Flat Gracie

Our names are Adam and Shirley Strong, and we live in Glengormley,Northern Ireland, which is 6 miles north of Belfast. We have a 9 month old daughter Beth and are expecting another baby in August. Recently we had the pleasure of hosting Flat Gracie. While she was with us, she wrote about her adventures:

My Adventures in Northern Ireland

In the middle of March I went to visit my grandparent's friends in Northern Ireland. We went to lots of interesting places and the weather that week was lovely! One of the first places I visited was Carrickfergus Castle which is 10 miles north of Belfast city centre on the shores of Belfast Lough. The castle is over 800 years old and is inthe town of Carrickfergus. Carrick means 'rock' in Gaelic and the name Carrickfergus means 'the rock of Fergus'. It is thought that the name comes from king Fergus who died nearby in the sea during a storm. You can walk around the castle, or get a guided tour, and see the life-size models. Some people get married in the banqueting hall in the castle and you can even have your birthday party in the vaults!

I also went to visit Belfast Castle which is in North Belfast on Cave Hill. The first Belfast Castle burned down so the castle I saw was only about 140 years old. There are lots of meetings and weddings held in the castle. It has lovely views over Belfast Lough.

Belfast has a very famous shipyard called Harland and Wolff which is about 150 years old. It was once the largest shipyard in the world and has built many famous ships including the Titanic which sank on its maiden voyage to New York. The shipyard now has two giant cranes called Samson and Goliath and I got my picture taken in front of them.

During my time in Northern Ireland I also went on a lovely walk along Belfast Lough and visited Belfast Zoo. Belfast Zoo is 75 years old this year and has more than 1,200 animals. Most of the animals are in danger in their natural habitat so the zoo does important work to make sure these endangered animals survive. I was very tired after my visit because it is a very steep climb in places!

Flat Nena

Dear Students,

Hola from Argentina! We have enjoyed the visit from Flat Nena and will now be sending her to her cousins in Texas. I think she had a great time in Buenos Aires (that is the capital of Argentina) where we are living now, and even got to go to the international School here, where part of her day was completely in Spanish!

Since it is winter (almost spring) where you are, I think she was a bit HOT in her jumpsuit since it is summer down here right now (your teacher can explain this to you!!). She liked spending sunny days by the pool and cool evening walks by the Rio de la Plata, where she saw a beautiful view of the city. The people of the city are called "portenos" because Buenos Aires is a port city, but you would be surpirsed that the countryside (called "el campo") looks a lot like Texas!

There are "gauchos" which are very similar to Texas cowboys, and we were able to ride horses (called "caballos") with a famous gaucho at an "estancia" (ranch) not too far from where we live.

So off to Texas she goes, and we'll be back to visit in June, too! Hope you've had fun and learned a little about Argentina.

Ciao! (That is an Italian word used here to say "good bye.")

Sheri Thomas
Emma (9 years old)
Micah (6 years old)

Flat Nena

Hello Flat and Non-Flat Students!

My name is Annie Snodgrass and I'm writing on the behalf of Miss Flat Nena whom I've had the pleasure of hosting here in Seattle, Washington. Flat Nena is the smaller, more laminated version of my niece Nena Walton and we had a blast up here in the northwest. It's always nice to have more Texans around!

Flat Nena arrived via the US Postal Service on Monday, February 16, just in time to meet my friend Andy Bruce who was also visiting from Texas. Andy had an interview at the University of Washington so we went along to wish him luck. Flat Nena read all about the undergraduate programs as she is already thinking about her future education. While downtown, we went to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle SPACE Needle, Pioneer Square, Safeco Field, and the Ballard Locks, and many more. Flat Nena especially liked the Aquarium - she even touched a starfish! She is fearless.

Flat Nena decided to stay with me for a few more days. She went to my school and visited some of the classrooms. I am an AmeriCorps volunteers and work on a Native American Reservation. Many of my students are members of the Tulalip Tribe and other Native American Tribes. Flat Nena learned about the Native American culture of the northwest. She also chatted with a group of Russian students and learned how to say "thank you" in Russian - "spasibo." She's been practicing all day. My school has a pretty dynamic group of students, that's for sure!

Sadly, it was time for Nena to move on. After checking flight times and schedules, she ended up catching an evelope to ARGENTINA to visit our family friends, the Thomas family! I look forward to hearing all her south American tales!

Thanks and safe mailing,
Aunt Annie

Flat Nena