February 18th, 2008 Papa’s in New Zealand!
I’m typing this from King’s Education, a small language school in Christchurch, New Zealand. I’m here with as one of two chaperones for the annual TCFL study trip, an event our school conducts each year. The first day of classes has just begun, and our 17 students are off to take an assessment test that will place them in the proper levels for classes they’ll be taking for the next three weeks.
So far so good. We had a smooth trip down here, although it was very long. First we took a bus from Toyama to Osaka, then stayed at a very nice hotel near Kansai International Airport. The following morning we flew on Singapore Airlines to Singapore, a 7 hour flight. After a three hour layover, it was another 10 hours before we finally arrived at Christchurch. Everyone was so sleepy! The flights were not bad, however. The service was good, and the food was excellent, if you can believe it. They even gave us Hagendaz ice cream for dessert! There was a small video screen above each tray table, so I could watch any number of movies or tv shows. This helped make the time pass quickly.
Most of our students are traveling abroad for the first time, so they look very excited and a bit nervous. They are all staying with host families, so I suppose they are worried whether they can communicate or not with them. Each morning will have classes, and the afternoons are free for various activities. Today, for example, we’ll be taking a bus tour of downtown Christchurch. We also have trips planned to local museaums and attractions. I’ll write a bit about these in future blog posts.
I miss my family already, and I look forward to going home again, but until then I’ll make the best of this experience. More later, including some photos and perhaps a video clip or two if I can manage it. For now, let’s see if I can embed a Google Map here… Oh, great! It works. Just click on a blue pin to get more info on where I’m staying and working in Christchurch:
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February 18th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Gerald!
I have always wanted to visit Australia and New Zealand! I am jealous! LOL
Everything is clear and readable. I am surprised that the zoom is working.
Dad
February 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Go GEOCACHING!!!!!!!!!
February 19th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Great! I’m glad you could see the map. Now, if I can only figure out why there is so much white space underneath it… Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Sorry, DT- No GPS, no Geochaching. Someday I’ll do it.