From Mr. Prenetta:

10 pm,  August 13, 2012

Greetings from Mr. Prenetta!

Two full days and it seems like we’ve been here weeks—in a good way!   Our EHS students have been “spectacular.”  They’re great kids who are representing the US quite well.  I’m proud of them and feel lucky to spend this memorable time with them.

Now, the fun stuff.  We learned in the Wig and Makeup Workshop, taught by a fabulous thirty year veteran of the Royal Shakespeare company, that Ben and Justin could one day wonderful drag queens if other future careers falter.  Hannah found a real bargain in a Sherlock Holmes poster but it accidentally fell overboard on our boat cruise.  Kristyn spent an hour straightening her hair but within one half hour it was back to its bouncy curliness.  Many of the kids had fish and chips.  One asked where the potato chips were (Ok, this is a lie—or they didn’t tell me this). 

We toured the entire town of Stratford-on-Avon.  It took the kids a bit to understand that it means that the town was located on the Avon River. I will not disclose which students were confused.  We started at his birthplace/home. We then went to his Memorial Statue—surrounded by statues of his most famous characters including Hamlet and Lady Macbeth. Several students said they felt an affinity for Lady Macbeth. I hope that doesn’t mean they have plans for my demise.  From here we went to the Royal Shakespeare Theater—and lots of zany shopping ensued. I encouraged the kids to buy the “I LOVE BILLY” button but I learned my only faithful student was Maggie.  I had passed on having the kids see that night’s show. It was an all-Russian version of The Comedy of Errors. Very few of the kids speak Russian.

We then headed to the Holy Trinity Church  (built in 1210) where Shakespeare was baptized, married, and buried from.  He also was the richest man in Stratford, gave an enormous amount of money to the church, and was thus given the privilege of being buried there. We then strolled past several other famous homes and absorbed the friendly and comfortable surroundings.

Personally, I loved touring Shakespeare’s birthplace and seeing where he was buried. I did force a few kids to spend the 50 pence to see the grave----“But it’s so much.” And these were the kids who then went out and bought souvenirs, made in China, for 45 pounds. 

The workshop by the Royal Shakespeare company member was amazing. We learned quite a few tips and our teacher had a dry sense of humor. Allison and I would laugh at times when the kids were silent. I think we embarrassed them.

We had a nice change of pace on the boat cruise on the Avon River.  Our Captain and host were charming and informative.  In America, we’d call him a character.

Kids then had a few hours for dinner and shopping. I opted for a nice strong cup of tea. I didn’t any scones. Yet!

Well, that’s all for tonight. We’re off to Edinburgh in the am. We leave at 6 am. The kids have all gone to bed, except Emily who is skyping.  They’ve all been wonderful and it truly is becoming a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Cheers.