Field trip

One if the first things students ask about are field trips! And this year was no different. What was different, was that all the trips Leigh and I discussed or tried to plan, fell through. We were feeling bad about the fact other classes were on their third or fourth field trip for the year and we had gone no where. We were also sensing a mini revolt being planned as their patience wore incredibly thin.

As our government unit went on, we decided a trip to Latvia's parliament would be fun  and fitting. The Latvian studies teacher was gracious enough to call and set up the times for us. But, as was often an issue last year, 35 kiddos was just too many. They needed to break us up into two groups. That's really not a big issue, but it does create the task of what to do while not touring the parliament. Thankfully the Saiema building (parliament) wasn't far from the castle or town hall. So we had a little scavenger hunt for the kids to complete when not inside and we prayed hard for decent weather!

Our wish came true and we had a perfect spring (nearly summer) day. The weather wasn't a problem but I did have a few kiddos forget their passports despite the (not kidding) 12 reminders I sent home and countless verbal reminders. A few early morning phone calls and we were all able to make it in. We even had an extra parent show up to join us!

My kids did the inside tour first. I have to confess, field trips are super fun for me too. At least trips like this with a tour guide. I get to turn my teacher hat around and learn with them too. It's awesome! I think they were more into the different couches, but they asked a few good questions as well. Then it was our turn to venture outside.

I love Riga's old town, but I still get lost down there sometimes. Thankfully all the roads lead to the same few spots so it's easy enough to hide. We went to the Town Hall building and the kids had several tasks like listing the different committees and finding certain dates. Town hall is situated on a decently sized square. The kids knew they needed to stay with their buddy but for the most part they were all zipping about the square from statue to fountain to wall while the parents and I looked on.

People frequently ask if I feel safe overseas and I never feel that people understand my answer. As I stood there watching 18 ten year olds run about in a main city square, my biggest fear was not kidnappers, creepers, or crazed killers. My biggest (potentially only) fear was that someone (including myself) would fall on the cobblestone. That was honestly the only worry I had.

Of course, I still follow news and am aware of things happening in the world and US, so I had a careful eye on all the pairs and people in the square. No one seemed bothered by them, no one complained, no one threatened. My kids weren't worried about any one causing harm to them, because at age 10 you shouldn't have to be. My kids got to be kids. And I got to watch them laugh and learn and explore knowing that we were safe and fine. Except for the cobblestones...

My students discovered a working fountain in the square center and everyone had to take a turn pushing the button and splashing the water (it was quite warm so I let it happen). Then we headed back to meet the other class for the bus trip home.

It was a beautiful day! And it was really nice to get out of the school. The students loved all of it and were thinking back on all the field trips they've done in their school career. It was nice to hear that this had been one of their favorites. I am going to pretend that opinion never changes. ;)

Escaping Riga

One of my good friends decided to celebrate his birthday by renting a cottage out in the countryside. Springtime in Latvia might be even more fickle than that of Michigan. So despite a warm week, the weekend forecast was looking chilly.


I rode out with Bekah and Meghan, and after a short "we are totally lost" moment, we found it! It was a big place and yet still very cosy!! We played some frisbee and ate a delicious dinner, then I alternated between the fire outside and the fire inside. Some of the guys braved the sauna and the freezing pond. Most of us were happy to enjoy what warmth we could find.



On Saturday we walked over the beach. Latvia's beaches remind me a lot of Michigan's coastlines. There was no one else around as we walked up and down and enjoyed the sound of the crashing water and bright clear blue skies. I found a big rock and took a little snooze. We had just wrapped up spring conferences and it was that time of the year when you can start to see and feel the end coming, but all the 'to-dos' are still there and weighing heavy. It took me a while to clear my head but I'm glad I had the chance to sit and be and process the year. 

Amsterdam

As if an entire week of planes, trains, and automobiles wasn't enough for the three of us, we booked a weekend hop over to Amsterdam the weekend after our return from Spring Break. We also had tickets to see Macklemore in concert there on Sunday night.

The beauty of living in Europe is that a weekend to a city like Amsterdam is totally doable! We left right from school on Friday and made it to Amsterdam for dinnertime. Our apartment was cute and conveniently located near several restaurants. The best part of our Amsterdam eats though was breakfast!! Rorey found an omelet place on Saturday, which I am not usually a big fan of but these omelets were amazing. Then we went to a yogurt bar another day. A little more my style and incredibly delicious!

I had signed us up for a bike tour because 1. I love bike tours and 2. It's Amsterdam! You have to ride a bike. We found the bike place and then killed some time exploring what was around. We stumbled past a shop displaying oreos, poptarts, and more in their front window and going in to see more was not even up for debate. The place had all kinds of American treats that haven't made their way to Latvia yet. Of course, they were all nearly the double the price you would pay in the states, but can you really put a price on mint oreos? (Apparently, yes. They were 8 euros.) We later discovered there were several of these stores throughout the city and we eventually stocked up on nerds, reeses, warheads, gum, and even oreos.

The bike tour was great! Bekah opted out because bikes in a PACKED city aren't her thing. There were times during the tour when I thought she had the right idea. People, bikes, cars, motorbikes, and tiny sidewalks make for a bit of a kerfuffle at times. But in the end, I loved it. Our guide was a bit new to the touring gig and would sometimes blast off ahead of the group. I think he also missed a stop or too and may have blanked on some info. But he was a cutie and even joined Rorey and I for the mid-tour break where he kindly answered all of our questions about life in Amsterdam.

On Sunday we had pre-booked tickets to the Van Gogh museum. Quick tip: book online ahead of time because that line was ridiculous! Same for the Anne Frank house- we couldn't even pre-book because those were sold out. The museum was nice. Again, packed full of people. I think Amsterdam might win for the most crowded place I've visited. It was really interesting to learn about his life and see so many of his pieces. I think I like the temporary exhibit on the other side of the museum  more though. hehe. It was about prostitution in French Art from 1850-1910. It explained who several of the women were and what life in the brothels and in general was like back then. I know it sounds odd, but the exhibit was actually really interesting.

After several photo ops, we had time to check out the Heineken Experience too. It was a quick trip through the brewery, I think Rorey and Bekah cared more about getting the free beers than anything really. Of course, they got mine as well, so that's an added bonus. Then it was back to the apartment for some dinner and then to the concert.

Rorey is a huge Macklemore fan and it was her dream and idea to go to the concert. We decided to go big and got the gold ticket. Little did we know that actually scored us front row spots! We were standing behind a guy during he opening acts and then just before Macklemore came out, he left and we quickly moved forward! Even knowing only a few of his songs, I really enjoyed the concert. He was a great entertainer and has lots of interesting stories to share. Plus, we were front row!

I wish I could say our amazing adventures continued on Monday morning, but after another phenomenal breakfast and some market shopping, I went back to the apartment to do some work. It was reports time and we had just finished a math unit. Not to mention this was the fourth consecutive weekend I'd been out of Riga. So, the last day wasn't as glamourous, but it was a great trip still.

Stop 3...

Munich! 

This great city was part of the Germany trip I did back in 2010 with Spring Arbor, but we were only there for a night. I knew way back then it wasn't enough time there, and so I was quite excited to be headed back!

We took the train again to get from Salzburg to Munich. Our apartment was a cute little studio in the university area. We ventured out for food and found legit and delicious Mexican just down the road. That sealed it --> Munich = awesome.

Then we continued to venture about passing a large art museum and just going where the sidewalks led us. Eventually we tired of walking and found a little bar to get some refreshments and Bekah taught Rorey and I how to play a card game. We went back out again for a bit more exploring and to find dinner.

Years ago I remembered going to Hofbräuhaus. It's a massive beer house near the city center. Terribly touristy, and yet still awesome. And, as is true for most of Germany, it has a pretty interesting past. So we each enjoyed a massive beer - I even liked mine! - and some dinner. The place is always busy and the idea is you sit where you can. We lucked out and found a spot next to frequent patron. Rorey still refers to him as the owner, but I'm not sure that was his true title. He spoke almost no English and our German was nonexistent, so we used pictures, google translate, and a lot of thumbs up to have a lovely conversation.... we think.

The next day our wandering lead us to a walking city-tour which was awesome! Most larger European cities have walking tours that are informative and fun and Free! Probably the best part. I may not speak the language, but my roots are still German. hehe.  The tour guide had a huge heart for the city and shared tons of stellar information with us, like how nearly the entire city appears to be old, but is largely just amazingly-detailed reconstructed buildings because WWII.

We shopped, and ate pretzels, wandered, and drank, and ate pretzels and then ate more pretzels because they are so gosh darn delicious! I also found what may be the best souvenir I will ever give to Dylan- A rubber duck wearing lederhosen and holding a pretzel and beer. I love it! Charlotte got one as well- it's also a rubber duck, but it's wearing a dirndl (think traditional dress) instead.

The next day we headed out of the city a bit to explore the VW museum and old Olympic park. The weather was a bit bland and chilly, so it was a nice morning to be inside. The museum was really nice and it was fun to see the evolution of the brand throughout time. Not to mention we got to sit on some really cool motorcycles.

Venturing across the street we headed to the top of the Olympic Tower. Again it was quite cold, and super windy at the top. The slight sway we felt was enough to make it a rather quick visit. Despite the swaying, the views were impressive.
It was nice to see that they are attempting to use the various venues as much as possible. One arena was converted into a soccer zone and right outside was putt-putt! I love putt-putt, so we gave it a go. I don't remember who won, although I am quite sure it was not me.


I am so glad I was able to get back to this great city. And I kind of hope I get to at least once more!

Stop 2...

Salzburg!

We trained from Vienna to Salzburg. The ease of training, comfort, and amazing views made me wish the US had a better rail system. Sure it takes longer than a plane, but when you factor in airport wait times... does it really!?

Anyway... Salzburg!

I spent a few hours in this beautiful city way back in 2010 with my Germany class trip. Some things were familiar, but in many ways it felt like a new-to-me city. Our main goal in Salzburg was the Sound of Music Tour. Because, of course. And the tour is just about all we did there.

An Austrian ginger
ale-esque drink on the bus.

Not 16 going on 17 anymore... 

Our hostel/hotel even sold discount tickets and offered pick-up for the tour. It's kind of a big deal. We went for some food first and it was raining, which had us a bit nervous about the tour, but we lucked out and it wasn't bad after that first bit of rain.



The tour was great!! The guide was funny and sarcastic and a bit inappropriate at times-- which I do believe are the qualifications for a tour guide.  He even sang at times. As we all did on the bus. Because, of course.

Rorey was done with my
"group selfies"...that didn't
stop me though!

The tour took us to many sites from the movie and from the real life of the von Trapp family. From the mountains to the fountains, it was a great way to see some of Salzburg, and rural Austria also. (I might have even thought about finding a school in that area.... it was amazingly beautiful and I can't stay in Latvia forever.... )

January 2010

April 2016

Like I said I was in Salzburg in 2010 and our goal then was also to find as many Sound of Music locations as possible. It was a bit warmer this time around. Still chilly. But certainly warmer!




After the tour, we wandered through the city for a bit looking for a big beer hall. Since the tour was over, our new goal was pretzels and beer. I was more for the pretzels, hehe. We found the main beer hall and enjoyed some traditional eats before walking back to the hotel along the river. I love cities at night! However, my camera doesn't, so no photos for you.


It was a quick stop in Salzburg.  We channeled our inner von Trapp and that felt like enough for us. The next morning we took off by train again to our third and final destination of the trip....

Stop 1...

Fours days after getting off a plane, it was time to get back on a different one! Rorey, Bekah, and I were headed to Austria for a few days! We traveled on what is possibly the smallest plane I have ever been on. The stairs folded out the side of the plane and we walked past the little propellers before climbing in. I was a bit nervous about the tiny size, but the flight was great (read: slept the entire time).

Stop one on our three part spring break was Vienna, Austria.
It was sunny and warmer than Riga! We laughed lots, saw lots, walked tons. And of course, enjoyed lots of yummy food!

The bells were ringing in
celebration for Easter! 

Mountains! (maybe not, but still more
elevation than Riga offers

We saw Batman vs. Superman, did some shopping, tiptoed through a butterfly house, went to a ballet at the theatre, and enjoyed the beauty the city had to offer. I also did a solo venture to Hundertwasserhaus... a funky fun apartment building/art piece.

Karlskirche (baroque church)

Hundertwasserhaus

Hundertwasserhaus

St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Butterfly house

Dessert! 

Hochstrahlbrunnen Fountain

Off to stop 2...

Saying goodbye...

Before that next Spring Break adventure could begin, a small tragedy struck Room 123.

It had been observed weeks earlier that dear Betsy's coloring was a bit off.  She had a lot of black something on her. One or two of the students had pointed it out, and Kristine and I had done some googling, but she didn't seem too affected.

Of course, that changed too. Betsy became less active but more reactive. It seemed every time a student went to a book from the library, little Betsy would puff out her gills. Then she began hiding more. And then she just wasn't really moving. Even when multiple tiny fingers would tap on the tank.

Kristine and I were keeping a close eye on Betsy, and after two days of her not moving from the same spot, we figured it was time to call it. So after school on Thursday, the day before the break, the somewhat/sometimes moderately-cared about class fish left the classroom.

When the kids returned after the break, it took them a while to even notice the tank, and Betsy, were gone. They were sad to hear, but they had also noticed she was acting differently. Naturally their first question was, "Are we getting a new one?!" .... haha. hahahah. no.

They did prepare a funeral for Betsy one day at recess. I wasn't aware it was happening but they did tell me about when they came in. They all said a few kind words. I'm still not sure if they dug a hole and buried something as I got contradicting stories. But at least they found their way to say goodbye.


TWO MONTHS LATER....

While discussing what unit to use when measuring liquids, one question was how about the amount of water in a fish tank.
Ivan: Let's look at Betsy's tank!... wait? Where is Betsy?
Rest of class: (gasps) (giggles)
Others: Dude!! Betsy died! Like two months ago!
Ivan: really? huh? okay.

Apparently, they hadn't all said goodbye. 

UK

Latvia is part of the Schengen zone, meaning you can travel from country to country within that zone without having to do passport control every time you hit a border. Which makes traveling from place to place faster and easier. But it also means my year-old passport is still relatively empty. Fun fact: I have yet to get a Latvia stamp despite living here for two years.

Even if my passport hasn't been getting much abuse this spring, my suitcases sure have!

Way back in March it all started with a weekend in Birmingham, England for an IB conference. It had been a fast and heavy few weeks in grade 4 so I was kind of looking forward to an escape. Once I had settled into my hotel room, I was a bit worried I wouldn't want to leave that cozy little home. But I did, and the conference was awesome! There were 15 of us in my section, but probably over a hundred professionals at various points in their education careers. In my group we chatted about inquiry- what it is, how we use, how to make better inquirers of our students. It was nice to be with people who had the same questions, and some great ideas, outside of my school community.

The conference leader was also really mindful of her attendees and graciously did not assign too much homework or reading for us. So I got to walk about the city a bit as well. March in the UK can be miserable, but thankfully it was wonderful instead! There was a massive mall with several familiar brands and the city was full of great food options. So overall, that weekend was well balanced and very fulfilling!

I couldn't get a decent flight out on Sunday, so I had to take Monday off as well. I came back to school ready to really get into teaching again and push my kids forward... except it was the week before and Easter meaning Good Friday and then Spring Break. So, while we did learn and do lots in those three days, I was also focused on getting laundry done and repacking that suitcase for the next adventure...