Day 7: The Palace of the Sun King on a Sunny Day in France

It is so hard to believe that we've been traveling for a week already.  It seems like we just got started and I'm sad to think that the end is in sight.  We had an outstanding day today.

I had a pretty difficult night last night with the Wifi at the hotel.  I am a fairly tech-savvy guy, but it took me forever to realize what the problem was.  In my hotel room, the wifi worked brilliantly with my phone.  I was able to upload a ton of pictures to Facebook without any issues or concerns.  Once, however, I tried to connect the laptop, I couldn't keep the connection active.  I was so frustrated, but I had to get some sleep.  I appreciate your patience.  I tried to get up a little early and get a head start on breakfast.  In the lobby, my lap top worked without issue...and so, here I am now, at the end of another great day, in another lobby, typing away.  I love it. :-)

We gathered our belongings this morning at the start of another long day.  We boarded a new coach for our guided city tour of Paris.  Laurent, our guide, and Sergio, our driver, did not know each other and there was a little confusion of how to turn off the radio while Laurant told us about the City of Lights.  It was not reassuring, however, when we learned that this was Sergio's first time driving a coach through the city.  He actually did a great job.  Driving in front of the Lourve is such a tight fit for a coach bus, but Sergio completed the task like he had been doing it for years.

From the Bus, you can look straight through this little Arc d'triumph and see the Place de Concorde and the big Arc d'triumph.

Laurant was a great guide.  He was so knowledgeable.  I often wonder if I could do guided tours of Boston on a coach bus, but when I see a European professional at work, I realize I do not know enough about our city to do it justice...yet.

As we drove around Paris, I tried to point out other sites of interest to the kids, but it is so hard to take great pictures from one side of a bus.  That is one of the reasons why these tours are so good.  We always get a city tour followed by free time.  We are then able to think about what our group wants to see and then go see it.  Laurent pointed out things from all different eras of Paris' history and I am looking forward to seeing where the interest lies among the kids.  We eventually turned onto the Champs Elysees.  This is one of the most expensive streets in Paris.  There are stores like Louis Vuitton, LaCoste, and McDonalds.   As you drive down the road, you can see the Arc d'Triumph approaching.  Laurent told us its height, but he also told us that twelve, thats right 12, roads converge into this rotary surrounding the Arc.  He said the biggest car usually wins, lol.  Well, we were in a bus driven by a guy who had never been to Paris before.  I was a little nervous, but Sergio pulled through without any issues:

Our tour ended at the Eiffel Tower.  While we had been there the night before, Laurent reminded us that there are never enough pictures with the pride of Paris.  The kids appreciated the different vantage point and took lots of new pictures.  The chaperons got into the action as well...as some of you have seen on Facebook.

Sunshine, Caroline, and Caraline

The Chaperons; Me, Jacqui (Our Fearless Leader), Leanne, Chris, Patick, Bethany, and Kate!
A moment later we tried jumping with limited success, lol.

We also visited the Hotels des Invalides and Napoleon's Tomb...The kids are striking their best Napoleon poses, lol

At this point in our day, we decided to leave Paris.  We hopped onto the Metro and departed for the Palace of Versailles.  I first visited the Palace 22 years ago. I was a much younger person and didn't quite appreciate the importance of the place back then. I've been back several times and was super excited that Ms. Alongi had decided to add it to our itinerary.  We arrived a little earlier than expected and broke off to grab lunch.  Some of the kids ordered food from a local Starbucks while others sat for a traditional French dejeuner.  The chaperons got pizza, lol.

They all look so European!!!

  At this time, I was able to access some Wifi and found that my dear friend, Franck was able to meet with me.  Franck stayed with my family over 20 years ago. It was his first visit to the United States and he stayed for 1 month.  I remember those days fondly.  I was able to visit him 1 year later (Still a high school student), but we hadn't seen each other since.  The kids and chaperons departed for Versailles, but I stayed and waited to see Franck.  It was really very special.  We were both filled with emotion and spoke about how wonderful it was to see each other again.  I am returning to France this summer and Franck has already invited me to stay with him for part of my trip.  I have also extended the offer of staying with me to him and his family.  It is strange that so many years can pass, but the friendships that we had made are eternal.  It is the same type of thing I hope that our kids feel.  I would like to think that 20 years from now, some of our travelers will bump into each other at Hannafords and they will stop and chat about the times they spent in Europe.  Franck and I walked into the gardens of Versailles and chatted.  It was so great to see him and I have a strong suspicion that it will not take 20 years for our next visit.

Franck and I in the Gardens of Versailles 

Eventually, Franck had to return to work.  Our visit was short, but it was one of the highlights of the day for me.  I took some time to reminisce as I walked the garden.  I am glad I've grown into someone who cherishes the little things and I hope that is a lesson that I put forth to the kids while we travel.  Some of them met Franck and I was happy they could see this connection and I hope they realized how cool it was for me.

The kids really seemed to love Versailles.  They almost all said they wanted to live in the Palace, lol.  It is huge and the Gardens are bigger that anyone could imagine.  In fact, that is a sentiment that I heard so many times from many of the students.

A bunch of the kids relaxing by one of the many ponds at Versailles

Our day was ending and dinner time was quickly approaching.  We headed back to the Metro and ate at a little restaurant in the Place D'Italian.  Most of the kids really liked the Beef Bourguingnon, but the hit of the evening was the crepes for dessert.  After dinner, we departed for Montemart and Sacre Coeur.  It was really busy, but it was also really beautiful.  The artists of Montemart are really good at what they do and the Gellato taste pretty good too.  We pushed ourselves pretty hard today.  We are all a little sun-burnt and pretty tired.  Tomorrow looks to be a little easier as we will be visiting the Lourve.  I was talking with some of the kids and they were worried about the potential line we might have to wait in tomorrow.  I broke it down like this, "How long would you wait to see one of the most famous people in the entire world?"  "Tomorrow," I said, "You will meet the Mona Lisa."

The group, congregating outside of Versailles

The Eiffel Tower from Montemart

My attempt at a panoramic photo of the Paris skyline

 
I wanted to take a quick minute of your time to thank you all for the positive feedback I am receiving regarding this blog.  It really means the world to me to know that family and friends can follow our journey.  I like technology.  It gets a bad rap sometimes...and rightly so, but when used correctly, modern technology brings us closer.  The readers of this blog understand that.  I also got a taste of that today when I met my friend Franck.  We have been friends for 20 years, but it was Facebook that allowed us to contact each other and set up our reunion.

Well, we have another great day in store for us and I must bid you adieu.  Good night.

Mr. Lavoie, currently struggling to keep his eyes open as he types these last few lines...

Day 6: Our world through an ice cream cone

Good morning.

I am sitting for breakfast at our new hotel in Paris.  It is a modern looking hotel and at first glimpse, one would think that their Wifi would be stellar.  When we first arrived, I connected my phone, and all things were working well.  I could not, however, keep my laptop connected...and therefore, could not compose my blog last night.  I apologize for those who have grown accustom to reading this blog at a regular time, but such is the way of the world.  I hope that today's posts will make up for the difference. We returned to the hotel at 12am and we had an amazing day/night in the city of lights.  Lets, however, go back in time a bit to complete the picture in your mind.

We awoke early this morning and departed our little bed and breakfast hotel in rural France and began our trip to Paris.  We stopped for lunch in the town of Chartes.  There is a cathedral in this town that is considered one of the nicest in the world.  It was very beautiful.  Inside the cathedral is a relic.  It is a veil supposedly worn by the Virgin Mary.  I'm not religious, but I do thoroughly enjoy walking through cathedrals.  The artwork, architecture, and ambiance all make it worthwhile.

On the bus to Chartes, if you look closely, you can see some of the kids!!!

Cathedral of Chartres

Inside the cathedral.

The veil of the Virgin Mary.

The stop in Chartres had another purpose, it was also our lunch stop for the day.  Near the Cathedral, there were several lunch options.  Most of the kids, from what I gathered, stopped at a sandwich shop where they practiced more of their new found foreign language.  I took off on an adventure to find my favorite European meal: Doner Kebab.  I had been waiting to order one since our arrival in London, but couldn't find a restaurant at the right time...in Chartres, however, I was successful.

My first Doner Kebab of 2015; It won't be the last.

Feeling full and accomplished, we headed to our real destination, Paris.  The road trip for the day totaled about 5 hours.  We were making great time until we go to the ring road that surrounds the city...it is like Rt. 128.  Traffic was fine and then it was not.  An accident, no idea if it was serious, slowed traffic down considerably and made us arrive at the B & B Hotel later than expected.  At this point, we are experts at loading/unloading the coach and we quickly entered our rooms, got ready for the night, and assembled in the lobby.  David gave us some quick metro instructions and we were off.

Our first stop was another cathedral.  The Cathedral of Notre Dame is perhaps one of the most famous in the entire world and your kids have all been there!!!  It is beautiful on the inside and out.

Some of the kids waiting in front of the Cathedral de Notre Dame

For me, a trip to the Ile de la Cite always has a special meaning.  I am an advisor for a youth group called DeMolay.  While a member of this youth group, I learned about a man named Jacques DeMolay.  He was the leader of a group of knights (The Knights Templar) who was accused of heresy.  DeMolay and the knights had accumulated a lot of wealth and the accusations were really a ploy to steal the wealth of the Order for the King of France.  DeMolay was ultimately executed, but he refused to identify the other members of the order or where their wealth was...the location is special to me, because it is where DeMolay was burned at the stake.  Twenty years ago, on my first trip to Paris, a small group of us took off to find this site.  It really was an adventure.  I was a teenager and just thought it would be neat to be there.  When we finally found the location, I got the chills.  It is hard for me not to remember that moment because of the profound impact the organization DeMolay has had on me for the past 25 years.  The group teaches leadership skills and responsibility, but it does so in a setting that is rich with history.  I doubt that I would have become a teacher if not for this wonderful organization...so, I broke away from our group quickly and made my way to the spot of DeMolay's execution.  It is a pilgrimage of sorts for me.  Ever since that first visit, whenever I've returned to Paris, I have made my way to this spot.  A couple of the kids traveling with us this year know about DeMolay because their fathers were members.  If, during free time, they express an interest in seeing this spot, I will be gladly taking them back. For me, the spot has become more than just the historic marker...it is a little place in France that feels like home.  Whenever I return, I stop and reflect on how lucky I've been in my life to have visited this place so often and to be so comfortable when in this wonderful country.

A sign commemorating the spot where DeMolay died.  

A selfie in front of the sign.  I couldn't do this when I first made my way there over 20 years ago.

I met back up with the group and we headed off to lunch.  Our restaurant was located just on the outskirts of the Latin Quarter.  It's name was Hippopotamus.  A strange name, yes, but it was a fine restaurant.  We got roast pork and potatoes au gratin.  Some of us splurged and bought some soda.  David then escorted us through the Latin Quarter.  It was in this region of Paris that the story of Les Miserables took place in...the student revolution was comprised of students of the Sorbonne from which the quarter's name originally developed.  The original school taught Latin to the Monks.  It's uneven roads and narrow streets gives the quarter an old medieval feel, but it is filled with life.  Kebab stands galore!!!  We saw the narrowest house and walked down one of the narrowest streets.  Our quick tour complete, we headed back to the Metro.  Our next stop would be the Eiffel Tower.

The Metro in Paris is different than the T or the Tube and so I was excited for our kids to experience it.  They did great.  You need to open the doors yourself on these trains by lifting a latch or pushing a button.  It can be a little intimidating, but not for the kids on this tour.  They seemed very comfortable.

Taking a photo on the Metro is dangerous business...you never know when the train will jerk one way or the other...we barely got this picture off in time.  Kudos to Mr. Bemis for the photobomb of the trip, so far!!!

  
We ascended the Metro stairs to the blue skies of Paris, seriously, they were blue...no smog yesterday.  As we walked from the station, we could see the Tower in front of us.  The anticipation in the kids was tremendous.  With each approaching step, you could hear their excitement.  The faux sound of film cameras snapping pictures was like a symphony to my ears.  These moments are what student travel is all about.  We arrived to the base of the Tower and then crossed to the Seine.  Our boat was waiting for us.  We boarded for our river cruise.  There were little headsets available for the ride, but most of our kids were just interested in taking pictures of old stuff, lol.  I gave an impromptu tour of the things we were seeing, but my knowledge is not what it used to be.  I hope the kids enjoyed it.  Here are some photos:

These kids had to suffer through my tour; more bad jokes than good history!!!

The kids took a thousand pictures like this one!!!

A quick group photo while more kids were waiting for the cross walk. 

Notre Dame

An app on my phone allows for this postcard style selfie.

The highlight for many of the kids was getting the Parisians on the banks to cheer for us.  It was really quite neat to see the number of people sitting down with some wine and cheese...or ice cream...just hanging out and enjoying the evening.  The kids kept on saying they want to come back and just sit here, waving at others enjoying their night.  I know exactly how they feel.  Paris, like Boston, has recently undergone some tough moments.  It was so refreshing to me to see that the people of Paris are strong and resilient.  They are Charlie just as we are Boston Strong.

After the cruise, we went back to the Eiffel Tower.  All of the kids were determined to take the stairs.  First, it is quicker than waiting in the elevator line.  Second, it is cheaper.  Third, it is something you can say you've done.  I, on the other hand, am not comfortable with heights and I've already been there and done that.  It was getting dark as they ascended and so I thought I'd break away and try to get some quality night pictures that they might share.

Our group buying tickets to walk the 760 stairs to the top.

I think this one came out pretty good.  A nice contrast of colors and you can see the large crowd of people just having picnics.

This one is through the Holocaust memorial at the end of the garden.

The lighting on this one makes the effect somewhat surreal.

Another App makes it look like I drew this with colored pencils or something.

This is from the base of the Tower.

Every hour, the Tower puts on a light show.  It last about 5 minutes, but I recorded three of them for your viewing pleasure.  I wish I thought to play music through my phone.

After my photo session ended, I returned to the base of the Tower to wait for the kids.  I saw a little cart selling ice cream and decided a couple of scoops would be in order; I got Tiramasu and Pistachio.  I ordered in French.  The young man working there was super receptive to my attempt and he even told me that my French was very good. It was an experience that David had said would occur.  He told us to try the language and the people will love it.  Our kids have embraced that philosophy and you can hear them practicing with each other all the time.  I found some kids and they were jealous of my ice cream.  I sent them off to the cart, but followed quickly behind.  There, our kids ordered their own ice creams in French.  The young man working was full of smiles.  I thought it was appropriate for another picture.

I entitled today's post, "Our world through an Ice Cream Cone" because of the universal nature of that delicious treat.  Standing with our group is an old Japanese man. He was there, listening to our kids order, and enjoying the moment.  When I saw him, I wanted him in the picture as well.  We often forget how similar we are to each other even if our worlds are very different.  Ice Cream makes us all smile.  Near this stand, there are many young men selling replica Eiffel Towers.  Their stories are so different than mine.  I've been visiting Paris for 20 plus years for enjoyment.  They are in Paris because of the terrible dangers they are facing in their homes.  They live in places like Pakistan, India, Senegal, and other nations ravaged by political unrest and violence.  They are good people with unfortunate back stories.  While waiting around this ice cream stand, hundreds of people were taking pictures, smiling, and ordering ice cream.  I was enamored with commonality we were all displaying.  Just as I included this elderly Japanese man in my picture, a group of men from Jordan wanted me in their pictures.  This world is full of people who just want to take a picture and order an ice cream.  There are way more of us than those who cause violence and distress.  I feel like writing to Ben, or perhaps Jerry, and telling them this.  Maybe with a little more Ice Cream we can also have a little more peace.

Well, we are about to gather up and head out for another day in Paris.  A sight-seeing tour and a trip to Versailles awaits.  Thanks for your patience.  I hope it was worth the wait.  If tech troubles strike me again, I'd suggest a cone of Rocky Road. :)

Mr. Lavoie, currently in Paris giving you the scoop about our trip.

Day 5: An island, A castle, A prison, A mountain...all in one place.

I have to start by apologizing tonight.  I'm sorry.

It has come to my attention that I've made some spelling and grammar mistakes in previous blog posts.  I morpise that this lliw ont neapph again.  eseht golb stsop era nettirw ta thgindim dna M'i netfo yrev derit.

In case you are wondering, that is not a Gallic language one might find in Brittany, France.  It is just has the letters mixed up.  A couple of kids told me that they noticed some mistakes, lol, and I thought I'd play on that quickly.  In all honesty, I like the fact that they've noticed.  I write these late at night and try to catch my mistakes, but I know I miss things.

Today, we headed out to Mont St. Michel.  It is an island.  It is also an old Abbey.  It is on a huge hill on the island.  It used to be a prison.  It was wicked cool.  (Btw, I still am having issues with posting pictures here)

The weather has been phenomenal.  It is warm with a slight wind.  At Mont St. Michel, we walked to the old Abbey and took a self-guided tour.  We then had an opportunity to walk around the many shops located on the island that is inhabited by only 50 people.  I overheard one kid say it was magical.  I toured the facility with Meghan, Courtney, and Caroline (erroneously referred to as Erica in a previous post, lol).  We thought about how cool it would be to hold the Saugus High School Senior Prom in the Knights Hall in the Abbey.  A couple of us chaperons stopped for cafe and crepes on the way down.  It was my first crepe on this trip, and it was delicious.  I know that Jenna and Mr. Buss found one of the narrowist staircases I've ever seen.  They were a little lost in the many entrances and exits located within the place and popped out on the main street. 

We made our way off of the island and headed towards St. Malo.  St. Malo is located in the French province of Brittany.  We have a Brittany with us, so many of us made jokes about this being her island.  Brittany is a great kid and her little province was wonderful as well.  She allowed us to enter St. Malo, a medieval walled city on the coast.  It was really neat.  We had lunch there and then had a guided tour with Coco.  She was wonderful.  She informed us that the people of St. Malo do not really consider themselves to be French citizens.  Their city flag flies higher than the flag of France.  They are also holding on to their old Gallic heritage.  They have their own language and they have immense pride.  Their city is a port city and it dominates their lives.  At a very young age, their young men begin learning how to sail.  As they get older, they begin to sail on a more independent basis.  It was really a cool story and I wondered how that would work in a place like Saugus...if we made all of the kids work on a lobster boat before they started high school.  Coco told us a lot of other great stories about their city's past.  

We began our journey back to our little bed and breakfast.  For dinner, they served barbecue chicken with green beans and rice.  It was really good.  They also served us apple pie.  Apple Pie.  These people really know us, lol.  Everyone I spoke to said they loved it. Some of the kids continued expanding their friendship with our hosts and even had an impromptu language lesson.  It was really endearing to hear our young French friend saying, in English, that she likes all of our kids...she is a jokester, by the way, and told us all that she does not like me, lol. (I hope she was joking)

Tomorrow, we have a long day ahead of us and so we decided to relax before our long road trip.  Our adventure takes us to Paris tomorrow and we will be seeing some amazing things.  I am thinking that tomorrow's blog will be much longer and hopefully, in a more modern hotel, I will be able to post some great pictures too.     

Mr. Lavoie, currently thinking about my past trips to Paris and seeing the city at night.  It is a very surreal experience about to become real for 41 kids from Saugus.

Day 4: Friendship is a most wonderful thing!

First, we had another great day.  I hate to jinx us, but this weather has been outstanding...it is also another weak wifi night.  No idea when pictures from today will be posted, but yesterdays are up.

Our arrival at the hotel last night was predicated by warnings of an early awakening and followed a really long day.  The hotel was clearly a budget hotel.  It was bare bones and they couldn't even afford doors on the showers, lol.  It served its purpose, however, and gave us a comfortable bed and some pillows.  Breakfast was your typical budget hotel breakfast.  I had a double espresso, some yogurt with granola, and a ham and cheese sandwich (Please, don't judge).  The kids were spoiled at the Heston Hyde, but hey, they are in Europe and didn't seem to let it get them down.  We packed up the bus and got ready for another day....this one, we knew would be special.

A few years ago, I made my students read a speech from former French President Mitterrand.  He was vacationing at Lake Winnipesaukee and he spoke of how France was America's oldest friend.  The article was really enlightening.  He said something to the effect that your oldest friend is one that you can disagree with at times, but is truly always there for you.  Today, that speech resonated with me.  I've longed to visit Normandy.  As a teenager, I did an exchange for three weeks in France.  My host family actually vacationed to Normandy while I was with them, but they shuffled me off to another family for the weekend.   Today, I was there.

We left the hotel and departed for the Memorial de Caen.  This was an excellent way to start the day.  The museum began at the conclusion of the First World War and then, from a chronological perspective, explained how the tensions of World War One built the stage for the Second World War.  The kids were enthralled and it was clear to all of the adults that we were going to need a little more time.  Throughout the museum, kids came out of their shells and could be seen asking Ms. Alongi, David, and myself questions about history.  EF stands for Education First and that was very clear this morning.  It was wicked cool!!!

The entrance to the museum.

The American Garden - The right side is underneath a waterfall

Some kids at the Canadian Garden

The Group.

That first trip was so transformative for me.  It awakened a passion for travel.  It confirmed my love of history.  It gave me a sense of independence that, otherwise, I may have not learned.  It made me confident, comfortable, and curious about the world around me.  Although I did not go to Normandy, I did make French friends several of whom I still communicate with today.  I suppose one could argue that France is my oldest friend when it comes to international travel and I am so glad to get reacquainted with her.

After the museum, we took off for Arromanches.  This little French fishing village is also known by its D-Day landing sight: Juno Beach.  It is here, where our friends from Canada made their approach in Europe to push back the Nazis.  Shortly after the invasion, the Allied forces built a temporary naval base called Port Winston at Arromanches. 2.5 Million soldiers eventually landed at this floating harbor and they helped turn the tide of the Second World War.  As I walked around this town, trying to make sure all of our kids were comfortable ordering food in French, I was so pleased to see them eating.  They tried their French and were successful.  So many of them came up to me to tell me their stories about speaking another language...one not even offered at their high school.

The whole purpose of my trip to France about 20 years ago was to practice my French.  It was not my strongest class (I got a D), but I signed up with the 25 or so kids and off we went.  Learning a foreign language today is so important and although I squandered my opportunity to speak French fluently, I cherish those memories from my youth...not just the ones in France, but the ones in French class.  I cannot stand that we don't offer French and I am even more upset to think that our current world language offerings might be sacrificed due to budget cuts.  Those classes were so important to me and I know they are important to our kids.  Saugus kids deserve better.

The kids at Arromanches reminded me of that speech from Mitterrand.  They had broken down those cultural barriers and through our historical friendship, our kids were opening up with the people of France.  The older French people that they met understood this relationship more than anyone else.  Without that age old friendship, our worlds would be very different today.  Without the sacrifices of those in our past, the friendship, and this trip, would not have occurred.

Another kid from Saugus probably understood this friendship too.  I was reminded of his young man last week, when I took two of our travelers (Sunshine and Caroline) into Boston for Massachusetts State Student Government Day.  Outside the representative chamber, there lies several plaques.  They list the Massachusetts recipients of the Medal of Honor from all of our wars since the American Civil War.  As I glanced at this list of honorable veterans, I saw a name that was not new to me.  The Medal of Honor is the highest award given by the US Military.  It is only given to those who are truly worthy and have risked their lives for their fellow soldiers.  This young man was born in March of 1919...just after World War One had concluded.  He would have attended the Old Central High School and, from what I could tell, he probably lived near Lincoln Ave.  At the time of the D-Day invasion, he was 25 years old.  He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was in command of a unit in the 18th Infantry Division.  I'm not sure if he was part of the initial wave of American GIs, but I am aware that Arthur D. DeFranzo gave his life four days after the assault had begun.  His Medal of Honor Citation tells the story, but to summarize it, Arthur went into a field to rescue a wounded soldier.  He, himself, was wounded, but he did return the injured man to American doctors.  He then refused treatment for himself and led his men to the Germans who had already set their sights on them.  He was wounded several more times, but he pushed forward.  He is credited with throwing several grenades that ultimately quieted the German guns and saved his unit...DeFranzo, however, was killed.

The French people at Arromanches most assuredly did not know Arthur DeFranzo, but they know his sacrifice.  Many of their homes adorn French, British, Canadian, and American flags.  They stand in stark contrast to those who say the French resent the American way of life.  These people understand the value of friendship and sticking by those friends when the going gets tough.  I think, through the lessons of Arromaches, Arthur DeFranzo, and our visit to Ohama Beach, our students understand that value as well.  The American cemetery at Ohama Beach is one of the most impressive sights I've ever seen.  There are nearly 10,000 Americans interred at the cemetery which sits on a hill just about where the American troops landed on June 6, 1944.  The waves of the beaches and the birds chirping in the background bring a solace to the location that was not present 70 years ago.  The smell of freshly cut green grass and the general cleanliness of the area makes it hard to imagine the same location after the invasion began.  We walked quietly through the cemetery and shared a moment of silence for those victims and the victims of the Boston Marathon.  Fittingly, as we ended our moment of silence, church bells rang and we continued our experience down the steep steps to the beach.  We walked, some with our shoes off, through the same sand our ancestors walked upon.  As our toes felt the cold sting of the English Channel, we were reminded of the struggle these men, not much older than our travelers endured...troubles they endured because of an unwritten friendship and because it was the right thing to do.  I will forever remember this day.

We traveled to Pont du Hoc and saw the remnants of Germany artillery and pillboxes.  A little levity began to re-emerge among us and we took the long bus ride to the hotel.  I had mentioned to the students that Arthur DeFranzo had been killed in a tiny village called Vaubodon.  It was in the general direction of our hotel, but the coach driver was concerned that the roads would be too narrow.  I was hopeful that we could make it down that small French country road.  We would have found a small church with a statue dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives in the Second World War.  While much smaller than Saugus, Vaubodon would have reminded our students about sacrifice, and honor, and friendship.  If I ever find myself in Normandy again, I will seek out this village and pay my respects as I hope our students do if they find themselves at Riverside Cemetery, the final resting place of Staff Sergeant DeFranzo and so many other veterans of our town.

Budget cuts are a harsh reality of life in Saugus.  I remember, around the same time as my trip, that my teachers were concerned for their jobs and felt as though the schools did not receive enough funding.  They can be depressing to talk about...and to read about.  I am sorry for even bringing it up, but this blog is me, and my opinions, and these potential cuts are on my mind.  I sometimes think other residents of town don't realize how great our kids really are...a few bad apples sour their impression, perhaps.  I can't think that way, however.  I refuse too.  Today, our kids did it again.  They made me believe.  Their respect, their solemnity, their decorum...it was all outstanding.  They asked the right questions, when it was time to ask questions.  They removed their caps, when it was the right time to do so, and they reaffirmed my believe in them.

On these trips, we often find a watershed moment that kids talk about for their rest of their lives.  Today, I was reminded of that in such an impressive manner.  A couple of students were asking me some questions about the Holocaust while we were at the museum.  I started to answer, but then I realized that Tayla G. was their as well.  She had traveled last year on our History of the Holocaust tour.  I asked Tayla to answer the question and she did so splendidly. I was so impressed with her.  For her, on that trip, our moment came at Auschwitz.  (For those new to the blog, you can read about last years trip by clicking here) This trip, for these kids, that moment might have happened today...not at the cemetery or at the beaches, but at our new hotel.

How does a friendship start? Is it possible between individuals who do not speak the same language?  Do ages play into it.  I know that, historically, the United States and France have always been allies (The little spat they had around 1796 not included), but it is strange to consider their political friendship strong enough to transcend the opinions and thoughts of all of their citizens.  Tonight, in Dinan, France, there is a little girl whose name is something I cannot pronounce, but she can count among her friends nearly 50 American high school students and it is all because of flunch.  Flunch...the strange buffet restaurant that some of our kids ate the other night has been a bit of a running joke since dinner.  Imagine, how strange it was to me to see our kids excited about Flunch tonight after dinner at our hotel.  I walked over to inspect their happiness and found them engaged in the "Flunch World Cup" soccer tournament.  There were five teams and they played timed halves.  A quick bracket was built by Lexi and the games began...I know what you are thinking, "How can they be playing soccer?"

Our hotel for the next two nights is really a bed and breakfast.  It is family run and operated, but it has 20 rooms.  It is a little compound next to the highway, but it has a ping-pong table, a basketball hoop, and a plethora of soccer balls.  The family who runs the hotel is originally from Quebec, Canada, and as far as I can tell there are a total of three children.  Ben looks to be about the same age as our kids and he has two little sisters.  They helped serve dinner tonight and our kids were trying out their new French vocabulary on them.  All of the children were initially outside, but it was the youngest who seemed most taken by the "Flunch World Cup."  She is probably about 7 years old, but our kids didn't care.  They invited her onto one of the teams and she ended up scoring a goal...or two.  She was smiling ear to ear.  When it started to get dark and it was time to turn in, I saw quite a few of our kids posing for selfies with her.  Even though there was a communication gap, and even though I don't even know this little girls name, I witnessed the very friendship I've been thinking an awful lot about recently.

In two days, we will depart for Paris.  We will build new memories and have new adventures.  The Flunch World Cup will eventually fade away from our thoughts.  It's lesson, however, will never die.  Deep within that little girl's mind, she will probably always remember the group of Americans who showed up at her house and let her play soccer.  When in high school, and her friends are railing against the United States, she will remember all of our kids screaming for her when she scored that goal.  As an adult, at some point in her life, she will see some teenage American kids.  Maybe at a store where she works, or struggling to read a Metro sign, or walking around Charles de Gaulle Airport with a clueless look on their face.  At that point, she will probably have had English classes throughout her schooling and she will feel compelled to speak with them, to help them...not just because it is the right thing to do, but because she knows that's how friends act towards each other.

Mr. Lavoie, currently reminiscing about his old French friends and hoping he'll be able to reconnect with them someday.

Day Three: From the White Cliffs of Dover to the Green Fields of France

Today was a fairly hectic day of traveling...and on these travel days it is typical for me to not necessarily write as detailed a blog as possible, but I will certainly try.

We awoke in London and had another fine breakfast.  We boarded our coach and headed off towards Canterbury.  Today was a Sunday for us (days of the week are hard to discern while one is traveling) and so much of the city was closed.  This includes the cathedral.  As we approached the city, David began to explain to us why the city of Canterbury is so important to British culture.  You know, I think sometimes, we take these tour directors for granted.  We know they are the organizational genius behind a successful tour, but we often forget that their passion for history, culture, and learning is what fuels them...David is not a city guide, but he seems as well versed as any hired guide one might see giving detailed city tours.  I've peeked at his notes/records and I can see his attention to detail.  The lessons he taught about Canterbury today were spot on and although the Cathedral was closed, we still gained a great deal from our visit there.

The left wall of this church was originally built by the Romans and was built-up by every other group from the area's history.

This house leans over the street.

This is the entrance to the Cathedral.  It was closed, but many of us got a pretty good look.

It was pretty cool to be there and it got me thinking.  Back in the day, circa 1995, Saugus High School made students write some Chaucer-esque prose.  Our task was to tell our Canterbury Tale.  I was dumbstruck and so, I wrote mine as if I were a member of U2.  Now, however, I am a little older, a little wiser, and a little less concerned about what my classmates think of me...and so, here is a new version of the Canterbury Tales.  I call this one the Starving Man's Tale: (I cannot promise that I'm using the correct rhyme scheme...it's been 20 years)

_______________________
We got on the bus outside of London-town
The students loved the city and I saw many a frown.

On the bus, we road to Canterbury
Our driver Osman did not hurry.

There was no traffic as we made our way
and we arrived fairly early, I'd have to say.

The village was quiet as many were at church
Our students wandered about like they were at search.

David gave us a quest that we had to complete
"Walk around," he said, "and get a bite to eat."

On the Ferry, we knew, we would soon ride
To seek out delicious foods and stuff them inside.

I gathered about with some of my fellows and took off with a sprint
We stopped at a Cafe; I got a Chai Latte with mint.

My gullet, however, was far from full
I was unsure if I wanted pork, chicken, or bull.

Upon some students we came and we were forced to judge
as they regaled us with stories of great deals and cheap fudge.

My sweet tooth was tingling and I grabbed a sample
It was tasty for sure, but the amount was not ample.

Something with substance is what I craved
My belly was empty, I felt depraved.

Finally, I saw something through a store window
It beckoned to me with great flavor to bestow.

Pulled pork pig suckling on an apple
The flavor looked good, this sandwich, I'd grapple.

Inside I went with a flurry and flash
A huge yummy sandwich I paid for with cash.

I ate it quick and savored the taste
I ate it all, not a morsel to waste.

_______________________
(Thank you for indulging me and my version of poetry, now back to the blog.)

We left Canterbury and made our way to Dover.  The White Cliffs stood alongside this quiet little portside town, but there were huge ferries that were waiting to take us across the Channel.  The area was under construction and we got a little mixed up, but we eventually made it to the correct spot.  We unloaded the bus and waited for the announcement calling us to the boat.

When it was our turn, we made our way onto the Ferry. I think most of the kids were surprised at how big it was and the options available to them.  While I had eaten my sandwich in Canterbury, some of the kids bought food on the boat.  The ride is about 1 1/2 hours and the time seemed to fly by for me.  I teach an online course at North Shore Community College and took advantage of the strong wifi signal to catch up on some work.  Others napped.  Some were not feeling well; others were just tired.  Eventually, France was in sight and our ferry docked.  We met our new driver, Yenice. He is from Turkey, but lives in Belgium.  He agreed to take us to the French city of Rouen before we went to our hotel.  Little did David, or Yenice, know, but Rouen is the Baptismal sight of Rene Lavoie.  He was the first of my family to travel to America (Canada) at the time of the Huguenot exodus from France.

The city was nice, but we didn't have much time.  It was really a dinner spot.  David took many of us to Flunch.  I had eaten at a Flunch when I was first in France (I was 17) and I wasn't a fan.  There was a pizza place next to the restaurant and a few of us were headed inside.  I chose to walk to the end of the block to see if there were other options, there were none, and I headed back to get some Pizza.  Inside the restaurant, I was met by a waiter.  I said, "Bonjour" and asked if he spoke Enlgish (Keep in mind, I was speaking my very limited and much broken French)...He did not.  I told him I lived in the United States and wanted to sit with my friends.  He said, "Ah, okay," and beckoned that I should follow him...I did.  We walked around the corner to an empty section of the restaurant and he pulled out my chair.  There were no Saugus kids there.  I was alone, but I felt it would be rude to leave.  The end result was dinner by myself.  It was good.

After dinner, I met up with the several groups of kids we had at a couple of spots.  I had yet to see the Cathedral at Rouen, but felt as though I had too.  The rest of my family has been there and I was a quick walk away.  I ran to it, grabbed a quick photo, and headed back to the bus.  We then took off to the hotel.  It was a long day and although we didn't physically do anything too demanding, many of us our exhausted. The hotel tonight is not as nice as our first hotel, but we are only here for one night.  The wifi is weak, but I was able to buy a Coke Zero to assist me while I write tonight's entry.  I finished it long ago when I was waiting for the pictures to process...they never did.

Me in Rouen

Tomorrow is an important day.  We will be visiting the beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery.  David reminded us that this burial ground is actually considered US soil; so, in a sense, tomorrow, we are coming home for a bit.  I'm sure we will all be moved by what we find, but I am also sure, that it is these types of moments that make these trips what they are.  I've been to a lot of important historic sights.  I've never been to Normandy, and the more I get to know our travelers this year, the prouder I am to share this memory with them.

Now...for a couple of quick shout outs.  Happy Birthday to Katie.  I hope you didn't mind the singing...We didn't have time to rehearse and I am afraid you were sitting near the chaperons...not the kids who really sing well.  I hope your birthday will be one that you are not able to forget for a long time.

Danielle, we don't offer French at Saugus High School, but everyone keeps telling me what an outstanding job you did ordering dinner tonight.  I hope, when you go off to Clemson next year, that you consider looking into taking it there.  I might need someone to translate on a future tour!!!

The Boys...we appreciate your assistance with the bags today.  I hate to put this on you guys, because of equal rights, and all, but I'm thinking you will probably be helping for the entirety of the trip.  We are in France now, and I am pretty sure that's the birthplace of chivalry.  Thanks for displaying it today.

Finally, to the unnamed dock worker who saved Ms. Larson from going the rest of the trip without her cell phone.  We all appreciate it.

Mr. Lavoie, currently sitting in a wicker chair but swaying back and forth and left and right like he was still on the ferry.

Day Two: I hope you are ready for the...............dramatic pauses.

They say the easiest way to have a great day is to have a great breakfast.  I'm not one who usually has a regular breakfast, for me a Large Black Iced Coffee from Dunks usually does the trick, but today, I had a great meal!  European hotel breakfasts are usually a wonderful deal and the Heston Hyde is no exception.  Today, they offered quite a spread.  The hot breakfasts included mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, baked beans, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and I had them all.  It was really good.  After that, I went up and got a cup of yogurt with some fresh fruits mixed in...also delicious.  I also grabbed a pastry...it was also tasty.  Finally, I took a roll, split it, and put in some deli meat and cheese.  Before you start thinking that I am eating too much (which I am) please realize that I knew in advance that we had a very busy day ahead of us and that I'd be eating only a couple times during the day.  As I tell the kids, if you have a big breakfast, you'll spend less money at lunch.  The kids seemed to really like the breakfast too. Many of them, especially after a good night's rest, had enough energy to go up for seconds.  Some were really excited about "new" breakfast items like beans and mushrooms.  Some were far more traditional and grabbed some serial.  Amanda R. was a little upset that the bacon was more like ham and was a little under-cooked for her liking.  At last, the time arrived for us to depart the hotel for a day full of seeing sights.

Our bus ride in today was much shorter than Day 1.  Being Saturday, there was very little city traffic.  We arrived into London and picked up our city guide, Keith.  David had warned us about Keith.  He is a great guide, David said, but if the kids do not engage with him, he gets kind of mad.  Well, we didn't have to worry about that...our kids were engaged.  Keith took us past all of the coolest spots in London and had quite a few stories to go with them.  His irreverent sense of humor and his ability to ask the "tough" questions had everyone involved.  Erica did a great job of answering a question early on and getting the ball rolling.

Keith, in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Keith in front of Westminster Abbey.  It wasn't raining, we follow the blue umbrella when the crowds are busy.

Westminster Abbey!!!

The group arriving at Buckingham Palace.

Outside of Buckingham Palace.

Perhaps the best part of Keith's tour was his impeccable timing.  Not only could he deliver jokes better than Domino's, Keith was able to get us through the city and down by Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard.  We saw the procession marching back to their barracks and witnessed the pomp and circumstance of the British Army.  It was one of the more impressive things I've seen in a long time.

After the changing of the guard, we stopped for lunch and then headed to South Kensington Station on the Tube.  We are not sure, but a couple of us may have been on the Today Show this morning.  There was an NBC News crew outside of the palace and we stood down range of the camera...if anyone was watching and thinks you saw us...you probably did!!!

Amanda M, Diana, Alison, and Lexi riding the Tube.

Our actual stop was Exhibition Road.  On this road, there are four major points of interest.  The first is Harrod's Department Store. It is one of the most luxurious department stores in the entire world.  While I had had an unbelievable time there three years ago, today, like most of the kids, I decided to check out the other three sights...they are all museums.  The first museum that I visited was the Science Museum.  As you can expect from the title, this place was all about the sciences.  I really enjoyed it.

I've been teaching about the Industrial Revolution. The steam engine was really cool!!!

After the science experiment, I headed off to the Victoria and Albert Museum.  It was described as a museum for things that people built.  I didn't really know what to expect.  David had mentioned fashion, and while I am one of the more fashionable teachers at Saugus High School (Not really, although I am fashionably late while on tour), I am not really interested in fashion or design.  The museum, however, was really cool.  It had artifacts from all over the world and from all ages.  I found some kids enjoying the ancient collections from Egypt.

I caught these three admiring the artifacts and snapped this quick picture before the one above.  They didn't know I was there...or how proud I was just seeing them take it all in.  (Wicked Cool for a history teacher to see)

The largest of the three museums on Exhibition Road is the Natural History Museum.  I had spent nearly three hours there the last time I was in London and so, today, I only ran in for a quick bit, but I did catch a quick picture of an old friend of mine...

After our time at the museums had expired, we took the tube again...today's title was going to be a Tube reference, but I changed it at the last minute...and the kids did great maneuvering through London's Underground.  We didn't lose any of them, lol.

50 American tourists on an escalator!!!

It was dinner time and our meal was Curry.  David explained that Indian food was becoming London's official food because of the large population of Indians who had moved into the city.  Our restaurant was an interesting place and the kids who tried the food seemed to enjoy it...I'm going to work on those who didn't try it. :)

The last official part of our evening was a Jack the Ripper Tour, but before we made it there, I forced everyone to stop for a group photo.  I am not in this picture.  I feel as though I make it into a lot of pics.  David, our tour director, might not make it into as many and he is a really important part of this trip's success...so, I made him be in the photo while I took the picture.

David is just right of the William Shakespeare statue.  He's been great so far!!!

After dinner, we headed back onto the Tube.  Our destination was Whitechapel.  When we departed the train station a very strange man was waiting for us.  He was dressed all in black and was carrying a McDonald's bag.  He stopped in front of us and watched a couple of take pictures near a Bus sign.  His mannerism were quite strange...which is fitting because he turned out to be Fred Strangebone.  He is one of the premier Jack the Ripper Tour Guides in all of London.  I was fortunate enough to see him several years ago and knew we were in for a treat.   He is kind of like the Pied Piper.  The kids hang on his every word.  From the very beginning of the tour, Fred incorporated many interesting facts surrounding the world's most intriguing serial killer and his victims.  Fred also gave us some safety instructions, included several comedy moments, and unusually long moments of pause for dramatic effect.  

Fred has just unveiled that his McDonald's bag actually contains a lantern which he will guide our tour...he's also revealed that he has family troubles at home.

He then took us down this creepy alley!!!

He then showed us some of his creepy facial expressions!!!!

Fred saying good night...the kids were still eating up his every word.

Another group photo...this time, with the star of the evening.

The entire day was packed with fun and adventure.  I often find myself going up to kids on tour and asking about meals and the coolest things they've seen so far.  It is fun for me to see the excitement in their eyes and hear it in their voices.  I wanted to give some shout outs to a few of the kids I talked to...a dangerous trend, but one that I hope to continue:

Jenna was the first one that I thought I'd give a shout out too.  She mentioned my blog as we waited to leave exhibition road.  I'm not sure if she's reading it, but she was asking when I put it all together.  Jenna, if you are reading this, then I can tell you my secret.  When you guys are all in bed (and hopefully sleeping) I stay up really late and write the blog.

I also wanted to give a shout out to Amanda M.  I never taught Amanda, but I witnessed something really cool tonight on the Tube.  Amanda was speaking with an older couple riding the train.  I couldn't hear exactly what was being said, and didn't want to disturb them, but it reminded me of something I make the kids in my classes read.  It's a speech from David McCullough.  In it, he tells some college graduates to go far in this world.  He reminds them to talk to people and to listen to what they have to say.  He says, if they do this then they will have a greater appreciation of the world around them.  Amanda seems to get this!!! I know a lot of the other kids do too.

(The hotel lobby is turning off the lights, so I should wrap this up soon)

The final shout out goes to Ms. Alongi and our kids as a group.  She is doing a great job leading her first tour.  I know how stressful it can be, but she is not letting it phase her at all.  She should know that nearly everyone of our kids said "Thank you" tonight as they got off the bus.  The bus driver was very appreciative of our kids thoughtfulness.  To piggyback on their words, Ms. Algoni...thank you.

A final photo from London as we approached the coach tonight.  

Good night, London.  Tomorrow, we depart for Canterbury and then France.  It's been a whirlwind adventure so far and we have only been here for two days.  I cannot wait to see what the world has in store for us next.

Mr. Lavoie, currently sitting in a darkened hotel lobby with only the glow of a cell phone and laptop to keep him company, but with visions of tomorrow morning's breakfast running through his mind.