Family visit to Louisville

This was the first time Bridget had seen her sister for more than four years. It was also the first time she had seen Dave (Far right ) for more than 15 years. Being down south in the States and out country was a real experience. Great people, beautiful green country side and no banjos!!! Sorry Karra you and Morgan were still asleep.

Waiting patiently

Being a great husband I just sat out the back on some suitcases and waited for the show to be over or am I here because I can't dance like Bridget????? Nice thoughts please.

Show Girl !!!!

Bridget auditioned for a dancing role with a local show band. Watch this space!!

Eat Street

I know the Rotorua District Council were considering covering Eat Street in Rotorua. Fourth Street in Louisville has been covered for diners and entertainment purposes. Yes, big is better in the USA!!!!

Ideal guitar for Matua Mark

Trust me I did consider climbing up to get this classic guitar for Matua Mark but didn't think I could get it through customs. The Hard Rock Cafe is a real draw-card for tourists in many American cities. I'm sure I saw Elvis having coffee in this one!!

Horse Whisper

Louisville is the big racing city in Kentucky. The city has many statues as a tribute to past winners of the Kentucky Derby. See how this horse is whispering in my ear, it's only the jockey that's wooden.

Wet and Wild Kiwis

I was also in the position of take a photo of some American Kiwis about to have their wash in another fountain. Fortunately there were no police in sight as Bridget was in the thick of this activity and I wanted to keep my travel buddy with me. Hahaha!!!!

Polce on bikes

This was an interesting scene. This homeless person had just finished having a bath in one of the city's fountains when the police sped up to the scene. No the poor guy wasn't arrested because they didn't want to double him back to the police station

Lakeland Queen's big sister

I told you Americans like everything big. In the background is the Spirit of Louisville which is a paddle streamer used for tourists and private functions. If it is parked up at this jetty what river is it on and what state is on the other side of the bridge in the background?

Lunch with President

While in Louisville we went to visit a VA Hospital as my brother in law is a marine war veteran. We heard the President was there for lunch but this was as close as we got.

Please darling can I have a Cirque du Solei T shirt???l

We went to see Cirque du Soleil in Boston. Our seats were five rows from the front. What an amazing show. The theme was one of insects and the costumes were extremely colourful and creative. I know Sherlie Dingwall will be very envious of us. No Bridget didn't get a T Shirt but she did get pop corn at half time.

How is this for a job??????

We met Michael from Hollywood at Pearl Harbour and we all spent the day together. Michael owned a company which hired out luxury trailer homes to Hollywood Stars when they are shooting films on location. He has 45 of these in use throghout the States. Unlike us he was staying at the Hilton with his family which was FIve Star accomodation. He had been there for three weeks Behind him and Bridget are the names of all the sailors killed when the Arizona was sunk at Pearl Harbour. I did ask Mike for a driving job delivering the trailers and meeting the stars but he only offered one to Bridget. hahaha!!!!!

Pearl Harbour

The display which allows visitors to interact with naval displays that survived the Pearl Harbour bombing and World War 2 was a fascinating way to spend the day. We had to line up for each exhibit but they were worth the weight. It was interesting to note the numbers of Japanese visiting and paying there respect along side Americans. Tolerance and understanding is alive and well as people move forward in greater harmony. However us Kiwis just wanted to shoot the big guns.

Finally a woman not interested in shopping

I'm proudly wearing my NZ T shirt but it hasn't given the impacted I was looking for as MANY American don't know where NZ is. Bugger!!!! as I though we won the Americans Cup from them, twice!!!!!

American Up Rising

I'm standing next to a sculpture depicting the up raising to kick the British out of Boston. There were two famous events; The Boston Tea Party and the involvement of Paul Revere. These may be an interest research for a student wanting to extend their knowledge. Hint, hint!!!!!

Here in Central Park is another sculpture depicting a child reading. Yes that is a book I am pointing to. Throughout Boston there are encouraging images to motivate Americans to learn. As a Nation they are discovering that the collapse of the American manufacturing sector plus the progress being made by other nations such as Japan, China and Korea in educating their students has created a change in the demand for more highly educated and skilled school leavers. High dropout rate and low skills among many high school graduates is an unacceptable problem here. Is this a challenge we are being faced with in NZ??? I believe it is so lets ensure our students are getting a quality education.

Boston is renowned for the many sculptures through this wonderful city. Here is one in the Massachusetts General Hospital grounds. Many locals and staff are found having a break from their jobs in these areas. The grounds are very well maintained and a credit to all involved. Much like the excellent work Mrs Morrison and our Enviro Team endeavour to do at RIS

Finally someone is listening

We stayed two stations away from Harvard at a place called Somerville. This area is full of students so the Square is full of academic talk, music, busking and yes homeless. Bridget finally found someone who would give her full attention as we all know my listening skills are somewhat questionable.

Harvard Library

Yes I did spend time reading at Harvard but along after hours of wandering the many floors being amazed by the millions of books on every topic imaginable. The library is also full of students from all over the world. They study accessing information thru books, their laptop which everyone has on and of course some are using Miss Nahu's favourite the new I Pad Touch. As you wander thru this institution of wisdom and knowledge I am reminder of some wise words which are displayed in our school. The higher you climb the more you see; the more you see the less you know etc,etc. Ensuring our students leave our school with the ability to access information in a variety of forms is crucial but they must also have the skills to critical analyse, interpret and make their own judgements. Don"t tell Ali but their are more than 200 people working in this library.

Sand Art

On Sunday we caught the T train which is the name for the underground system in Boston. Once you are in the system you can travel to any area by following a very simple colour code. I was always told that Americans like doing things big and today I wasn't disappointed. Here is an example of sand art, constructed for a competition they were having at the beach. You can compare the size from the adult in the back ground. There was also a beach volley ball competition on involving Latin American woman...... unfortunately Bridget had me delete those photos. Being IT challenged I am only just working out a system for putting more photos on my blog so be prepared for an ongoing randon selection with comments

Weekend in Boston

Well my actual experience are Harvard University has finished but the work has just begun. I have so much to read and reflect on prior to the start of Term Four. The challenge that these quality presenters has left me with a great sense of what our 21st Century Learners will need to truly begun global citizens and be successful within that context. By the way I not only have the Harvard T shirt but now I am allowed to wear their cap from the Graduate school of Education. I would be so proud if I could inspire one of our students to attend this very traditional yet prestigious university.
We have spent the weekend exploring Boston. This city is filled with the wonderment of a proud history, it has wonderful green belts along the Charles River and the beautiful inner city parks. The T rail system makes transport throughout this city so, so easy. For $15 you are able to get a pass for unlimited rides over a seven day period. There is a very multi cultural population here which makes every train ride an interesting blending of Italian, Latin Americans, Germans, Asians and of course English. I have a real concern that every teenager here is born with a cellphone stuck to their ear as everyone seems to be no-stop talking on them.
Our next major visit will be to New York so I am really looking forward to viewing and taking time to reflect during our visit to Ground Zero.
It is so cheap to eat out here and the meals are very large. Bridget and I have now decided to always share our meals as she is a little worried I'll turn into a Telly Tubby. We wen tot see Cirque du Soleil on Friday and were blown away with the artistry, grace and skill. It makes me wonder whether we are fostering the creative side of our students and ourselves enough. Well it's 8.30 here and it's only just getting dark. Time for a walk to work off all this extra American Food.

The Challenge of Harvard University

I remember watching the movie The Firm in which Tom Cruise graduated from Harvard Law School. I recall the tradition of the place and the believe that this was the best University to attend if you want to achieve in life. Nothing has changed with the belief those working in Harvard exhibit and articulate. I am engaged in 3 hours of keynote addresses and the day the ends with an hour long team seminar. They start on time and finish on time and the content of lectures is of the highest level. Each of our presenters are very well researched and all have had their researched work published. They are inspiring and stimulating. I have reflected on what we have achieved as a Learning Community at Rotorua Intermediate and now have been inspired to share my thoughts on our direction in the future as we strive to be 'globally recognised for the high quality learning and teaching that our students are achieving.

This University has history dating back to 1836. I have had lectures where presenters have used power points while others have used chalk and talk. We sit in old lecture theatres surrounded by images of past academics and university achievements. Our school is in the process of creating our tradition and quality. We all must ensure we aim for the highest possible stars.

I have purchased a Harvard Banner for our school to be displayed in a prominent position for our students to believe nothing is impossible.

Boston city is also full of history related to the American Wars when the British were driven out and slavery was abolished after some long battles. Americans are very proud of their history and are happy to share stories of the courage of former countryman.

I have many photos so I intend to edit out those of me swimming at the beach and only post those of me in heavy duty study. Harvard has been such an inspiration but it won't be long before I will be saying "Been there, done that, got the T shirt.

Adult Disneyland---------Hello Las Vegas

Had our stop over in Las Vegas and I would suggest people plan to have the experience to get the curiosity out of the system then move on with life. The buildings are mind blowing, the facilities incredible and the attractions to allow you to gamble your money away stack up to MILLIONS!!!! Cheap food, drinks, entertainment are all part of the incentives put in your face prior to checking into your hotel. "Have I got a deal for you!!!!!" is a VERY COMMON catch cry... The temperature is unbelievable as the city has been established in the middle of a desert, next door to an airport. Apart from looking in mirrors we didn"t discover any other famous people. I did make a fashion statement at the hotel pool being the only person in black Active shorts from the Warehouse. Our students should research the development of Las Vegas as a project of developing a city based on a human desire to make a quick $$$

Harvard University is my next challenge as it is a place I'd only read about and seen movies about. This visit certainly has a WOW factor for me. Global networking for the benefit of our students will be a BIG opportunity I see developing from having 2 weeks here. I feel for my wife Bridget having to spend each day entertaining herself in the Harvard Commercial area. For me the Harvard tradition is study from 8 am to 5pm sharp and includes Saturday. Obviously they think I'm a machine!!! Hehehe. And of course I wish I was back in NZ preparing for Terrm 3.....Hahaha!!!

Last Night In San Francisco

Just arrived in from walking the streets on a Saturday night in San Francisco. The streets are alive with buskers and beggars which are quite a distraction for us country kids from Rotorua. There has been quite a degree of maturing as a global citizen during our three days here but I gather that's the purpose of this adventure. Our last day at Hawaii was very emotional as we enhanced our sense of history by visiting the Pearl Harbour War Memorials. (Thanks for the encouragement Roger). Our boat ride to the memorial for the USS Arizona touched our hearts as we reflected on the sailors lost and still entombed on this battleship. War is such a sad waste of life and I hope our students never have to experience such an event. Viewing the submarine USS Bowfin and the Battle ship Missouri gave a sense of the resource put into funding a war and the immense power of such vessels. San Francisco has been a real eye opener as I had little knowledge about the place other than the prison on an island in the middle of the harbour which I can't spell. Since being here we have experienced walking the Golden Gate Bridge. a Cable Car ride and Fisherman"s Wharf. Each experience I couldn't help appreciate how all countries are promoting and fostering tourism. The richness of the many languages we are hearing on a daily basis makes me realise the importance in ensuring our students appreciate the rich benefits of travel. That they see themselves as members of global community and the opportunities that such an experience will give them. How do I know this?? Because I am appreciating this fact every day of our travel. I can"t help feeling so humble for this experience and a sense of gratitude for those who worked behind the scenes to allow myself and Bridget to experience what we are experiencing. Still working on posting photos. Watch this space!!!!!!!

Last nigh in San Francisco

Trip to Waikiki Beach

After a sleep in due to jet lag.....Yeah Right!!! we undertook a tour on the Pink Lady which is a bus company taking tourists on a round trip of the city and city attractions. Sky rise building and lush plant life a real feature. Our early trip pass Wiakiki Beach revealed some spaces of sand left but by the time we walked back most were gone. I just love the space we have on our NZ beaches. Spent some of the afternoon at the pool side of the Ohana East Hotel. My time was spent reading prep work for Harvard and not viewing the locals. However I did notice the refreshments were cheap. Bridget was impressedwith the friendly nature of the Hawaiian people. Unfortunately she had to go into shops to eperience it. hahahaa!!!!! Tonight will be a local bar experience.......for food of course.

On the Eve of our Big O.E

Final cup of coffee at Starbucks with Dave & Heather in Tauranga before heading off to Auckland

Airport. Have WE packed enough clothes?????? Who cares!!! We have our tickets, our

passports & pocket money. Look out WORLD here WE come!!!!!!