...as it was our last day. However everyone is ready to come home. The attitudes have been fabulous and everyone has been helpful and gracious the entire time.
We had a VERY filled day today as we toured the city, spent a few hours at the Louvre (in which you could literally spend days...or weeks even) and went to the top of the Eiffel tower by night. There was some major last minute shopping done down the main streets and I believe everyone is happy with their purchases!
We wish we could spend more time here going through the museums and whatnot, but it was a good way to end the trip and 'sample' a taste of Paris. I for one was never that impressed with the city until I have spent time in it...and I know I am not the only one who would like to come back one day and spend some time browsing the city.
I hope everyone learned much on the trip as it was extremely educational in more ways than one. Travelling, learning and experiencing a different culture is always a wonderful teaching tool.
Here is a taste of the trip and I will post an online scrapbook for everyone so they can download pictures as soon as I can reformat pictures for that use.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sad Day...
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 3:05 PM
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Paris...and THE INEVITABLE!!!
We arrived safely in Paris this afternoon, checked into our hotel and set out to learn how to use their Metro Public Transport (which is really quite simple despite the criss-cross of lines on the map). Our first stop was Notre Dame. It was absolutely beautiful and a very holy experience for some of the students. It was here that the inevitable happened...we LOST 2 students! It was bound to happen on the trip as it's near impossible to keep 21 people together in some of these city crowds - But no fear, we drilled for the occasion somebody became separated from the group and all is well. April and Jordan showed up slightly late at our meeting point on the street in front of the Cathedral, and due to crazy crowds, a filming of a commercial and decorating of the Christmas tree we had to get the others to dinner and sent back an adult to get them...but they had already set out for the hotel. They did quite a good job and we received a call from the front desk as soon as they arrived. They asked directions from a guard, hopped back on the metro and popped back into the hotel; where they went straight to the front desk. Of course everyone was slightly worried and we postponed all plans until we knew where they were. All in all they were only missing for approximately 40 minutes...not enough time to even cause serious worry yet...Our guide says there’s something about Notre Dame as most large groups have a misplaced person or two after the experience.
On this note I do want to commend each and every student as our trip draws to a close. Everyone was extremely responsible for themselves as well as each other. Because of this we had no major mishaps and everyone has been very safe.
Because of this the remaining students were able to enjoy a riverboat cruise along the Seine to see Paris at night; "the City of Lights". Our initial response to Paris was that it was dirty and smelled, but it is truly a beautiful city, full of culture and a lively people. By night we really were able to see and appreciate the Paris skyline, and see why Parisians are such a proud people.
I also finally convinced them to try the pastries. Parent's beware them asking for crepes and Nutella when they get home. I believe I have created an addiction...sorry...
Tomorrow we will tour the city, visit the Louvre and get to see the Eiffel Tower by night. It was beautifully light up tonight and everyone is excited to go to the top!
I will post a slideshow of our days here tomorrow night. We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 2:40 PM
Eurostar
Well, we've just gone through the French customs as we wait for the Eurostar to take us to Paris. Everyone feels like their bag weight has doubled, but can't figure out how. My theory is Garden Gnomes hitched a ride somehow from the countryside and have stowed away in the the bags; hence why everything feels sooooo heavy. But again, just a theory.
I happen to have free wireless right now, but I'm not sure how it will play out in France. Hopefully the hotel has it and I will update again this evening (or rather afternoon for you all)!
We will be visiting Notre Dame today for sure amongst other places after we get into the hotel around 1pm our time; about the time everyone should be sitting down for a fantastic Turkey dinner back home! Eat plenty for us!!! And save the leftovers!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 12:51 AM
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
London Theatre
The last two days have been insane!!! As it is all the Internet cafes are closed and Zoe has graciously let me use her computer so I can let everyone know what has been going on! Yesterday we visited The Globe Theatre in Bankside and participated in a workshop. The rest of the afternoon was spent on our last free time in London, dinner at a great little Italian restaurant and the show WICKED!!! It was amazing!
Today we waited for the bus FOREVER since there had been an accident and it got stuck in traffic. The kids fell asleep in the lobby, but jumped on the bus when it finally arrived for Oxford. Oxford was awesome. There are lots of little colleges within the University and the town is absolutely beautiful.
We then went to Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratford on Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, and his gravesite. We then had dinner at the original Hard Rock cafe and to the show The Sound of Music. There are not words to describe it. Amazing doesn't even come close.
Sorry this is so short, but I'm exhausted and really need to get to bed as we're traveling to Paris tomorrow and are getting up VERY early.
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 3:00 PM
Monday, November 24, 2008
Stonehenge and Bath
Today we traveled to Stonehenge about 1 1/2 hours away. We got to see much of the country side and farms as we travelled to the southwest of England. It was freezing, but an incredible experience. Our guide told us all the local lore and explained all the new studies they have discovered on the way there. The stones weigh over 50 tons and many of them were brought from over 250 miles away in Wales! It took 1500 years to complete in three stages.
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 12:34 PM
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!
(if you don't know that quote you are missing a great movie!)
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 11:35 AM
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday
What a busy day! First I'd like to share something: Parent's ask your children what Nationality they are when they get home. Three-fourths of them answered white on their papers for entrance into England. It worried me...but I got a REALLY good laugh.
Then we got back on the bus and travelled to Windsor castle, about a half hour away. We thought the Queen was in attendence, but alas, she wasn't. We also just missed the changing of the guards here...so we'll have to catch it at Buckingham if we want to see it. The town built up around the castle is really neat and the students enjoyed the castle tour which included St. George's as well as a little shopping. Some of us were also introduced to a Spanish Tapas bar and had a good selection for lunch!
After heading back into London for a dinner of Bangers and Mash (sausage and potatoes), everyonehad a chance to wander through the squares for some more shopping! They are getting a lot of shopping done! Everything is decorated for Christmas and the streets are beautiful at night!!! At this Northern exposure it's dark about 4pm, so things are light up early!
Posted by Danielle Michelle at 12:10 PM