In two weeks, I will climb up into a charter bus, take my assigned seat, and ride 22 hours straight to Orlando, Florida. I will be a chaperon with the high school marching band, which will perform at Disney's Magic Kingdom--me and 180 people on four big buses for seven days. We will travel together, eat together, play together, fall down exhausted together--and after 22 hours, I suspect stink to high heaven together.
Because of the crazy schedule, we will leave Ohio at 6 pm, travel all night and most of the next day, and spend several hours at MGM Studios before ending up at the hotel sometime after 7 pm. After I check in with the eight girls I am to supervise, I intend to shower and shower and shower. I intend to wear clean clothes and socks and brush my teeth until my toothbrush wears out.
Of all the things I could be concerned about on this trip, being dirty seems to weigh heaviest on my mind. One of my eight charges could run off and do bad things with her boyfriend, but I'll want to wash my hair. Our bus could plunge from an overpass in Atlanta (a tragedy not to make light of--aside: one of the survivors of that recent accident is from my town), and I'll want to make sure I have a clean shirt at hand. My back could require traction from sitting like a pretzel on a bus seat for an entire day, and I will fret about how soon I can wash my face with real soap and water.
So, was I stupid when I signed up for this "opportunity?" I think it will be fun, as long as I can freshen up when I need to. I think it will be fun, as long as I won't need a chiropractor afterwards.
14 days and counting.
Because of the crazy schedule, we will leave Ohio at 6 pm, travel all night and most of the next day, and spend several hours at MGM Studios before ending up at the hotel sometime after 7 pm. After I check in with the eight girls I am to supervise, I intend to shower and shower and shower. I intend to wear clean clothes and socks and brush my teeth until my toothbrush wears out.
Of all the things I could be concerned about on this trip, being dirty seems to weigh heaviest on my mind. One of my eight charges could run off and do bad things with her boyfriend, but I'll want to wash my hair. Our bus could plunge from an overpass in Atlanta (a tragedy not to make light of--aside: one of the survivors of that recent accident is from my town), and I'll want to make sure I have a clean shirt at hand. My back could require traction from sitting like a pretzel on a bus seat for an entire day, and I will fret about how soon I can wash my face with real soap and water.
So, was I stupid when I signed up for this "opportunity?" I think it will be fun, as long as I can freshen up when I need to. I think it will be fun, as long as I won't need a chiropractor afterwards.
14 days and counting.
Comments
PF
Well meant, Robyn, but well, it's not going to be easy. I'm like you, i want clean hair, decent showers, time to think my own thoughts in between the chaos and the chance to change other than some filthy loo en route. I did many day trips and one overnighter but i signed up for a week long trip to France. I had the horrors about it like you are having and at the last minute they said they had enough staff so would alphabetise the first off the list. Being B at that time, that was me. I felt guilty even so but my God the stories that returned afterwards, and not so much from the kids though two got lost, involving police. Lots of walking, head counting, sick to clear up on the coach, one in my teacher friend's lap,and one errant teacher (the French teacher!) went shopping and arrived back so late to the party laden with french goodies for herself that they missed the ferry and all had to wait for the next one.
Sorry. Can't be more optimistic. Wear flat shoes and a mac (for the puke, not the weather) and write off clean hair.
1. Chaperone
2. Bus
3. Disney
It would take more than showers to help me, but I do hope you enjoy it.
several band booster parent couples got into arguments that nearly came to blows. it was entertaining though. they always seemed to have their "discussions" just outside the buses while we were all waiting to go somewhere. i remember thinking that maybe two hundred faces plastered to the windows would shame them into better behavior, but no luck.
my advice to you? sit towards the front. carry lots of purell and water. use talc powder for your hair to soak up any travel grease. and have a great time. :) oh, and if you want, i will give you my travel soap that is in paper thin sheets of cherry-almond cleanliness. perfect for when you want to feel clean and smell that way too.
The good times will be fab and unforgettable but the bad ... oh dear i've said enough! Wish you much love and luck !!! x
And there's no reason (i can think of) that you can't be as clean as you like to be.
I'm sure it will be a blast. Have fun.
First, take a fan, one of those GG japanese ones, but you won't need it on the bus - they are airconditioned and also quite comfortable.
Secondly, caution all of the students not to overeat or indulge in things in case they are sick. Teenagers don't like to be sick in front of their friends.
Thirdly, first rule of business is to demand to have the shower FIRST.
Fourthly, you can buy stuff in a can to spray on your hair (similar to talc I suppose), or you could elect to take a nice floppy sun-hat or glamorous headscarf (the Isadora Duncan type - ooh, now there's a memory) - you know, over the head and wrapped once around the neck with a pretty brooch. It would have to be silk though because of the humid climate in Orlando. Something tells me though that Orlando in early spring won't be all that bad.
Fifthly - pack some apples, your dental floss and some strong peppermints in your handbag - if you pack koolmints and chew them, they practically brush your teeth for you. Don't forget to hand the mints around so that the students don't kill you with their breath.
AND it WILL be a trip to remember for a lifetime.
PS The tip to wear flat shoes is a good one.
Enjoy and take lots of photos.
Photos, yes we want lots. I, in particular, want one of your bedraggled, dirty hair, preferably of you at the back of a queue for the shower, standing there waiting with your pathetic (not you particularly; i always find such sights quite pathetic, of my own included not sure why) little washbag, towel and bare, verucca-growing feet (yes take flip-flops for that purpose. Wear them in shower).
No, Mme is right. Insist that your shower is first. You need to be clean, washed and ready for action. Same principle of putting your oxygen mask first before your baby's on a failing flight. Yes it's that desperate.
LOL I'm kidding you to a certain extent, dear Robyn (and enjoying it in a most disturbing way) but again, all sentiments are real. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Oh ... i'm sorry ... when will you post the photos ... I can't not watch !!
I could go on - these memories of mine are simply my own boys' school trips, as a teacher i have more stories! Eek.
Robyn you will enjoy it, sort of, and as i have tried, view it in its most humorous form; the only way! lol xx lots of love!
The only shoes I wear are flat shoes because heels make me looks like a fraud, like I'm pretending to be grown up.
Thanks to all for your very helpful (smirk to the teasing Lynn) tips.
"Everything." he replied.
Then -
"Tell her to feel lucky she's not going to Germany. Beer is available in vending machines there."
Moisturiser in your bag, not packed, so that you can wipe the smudged mascara from around your eyes after that squidged-up nap against the glass, without the need for water. It could be some days before you get some. he he. I'm sorry i just can't stop being naughty about this one, it's hilarious. Not my humour, i'm not that big headed, no, the fact that you agreed. LOL ! xxxx