The People Who Changed How I Travel (and Teach)

🧭 Episode Description

Some trips change what you see—but some people change how you see the world.

In this heartfelt episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, Cheryl is joined by three longtime friends and fellow educators—Ale, Loida, and Victor—for a powerful conversation about a student exchange program that transformed far more than itineraries.

Together, they reflect on building a people-first, homestay exchange between the U.S. and Spain—one rooted in trust, curiosity, and genuine connection rather than agencies or transactions. What began as a professional collaboration became a decade-long partnership that reshaped how they taught, traveled, and connected with students across cultures.

This episode is a love letter to the educators, host families, and students who proved that meaningful travel starts with relationships.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• How this U.S.–Spain exchange program first began
• Why free, curiosity-driven homestays made all the difference
• The “secret sauce” behind a program that lasted over 10 years
• Cultural surprises between American and Spanish students
• How exchange travel changed the way these educators teach
• Language learning, vulnerability, and fearless communication
• Why trust between educators is essential for successful exchanges
• How everyday moments—markets, meals, transit—became the most powerful lessons

🌍 Key Takeaways

• The most impactful exchange programs are relational, not transactional
• Host families who want to host create deeper cultural immersion
• Travel experiences outside the classroom reshape empathy and teaching
• Cultural differences are best understood through shared daily life
• Some of the most meaningful lessons happen far beyond textbooks

💬 Favorite Quote

“Some trips change what you see, but some people change how you see the world.”

🎧 Listen & Watch

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube
 https://youtu.be/5nu9RnvsvJY

🔔 Subscribe to Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint for more stories about culture, education, and travel that truly changes lives.

🤝 Join the Conversation

Would you host a student just for the experience—not the money?
 Who is someone who changed the way you travel, teach, or see the world?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

What is Cheryl's Travel Blueprint?

Welcome to Cheryl's Travel Blueprint! I’m a former Spanish teacher turned travel advisor, passionate about curating unforgettable experiences. My expertise lies in European adventures (with a special love for Spain), cruising, and all-inclusive Caribbean getaways. I specialize in creating tailored trips for families, multi-generational groups, and teachers—whether they’re traveling solo, with colleagues, or leading student groups.

In this podcast, we celebrate the joy of travel, uncover hidden gems, share practical tips and tricks, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Each episode features inspiring conversations with fascinating guests from all walks of life as they share their unique travel stories, lessons, and favorite destinations. Whether you're planning your next getaway or simply love to dream about the possibilities, this is your place to explore the world from wherever you are.

Let’s embark on this journey together! 🌍✈️

Some trips change what you see, but some people change how you see the world. Today, I'm joined by three friends who didn't just shape my travels. They shaped the way I teach, the way I connect, and the way I experience culture. Together, we built an exchange program that transformed us, transformed our students, and our lives. This episode is a love letter to the people who made travel personal. Welcome, everybody, to Cheryl's Travel Blueprint. I'm Cheryl, and I want to introduce you to three special people in my life. We have with us Ale, who's here in the United States, Lloyda, and Victor, who are both in Madrid visiting us on the podcast. So, you guys, thank you so, so much for joining me. And I'm so glad you were able to take time out of your busy days. I know you guys are all busy. So thank you for spending some time with us. Thank you for having us. Of course. Thank you. Thank you for making this possible. Absolutely. Anything for you guys. So why don't we go around and I'll give you guys a chance just to say who you are and a little bit about your background in education. Do we want to start with Ale? Sure. So, um, I was lucky enough to, uh, teach next door to you for over a decade. Um, I was Spanish teacher, uh, both middle for a little bit and high school, uh, for, for longer. Um, and, uh, we were lucky enough to, um, have a lot of adventures together and, and do this wonderful exchange. Okay. Well, my turn. Should I go then? Sure. Yeah. One of was a. Well, I'm a teacher as well, as you said at the beginning. I teach in Madrid, I teach English. and I've been a high school teacher for 15 years already. Right now I'm more involved into principal issues and stuff. But, well, obviously in love with education as you all are and well, as Alejandra said, I was lucky enough to meet Sheryl like 10 years ago at least through a... well, we will talk about it later but that's all. And I'm Víctor, I'm a teacher also in Madrid. I was teaching for like more than 20 years in a private school in Madrid and then decided to change. And then I'm teaching actually nowadays in a public school. This is my third year in the public system in Spain. Well, I'm happy to be here with you also and share my experiences. Okay. Well, why don't we go back and talk about how the four of us met. So I guess it's really easy. Ale and I were teaching together. And the way I think I'm after, I don't know if I was already studying in Madrid when I met you, Ale. I think I might have been. Yeah, you were because I think you were maybe finishing up your program or post the end of it. Because I remember I'd only been teaching there for a couple of months. And you had mentioned the idea of an exchange. Okay. And I was like, Yeah, that sounds great. Yeah. So it was probably, yeah, it was definitely towards the end. And so the way everything happened, I was studying Spanish literature in Madrid at St. Louis University. And one of the things that they asked us to do while we were there, there was a teacher from Blanca de Castilla whose husband was a a researcher, and he asked the students, he wanted to know how we acquired, he wanted to know how foreigners acquired Spanish. So he had, I guess he was doing a study. So that's, and he knew one of my professors. So he came to our course, he came to our class, and we took a test for him. And that's how, that's how I met him. And then somehow, he must have asked me a question about if there's anything else I was, you know, if there's anything else he could do as far as helping the teachers. And I just asked him about English teachers in Spain that were interested in an exchange kind of a situation. So I met his wife. But then she left. And I think Lloyda took that position. And so I reached out to Lloyda about doing some sort of exchange. And then that's how this all came about. And then, as you said, you hopped on. And I think Lloyda, you can help me explain this. I think you wanted to have another teacher as part of the exchange. Is that right? What I do remember is definitely that it was the teacher that I replaced that gave me your contact information, along with a pack of exams that I had to correct. She handed your contact info and said, well, yeah, And in the first place, what she talked about was about letter exchange. Yes, because that's the... it started, no? And then it grew up to something else, no? But I don't remember exactly what you said about having another teacher involved. I don't really remember that. At the very beginning, it was only me who somehow promoted the program and stuff. It was the school that thought that it was important to have another teacher involved, because for all type of matters, not only the school itself, but logistics and stuff, it's better to have two people involved, so the burden. is less for each other. And I thought it was great. I mean, obviously, now that I work as a principal, I do see how important it is to have at least two people involved in these sort of projects that are so huge and big. for sure. And I think it's so great that the four of us met and that we work so well together. I think that was the important, that's part of the reason I think that the program lasted as long as it did, because I've seen some other exchange programs where, you know, even in our own school, where the teachers didn't seem to have a special relationship with the teachers that they were working with across the pond. And I thought that was interesting because I think it should be natural that you get along with the people that you're working with and, you know, I just think it makes things better. So what do you think made this exchange special compared to typical school visits? Because I think we just had some kind of secret sauce or something that made it just really special. I mean to me what makes this exchange now that we we don't have this exchange anymore at the school um and we do have what we do have are um trips no the the students go but it's through a um somehow it's through an agency that arranges things with families and families are paid for that for hosting our students. Compared to the type of exchange that we did, the homestay being totally free and being actually out of curiosity and because the families really want to host is what makes it super special. because we do also have a French exchange that is sort of the same, but what makes it as well, or a program I think is even more special, is that they change every year the teachers they work with, because it's through a European program. so you don't choose the teachers you work with. So somehow our homestay program, our exchange program, had everything, all type of components that made it very special. So really out of curiosity, out of I want to host, and the fact that the four of us got along well and we knew each other and we could And that is important because, I mean, compared to what I see nowadays, also. Yeah, I think there was a really high degree of trust. I think we all trusted each other a lot. I think we all really focused on what each child needed and what would fit well. how to match children well and match families well. And I don't think you could have had those kinds of conversations without a really high degree of trust with each other. I also feel like we had a really good balance of how much to have them in school and how much to give them other options And even within the school experience, I feel like we did a really good job of saying, what is something that they wouldn't typically see in their normal school day? But that's really normal for us. Let's make sure that they experience that. And I think Lloyda and Victor did a beautiful job of that. And I think we tried really hard to do that as well. So, I mean, I just think that I can't say enough great things about what Lloyda and Victor did and you, Cheryl, because I think it's just exceptional. Yeah, I completely agree. It's the personal aspect what made our exchange program different. I think that's the key. It's not only that we get along well, but I don't know how to say very good in English, but when you do things because you like it, because you love it, And when you find families that want to do it just because it's good for the kids, not because they want to earn money. And then do, when you do things for free and the amount of things that you get is not typical, but the amount of things that you get, it's, it's huge. No. So, um, I think we all have fun, a lot of fun together. So that's what made us to keep on working together in this program. and looking for families that want to share this kind of change. So, because I remember having the meetings in the school and telling families that this is, we were not an agency, that we were doing this because we love it, because we believe in the way we do things. And that was the key, I think. And we, we keep this for more than 10 years, 10 years, I think, kind of, or less. So nothing lasts forever, but that was a record because, uh, I don't know any exchange program in the way we did this, or maybe last one or two years, but, uh, we made it possible for 10 years based on our job and based on doing things well, the way we thought it was warm. It was okay. It was correct. No, I, yeah, that's perfect. Um, I'm thinking back, can you, Do you all think, can you all remember some of the fun things that have happened on some of our trips? I'm thinking back to just some of the silly things that have happened with our students. I remember, for example, walking through the park in, I think we were in Retiro, and it must have been really hot, and the students The Spanish students were just, they were, they were so funny because I think it was just too hot for them or something because they were just like, por favor. And I just remember it was just, it was just funny. It was just, they were so different than our students, I think. And I think it's cultural. Did you guys think that the American students were culturally different? You know, did you remember any incidents where that stood out? They might not, but I just thought it was just very, it just, there were just so many things that set our students apart from each other, which was great because they got to see how teenagers are in different places. Right. I mean, from our, maybe Victor and I, maybe we had, but from our, I think I remember that Victor and I, we kept commenting about how mature your students seem to us compared to our Spaniards. Really? I mean, from a Spanish perspective. I don't know if Victor agrees, but that is part of your culture. culture is part of the way you even though you might not think so. Our Spanish students definitely do. They do. They are much more independent and they were able to cope with difficulties better than our students. Our Spanish students are more baby fed somehow by the families. I remember our students always saying how how cared for they felt by families. They fold my clothes for me. They, you know, my breakfast is just sitting there. My, like, they were always so, um, like, like shocked and just like, Oh my, like, you know, they just felt so cared for. So very, very cared for by Spanish families. It was always really lovely. Um, and I remember always thinking, um, I always think about when the Spaniard came and I think they were doing it. soccer unit in Fayette at our high school. And it was, my students came in and they're like, oh, we played soccer and it did not go well. And just the level, just the level of athleticism was completely not the same, not the same level of athleticism, I think. And so that was a really funny thing. I feel, did they come during homecoming once too? Did you guys come during homecoming once, I feel like? Or was it near homecoming? Yeah, because I guess some of us were asking others to go with them. But I don't remember it was at that time that it took place, but yeah. Yes, I remember them experiencing a football game, and that was really fun. I mean, for our students, it was great to see that they were quite fluent in English. yes oh my gosh yeah they saw that well all this effort pays at the end no because it's true that in the spanish system english is all through the curriculum from the very first from infantil from primary and nursery So it's true that, I mean, at least it's a relief for them or it's rewarding for them to see that, well, more or less when they get to a foreign country, they can more or less manage, no? I do understand that in your system it's different because they take Spanish just in high school, but as an English teacher, it was... I like that. Thinking back, I like that, for them to see that it was useful, all those classes that they've taken, all those effort that the families are making. When I always think that, I always thought that Spanish students were so fearless with language, you know, they were so fearless with language in a way that I think our students sometimes would get there. But I felt like Spanish students were always, I don't know if you felt that way too, Cheryl, but just like they were just going to try and then figure it out as they went along. And it was really cool. I think it helped our students be more vulnerable and more willing to try the language, to try Spanish, because they saw your students being so open to trying English. That was absolutely one of the funny things, to see how they communicate in different languages, how the Spanish speak English and the Americans try to speak Spanish, no? That was funny. And also funny the cultural differences. I remember first time we go there, we were waiting for the families to pick up some of the students, and then one student came driving, and our spanish student was like wow he's driving and your students tell us our student okay go and we go with the car and our students was looking at like trying to ask for permission to go in that car because he really didn't didn't believe that he could go with a student of 16 or 17 years old driving in a car that was like crazy for for the response but i still remember the spanish student face by looking loira at me like asking for permission to go that was funny That was funny. Well, before we keep going, if you're enjoying this conversation about the power of people and travel, take a moment to subscribe to the podcast. It really helps the show grow and ensures you never miss an episode filled with stories, culture, and hidden gems around the world. So can you tell us, I think we should go around the around the room, so to speak. Can you tell us who is a person who changed your travel style? That's a tough one, huh? No, to me it's not a tough one because it was you. Really? Yeah. super simple. You along with your small backpack or your small luggage and suitcase that I kept thinking. It's always, you are always in my mind whenever I pack a suitcase. By the way, I got a suitcase as small as yours. That was one that I got like a couple of years ago and that I asked for Christmas. And it's always that I keep I always keep in my head, I mean, how light you can pack for, I mean, Cheryl, I mean, Cheryl. And it's something that I keep in my head all the time whenever I pack now. And I'm getting better and better. I mean, two weeks ago, I went away for the weekend and I just took, I didn't even take my suitcase. It was just a backpack. And I kept thinking Sheryl would be very proud of me. So somehow, I mean, in a way, in that aspect has been you, right? Oh, wow. Thank you. And, you know, now they, I don't know how many of you use these, but have you seen the vacuum seals that you can do? Like, you can put them in a bag and put your clothes in a bag and just suck all the air out. They make those for suitcases. So you can make it even smaller. I might do a video about that soon. Yeah. I mean, I don't know. I feel like it's you too, Cheryl. I don't, I feel, I, That's where I was like hesitating. Cause I was like, I don't know if I can get a bad answer, but yeah, I think, I think you as well. I, I don't think I would have in no world would I have ever done something like this or even tried. Um, if it weren't for you, um, and no world would I have ever, um, taking the Metro and done all that walking and tried to go to all these different places that I'd never been to or even heard of. I mean, I just. You know, I think every exchange was so different because it depended on what the children were interested in and wanted to see and being able to tailor it that way. I think even that in itself was so, um, speaks volumes about like how, how endlessly curious you are and how, um, much of a, how fearless you are with travel. Um, so I think, I think about all those things and then, and then little practical pieces. that you, you helped me with as a traveler that I still use in my own daily life for when I'm talking to my own children and we're visiting places. Um, I, Lloyd, I love, you said the thing about the suitcase, because I just had that conversation with one of my own children. He's traveling to New York. And I said, okay, this is, we're going to roll our clothes and teach her how to roll clothes. Cause Cheryl taught me how to do that. So. yeah. You guys are too kind. Gonna be three votes for you, Cheryl. Oh, no. But I would say for the motivation that you apply in every trip and in every exchange that we do and that we did. And I will say that we still keep in contact thanks to you, Esteric, because you are the one who make us to be this. I don't know how to say it. You've got, you know, just the perfect ideas for helping keep us on track when we're planning all of our trips and, you know, tactical brilliance, I guess we could call it. Thank you. That's very kind. And Lloyda, you know, I don't even know how to put it into words. Your organization and I mean, you and Ali have a lot in common. Just having that organization, just very, you know exactly what you want. how you want to see something and you do not give up when it comes to the planning of, like, maybe it's a field trip, you know, whatever it is. I'm almost sidetracked and I'll talk about that later because we're going to talk about that winery visit that we went on that time with the I don't know if you remember that. Yeah. But I'm digressing. And Victor, the pictures, the photography. I never knew. I always forget to take pictures. And you're always on top of that. So you guys, I would say all three of you. And that's why we make a great team, because we all bring something different to the equation, I think. So I don't know. No, what Alejandra said, and Victor as well, that it's true that the enthusiasm and the dedication that you put into the friendship that we have, into all the travels that we've taken, is what keeps us together, like Victor said, the group. I hope we'll be doing this in another 20 years, for another 20 years, or more, more, because we're going to last longer than that. Yeah, for sure. Absolutely. You know, can you think of any moments that changed the way you teach? I think of, you know, like in the areas of either bilingualism, it doesn't have to be just these areas, bilingualism, culture shock. Empathy, those kinds of things. Do you think any of our, I think everything that we've done as part of our exchange experience probably has, at least for me, I can say, has changed the way I teach. Absolutely. I think there's a tendency to forget the challenges that come along with language acquisition. I think there's a tendency to forget how hard it is to learn and what to do. when you don't know how to communicate and you desperately want to. And I think every time we went to Spain or Lloyda and Victor came to us, there were always moments where I knew I couldn't communicate the way I wanted to. And it always really helped me when I was teaching something, reminding students, hey, it's not just you. It's me too. I'm still trying to figure this out too. We're, we're doing it together. And just kind of that, that sense of camaraderie and, and, um, staying humble in the language. Very much so. Very much so. I don't know. Both for me. Bueno. Sorry, go ahead, Victor. Okay. Um, the, the connection with the students is something that I learned from you, Ale. Uh, in the way you treat them, the way you connect with them, the way you, um, The way we all, but especially you, connect with the students during the trip, that's something that made it very special for me, because you've got the opportunity to treat the students in a different aspect, different moments, and they let you, like, kind of become your parents for a days. And their cariño, no? And the way you treat them. you three but especially I need to say that you Alejandra the way you bromeas con ellos and that that was something that I that I was loved you. Oh, thank you. So I try to copy you in that aspect. Because I think that is very important to connect with the students, especially really when you work with teenagers. Yeah. Thank you. That's very sweet. Yeah, well, what I would say I agree with, with what Victor said, no, I mean, that is something that really Oh, I found different from you, Alejandra. And as well, Sheryl, the way she treated the students and stuff. Nothing that I had seen in the Spanish system, or at least the way Spanish teachers treated students, which used to be in a more old -fashioned way. There was more distance between the student and the teacher, no? But well, but it hasn't been only you. I mean, there has been a lot of teachers that I have come across and I've learned things from them when going into the classes. And this is something that our system didn't didn't have before, but this last couple of years we have been, at least in our school, we have been going into other teachers' classes. It has been, it has become part of, or is becoming part of our culture at the school, and that is so rewarding and so enriching for us. I mean, for, and that is something that has changed in Blanca de Castilla, no? Also being able to go into other classes, something that didn't happen before. So I'm learning. I'm still learning a lot. Like every single, like two weeks ago, I went into one of my colleagues' classes and I love it. I love what I saw. So, and I'm learning from that. So It's not just only a teacher. It's been many teachers that have inspired me and has changed my way of teaching. And this is still changing. It changes. There is no idea that is the same, that I don't feel that I'm learning and I'm growing as a teacher. Very cool. On that topic of teaching and learning, Did you, do you, what are, what are some things that shocked you about the other system? Like Spaniards seeing the Americans system, were there any culture shocks for you? And I would ask the same thing, like Ali and I can address what we thought were, were surprising too, I suppose. So do you, do you, can you think of things that, observing each other's systems that was just kind of shocking to you? Bueno, kind of shocking to me, and it still is, is the fact that you students choose somehow, they have a they have a say on what to study in the American system. I mean, to a certain extent. No, I know that there are like core subjects like English, Maths that they have to take, but there is a certain point where they start choosing. And then you can have in the same class a student who is 14 years and a student who is 16 years old, because it's not the age, up to extend as well, it's about the level that they have on that subject. So that is completely different from the American, from the Spanish system, that they have to be in a certain class, the subjects are somehow the same for everybody. and it is a matter of their age. What decides, what makes them be in that class is their age, it's not their level. So for us it's just, it's another planet, the American system for us. I don't know if Victor agrees with me or he has some other shocks. Man. Well, every culture adapts their system, the educational system to their culture. And I think that's what's happened in Spain and in the US. So for me, it was very shocking how optional your system is, as Lloyda said. And I invite you in that aspect. It's different also, even the schedule. I mean, in the how you organize your schedule, your classes, and then you finish it at about midday, and then you spend the whole afternoon or the evening playing sports or doing different activities. And for me, it was also surprising that almost every student was practicing some sport or some activity after the school. And that's something that I think was very positive, very, very positive. what and as Lloyda said at the beginning of the conversation, how mature they become when you let the students to choose that much. I think we like them so much that we don't let them choose the options until a very late age, I think. But still, we've got also things that for sure surprised you and that you think that are very good. So I think depends on the culture so much. I'm curious to hear your response, Cheryl. Well, I would say, I think one of the things, and I know Lloyda said something about thinking that our students seemed more mature, but I would almost say I felt like the Spaniards seemed more mature than our students, maybe because Part of it is, I thought they had, and I know you said that you thought that the American students had more independence. It feels like the Spaniards had more independence. Agreed. Yes, I agree. And I say that because when you look at, like when you go to a place like Madrid, the Americans could do whatever, not whatever they wanted, but they had transportation. Whereas when the Spaniards came to, when you guys came to the United States, you didn't have the ability to go somewhere on your own like our kids could do. Like, I'm sorry, like you could when you were in Madrid because we don't have, our public transportation is just so spotty. It's just not that great. And if you don't have a car, then you just don't, you don't have any, you have to rely on somebody else. And so I just thought that made the Spanish kids more, it just made them, to me, I felt like they were more independent. Yes. I thought so. I thought so too. That's what I was going to say too, like just the higher level of like, I guess, autonomy. You know, I remember our students always being so like, so shocked to be like, yeah, we went to corte ingles and we went to like we went to five different places and we just took the metro the whole time and you know um it always feeling very like oh yeah everything is so accessible it's so easy and the way your students navigated that in a way that I think our students would hesitate to to do that even being able to drive their car somewhere it was like you know um it just a very different level of independence and autonomy so um the other thing which is so silly But the other thing I think of always is how they called you by your first name. And I remember the first time our students heard that they just like were like, Oh, and then they looked right at us like, Oh, no, can you hear me? Yeah. But the first time they that happened, okay, the first time they heard them call you by your first name. They looked right at us, very excited at the possibility of being able to do that too. And just how rebellious they felt. And Cheryl and I had the opportunity to connect with a former student recently, and she said, I feel really weird calling you Ali. I feel really weird calling you that. This is really funny. It's so silly, but I just remember them just being fascinated that then you were called by your first name. Yeah. And I'm going to also add just their athletic ability. Like every kid seems to know how to play soccer. I don't know if there's a sport, I mean, that all kids just universally know how to do. It was just amazing. But so well, like so well. I mean, yeah. I don't know. I feel scared of this thing. Yeah, but those were just some of the things that I thought were interesting. surprising and interesting about, you know, the differences between the students. Those definitely stand out. So, and it goes without saying that just all the stories that we're talking about, I mean, I could go on and on. I can think of just so many funny, instant, you know, just taking the kids shopping even, just things like that. Going to a grocery store was like a field trip because it was so different. Like, for example, I never, I didn't know that you could eat barnacles until I was in Spain. I don't know if that's common, if it's popular, but seeing barnacles in the store and in the, for the students to see that too, and to take them shopping and, you know, just to get to do that kind of stuff. That was, that was so fun. The ham. Can you translate that? What's that? What is barnacles? Oh, what's the word for barnacles? I can describe what they are because I can't remember the word. I can't remember the word in Spanish, but they stick to the bottom of ships. They look metallic on the outside. See, this is a great example. This is a learning moment. Oh, my God. I don't know what a particle is in Spanish. I'm going to find out. But it's something that you can eat. Yes. OK. I think, I guess, it's somehow seafood. Persever. Persever. Persever. All right. OK. OK. Oh, my God. I didn't know you could eat. Yeah well and just watching the kids you know when they were when they were just experiencing different things and and probably being rude without knowing it when we were in like at the grocery store like we don't have you don't have to put on a glove before you touch the produce the fruit in the market and um you know we would get looked at funny sometimes because we were just doing things differently and I think we didn't know how to like when you buy fruit I think I don't know, it was something within the buying process that we did wrong. And then remember all of the fresh juice, like at the store, just to squeeze your own orange juice. I mean, those are things that just stand out in my mind as just really silly little things, but really fun. You make me realize that we use olefoil for everything. It wasn't until I heard that from you that I... Now I do realize that now. Like, okay, it's true. Even bread, venga, why? Why do you have to put olive oil on bread? Why do you have to? Yeah, it's true that we use olive oil for everything. Spaniards, we won't be able to survive without our oil. So, yeah. Remember that time in the Mercado San Miguel when we tried using to eat paella and Alejandra said that she couldn't because the shrimps were looking at her? Yes, definitely. Food presentation is definitely different with the eyes. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yes. Oh, one time we were in, this was not on one of our excursions. It wasn't when we were doing the exchange. It was probably before that. I took my students on a field trip and we went to the bullring. We went to a bullfight and some of the girls didn't want to stay because it was, they just didn't like the idea of bullfighting and they just wanted to leave. So we, I took them, I took them out of the stadium, but we took a wrong turn and we accidentally walked past where they were butchering a bull. So you were just trying to avoid that? Oh my God. They were horrified when I left and then they saw that. So it was quite interesting. Oh, why? Oh, but anyway, but things like that, all of those things just really, I think, shape. They just shaped all of our our lives in so many ways, just all of these experiences that we had. So. I'm just, those are other things that I'm thankful for, that you guys were part of that. And, you know, I wish that we could have continued that exchange forever. That would have, it would have been nice, even if it was just the four of us for the exchange. No, I mean, definitely. Sheryl, I still have families whose whose kids might were involved in the... that I might have the smallest children at my classes or they are still at school, they're the youngest, no? And some of them still remember the exchange and they asked me about why don't you have this type of exchange again, no? And it's something that I'm... I do have a Now I have another contact, a former language assistant, and now she's teaching in the States. And we are going to see if we are able to do something like that, no? We'll see. But it's true that it takes, well, that you really need to connect, no? And you really need to which somehow I do, but still it's something that I wouldn't mind taking over again. Maybe if I am not a prince, a vice principal or whatever anymore because, I mean, to be involved in such an exchange, again, I need a lot of time. But maybe when I end up in this position, I will take it again and I will make an effort to work something out like that. That would be great. I would love to. For the students, especially. For the students, it has nothing to do. So it really, I don't mind going through all the work. again. It was definitely a labor of love, I feel like. Yeah. It was definitely something, it was a lot of hard work, but it was so worthwhile. No, again, from that I do know that this type of things, again, I mean, I'm convinced that this type of things really work and they can make connections forever. and you are really you are going beyond the textbook and you are really showing the students that it makes sense to to to study a language no and just to be open to the culture to just to spend a couple of weeks with another family is just so cultural and culturally enriching that is worth it yeah for sure yeah i think um that's the that's that's what it just makes this all you know we all are like -minded and so we just all have the same the same goals in mind and i think that's you know what is one thing that they asked to visit is in this view when because i was talking to the teacher today about this uh future exchange uh that is always something that they want to visit when they come here oh really did you go to visit that with your students we did you did right we did once You did once, so it's a must. They were telling me if there is not that visit, it's not going to be possible. So that's the exchange, but that visit has to be a must. OK, OK, OK. This time is with Los Angeles, so this is going to be very farther away, farther than that. So we will make it to the studios, to the Los Angeles. That'll be, that's an interesting place to go, you know. a more interesting city than Milwaukee. No, no, no, no, no, no. I have great memories from Milwaukee. Oh, wow. And Chicago. So no, no, no. Well, I'm glad that I'm glad that we were able to share all of those things together, that we had those memories. And, you know, you never know what the future will bring. Maybe it'll bring us back together again at some point, you know. I would love to, like if you ended up doing that again and ended up in L . A. , I would love to come out and see you there. Sure. Of course. Thank you for joining us on this heartfelt journey through friendship, culture, and the people who shaped our travels. 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