As I mentioned a few posts ago, I had the opportunity to take a gaggle of students and a handful of chaperons to England for about a week.  We spent much of that time in places of interest to fans of literature: the Lake District, Stratford-upon-Avon, Haworth, Bath, and Oxford.  We ended our trip with a couple of days in London.  It was my second time taking this particular tour; it was my first time actually leading it.  Many lessons were learned.  Some examples:

Lesson One: Misspeaking is such an easy thing to do.  Even saying the wrong thing one time (especially the first time) can set things off.  When you can, write it down.  Read from the script you make.  Granted, there’s no guarantee that anyone will hang on every word you say because  . . .

Lesson Two: Mishearing is such an easy thing to do.  Even when you actually say the right things correctly multiple times, there is no guarantee that what you say will sink in (even if those listening nod their heads in approval or “understanding”).

Lesson Three: “Taking the same trip” doesn’t mean you’ll actually be taking the same trip.  So many things boil down to the weather of the moment, the time of day, and the day of the week.  A good bit of my trip was learning to check my expectations and make the most of any given moment.  A place of chaos on the last trip (sunny, crowded weekend in the city) was almost quaint on this one (rainy, empty Monday morning in the same city).  Self-guided tours are nothing like guided tours (even if you’ve been on the tour before).  I think the only thing that was truly the same between my two times in England was the coronation chicken sandwiches I had for lunch in Bath.  Really.  That’s about it.

Lesson Four: Rely on those around you (and surround yourself with reliable people).  I was fortunate to have a great tour director and a great group of chaperons.  Everyone contributed in an essential way.  Egos seemed to stay out of the picture (my director’s words, not mine).  Flexibility and reliability go well together.

Lesson Five: Jersey Boys is more enjoyable the second time around.

Lesson Six: Sometimes you just don’t get your Cornetto.  Oh well.