A Celebration of Queens NY in Photos
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
I Saw a Man Walk on the Moon
I was fortunate to have had two sets of wonderful parents each of whom contributed to my education and instilled within me an appreciation of history.
In my posting about poetry, there was a passage concerning Apollo XI and my father's reaction to this momentous event. At the time of the first moonwalk, I was visiting with my father's family at my Great Aunt Hopie's cottage in Gloucester Banks, Virginia.
But it was my stepfather's reaction that truly put this into perspective for me.
My stepfather was born in New York City on July 2, 1902. He was the first of three children born to Russian Jewish immigrants, and before they prospered and moved uptown to fashionable Harlem, he lived in a six story walk-up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
He was older than my grandfather!
When I returned home to New York from Virginia, we sat down for our first supper together after two weeks of separation. I enjoyed our suppers because it was the time I could talk about the day's events with my parents. My stepfather tended to sit quietly and listen to me ramble on; he made Calvin Coolidge seem talkative! However, when he did say something, it was usually well-considered and sometimes hysterically funny; there was a great deal of wisdom connected with his observations, Yiddish anecdotes, and biographical sketches. It's a Jewish tradition to teach with parables and jokes.
I spoke of my father and his family, the places we visited, and my first 'boyfriend'.
Before my mother could get in a word, he asked me, "Is that all you remember from your visit? Isn't there something you've forgotten?"
"No. I don't think so."
"What were you doing on July 20th and 21st?"
"I think we were in Gloucester."
"I saw a man walk on the moon."
"Oh, that! So did I!"
"But it wasn't important enough to you to mention it. You didn't remember the date. You took it for granted."
And I think he was right. Being one of the later Baby Boomers, I was born into the Space Age and it was a part of my early education. I knew the names of the original seven astronauts and the ill-fated Gus Grissom was one of my favorites. In fact, my mother allowed me to stay home the day before my birthday (her personal present to me) in order to watch the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, launched into space. In retrospect, my mother displayed her wisdom in that she thought I would learn more by watching the launch than being in the classroom. I do recall vividly snuggling up with her in bed and listening to Walter Cronkite describe every detail. The stakes were high and there was a great deal of drama. Years later, my cousin Wilbur Bailey, who had taught Tom Wolfe, lent me his autographed copy of, The Right Stuff', and it brought back the memories from my perspective. The movie from that book is one of my favorites. But in reality, on July 20th and 21st and all during the week, my father, stepmother, brother, and sister were glued to the TV set watching the Eagle land; Neil Armstrong's first step; Buzz Aldrin following him; Collins orbiting; and finally, the safe landing and recovery back on earth. I simply neglected to tell him in my initial outburst concerning the events of past few weeks.
I was taken aback; he had never admonished me like that before. He looked at me intently as he had never looked at me before and very slowly and deliberately repeated, "I saw a man walk on the moon!". It was time for me to be quiet and pay attention.
He proceeded to explain, "You don't understand. When I was born, I lived in a tenement without running water or electricity. It was a year before the Wright brothers' flight. A telephone was a novelty; there was one at the corner candy store and they would send someone to yell up at your apartment when you got a call; it was an event and the neighbors would crowd around! Cars? Cars! Only rich people had cars. Trucks? My father had two horse-drawn wagons and a few pushcarts. And New York was was the height of civilization in respect to where most of the neighborhood came from. My own parents came from a farm five miles from the nearest shtetl."
"I was too young for World War I, but I remember being fascinated by airplanes and reading all about them. You couldn't imagine how thrilled I was to see my first plane flying over me. It was not a usual sight when I was a boy. Lindbergh. Now that was a hero! From New York to Paris in a little over a day! Alone! New York went wild. I was one of the thousands who saw him ride down Broadway during the ticker-tape parade. And then I remember seeing the film, Hell's Angels; I must have seen it twenty times. Jules Verne, Buck Rogers, that was fantasy; so who knew it would be reality within thirty years!"
He paused and shook his head. "I saw a man walk on the moon!"
He continued. "Silent movies were just beginning. Then there was radio, talkies, television. Television! What a miracle! In the past few years they have even invented big machines that can think, and now transistors. Jets and rockets! And we can even see these astronauts in space on the television, and they can talk to us!"
"In my 67 years, we have gone from gaslight to space. My generation was born in the Dark Ages and within this one generation, we have gone further faster than all other preceding generations. It's like going from the Stone Age right into the 1700's, in just 67 years! From now on, it is not, 'if', it is, 'when'. " He pointed his finger at me. "Never forget the date. Never forget the names of these men. These are true heroes who made history. Better than Columbus."
Neil Armstrong's, "One small leap for a man, one giant leap for mankind ", was indeed personally meaningful to this once reticent man. Up until that point, I had no idea how deeply passionate he was.
He stopped short. "Of course, there was Hitler and the atomic bomb. Maybe we're going too fast." He brightened, "On the other hand, I feel privileged to have been born in this century and in this country."
"I saw a man walk on the moon." He lit his cigar, and sat back self-satisfied.
There was nothing else to say and I proceeded to help my mother clear the dishes.
This was to be our second most important dinner together* because it was the start of a much closer, adult relationship. My stepfather and I would spend a great deal of time talking about his life, all the events he had witnessed, as well as the people he had seen or met. He had a lived a full and exciting life that witnessed so much history and American popular culture.
As a treat, the two of us went together to the ticker-tape parade in New York that August, in honor of the Apollo XI astronauts.
He died in 1972.
Dad, I haven't forgotten.
* The first dinner was when he asked a six year-old girl for permission to marry her mother.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
A Vacation at Home
A Vacation at Home
They call it a busman’s holiday; a holiday doing what one normally does for work. The difference is that I’m a professional tour guide in the Virginia and DC area. My work as an educational student tour designer is an extension of my life and interests.
So where do I go for a vacation? I stay home.
Let me give you an example of this past week:
It was the 4th of July so naturally I got up early, and took a taxi to the National Archives. I have a particular place I like to sit and found that there was a lovely lady already there. We exchanged pleasantries and I sat down on the top steps beside her. I realized that the line to view the Charters of Freedom was unusually short (about twenty people) and I suggested that she and I go to visit. But she didn’t want to leave her spot and would be happy to save my place on the steps below the podium where there would be distinguished guests and our forefathers (Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin) giving a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The doors opened at 10:00 sharp, and after going through security, I was one of the first up there. It was so quiet. OK. Respects paid. I dashed out, got my fan (the archives give out paper fans with wooden holders that have the schedule of events printed on them), and joined my new friend. (I only missed the first part of the fife and drum corps.)
After listening to everyone, which included Allen Weinstein, the Archivist of the United States; Cokie Roberts; and Ken Burns discussing his new series, The War. I gave the parade a miss and went to the other side of the archives on Pennsylvania Avenue and investigated all the activities they had in a series of tents. So I learned about the Cold War Museum and the women who helped to decipher messages, wrote with a quill pen, signed a copy of the Declaration, planted a paper cup victory garden, met two reenactors who portrayed people from the two most popular posters in the archives (I had them pose with the posters), bought a book and had it inscribed by the author.
After that, I crossed the street and took photos of the Navy Memorial and went downstairs to take more. (They have a great film and bathrooms!)
Time for lunch! There was a charming Mexican restaurant and while I don’t generally like TexMex, this was haute cuisine. I had a refreshing ceviche with crabmeat and scallops. They also brought me one of the best limeades I had ever had – there was a bit of carbonation. Yummy!
I spent an hour back at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, finishing up Virginia and hoping sometime before the 8th to visit Mekong River and Northern Ireland.
Part of the Roots of Virginia exhibit was the county of Kent, England. There were several exhibits concerning Canterbury Cathedral and I was able to touch some of the artifacts and 15th century glass.
Time to go home, do some work, and rest up for the evening.
My former roommate, and now neighbor, had called while I was out and I decided to return her call. She wasn’t doing anything for the 4th and I invited her to join me on the National Mall for the fireworks. She demurred because she envisioned that it would be too crowded. Ah! But when one travels with tour guides on their day off, one doesn’t get involved with lines or crowds! After I had convinced her, she was game!
And it was all that I had promised! Imagine, she had only seen fireworks from afar, but never directly above her! It was a thrilling experience for her – and she was shocked that the area in facing the south front of the White House was practically empty! Incidentally, the weather was perfect even after a rain shower two hours earlier.
For the next couple of days I worked a bit at home and ended up going into DC Saturday to wander around some more and take photos. Ford’s Theatre was my starting place as it will be closing down at the end of the summer for about two years due to needed renovations, upgrading of facilities and an elevator.
On the way I passed the FBI building and I think they’re building a new entrance on Pennsylvania Avenue. Unfortunately, they had to cut down a tree. The Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building was a revelation. I had never noticed their courtyard and fountain, and the ceiling of the entrance way was painted! Security only allowed me to take photos from the street.
The statue of Nathan Hale was my next stop and I took photos for a possible future post.
Back to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival concentrating on the Mekong River and Northern Ireland..
I was surprised by the number of secret gardens around the Smithsonian. I had almost forgotten about them. There are three that I photographed extensively and I might do a separate posting on them. The first was a butterfly garden on the side of the Natural History Museum, the second was one all around the Smithsonian Castle, the Sackler, and Freer Galleries (all of which I visited, they were air -conditioned!). The third was one on the east side of the Arts and Industries building. Between the Sackler and Freer gardens I saw a mother swinging her toddler back and forth into a fountain. (It was a particularly hot day and the lad was so joyful to feel the cold water!) I can still hear his laughter and feel his happiness.
I stepped into the Smithsonian Castle for a break and a drink. I had seen what I thought was a bishop in a niche (subject of a future pos) on the side of the building. I went up to the information desk to ask, only to discover that the person I had asked was blind. She hadn’t any idea of what I was talking about and neither did her seeing colleague. But we spent about twenty minutes talking and going over a Braille map that was not only out of date, but inaccurate. I filled in the blank spaces and answered some of her questions. It was a lovely experience.
Then it was time to walk around the doughnut-shaped Hirshhorn Museum and took some photos of the sculpture and architecture before going across the street into their sculpture garden.
There were several Korean teenagers sitting opposite a tree that had all sorts of tags hanging from it. The tree was a recent gift from Yoko Ono and it was called a ‘Wish Tree’ where one makes out a tag and writes a wish and hangs it on the tree. The Korean students had printed several Christian messages. I eventually found out that they were sons and daughters of Presbyterian missionaries in Russia!
Well it was 070707 and there was a concert for the earth at the Museum of the American Indian. Former Vice President Al Gore had been there earlier in the morning. Someone had given me a World Wildlfe Fund fan they had received when the Vice President was there. I stopped for a couple of minutes and picked up another fan concerning a Pow Wow in August. (Did I tell you that I collect fans?) A Starbucks van was parked nearby and they were giving out free raspberry mocha frappachinos, Naturally I had three, they were in small cups!
It was now 5:15 PM and my back was telling me that I needed to return home and rest. (I’m not getting any younger!)
So that’s what I do when I don’t have 45 students trailing behind me.
It ‘s always a pleasure to ferret out more nooks and crannies, meet new people, find out new things, look at my neighborhood with a different set of eyes, and still have time to smell the flowers!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
How I Manage My Student Tours in the Field
Prologue:
I've been reading several educational blogs concerning effective classroom management and for the most part they have been very good. My experience with managing students on tour was by the 'seat of my pants' and after trial and error and eventual success. I finally feel as if I am in almost complete control of my domain. However, I was always open to learning more about classroom management techniques; there's always room for improvement.
Professional 24-hour tour guides are bright, knowledgeable, and flexible but surprisingly, many do not have college degrees! What they do have is practical experience (which I prize above all else), a deep love and appreciation of history, and excellent social skills. The main mission of guiding is group management and communication. The group must be manageable before there is any communication! One must get their attention, and most importantly, keep their attention.
Some years ago, I had the opportunity to take my first course in education and one that entailed classroom management. The tour company I worked with became the first to become accredited. Because of this accreditation, all the tour guides needed to be ‘certified’ and go through a certification course (4-6 hours) as well as learn new ways to approach educational content and student management.
Unfortunately, the educational ‘professional’ was one who believed in motivating students with candy and promises. I don’t believe that for each correct answer from a student, we should be throwing a Jolly Roger at them as we would throw a fish to a seal. It’s undignified and demeaning. I also don’t believe that we should make promises that we might not be able to keep if we don’t have complete control over the situation i.e. "If you come back to the bus within ten minutes, then I can give you all an extra fifteen minutes swimming", only to find out that the hotel pool is closed that evening! I resent ‘carrots’ that would put the focus on anything other than the learning process. Running back and forth to the bus at the Jefferson Memorial to take a quick photo, without learning anything, in order to get more swimming time at the hotel, is counter to the mission of a true educational trip. That’s sightseeing.
After expressing my displeasure with his theories, and there were so many others I found offensive, I was asked by this trainer how I would reward students. I countered, “Education and knowledge are their own rewards; I believe in praising, but not bribing,”
While I am not a real touchy-feely sort of person, I recognized that my management became easier and facilitated educational goals when the students understood that I both liked and respected them. I do compliment my students and encourage them. Praising students for their curiosity and critical thinking skills bolsters self-esteem and worthiness; it also promotes more of the same. Students need to be praised, they don't get enough of it in their everyday lives, but the praise should be earned.
Occasionally, if I have extra money, I will treat them to ices, buy some pretzels, Krispy Kreams right from the bakery, or a ride on the carousel on the National Mall. Sometimes I have balls and frisbees stashed away in my bag in order to give them a half hour in between museums to 'blow off steam', which is important. If they’ve really put in a good, full day when a lot of demands and rules have been followed, I will return to the hotel early. Why? Because I love them! My rewards are a thank you, rather than a please; they are never announced beforehand.
But I am no pushover; my authority is well-established and I have high expectations for my students and challenge them at every opportunity. And believe me, they in turn, appreciate and respect me.
After listening to drivel for two hours, I had had enough and walked out. I don’t believe he had ever been in charge of a group in his life!
Tour Guide Challenges
While teachers are striving to keep their students seated and quiet in order to be receptive to learning, we have to keep them in lines (for extended periods), cross streets, enter buildings, up and down staircases, and get through security. We also need to monitor their behavior in restaurants, museums, and hotels. We’re on duty 24/7. Our communication efforts are often thwarted by outside noises, crowds, and other influences that we must plan for and deal with.
In many cases we also have to manage overprotective and/or demanding parents who are not accustomed to the schedule and rigors of student travel. Additionally, some parents haven’t cut the umbilical cord and are in the way of their children's growth spurts and chance at some independence and ‘space’. (Sometimes children need to learn to work out their own problems without parental interference.)
My groups can be as large as 57 students and adults, so you can imagine that priority # 1 is safety!
After years of honing my skills, I have come to the conclusion that the secret to getting the best response from the group is to have them understand that the tour guide is in charge (in tandem with the teacher), the tour guide loves and respects each and every student, and the tour guide does everything in the best interest of the group.
We’re supposed to lead; they’re supposed to follow. And it is best that they want to follow1
Establishing One’s Presence and Authority
From the moment I meet the group at baggage claim until the time they go through security to return home, I put myself in a position of authority. (Naturally I defer to the wishes of the teacher/organizer, but by that time we have already spent hours designing the tour together and have talked over how the tour is to be conducted.)
When I first greet them, I am warm and welcoming. I introduce myself, or have the teacher introduce me, which is much better. I answer any questions and it is at that point that I start learning their names. I inquire about their flight. I note that they look tired. I ask if they are hungry (typically we provide a meal after the flight since the airlines are not serving meals anymore) and tell them that we will get to a meal as soon as possible. I mention that they need to remove any cameras, film, jackets, rain gear, medication from their luggage, for once it is under the bus, they will not see their luggage until we arrive at the hotel – because it is difficult on the driver. And most importantly, to get their last ‘chews’ in because from this moment until they get back on the plane, there is no chewing gum allowed. (If you’ve read my post about gum, you’ll understand!) I introduce the driver in advance at baggage claim and have them greet him by name when they first meet him at the bus. So from the get-go I let them know that I am concerned about them and that I am the other person in control.
Bus Management
If possible, the seats in the back of the bus should be off-limits to students. If there are parents, I put them on the bus first and they sit in the back in what I call the, ‘Coffee Klatch’. I want to establish a classroom setting; after all, this experience is for the students. The teacher and I are up front in separate seats across from one another so we can confer. If there are far fewer students than seats, then I block off a few rows of the bus in the back to bring them closer together in the front. (Whenever students or adults spread out in a bus, the level of engagement drops significantly. When a group is ‘bunched-up’, they are more receptive. This is also true in theatre.)
I introduce the driver and then go over a detailed safety talk about riding in the coach, the do’s and don’ts, the use of the ‘recycling area’ (toilet), the fact that the bus is the driver’s ‘office’ and they should respect it and keep it clean. Before the group de-boards the bus at each stop, they are required to throw the garbage away as they leave the bus. A thorough cleaning before entering the hotel is necessary.
Adults always board and exit the bus first. (No student should be on the bus alone with a driver - for the driver’s protection. No one should stay on the bus that is sick; find another place, go back to the hotel, or get some help. (The driver should not have to be attentive to or responsible for sick people. It can be a dangerous situation when the bus is shut down and becomes either too hot or too cold, or the person gets ‘sick’.) The bus should not be looked upon as a detention center. (Why punish the driver?)
Rotate sides of the bus getting off the bus. Or have boys off first one time, and the girls off next next.
And while I don’t advocate people standing up in the bus, I do walk back and forth to have short conversations with the students to keep in 'touch'.
No cell phones, walkmen, IPODS, MP3’s, or gameboys are allowed on the bus during the tour. (I will allow them on long drives i.e. Williamsburg to DC.) But having to ask them each and every time to remove their electronics is annoying and takes up valuable time during commentary; there is also a bit of resentment on the part of the student when I interrupt a game or a favorite song.
The only thing consumed on the bus will be air and water. No food or candy. (Unless there is an emergency box lunch meal that has to be consumed on the bus because of time or weather.)
It is on the bus that I discuss my ‘catch phrases’ and nomenclature. These phrases and terms (some silly) are like secret code words for the group and bind them together. These phrases and words can relate to the way we line up, attitude, and philosophy. They are instructive and motivational. Sometimes the students add their own and personalize the experience. If there is more than one bus, one can see the difference in attitudes and deportment between and amongst the groups because of these phrases. I also have a set of hand signals in the event we are in an area where I cannot speak to the group i.e. a secured area in a Federal Building or a noisy crowd.
All this is explained in depth so that the students understand why these are necessary.
I always ‘high five’ them as I count them getting off and getting on the bus. The ‘high five’ has become most important and they usually smile while they are doing it.
Management in the Field
I set out a set of challenges and problems one can come across during the course of the tour and ask for suggestions on how we can make things easier. The students then take ownership of many of the rules. Some of them are quite creative and I have used them for all my subsequent tours.
When it is convenient, I also like to include the students in the planning process and give them an idea about logistics. Part of the educational process is learning how to travel and make choices. Teaching about options and flexibility is also important.
I personalize all the people with whom we are going to meet during the tour. I know the names of most of the guards and Capitol Police, managers of restaurants, wait staff, hotel maids etc. I explain to the students how hard their respective jobs are and why. It is our responsibility to help make their jobs easier and their day brighter. When they understand that these are real people trying to do their jobs, the students are far more respectful than if these people were just anonymous authority figures or servants.
It is important to teach the skills of getting around an urban environment. I need to teach the students how to walk on a sidewalk (look at the sidewalk, make an imaginary line down the center and say to the right of it.), go in and out of doors. (The revolving door is the most challenging: single file, to the right, one at a time, push and walk!), up and down staircases (same as walking down a sidewalk), on escalators (In a single line, stand on the right, or walk to the left.), elevators (Let people off first, don’t jump or press all the buttons!), on the metro (my infamous John Wayne imitation – but they don’t know who John Wayne was!).
Common courtesy like holding doors and giving seats to the elderly or physically challenged must also be taught.
I have a hand signal for a ‘huddle’ when I need to speak to them outside and there is a lot of noise.
If possible, I find a secluded place where they can sit in the shade. Students are far more receptive when seated and comfortable.
I break them up into smaller, adult-centered groups to visit memorials and museums etc. No one learns as much in a crowd as in smaller groups. In those cases I talk to them about the site first, tell them what they should look for, and give them a specific time and place to meet. With that system, I have never lost a student at the Lincoln/Korea/Vietnam Memorials, even when it is crowded at night.
I like planning a Hawaiian shirt day. That needs advance notice, so that the students can buy and pack it in their suitcase before traveling. On one of the days, in the middle of the tour when there are no ‘official’ visits, I announce the Hawaiian Shirt Day. This raises the spirits of the students, as well as the onlookers, and it becomes something they look forward to. You can't imagine the effect of the shirts on 57 people walking on the National Mall! (Designing tee shirts for the group is also wonderful, especially on the first and last day. They should be all the same color, preferably bright, so the students can be seen in a crowd.)
I like pointing out how other students (Student Tourists or STs, the lowest form of life on earth) act and are disrespectful as opposed to my ‘enlightened ‘AIT’s’ (Adults in Training). My students are respectful after seeing these ‘STs’ in action and normally report some bizarre or foolish behavior they witnessed.
Anything that I ask them to do, I follow myself. If they can’t have gum, I will not chew gum. If they cannot sit, then I will not sit. And I do tell them that I will not ask them to do anything that I’m not prepared to do myself.
Don’t forget the assessment! If you ask them to find out about something, you must allow some time for a discussion concerning their discoveries, opinions, and feelings.
And count, count, count! (See my posting on that)
Management in Restaurants
I like to have some upgraded meals and the students usually respond well to a charming French restaurant or something exotic. I do go over good manners and ask that they thank their servers and use ‘please’ or ‘no thank you’. Compliments go a long way. I also teach them the words, ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’. In fact, I address my students as Miss or Mister on tour and as a group I refer to them as ladies and gentlemen or my AITs. The students respond much better to being termed as ladies and gentlemen than boys and girls. This is something that I would suggest in any classroom.
I usually call ahead to find out the table configurations and have them in table groups before they reach the restaurant. Adults always are seated and served first. (I tell my AIT’s that it is because they’re older and slower, which is the real reason; we do take longer to eat.)
Normally their table manners are atrocious and I don’t have time to teach them how to hold a fork or how to cut meat. I’m concerned with keeping the table clean and not having them play with the salt and pepper shakers, sugar, etc.
I always go around to inquire at each table how the food is etc.
They need to be mindful that there are other people dining there as well.
Management in Hotels
Ah!
This is a real problem area.
It is not their home or personal room; it is on loan to them and belongs to the hotel.
They need to share beds (even the guys –one above the covers, one below.)
They need to be respectful of the furniture etc.
There are other people in the hotel who are trying to sleep, at all hours of the day and night.
They need to be dressed properly with shoes when outside the room.
I establish a room captain who holds the keys and assign specific tasks for the room group each night and morning to clean the room. (It is imperative to give them real specific tasks i.e. folding the wet towels over the bathtub, putting all the trash in the bin, keeping your clothes either in the closet or in your suitcase, which should remain closed during the day.)
There is a curfew and lights out time. (This must be respected by the adults who should neither disturb the students, nor try to have secret pizza parties after hours with their son/daughter’s room.)
Always have security guard on duty to protect the students.
There are no room-to-room calls except to the teacher in case of a problem or emergency.
They need to know what to do in case of fire and where to meet up with the group.
I don’t advocate the ‘taping ' of rooms’ doors anymore; it has tipped off pedophiles as to which rooms contain students.
Girls and boys rooms need to be separated and no connecting doors between student rooms.
They need to set their own alarms and room clocks in addition to the wake-up call that is arranged for the entire group. (No excuse for being late!)
They need to place their name tags on the inside handle of the room door, so they wont forget it (on the task list).
But more importantly, they need some time to relax, but not enough to get into trouble. I advocate a journal or workbook where they can record the events of the day. Nothing very demanding, but something to get them focused. I hardly ever have problems with noise or deportment etc. when students have a little bit of work to do. Breakfast is a good time to check this over.
Management of Time
Knowing how much time to spend in a place or on one's commentary is essential. Knowing when to stop. Knowing how long it takes from one site to another ,with and without traffic, is also important In touring; the effective use of time is the hallmark of a good guiding. A good guide factors in the time it takes to get on and off the bus, which is about fifteen minutes per for a large group, how much time it takes to get to places (standing in line, going up stairs, going through security etc.) And always work on worse case scenario; most of the time you'll be pleasantly surprise, but don't count on it!
Being strict about meeting times is important. Students need to understand about logistics and appointments. They also need to understand how to plan for the unforeseen. Five minutes, literally, can make a difference in Washington, DC between making or missing an appointment. It is always better to be a bit early. Time and tide wait on no man!
Conclusion
Full service tour guides have to do all of the above. Most of my colleagues are accustomed to teachers who just want to sit back and let the guide do everything. All of my current teachers are repeat and we have everything down to a system. Naturally, seasoned teachers can be of great service by preparing the students beforehand by having the students make out reports (see Teaching to the Trip) , organizing afterschool meetings to discuss the sights and logistics, and sharing some of the responsibility in the field. Many of my teachers have the students sign behavior contracts before the students can come on the trip. But most of the new teachers I have conducted don’t have a clue how to motivate and move large crowds of students.
As a rule, it only takes me a couple of hours the first day to convey all of this to the students in a fun and engaging way. The lessons stay with them for a lifetime. A Principal who tours with me in the autumn tells me that my management on tour positively affects his classroom management for the rest of the year. Several of my teachers have borrowed my catch phrases and nomenclature. And I, in turn, learn from my teachers and administrators, at least they have bona fide experience in the classroom!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
My First Real Adventure
Scribbit has asked for contributions for her Write Away Contest. Her subject this time around has to do with one's greatest adventure. If you're interested, please consult her site for the rules and deadline.
Here's my effort::
My First Real Adventure
I was twenty-one and I had already worked full-time for the past four years while attending school. When school was out, I took a second parttime job.
My stepfather had died when I was 18 and finances were tight; nearly all of my earnings from my various jobs went into rent and household expenses for the expensive Sutton Place efficiency (no bedroom) apartment in Manhattan I shared with my mother. We were extremely close, but I was itching to go out on my own and I needed a well-deserved break. Most people considered me an obedient daughter who was extremely conservative in an age of social revolution; in short, boring. But there was also
It had been my dream since childhood to visit England and go to the theatre in London and see great plays with legendary actors. At this point in time, I was apprenticing in theatre administration and had wondered how different the West End was from Broadway. There was also a particular play by Alan Bennett starring Alec Guinness I wanted to see.
I had worked at the same job for over a year so I was owed a week’s paid vacation plus sick days I had not taken and I was informed that I needed to take it within the month, or lose it.
What an opportunity!
It occurred to me that it was time to cut the apron strings and this would be the first step.
Each week for more than a year, I had squirreled away some money in the hope of doing something like this. But first, I needed to get a passport.
Just the act of ordering a copy of my birth certificate, posing for the photos, and filling out the forms was exciting! Receiving the passport itself was thrilling ! And I was doing it all myself! But that Passport was more than just a document that would allow me to leave and reenter the country, it was a passport to the rest of my life!
After I was sure I could travel abroad, I made reservations for the various theatre performances through a booking agent, bought some clothes (I thought they dressed up so I purchased a couple of hats, a pair of white gloves, and two smart suits. Of course, I owned pearls!). I rationalized that I needed these clothes anyway, for my job. I stashed the clothes and the passport at my friend’s apartment. (His parents were very supportive and helpful.)
Freddie Laker had just started his $249 round trip flights on a first-come, first-served basis and his office was across the street from my best friend’s apartment building in Rego Park, Queens. The plan was to take turns in line, and this had to be done on the day of the flight! This was a very popular deal and hundreds of people showed up each day.
Another friend offered to lend me some money and I actually accepted the offer to pay for my hotel, food, and other expenses.; he gave me a very generous payment schedule. (Please note that the theatre tickets were booked before anything else!)
So I had everything in place for my escape!
My Rego Park conspirator was accompanying me to the bank the day I was to leave. As we approached the bank, we noticed it was closed! There had been a bomb scare! (Just my luck!) It was too late for me to get to any other of the bank’s branches (this was before ATM’s and charge cards for most people). My friend’s bank was relatively near to mine and we had enough time to get to it before closing. He took my check, deposited it, and withdrew the cash I needed!
In the meantime, his mother was one of the first in line at the Freddie Laker office but I still hadn’t told my mother!
I was gathering up my courage and decided to be boldly matter-of-fact: It started with me telling my mother that I had one week's paid vacation and that I had to take it that week. She was pleased and immediately rattled off a number of things that I had to do during my vacation. Then I dropped the bombshell: I was unable to do them because I would not be around! It occurred to her that I might be going to visit my father, but was flabbergasted when I told her I was going to London! “Oh no you’re not!”
“Oh yes I am!”
She smiled sweetly, “Darling, you can’t just fly out of the country, you need a passport.”
“I know that. Gotta go, have a great week!”
It was the first time I had ever seen my mother speechless!
I rushed over to relieve my friend’s mother in the line and she and her son eventually brought me some dinner. (Oh! She was a great cook!)
But while I was standing on line, I realized that I hadn’t made hotel arrangements!
Luckily there was a lectern with a representative from the London Board of Tourism (or something like that) behind it that could book rooms, restaurant, theatre tickets, bus and rail passes etc. I told her I wanted to stay in either Kensington or Mayfair for 5 nights at L15 per night! (Unbelievably low rate for first class areas.) She took my deposit and promised that there would be something awaiting me when I got to the train station. So I flew off to England with one suitcase and two hat boxes, and no idea of where I was going to sleep!
She was right! That wonderful woman found a guest house/hostel near Harrod’s across from Old Brompton Oratory! And, as it turned out, if I made a couple of beds each morning (4) and helped clear after breakfast, they would take half off, since they were short-handed! What a deal!
I registered with the American Embassy the first day and gave them my contact information as my friend’s mother had suggested. (This gave me an excuse to visit the embassy.)
The next few days were magical! On the way to my guesthouse directly from the flight, I stopped a taxi driver from cheating me. I also foiled a mugging (of me) a couple of nights later. Being a New Yorker, I managed to figure out the Underground and buses. It was Easter, but I attended a Roman Catholic church I had mistaken for a Church of England Church (Communion was really awkward as I was waiting at the altar for wine, and the priest informed me that I didn’t get any! He later realized that I should have been next door at the Anglican church, but the service was so lovely!)
During the day, I roamed several districts of the city to get the flavor of it. I thought I would be back, so I didn’t do much sightseeing except the British Museum (had to see that Rosetta Stone) and the London counterpart of a New York City sound and light show. (The end of this presentation had Noel Coward singing, London Pride while the blitz was going on and one could see that famous photo of St. Paul's as a survivor of the intense bombing, brought me to tears.) I was given letters of introduction from Mr. John Fleming for several rare book and autograph dealers to procure items for the first WNET/PBS art and antique auction and met many interesting people, including Mr. Maggs of Maggs Brothers. I decided that no Nightingale ever sang in Berkeley Square! I taught the English how to fold a New York-style pizza slice like a native (they used knives and forks!). I tasted a shandy and learned that their lemonade is our Sprite or 7UP. I fell in love with meat pies but hated Marmite.
But the theatre! Oh! The theatre! I not only saw great plays with legendary actors, but stood outside the stage doors (or was invited in, because I not only wore a hat and pearls, but had engraved calling cards from Tiffany’s) to get autographs from Ingrid Bergman, Wendy Hiller, Alec Guinness, Leslie Phillips (the voice of the Sorting Hat in Harry Potter), Ian McKellen, Simon Williams, Simon Ward, Joan Plowright, Tom Conti, Ginger Rogers, and Donald O’Connor. I saw Alan Bennett's The Old Country twice with Alec Guinness and two different leading ladies! And of course I saw The Mousetrap on my first evening!
The freedom to do whatever I wanted and even to make some minor mistakes was a joyful experience. The realization that I was a lot more resourceful, self-assured, and savvier than I had imagined, was profound.
It was the greatest adventure of my life, because it was my first adventure.
On my final day, the embassy contacted me to call my mother; she was panicking. I assured her that all was well, I was having fun, and not to worry.
Priceless!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Museum Monday Answer: Lincoln's Coat, Ford's Theatre, & Brooks Brothers
"To make and deal only in merchandise of the finest quality, to sell it at a fair profit, and to deal with people who seek and appreciate such merchandise."
It wasn’t that I didn’t like the show, I had seen it a couple of times. It was just that I hadn’t had a day off in three weeks, was exhausted from the day, and needed some ‘down time’. So while my group was upstairs in the theatre watching, Meet John Doe, I slipped down to the basement museum and decided to take photos of the exhibits to test my camera’s abilities and to take advantage of the empty space. Normally I find the museum terribly claustrophobic and wait outside on the sidewalk to gather the students for our Peterson House (the house where Lincoln died) visit.
But tonight I was alone! It was my night in the museum!
How was I to know that on June 1st, Ford’s Theatre was supposed to close for eighteen months to update and reinforce their theatre as well as install a much-needed elevator? The museum was not really accessible since the chair lift rarely worked. Those who were physically challenged never got the chance to see the displays of his life, campaign, impact on the country, the assassination and its aftermath, the artistic depictions of Lincoln, the history of the theatre, or to measure themselves against him. How the museum might change, I have no idea. But it does need some spiffing –up!
Ford’s Theatre is Closed! (Nope! Stop the Presses! Ford's Theatre reopened June 30th for the summer due to the fact that construction was not able to start as planned. But the Christmas Carol is in doubt, and there will be no spring season American musical in 2008.)
When Ford's Theatre does close, this posting might be the only place to see the lining of the coat Lincoln was wearing the night he was assassinated. It had been made for his second inaugural and worn by him during that ceremony. The lining was quilted to keep him warm. The message was a tribute to a man who was trying to keep the Union intact. This message reflected the affection and esteem of those who tailored the coat; the workmanship, though subtle and planned to be hidden, is breathtaking!
For several years, I had my students look closely at the lining detail of the quilted coat and read ‘the secret message’. This was a particularly fascinating exhibit to them as it also displayed the Derringer and knife used by John Wilkes Booth; the door with the small hole bored into it, that separated the balcony from the small space before one could enter the box; and the piece of wood that Booth would eventually wedge into the door to making it impossible to open by the rescuers from the audience side.
When the surgeon finally entered the box to examine the President, he initially thought that Lincoln had been shot in the back and cut through the coat lengthwise, only to discover that the President had been shot in the head.
My loyal readers already know the contents of the President’s pockets the explanation and rock song, The items in his pockets were bequeathed to the Library of Congress. There are other assassination relics and modern science is being used to investigate these. The Chicago Historical Society Northwestern University has a fascinating site concerning all the events and relics of the assassination, it is called Wet With Blood! www.chicagohs.org/wetwithblood/ (It's not allowing me to copy the link/address.)
But this post is not about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln; it is about the tailors of the coat, Brooks Brothers.
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My Love Affair With Brooks Brothers:
Having been raised in New York City, I was well aware of the venerable, and somewhat stuffy reputation of Brooks Brothers. The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit probably had it tailored at Brooks Brothers. Scions of industry, power brokers, those in the Social Register, and Presidents have routinely had their clothes made by Brooks Brothers since 1818. It is our Savile Row.
When I first started my business career at the tender age of seventeen, it was the early ‘70’s and psychedelic polyester fabrics were in. My mother indicated that this was unacceptable for the workplace and if I wanted to succeed I should head over to Brooks Brothers to buy a suit, blazer, blouses, shirts, shoes, and several silk Foulard power ties. (It was on the cusp of dress-for-success which de-feminized women in order to fit into the men’s business world, so the pearls and pearl earrings were importan1 accessories for me, as well as lipstick.)
But I soon realized that the clothes, though conservative, were well-made, always in good taste, and lasted through the vagaries of fashion. A Brooks Brothers customer is normally one of wealth who views conspicuous consumption as being vulgar. Their clothes are innocuous and make the statement that one prefers quality over trendiness. A khaki skirt and an oxford cloth blouse are always serviceable, especially with a ribbon belt. There was a sense of personal stability; that one was not a slave to fashion; but that in a way, it is its own fashion statement. And similar to the Hat and Pearls (which were required accessories), I could be received anywhere.
It’s a simple way to dress. It's classic.
As I remember, the salespeople at Brooks Brothers had always been exceedingly helpful and gracious, especially to a seventeen-year-old during her first solo shopping experience with hard-earned money. Being a salesperson at Brooks Brothers was a respected profession. They were ladies and gentleman with a refined sense of taste. They came from all walks of life. In fact, in the early 1980’s, two of the Brooks Brothers in Washington, DC could boast members of the Afghan royal family who had been displaced by the Soviet invasion of their country. (My friend, a loyal Brooks Brothers customer, who was on TDY at Headquarters Marine Corps, actually invited one of the brothers and his wife to dinner! I was to act as hostess. Mr. Suleiman’s patrician wife was charming, but spoke no English, so I tried my French (which she spoke fluently) and became ashamed of my poor ability to communicate.)
On my tours, I point out sites that may not constitute a monument, memorial, or a museum, but nevertheless played a part in American history. My students love shopping, and I think that the stories of great American stores such as Macy's and Brooks Brothers should be a part of their education. (We can add others such as Sears and the belated Woolworth's to that list.) Fashion and merchandising is part of the cultural and economic heritage of this nation. The Lincoln coat is just one example of a connection one can make through these discoveries. Perhaps I'll be responsible for creating new customers!
As you can tell, Brooks Brothers has a place of affection in my life and it was great sadness that I stood at the cauldron of what was the World Trade Center and realized that their Wall Street store at One Liberty Plaza (across the street) had also been damaged. Could it survive this calamity?
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A Short History of Brooks Brothers:
The Story of Brooks Brothers started in 1818, when Henry Sands Brooks opened a haberdashery near South Street Seaport, a bustling area which would attract merchants, seaman, investors, and wealthy landowners. Brooks’ four sons eventually took over the store which had prospered enough to move several times throughout their tenure to keep the store in the most fashionable and profitable districts.
The longevity of Brooks Brothers salesmen is indeed legendary; Frank Webb attended to five generations of Morgans, starting with their progenitor, J.P.! Mr. Webb remained with the firm for sixty-five years! Many employees stayed for over 50 years!
The statistics below came from the Brooks Brother website and full explanations of the fashion innovations are explained there.
THE PRESIDENTS:
At his second inauguration, Abraham Lincoln wore a magnificent coat specially crafted for him by Brooks Brothers. Hand stitched into the coat's lining was an intricate design featuring an eagle and the inscription, "One Country, One Destiny." Sadly, it was also the coat Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated at Ford's Theater.
Ulysses S. Grant began his association with Brooks Brothers during the Civil War, when he ordered tailored uniforms for the Union officers.
Theodore Roosevelt wore a Brooks Brothers military uniform in his famous march up San Juan Hill.
Herbert Hoover preferred Brooks Brothers henley undershirts.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was frequently seen in a great cape specially made by Brooks Brothers for the U.S. Navy.
John F. Kennedy popularized Brooks Brothers' fashionable two-button suit when he wore it at his inauguration. Two-button Brooks suits were also favored by Gerald Ford and George Bush.
No pun intended, but Richard Nixon was an admirer of the "Brooksgate" clothing collection, a special tailored line designed for the young executive.
Bill Clinton has been seen sporting Brooks Brothers casual wear, including a leather bomber jacket he wore the day following his election as President in 1992.
PROMINENT CITIZENS:
Generations of Astors, Goulds, Vanderbilts and Rockefellers have shopped at Brooks Brothers.
After completing his first expedition to the South Pole, Admiral Richard E. Byrd wired Brooks to make him the appropriate dress uniforms to be ready for his first public appearance.
When aviator Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris without luggage after his historic trans-Atlantic flight, Ambassador Myron T. Herrick loaned him a Brooks Brothers suit. Upon his return to the United States, Lindbergh was welcomed to New York by the greatest ticker-tape parade in the city's history. The custom clothing department at Brooks Brothers worked all night making the suit which Lindbergh wore that day.
CELEBRITIES:*
Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Rudolph Valentino, Errol Flynn, Rudy Vallee and John Barrymore were some of the best-dressed men of their time, and all were Brooks Brothers customers.
Fred Astaire was fond of wearing Brooks Repp neckties as belts.
The Duke of Windsor, one of history's most famous dandies, preferred Brooks Brothers dressing gowns.
Clark Gable, splendidly proportioned with a 44-inch chest and 32-inch waist, had his suits made to order at Brooks Brothers. He was generally unable to wear ready-made clothing, except for Brooks Brothers button-down Polo collar shirts.
Boxer Jack Dempsey's slender feet required fine cordovan leather Peal shoes.
Jack Kerouac, the counter-culture icon of the "beat" generation, favored the comfort of Brooks Brothers' button-down Polo collar oxford shirts.
Katherine Hepburn, one of the first Hollywood starlets to don trousers, headed to Brooks Brothers for her tailoring.
Fran Liebowitz has demonstrated an affinity for Brooks Brothers Shetland sweaters and button-down Polo collar shirts.
Designer Todd Oldham favors Brooks Brothers white button-down Polo collar shirts, while Vogue has reported that Brooks Brothers is designer Mark Jacobs' favorite store.
Matthew Broderick and Chris O'Donnell are fans and favor classics like Brooks cashmere sweaters.
Michael J. Fox, Heather Locklear and the cast of Spin City headed to Brooks' Fifth Avenue store to celebrate their 1999 season premiere.
Queen Latifah and 25 other hip hop artists wear Brooks Brothers suits on her new album, The Takeover.
Sir Paul McCartney frequently stops by the Fifth Avenue store to do some shopping.
Other recent celebrity sightings include James Gandolfini, Jon Voight, Barry Bostwick, Greg Kinnear, Molly Ringwald, Kevin Bacon, and Scott Wolf.
Brooks Brothers is frequently sought out by costume designers and worn by celebrities in major films, including Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor, Gene Hackman in The Royal Tenenbaums, and Will Smith in Ali.
Brooks Brothers is the official clothier of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with artistic director Wynton Marsalis. The orchestra tours the United States wearing Brooks Brothers three-button suits paired with colorful shirts and repp stripe ties.
Here is a list of Brooks Brothers fashion innovations:*
1830 Seersucker
1845 Ready-Made Suits
1865 Abraham Lincoln's Legendary Coat
1890 The Silk Foulard Necktie
1895 The Sack Suit
1896 The Button-Down Polo Collar Shirt
1904 The Shetland Sweater
1910 The Polo Coat
1920 The Repp Tie
1920 Madras
1930 Light-Weight Summer Suits
1930 Three-Button Suits
1938 Colored Shetland Sweaters
1949 The Pink Shirt For Women (Think Pink!)
1949 Argyle Socks
1950 The Brooks Boxer (!)
1953 Wash & Wear
1961 The Two-Button Suit
1963 Brooks Brothers Toiletries
1963 BrooksEase, The Ultimate Travel Suit
1968 150 Years And The No. Three Suit
1972 BrooksKnit
1976 Brooksgate
1980 Preppy Style Revival
1992 The Wardrobe Collection
1994 Soft Classics
1995 The BrooksEase Wardrobe Collection
1998 The Brooks Jazz CD Collection (!)
1998 BrooksEase Shirt
2001 BrooksStorm
2001 Digital Tailoring
2007 Black Fleece (Thom Browne designer)
Did I forget to mention that Thom Browne worked for Ralph Lauren, who started out at Brooks Brothers and made the term 'Polo' famous?
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As you can see, Brooks Brothers, although perceived to be conservative, has also been an innovator in merchandising and American fashion. While I was appalled that Brooks Brothers started to sell designer jeans, I realized that one must go with the times. However, I am not very impressed with their current line, Black Fleece that seems to make men look like Peewee Herman. (Please see fashion show on Black Fleece link.)
On September 11, 2002 Brooks Brothers quietly reopened their One Liberty Place store. There was a sense of continuity, stability, and renewal.
I was there.
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Much of the information for this article was gleaned from three articles on Brooks Brothers, they seemed to be the best of the many resources I consulted:
Business Spotlight; Brooks Brothers
History, innovations, and list of clients
The Man in the Browne Flannel Suit
For more information on Brooks Brothers, please consult their website.
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