Our last group trip!! :( It was a really fun trip, but I was so sad that this was the last time all together, traveling and experiencing France. BUT it was a good way to end:)..... with three weeks remaining though!!
We had a lot of down time to explore, do what we want, so it was fun just hanging out with the group and everything. Oh Strasbourg and Colmar are eastern France, right on the border of Germany. I think Alsace was a part of Dad's mission?
So we took the TGV to Strasbourg on thursday and stayed there both nights and spent Friday in Colmar. We arrived and had our first tour there of the cathedrale that was really cool--unfortunately we didn't have good weather this trip, (we've been so lucky though--all the others we've had beautiful weather) so it was a little cold but the guide kept it interesting. He also took us to the place in Strasbourg where the NATO summit will be..Obama is coming to this exact place in a week!
That night we had our first (and last) choucroute experience. Choucroute is a mound of saukraut and all different types of sausage decorating the rim. haha, it was pretty gross but a needed experience. Everyone in Paris was telling us how great it was because it's an Alsatian specialty, so I was happy to try it. I don't think I took a picture but the girls did, so I'll find it and post it.
Friday we went to Riquewhir, a cute medieval city on the way to Colmar. It was rainy, but the whole countryside were vineyards and the little city was built on a hill with such cute houses painted with rusty reds, oranges, and yellows--like snow whites house:) This region is huge on wine and when we came back and told people we went there and didn't try the wine it was like saying we went to disneyland and didn't go on splash mountain. But mom I thought of you because they are known for their "macaroons"--which in Paris have a completely different idea what they are, but Alsace knows whats up. All coconut. You would have diiiied and gone to heaven because they were little macaroons and they let us sample like every flavor--banana chocolate, cafe, almond etc... and they were right out of the oven. So good, but I knew if I bought some they wouldn't make it back to you, sooo just eat a dry hardboiled egg with no salt or pepper and think of how I kind of saved you from a billion calories.:) I think I ate a whole years worth for you so don't worry:)
Then we drove to Colmar, also where NATO leaders are going to be and had a tour of the city. We learned that this area was always fought over between France and Germany so many times that they even have their own dialect here. I was so glad because I thought my French had tanked. We had a lot of down time so we shopped, walked, ate and played cards.
Saturday morning I went on a run with Dr. Patterson and his brother-in-law, Brad. I love running on these group trips--I think morning runs are the best way to experience the city, because when I'm with the group we all tend to be a bunch of complainers and just plop down in a cafe and talk about how much we hate our art teacher haha. So I like running through the old cities, back allies, river paths, around old cathedrales... and DR. PATTERSON ALWAYS CARRIES GOOD CONVERSATION. THEY ARE NEVER BORING AND SERIOUSLY THESE RUNS HAVE BEEN TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP! I'M ALWAYS ATTENTIVE AND REALLY DO LOVE LEARNING FROM HIM AND EVERYTHING HE HAS TO SAY!!!!!!!! Anyways... we ran a little over seven miles and it was a great start to the day. Brad is running his first marathon with Kelly on the 5th! It was fun running with marathoners!
So saturday we took a tour of Strasbourg, and we had the same guide as thursday and we saw a lot of things. I loved this region. It's so cool I was able to get a glimpse of each corner of France! I'm bummed I missed out on s. France but I'm thinking when I return with Erik and Debbers in a year???;) :) we can cruise the beaches of Nice, Marseilles and Biarritz;)
We had a lot of time in Strasbourg before our train left so Caitlin, Jessica, Marissa and I decided to go to Germany! It was about a 40 min. commute by tram and bus and I can say I have been to Germany! We only had an hour and a half there--yes, this trip was all for show-- but we had such a yummy lunch. We asked our waiter to order us the most traditional dishes.. the three girls got some variation of choucroute again and I had yummy white fish. I'm becoming as predictable as my mother...;) But it was fun being just 1/3 of a mile out of France and literally everything was SO different! The language obviously, but people looked different--taller, stronger, and well yeah everything was in German. We kept trying to talk to our waitress in French out of habit but she didn't know any French and would respond in broken english. So weird! But that was really fun. We were worried because on our way back to France there was sooo much traffic over the border and we thought we were going to miss the train. No joke we all said a prayer cuz it took is like double the amt. of time to get back, our phones were either dead or blinking low battery and they didn't work until we were right outside Strasbourg. So we were a little worried that we would have to get left behind --buy another ticket, and catch the later train if possible? Or sleep in the train station for the first morning one? Sound familiar?? Ahh, I need to become a better, more reliable traveler apparently! But we made it 5 mintues before our train back to Paris.
It was a great trip. So much fun! I'm totally going to miss the group and everything about Paris--but especially the time spent with everyone on these group trips. It makes me sad just thinking about leaving here... :( The Patterson's are AMAZING (I'm not trying to kiss butt right now, I would be saying this even if my blog wasn't public;) and I'm so grateful for all the planning and just everything they do for us!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Bapteme!
The biggest news of the week is Melissa baptism! It was such an amazing experience. I'm so happy I was able to share this moment with her and honored that her and the sisters asked me to speak. The next day she was confirmed in sacrament meeting, and the spirit was so strong. The ward and relief society are doing a great job at fellowshipping her. Melissa is so great, with such a strong desire to obey and her testimony amazes me. It was such a great day!!
Here is a picture of Melissa's boyfriend, Melissa, the bishop, Soeur Ernst, Herway, Adams and me:
And a picture of the sisters, Melissa and I. By far some of the best friendships I have made. :)
Here is a picture of Melissa's boyfriend, Melissa, the bishop, Soeur Ernst, Herway, Adams and me:
And a picture of the sisters, Melissa and I. By far some of the best friendships I have made. :)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Cleopatre
Not last night but the night before some people from our group all went to the production of Cleopatra! A kid from our group organized it all, and I'm so happy he did because we never would have known about it. It was so cool, and totally different from any other musical/performance I have seen! It was three hours and that significant because I didn't fall asleep!!!! and I was never bored!!! We are all chipping in a euro for James (our hilarious french teacher) to buy the album, then we're all going to pass it around and import it into our computers. The music was so good! Every song. It was a lot more modern, like hip hop and electric instrumentals, but amazing... I wish I could get a copy of it on dvd or something to show everyone.
It was a little scandalous too, haha. aka why not the whole group went...but I'm surprised how we haven't all adapted to that yet being that there are boobs on just about every street corner sculpture.
Every act, scene or whatever, there was some kind of acrobatics too. Sometimes people would be swinging from these ropes from the ceiling and I literally thought they were going to die. Other times there would be actors on a pole on the stage like holding themselves up with their feet with their bodies parallel to the stage. The tightest thing was when this guy was on two little poles coming out from the stage with the surface to put his hands and he was just break dancing while in hand stand position the whole time, never touching the ground with his hands on these two poles. K I clearly can't describe it, but it was the coolest thing ever.
At first I was trying to pay attention to the plot (obviously it was in French) but then after the first song I just let it go and just paid attention to the colors, background, music, costumes and everything... More enjoyable that way:) I'll figure out the plot later...
So anyways it was the most psychedelic performance ever with the coolest outfits, backgrounds, flashing lights, music, performers I have ever seen. So happy I went and so much fun:) I love France every way I experience it...
It was a little scandalous too, haha. aka why not the whole group went...but I'm surprised how we haven't all adapted to that yet being that there are boobs on just about every street corner sculpture.
Every act, scene or whatever, there was some kind of acrobatics too. Sometimes people would be swinging from these ropes from the ceiling and I literally thought they were going to die. Other times there would be actors on a pole on the stage like holding themselves up with their feet with their bodies parallel to the stage. The tightest thing was when this guy was on two little poles coming out from the stage with the surface to put his hands and he was just break dancing while in hand stand position the whole time, never touching the ground with his hands on these two poles. K I clearly can't describe it, but it was the coolest thing ever.
At first I was trying to pay attention to the plot (obviously it was in French) but then after the first song I just let it go and just paid attention to the colors, background, music, costumes and everything... More enjoyable that way:) I'll figure out the plot later...
So anyways it was the most psychedelic performance ever with the coolest outfits, backgrounds, flashing lights, music, performers I have ever seen. So happy I went and so much fun:) I love France every way I experience it...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Normandy && Mont St. Michel
After a long night spent in the Charles de Gaulle airport, (long story), Thursday morning the group met early at the Pattersons to leave for Normandy! I was dead tired so the three hour bus ride was so necessary.
Our first stop was Caen where we visited the World War II Museum and watched a really well done film. It was a neat exhibit, unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time to spend wandering and I fell asleep during the movie. Then we drove to Bayeux and visited the Tapestry Museum where we had an audio tour of the longest tapestry in the world. I know it sounds really boring, but it was actually pretty interesting-- it explains the events leading up to the 1066 Norman Invasion of England. After that we just walked around the old town of Bayeux and the cathedrale, it is a really cute Medieval city. We all kind of did our own thing for dinner--then we all met back up at the hotel for card games and Mafia. Usually we play in our hotel rooms, (which end up being smelly and musky with 14 people) but this hotel had an upstairs room where we just played games all night. It was seriously the funnest night all together since we've been in France. We played Nertz then played hilarious games of Mafia. My favorite part was making up deaths for people in the group--they were pretty blunt and inappropriate, but hilarious. So much fun!
The next day we headed to Arromanches, where we saw remnants of artificial harbors built in WWII. Today was a really packed day, a lot of bus time, but I love being busy, and it was the coolest day ever. This Normandy trip was easily the best trip yet.
Then we drove to the American Cemetery and Memorial and visitors center at Omaha Beach. This was my favorite. They have this brand new museum built two years ago, and it was amazing. Not the mention the cemetery, the grounds and just walking on the beach where D-day took place was unbelievable. It gave me the chills, so tranquil, so touching.
After picnicing at Omaha, we drove to Point du Hoc, where we saw the remains of German defenses and Rangers. I couldn't believe the craters that still exist because of the bombs dropped on D-day. Just seeing the cliffs and being in the actual spot where thousands of American soldiers lost their lives was an amazing experience. 
Then we headed to Ste. Marie du Mont, where more than 4 hundred planes dropped the American parachutists of the 101st Airborne Division in Normandy.
We went a little further down to Utah Beach, and the same feelings... Here's a group picture of us by the sign and some girls on the beach:
We ended the long day by visiting the Ste. Mere Eglise, which is known for the landies of the early paratroopers during the D-day invasion. A well known story displayed in the movie, The Longest day tells of a paratrooper's parachute that got caught on the spire of the town church, and where he could only observe the fighting going on below. He escaped capture by chillin on the spire of the church until the town was taken the next day.
After that we drove to our hotel in Avranches where we had dinner at the hotel as a group, then watched "saving private ryan" that night because we were all in the D-day zone:) This night was also so much fun, a lot of funny stories. The funniest being that my friend Marissa was in the bathroom doing the deed when she hears and sees a rat in the pipes underneath the toilet! haha she was FREAKING out! And it was hilarious. I have it all on video. It was also a lot of fun cuz the four of us girls shared one room so we were just being crazy the whole time, cuddling and laughing. I love hanging out with the group.
The next morning I went on a run with my professor around the old town of Avranches, and so it felt good to finally get out and do something after all the bus time. I love running around these adorable cities. After breakfast we headed for the whole day spent at Mont St. Michel. It was so cool! We had a long time there, maybe too long, but we just roamed the city. It was beautiful weather too... actually all weekend it was great weather, so that just makes everything better! We took an audio tour of the cathedrale and learned a lot. I like audio tours and going at your own pace. So story: Michael moment. As in, I was Michael for the day. Marissa saw this really ugly hat and dared me to wear it for the entire day and she would buy me lunch. a. I could care less--who am I impressing here b. free lunch. Soooo in all my pictures I'm wearing this super asian-touristy, ugly neon orange hat. Everyone thought it was sooo funny. I honestly didn't think it was that big of a deal, but maybe because I didn't actually have to look at myself all day. But everyone in the group got a kick out of it. Group clown. So why did I feel like Michael? Cuz I was the ridiculous guinea pig and getting paid for it.
After that, we left home for the three and half hour bus ride back to Paris. It felt good to finally come home and relax after the fun, but tiring trip and bus ride and I think by now I have finally caught up on all my sleep for the past couple weeks:) Yesterday, (sunday) we had stake conference so everyone on our study abroad came out to Versailles to the Palais au Congres where the stake conference was held. It was crazy not to be in a church building or a gym. It's like we were royalty inside an Opera house. France is legit. We were in the building right next to the Versailles chateaux--where Marie Antionette spent most of her life. A general authority spoke and it was such a great talk! He kept it really simple, and it was as if he was targeting new members and investigators. He pretty much outlined Preach My Gospel and just reviewed gospel basics about families and told great stories of how the gospel changes lives. It was a really good meeting! After that I met up with the sisters and Melissa, (our investigator) and they told me that her baptism was still on for this saturday and then asked if I wanted to give a 3-5 minute talk at her baptism! I was so honored and so happy! (and a little scared!) But really thrilled. I can't wait:)
So a perfect ending to the past couple of perfect weeks. It was so beautiful yesterday and today, clear blue skies, about 60 degrees, all sunshine, and that makes me so happy! It's a bummer I have a lot to do this week. I have kind of let my workload pile up these past two months so I need to hit it hard this next month. I'm thinking I'll just do all work no play this week so I can just play the remainer of the time:) Sooo, that's all for now. Feels good to have this all updated so I can start on my homework:) I'll be good this week. I love you and miss you all! 1 month....AHHH :(
Our first stop was Caen where we visited the World War II Museum and watched a really well done film. It was a neat exhibit, unfortunately we didn't have a lot of time to spend wandering and I fell asleep during the movie. Then we drove to Bayeux and visited the Tapestry Museum where we had an audio tour of the longest tapestry in the world. I know it sounds really boring, but it was actually pretty interesting-- it explains the events leading up to the 1066 Norman Invasion of England. After that we just walked around the old town of Bayeux and the cathedrale, it is a really cute Medieval city. We all kind of did our own thing for dinner--then we all met back up at the hotel for card games and Mafia. Usually we play in our hotel rooms, (which end up being smelly and musky with 14 people) but this hotel had an upstairs room where we just played games all night. It was seriously the funnest night all together since we've been in France. We played Nertz then played hilarious games of Mafia. My favorite part was making up deaths for people in the group--they were pretty blunt and inappropriate, but hilarious. So much fun!
The next day we headed to Arromanches, where we saw remnants of artificial harbors built in WWII. Today was a really packed day, a lot of bus time, but I love being busy, and it was the coolest day ever. This Normandy trip was easily the best trip yet.
Then we drove to the American Cemetery and Memorial and visitors center at Omaha Beach. This was my favorite. They have this brand new museum built two years ago, and it was amazing. Not the mention the cemetery, the grounds and just walking on the beach where D-day took place was unbelievable. It gave me the chills, so tranquil, so touching.
After picnicing at Omaha, we drove to Point du Hoc, where we saw the remains of German defenses and Rangers. I couldn't believe the craters that still exist because of the bombs dropped on D-day. Just seeing the cliffs and being in the actual spot where thousands of American soldiers lost their lives was an amazing experience. 
Then we headed to Ste. Marie du Mont, where more than 4 hundred planes dropped the American parachutists of the 101st Airborne Division in Normandy.We went a little further down to Utah Beach, and the same feelings... Here's a group picture of us by the sign and some girls on the beach:
We ended the long day by visiting the Ste. Mere Eglise, which is known for the landies of the early paratroopers during the D-day invasion. A well known story displayed in the movie, The Longest day tells of a paratrooper's parachute that got caught on the spire of the town church, and where he could only observe the fighting going on below. He escaped capture by chillin on the spire of the church until the town was taken the next day.After that we drove to our hotel in Avranches where we had dinner at the hotel as a group, then watched "saving private ryan" that night because we were all in the D-day zone:) This night was also so much fun, a lot of funny stories. The funniest being that my friend Marissa was in the bathroom doing the deed when she hears and sees a rat in the pipes underneath the toilet! haha she was FREAKING out! And it was hilarious. I have it all on video. It was also a lot of fun cuz the four of us girls shared one room so we were just being crazy the whole time, cuddling and laughing. I love hanging out with the group.
The next morning I went on a run with my professor around the old town of Avranches, and so it felt good to finally get out and do something after all the bus time. I love running around these adorable cities. After breakfast we headed for the whole day spent at Mont St. Michel. It was so cool! We had a long time there, maybe too long, but we just roamed the city. It was beautiful weather too... actually all weekend it was great weather, so that just makes everything better! We took an audio tour of the cathedrale and learned a lot. I like audio tours and going at your own pace. So story: Michael moment. As in, I was Michael for the day. Marissa saw this really ugly hat and dared me to wear it for the entire day and she would buy me lunch. a. I could care less--who am I impressing here b. free lunch. Soooo in all my pictures I'm wearing this super asian-touristy, ugly neon orange hat. Everyone thought it was sooo funny. I honestly didn't think it was that big of a deal, but maybe because I didn't actually have to look at myself all day. But everyone in the group got a kick out of it. Group clown. So why did I feel like Michael? Cuz I was the ridiculous guinea pig and getting paid for it.
After that, we left home for the three and half hour bus ride back to Paris. It felt good to finally come home and relax after the fun, but tiring trip and bus ride and I think by now I have finally caught up on all my sleep for the past couple weeks:) Yesterday, (sunday) we had stake conference so everyone on our study abroad came out to Versailles to the Palais au Congres where the stake conference was held. It was crazy not to be in a church building or a gym. It's like we were royalty inside an Opera house. France is legit. We were in the building right next to the Versailles chateaux--where Marie Antionette spent most of her life. A general authority spoke and it was such a great talk! He kept it really simple, and it was as if he was targeting new members and investigators. He pretty much outlined Preach My Gospel and just reviewed gospel basics about families and told great stories of how the gospel changes lives. It was a really good meeting! After that I met up with the sisters and Melissa, (our investigator) and they told me that her baptism was still on for this saturday and then asked if I wanted to give a 3-5 minute talk at her baptism! I was so honored and so happy! (and a little scared!) But really thrilled. I can't wait:)So a perfect ending to the past couple of perfect weeks. It was so beautiful yesterday and today, clear blue skies, about 60 degrees, all sunshine, and that makes me so happy! It's a bummer I have a lot to do this week. I have kind of let my workload pile up these past two months so I need to hit it hard this next month. I'm thinking I'll just do all work no play this week so I can just play the remainer of the time:) Sooo, that's all for now. Feels good to have this all updated so I can start on my homework:) I'll be good this week. I love you and miss you all! 1 month....AHHH :(
Megan and Matt
These pictures are more for Ters than anyone else, haha. Pictures now, stories later:)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bonne Anniversaire Megan!!!
Best birthday/week EVER!!!
First of all, it was fasting testimony meeting, which I had to miss because I picked up a certain someone from the airport;) but I was able to bear my testimony in Relief Society and it was so cool! I was happy I was able to say what I wanted to say in front of all the women and even though they don't know me--they were able to at least to get to know the most important part of me. I love how much more confident I am in french now.
After that, I left to go pick up Matt from the airport! I was so excited. Best birthday present ever to have a best friend visit me:) ...in Paris. Unfortunately his luggage got lost but he managed for the first couple days. We had a little trouble finding his hotel but once we found it, we dropped his stuff and I opened some presents he had brought. Bliss, Mags and Haley sent me the cutest 'birthday in a bag'. It was so sweet, and I was so touched. I love friends. I have the best friends in the world. They made me feel so special--and still seem to make my day from a billion miles away:) I can't wait to be with them again in the Fall.
Matt and I were going to go to the top of the eiffel tower but it was a foggy day, so we put that off until our last night together, but we met up with the girls in Paris and we wandered for a bit. Then we headed to the girls house for my birthday cake:) Did I mention how I have the best friends in the world? I do. They made this day so special for me:) but it didn't stop there..I came home to my bedroom decorated by my lovely roommate "Caitline" and her and the girls had bought me candy, a crepe pan, flowers and made some hilarious homemade cards. I am so lucky and was SO touched. Then Matt came for my birthday dinner with Madame, (which was a lot less awkward than I had anticipated, yes!) and she had bought me this purple shirt. So sweet of her.
And to top the day off, at night I read my favorite limmericks made by my very own pretty mother:) All around, the best day ever! I can't believe how much love I feel from so many different people in my life. Thank you EVERYONE. I am so blessed, so lucky, so touched, so happy, and pray and think about you all daily.:) And I'm 20 now, YAY!
First of all, it was fasting testimony meeting, which I had to miss because I picked up a certain someone from the airport;) but I was able to bear my testimony in Relief Society and it was so cool! I was happy I was able to say what I wanted to say in front of all the women and even though they don't know me--they were able to at least to get to know the most important part of me. I love how much more confident I am in french now.
After that, I left to go pick up Matt from the airport! I was so excited. Best birthday present ever to have a best friend visit me:) ...in Paris. Unfortunately his luggage got lost but he managed for the first couple days. We had a little trouble finding his hotel but once we found it, we dropped his stuff and I opened some presents he had brought. Bliss, Mags and Haley sent me the cutest 'birthday in a bag'. It was so sweet, and I was so touched. I love friends. I have the best friends in the world. They made me feel so special--and still seem to make my day from a billion miles away:) I can't wait to be with them again in the Fall.
Matt and I were going to go to the top of the eiffel tower but it was a foggy day, so we put that off until our last night together, but we met up with the girls in Paris and we wandered for a bit. Then we headed to the girls house for my birthday cake:) Did I mention how I have the best friends in the world? I do. They made this day so special for me:) but it didn't stop there..I came home to my bedroom decorated by my lovely roommate "Caitline" and her and the girls had bought me candy, a crepe pan, flowers and made some hilarious homemade cards. I am so lucky and was SO touched. Then Matt came for my birthday dinner with Madame, (which was a lot less awkward than I had anticipated, yes!) and she had bought me this purple shirt. So sweet of her.
And to top the day off, at night I read my favorite limmericks made by my very own pretty mother:) All around, the best day ever! I can't believe how much love I feel from so many different people in my life. Thank you EVERYONE. I am so blessed, so lucky, so touched, so happy, and pray and think about you all daily.:) And I'm 20 now, YAY!
Loire Valley
I have a lot to catch you up on...
The last week of March the group spent three days in the Loire Valley! It was amazing. Basically it's just chateau after chateau (castles) and it was so cool. Loved it. I remember going with my class in 8th grade, but this time I could appreciate everything so much more--it's like I had never visited it. So Loire Valley. We left Thursday and on pimpin hot pink and purple mercedes charter bus and our first stop was in Blois. Pretty chateau.
We had an hour long tour, basically where we learned that it was built by four different people in different centuries, between the 11th and 17th. Yes, I retained some information. then stopped for a photo op outside the Chateau Usse--which was the castle sleeping beauty is based off of. One of the prettiest!
That was fun, even though I have never seen sleeping beauty, weird? but it makes me want to be a princess someday:) I have noticed since I have been in France I have a lot more prerequistes for my future husband...
After that we hopped back on the bus to Tours where we stayed both nights. I love bus rides. These trips are seriously the best part about France. I tend to pass out on the bus, (shocker) but when I am awake we play ridiculous inappropriate games like "would you rather" or "ten fingers" or watch movies, play cards, oh eat a ton, pass books around and take pictures...I love our group! And even though there are students who really BUG most of the time... it makes everything even more hilarious. After the long bus ride, Jess and I ran around the city then met up with everyone for dinner. I learned that tartare meant raw. I ordered raw salmon--not good raw unless in sushi I found out.
On friday we headed to Chinon where we had another tour... I can't remember much but it was beautiful and we learned a lot about Jeanne d'Arc, which ended up making me even more confused, but still it was fun.
Then we went to Chenenceau, which is a beautiful castle built on water.
We took a self-guided tour and just roamed the grounds. There was a lot of construction to the chateau which was a bummer, but still very beautiful. This was my second favorite castle and one I remembered from middle school.
There was a maze of hedges in the gardens that we played in to kill time. It was fun! I felt so BYU playing sardines, buuut I decided to be humble and play haha.... the last time I played sardines was when I visited Michael his freshman year at BYU and I played with these girls him and the boys were friends with in Taylor hall's basement...At the time I was horrified that my BYU Friday nights would be spent playing "hide and go seek" in reverse...but who knew 4 years later I would be my sophomore in high schools self own worst nightmare--and loving it! Times have changed:)
After Chenenceau we got back on the bus to Tours where we stayed another night. That night for dinner we had kebabs--which are pretty much gyros if that helps? Lamb. A greesy lamb hamburger stuffed with fries actually. I can't believe I ate it. But the missionaries always talked about them and I promised I would at least give them a try...I was starved but then wanted to barf. It was an experience.
Saturday morning I went on my first run with my professor. Kelly is a marathon runner so I thought I would be sucking wind the whole time, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much my running has actually paid off. We went for about five miles and we just talked the whole time. We ran around the old city, along the water, I love morning runs. Running buddies are the way to go.
Then saturday we went to Chiverny which was a chateau that a family still lives in. I was so jealous. I took more pictures of the family that actually resides there than the actual castle grounds/castle itself. I'm pathetic. But here's what the outside looked like:
But it was so beautiful. We had a great tour with a sweet frenchman then toured the grounds by ourselves. The whole chateau fanasty didn't seem real to me until we came to Chiverny--how people actaully lived like this. The family still owns about 200 hounds for the hunting season. They smelt TERRIBLE. And therefore reminded me of my little basset hound at home. haha. I kept thinking to myself, if mom were here...this would have been her favorite part...she tries convincing me (and herself) that she is not "obsessed" with Lilikoi--but so not true. Very much obsessed.;)
Then we headed to my favorite chateau--Chambord. I also remember this one from pictures in 8th grade. It was AMAZING. So beautiful! We didn't go inside--costed money that the program didn't pay for aaand we are all very cheap--but we didnt need to go inside to see it's beauty. It was such a beautiful day and we spent a couple hours just walking around, playing soccer and hanging out around the castle.
This castle has 365 chimneys! One for every day of the year, obviously. And it was just the coolest. The weather this whole trip was perfect, like t-shirt weather! I loved it. I love the SUN. I can't wait for spring.
We headed back home, Paris:), and there ended a great trip to Loire! It was a perfect weekend. I love hanging out with the group, laughing, playing and just spending time together. We had just the right amount of tours and down time, it was perfectly planned. The Patterson's really do a great job. I am so grateful for them. So yes, fantastic trip to Loire Valley!
The last week of March the group spent three days in the Loire Valley! It was amazing. Basically it's just chateau after chateau (castles) and it was so cool. Loved it. I remember going with my class in 8th grade, but this time I could appreciate everything so much more--it's like I had never visited it. So Loire Valley. We left Thursday and on pimpin hot pink and purple mercedes charter bus and our first stop was in Blois. Pretty chateau.
We had an hour long tour, basically where we learned that it was built by four different people in different centuries, between the 11th and 17th. Yes, I retained some information. then stopped for a photo op outside the Chateau Usse--which was the castle sleeping beauty is based off of. One of the prettiest!
That was fun, even though I have never seen sleeping beauty, weird? but it makes me want to be a princess someday:) I have noticed since I have been in France I have a lot more prerequistes for my future husband...After that we hopped back on the bus to Tours where we stayed both nights. I love bus rides. These trips are seriously the best part about France. I tend to pass out on the bus, (shocker) but when I am awake we play ridiculous inappropriate games like "would you rather" or "ten fingers" or watch movies, play cards, oh eat a ton, pass books around and take pictures...I love our group! And even though there are students who really BUG most of the time... it makes everything even more hilarious. After the long bus ride, Jess and I ran around the city then met up with everyone for dinner. I learned that tartare meant raw. I ordered raw salmon--not good raw unless in sushi I found out.
On friday we headed to Chinon where we had another tour... I can't remember much but it was beautiful and we learned a lot about Jeanne d'Arc, which ended up making me even more confused, but still it was fun.
Then we went to Chenenceau, which is a beautiful castle built on water.
We took a self-guided tour and just roamed the grounds. There was a lot of construction to the chateau which was a bummer, but still very beautiful. This was my second favorite castle and one I remembered from middle school.
There was a maze of hedges in the gardens that we played in to kill time. It was fun! I felt so BYU playing sardines, buuut I decided to be humble and play haha.... the last time I played sardines was when I visited Michael his freshman year at BYU and I played with these girls him and the boys were friends with in Taylor hall's basement...At the time I was horrified that my BYU Friday nights would be spent playing "hide and go seek" in reverse...but who knew 4 years later I would be my sophomore in high schools self own worst nightmare--and loving it! Times have changed:)After Chenenceau we got back on the bus to Tours where we stayed another night. That night for dinner we had kebabs--which are pretty much gyros if that helps? Lamb. A greesy lamb hamburger stuffed with fries actually. I can't believe I ate it. But the missionaries always talked about them and I promised I would at least give them a try...I was starved but then wanted to barf. It was an experience.
Saturday morning I went on my first run with my professor. Kelly is a marathon runner so I thought I would be sucking wind the whole time, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much my running has actually paid off. We went for about five miles and we just talked the whole time. We ran around the old city, along the water, I love morning runs. Running buddies are the way to go.
Then saturday we went to Chiverny which was a chateau that a family still lives in. I was so jealous. I took more pictures of the family that actually resides there than the actual castle grounds/castle itself. I'm pathetic. But here's what the outside looked like:
But it was so beautiful. We had a great tour with a sweet frenchman then toured the grounds by ourselves. The whole chateau fanasty didn't seem real to me until we came to Chiverny--how people actaully lived like this. The family still owns about 200 hounds for the hunting season. They smelt TERRIBLE. And therefore reminded me of my little basset hound at home. haha. I kept thinking to myself, if mom were here...this would have been her favorite part...she tries convincing me (and herself) that she is not "obsessed" with Lilikoi--but so not true. Very much obsessed.;)
Then we headed to my favorite chateau--Chambord. I also remember this one from pictures in 8th grade. It was AMAZING. So beautiful! We didn't go inside--costed money that the program didn't pay for aaand we are all very cheap--but we didnt need to go inside to see it's beauty. It was such a beautiful day and we spent a couple hours just walking around, playing soccer and hanging out around the castle.
This castle has 365 chimneys! One for every day of the year, obviously. And it was just the coolest. The weather this whole trip was perfect, like t-shirt weather! I loved it. I love the SUN. I can't wait for spring.We headed back home, Paris:), and there ended a great trip to Loire! It was a perfect weekend. I love hanging out with the group, laughing, playing and just spending time together. We had just the right amount of tours and down time, it was perfectly planned. The Patterson's really do a great job. I am so grateful for them. So yes, fantastic trip to Loire Valley!
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