Summer Begins

Finished on Wednesday.
Meeting with Messmore at the HS. Still no room assignment; will probably be teaching from a cart, and we discussed "the trip." Also discussed section assignments, how I have no Spanish III, and other department issues.
Meeting with Wiley about the art position, but previous discussion with Swords- he told me that he prefers that I stick with Spanish. I left it up to Swords for my assignment next year.
Room all cleaned out; boxes in the basement.

Paris on Thursday.
Really a whirlwind three days- seeing the major sites, but not enough time to really have a cultural experience. It is difficult to travel somewhere where one does not know the language.
Highlights: Louvre, where I ran around during the 'free time' to see the works I've studied. In particular, Flandrin's Jeune Homme Nu Assis au Bord de la Mer; At Notre Dame, I lit candles for Candi and Daisy; Stroll through the d'Orsey to see the impressionists and post-impressionists; Versailles gardens; View of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur, and buying a watercolor in a nearby market; Boat cruise on the Seine; Visiting small shops- wine,
I enjoyed being with fellow teachers, including talking to the new principal at Stevenson HS.
I will probably not use EF again, as I was somewhat unimpressed- hotel location was way out (subway everyday) and in an area with nothing to do and the amenities were sparse. Food OK, but not great. I had more fun when I was on my own, when compared to being with the group. The 'master teachers' basically took control over the 'green' EF staff, and the tour guide did not transition activities very well.
Overslept and missed the bus to the airport. Took the subway, arriving with time to spare, although nervous the entire way that I would be late. That was THE EXPERIENCE on my trip.

Back home.
Prepping for renovations- estimates for landscape (front foundation) and Sears for windows and fascia. Spending some of the money Aunt Jean gave me.
Planning trips to Monroe and Montreal- trying to squeeze them in before David's birthday. Student trip to Costa Rica on the 13th- 22nd.

Going to be a busy and expensive summer!