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... are the most unlikely! We were on that incredible little island off the French Riviera, late June. The weather had been wonderful and even pretty hot ("la canicule" as we like to say call it) for weeks. But on that day, the sky was grey and it was raining on our little piece of paradise. But we had the great ingredients (all organic, all just bought the same morning from the "most beautiful open air market in France" in the cute little seaside town nearby! and the great people to share it! © 2022, Memories from Provence (France). by Simon D. Webb • thedensecompany for France for Foodies 2022 Cultural Immersion Trip by BlueStoneBluOcean

The last few weeks here* have been quite hectic. King tides, massive downpours, broken levees, flooding... California has seen it all... c © 2023, Memories from Pismo Beach (California) . Simon D. Webb • thedensecompany with BlueStoneBlueOcean

Weeks of work for this. Hope you'll enjoy your visit!

BESTSELLER! 4TH EDITION! BIRTH OF A MODERN NATION An American Story Washington DC • And more April 12-19, 2025 a Family Learning Journey by Welcome to our dedicated page. Here you'll find all the information about the trip as well as the registration path. Enjoy! FULL PROGRAM REGISTRATION If at any moment, you encounter difficulties, let us know and we'll be happy to assit you. introduction American history springs to life on a trip to the East Coast! Our Family Learning Journeys complement the curriculum of San Luis Obispo Classical Academy, taking students and families to see firsthand the places they have studied . Whether through hands-on immersive experiences in Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, an inspirational walk through the monuments on the Mall, illuminated against the backdrop of our nation’s capital, or marching and then charging in the footsteps of the soldiers at Pickett’s Charge in Gettysburg, learning comes to life and becomes deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of those who experience the journey. New friendships are forged, both for students and their parents , as we discover and learn together on Birth of A Modern Nation, a Family Learning Journey by BlueStoneBlueOcean . highlights • Step into the 17th century at Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English settlement . Engage in hands-on activities at the Powhatan village, learn about a transatlantic trek on the replicas of the very ships that made that voyage, and explore the fort’s reconstructed homes and workshops. • Colonial Williamsburg offers a fully immersive experience into a town on the cusp of the American Revolution . Costumed interpreters bring history to life while you might even catch sight of Paul Revere blazing through town stirring up revolutionary fervor. • Admire the beauty of this hillside mansion and stand in awe at the multi-faceted legacy of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Reflect on the paradox of this founding father , a slaveholder who penned the Declaration of Independence. • Be inspired and moved as you honor the trail-blazers who shaped our nation and championed freedom , while also contemplating the gravity of war as we visit the illuminated WWII Memorial, Vietnam Wall and Korean War Memorial of Washington DC's Mall. • Explore Civil War history at Gettysburg with a battlefield tour, an excellent museum and an immersive painting in the round. Discover soldier life and the harsh realities of warfare as you participate in our recreation of Pickett’s Charge, stepping into the footsteps of history. • Explore the institutions that drive the USA today. Whether standing on the steps of the Supreme Court, touring the US Capitol Building, or seeing the White House, discover that DC is the place where legislation, enforcement, and global and national politics unfold. • Celebrate this week of learning and friendship with a Potomac River Cruise. Enjoy dining and dancing as we glide along, taking in the buildings and monuments that line the Potomac River. itinerary DAY 1 (Saturday) Travelers fly independently and meet at Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA) in the afternoon, where a private coach will collect the group and transfer them south to Colonial Williamsburg. We’ll begin with a welcome dinner and group introductions. DAY 2 Visit Jamestown Settlement where the history and lives of the first permanent English settlers and the Powhatan nation come to life. Re-creations of a Powhatan village, James Fort and the 1607 ships that brought colonists are all available for exploration, complete with costumed interpreters. Enjoy a hands-on, inquiry-based guided tour, followed by an afternoon guided visit to Colonial Williamsburg , including hands-on experiences, dinner, and a “musical tour” of the 18th century capital (may be substituted for similar experience, depending on evening program schedule). DAY 3 The morning will be spent exploring Colonial Williamsburg with an educator who will guide the travelers’ participation in hands-on, experiential learning. Your students will watch re-enactments of important historical events as well as discuss techniques with tradesmen as they work at their crafts employing the same techniques used in the colonial era. Free time in the afternoon allows the group to explore buildings, trade shops, homes, Governor’s Palace, museums, and time to watch the shows, parades, mock battles, and other demonstrations. After dinner we’ll load up on the coach and head north to Charlottesville, North Carolina where Thomas Jefferson built his estate, Monticello. DAY 4 Today we explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello . This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the life of Thomas Jefferson, as well as slave life, gardening, and architecture. Your will discover Monticello with a guided tour of the mansion. Lunch is included today. After the visit, we will travel to Washington DC , where we'll drop our luggage and get ready for a special evening. We will enjoy an Illuminated Monuments tour, an especially magical and moving experience. Private guides will lead us through many of the important monuments around the Mall area, including the WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and FDR Monument if time allows. It’ll be a late night getting back to the hotel! DAY 5 Private Charter to Gettysburg National Battlefield . This is an especially fun day for students! Start off with a guide who will hop on the bus for a tour of the battlefield, where you can still spot damage from the Civil War in the walls of buildings around town. The battlefield guide will explain the war as you ride through the battlefield, stopping at different monuments and important sites. After getting a feel for the war and the where it was fought, students will participate in a Battlefield Footsteps program where each student is assigned an identity of one of the soldiers in Pickett’s Charge. Students get into formation and follow drill commands while walking in the footsteps of the soldiers. At the end, the student soldiers make the charge up and over the hill and discover their fate at the end of the re-enactment. After the charge, the group will go to the Museum, Visitor’s Center and experience the Cyclorama, a circular painting of a battlefield scene, accompanied by lights, sounds, and a narration. It is a somber experience that brings home the reality of that war. We return to Washington DC for dinner and an early evening in to catch up on rest! DAY 6 Washington DC – Pillars of Government : Start the day with a tour of the US Capitol Building by the “Red Coats.” Following the tour, meet up with your group’s private guide who is a historical expert and will teach as they lead. We’ll visit the following sights: The Library of Congress , one of the most beautiful buildings in the US; Steps of the U.S. Supreme Court ; National Archives, Charters of Freedom ; Visit in front of the White House . We’ll end our day with our private guides at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History where everyone will have an opportunity to explore independently before meeting up again for dinner in the city. DAY 7 Private charter bus to George Washington’s Mount Vernon . We explore this interactive learning center and enjoy a guided tour of his home. Early afternoon we return to Washington D.C. where you will have free time to prepare for our evening grand finale! We celebrate all we’ve learned and experienced by enjoying time with our new friends on a Potomac River Dinner Dance Cruise , with views of the monuments and city of DC, a memorable and spectacular end to a meaningful week! DAY 8 (Saturday) Fly back to California! *Itinerary is tentative until confirmed, and may change based on schedule availability, weather, or other factors. who is the trip for? In 2025, we will welcome both families and individual student travelers on the Birth of a Modern Nation trip. The trip is ideal for students between the ages of 11-18 , but open to eager, mature learners who have the energy for a full itinerary, at the discretion of their family. First and foremost, this trip is specially suited to SLOCA students, their friends & families, designed to complement the rich curriculum of the school . From October 1, 2024, you can also invite your cousins, aunts, uncles, aunts, grand-parents, and close friends! Family Style Travelers These travelers are families traveling together, one or more parent(s) taking their child(ren) or perhaps bringing along a friend from school . Family style travel means that there is a parent or family friend/member who assumes the supervision and responsibility for their children (or other children traveling under their care). We have different rooming options to fit diverse needs of family travelers, but all rooms must have an adult lodging with the students. NEW! FOR SLOCA FAMILIES ONLY Independent Student Travelers These are students between the ages of 13-18 who are traveling without a parent and under the supervision and responsibility of a SLOCA chaperone . Minimum: 8 Independent Travelers. They will sleep in a quadruple room with at least one other student rooming decided on by SLOCA chaperone. Families and students can also choose to send their child with a close friend and they can share a bed for a discounted price if the family and students are comfortable with this arrangement. Families will sign a contract agreeing to cover the price of a last minute unaccompanied minor ticket if their child breaks the rules while on the trip. price Family Style Travelers Base price $3,500 per person (quadruple room occupancy) $3,650 per person (triple room occupancy) $3,900 per person (double room occupancy) Adults additional $100 per person FOR SLOCA FAMILIES ONLY Independent Student Travelers Base price $4,200 per person (based on students staying in a double room, each with their own bed) Discounts AVAILABLE TO FAMILY AND INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS $100 off if you have traveled with BlueStoneBlueOcean (formerly Simply Culture Boutique Travel ) in the past. AVAILABLE TO INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS $150 off if your child would like to travel with a close friend with whom they feel comfortable sharing a bed for two people (double or queen) Trip Minimum 20 travelers Validity Early bird prices are valid until June 30, 2024, then increase by $100 per person from July 1 to December 1 , the registration deadline. what is included. what is not. Included this Learning Journey 7 Nights Mid-Range Hotel Breakfast Daily Dinner Daily Boxed Lunch at Monticello Tour transportation on private charter bus A digital Learning Journey Trip Guidebook (detailed itinerary and educational workbook) All entrance tickets Hands-on Educational workshops, experiences, and re-enactments Private, licensed tour-guide when indicated Evening Activities and programs as indicated Travelers are free to make monthly payments to spread expense over several months Gratuities for bus driver and tour guides Daily debrief discussion Daily Review Questions Daily Super Trooper Traveler* Award Introduction to DiariosTM** Trip Training Meetings for travelers Coordinated Safety Plan for hotel and outings Full-time trip coordinator, accompanying you on entire trip once group arrives in Washington DC *What is a Super Trooper Traveler Award? Exactly as it sounds, it’s a fun way to teach traits of a responsible group member who aims to contribute and consider those around them. We also encourage traits that help to open students up to the world and instill a sense of curiosity and observation. Each day the program facilitators and trip leaders will be on the lookout for a student who exemplifies the trait of the day and they will be rewarded with a prize at the daily debrief. **What is Introduction to DiariosTM ? During this trip, participants will be introduced to DiariosTM , a multi-faceted diary experience created by thedensecompany. Each diario uses a different artistic technique (photography, movie, poetry, music and others). Some days, they will be invited to practice and create their own diarios and then share it with the rest of the group. Not Included Transportation to and from Washington DC (flights) Airport transfers Insurance Laundry Lunches, except 1 boxed lunch Personal Items next steps 2024 May 6 & 7 & 8 Information Meetings at Lower Campus + SLOCA High School May 10 Trip Registration opens, secured with $450 non-refundable deposit July 1 End of early bird pricing Sept 16 & 17 & 18 Information Meetings at Lower Campus + S LOCA High School October 1 Trip opens to friends & family Oct 9 & 10 Information Meetings at SLOCA Grand Campus To attend the information meetings register here ! December 1 Registration Deadline 2025 March Trip training meeting & flag making activity with students April Trip Fall Get together ... and maybe a surprise? Registration To register it's easy! Just click below: REGISTRATION

SLOCA COMMUNITY. 4TH EDITION. BIRTH OF A MODERN NATION An American Story Washington DC • Williamsburg • Monticello • And more April 12-19, 2025 a Family Learning Journey by Registration To register it's easy! Just follow the steps: STEP 1 trip terms STEP 2 travelers' information STEP 3 liability release STEP 4 deposit START If at any moment, you encounter difficulties, let us know and we'll be happy to assit you. STEP 1 trip terms and conditions Please Read Carefully: This is a Legally Enforceable Contract. Travel Date: April 12-19, 2025 DUE DATE AMOUNT DUE PER TRAVELER Deposit Due at time of Registration $450 October 10, 2024 $1,500 January 10, 2025 Outstanding Balance You may pay a monthly payment of your choice. If final payment is not paid by January 10; 2025, BlueStoneBlueOcean reserves the right to treat the client’s booking as cancelled and all cancellation charges will apply. Cancellation Policy All cancellations must be made in writing. The date when the letter is received will be the cancellation date. Cancellation Date before October 10, 2024: $450 per traveler non-refundable Cancellation Date before January 10, 2025: $1,950 per traveler non-refundable Cancellation Date on or after January 10, 2025: No Refund Not Included Please note that the following items are not included as part of the trip cost: Flight; Airport Transfer; Trip Insurance; Lunches (other than the lunch at Monticello); Laundry and other Items of a personal nature. Trip Insurance Trip medical coverage and trip interruption or cancellation insurance is highly recommended. BlueStoneBlueOcean will not make refunds as per the above cancellation schedule. If you do make a cancellation, and it is for a covered reason, this must be handled directly by you with the insurance company. All insurance claims must be handled directly by the traveler. BlueStoneBlueOcean does not file insurance claims. Cancellation by BlueStoneBlueOcean BlueStoneBlueOcean reserves the right to cancel this departure due to a natural disaster, act of God, act of terrorism, sickness or disease outbreak, or other causes beyond our control. In such a case a refund is given which equals the total payments received less all non-refundable expenditures paid for tour. Trips may also be cancelled due to consolidation. Consolidation refers to the fact that this trip is dependent upon a minimum number of 20 persons participating. Cancellation due to consolidation will result in a full refund. In all cases, BlueStoneBlueOcean is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by customers. Flexibility The itinerary stated for this trip must be taken only as an indication of what each group may accomplish and not a contractual obligation. The client acknowledges that the nature of travel requires significant flexibility and should allow for changes. The client understands that the amenities, type of transport, route, schedule, and itinerary may change without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include mechanical breakdown, illness, strikes, political disputes, weather, and other unforeseeable factors. A good faith attempt to operate the trip as advertised will be made. Student Behavior Students will be expected to sign a student contract before travel. Participants who fail to abide by the guidelines and policies may be sent home at his/her own expense and waive the right to a refund for any part of their tour fee. Registration for the trip, as an Independent Student Traveler, under the supervision of SLOCA Chaperones, is at the discretion of the school who will take into consideration student behavior, citizenship, and ability to safely participate in group travel. Informed Consent – Release of Information I grant permission for BlueStoneBlueOcean and thedensecompany to use my and/or my minor child’s name, any photos, films or videos, or sound recordings of me and my minor child(ren) or my likeness on this trip in both printed and online forms. STEP 2 traveler information Please fill out one Traveler Information form PER TRAVELER (adult, accompanied minor, independent minor). Fill in the information for the first traveler and submit. Then come back here and fill it out for each additional traveler. FIRST NAME LAST NAME PREFERRED NAME SELECT YOUR ADDRESS PHONE E-mail DATE OF BIRTH GENDER MEDICAL CONDITIONS ALLERGIES DIET OTHER This section is only for a minor* traveling WITHOUT A PARENT. *who has not turned 18 as of April 12, 2025 (beginning of the trip) PARENT/GUARDIAN FIRST NAME PARENT/GUARDIAN LAST NAME PARENT/GUARDIAN PHONE PARENT/GUARDIAN EMAIL EMERGENCY CONTACT FIRST NAME EMERGENCY CONTACT LAST NAME EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE IF TRAVELLING WITH ANOTHER FAMILY, NAME OF THE SUPERVISING ADULT PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE Effacer SEND Thanks for sending! If you have additional traveler(s), please go back to the beginning of Step 2 TRAVELER INFORMATION and register them. If you have registered everyone in your group, please proceed to Step 3 LIABILITY RELEASE below. STEP 3 liability release PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ CAREFULLY THE LIABILITY RELEASE AND FILLED UP AND SUBMITTED THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW. I Agree that I/we and my/our minor child(ren) voluntarily plan to participate on a trip arranged by BlueStoneBlueOcean with knowledge that travel involves numerous risks, including, but not limited to risks of physical exertion for which I am not prepared; forces of nature; transportation failures whether by plane, train, auto, boat, by foot, or by any other conveyance; risks associated with food or impure water; risks associated with food allergies and/or medical conditions including, without limitation, the failure of any supplier to adhere to my dietary, medical or allergy related protocols; terrorism or the threat thereof; criminal activity; dangers associated with wild or other animals; breakdown or faulty maintenance of equipment; epidemics or the threat thereof; and stolen, lost, or misplaced luggage or property. In addition, I accept all risk of and release BlueStoneBlueOcean from errors and omissions. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of travel is derived in part from the inherent risks incurred by travel and activity beyond the accepted safety of life at home or work and that these risks contribute to such enjoyment and excitement, being a reason for my participation. I hereby agree to be responsible for my own welfare and that of my family and accept any and all risks of delay, unanticipated events, inconvenience, illness, injury, loss, emotional trauma or death. I acknowledge that the cost of this BlueStoneBlueOcean trip is based upon trip participants executing this Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risk, and Arbitration Agreement. Therefore, I HERBY RELEASE AND DISCHARGE FOREVER BLUESTONEBLUEOCEAN, CYNTHIA MCKINNEY HILTON, CÉDRIC JACQUEMONT AND SAN LUIS OBISPO CLASSICAL ACADEMY FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM OUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS TRIP. I agree that this release shall be legally binding upon me personally, all members of my family and all minors traveling with me, my and their heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives, it being my intention full to assume all the risks associated with this trip and to release BlueStoneBlueOcean, Cynthia McKinney Hilton, Cédric Jacquemont and San Luis Obispo Classical Academy from any and all liabilities to the maximum extent permitted by law. Medical Proxy I hereby give BlueStoneBlueOcean and San Luis Obispo Classical Academy and their contractors permission to arrange emergency medical treatment for my minor child if necessary, and I agree to hold BlueStoneBlueOcean and San Luis Obispo Classical Academy harmless for the provision or nonprovision of such services. Binding Arbitration I agree that in the unlikely event of a dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the terms and conditions, the brochure, itinerary, or any other literature concerning my trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. These proceedings will be governed by substantive California law. I agree that the maximum amount of recovery to which I will be entitled from BlueStoneBlueOcean under any and all circumstances shall not exceed the amount of its fee for professional services, less actual expenses incurred in arranging my travel. Should any part of this contract be found invalid or not enforceable by a court of law, then the remaining portion shall continue to be valid and in force. Knowing and Voluntary Execution I have carefully read and fully understand the contents of this document, including those regarding cancellation and refund policies, trip terms and conditions, limitation of liability, and responsibility born by trip participants. I understand that this is a legally binding and enforceable contract and sign it of my own free will. I, TRAVELING ADULT (OR PARENT/GUARDIAN) ONE, HAVE CAREFULLY READ, AGREE AND ATTEST THAT ALL INFORMATION ON THIS REGISTRATION FORM IS TRUE AND COMPLETE I, TRAVELING ADULT (OR PARENT/GUARDIAN) TWO, HAVE CAREFULLY READ, AGREE AND ATTEST THAT ALL INFORMATION ON THIS REGISTRATION FORM IS TRUE AND COMPLETE NAME OF MINOR #1 NAME OF MINOR #2 NAME OF MINOR #3 NAME OF MINOR #4 SIGNATURE TRAVELING ADULT OR PARENT/GUARDIAN ONE Erase SIGNATURE TRAVELING ADULT OR PARENT/GUARDIAN TWO Erase DATE * required SEND Thanks for send your Liability Release! Last, in order to complete your registration, please request a payment link below. STEP 4 finalization To secure your registration, you need to make a $450 non-refundable deposit per registered traveler. Click below to receive our payment link: REQUEST A PAYMENT LINK

Our Travelers Say THEY TRAVEL WITH US. Here is what they say. "Fantastic Washington DC school trip. " Chuck New Traveller San Luis Obispo, CA right after being part of BIRTH OF A MODERN NATION (AN AMERICAN STORY part I) a Family Learning Journey 2014 "Such an amazing experience. We learned so much and had our eyes opened in necessary ways." Joy N. Repeat Traveller Arroyo Grande, CA 2 years after being part of BLACK HISTORY IN AMERICA (An American Story, part III) a Family Learning Journey 2021 "Cindy & Cédric are the absolute best. If you're interested in small group travel you MUST connect with them. Amazing itineraries with access to experiences you could not get on your own." Jen M. New Traveller San Luis Obispo, CA 5 years after being part of ARGENTINA & CHILE, NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART a Cultural Immersion Trip 2021 "Cindy had a wonderful itinerary and was not only a great planner but a great translator, allowing us to get more out of the experience than we would have if we had gone on our own." Tracey C. New Traveller Atascadero, CA 3 weeks after being part of ARGENTINA & CHILE, NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART a Cultural Immersion Trip 2018 "Our family attended the Europe Through the Ages trip with Cindy this past summer. This is the second trip we joined Cindy on so we knew we were going to be so well taken care of and that the trip would surpass all expectations. (...) Thank you Cindy for discovering your true gift and sharing it." Julie S. Repeat Traveller Arroyo Grande, CA 1 month after being part of EUROPE THROUGH THE AGES (An American History part II) a Family Learning Journey 2019 "I am so excited about the oportunity to travel with your company. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from those who have traveled with you." Deena E. Future Traveller Santa Maria, CA 6 months before being part of EUROPE THROUGH THE AGES (An American History part II) a Family Learning Journey 2023 "What a wonderful way to see and enjoy the culture of France by traveling as friends and family! Our small group allowed us to be flexible and go with the flow." Carol S. Repeat Traveller Paso Robles, CA 1 year after being part of FRANCE FOR FOODIES a Cultural Immersion Trip 2022 "What a beautiful small town that Argentinians visit but most international visitors don’t. (...) I loved this trip!" Carol S. New Traveller Paso Robles, CA 4 years after being part of ARGENTINA & CHILE, NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART a Cultural Immersion Trip 2019 "In 2021, my daughter Lucy and I joined on Cindy and Cédric's Black History in the American South. It was powerful and transformational. I will never forget Lucy learning from Joanne - a young child who participated in the Bloody March over the Selma Bridge. Cindy and Cédric get to the heart and soul of why we travel - to learn about ourselves, learn about others and bring connection to this fragmented world." Wendy L. New Traveller San Luis Obispo, CA 2 years after being part of BLACK HISTORY IN AMERICA (An American Story, part III) a Family Learning Journey 2021 "We had the pleasure and honor of hosting Cindy and Cédric's group in Pianella in Abruzzo. They were days full of cultural exchanges and fun. They gave us a magnificent artistic performance on our farm among olive trees and horses. and I will never forget the dinner we had together which turned into a beautiful party with folk dances. I can't wait to host them again." Rebecca O. Partner Pianella, Italia a year after being part of ITALIA! ITALIA! ITALIA! a Cultural Immersion Trip 2022 "LOVE the cultural aspect of Cindy and Cedric's tours and I'd feel very comfortable now traveling back to France on my own for another adventure." Dianne Repeat Traveller Paso Robles, CA 9 months after being part of FRANCE FOR FOODIES a Cultural Immersion Trip 2022 " I am still amazed at all we saw and did and how we really got to know the people and their lifestyles and still have time for ourselves and enjoying all the sights and sounds of each country. " Ingrid H. New Traveller Arroyo Grande, CA 3 weeks after being part of ARGENTINA & CHILE, NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART a Cultural Immersion Trip 2018