Greetings All,
Today our Olympic Quest brought us to Normandy, France. We left promptly at 7:30am for a 4 hour bus ride. The weather was gorgeous and the scenery was AMAZING! First off, Normandy was the site of the famous D-Day, which ended WWII. Our group first began at Utah Beach where we walked on the grounds that the U.S. troops fought at on June 6th 1934. Then we went to Point Du Hac, which was considered a very good defensive point that the U.S. troops wanted to take control of. At that site we learned that 225 American men climbed up steep cliffs in order to fight the Germans and during their climb 16% of the men went uninjured. The group enjoyed exploring the grounds because there were many bunkers and bomb craters that brought us back to that very day. Omaha Beach was our next destination, which was one of the worst battles of the War. We saw the memorials that recognized the men who died. Lastly, we went to the U.S. Cemetary where those who died were buried. Over 10,000 crosses represented those who died. Our tour guide shared many personal stories of those involved, which made it a very powerful and meaningful experience. Many of us agreed that we could have spent hours there listening to him talk. Then during our ride back we watched Saving Private Ryan, which was based on the story of 4 brothers. Two of the brothers were buried in the Cemetary we saw. Overall it was a wonderful experience and everyone enjoyed it!
Talk to you soon! - Whitney and Katie
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Free day in Paris!
Bonjour tout le monde (Hello everyone)!
Today we had a free day to do what we wanted before our scheduled boat tour. Some of us went to Versailles, some went to the Musee d'Orsay, some shopped, and some slept in. :)
Versailles was beautiful! For 15 Euros, we were able to walk through the palace while listening to a guided audio tour. Many of the rooms still contained the original artworks and furniture, so that was super fun to see.
The Musee d'Orsay was wonderful. It contained mainly impressionist paintings, with works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, and the list goes on. Another cool aspect of the museum was the fact that it was converted from a railway station, so the architecture was interesting too.
Shopping here was great. Some of us found nice scarfs for 2 Euros! Winter sales are great here.
The boat cruise was warm but wet because it rained all day today. We went under the most romantic bridge and had to make a wish as we went under. We had beautiful views of Notre Dame. Through the audio sets we had, we learned some interesting facts about the sights.
We can't believe that we will be home in less than a week! A bientot (See you soon)!
-Becky Krocak, Ashley Koepp, Anne Krueger, and Cola Hickethier
Today we had a free day to do what we wanted before our scheduled boat tour. Some of us went to Versailles, some went to the Musee d'Orsay, some shopped, and some slept in. :)
Versailles was beautiful! For 15 Euros, we were able to walk through the palace while listening to a guided audio tour. Many of the rooms still contained the original artworks and furniture, so that was super fun to see.
The Musee d'Orsay was wonderful. It contained mainly impressionist paintings, with works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, and the list goes on. Another cool aspect of the museum was the fact that it was converted from a railway station, so the architecture was interesting too.
Shopping here was great. Some of us found nice scarfs for 2 Euros! Winter sales are great here.
The boat cruise was warm but wet because it rained all day today. We went under the most romantic bridge and had to make a wish as we went under. We had beautiful views of Notre Dame. Through the audio sets we had, we learned some interesting facts about the sights.
We can't believe that we will be home in less than a week! A bientot (See you soon)!
-Becky Krocak, Ashley Koepp, Anne Krueger, and Cola Hickethier
Free day in Paris!
Bonjour tout le monde (Hello everyone)!
Today we had a free day to do what we wanted before our scheduled boat tour. Some of us went to Versailles, some went to the Musee d'Orsay, some shopped, and some slept in. :)
Versailles was beautiful! For 15 Euros, we were able to walk through the palace while listening to a guided audio tour. Many of the rooms still contained the original artworks and furniture, so that was super fun to see.
The Musee d'Orsay was wonderful. It contained mainly impressionist paintings, with works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, and the list goes on. Another cool aspect of the museum was the fact that it was converted from a railway station, so the architecture was interesting too.
Shopping here was great. Some of us found nice scarfs for 2 Euros! Winter sales are great here.
The boat cruise was warm but wet because it rained all day today. We went under the most romantic bridge and had to make a wish as we went under. We had beautiful views of Notre Dame. Through the audio sets we had, we learned some interesting facts about the sights.
We can't believe that we will be home in less than a week! A bientot (till later)!
-Becky Krocak, Ashley Koepp, Anne Krueger, and Cola Hickethier
Today we had a free day to do what we wanted before our scheduled boat tour. Some of us went to Versailles, some went to the Musee d'Orsay, some shopped, and some slept in. :)
Versailles was beautiful! For 15 Euros, we were able to walk through the palace while listening to a guided audio tour. Many of the rooms still contained the original artworks and furniture, so that was super fun to see.
The Musee d'Orsay was wonderful. It contained mainly impressionist paintings, with works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, and the list goes on. Another cool aspect of the museum was the fact that it was converted from a railway station, so the architecture was interesting too.
Shopping here was great. Some of us found nice scarfs for 2 Euros! Winter sales are great here.
The boat cruise was warm but wet because it rained all day today. We went under the most romantic bridge and had to make a wish as we went under. We had beautiful views of Notre Dame. Through the audio sets we had, we learned some interesting facts about the sights.
We can't believe that we will be home in less than a week! A bientot (till later)!
-Becky Krocak, Ashley Koepp, Anne Krueger, and Cola Hickethier
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15, 2010 Paris
Bonjour Everyone!!
Today we started the day with a tour of Stade de France!! We got to see the soccer and rugby player's locker rooms, the president's entrance, and walk through the hall of fame for the stadium's past performers and memorable teams. The most exciting part of the tour was running through the same entrance tunnel as the professionals onto the field with music playing! We had the afternoon free to explore and many people spent the day shopping and sight seeing. In the evening half of the group attended a show at the Moulin Rouge while others explored the city. The show at the Moulin Rouge was absolutely amazing! The dancing was beautiful and the costumes were flashy with feathers, glitter and beads. Everyone in attendance loved the show and had very positive reviews. The group has also really enjoyed seeing the Eiffel Tower at night, every hour for the first 5 minutes the tower glitters with lights. Many people have made trips to the platforms of the tower to view the city of Paris. Our time in Paris is flying by fast, there is so much to do but so little time.
On another note, we are not able to use calling cards from our hotel and there is a charge to use the internet so it will be difficult to stay in touch as much as we would like.
Au revior!
Houaka Yang and Mariah Bierl
Stade de France - stadium
All lines up in the player's tunnel-
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jan 14, 2010: Paris
Hi everyone!
After our long bus ride yesterday, we had our first day exploring paris! And it was a busy one! We took a bus tour of the city this morning and saw the Eiffel Tower, Arc of Triumph, Notre Dame, Opera Houses, Champes-Elysee, and many expensive and chic shops (that were all having sales). After lunch we spent the afternoon in the Louvre. We got to see the Mona Lisa, Winged Triumph, The Slave, Aphrodite, and many other famous paintings and sculptures. It was very confusing and hard to navigate. It used to be a palace so there are many wings and floors which each had different entrances and exits. We got lost a few times and took a few roundabouts, but we saw most everything we wanted to see. After we were done we had our first experience with the Metro. We all got 3 day passes to use it so we can check out the rest of Paris on our free days. The Metro takes us right to our hotel which is convenient (unless you are trying to sleep and have to listen to the Metro all night). We are getting ready to get dinner at a local restaurant and see the city's lights tonight! Take care back home!!
Love,
Onika and Laurel
Day 1 in Paris photos
Our guides, Frederick and Claudia:
Where Napoleon is buried:
Place de la Concorde:
Arc de triomphe:
Eiffel tower (bad light for group shot):
The Louvre:
Subway:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Where Napoleon is buried:
Place de la Concorde:
Arc de triomphe:
Eiffel tower (bad light for group shot):
The Louvre:
Subway:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Travels to Paris
Bonjour! We finally made it to Paris after a full day on the road. After an early morning breakfast we hit the road for a 12 hour bus ride from Garmisch to Paris. We were sad to leave the idyllic town of Garmisch and the beautiful Alps surrounding the city, but we are thrilled to be in the "City of Lights" and in warmer weather! We filled our day watching Schindler's List, Moulin Rouge, and culminated the trip laughing with Detroit Rock City. Somehow we are still exhausted from sitting all day and many of us spent the time catching up on much needed sleep.
Upon arrival to our gorgeous hotel in Paris, we had dinner at a local restaurant. Part of our four course meal included veal curry (yum!) and Bavarian creme for dessert. We are looking forward to a busy day tomorrow exploring Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
Au revoir!
Mariah M & Kelly W
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Day in the Alps...
Hello All!
Our Olympic Quest Trip made us into early morning risers as we set off on our adventure through the Alps at 7:30 a.m. (our time). Our first destination was traveling to explore the Neuschwanstein Castle, near the town of Hohenschwangau. The castle was built by King Ludwig II in the mid-nineteenth century. It was under construction for 13 years when unfortunately King Ludwig died at the early age of 40, leaving only 1/3 of the castle complete.The castle was placed across from another castle where Ludwig grew up. We had the opportunity to park our bus in the parking lot right between these magnificent sctructures. Students had the choice between taking a horse-drawn carriage up the mountain path to the castle or tackle the long trek by foot. Most chose to walk and got their sweat on! The view of the snow covered mountain side was breathtaking, as the early morning fog had lifted. The castle looked like it was right out of a fairy tale, coincidentally the castle was a template for the Walt Disney Castle. The second half of the day, we traveled through the Alps to Innsbruck, Austria and saw the ski jump that was used in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Amazing views of the Alps prompted many photos taken by the students. It was another jam-packed day of history and once-in-a-lifetime experiences! We miss you and hope all is well!
Til next time....Signing off
Olivia and Mike
Our Olympic Quest Trip made us into early morning risers as we set off on our adventure through the Alps at 7:30 a.m. (our time). Our first destination was traveling to explore the Neuschwanstein Castle, near the town of Hohenschwangau. The castle was built by King Ludwig II in the mid-nineteenth century. It was under construction for 13 years when unfortunately King Ludwig died at the early age of 40, leaving only 1/3 of the castle complete.The castle was placed across from another castle where Ludwig grew up. We had the opportunity to park our bus in the parking lot right between these magnificent sctructures. Students had the choice between taking a horse-drawn carriage up the mountain path to the castle or tackle the long trek by foot. Most chose to walk and got their sweat on! The view of the snow covered mountain side was breathtaking, as the early morning fog had lifted. The castle looked like it was right out of a fairy tale, coincidentally the castle was a template for the Walt Disney Castle. The second half of the day, we traveled through the Alps to Innsbruck, Austria and saw the ski jump that was used in the 1976 Winter Olympics. Amazing views of the Alps prompted many photos taken by the students. It was another jam-packed day of history and once-in-a-lifetime experiences! We miss you and hope all is well!
Til next time....Signing off
Olivia and Mike
Monday, January 11, 2010
Serenity of Garmisch
Helloooooo....
Today's early departure took us from München to Garmisch, a gorgeous city in a valley of the Alps. The bus ride included a presentation of the architecture and art in the modern Olympics. We also journaled reflection of the visit to Dachau yesterday. Reflections focused on what we will remember most and what we will forget. When speaking with many students, things they will remember include: the most common punishments (hanging by wrists behind back suspended with chains in air, being whipped and beaten while counting lashings outloud), the Krematorium, the Barracks and intense feelings/emotions encountered. When asked what will be forgotten, students said the facts/details of the museum, political leaders of the Nazi Regime and ironically, the surreal feeling of walking the same footsteps as prisoners once had. Upon arrival in Garmisch, we were welcomed into a quaint hotel with unique and historical rooms. Students had a choice to ski in the Alps or spend the afternoon exploring the city. Students that chose to ski had an exhilarating and memorable experience, even with the lingering fog and beautiful snowfall. Exploring the city led some students to find famous singers from Holland performing for the excited public. Make sure to check out the video! Dinner was catered by our hotel. It was delicious! We assume this evening will be primarily used for valuable sleep in preparation for our early trek to a castle near Insbruck, Austria. Others may ski a full day if they so chose. We suggest the one person, battered and bruised from the slopes visit the castle and give skiing a break. Not to mention any names, Vanek. Look for some magnificent pictures tomorrow!
Auf Weidersehen - Sam Broderius & Kirsten Thisius
A day in Garmisch
Bonnie mit gluwein und musik:
Dr. Bank's lunch (wienerschnitzel):
We dance and sing with a famous Dutch singer (Frankl Deutsches-sp?):
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Dr. Bank's lunch (wienerschnitzel):
We dance and sing with a famous Dutch singer (Frankl Deutsches-sp?):
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Last day in Munich
Hey to everyone following our blog, we´ve got a lot to update about as this last day has been jam-packed with loads of adventures.
We started out our day at Dachau, which was a concentration camp during World War 2. Although touring the grounds of the camp and walking through the museum were emotional experiences, it´s an important history for our generation to learn and we are priveledged to have been able to visit this location. Afterwards we all had some downtime to scope out the German food for lunch by ourselves, crepes were enjoyed by many! We met with Claudia for an entire afternoon of walking through Munich, seeing the buildings that have been standing since the sixteenth century. Most of us even ventured up over 300 stairs to the top of St. Peter´s Church,
which provided us with a view of the entire city and all of the strikingly beautiful buildings. We also got to see the royal residences and Church of Our Lady (you should google image it, it´s crazy awesome). We ended our day at a restaurant near our hotel that had a delicous three course meal that ended with a traditional Bavarian cream dessert (we´re starting to get spoiled). Everyone seems to be extremely tired from being outside in the cold weather all day, so it is an early night for everyone. Everyone is excited to venture to Garmisch, although Munich was liked by all! Stay tuned for the next blog update: this has been Jill and Kelly, Auf Wiedersehen!
We started out our day at Dachau, which was a concentration camp during World War 2. Although touring the grounds of the camp and walking through the museum were emotional experiences, it´s an important history for our generation to learn and we are priveledged to have been able to visit this location. Afterwards we all had some downtime to scope out the German food for lunch by ourselves, crepes were enjoyed by many! We met with Claudia for an entire afternoon of walking through Munich, seeing the buildings that have been standing since the sixteenth century. Most of us even ventured up over 300 stairs to the top of St. Peter´s Church,
which provided us with a view of the entire city and all of the strikingly beautiful buildings. We also got to see the royal residences and Church of Our Lady (you should google image it, it´s crazy awesome). We ended our day at a restaurant near our hotel that had a delicous three course meal that ended with a traditional Bavarian cream dessert (we´re starting to get spoiled). Everyone seems to be extremely tired from being outside in the cold weather all day, so it is an early night for everyone. Everyone is excited to venture to Garmisch, although Munich was liked by all! Stay tuned for the next blog update: this has been Jill and Kelly, Auf Wiedersehen!
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