Week 1 -- Depart from the USA and Tour London

Wednesday 21st June Depart from Cleveland Hopkins Airport -- USA

We all met at Cleveland Hopkins Airport around 3:00 p.m. for the overnight flight to Gatwick Airport -- London, England.

Thursday 22nd June -- Arrive London, England

We arrived at London-Gatwick airport and we were greeted by Tracy, our People to People representative and Delegation Manager. While waiting for the other delegation from Tennessee and Virginia, we visited Brighton's Pier. After picking the 8 new members of our delegation, we visited Hampton Court Palace, the beautiful and historic riverside home of King Henry VIII, who had six wives during his reign. Hampton Court Palace is famous for it's Tudor architecture and Maze. We were able to walk through the magnificent gardens. After dinner, we were given free time for some well deserved rest and relaxation!

Friday 23rd June -- London

During a briefing by Sir Andrew Bowden MBE on "The British Constitution", we learned about the respective roles of the House of Commons, The House of Lords and the Monarch. The day also included a visit to the Tower of London. We heard stories about some of its most famous prisoners. We met the Yeoman Warders or "Beefeaters" who guard the Tower and look after the ravens. We even got to see the Crown Jewels! After dinner, we enjoyed a performance of Blood Brothers, one of London's most popular shows.

Saturday 24th June -- London to British Homestay (Chippenham)

We drove to our homestay where we met our host families. We were then welcomed into our new "home"!

Sunday 25th June to Tuesday 27th June -- British Homestay

We spent these days with our homestay families. touring the country side and learning new traditions and trying new food.  We went to Stonehenge, went shopping at Bath, and I even got to go to school for a day.