Today was definitely a long day by anyone’s standards; we arrived around noontime and had things to do from 1 to about 7:30pm. We first did some entertaining ice breakers which definitely lightened the mood and allowed us all to get to know each other a bit more. The ice breakers included sharing a bit about our lives as well as some past times and experiences that could help the others get to know us a more. Then we went outside and shared more about each other by exchanging pieces of paper with topics on them ranging from past experiences or future endeavors you wished to encounter. Finally we started to actually get into the main events of the day including some European history with Dean Lux. We learned all about how the history has made what Paris and London are today. We even learned of the best places to eat and some top locations to go check out such as Harrods. We then went into watching everyone’s power points on spots within both London and Paris that we should try to see or spots that are already laced throughout our itinerary. After that it was evident that nobody was moving another inch or listening to another person without getting food in them ASAP. Which is finally when the pizzas and drinks were brought in to we could refuel from a long day. We watch a bit of the movie “National Lampoon’s European Vacation.” The day concluded after that and everyone headed back to the halls to frantically weigh their bags. We all were very excited before today, but I know for myself especially its finally setting in that we were on our way to discover the world. As the night concludes people are starting to sleep and some are talking about the days to come. We are all just waiting because we know that this will be something that we remember forever. I hope whoever is reading returns for tomorrow’s blogs to come from the other students because the trip will only get better as the days progress.
The pre-departure day was very eventful and jam packed from the get go. I checked in at 11 pm into hall fourteen, unpacked my belongings and made my bed with the linens provided. We had pre-departure activities from 1pm until 7:30 pm. All the individuals on the trip met in room 382 in the unistructure and began today with multiple ice breakers. We started by introducing ourselves to the person next to us and followed up with group discussions. We had to know each person’s name and something unique about him or her. Everyone walked outside and picked a question from a random assortment. Each person stated their name, read their question and provided an answer to the questions. The icebreakers were an easy and relaxed environment to get to know everyone on the trip. After the icebreakers, everyone went back inside to discuss proper behavior on the trip. Dean Lux arrived and gave us a brief history of Europe. He provided a lot of important information including interesting facts such as that the actual city of London only covers one square mile in which 11,000 people inhabit. However, 315,000 people work in this one square mile showing that it is a densely populated area. Dean Lux was presented with a small gift of appreciation for taking time out of his busy schedule to better educate us on European history. After Dean Lux’s presentation, each Wiki group presented for fifteen minutes on the topics assigned to them such as the Warwick Castle and Chateau Du Fontainebleau. All presentations were professional and well prepared and helped us better understand the sites we will be visiting. Professor Mohan showed a short clip from the movie, National Lampoon’s European vacation after the presentations and it presented a humorous aspect towards travelling in Europe. In a more indirect manner the movie also showed us the perils of travelling. The pre departure day was busy but successful and I am very excited to travel in London and Paris!
Today was definitely a long day by anyone’s standards; we arrived around noontime and had things to do from 1 to about 7:30pm. We first did some entertaining ice breakers which definitely lightened the mood and allowed us all to get to know each other a bit more. The ice breakers included sharing a bit about our lives as well as some past times and experiences that could help the others get to know us a more. Then we went outside and shared more about each other by exchanging pieces of paper with topics on them ranging from past experiences or future endeavors you wished to encounter.
ReplyDeleteFinally we started to actually get into the main events of the day including some European history with Dean Lux. We learned all about how the history has made what Paris and London are today. We even learned of the best places to eat and some top locations to go check out such as Harrods. We then went into watching everyone’s power points on spots within both London and Paris that we should try to see or spots that are already laced throughout our itinerary. After that it was evident that nobody was moving another inch or listening to another person without getting food in them ASAP. Which is finally when the pizzas and drinks were brought in to we could refuel from a long day. We watch a bit of the movie “National Lampoon’s European Vacation.”
The day concluded after that and everyone headed back to the halls to frantically weigh their bags. We all were very excited before today, but I know for myself especially its finally setting in that we were on our way to discover the world. As the night concludes people are starting to sleep and some are talking about the days to come. We are all just waiting because we know that this will be something that we remember forever. I hope whoever is reading returns for tomorrow’s blogs to come from the other students because the trip will only get better as the days progress.
By: Seth Weimer
Jessica May Vickers
ReplyDeleteThe pre-departure day was very eventful and jam packed from the get go. I checked in at 11 pm into hall fourteen, unpacked my belongings and made my bed with the linens provided. We had pre-departure activities from 1pm until 7:30 pm. All the individuals on the trip met in room 382 in the unistructure and began today with multiple ice breakers. We started by introducing ourselves to the person next to us and followed up with group discussions. We had to know each person’s name and something unique about him or her. Everyone walked outside and picked a question from a random assortment. Each person stated their name, read their question and provided an answer to the questions. The icebreakers were an easy and relaxed environment to get to know everyone on the trip.
After the icebreakers, everyone went back inside to discuss proper behavior on the trip. Dean Lux arrived and gave us a brief history of Europe. He provided a lot of important information including interesting facts such as that the actual city of London only covers one square mile in which 11,000 people inhabit. However, 315,000 people work in this one square mile showing that it is a densely populated area. Dean Lux was presented with a small gift of appreciation for taking time out of his busy schedule to better educate us on European history.
After Dean Lux’s presentation, each Wiki group presented for fifteen minutes on the topics assigned to them such as the Warwick Castle and Chateau Du Fontainebleau. All presentations were professional and well prepared and helped us better understand the sites we will be visiting. Professor Mohan showed a short clip from the movie, National Lampoon’s European vacation after the presentations and it presented a humorous aspect towards travelling in Europe. In a more indirect manner the movie also showed us the perils of travelling. The pre departure day was busy but successful and I am very excited to travel in London and Paris!
Hmmmm wondering what May's unique thing that she shared? ;) knowing my beautiful one has so many unique things about her.....
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