Updated — Sorry, we have no more spaces. Watch for announcments about upcoming trips.
Who would like to join me in Europe this summer?
In conjunction with UCF’s Study Abroad program, I will be leading a course titled “Writing about Eating Experiences in London and Paris,” and you’re invited to come along. Although it is designed as a course for university students, the trip is open to the general public, as well. We’ll spend five days in London then travel on Eurostar via the English Channel tunnel for five days in Paris.
Along the way we’ll eat, drink and write about eating and drinking. We’ll visit the bustling Borough Market and the stunning food stalls at Harrod’s. We’ll experience afternoon tea, sample pub grub, visit the vendors at Camden Locks, tour historical Smithfield Market and stroll along Brick Lane amid its myriad Indian and Pakistani restaurants. In Paris we’ll sample chocolates at Fauchon and visit a boulangerie. We’ll learn about bistros and brasseries, and eat at sidewalk cafes. And we’ll take an excursion to the Champagne region to visit a winemaker. Our final day in Paris will be July 14 — Bastille Day! Maybe we’ll find a barricade to storm. We’ve designed the itinerary so that there’s plenty of free time to explore on your own, too.
Each day we’ll discuss what we’ve sipped and sampled and how to articulate those experiences in a review or travel piece. We’ll even be publishing the articles online for friends and family to read back in the States. Leading the writing workshop will be UCF vice president and English professor Rick Schell. You do not have to be enrolled as a student at UCF — you can sign up to audit the course instead.
This is an exciting year for travel abroad, especially to Britain. It’s the queen’s jubilee and the 200th birthdate of Charles Dickens. And apparently London is hosting some sort of athletic gathering this summer. I was there over Christmas and the city is abuzz with preparations for all the celebrations.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The fee is $2500, which does not include airfare and meals.
Q: What is included in the fee?
A: The $2500 fee includes:
- Shared hotel accommodations in London, United Kingdom & Paris, France including breakfast
- 7 day London Travel Card
- 2nd class Eurostar train transportation between London and Paris
- 5 day Paris Visite Card
- Chartered excursion Champagne region of Paris including a visit to the Moët & Chandon winery, guided tour and champagne tasting
- Day admission tickets to The Louvre museum in Paris
- Airport transfer upon arrival on either the Heathrow/Gatwick Express
- Medical insurance including repatriation.
- Administrative fee
Q: What do I have to cough up?
A: You’ll need to pay for the following:
- Airfare from Orlando to London, returning Paris to Orlando
- Passport or visa fees
- Incidentals
- Meals except as listed above
- Currency exchange fees
- Personal travel not associated with the program
- UCF tuition (if UCF student)
Q: If this is a trip to learn about reviewing restaurants, how come the meals aren’t included?
A: Because our group will have an range of budgets, I have compiled a list of recommended restaurants with varying price points. Each day, you will have several restaurants to choose among. You can decide which one you want to visit to enhance your experience.
Q: So how much should I budget for meals?
A: You should figure on a minimum of $50 per day averaged over the length of the trip.
Q: Do I need to speak French?
A: Mais non. But this is a writing excursion, so English is mandatory.
Q: Will I need a laptop for the writing exercises?
A: Bringing your own laptop is encouraged.
Q: I have a food allergy; will that be a problem?
A: You will not be expected to eat anything that might cause you harm.
Q: How long do I have to decide?
A: Registration will end on March 9, or when the group size limit has been met.
For more information, visit the Study Abroad website, or send me a note. Obviously, space is limited, so reserve your spot soon.
{youtube}bkNFIqfEBOo{/youtube}
{fblike}
