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You really are visiting the USA! Was the response to our plans to take 14 parents and 11 children to Lake Charles Louisiana.
Yes was the answer. Mr Neale Headteacher of BP had no hesitation in organising such a venture.
To actually see the real America with American partners was an opportunity not to be missed.
So after one year on September 13th 2002 25 British visitors set forth.
Following the setting up of links from a British Council sponsored visit Mr Neale had discussed the idea of a visit with Mrs Ford the US teacher.
No one had really thought the idea was a real possibility, the planning, costs and distance were just mind numbing.
But BP or Mr Neale are not easily put off by any obstacle and so, too the
amazement of Prien Lake we arrived in Lake Charles one year later. 
Prien Lake Principal Irene, her Deputy Veronica and Becky with the teachers and PTO (Our PTA) made us feel like royalty, the staff room was turned into the UK lounge and we were served allsorts of food and refreshment.
Parents were allowed to roam and experience the classes.
A Mardi Gras parade was organised with a local krew in attendance (a great honour) it was stunning and no real words can express the friendship and welcome that continued throughout the visit.
It was not all play and the children through problem solving exercises and line dancing (a superb aerobic activity) began to build friendships and the links we hoped would emerge.
We were presented to the local education authority and were interviewed by local and state TV and newspapers.
Beatrix Barney our travelling companion also featured, his trips form part of our year one and two geography studies.
Mrs Arnold and her husband kindly offered us free reign in their house.
Here Becky and the Tech Centre Staff (Thank you Sheryl) work with our children (They are checking names here for part of the work they are doing)
So much was packed into our week. We have a large display and a video in school of all the activities.
As to thanks well it is difficult to express the friendship, welcome and warmth we encountered. If we miss anyone its not deliberate,
but to the PTO, Irene, Veronica, Becky, Cathy, Coach Perou and all the Staff at Prien, John and Sabine Nature reserve,
Mayor Roach, the School Board, Becky and Brian and Family, Gay Arnold and Husband, Barbe High,
S J Welsh heartfelt thanks and a welcome for a return next June in the UK.
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