March 7, 2011

We started off the day in Bayeux by visiting the amazing and elaborate 30 meter-long tapestry supposedly made by the Queen Clotilde in the 11th century describing William the Conqueror's Battle of Hastings. We also visited a wonderful the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux. Afterwards, we continued our visit in Rouen, the town where Joan of Arc was tried and convicted by the English, and finally burned at the stake. We saw the modern church by the site, listened to a choir from Michigan perform live and we saw the enormous and incredible clock.
-Ana Isabel Appedole

March 3, 2011

Today, we had the opportunity to visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery where only famous people and the rich aristocrats are buried. The cemetery is filled and it is very expensive for a small plot of land now to bury someone. Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, is buried there and we got to visit his grave as well as Edith Piaf's grave, who is a famous French singer who is buried there as well.
Later that day we got to visit the home of Victor Hugo who wrote Les Miserables. It was very interesting seeing his bedroom as well as his original writing desk.

-Christopher Leon

March 10, 2011

The Catacombs:
Today we visited the catacombs which contains around 6,000,000 bodies. It was a great experience in which we were able to see how people were buried since there were not enough graves after the plagues. The dark atmosphere and the wet ceiling gave the tour a great spooky feeling! This visit to the catacombs was one to remember and very interesting!
Mircea Bucio

March 5, 2011

Mont St. Michel
After staying at the Abbaye of Fontrevaud we went by bus to get to Mont St. Michael. The weather was nice and the sun was shining, you could not have asked for a better day. When the bus finally stopped, we got off and took a group picture and then preceded to go up to the abbey. It was really busy walking up and some of us almost got lost in the throng of people. Once we got the tickets and began actually walking through the abbey you could get a spectacular view of the area around the Mont. When we finished walking through the abbey and did our shopping we then went back down the Mont and preceded to collect our bags and check in to the hotel on the Mont. We had the rest of the afternoon off to shop and look around and the shops began to close at 7 because it was winter. We then met up at the hotel lobby and preceded down to dinner. At that time almost all the shops were closed and the crowd was gone for the day. After dinner we took a walk around the Mont and soon found a seat where we sat and wrote of our thoughts of the trip.  - Mike Hartley

March 9, 2011

Another day across the pond spent rushing through crowded metros and train stations. Today was the first day we took an actual train and I discovered that the metro is more my style.
Anyways, we went to Versailles and got a VIP tour through the "grande palais" while crowds of other people had to stay behind the red velvet ropes. After walking around the palace, we went out to the gardens and rented bikes (best idea ever). Chris got a perfect shot (via camera, not gun) of two swans on the water with their necks in the heart formation. It's goooorgeous.

Later we went to Sacre Coeur, the highest point in Paris, and got to see the mosaic of Jesus on the ceiling of the chapel. Now we're all tired and covered in dirt and grime from underground metros and bike riding. Bonne nuit. - Bethannie Greco

March 7, 2011

 Cathedrals

Each cathedral is a beautiful and different experience, making it nearly impossible to compare. Notre Dame Cathedral at Rouen was a beautiful display of Gothic style. I find it similar to Notre Dame in Paris. However, Notre Dame in Paris created more of an image of mystery than Notre Dame at Rouen, but the latter gave a darker image. This comparison is only for the outside; inside is what matters and what is the most breath-taking. Each church has a gorgeous altar and a large area for chairs and walking for tourists. Since the churches are Catholic, they all have the holy water basin and a booth for confessions. Each, however, is completely different.  I especially noticed the rows of lit candles and those waiting to be lit. Each cathedral is beautiful in its own way, and I believe no one who sees them would ever think one is less because of another. - Natalia Miller

March 6, 2011

Today our group went to the beaches of Normandy and the sights of WWII in France. Our first stop was the German Cemetery. This cemetery vastly contrasts with the American cemetery as it contains many dark stone graves with two to three soldiers per stone. At this site there are 20 thousand fallen warriors who have been honored by their families. Pointe-du-Hoc was next on our journey where we saw the gray windy cliff strewn with ruins and artillery holes. At this place the American Rangers scaled the cliff under German fire but prevailed and took the artillery batteries. Next was the American Cemetery where 10,625 white marble graves stand to show the sacrifice of America against tyranny. At the cemetery we placed a wreath at the memorial as we heard the National Anthem and Taps to honor our warriors final sacrifice. Afterward we visited the Batterie-sur- Longue where the Germans bombed the beaches trying to stop the liberators. Here we took pictures by the bunkers and saw what a German defender saw on the morning of June 6, 1944. Arromanches was our last stop where we saw the port built by the allies to get supplies on the front. We learned that without this one point the entire invasion would have failed. This trip to Normandy let us see hands on the places that we have only seen pictures of where the fate of the world was decided. - Britt Schwing    

March 4, 2011

Well, it was quite an eventful and dangerous day in the adventures of Interim Term France Trip 2011. Let's just say that swords, daggers, and fire places come to mind. BUT, don't freak out, no one has lost a limb... Yet.

In all seriousness, we started the day visiting the suberbe (superb) Chambord. This name is very relevant because of the numerous chambers (hah!) of secrets. The french kings were very fat and very cold; this place was covered with beds, which were obviously concave from the obesity, and many fire places. I swear, there would be a fire place in the bathroom if possible!
Anywho, I can now see why all of the french had muscular calves due to the numerous stairs they must have walked each day. The double helix staircase was most likely the showcase for many childish games like hide and seek. This is because at one point there is a window on an adjacent side of the stair case to which one can see the other staircase. I can imagine petite filles (little kids) trying to find their friends on the other side.

After this adventure, we ate a small lunch. This was where the dangerousness began. All I know is that I got on the bus and there was a box of swords and daggers in a seat. I didn't ask questions, I just went with it.

We traveled then to Leonardo Da Vinci's home, where he spent the last few years of his life. This home was given so graciously to him by François Ier (Frank the first for all ya'll Texans). In this house, we saw all of the geniousness (not a real word, I know) of Signore Da Vinci. Did you know that he had a prototype design for a tank, bike, and automobile? I didn't. If that makes me dumb, oh well.
In this house, there was also a secret pathway (I told you there was a chamber of secrets) to Amboise, where François (Frank) lived.

Amboise was so gorrrrgeous, I must say. It is here where the great Da Vinci rests. Mixed with gothic and roman architecture, this place is a pinnacle of beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed the views of the small villa just next to the château (castle) complimented by the heaven-made sunset.
This day, as I reflect, was quite eventful. We started with swords, had a disco party, visited some castles, and ended with swords.
I can't wait to see the memories I will make!
(And I hope I don't lose a limb on the way)
-Victoria DeBerry

March 2, 2011

The second day in France we visited the Louvre. It's HUGE! We saw the Mona Lisa and a lot of other famous paintings. The Mona Lisa is called La Jaconde in France. Mona is an amazing painting with tons of different styles of painting. After our visit in the Louvre we walked along the bank of the Seine river to the island where the Cathédral Notre Dame. After an exquisite lunch of croque monsieur and French fries we walked to the Notre Dame and took a tour on the inside. After, we walked the thousands of steps to the top of the tower to see the gargoyles and the bell up close. The view was amazing and the bells sounded wonderful. We strolled down the road to eat at the restaurant Nos Ancêtres Les Gaulois. The food was "très fantastique!"  - Mason Giles

March 1, 2011

First day in Paris, we ascended to the top of the Eiffel Tower where we got an aerial view of the City of Lights. After our descent we boarded a bateau mouche and sailed along the Seine River to get a different perspective of Paris. Our evening was capped off with a delicious dinner at a restaurant near the Louvre. Everyone was ready for bed after the long plane ride and full day of exploring of Paris.

March 3, 2011

Tomorrow we leave Paris for the weekend. We have had several very busy days. We have been to the Louvre, Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle, a french private school, the home of Victor Hugo and Le Pere Lachaise. At the school, the SBS students visited with French students that are in their last two years of school before University - that is if they pass the Baccalaureat degree exam. Our students tried their French and their students tried their English. The school is a school of science so Mrs. Johnson felt very at home. Le Pere Lachaise is a very old cemetery with famous people buried within but also has its modern parts. It contains monuments to the deceased of the concentration camps of WWII as well as the graves of Moliere, Sarah Bernhardt, Edith Piaf and Antoine St. Exupery. Actually we are not sure that A. St. Exupery is buried there as we could not find his burial site - even though the map said he was there. We think he flew away to visit the Little Prince on his planet.

One week from today

In one week, Mesdames Currey and Johnson will depart with 9 students for France. Visit often to see what we are up to. I can't say at this time how often we will post but we will try.

Au revoir.