kids.  Make sure you have your way here planned. One tradition was caused by some European exchange students.  In New York they decided to walk as far as they could seeing as much as they can.  The walked from Battery Park (the farthest point south in Manhattan)to 96st Street.  About 10 miles.  They had a wonderful adventure and saw much more than the rest of us.   Another tradition every year is walking the Freedom Trail in Boston.  Students walk from the drop off point in the Boston Common and stop at every stop along the trail.  It follows the path of all the History of Boston.   You really see the town.  In Washington each year we get group pictures at the White House early in the morning, rain or shine.   We also get Group Pictures in front of the Capitol.  This year I’d like to start a new tradition of getting a group picture near the Statue of Liberty.   If you have a good digital camera bring it.  If you have a large “SD” card (2-8 Gig) that’s great.   If you want to get maximum pictures lower the resolution on your camera to 3 Megapixels  and you’ll get about 4 times the number of pictures you would get with 8 or 10 Megapixels.   The pictures are still really good and can be printed in page size formats.  I get about 700 pictures out of my 2gig SD cards.   I usually take 300-500 pictures on one of these trips.  Jackie also takes excellent pictures and puts them on Facebook so you can copy them.  

Feb. 16

We are getting T-shirts made for the trip and we need to know how many  Large, Extra-Large and 2X 3X shirts.    We have planning on having 60 small, 60 mediums printed (for both trips) but we need to know if you are larger than that or prefer to wear roomy t-shirts.   Please email me today.   If you don’t you will be wearing a tiny little shirt which will show off your muscles. Please check the web site http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastowes10.htm to see how much money you owe.  We aren’t perfect so let us know if we have made a mistake.    The final payment deadline is past.  As of March 4 the trip is non-refundable, you will get no money back.  Right now you get 75% back if you cancel. The rooming list is now done.. solid and we won’t change it.   If you are rooming with your worst enemy, become his or her friend.   We have sent them off to the hotels today and yesterday.  The Statue of  Liberty was dedicated in 1886 was built by famous sculpture Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi from copper plating as a gift from the French people.  The frame was built by the same company which built the Eiffel Tower.  It is placed on an old Fortification on Bedloe's Island. (New York harbor is surrounded by old forts (about 7 of them) including two forts on nearby Governor’s Island. There is a fort in Battery Park in Manhattan.)   Much of them money raised for the statue was raised by school children in the USA and France.    She is 43 meters tall and with her pedestal is over 90 meters in overall  height.   To get to the statue we have to take a ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.   We will also be visiting the Immigration Museum on nearby Ellis Island  where more than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954.  In the museum you will see how many immigrants from your country came to the USA.  The USA is a nation of immigrants and every nation, religion and ethnic group on earth can be found in the USA in large numbers.   You all probably have relatives living in the USA. The USA and France have a long friendship.  The American Revolution could not have been won without the French Navy and thousands of French troops.  Many stayed after the war and settled in Ohio and Pennsylvania.   Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Michigan had large numbers of German,  Slovak, Czech, Russian, Scotch, Irish, Serbian, Croatian, Greek and a number of nationalities  move here during the 1880s to the 1920s. 

Feb. 15

Today we are covered in 90 meters of snow  so we are pretty much stuck in our office/house.  

The rooming list is finalized.  Look at the rooming list and don’t hate me.  I have made some radical changes for a number of good reasons.   I think it’s going to be great and I want everyone on this trip to get to know everyone else on the trip.  After all it’s only going to be around 100 exchange students and 7 or 8 chaperones.   I have sent most of the them off to our hotels.   We have left places for a few people to join the trip but tell your friends to HURRY.

We met with kids in our district about the trip this weekend.  Remember you have to get to Columbus.  Make sure you work that out. 

Chaperone news:  Larry Jenkins and I are in the same Rotary club.   Jackie Favret hurt her shoulder at the Rotary Weekend foolishly playing volleyball. Send her an email telling her to get better.   She is a sweet person.  Christine O’Donnell is going to Graduate school this coming year.   Dustin Sherman is now an International Business Major at Otterbein College (soon to be a University).

Feb. 12

We will be locking in the rooming list Monday so we can’t make changes after that so check out http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastkid2010.htm. Tell me if you hate your room mates and may kill them during the trip.   We are sending out rooming lists to the hotels Monday.    We only have 11 places left on the trip so tell your friends to hurry up or they won’t get on the trip.   Also if you haven’t sent money or your application you will be off the trip when it fills up.  We will be updating the (who owes what) page later today.

We have stayed all these hotels except for one (Williamsburg).  All the hotels have nice rooms and have been very good to our groups.  Most of the hotels have a fitness room.  There is an indoor pool in Somerset MA which is really nice.  The hotels do a lot to make our stays nice.  They do get upset if you are out of the rooms after 10pm.  So that’s why you can’t leave your room after 10:00 am.     

Frequently Asked Questions:  I get the same questions asked year after year and I created a web site called FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). http://www.rotarytrip.org/FAQ.htm which should answer all your questions.

Washington and New York are under snow this week (as is most of American), but normally they are great walking cities.   During your free time make sure you walk around, especially in New York, Boston and Washington.   In  New York you will see blue signs on some buildings.  Read them.  That means that someone famous lived there or something important happened there.   In lower Manhattan every block has interesting history.   Just walking a few blocks is a history lesson in modern and ancient cultural history.   We drop you off the first day in Boston in North Boston.  That area is the oldest part of the city.  Every street has interesting stories to tell.  We walk up Hanover Street which is one of the city’s most famous old streets.  

February 9

If you haven’t been getting these emails, check out http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotemail10.htm for past emails.  

If you are not driving to Columbus to meet the trip you are flying.  Make sure this is taken care of IMMEDIATELY.   If you are working in Jeanne in our office CONTACT HER if you haven’t already received your confirmation.   If you made your own reservations make sure you email me your flight schedule.    

If you are driving make sure you set up who is taking you to Columbus.  Try to work with other kids so you can car-pool.  It makes it much easier on host parents and district folks.   The trip meets at the Ramada North Columbus, 6767 Schrock Hill Court.  Columbus Ohio.  Specific directions can be found at http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteast%20pickupdropoffinstruction.htm .  Information about flying can be found linked to that web page.  If booking the flight please book the earliest flight possible on both days to avoid problems.  

A number of you have signed up as team leaders (or if I know you pretty well I have signed you up as a team leader).  Being a team leader doesn’t really involve any work, it is more someone who people can go to if they don’t understand something.  We meet every other day right before bedtime and go over things with the team leaders.  Team leaders also bring to us suggestions on how we can improve the trip or solve problems.  Most of our rules have come from suggestions from team leaders.   Team leaders on our trips have saved people’s lives, headed off major problems, and cared for fellow travelers who were in some sort of physical or mental trouble.  We consider them heroes and really value your advice.   If you’d like to be a team leader please let me know.  It’s a way you can OWN the trip.

We do assign different jobs to kids on trips.  Each bus needs someone who can count everyone so we don’t leave anyone behind.  And each night when we go to hotels we ask for three boys and a girl to help the driver unload luggage .

One rule Team Leaders asked us to implement 9 years ago was the English only rule.  While on the trip we ask that you only speak English.  Many students get very angry when they hear one group or another talking in their language.  It makes them feel islolated and is very rude.  This is especially true in the rooms and on the bus.  Since English is our only common language we keep the trip all in English.  

Feb 8, 2010

If you haven’t been getting these emails, check out http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotemail10.htm for past emails.  

If you are not driving to Columbus to meet the trip you are flying.  Make sure this is taken care of IMMEDIATELY.   If you are working in Jeanne in our office CONTACT HER if you haven’t already received your confirmation.   If you made your own reservations make sure you email me your flight schedule.    

If you are driving make sure you set up who is taking you to Columbus.  Try to work with other kids so you can car-pool.  It makes it much easier on host parents and district folks.   The trip meets at the Ramada North Columbus, 6767 Schrock Hill Court.  Columbus Ohio.  Specific directions can be found at http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteast%20pickupdropoffinstruction.htm .  Information about flying can be found linked to that web page.  If booking the flight please book the earliest flight possible on both days to avoid problems.  

A number of you have signed up as team leaders (or if I know you pretty well I have signed you up as a team leader).  Being a team leader doesn’t really involve any work, it is more someone who people can go to if they don’t understand something.  We meet every other day right before bedtime and go over things with the team leaders.  Team leaders also bring to us suggestions on how we can improve the trip or solve problems.  Most of our rules have come from suggestions from team leaders.   Team leaders on our trips have saved people’s lives, headed off major problems, and cared for fellow travelers who were in some sort of physical or mental trouble.  We consider them heroes and really value your advice.   If you’d like to be a team leader please let me know.  It’s a way you can OWN the trip.

We do assign different jobs to kids on trips.  Each bus needs someone who can count everyone so we don’t leave anyone behind.  And each night when we go to hotels we ask for three boys and a girl to help the driver unload luggage ..

One rule Team Leaders asked us to implement 9 years ago was the English only rule.  While on the trip we ask that you only speak English.  Many students get very angry when they hear one group or another talking in their language.  It makes them feel islolated and is very rude.  This is especially true in the rooms and on the bus.  Since English is our only common language we keep the trip all in English.  

February 3, 2010

We have a fun trip ahead so I thought I would talk about the fun stuff you must do.    

Must do’s:

You must get a cupcake at Magnolia Baker on the corner of 49^th and Sixth Avenue in NYC. 

You must walk up to Lincoln’s Statue at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

You must walk over to the Vietnam Memorial.

We must get group photos at the White House, Capitol, Statue of Liberty, Paul Revere Statue in Boston…. Tradition.

You must walk the Freedom Trail in Boston. 

You must buy a Harvard T-Shirt when we visit Harvard.

You must get a delicious cream puff at Mike’s Italian Bakery on Commercial Street in North Boston (we walk by it from our bus twice).

You must get a dirty water hot dog from a street vender in NYC.   Sabretts are the best.  (Papaya Dogs restaurants are fantastic too).

You must get a NYC pizza from a actually pizza parlor (not Dominos or Pizza Hut). Little Italy has some great ones.  Pies must be large, oily and very cheesy.

You must get a sandwich from a genuine Jewish Deli in New York.   Three people can eat one sandwich and be full for a day. 

You must see Wall Street in New York.  You must touch the Bronze Bull on Broadway and Wall Street.

You must keep alert during the NYC Tour.  There are only 1,467,443 places you will want to see in New York.  I’ll point out the best since I lived there for 4 years.

If you are Brazilian you must go to Little Brazil (East 46^th Street in New York).  A great place for overpriced Brazilian food.

If you are French you must avoid the shop with the “I hate France” shirt in Boston.  They will insult you. (Last year a French boy acting American bought one of the shirts and wore it everyday and on his flight home.).

You must enjoy Gettysburg.  Although it sounds like a boring old battlefield, but it is a place of such sadness and beauty you will be deeply affected.   It’s something everyone who comes to America should do to understand how the USA became like it is.   The city is much like it was July 1-3, 1863.

A lot of you bring your national flags on the trips.  A couple of things to remember.  Don’t bring them out at the Monuments in Washington DC (The World War 2, Lincoln, Vietnam).  It would be like us taking an American Flag to the Ataturk Memorial in Ankara, or to a Brazilian, German, Russian, Japanese or French War Memorial.  It’s in terrible taste.  The National Park Service has been known to take flags away from students at the Statue of Liberty in NY.  If you want to show it in New York, or Boston or anywhere else it’s not a problem.  Don’t hang it on the buses as there are many nationalities on the bus.  Also if you get an American flag DON’T WRITE ON IT.  Rotarians, War Veterans and others get very angry about that.  It’s also against the law.

February 2, 2010

I have been out of town since Friday afternoon with a family emergency (an elderly mother who passed out in a bingo game), so if you have been trying to get an answer out of me it’s not been possible.  I’ve had very limited internet access.   I’m back.

Right now there are only 45 days until the trip leaves.  Make sure you get you final payment in and applications if you haven’t sent them.   In the next 2 weeks we will finalize the rooming list.   Make sure you tell your friends about the trip. 

One thing we want to make clear is that these trips are ROTARY FUNCTIONS.  That means that all Rotary Rules apply and we are strict in our enforcement of the rules.  At the end of the trip we write a report which is sent to your RYE Chairmen in your district and if your are bad it goes to your home district.

Make sure you actually read the rules (they can be found on the web site).  It’s important because the only kids who get into trouble are kids who haven’t read the updates or the rules.   The rules are easy, make sense and actually make your trip better. 

Chaperone Fact:   Bill McMurray’s Mother is English and he spent his summers in England as a boy.  

January 27, 2010

You are going to have some free time in the National Mall in Washington.  Not a shopping mall, it is the central part of Washington DC.  Bordering the mall you’ll find US Capitol- Ulysses S. Grant Memorial- National Gallery of Art- National Museum of the American Indian - National Air and Space Museum- National Museum of Natural History- Hirshhorn Museum- Smithsonian Castle- National Museum of American History Washington Monument- World War II Memorial- Vietnam Memorial- Korean War Veterans Memorial- Lincoln Memorial.  We as a group are going to Visit the World War 2, Vietnam, Lincoln and Korea memorial.  We will also be touring the US Capitol, but you will have several hours to explore the museum of your choice.  I’d suggest the  National Air and Space which houses the most famous planes in America including the Wright Flyer (the first successful plane), The Spirit of St. Louis and many famous Space Capsules).  Also you might want to visit the Museum of Natural History (the Hope Diamond), The National Gallery of Art and Annex (which are incredible collections), or the Holocaust Museum.      Washington was designed by a French engineer and city planner Pierre Charles l'Enfant.  He thought it would be like Paris.   It is the first planned National Capitol and America’s Government has been there since 1801. 

 I’ve been asked about smoking on the trip.  Of course no exchange students smoke, so the trip is a non-smoking trip.  This means we don’t want to see you smoking, which of course we won’t because none of you smoke.  Unless you are over 18 (in many states 19) it is illegal and you can be arrested for smoking.  Smoking is bad for you. Don’t do it.

 The worst four letter word you can say on the trip is “Party”.   Parties kill trips and we don’t want you to “party”.   The entire trip is a party of sorts, but we have to limit the number of kids in rooms to no more than 8 at a time.   We want you to have a good time, but parties always get out of hand.  This year’s Disney Trip we had too many kids in one of the rooms, a bed frame was broken and everyone had to pay for it.   We will be having some together Party time to be announced later. 

January 25, 2010

I am working on the rooming list and it is the hardest job I have.  I want you to look at the rooming list and let me know if you are happy or unhappy with the way it is now.   Some students have to room with friends while others want to meet new people.  Let me know.  We are referring to your applications but you may have a change of heart.  Check out http://www.rotarytrip.org/roteastkid2010.htm for the latest greatest rooming list.   After February 16 I won’t make any more changes and you are stuck where you are so let me know now. 

Our first Eastern Trip was run 6 years ago because students had no opportunity to go to the Eastern USA.  It has run sold out every year except last year when we “only” had 87 students.  It will run full this year.  The itinerary  changes a tiny bit every year, but this is the best itinerary we have ever run.  Everyone is excited about it.  Adding Williamsburg and Gettysburg makes it a lot more educational. Fun,  and It has a lot more to see. 

The Eastern Trip is very hectic and we squeeze a lot into the trip.  You can’t be late for anything or we might have to drop something (it’s happened).  So always get on the bus 10 minutes before the time we are leaving.  

Let us know if one of your brother or sisters, friends or kids you know have been on the trips before.  Over 1400 exchange students have been on our tours over the years .  Usually we find that a large number of kids do all our trips so we probably spend more time with you than many of your counselors or Rotary handlers.   We like that.  We do  the trip because it gives us a chance to meet more exchange students.

Chaperones are not always experienced.  On this trip we have two guys who have not done the trip before, Dustin and Tim.  

Dustin is an international business major at Otterbein College in his third year. For two years in school he was a nursing student. He recently changed.   He also volunteers at the RYE weekends for 6690.  Fun, easy to know and a great person to hang out with, Dustin has a great number of former exchange students among his friends. He would have been an exchange student but didn’t find out about it until too late.    Dustin is studying Turkish.

Tim was an exchange student in Germany four years ago.  Tim is from Medina, Ohio, and is a Junior at The Ohio State University.  Tim loved Germany and has gone back since his exchange.  He speaks German and will practice it on the German exchange students.   

Every chaperone is on Facebook.  Just look us up and friend us.   The chaperone web site page is http://www.rotarytrip.org/rotinfo.htm.  Click on their name and email them also.