Waiting for a train:
All of us in the "front yard":
Nathan before "the fountain of many horses":
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Day 11- Versailles and goodbye
On our last day we went to Versailles, the palace created by the "Sunking" Louis XIV.
Waiting for a train:
All of us in the "front yard":
Nathan before "the fountain of many horses":
Waiting for a train:
All of us in the "front yard":
Nathan before "the fountain of many horses":
Day 9- Loire to Chartes to Paris
Again a full day of sightseeing and travel.
Chambourd was built by the French king Henry I as a "hunting lodge." Not too shabby for a summer home. The double helix staircase inside was designed by Leo (not de Caprio).
Chartes Cathedral is considered by many to be the best example of a gothic cathedral. So impressive the bloggers forgot to get more than the single picture of our approach to the sight.
We "climbed" the Eiffle Tower after dinner. This is the view from Trocedero.
Again we had the good fortune to meet someone from our former trip. What are the odds? As we strolled to dinner among the back streets of Paris, we stumbled across Phillipe, our tour director from our last trip to Paris.
Chambourd was built by the French king Henry I as a "hunting lodge." Not too shabby for a summer home. The double helix staircase inside was designed by Leo (not de Caprio).
Chartes Cathedral is considered by many to be the best example of a gothic cathedral. So impressive the bloggers forgot to get more than the single picture of our approach to the sight.
We "climbed" the Eiffle Tower after dinner. This is the view from Trocedero.
Again we had the good fortune to meet someone from our former trip. What are the odds? As we strolled to dinner among the back streets of Paris, we stumbled across Phillipe, our tour director from our last trip to Paris.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day 8- Loire
Chateau de Chenonceau:
And a pleasant surprise! We found our bus driver from two trips ago. Gilbert! Super-human coach driver!
And a pleasant surprise! We found our bus driver from two trips ago. Gilbert! Super-human coach driver!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 7-Brittany
Our tour guide Coco regaled us with excellent stories of the Corsairs of St. Malo:
She explained to a rapt Balmoral audience how “the street of the fat calf” got its name
(ask the kids):
Good Canadians that we are, we also visited the tomb of Jacques Cartier, St. Malo’s most famous son:
A sixty minute drive took us to Mont St. Michael:
She explained to a rapt Balmoral audience how “the street of the fat calf” got its name
(ask the kids):
Good Canadians that we are, we also visited the tomb of Jacques Cartier, St. Malo’s most famous son:
A sixty minute drive took us to Mont St. Michael:
Day 6- Normandy
Normandy
Ah, the D-day beaches. The first stop was the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. Poignant and understated:
We walked along Juno Beach where the Canadians landed:
Lunch at Aromanches (one end Gold Beach- one of the two British sections). The remnants of the Mulberries can still be seen. Don’t know what the Mulberries are? Ask the kids when we get home.
Our final stop was Pont-du-Hoc where the ranger scaled the cliff to capture the guns threatening Omaha Beach. The craters and gun emplacements have been left to give one a sense of the carnage that day.
Ah, the D-day beaches. The first stop was the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. Poignant and understated:
We walked along Juno Beach where the Canadians landed:
Lunch at Aromanches (one end Gold Beach- one of the two British sections). The remnants of the Mulberries can still be seen. Don’t know what the Mulberries are? Ask the kids when we get home.
Our final stop was Pont-du-Hoc where the ranger scaled the cliff to capture the guns threatening Omaha Beach. The craters and gun emplacements have been left to give one a sense of the carnage that day.
Day 5_ Paris
Paris- Day 2
A more formal introduction to the city of Paris today. We met our local guide and walked to meet the “coach” parked a few blocks away. The street themselves are interesting and full of history. Among the many things to see and explore was The Luxembourg Gardens with the Palace of Cathhherine Medici:
We lunched on Montmartre with its spectacular view of Paris from the steps of Sacre Coure. (No pictures, sorry.)
The early evening saw us once again at Notre Dame. We toured the inside as a beautiful choir sang.
Those of us with enough patience waited in the short line to climb the bell tower and walk along the very highest reaches of the catherdral. (No pictures, but no doubt the kids will have many to share later.)
A more formal introduction to the city of Paris today. We met our local guide and walked to meet the “coach” parked a few blocks away. The street themselves are interesting and full of history. Among the many things to see and explore was The Luxembourg Gardens with the Palace of Cathhherine Medici:
We lunched on Montmartre with its spectacular view of Paris from the steps of Sacre Coure. (No pictures, sorry.)
The early evening saw us once again at Notre Dame. We toured the inside as a beautiful choir sang.
Those of us with enough patience waited in the short line to climb the bell tower and walk along the very highest reaches of the catherdral. (No pictures, but no doubt the kids will have many to share later.)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 4 to Paris- Students Blog
Bonjour parents! Mme G here – just a quick note to let you know that your kids have been really great. Very responsible, prompt, polite and attentive to the instructions they get from us and the Tour Director. They really got the hang of getting on and off a full subway car during rush hour – they are becoming old pros at the travel game. It has been a crazy hectic action packed few days and they coped with it all and have been a real pleasure to travel with!
While on the Eurostar to paris, we asked students to write a short response to the following three questions:
1. What would you tell a friend they must see in London?
2. What about London most surprised you?
3. What was the most amusing thing that happened?
In no particular order, here goes:
Sierra Furdyk
You must watch out where your going in London, There are street poles everywhere to walk into. Also, stay away from greasy burger places.
The Most surprising thing about London for me was how tall all the buildings are! You just learn to look up at the amazing stonework. It’s so fun to imagine living in those times with the big dresses and kings and queens and knights.
The most amusing thing that happened was chasing the pigeons! The people who live here hate them, and they just are everywhere so you can scare a whole bunch of them and they just go flying.
Nathaniel Thomas
You must look around when in London. There are things everywhere to see and some of the best places are in the most random of locations. Also be aware of how much things are. You can find items for a large sum of money but a few stores down you can find something of equal value or the exact same thing for a few pounds less. Also, be aware of where your going. The streets are insane. You try to walk straight and people are cutting you off or running by.
Bryce Duyvewaardt
I would tell my friend to definitely see the National Museum and to take a look at all the markets. London surprised me most that here the sheer size of all the buildings and how old some of the churches etc. are. The best part about London, cheesy as it sounds, is spending it together with my friends and classmates.
Lucas Mackay
In my opinion the most interesting thing to see in London was National Museum. I caught up on a lot of sleep during the musical Wicked.
I thought there would be more people playing footy (soccer).
The most amusing thing that happened was seeing all of the famous landmarks all over London.
Michael Tran
A must see thing in London that I would share with others would be to go see the Tower of London and the vastness of Wembley Stadium.
The thing about London that has most surprised me is a lot of the decorations on buildings are made of gold and the different stores on main streets.
The most amusing things that have happened are all the tube rides home with some people fully awake and others sleeping.
Ciara Fabian
Take a picture with the guards and visit the Buckingham palace.
I was most surprised how the streets were so small, and how nothing really looked the exact same, all the buildings were different and also that they’re so many people running in the parks and on the streets.
One amazing thing I found out was that the Queen Elizabeth was in the building we were right outside of.
Kate King
I would tell a friend to go see Wicked.
The drivers surprised me the most, I’m pretty sure they actually try to hit kids.
The most amusing this was how funny everyone was just from being tired. They were all sleeping on the tube, and someone would just say something stupid – not so funny and everyone would laugh. We were ALL over tired!
Steph Wood
Are you kidding me? I have to pick ONE thing to tell my friends to see in London? I can’t do that! I enjoyed every minute of it, and quite honestly, I would just say see as much of the culture and history there as possible, because it is so interesting (especially the famous landmarks). Something that surprised me is the look of shock on people’s faces when you actually say “sorry!” after bumping into them on the Tube. It was pretty amusing when Mr. B ALMOST made one of the guards smile. Shame on you Mr. Guard. And just being here with everyone, has been great.
Megan Ford
You gotta eat lot’s of food. Food in Canada does not compare, at all. And shop, a lot. Oh, and make sure your bank card works. Otherwise, you got zero money. ALSO, last thing. Travel with someone tall, like Nathan, he makes a good windbreaker.
I thought London would be a bit fancier in some places, it was really amusing to see all the incredibly old buildings, the detail in everything is completely unreal. London’s so gosh-dang cold too, the wind is FREEZING.
The most amusing thing was the Royal Guard smiled, winked and blew a kiss at me. I’m pretty sure they’re not even suppose to smile? And the guys decided to use us girls as furniture to sleep on while in the tube.
Katy Cameron
Stare at the ceiling in Westminster Abbey for at least 15 minutes. And kick a pigeon.
I was surprised at how unfancy Buckingham Palace was. Also at how windy London is.
Adrian lying on the floor in the Tube to sleep and Nathan sitting on the girls’ laps. And when one of the Royal Guards smiled, winked, basically blew a kiss to Megan. And Bryce’s new rhinestoned skull hat.
Daniel Sallaway
Definitely see the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. Also, eat some of the food, bangers and mash, fish and chips…
The fact that cars don’t stop when I cross the street. Surprisingly neither do the cyclists.
Probably being a part of the Japanese couple’s wedding photo. The best part was that it was their idea!
Lisa Champagne
I would say that they need to see Trafalgar Square, and Oxford Street
That not even the cyclists stop for you, let alone the cars
The Japanese couple taking pictures of us, and the conversations we had in the last restaurant we had dinner.
Alex Lowe
I would tell them they would have to see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
The fact that the taxis would not stop for you even if you were lying in the street bleeding and paralyzed. In fact, you probably would have been damaged by another cab.
Trying to get Bryce to understand innuendos.
Tyler Salt
I would say for them to purchase a translator
Big Ben’s actually a bell.
Two chicks were fighting in the tube
Adrian Heieis
Go and see the Westminster Abbey.
We never had tea and biscuits.
Nathan’s “amazing” knowledge of the Elgin Marbles, no Nathan they are not little round marbles for playing with.
Steph Vance
Go on the tube EVERY DAY
It is way too cold
Apparently Saturday Night Live impressions aren’t as funny to these people….
Bronwyn Walton
Take a drive through the city seeing how different each building is was really cool.
Just because they speak ‘English’’ doesn’t mean you can understand them.
I really loved when the British people try to imitate Canadian accents.
Ethan Kennedy
Visit the Tower of London.
Don’t eat burgers in markets.
The tube.
Kaylee Nordhoj
Go see the Globe Theatre.
How easy it is to fall asleep on the tube.
Chasing pigeons around the streets of London.
Nicole Erickson
I really enjoyed seeing the cathedrals with all the dead people and the BRITISH MUSEUM!!!!!!
It kinda looked like downtown Vancouver but with really old buildings and churches.
In the shoe store the employees were trying to do Canadian accents.
Delaney Hoyle
I think people should go see the Tower of London, its soo cool!!
How they use bricks on most all the buildings.
Last night…..
And before we sign off, here's a photo or two from day 4.
Start of the day
Middle of the day
End of the day
While on the Eurostar to paris, we asked students to write a short response to the following three questions:
1. What would you tell a friend they must see in London?
2. What about London most surprised you?
3. What was the most amusing thing that happened?
In no particular order, here goes:
Sierra Furdyk
You must watch out where your going in London, There are street poles everywhere to walk into. Also, stay away from greasy burger places.
The Most surprising thing about London for me was how tall all the buildings are! You just learn to look up at the amazing stonework. It’s so fun to imagine living in those times with the big dresses and kings and queens and knights.
The most amusing thing that happened was chasing the pigeons! The people who live here hate them, and they just are everywhere so you can scare a whole bunch of them and they just go flying.
Nathaniel Thomas
You must look around when in London. There are things everywhere to see and some of the best places are in the most random of locations. Also be aware of how much things are. You can find items for a large sum of money but a few stores down you can find something of equal value or the exact same thing for a few pounds less. Also, be aware of where your going. The streets are insane. You try to walk straight and people are cutting you off or running by.
Bryce Duyvewaardt
I would tell my friend to definitely see the National Museum and to take a look at all the markets. London surprised me most that here the sheer size of all the buildings and how old some of the churches etc. are. The best part about London, cheesy as it sounds, is spending it together with my friends and classmates.
Lucas Mackay
In my opinion the most interesting thing to see in London was National Museum. I caught up on a lot of sleep during the musical Wicked.
I thought there would be more people playing footy (soccer).
The most amusing thing that happened was seeing all of the famous landmarks all over London.
Michael Tran
A must see thing in London that I would share with others would be to go see the Tower of London and the vastness of Wembley Stadium.
The thing about London that has most surprised me is a lot of the decorations on buildings are made of gold and the different stores on main streets.
The most amusing things that have happened are all the tube rides home with some people fully awake and others sleeping.
Ciara Fabian
Take a picture with the guards and visit the Buckingham palace.
I was most surprised how the streets were so small, and how nothing really looked the exact same, all the buildings were different and also that they’re so many people running in the parks and on the streets.
One amazing thing I found out was that the Queen Elizabeth was in the building we were right outside of.
Kate King
I would tell a friend to go see Wicked.
The drivers surprised me the most, I’m pretty sure they actually try to hit kids.
The most amusing this was how funny everyone was just from being tired. They were all sleeping on the tube, and someone would just say something stupid – not so funny and everyone would laugh. We were ALL over tired!
Steph Wood
Are you kidding me? I have to pick ONE thing to tell my friends to see in London? I can’t do that! I enjoyed every minute of it, and quite honestly, I would just say see as much of the culture and history there as possible, because it is so interesting (especially the famous landmarks). Something that surprised me is the look of shock on people’s faces when you actually say “sorry!” after bumping into them on the Tube. It was pretty amusing when Mr. B ALMOST made one of the guards smile. Shame on you Mr. Guard. And just being here with everyone, has been great.
Megan Ford
You gotta eat lot’s of food. Food in Canada does not compare, at all. And shop, a lot. Oh, and make sure your bank card works. Otherwise, you got zero money. ALSO, last thing. Travel with someone tall, like Nathan, he makes a good windbreaker.
I thought London would be a bit fancier in some places, it was really amusing to see all the incredibly old buildings, the detail in everything is completely unreal. London’s so gosh-dang cold too, the wind is FREEZING.
The most amusing thing was the Royal Guard smiled, winked and blew a kiss at me. I’m pretty sure they’re not even suppose to smile? And the guys decided to use us girls as furniture to sleep on while in the tube.
Katy Cameron
Stare at the ceiling in Westminster Abbey for at least 15 minutes. And kick a pigeon.
I was surprised at how unfancy Buckingham Palace was. Also at how windy London is.
Adrian lying on the floor in the Tube to sleep and Nathan sitting on the girls’ laps. And when one of the Royal Guards smiled, winked, basically blew a kiss to Megan. And Bryce’s new rhinestoned skull hat.
Daniel Sallaway
Definitely see the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. Also, eat some of the food, bangers and mash, fish and chips…
The fact that cars don’t stop when I cross the street. Surprisingly neither do the cyclists.
Probably being a part of the Japanese couple’s wedding photo. The best part was that it was their idea!
Lisa Champagne
I would say that they need to see Trafalgar Square, and Oxford Street
That not even the cyclists stop for you, let alone the cars
The Japanese couple taking pictures of us, and the conversations we had in the last restaurant we had dinner.
Alex Lowe
I would tell them they would have to see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
The fact that the taxis would not stop for you even if you were lying in the street bleeding and paralyzed. In fact, you probably would have been damaged by another cab.
Trying to get Bryce to understand innuendos.
Tyler Salt
I would say for them to purchase a translator
Big Ben’s actually a bell.
Two chicks were fighting in the tube
Adrian Heieis
Go and see the Westminster Abbey.
We never had tea and biscuits.
Nathan’s “amazing” knowledge of the Elgin Marbles, no Nathan they are not little round marbles for playing with.
Steph Vance
Go on the tube EVERY DAY
It is way too cold
Apparently Saturday Night Live impressions aren’t as funny to these people….
Bronwyn Walton
Take a drive through the city seeing how different each building is was really cool.
Just because they speak ‘English’’ doesn’t mean you can understand them.
I really loved when the British people try to imitate Canadian accents.
Ethan Kennedy
Visit the Tower of London.
Don’t eat burgers in markets.
The tube.
Kaylee Nordhoj
Go see the Globe Theatre.
How easy it is to fall asleep on the tube.
Chasing pigeons around the streets of London.
Nicole Erickson
I really enjoyed seeing the cathedrals with all the dead people and the BRITISH MUSEUM!!!!!!
It kinda looked like downtown Vancouver but with really old buildings and churches.
In the shoe store the employees were trying to do Canadian accents.
Delaney Hoyle
I think people should go see the Tower of London, its soo cool!!
How they use bricks on most all the buildings.
Last night…..
And before we sign off, here's a photo or two from day 4.
Start of the day
Middle of the day
End of the day
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
London Day 3
They have toffee-flavoured yogurt here. Very English?
Our local guide spun stories this morning as we toured London. We learned that “the City” means the old city founded by the Romans. We learned about the gates of old London. We learned about the Blitz and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We learned…. We learned….
Not under arrest! Balmoral’s finest with some of London”s Finest
Ciara and Nicole on the steps of St. Paul’s
At St. James’ Palace two guards are on duty when the Queen’s in residence. This means double the chance for a photo.
The guards are not normally allowed to talk but this one couldn’t resist remarking on how Nathan’s hair resembled his own bear-pelt hat. Steady on soldier.
We lucked out and watched as they changed the guards. There was no ‘Changing of the Guards’ at Buckingham Palace that day.
At Big Ben? No, at the Clock Tower. You can’t see Big Ben because he’s the hour bell inside the tower. Oh the things we’ve learned.
A dinner of ‘bangers and mash’ at an inn on Fleet Street.
Stay tuned for our next day’s blog: Student’s reflections on their time in London.
Our local guide spun stories this morning as we toured London. We learned that “the City” means the old city founded by the Romans. We learned about the gates of old London. We learned about the Blitz and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We learned…. We learned….
Not under arrest! Balmoral’s finest with some of London”s Finest
Ciara and Nicole on the steps of St. Paul’s
At St. James’ Palace two guards are on duty when the Queen’s in residence. This means double the chance for a photo.
The guards are not normally allowed to talk but this one couldn’t resist remarking on how Nathan’s hair resembled his own bear-pelt hat. Steady on soldier.
We lucked out and watched as they changed the guards. There was no ‘Changing of the Guards’ at Buckingham Palace that day.
At Big Ben? No, at the Clock Tower. You can’t see Big Ben because he’s the hour bell inside the tower. Oh the things we’ve learned.
A dinner of ‘bangers and mash’ at an inn on Fleet Street.
Stay tuned for our next day’s blog: Student’s reflections on their time in London.
London Day 2
Well, the morning comes early especially if you’ve been sleepwalking or sleep-talking. A good breakfast made us ready for anything.
First up the Tower of London. Ravens and Beefeaters! Oh my! Stories of kings, queens, betrayal and torture. Some of us tagged along with the Queen’s Guard (AKA the Beefeaters) to hear the stories of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Some made their own way around the grounds. All of us saw the Crown Jewels and the Bloody Tower where the young princelings disappeared while under the care of their uncle Richard III.
After lunch we crossed Tower Bridge
and walked along the Southbank. Even just a stroll brought surprises:
We overtook a wedding party as we strolled along the south side of the Thames.
The whole group beside a replica of Drake’s ship the Golden Hind.
After walking over Milenium Bridge ("OMG the Harry Potter Bridge!") we went to the British Museum.
A traditional dinner of fish and chips followed. Refreshed we, scrammbled to the Apollo theatre near Victoria Station and saw Wicked. The ride home says it all. (Or most of it.)
First up the Tower of London. Ravens and Beefeaters! Oh my! Stories of kings, queens, betrayal and torture. Some of us tagged along with the Queen’s Guard (AKA the Beefeaters) to hear the stories of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Some made their own way around the grounds. All of us saw the Crown Jewels and the Bloody Tower where the young princelings disappeared while under the care of their uncle Richard III.
After lunch we crossed Tower Bridge
and walked along the Southbank. Even just a stroll brought surprises:
We overtook a wedding party as we strolled along the south side of the Thames.
The whole group beside a replica of Drake’s ship the Golden Hind.
After walking over Milenium Bridge ("OMG the Harry Potter Bridge!") we went to the British Museum.
A traditional dinner of fish and chips followed. Refreshed we, scrammbled to the Apollo theatre near Victoria Station and saw Wicked. The ride home says it all. (Or most of it.)
Monday, March 8, 2010
London Day 1
A great if tiring first day!
We all arrived safe and sound. Most didn’t get much sleep on the plain (Too excited: too much fun.) Our hotel is in a great locatio: 1 min from the Tube Station, 20 minutes from the city centre.
Strolled through Covent Garden and had a much needed snack break.
Some of us tried to phone home without much luck.
The whole group opted for a group shot on the blog. Hi everyone, wish you were here.
We walked through to Trafalgar Square. Great view of one of the great spots in the city.
We also popped into the National Gallery- free! What a concept- masterpieces everywhere.
A cold stroll later brought us to Picadilly Circus and then dinner.
A droopy-eyed Tube ride home and we ready to stretch out for the night (no cramped airplane seats).
We all arrived safe and sound. Most didn’t get much sleep on the plain (Too excited: too much fun.) Our hotel is in a great locatio: 1 min from the Tube Station, 20 minutes from the city centre.
Strolled through Covent Garden and had a much needed snack break.
Some of us tried to phone home without much luck.
The whole group opted for a group shot on the blog. Hi everyone, wish you were here.
We walked through to Trafalgar Square. Great view of one of the great spots in the city.
We also popped into the National Gallery- free! What a concept- masterpieces everywhere.
A cold stroll later brought us to Picadilly Circus and then dinner.
A droopy-eyed Tube ride home and we ready to stretch out for the night (no cramped airplane seats).
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