France Trimester 2015

From our week in Normandy!
Written by Olivia

Bonjour Everyone!

Monday:

Today we said "bon voyage" to our host families for the next week and headed three and a half hours to Bayeux. A Medieval Town in Normandy, France. Which is home to the Bayeaux tapestry, a two hundred and thirty foot long embroidery from the 11th century. The tapestry Illustrates the Norman conquest of England. Depicting and giving glory to the earl of Bayeaux and his brother William the Conqueror. We took an audio tour of the tapestry that explained every section in detail. Then we had a few hours to walk around and explore. For the next two nights we stayed at La Ferme de la Gronde. We ended the night by watching the movie “Saving Private Ryan”.

Tuesday

We started the day off with a visit to the D-day Museum, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery. It was truly an incredible experience being there on the sandy beach where thousands of American soldiers had fought. We spent several hours there walking the grounds, reading names of soldiers in the cemetery and watching old war footage in the museum. Later in the day we visited a cemetery for German soldiers. It was interesting to see the contrast of both sites. The American Cemetery portrayed a great deal of patriotism and honoring the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives, whereas the German cemetery reflected a great deal of regret.

Wednesday:

We traveled to see Mont St. Michel and took a guided tour of the commune. Apparently there are only 25 people who live there year round! Our guide also shared with us that there is only one exit and entrance out. From the outdoor balconies of the Cathedral, you can see for miles,all the way out to the coast. It turned to be quite the rainy day. By the time we got back to the vans we were all soaked! Sketchbooks and all. For the next two nights we camped out at the Chateau Hotel Du Colombier (which looks a lot like the Grand Budapest hotel).

Thursda

It was another rainy day in France, but never the less we made the best out of it and explored the towers of the St.Malo History museum and walked the ramparts surrounding the city. We also got to see a photo exhibit of a French photographer; his subject was the Vietnam war.

Frida

Today, we went to the town of Dinan and spent some time in the Foret du Broceliande. The same forest that King Arthur was said to have roamed and where Merlin the Enchanter is buried.Then made our way back to Pont-Aven!!!

Satu

Off to Brest for art supplies! Then we all decided to see the newest Marvels Avengers in

French!