Day 6 - Northern France/Loire Valley: Mont St. Michel ~ Blois

Hey guys! Who would have ever thought Medieval castles and cosmetology would come together in a single day? Well, they did. After our departure from St. Malo, we headed for the island monastery of Mont St. Michel. One thing the French have not let us down with is food, especially their sweets. So we stopped on the way to get cookies Nom! Nom! Nom! Over 1000 years old, Mont St. Michel extends to the heavens (the main purpose of cathedrals during their construction) and has the most amazing view at the top, where you can see the surrounding sea. Monks also inhabit this ancient place; however, there is no way to hear them because they are sworn to silence. Ugh, we juniors thought Mrs. Braswell was tough when it comes to talking! The bus ride through the Loire Valley was both eventful and uneventful, let me explain. We got stuck in loads of traffic which turned our 4.5 hour drive into a 5.5 hour drive. What did we do with that extra hour? We braided hair of course! Anyway, I can now say that I, and quite a few of my male counterparts can braid hair like champs.

-Spencer Jackson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5 - Northern France: Giverny ~ Normandy ~ Arromanche ~ Omaha Beach ~ American Cemetary ~ St. Malo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4 - Paris: Sainte Chapelle ~ Champs Elysses ~ Eiffel Tower ~ City Exploring

Today was "Funday" in Paris, mainly because we could go out on our own and explore.  We finally got to sleep in today so everyone was a fresh and perky.  We all marched to Sainte Chapelle and gazed upon its gloriously famous, story-telling windows.  The church was overwhelming in its history, artwork, and well... color.  It amazes me that artisans and craftsmen could carve and build such tiny details in everything they did.  The highlight of today was most definitely going to the tipsy top of the world renowned Tour Eiffel.  It was as much being able to see every aspect of Paris, but the awesome adrenaline rush from 200 feet in the air, blowing in the breeze, and of course... being on top of the Eiffel Tower. It was also fun laughing at Stephen and Kaitlyn because they are afraid of heights.  Sure, the classical music concert at Sainte Chapelle in the evening was pleasant, but seeing the fire dancers and break dancers perform in the street was jaw-dropping; mainly because they were doing this all in front of Notre Dame on Palm Sunday.  Oh, and I had French frog legs for the first time in my life.  They taste like seafood chicken.

-Tory Gunsten