Oh what a trip!

Oh what a trip! It was a pleasure to travel with all of the boys on this trip.

I had a great time building the blog and reading all of the stories from the students and parents. You can tell everyone had a great time.

Special "props" go to Cynthia who put together an incredible trip!! It is always great for the students to see some of the artworks that they are studying in their book.

It has been a fun year. We have worked hard in the kitchen preparing lunches, we have gone to meetings for the trip, and then finally we went with the boys to Chicago and experienced the Windy City.

I am glad I was a part of their adventure.

Thanks to everyone for their support!
Dr. Gerhart

It felt wonderful to sleep in my own bed last night...

Hi Everyone,

It felt wonderful to sleep in my own bed last night, but it was kind of lonely to have only three boys in the house and not all NINETEEN of you here too! Believe it or not, I MISS YOU GUYS!

It was great to travel with you all, I had so much fun. Hope to see you all again soon, good luck on the AP test.

Take care, be safe.
Mrs. Mejia

Chicago Day 5

Here are the photos for Day 5. Enjoy!
Dr. Gerhart

Chicago Day 5

We are en flight to LAX

Monday, 3:30pm

We are en flight to LAX and it’s amazing to look back and realize that it took 9 lunch sales, 2 Stateline Turnaround trips, 2 Raffles and a whole lotta planning to get our Bosco Boys to Chicago! How can it be over so soon? Everyday presented many learning opportunities- both within and outside the museums. The boys realized how much material we’ve covered this year in class and how art is not something that is merely found in a textbook or on a museum wall. Chicago was the perfect place to experience public art, historical architecture and cutting edge art.

Our boys experienced a trip that spoke to all of their senses: we ate great food (Garrett’s Popcorn, Chicago Pizza, Chicago hotdogs, Saturday’s fine dinner at Riva and Sunday’s Culminating dinner at the Grand Lux Café are all shared meals that I know they won’t soon forget); saw and reacted to great masterpieces; felt the sheer awesomeness of the impressive buildings of Chicago; interacted and bonded at the public sculptures that make the city famous: the reflective “Bean” and the giant Picasso sculpture (I wonder what Picasso thinks about people using his sculpture as a modern slide? This is what I know: that our boys know great art when they see it and that the “children” within them recognize a once in-a-lifetime opportunity when they see it!).

Above all, our boys learned how to travel together, look out for one another and help each other get through long (but fun) days. It was gratifying to see a class made up of many small groups of friends break down its barriers and become a group of brothers. I am proud to have shared this experience with these young men. And I am very proud of these students who represented our Bosco Family so favorably throughout our Chicago trip.

9:39pm
We’ve arrived home safely! It was great to see the excited parents picking up their boys. It was a great trip! My heartfelt message to this group of boys: I would travel again, anytime with this same group of boys! Thank you for such a great trip!

Mrs. Perez-Gerhart

More photos and updates coming!!

We will be putting up more photos and updates in the next couple days. Please stay tuned!

We are also going to put together a phot sharing site for the students so everyone can access all of the photos. More information tomorrow.

Thanks again!
Dr. Gerhart

It was absolutely wonderful to be with you and your students!!

Email from the Tour Guide at the Att Institute (Friday’s tour guide):

It was absolutely wonderful to be with you and your students!! It is my all time favorite tour in my thirty-six years of leading groups! You are the best, best teacher I have met, and I congratulate you on your success---your students attest and confirm that!

Please tell your class how very much I enjoyed being with them and that their interest, knowledge, appreciation, manners, and fortitude (going an hour overtime--my fault!), was incredible, over the top. They set a high standard, and I wonder when I will see that again.

Would love to hear how the rest of your visit to Chicago went. I am glad the weather is so beautiful today.

All the best,
Bonnie

I didn’t have a chance to blog before and now we are on our way home!

Hello Everyone,

I didn’t have a chance to blog before and now we are on our way home! It’s amazing how the days have flown by. We have had a remarkable time. All you parents should be very proud as your sons were great travelers. They were able to adapt to our itinerary even with a few changes, they were avid participators at all venues, they were polite and well spoken and they were able to keep up with the fast pace Mrs. Perez set. We had an extremely busy schedule, we saw many wonderful and interesting things, we covered a lot of ground (the majority on foot!), and we had very long days, up and out early and not back to the hotel till late in the evening. All in all they were a great group, and a wonderful reflection of you parents, St John Bosco and Mrs. Perez-Gerhart. I would gladly travel with them again, and again.

All the boys must be doing great in their Art History class since they had a huge store of knowledge and interest in the art and architecture that we saw. Over and over again the tour guides were impressed with the boys knowledge and insight. They actually knew what they were looking at and how to appreciate it! They were also a big help to me, I was able to see things through their eyes, and they were always willing to explain to me what I was looking at, and it’s significance in the art world.

I’m sure they all had an awesome time in Chicago. Now they are very tired but excited to be heading home. Personally I’m exhausted and my feet HURT, but I would gladly do it again.

Thank you St. John Bosco High School for allowing us this opportunity to take the class to Chicago. Thank you parents for entrusting your sons to us for this trip. Thanks to my fellow chaperones, you made the trip so easy, and you were all incredible to spend time with. Most of all, THANK YOU Mrs. Perez-Gerhart for all your hard work. For all the hours you put into fund raisers, all the time you spent making arrangements, all the time at home you must have spent to make this trip a reality. Thank you for your infinite energy and cheer on this trip, you kept us all focused and energized. I can’t imagine a trip of this magnitude being successful without you.

My husband and I had a truly memorable time with these boys, (it was so sick, it was fierce), and I hope they enjoyed being with us these last few days. Please tell your boys that I said thank you for letting us travel along with them, and that I hope to see them all again soon.

I truly hope your sons had a wonderful time in Chicago, I did! Sincerely,

Mrs. Pam Tasaka-Mejia

Wow, what a trip!

Wow, what a trip! My first time in the “Windy City” with 19 teenagers and I am returning in one piece. My hat is off to Mrs. Perez-Gerhart – She planned and coordinated one phenomenal trip - Very educational and Very interesting. Both words in the same sentence, wow.

The boys behaved beyond my expectations.

Jesus J. Mejia

Oh to be 16-17 years old again.

Oh to be 16-17 years old again. I missed the energy and ability to sleep anywhere at any time! It’s been a great trip. Mrs. Perez did a wonderful job organizing it and making sure we were active but not overloaded. Sleep will come quickly tonight. It’s been fun having the boys teach me about art. They know so much.

Mr. Stein

Chicago was fantastic.

Chicago was fantastic. Great sites and good food. And a great group of boys.

Maria Cabrera

I ate a lot of good food.

I ate a lot of good food. I had a lot of fun in Chicago.

Adam Delgado

I haven’t walked so much in my life.

I haven’t walked so much in my life. My feet still hurt. :]

Oscar Gomez

Last minute shopping at the airport is stressfulL.

Last minute shopping at the airport is stressfulL. Chicago was fun. My classmates and chaperones made my birthday unforgettable.

Anthony Crespo

I came to Chicago all shy and reserved…

I came to Chicago all shy and reserved… I leave this place closer to my classmates and am now a “Geisha” (inside joke, you wouldn’t understand unless you were there =)
~<3 Carlo Montoya~

All those flash cards...

All those flash cards were worth it. :]

Adrian Campos

Got sick, ate too much,

Got sick, ate too much, spent too much, walked too much, slept too little, but wow did I have fun.

Patrick Romey

Worth it, extremely.

Worth it, extremely.

Aaron Mejia

Chicago Day 4 Photos

Here are some more photos from Sunday. We had another amazing day. We will post more photos when we get back to California.

Thanks!
Dr. Gerhart

Chicago Day 4

This has been a terrific adventure for all!

Hello everyone-

This has been a terrific adventure for all! The boys have had the opportunity to learn much and have had (I hope) plenty of fun in the process. As we all rub our very sore feet, it amazing to think of all the mileage that we’ve clocked on them! We’re looking forward to our last few experiences in Chicago and seeing you all tomorrow evening. Til then-

Good Night!
MRs. Perez-Gerhart

However exhausting today was, it was very fun.

However exhausting today was, it was very fun. We had a late start today but it all worked out fine. We started off the day with Mass, which was supposed to be at Holy Name Cathedral but they had roof problems so we had it at the parish center. Then we went to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, which was revolutionary in that it is horizontal whereas all of the surrounding buildings were vertical. After that we had lunch at Hyde Park. Then we went to the Oriental Museum of Art. I really enjoyed this excursion because it served as a good review for information we learned at the beginning of the year. Then we had awhile to shop. After that we went on an architectural tour of Chicago. Then we went to see the “bean” in Millennium Park. Then finally we got to go to dinner which was very filling. After dinner, five of us went to the observatory deck of the John Hancock building where we got to see the stunning view of the Chicago nightlife. I’m really enjoying myself here. Too bad it has to end.

David Chavez

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

Even if today was the last full day that we experienced for the remainder of the trip, it was still entertaining. We started off the morning with a mass at Holy Name Cathedral. Haunting melodies were ubiquitous throughout the Cathedral refuge, and the homily was quite insightful. Later we departed for an interior and exterior tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary Robie House, where we were able to experience the awe-inspiring architecture. The rest of the day was “jam-packed” with many other activities, including Oriental Institute of Art, Architectural Tour, and Grant Park. We finally culminated for an exquisite dinner at the Grand Luxe Café. The group diverged from there, separated into an armada that headed to the John Hancock Building Observatory, while the remnant of the “crew” trudged sorely back to the hotel for a bit of bonding time. All in all, the experience was definitely one to remember, a trip that will forever be etched into our memories.

Eddie “E-Fig” Figueroa

The trip was an awesome experience as a whole.

The trip was an awesome experience as a whole. There were so many memories to treasure. From Alicia’s hilarious trolley bus ride, to the tour guide’s mild to wild attitude, to the very un-salesian but unforgettable musical “Jersey Boys”. I hope to visit Chicago soon in the future, but not too soon.

Jordan Klein

Chicago Day 3 Photos

Today's highlights included the Modern Art Museum, the Andy Warhol exhibit, Walking and shopping on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue), The Art Institute, Dinner on Navy Pier and Jersey Boys.

Enjoy the photos! More tomorrow.
Dr. Gerhart

Chicago Day 3

Another full day in the Windy City has come to a close and again we have experienced SO MANY wonderful things.

Another full day in the Windy City has come to a close and again we have experienced SO MANY wonderful things. Contemporary art (the art happening NOW) was the theme of the morning. Often a difficult type of art to wrap one’s mind around, Contemporary art was made exciting, accessible and enjoyable to our group thanks to our knowledgeable tour guide Elena a young, energetic and extremely well-qualified educator for our group of boys. As a teacher, I am always excited to learn from others and this tour was a great way to introduce us to the world of contemporary art!

The boys were excited to have free-time in the shopping-mecca that is Michigan Avenue and following that, it was back to the Chicago Institute of Art. It was a good opportunity to take in parts of the collection that we hadn’t had time enough for yesterday. For dinner, the boys were treated to quite a lovely 3-Course dinner at Riva at Navy Pier. It was an evening meal of great food, great views of the Chicago Lakefront and Skyline and good company. A BIG THANKS to our Bosco Board Member, Sam Ynzunza and Chicago Businessman Mike Cabrera who made this special dinner possible. It was then onto our special evening out to see the musical “Jersey Boys”- which tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. (Oh What a Night indeed!). A night made possible in part by the generosity of Bosco Faculty Mr. and Mrs. Eddy and beloved staff member Mrs. Zolg. We then traveled back to our hotel via the subway – which proved to be a first-time experience for most of our boys!

Our experience in Chicago has been amazing so far- the boys are involved in much review and study of our class course content. Though, I believe that nothing brings a subject quite to life as LIVING it and that is exactly what we are doing here in Chicago. Every moment that we are on the streets of Chicago is a learning experience: the energy of the city, the skyscrapers, the art (both indoors and outdoors). This city is truly an open air museum for all to experience and be a part of.

Tomorrow evening we are going to stop by the Apple Mac Store so that the boys can view the blog and any postings that you might make- so please feel free to drop us all a line!

'Til Tomorrow Night!
Cynthia Perez-Gerhart

Oh, what a night!

Oh, what a night! Today was, in my opinion, the most exciting by far. It began with a guided tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art which was a much different experience than our tour of the Chicago Institute of Art in that it challenged us to view art in a way to which we are not yet accustomed- as subjective and capable by everyone. Afterwards, we went to the Loyola University Museum of Art where we saw the Andy Warhol exhibit as well as a whole floor devoted to European religious artwork.

Afterwards, we were given an hour and a half break with which we could do what we pleased and many enjoyed their break by eating lunch at authentic Chicago restaurants, shopping, and walking down Chicago’s main thoroughfare- Michigan Avenue. With emptied wallets and satisfied stomachs, we once again returned to the Chicago Institute of Art to view American Abstract and Expressionist artworks, admiring the works of Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, and Grant Wood to name a few.

By then it was time for dinner and (following a quick change of clothes at the hotel) we departed for Riva at the famous Navy Pier where we enjoyed dinner with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. After dinner, we took a bus to Chicago’s La Salle Theater where we saw Jersey Boys, a musical documenting the rise to fame of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (hence the opening line). It was, admittedly, a very entertaining show filled with catchy songs and witty dialogue, and one that engendered many unwelcome renditions of “Sherry” and “Oh, What a Night” in the Chicago Hilton. I can only imagine what sort of experiences tomorrow will bring.

Alex Sanchez

Adventures were abundant in today’s journey throughout Chicago.

Adventures were abundant in today’s journey throughout Chicago. Waking to a sunny breakfast at Eight a.m, we all ventured over to the Museum Of Contemporary Art. This museum held pieces that challenged our minds to think past our regular capacity of the everyday. Our wonderful tour guide kept us involved throughout the exhibit with her appreciation and love for the artworks. After visiting the Contemporary Art Museum, we headed over to the Loyola University Museum. There we experienced the fabulous world of Warhol, where the Silver Cloud Room was recreated for museum-goers to taste what a Warhol party was like.

We had some time to visit the premium stores on Michigan Avenue and beyond, some favorites such as American Apparel and H&M. From shopping we walked our individual groups of three to the Chicago institute once again to view Gothic and American Art.

After returning by bus to our hotel, we quickly changed and made our way to our private room in the Navy Pier Restaurant, Riva. We dined on an exquisite dinner and conversed about the city life compared to Los Angeles.

After dinner we watched Jersey Boys, a Tony-Award winning musical that was sponsored in part by the wonderful Mrs. Eddy. We sang along to notable songs and took the subway back to our temporary home, the Chicago Hilton.

The actual experiences of a busy Saturday was more than a physical viewing, but a personal spiritual and intellectual growth of knowledge and culture.

Tomorrow will be a day full of activities that will prove to be fierce in every which way. Goodnight all. Sweet Dreams from the windy city.

Victor Gonzalez

Hello darlings, today was by far the MOST interesting day

Hello darlings, today was by far the MOST interesting day we, the AP Art History students, experienced (in my opinion). Upon waking in the early morning, 8am here (6 back west), the day began with a delightful breakfast and a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art. That was a brilliant experience. Our tour guide Elena inspired me to view art as not only a pretty picture or a life-like sculpture, but also an interactive, accessible glimpse of beauty on Earth. As we viewed the Smallpox installation by Karen Kliminick, I felt like I was transported into an alternate universe. The Red Room, decorated with such gems as The Evil Queen, Leonardo Dicaprio as Prince Charming, and others greatly inspired me. I felt like directing a magnificent, cinematic interpretation of my cherished childhood memories.

The next great experience was the Andy Warhol exhibit. The Silver Cloud room was two kinds of fabulous. Victor knows. We’ll show you the pictures some other time. Anyways, the Warhol exhibit also featured some of his Myths series. That was brilliant, a la the Mickey Mouse painting and Superman portrait.

As the rest of the day progressed, I note the great dinner experienced at Riva on Navy Pier. The conversations held with Victor, Kevin, Adrian, and others will be remembered forever.

Jersey Boys was FIERCE! And I can only dream of what will happen tomorrow! I love you all, and good night! Peace. Love. And all that jazz.

XOXO
Greg Cesena

Hello from Chicago!

Hello from Chicago!

We have had a FULL first day in the (somewhat) Windy City! Apparently, not only did we bring 19 boys to Chicago, we also brought a 5.2 earthquake and warm weather! Today was a great day- we certainly packed in a lot: guided tour and self guided tours at the Art Institute- where the boys were able to put their art history training to the test. From there it was on to the Sears Tower (what a view!) and a lively Trolley Car Tour of Chicago- our tour guide Alicia was a hoot! It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy, on-the-go day. When in Chicago, do as the Chicagoans- so it was Gino’s East Pizza for dinner. We’ll all have to ask the boys what their preference is: thin slice or deep dish!

They say you don’t really know a person until you’ve traveled with them and we are REALLY getting to know these boys. What I know is that they are truly a credit to their parents and to their Bosco Family. It made me and the rest of the chaperones quite pleased and proud when we observed our boys helping fellow plane passengers stow away their overhead luggage, or offer their bus seats to adult strangers when all of the seats on our bus had been claimed; and to find out that the group of students who were sharing a dinner tab with our Birthday Boy insisted on treating him to dinner was a great thing indeed. (Happy 17th Birthday, Anthony Crespo. We enjoyed surprising you with your favorite chocolate cake!) I’m sure that for every observed courtesy there must be many unobserved ones- what a great group of Bosco Boys!

I (even if the boys don’t plan to! J ), must get some rest! Check in to read about our Saturday Adventure tomorrow night!
Best,
Mrs. Perez-Gerhart

PS - Check out the photo links below for some fun photos of the boys. More to come.

So, it was my first time flying

So, it was my first time flying and it wasn’t too bad. Not like the movies, we didn’t flip around or fly into any thunderstorms. But it was still kinda nerve wrecking when we were starting to liftoff and come back to earth. It was cool when I didn’t beep through the metal detector thingies. It hasn’t been too cold but hopefully it’ll snow or rain! :] I got my bro’s cool Italia beanie so ‘saul good. The museums were cool. It’s totally different when you look at them in person than from in the book. At lunch we walked around the city and its a lot cleaner than LA. Less homeless people too, I fed one. Maybe he’ll just buy beer or something’ but I hope he buys real food. It was fun to walk around -it was like we were real Chicagoans. Lets see how tomorrow goes-

Matt Mejia

Hello `Mrs.Eddy, Fr Leo...

Hello `Mrs.Eddy, Fr Leo……………………Mr. Lee, Mrs. Perez, and any other teacher I left out of the list.

Well like Kevin Brady said its roughly 11-30 and undoubtedly we are going to bed at 3. As a matter of fact I probably won’t even go to sleep. TAKE THAT Matt Mejia!!! Anyway today was absolutely amazing, as we embarked along the grid-patterned and yet impeccably clean streets and avenues of central Chicago, experienced a little drizzle from the Holy Spirit(or fr.Leo…..whichever one works for you.), which then dissipated to a light mist. O by the way, I also tripped in a revolving door at Borders (amazing my head didn’t get severed off like that one guy….),DIDN’T give money to a transient (a hobo for slang.), and rolled down a sculpture (I’ll show you guys the picture, I look like a Halloween hostess zinger.) I also went to the Art Institute of Chicago. But a lot of other interesting things occurred, but I’ll share that with you later, as I am about to watch family guy with Adrian and José Luis, and Matt.

P.S.-today was Crespo’s birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nehemiah Shorter

Hello everybody

Hello everybody, we just got back from a full day around the beautiful city of Chicago. We woke up early, but it was well worth it. We began with a big breakfast and a bus ride to the Art Institute of Chicago. We were in a guided tour of amazing artworks, and lectures. After the tour we explored the rest of the Institute, and headed out to the Sears Tower. We went to the very top, and saw an amazing birds-eye view of Chicago. Then we went on a t\Trolley Ride of Chicago, which was the highlight of my day. We ate at The famous Gino’s East Pizza which was ok. The day overall was amazing, and I would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible.

-J.L Cuevas

Hey everyone...

Hey everyone we just got back from our first full day in Chicago. Waking up was the hardest part on account that we went to sleep at 2:30 and woke up at 7:00. The Museums were interesting and Mrs. Perez proved that she would be an excellent tour guide in the future. The food had to be the best part of the day. For breakfast we had a buffet and for dinner some deep-dish pizza. Its about eleven right now, but I doubt anyone will be asleep for another couple hours. Hopefully everyone has enough energy for the exciting day tomorrow.

-Kevin Brady

Day 2 Photos

We had a great day exploring the city! Today's highlights included the Art Institute, Sears Tower, a Guided Trolley ride, Chicago Style Pizza and Anthony Crespo's 17th Birthday. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow. Please let us know if you are unable to access the photos. You can leave a comment on the blog.

Thanks! Dr. Gerhart

Chicago Day 2

Daily Photos

I have created a photo album at Picasa.com. Enjoy! We will update it every day.

Thanks!
Dr. Gerhart

Chicago Day 1

Hello families, friends, and everyone else!

Hello families, friends, and everyone else! We did it! Finally we are here after all the planning and fundraising. Everything went really well, I have to admit I was nervous while waiting for the plane to take off but after we got in the air everything was great. Thank God it is not as cold as Ms. Perez had anticipated, some guys were even complaining for bring their coats and jackets haha lol. Now everyone is in their rooms getting ready for tomorrow’s busy day, I can’t wait!!!!
=]

-Noe Garcia

So as you may imagine...

So as you may imagine, today was quite an exciting day. We left Bosco completely teaming with energy and excitement. For me and a few other students, our experience with the airport security was a new one, and quite foreign. Once we finished that procedure, we were able to enjoy the many different airport shops and restaurants. Although the plane ride was quite uneventful, I personally found take off quite nerve-racking. The plane ride, once securely in the air, was a great opportunity to relax and prepare ourselves for our arrival in Chicago. We did land though, and to finally be in O’Hare after all the preparation and scheduling was quite a relief.

From the airport, the class made its way on the bus and we were enamored with the sites and sounds of the Chicago night. We hungrily made our way inside to the hotel ready to take our rooms in and eat the Subway we got for dinner. The size of rooms pleasantly surprised all of us. After quickly finishing the food we left for our rooms and beds tired, but excited for tomorrow.

-Joseph Brizzolara

We have arrived!

We arrived safe and sound. Here are some photos of our travel day. Be sure to read Joey's and Noe's account of the day.

Enjoy!
Mrs. Perez-Gerhart

Standing in Line at The airport




Arrival in Chicago