We have arrived!
This drive was much, much shorter than our trip to Chicago and we are definitely thankful for not having to sleep overnight on a bus. After lunch, Bus 1 watched Princess Brides and it was just enough time to be about 45 minutes out of our first destination, the National Aquarium of Baltimore.
We entered the Inner Harbor and you could tell the kids were excited as we pulled up to the shopping/restaurants/aquarium. Bus 1 gave a resounding "YAYYYY" when we saw the signs for the aquarium. The students unloaded the bus and went right into to the aquarium to take some group photos. From there, the students had about 1.5 hours to roam and explore the incredible creatures the aquarium had to offer. Not only were there many varieties of fish, sharks and dolphins...the aquarium also had a section dedicated to the rainforest. You had to take a special escalator where you could feel the climate change from cool aquarium to humid, muggy rainforest. Birds flew freely, plants carefully placed throughout the exhibit and even a sloth could be seen hanging from the trees.
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for a dolphin show but the students did get to see them swim in the underwater viewing area. The aquarium is gorgeous and if you're ever in town, you must visit the National Aquarium.
After exploring the aquarium and browsing the gift shop, it was time to walk over to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. The walk was literally a stone's throw away from the aquarium and we were seated in no time. The students were extremely well-behaved and mannered and the waitstaff were great. Dinner choices: burger, pasta, salad, pulled pork. Everything was great and quick and in true music department fashion, a singing/dance party even broke out and the staff loved it! They even joined in on the festivities and had a great time with the students.
We said our thank you's and boarded the busses to the hotel. The drive was short (30 min.) and check-in process, simple. The room leaders got their keys for their rooms, other unloaded the busses and in a matter of minutes, the busses were empty and kids on the way to their rooms.
The hotel is gorgeous and roomy and we are happy to call this our home for the next couple of days. The students now have some free time before lights out at 10.
We are all doing well and excited to be in "Annapolis/Baltimore." Tomorrow is a 6:00 breakfast call and we leaved shortly after for a jam packed day of sight-seeing and a concert at the Naval Academy.
Goodnight!
-KLAM
This drive was much, much shorter than our trip to Chicago and we are definitely thankful for not having to sleep overnight on a bus. After lunch, Bus 1 watched Princess Brides and it was just enough time to be about 45 minutes out of our first destination, the National Aquarium of Baltimore.
We entered the Inner Harbor and you could tell the kids were excited as we pulled up to the shopping/restaurants/aquarium. Bus 1 gave a resounding "YAYYYY" when we saw the signs for the aquarium. The students unloaded the bus and went right into to the aquarium to take some group photos. From there, the students had about 1.5 hours to roam and explore the incredible creatures the aquarium had to offer. Not only were there many varieties of fish, sharks and dolphins...the aquarium also had a section dedicated to the rainforest. You had to take a special escalator where you could feel the climate change from cool aquarium to humid, muggy rainforest. Birds flew freely, plants carefully placed throughout the exhibit and even a sloth could be seen hanging from the trees.
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for a dolphin show but the students did get to see them swim in the underwater viewing area. The aquarium is gorgeous and if you're ever in town, you must visit the National Aquarium.
After exploring the aquarium and browsing the gift shop, it was time to walk over to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. The walk was literally a stone's throw away from the aquarium and we were seated in no time. The students were extremely well-behaved and mannered and the waitstaff were great. Dinner choices: burger, pasta, salad, pulled pork. Everything was great and quick and in true music department fashion, a singing/dance party even broke out and the staff loved it! They even joined in on the festivities and had a great time with the students.
We said our thank you's and boarded the busses to the hotel. The drive was short (30 min.) and check-in process, simple. The room leaders got their keys for their rooms, other unloaded the busses and in a matter of minutes, the busses were empty and kids on the way to their rooms.
The hotel is gorgeous and roomy and we are happy to call this our home for the next couple of days. The students now have some free time before lights out at 10.
We are all doing well and excited to be in "Annapolis/Baltimore." Tomorrow is a 6:00 breakfast call and we leaved shortly after for a jam packed day of sight-seeing and a concert at the Naval Academy.
Goodnight!
-KLAM