France and Italy 2008: Jordans in Nice and Northern Italy: Day Four: Saturday, November 22, 2008

Day Four: Saturday, November 22, 2008
Second Day of the Convention

I decided to get up at six so I could run, but when six rolled around I changed my alarm to 6:30. But I did actually go out to run after that. I had to use my cool new French running shorts that I had to buy last night. I headed down the street where the trolly runs. I ran down to Garibaldi Square and then back by the back side of the Acropolis under the windows where I teach. Not surprisingly the street is called Gallieni (the same name of the class rooms I am teaching in)

I went down to breakfast sometime after seven and low and behold I found Christine’s Danon Yogurt in the glass jars. I got a fraises (strawberry) and my mueseli and I was set. The fresh baguette and meat and cheeses weren’t bad either. I also had hoped to run into Taylor Mali so I could say hello before he comes to Del Campo in April but he never did arrive in the breakfast area. Oh well.

I left the hotel at about 8:20, and as I was sitting near the ECIS desk, who walks right by but Michelle Daughtry and Taylor Mali.

Taylor Mali, "What Teacher's Make"

Of course I quickly jumped up and introduced myself before he headed off to his 9 a.m. session. He somehow even knew I was doing yearbook critiques when I mentioned I was here doing yearbook stuff. I then went to Michelle to look at the sign up book for my critiques and there were four signed up. I wound up working with five and really talked non stop between 9 and 11:45.
1. David O’Connell Antwerp International School
2. Trichette Roy ASCIA (She was signed up but did not come)
3. Geoffrey Hinman American Overseas School Rome
4. Johathon Malcolm Inter Community School, Zurich
5. Ahu Ozkarahan, Robert College of Istanbul

View from my room.

I really think my idea of individual critiques is a huge success and definitely feel it is a great service to the ECIS advisers. I really could have handled only one or two more tops. The conversations were product and I think helpful to each adviser. I did not really need the critique guideline sheets and to do them with most of the books would have been overwhelmingly negative. I choose only to really completely fill out one of them.

After awhile I went to the room down the hall that has free internet and printing and I was able to run off the directions to Villa Sampaguita. I even had a free jamon sandwich with mesculun. Some woman had the nerve to run off a 100+ page document from their printer.
I went back to my little office and worked on my presentations until they started at three. Kat was in the room right before me so I had a great talk with her. The adviser session had about ten people and I think it was received very well. They loved the prizes and I actually had to rush at the end to get through it all. My section session was on caption writing and I had about five or six and it went well as well. They loved the fact that I was giving them my keynote to use. I always worry about how these things are going to go, but then they always turn out terrifically. But I know I will always keep worrying. I am already worried about tomorrow. :)

After my session I stayed for Russell Viers' Intro to Photoshop class and it was fun to get his crazy perspective. I think his life is one big teaching session. He is really pretty funny. I headed back to the Novotel and home at around six.

Zoe, Christine, and Sue take a day trip to Eze
So this is the infamous Zoe speaking, the youngest daughter I'm sure you've heard so much about. Well I will be filling in for my father because he was not able to go on our little adventure. So today we went to the bus station at 11:30 and caught a bus to Eze, an old village/castle. The road was windy and long. Upon arrival, Sue quickly rushed us into the parfum store where we got a tour and learned about the history of parfum. Turns out Paris is a bunch of liars. And F.Y.I. it didn't originate in Paris nor does Paris make the parfum. We got to test many samples and I ended up leaving with a six pack of the top selling ladies parfums, my favorite happening to be the one she lady referred to as "sexy."
After leaving that store we strolled up the hill to the castle. Once we arrived at the top we were greeted by cacti gallore and an incredible view of Nice. It was amazing. Turns out the castle was once a prison during WWII. So we left the top and had crepes at a place in the castle/town. After we went and sat at the bus stop for about an hour. In the last half hour my mom went to the bathroom and as she was walking back the bus pulled up, early. We thought she was going to miss it but all was well and she made it on time.