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!!!!!!!
