It's easy to forget that it's not an idea anymore, but it's actually going to happen. And soon! Last year, I offered a trip to Montreal, which didn't end up happening; this trip to France has been in the works since the summer! And, it's finally here.
Again: what am I doing??
Several things make me break out into a sweat:
1) France doesn't scare me, but being in France with students (actually, anyone other than family and friends) is just plain weird. Sure, I live in the same dorm with several, but this is definitely different. At the same time, we'll get very close....
2) I'm responsible for them. 3 of the 7 have NEVER been outside of the US, so I'm nervous for them and I'm worried for their parents worrying. There's so much to worry about, trust me, I've thought of them all.
3) I've never been to France with a tour group, on someone else's time. We'll be "THAT group of 47 Americans". Sheesh. I'm not ready for that. I hope it goes well and that I don't spend the whole week cringing and that we (as a giant group) can be efficient when it comes to time. I have a feeling that there will be a lot of waiting around or time wasted as we ALL get on a bus, ALL get a headcount, etc... I need to have a positive attitude through it all.
4) My greatest fear is that I'll be obnoxious to my students. What I mean is that I know I can be terribly uptight when I don't like something and I'm trying to change it (i.e. if things don't go as I expect them to go). I tend to put A LOT of importance on things and I can set myself up for disappointment too easily. So for this trip, I want my students to get so much out of it, and I definitely won't like the time wasted, but I just have to relax and let it go. I guess the most important thing to remember is that my students will inevitably mirror whatever attitude I have about the week, so I should be careful.
Some things I'm looking forward to (because I really am!):
A Nutella crepe from a street vendor. HEAVENLY!!!
The Musee d'Orsay (it's not on the itinerary, but we're going to go during our free time).
The view of Paris at dusk (best time) from Sacre Coeur.
The country of Monaco. Never been there. No, we won't be gambling in the casinos.
The calanques in the south of France.
Instead of telling you "Have a good trip!", I'm just going to say "Have the trip you're going to have!" :). I think you're totally right: the kids will pick up on the fact that you are worried/stressed out. Instead of focusing on trying to get the most out of the trip, just remember: anything that goes horribly awry is going to be a HILARIOUS story to tell everyone when you get back!! And don't worry about how your big tour group will look to the natives - you'll never see these French people again, so try to channel your inner American and don't give a rip! Just keep the students alive (that's all the parents will worry about anyway) and enjoy the adventures as they come! I'm jealous that you get to travel for your job :)
ReplyDeleteActually, you have been in Monaco!! Sending pictures of the photos to your e-mail!! Praying all goes well. Love you so so much! Mom
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