Sunday, April 26, 2009
Paris
Just got back from Paris last week. Here are a few pictures of one of my favorite cities. I lived there when I was 18 for 18 months, and have been back many times since then.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Dear Students,
Dear Students,
Bonjour! I would like to tell you all how very proud I am of you. You represented your families, your school, your community and country exceedingly well on our travels to and in Paris. Your manners, your composure, your flexibility and grace under pressure are all qualities that will serve you well as you continue to mature and blossom.
I think we all agreed that the other group that traveled with us was downright embarrassing. You were also exposed to childish behavior by adults, which is unfortunate. Martin Luther King said that "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Sitting in a Moroccan restaurant in the middle of Paris is an adventure! Experiencing new cultures, new adventures and new experiences is what you signed up for. No one ever said you had to like them ALL. Some of you really enjoyed the couscous that night. Those that didn't- I am impressed that you remained politely silent. I know that watching students from another state get up, walk through the window, bring back McDonalds to the restaurant and sit back down to eat it was excruciating for all of us! Your behavior made me so proud.
We will all cherish special moments from the trip. Watching you all link arms and skip confidently through the metro is one of my fun memories! Searching for 'lost' students on the streets of Paris is one I hope to forget, very soon!
Remember what Rick Steve's said: "Travel helps you understand and appreciate different cultures. Travel changes people. It broadens perspectives and teaches new ways to measure quality of life. Many travelers toss aside their hometown blinders. Their prized souvenirs are the strands of different cultures they decide to knit into their own character. The world is a cultural yarn shop......travelers are weaving the ultimate tapestry." I hope you brought back some fun, tangible Parisian souvenirs. I KNOW that you have some intangible souvenirs that you can now add to your life resume: international travel that has introduced you to lots of NEW and different ideas, philosophies and experiences. Learning to adapt, overcome, go for 36 hours without sleep, and enjoy the positives and ignore the negatives will take you far!
Love you!
Mrs. Gant
Bonjour! I would like to tell you all how very proud I am of you. You represented your families, your school, your community and country exceedingly well on our travels to and in Paris. Your manners, your composure, your flexibility and grace under pressure are all qualities that will serve you well as you continue to mature and blossom.
I think we all agreed that the other group that traveled with us was downright embarrassing. You were also exposed to childish behavior by adults, which is unfortunate. Martin Luther King said that "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Sitting in a Moroccan restaurant in the middle of Paris is an adventure! Experiencing new cultures, new adventures and new experiences is what you signed up for. No one ever said you had to like them ALL. Some of you really enjoyed the couscous that night. Those that didn't- I am impressed that you remained politely silent. I know that watching students from another state get up, walk through the window, bring back McDonalds to the restaurant and sit back down to eat it was excruciating for all of us! Your behavior made me so proud.
We will all cherish special moments from the trip. Watching you all link arms and skip confidently through the metro is one of my fun memories! Searching for 'lost' students on the streets of Paris is one I hope to forget, very soon!
Remember what Rick Steve's said: "Travel helps you understand and appreciate different cultures. Travel changes people. It broadens perspectives and teaches new ways to measure quality of life. Many travelers toss aside their hometown blinders. Their prized souvenirs are the strands of different cultures they decide to knit into their own character. The world is a cultural yarn shop......travelers are weaving the ultimate tapestry." I hope you brought back some fun, tangible Parisian souvenirs. I KNOW that you have some intangible souvenirs that you can now add to your life resume: international travel that has introduced you to lots of NEW and different ideas, philosophies and experiences. Learning to adapt, overcome, go for 36 hours without sleep, and enjoy the positives and ignore the negatives will take you far!
Love you!
Mrs. Gant
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Do we HAVE to come back?!
Hello all...
We have had a lovely day...last day and everyone is sad. We were moved last night because a few people didn't like the other hotel. I think they are much happier at the new hotel. Our kids didn't want to move- but they sure like the new hotel! It is in the suburbs of Paris, and takes a bit longer to get to, but it IS nice. (I can watch BBC News!)
Today we had a late start after a bit of a sleep in. We left for the Musee d'Orsay and then split up. Kim took the kids into the museum, and I went to the Hotel de Ville. I met up with a friend from high school that I haven't seen in over 20 years! It was really exciting to see her.
After lunch, we went to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur. It was as if someone said in a very loud voice, with a megaphone...."LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN!" We had fun, and some of the kids had caricatures and portraits done in the Place du Tertres. We went in the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, and enjoyed the view of Paris from up on the hill of Montmartre.
We then went back on the metro to meet Guylaine for dinner, which was Cordon Bleu and ratatouille, and ice cream.
They are all out right now getting more.....FOOD! (Sadly, they discovered a McDonalds near the hotel!)
They are all sad about going back. Alexis wants to move here or go to college here. Many have said they will be back. Chelsea made me tear up in the Louvre yesterday when she said that the paintings were all so beautiful that they made her want to cry!!
Parents, I would love to get your feedback on the trip when you have had some time to digest everything that your child has to tell you! Hopefully she has lots of pictures and stories (good and bad, I am sure!) as well as souvenirs.
We have to be in the hotel lobby at 8:20 tomorrow morning. The bus will take us to the airport and we will begin our trip back home.
I will be contacting kids and parents soon to ask for photo contributions so I can make a video for you all. I WILL be posting video short clips and pictures in the next few days after we return, so keep checking in!!
Thanks again for allowing your children to travel with me. They were beyond wonderful. Thank you TONS to Kim Malinowski who is AMAZING and one of my very favorite travel buddies! <3
Love and hugs from Paris...one last time....(SNIFF, she wipes her brow...)
See you in Raleigh. Please call if you need anything. You should have my cell.
Sara
We have had a lovely day...last day and everyone is sad. We were moved last night because a few people didn't like the other hotel. I think they are much happier at the new hotel. Our kids didn't want to move- but they sure like the new hotel! It is in the suburbs of Paris, and takes a bit longer to get to, but it IS nice. (I can watch BBC News!)
Today we had a late start after a bit of a sleep in. We left for the Musee d'Orsay and then split up. Kim took the kids into the museum, and I went to the Hotel de Ville. I met up with a friend from high school that I haven't seen in over 20 years! It was really exciting to see her.
After lunch, we went to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur. It was as if someone said in a very loud voice, with a megaphone...."LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN!" We had fun, and some of the kids had caricatures and portraits done in the Place du Tertres. We went in the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, and enjoyed the view of Paris from up on the hill of Montmartre.
We then went back on the metro to meet Guylaine for dinner, which was Cordon Bleu and ratatouille, and ice cream.
They are all out right now getting more.....FOOD! (Sadly, they discovered a McDonalds near the hotel!)
They are all sad about going back. Alexis wants to move here or go to college here. Many have said they will be back. Chelsea made me tear up in the Louvre yesterday when she said that the paintings were all so beautiful that they made her want to cry!!
Parents, I would love to get your feedback on the trip when you have had some time to digest everything that your child has to tell you! Hopefully she has lots of pictures and stories (good and bad, I am sure!) as well as souvenirs.
We have to be in the hotel lobby at 8:20 tomorrow morning. The bus will take us to the airport and we will begin our trip back home.
I will be contacting kids and parents soon to ask for photo contributions so I can make a video for you all. I WILL be posting video short clips and pictures in the next few days after we return, so keep checking in!!
Thanks again for allowing your children to travel with me. They were beyond wonderful. Thank you TONS to Kim Malinowski who is AMAZING and one of my very favorite travel buddies! <3
Love and hugs from Paris...one last time....(SNIFF, she wipes her brow...)
See you in Raleigh. Please call if you need anything. You should have my cell.
Sara
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday April 13, 2009
Hello everyone! Whew! What an exciting day! We all went on a walking tour of Paris this morning...saw Notre Dame (absolutely gorgeous!) and many other Parisian sights, then on to the Louvre museum for lunch and LOTS of art!!! (it was stunningly breathtaking!!)
We have also changed hotels today! Everyone is very happy with their new living arrangements! There are flat screen tvs, what more do you need in life??? :-) To update your info the new hotel is the Hotel Mercure, and the phone number here is 33-1-45-92-47-47. It is in a suburb of Paris, about a 25 min(approx)from Paris, and there are several stores and restaurants nearby.
Dale, Sara is fine. She is on her way into Paris to get two of the ladies who are as yet unaware of our change of venue. But she has a travel companion and is smiling!
Allie's mom...her finger is still a bit red and sore, but doesn't seem to be getting any worse since yesterday. She is a trooper and is having a great time!
Have a great evening!!
Kim Malinowski
We have also changed hotels today! Everyone is very happy with their new living arrangements! There are flat screen tvs, what more do you need in life??? :-) To update your info the new hotel is the Hotel Mercure, and the phone number here is 33-1-45-92-47-47. It is in a suburb of Paris, about a 25 min(approx)from Paris, and there are several stores and restaurants nearby.
Dale, Sara is fine. She is on her way into Paris to get two of the ladies who are as yet unaware of our change of venue. But she has a travel companion and is smiling!
Allie's mom...her finger is still a bit red and sore, but doesn't seem to be getting any worse since yesterday. She is a trooper and is having a great time!
Have a great evening!!
Kim Malinowski
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter in Paris
Ok, I got lucky and found two more euro's in my pocket. WHEW! I want to write so much but I am sooo tired and we need to be at breakfast at 7:45am. It's about midnight or half past now. Today was much better. I want to write a lot tomorrow, or sometime, about our wonderful students and how proud they made me. Just know your kids are angels. :) The bus tour was lovely, and eveyrone enjoyed their first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. We had a photo stop there, and there was a demonstration by the Tamils, and the kids were asking what they were doing, so they learned some good lessons about protests and immigration and independence and Sri Lanka....... The guide shared some great historical facts, so everyone got a great basic French history 101 primer. We then drove to Versailles, on the busiest day of the year, on the busiest French weekend of the year, and got squeezed in with thousands of other people with the same idea!
After Versailles and the gardens, we drove on the bus back to Paris. Alec made friends with the bus driver and got to sit next to him downstairs!
We had some free time before dinner. We had to leave our guide because the other group leader left a sleeping student on the bus!! She had to go and find him. We were told where to meet for dinner. When it was meeting time, we were missing 5 students. So far it had all been the other group being late, making us wait, etc. Now it was our turn, but I was more worried than mad! My son was one of the missing students, so I had a doubly scary time. Eventually we found them, three of them were with the other group at the right restaurant chain, different location. I went searching for the other two and found them. Alexis says to tell Mum she got lost...she says with a smile on her face. She also says she loves you!!
I am proud of my art history students- the bus guide was very impressed with their knowledge!
Allie has hurt her finger so I called Mom to get some direction, just to fill her in. That was the first time I have made a phone call from halfway up the Eiffel Tower!
Most everyone went up except Alexis and Allie, so I stayed with them and made the phone calls. Then we went on the boat tour and then we came home. LOTS of stories, lots of pictures....lots of fun, mostly.
Toni wanted to go call parents just now, but I won't let her out at this time of night alone. We really haven't had time to call today. If someone sees this please can you call Toni Bista's mum and tell her Toni will call tomorrow and everything is fine!
I hope you are all well. The kids are fine and having lots of great life, history, art, and travel lessons!!
Time's up again.....,more tomorrow!!
sara
After Versailles and the gardens, we drove on the bus back to Paris. Alec made friends with the bus driver and got to sit next to him downstairs!
We had some free time before dinner. We had to leave our guide because the other group leader left a sleeping student on the bus!! She had to go and find him. We were told where to meet for dinner. When it was meeting time, we were missing 5 students. So far it had all been the other group being late, making us wait, etc. Now it was our turn, but I was more worried than mad! My son was one of the missing students, so I had a doubly scary time. Eventually we found them, three of them were with the other group at the right restaurant chain, different location. I went searching for the other two and found them. Alexis says to tell Mum she got lost...she says with a smile on her face. She also says she loves you!!
I am proud of my art history students- the bus guide was very impressed with their knowledge!
Allie has hurt her finger so I called Mom to get some direction, just to fill her in. That was the first time I have made a phone call from halfway up the Eiffel Tower!
Most everyone went up except Alexis and Allie, so I stayed with them and made the phone calls. Then we went on the boat tour and then we came home. LOTS of stories, lots of pictures....lots of fun, mostly.
Toni wanted to go call parents just now, but I won't let her out at this time of night alone. We really haven't had time to call today. If someone sees this please can you call Toni Bista's mum and tell her Toni will call tomorrow and everything is fine!
I hope you are all well. The kids are fine and having lots of great life, history, art, and travel lessons!!
Time's up again.....,more tomorrow!!
sara
all's well.....
Midnight....two mins left on computer, will write longer note in the am! We went to Versailles, had a great bus tour, and went to the Eiffel Tower....more in the am!!!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Saturday Adventures
Good morning from drizzly Paris!
Yesterday we had to wait for our rooms, and the tour director didn't have plans for us. So I took our group and two women from the other group to Chatelet. It is where the Pompidou center is located, and there are lots of shops and places to see. We had a lovely sunny morning/afternoon, although everyone was dragging!
When we came back to the hotel to check in the fireworks started! Some of the adults were quite vocal in expressing their opinions. We took the metro and then had a long walk to dinner (again, more complaining!). We ate at a trendy Moroccan restaurant, where we had Couscous. Our students ate quietly, politely, and heartily. The students in the other group, from Michigan, voiced their complaints quite loudly and got up and walked out. They came back a little while later- back into the restaurant and back to the tables- with McDonalds bags. I was horrified! The owner/manager had some loud music going, and entertained us with some of his juggling and 'dancing'! He found out Alec liked soccer and before long he and Alec were dribbling an orange around the back of the restaurant! Yes, you read that right. An orange. It was lots of fun. Then we had a long walk again- and the rain had started, which wasn't fun!
Attitudes really are everything, aren't they? Last night I saw adults who were determined to be closed minded, unaccepting and were just downright rude and embarrassing. I also had 9 students with me who refused to be drawn into it, who maintained cheerful spirits despite suffering from pure exhaustion. I am so VERY proud of them. They told me they didn't understand why adults had to be like that.
Today I am hoping that some sleep and breakfast will help some of the adults' attitudes! We are off for a bus tour and then to Versailles, and then to the Eiffel Tower tonight. They don't have much time to go off on their own today!
Apparently the phones are not working to the US. Alexis says hi to her Mum and said to tell you she is flirting with the French boys. (Hmmmmm, I think they all are.....all in good fun!) Except Alec!
Ok, we are about to leave need to go. Will report back tonight when we return!
Au revoir de Paris,
Sara
Yesterday we had to wait for our rooms, and the tour director didn't have plans for us. So I took our group and two women from the other group to Chatelet. It is where the Pompidou center is located, and there are lots of shops and places to see. We had a lovely sunny morning/afternoon, although everyone was dragging!
When we came back to the hotel to check in the fireworks started! Some of the adults were quite vocal in expressing their opinions. We took the metro and then had a long walk to dinner (again, more complaining!). We ate at a trendy Moroccan restaurant, where we had Couscous. Our students ate quietly, politely, and heartily. The students in the other group, from Michigan, voiced their complaints quite loudly and got up and walked out. They came back a little while later- back into the restaurant and back to the tables- with McDonalds bags. I was horrified! The owner/manager had some loud music going, and entertained us with some of his juggling and 'dancing'! He found out Alec liked soccer and before long he and Alec were dribbling an orange around the back of the restaurant! Yes, you read that right. An orange. It was lots of fun. Then we had a long walk again- and the rain had started, which wasn't fun!
Attitudes really are everything, aren't they? Last night I saw adults who were determined to be closed minded, unaccepting and were just downright rude and embarrassing. I also had 9 students with me who refused to be drawn into it, who maintained cheerful spirits despite suffering from pure exhaustion. I am so VERY proud of them. They told me they didn't understand why adults had to be like that.
Today I am hoping that some sleep and breakfast will help some of the adults' attitudes! We are off for a bus tour and then to Versailles, and then to the Eiffel Tower tonight. They don't have much time to go off on their own today!
Apparently the phones are not working to the US. Alexis says hi to her Mum and said to tell you she is flirting with the French boys. (Hmmmmm, I think they all are.....all in good fun!) Except Alec!
Ok, we are about to leave need to go. Will report back tonight when we return!
Au revoir de Paris,
Sara
We're here!
Hi everyone from SUNNY Paris! We are at the hotel right now, resting and changing and showering before dinner. The GOOD news is that we had a great flight, most of the kids slept, to my surprise (we didn't!) and we had no problem hooking up with our tour director. We dropped bags off at hotel and then had free time until we could check in. I took the kids to the Pompidou center area at Les Halles. (Dale- where we sat people-watching on our honeymoon in that cafe, for hours! remember?!)
The girls did some shopping, we ate and explored the area. They had lots of fun learning how to navigate the metro. They are conducting themselves with the utmost poise, politeness and charm. I am so proud of them.
The not so good news is.......the hotel is horrible. The other group leaders have been so rude, we have had some shouting matches in the lobby, it was quite interesting! Rooms leave a lot to be desired, but they are ok. We will have a bed and a roof in a safe place right near the metro. Lots of drams with RUDE adults, (not ours!) and I am so proud of our kids. I will tell them all publicly at dinner.
Tomorrow is a bus tour of Paris and a trip to Versailles and a trip up to the top of the Eiffel Tower!
:) Don't worry- the kids are learning lots about being flexible and adaptable! :)
Will write more tomorrow, sorry I can't post pics yet.
Hi CAMERON and SOPHIE...give each other and Daddy hugs for me. xxx
Sara
The girls did some shopping, we ate and explored the area. They had lots of fun learning how to navigate the metro. They are conducting themselves with the utmost poise, politeness and charm. I am so proud of them.
The not so good news is.......the hotel is horrible. The other group leaders have been so rude, we have had some shouting matches in the lobby, it was quite interesting! Rooms leave a lot to be desired, but they are ok. We will have a bed and a roof in a safe place right near the metro. Lots of drams with RUDE adults, (not ours!) and I am so proud of our kids. I will tell them all publicly at dinner.
Tomorrow is a bus tour of Paris and a trip to Versailles and a trip up to the top of the Eiffel Tower!
:) Don't worry- the kids are learning lots about being flexible and adaptable! :)
Will write more tomorrow, sorry I can't post pics yet.
Hi CAMERON and SOPHIE...give each other and Daddy hugs for me. xxx
Sara
Friday, April 10, 2009
Excitement is Building!
Well, we all know Dulles like the back of our hands now! The kids are fed, they are getting a bit more energy now. We are camped out at Gate D3 waiting for the flight to Charles de Gaulle. The kids are all playing a lively game of cards.....a bit noisy but I think I had better let them use up some energy...hopefully they will rest on the plane! They all said to say hi! Kim says hi to her family and I would like to say a special hello and thank you to Dale and Sophie. Love you. ### Cameron....I LOVE YOU pickle pants! :)
We had an hour long get together earlier, talking about the metro, and telling them some things about traveling around Paris. They are being wonderful...thank you for the opportunity to travel with your lovely children.
I will post tomorrow as soon as I can.
Off to Paris we go......
We had an hour long get together earlier, talking about the metro, and telling them some things about traveling around Paris. They are being wonderful...thank you for the opportunity to travel with your lovely children.
I will post tomorrow as soon as I can.
Off to Paris we go......
We are in DC!
Hello friends, parents and Northside family,
We have made it to DC, we had a very uneventful flight (the best kind!). It looks like our departure gate for Paris is in the terminal we are in, and there is lots to do (and eat!) here. I have let everyone go off and explore for an hour and a half, then we will meet at 1:00pm for metro lessons 101! :) Our flight to Paris leaves at 5:15.
Everyone is still a little shy with the ones they don't know well....but I anticipate that changing very soon!
I think another group from Greensboro will be joining us on our flight to Paris. The students may end up meeting fellow tour-mates before we even get there! I have seen lots of EF backpacks already!
I will write again as soon as I can.
A bientot- (later)
Sara
We have made it to DC, we had a very uneventful flight (the best kind!). It looks like our departure gate for Paris is in the terminal we are in, and there is lots to do (and eat!) here. I have let everyone go off and explore for an hour and a half, then we will meet at 1:00pm for metro lessons 101! :) Our flight to Paris leaves at 5:15.
Everyone is still a little shy with the ones they don't know well....but I anticipate that changing very soon!
I think another group from Greensboro will be joining us on our flight to Paris. The students may end up meeting fellow tour-mates before we even get there! I have seen lots of EF backpacks already!
I will write again as soon as I can.
A bientot- (later)
Sara
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Last Minute Preparations are Under Way! 2 more days...
We are ready for the trip...almost. Bags aren't quite packed yet, and last minute errands have yet to be run. But, we have had our last meeting, phone cards and bank cards etc are in hand, and we are ready to be off. We are fourteen intrepid explorers heading off for adventure, fun and lots of learning. We will see the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, learn about the Bastille and Louis XIV and lots more. Former AP Art History students are ready to see "Nike of Samothrace" and the Llamassu, and "Monet's Waterlilies". There are 14 of us: 13 females, 1 male, 2 vegetarians, 5 adults, 9 students....lots of excitement. We will be meeting at the Raleigh airport at 8am Friday. Stay tuned for daily updates, pictures and hopefully some video.
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