My love affair with Paris began in 1968.  I was a recipient of a study abroad scholarship to study French at L’École Normale D’Instituteur in Versailles, France, and American College in Leysin, Switzerland.  I celebrated my 40th year anniversary trip to Paris in June 2008 with my French Club.  Since then, I have been on a mission to promote travel abroad to “deserving and promising students,” mid-lifers and jet-setting seniors.

I received my B.A. degree in French and History from San Jose State University in 1973. Three years later, in 1976 I received my secondary education teaching credential.  In June 2005, I earned my M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, Urban Teacher Leadership Option from California State University, East Bay. I have traveled to France (13 times), Switzerland, Italy, Amsterdam, Belgium, and London.  My most recent escorted group trips were to Paris, France (March 29-April 5, 2023, and Madrid and Barcelona, Spain, June 13-22, 2023.

As a semi-retired middle school History teacher, I was committed to offering young people to experience the world beyond themselves through my stories. My most memorable story is the account of two important teachers who made a significant difference in my life. My 7th and 8th grade French teacher, and chorus teacher, Dr. Barbara Cannon, often shared her stories about studying at the Sorbonne. My high school French teacher, Mr. J.P. Richards Dillingham, anonymously sponsored my first trip to study abroad. I am still on that journey.  I salute them both for making a difference in my life. I presently teach an African American Literature class to 7th and 8th grade “students of promise.”  So pleased to enjoy empowering our youth, one class a day!

As a Travel Advisor, I have had the pleasure of personally escorting adventurous mid-lifers and jet-setting seniors since 2002 to France, Italy, England and Spain.    I plan to explore Greece, South Africa, and more destinations abroad and domestic.

Arvanderlyn is an unusual name I’ve often been told, but as I get older, I appreciate it more and more.  My Mom was extremely ahead of her time when she and my Dad chose my name in the 50’s.  Even the nurse told her that she’d never heard of such a name.  My mother told me that this was a first for her too, but it was so me.   So, I am named in part after my dad, Arvander, and Mom included herself too, and gave me her middle name, Ruth.   Now I am affectionately called, Arva.  

I often wondered why I like to explore new places, wander off, take risks.  I always got lost at the county fair, on purpose.  Curious as I was growing up, I still like to explore and create.  Hitch hiked in Switzerland in the 60’s, brave as can be.  I just wanted to see how Gruyère cheese was processed, the old-fashioned, homemade way.  I did.  Some kind old gentlemen escorted me and my friends to their humble dwelling, on the back of their pickup truck, deep into the cellar we went, where we ate chunks of 10-year aged Gruyère cheese and cubes of sour dough bread, Yum! 

Don’t believe in reinventing the wheel.  Nothing new under the sun, King Solomon said it best.  My inspiration to share in this blog is my evolution of who I have become.  As I share my stories, I hope you come along for the ride.

Dr. Barbara Cannon, my 7th and 8th grade French teacher and Mr. J.P. Richards Dillingham, my high school French teacher, were my special guests at my 40th Berkeley High School reunion. They inspired me as a teen to excel and press on through the challenges of learning a second language. They have both transitioned now, and I continue to fulfil my dreams.