World Traveler

Rachel has always had this fascination with England (I blame the likes of Paddington Bear and in more recent years, Downtown Abbey). So when the opportunity arose that a tour to Ireland, Scotland,  and England was announced at school, we jumped on board and signed her up! 

The trip is organized through Education First, Hannah took a similar trip with this company in her Junior Year and had an amazing time. There are some teachers at school who want to instill in kids the love of travel and seeing new things. 

This particular trip, we signed up and committed to in December 2020. Because of COVID, we really weren't sure if the trip would happen, what restrictions there might be, etc. But it happened! And there were no restrictions! And Rachel had an amazing time! 

She was gone June 8-17th. There was one teacher and six girls from our school. Once they arrived in Ireland, they joined a few other groups that would be their travel family for the 10 day tour. 

They started off in Dublin, Ireland, and traveling North to Belfast and Derry. In Ireland she saw such things as Trinity College, St. Patricks Cathedral, visited the Titanic Museum, Giants Causeway. 

On the shores of Northern Ireland

From Northern Ireland, they took a ferry across to Scotland. Rachel was excited to visit the land of her ancestors and look for things with our last name. Unfortunately, due to the popular show Outlander, a lot of "Fraser" merchandise was out of stock. In Scotland, Rachel toured Edinburgh Castle

 

In the land of Scotland

From Edinburgh, Scotland, Rachel boarded a train that took them to London, England! This was the part of the trip she was most excited about! Unfortunately, traffic and delays didn't allow them to see some things they were supposed to (Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Picadilly Circus), but she splurged with an add on tour and got to go to Windsor Castle! Even more exciting that the Queen was home this particular day! Rachel's always had a fascination with Beefeaters, we were beyond thrilled for her when we received a picture of her standing with one! 

She had an amazing time on this trip. Saw so many great things. Learned so much. Before she was even home, she was talking about all the things she'd like to see someday when she can go back! We're grateful she had this opportunity and that she absolutely loved it!