From the principals ‘office’
We have survived day one with the kids…and what a day it has been! Two flights and a bus ride in 24 hours, and only a few little cat naps and very little caffeine. After carpooling to Windsor, dropping Kathryn in Detroit, and some impromptu relay races and stem activities, we boarded our flight to Toronto. It was a quick flight, and we landed in Toronto ready for the big adventure. After a quick snack, we boarded a nearly empty plane. All said and done, several students were able to take an entire row and lay down. Some could have cared less because you know, computers in the seat backs with games and movies…I watched ‘A Star is Born’. Love Gaga. Airplane food is nasty, and luck was on my side with no peanut exposures- this could have been risky since Air Canada said my allergies were my problem….😳. The only thing worse than airplane food is airplane coffee. THE.WORST.EVER.
When we landed, everyone was more than ready to get off the plane.Elaine and I met up with Kathryn at the airport in Munich, and not a moment too soon. Elaine and I, after hustling through Munich airport, standing in lines at customs, getting my bag from the baggage claim, cutting the lock from my suitcase (because in usual Jasper style, I left the key to the suitcase at home) and getting everyone freshened up were about out of patience. Between excited kid antics and coffee withdrawals….let’s just say, if there was a medal for patience and grace, I earned mine today. And then, like Mary Poppins, all cheery and content comes Kathryn…ready to deal with the shenanigans and mishaps. Tag….she’s it!
After getting everyone fed airport picnic style, three pop mishaps, a major water bottle spill…and finally a Starbucks…we made it to the flixbus where napping commenced. Several students didn’t sleep on the plane, and now…like over tired toddlers they have been forced to rest. My former fifth graders are snuggled up and adorable. I am enjoying the scenery of the Austrian countryside, the alps, and the little villages we are passing through and wondering why my stinky kids ( and to clarify I mean my actual of the womb kids as opposed to ‘my kids’ ie other peoples’ kids) don’t text me back when I wish them a happy last day of school. No imported chocolate for them….
We are looking forward to arriving in Innsbruck, meeting our host families, and getting settled for a week of adventures!
