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Hello from beautiful Barcelona! I am finally adjusting to the time difference and felt like staying up to blog. If you bet against us getting on the plane - pay up! We did it! 4 days in and we haven't stopped smiling yet.
Reykjavik was interesting to see. It would be a great family vacation, especially for any friends from home since it is now a direct flight from Denver. We just had a few hours there and only did a bit of sight-seeing. I watched a clip on the flight over though that showed the Northern Lights, hot springs and some beautiful scenery - looked great.
Then it was onto Barcelona. Our apartment is like one of those mock apartments when you walk through IKEA. You know - "we live in 400 square feet and find it perfect thanks to IKEA". But I do think there is something to living small. Everyone is making their bed and picking up their things. If we didn't, there would be nowhere to move. Genius!
We have spent the first two days here just taking it all in and getting adjusted to the time change. What a beautiful city. It has it all - the beach, history, amazing architecture and tapas! Thanks to our wonderful neighbor Betsy who challenged the girls to try 100 new foods while we were away. They are up to 3 so far. The city is full of tourists, mostly from Europe, on holiday. My one observation so far is that no one has electronics out at meals. There are no kids with iPads to entertain them and no parents checking email at the table. The pace is slow and everyone is engaged. It's very nice.
Mailbag! I have had a lot of questions about school. Here's the scoop. We did not sell our house, but rather rented it out for the next 11 months. Therefore we are still residents of our current district, Douglas County School District. Our girls attend the local public schools. If we weren't traveling Celeste would be an 8th grader at Castle Rock Middle School and Nina would be a 4th grader at Soaring Hawk Elementary. Since we are traveling I unenrolled them and I am home schooling (world schooling) them while we are gone. I used to be a 5th grade teacher so I am very comfortable taking this on. To home school in our district you agree to educate for 4 hours a day/5 days a week. This can (and will) include our outings. There are tests for home schooled students during the end of odd numbered grades, therefore neither of our girls need to be tested this year. We will go back to our neighborhood schools when we return home next year.
For math instruction we purchased an online program that matched the curriculum their classmates are covering. For reading I have several lists of literature by country that we are using to choose books from. For writing we are using WriteSource as a guide and choosing topics as we move along. So far we have added Leiff Erickson, Christopher Colombus, Joan Miro and Antonio Gaudi to our list of topics to research and write about. And there's always their journals and our blog to keep them writing! History, Social Studies, Art and Science will be worked in as we go and fit the region we are visiting.
I will add a family profile and the story of where we got the crazy idea to do this trip soon! I can't believe all the well wishes we have recieved. Thanks for the love!
Amy
- comments
Maura Burgess I can't wait to read the story of how all this evolved!! I am so inspired that you are doing this. It makes me smile to think of all the wonderful experiences that your family will have and it will truly be the education of a lifetime.
Dennis Wiggers Thinking of your family daily! What a wonderful experience for the total family. The Wiggers
Marilyn Pignataro You know we are all living vicariously through you, right? Lots of love in your adventure, it's so exciting!
Nola DeKeyrel I am so glad you are keeping us posted! I agree with Marilyn. I am living vicariously through you. Now, I always thought it was redundant to say "vicariously through you." Perhaps, as a teacher, you could explain this to me. A little grammar lesson : ) Also, I did not hear the story about how you settled on the name for the blog. You wanted to name it something different, right? I doubt you'll have time to answer my questions during your travels. I'll have to remember to ask you when you return. I am looking forward to your next post. Safe and happy travels!!
GodJoey Love it about no electronics in the restaurants...
dawn good luck to you, hope you have a great year. we are on our grey haired gap year (44,50)