Visit From The Boss.

This past week I was lucky enough to host a visit from my Headteacher, Mrs Cathy Byrne. Mrs Byrne had applied for funding from Fulbright's Head Teacher Study Visit.

Mrs Byrne arrived via Amtrak at Schenectady Station on Friday night. We spent Saturday touring the delights of Schenectady *muffles snort*. Mrs Byrne agreed with me, that it is so strange to be 'downtown' in a city centre and for it to be so quiet and empty. We strolled up to Schenectady Museum and took in the exhibits there, mainly it seemed to be a collection of 'Washing Machines Through The Ages' plus we had to PAY!!! As I recall, all museums in Hull are free (for the moment!). We then walked round my favourite area of Schenectady, The Stockade. These are the oldest houses in the area and some have been there since the Dutch colonised the area. It reminds me very much of The Avenues in Hull. We stopped in The Van Dyke for a beverage and to avoid a snowstorm!

Sunday started with a visit to St Anthony's Church where we experienced a Catholic Mass in Spanish with my friend and teaching assistant Mercedes. This was lovely and the people there were so welcoming, it didn't matter that I didn't understand much. There was some lovely singing. We then took Mrs Byrne shopping at Walmart. Oh the fun never ends round here! The day finished with dinner at The Brudos's. Fantastic beef from their own cows and i tried beetroot for the first time EVER! It was OK really!

The reason for the visit, of course, was for Mrs Byrne to see the US Education system and Dan had set up a fantastic schedule for the week. Visits to other local schools, the High School and even lunch with the Superintendent of Schenectady! The week passed so quickly. Mrs Byrne reiterated our opinion that people here are so warm and friendly. Before she left on Friday, we held a British Tea Party for children and parents in my class. It was fantastic. I even bakes scones. (Yes Mum, second time baking this week!) It was fabulous seeing the class decorated with Union Jacks and everyone sipping tea from dainty cups and nibbling cucumber sandwiches over the strains of God Save The Queen. We shared out the Dairy Milk my Mum had sent across and the children LOVED it! I have had an excellent week and it has been great fun showing Schenectady and the school off to Mrs Byrne.