Language and Courtesy

Fortunately on this trip we will start in a country speaking English, but we also have the opportunity to visit the French and Spanish. While many people in Europe may speak English, not everyone does.  And even if they did, how rude of us not to bother learning at least the basics of the language.  So in planning for our trip you should try to know at least  un poco de español, un peu de français.  Courtesy and politeness are the essentials.  Try your best to learn the following phrases.

Please
Excuse me
Sorry
Thank you
You're welcome
Yes / no
Do you speak English / Spanish?
Where is?
I don't understand.
I don't speak ...
Help
How much is?
Numbers

Paris:
www.fodors.com/language/french
www.digitaldialects.com/French/Phrases.htm
Madrid / Barcelona:
www.fodors.com/language/spanish
www.digitaldialects.com/Spanish/Phrases.htm

Livemocha is another great website to learn a language and you can help others learning English.

Free apps for your iPods / iPhones:
Personally I like the Babbel, 24/7 Tutor, Duolingo, or World Nomads  (These are all available in French and Spanish.)

Day 8: Madrid

On day 8 we will arrive in Madrid.  We will start with a guided sightseeing tour (on a tour bus with stops) of the city.  We will travel along Paseo del Prado, Gran Vía, Calle Mayor seeing the Plaza Colon and Puerta del Sol.  We will also visit the Royal Palace, where the King and Queen of Spain once lived.   After lunch we will visit the Prado Museum and possibly some free time before dinner.  Maybe we will eat a dinner of tortilla española, yummy!   The prize for the day is a treat found at Chocolatería San Ginés (or a similiar location)

First person to answer the following questions correctly wins!

1.  What is the prize treat found at Chocolatería San Ginés?

 

2.  What is a tortilla española?

The following questions are about things we might see on the sightseeing tour.  The answers can be found at GO Madrid

3.  What is Madrid's main square?

4.  What is Madrid's most famous and most central square (although actually has the shape of a semi-circle)?

5.  What is the function of the Real Casa de Correos?

6.  What happens at the Real Casa de Correos on New Year's Eve?

7.  Outside the Casa de Correos is an important stone slab, what does it mark?

9.  What is the official symbol of Madrid?

10.  What 3 important things are found in the Plaza de Cibeles?

11.  Why is the Plaza de Cibeles important for the Real Madrid Football team?

12.  What is Madrid's main park, largest and most beautiful?

13.  What can we do in this park?

14.  What palace is found in this park?

15.  What 3 famous art museums are found near the Paseo del Prado, known as the Golden Triangle of Art?

16.  What 2 monuments are found in the Plaza Colon?

17.  What street is also known as the Spanish Broadway?

18.  At the north end of the Gran Via is the Plaza de España, what monument is found there?  (Our hotel is just off of the Gran Via)

19.  How many of the 2,800 rooms at the Palacio Real are open to visitors?

 

We will visit the Prado.

20.  Of the European masters displayed there, which two are Spansih?

21.  What is the most famous painting at the Prado?

22.  Who was King Felipe III's favorite artist?

23.  Where will you find Goya's "The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid"?

If we have the free time, I would also like to visit the Reina Sofía Museum.

24.  What famous painting is located there?

25.  Who painted it?

26.  What was the purpose of the painting?

I hope you also checked out some of the photos on this website.  We will be seeing many of these places soon!!!!!

 

This is a sample of a day.  Each night our tour director will post a schedule like this in the lobby.  

 

 

Day 7: More Paris and the Train!

Today's prize will be some candy for the train trip.

Remember you can answer via comment, email or twitter.

We will start our day with a walking tour of Paris led by our tour director.  We will visit the Louvre and Notre Dame, walk along the river and through the Latin quarter.  We will then have free time for lunch and some shopping before heading to the train station for our overnight train trip.

Louvre:

1.  What was the Louvre before it was a museum?

2.  When did it become a museum?  

3.  When did the glass Pyramid open?

4.  According to the Masterpiece Tour, who are the Louvre Museum's three great ladies?

5.  In what room will you find the Mona Lisa?

6.  Can you take a photo of the Mona Lisa?

7.  Other than the Mona Lisa, list three pieces of art you want to see in the Louvre.  (There are many works of some famous Spanish artists such as Goya, Velasquez, and Murillo)

Notre Dame

                          Edgerton's High School Group in 2007

8.  What does Notre Dame mean?

9.  Where in Paris is Notre Dame located?

10.  When was Notre Dame completed?

11.  Who is a well-known heroine from France?

12.  I want to climb the bell tower, how many steps?

13.  What is the size of the rose windows?

Respecting This Attraction:

The Notre Dame Catheral is not just one of the greatest Paris monuments. It is above all a catholic church, which is to say, it is a place of christian worship and fervor and therefore it should be respected and when visiting, tourists should behave accordingly.

14.  What is the river that runs through Paris?

Latin quarter

15.  Why is this neighborhood called the Latin quarter?

16.  We will find the Pantheon of Paris in the Latin quarter, what two buildings does it resemble?

17.  Who is a famous French person buried there?

18.  Do you have to pay to enter the Pantheon?

I am not sure where we will have our free time for lunch and shopping, so let's move on to the overnight train.  I've already shared a picture of the sleeping for the overnight trains.  From what I can find it will be about a 13-15 hour ride from 6ish in the evening to 9ish in the morning.  

 

Next stop Madrid!!

Day 6: PARIS!

Since we don't know the time of our departure from London, we are not sure how much of Paris we will see on day 5.  But on day 6 we will see it all!   We will start the day with a two and a half hour bus tour of Paris.   We will have a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower and end at the Opera or the Arc de Triomphe. *See Question #17 for today's prize!*



Opera House of Paris
1.  What will be showing at the Opera Nacional when we are there?
 
Arc de Triomphe
2.  Where is the Arc de Triomphe located?
3.  The triumphal arch is in honor of those who fought for France, especially what war?
4.  How tall is the arch?
5.  When was the Memorial Flame first ignited?
6.  What happens at the arch at 6:30 each evening?
7.  How can you get to the arch?
8.  Would you like to visit the arch up close and go up in the arch?

The bus will then continue with some of you to Versailles.   You will have time for lunch and a tour of Versailles with some free time to explore the gardens.



Versailles
9.  What happened at Versailles in 1999?
10.  What American leader attended the Versailles Summit in 1982?
11.  Where in Versailles was the Treaty of Versailles signed in 1919?
12.  What war did this treaty end?
13.  The Palace of Versailles used to be the seat of power, where the kings of France lived.  What is it today?
14.  Why did Louis XIV build the Grand Trianon?
15.  What is the name of Marie-Antoinette's estate?  (please visit it and take great pics, I missed this stop in 2007)

If you are not visiting Versailles, you will be finding something else to do in Paris for the day.   Check out these lists and tell me what you are interested in.  Those going also check out the lists because we will all have some free time in Paris.

Paris Options 1
Paris Options 2
Paris Options 3

Surprisingly this article of things NOT to do in Paris, will help you find some options as well.  This is a good read for all (those going to Versailles and those not)  What NOT to do in Paris

16.  List 2 things you are interested in for our free time.
17.  #9 Don't fill up on croissants, what should we try instead?  (This is the day 6 prize)

We will then meet up for dinner and free time in the city of lights.   I'm sure our tour director will have some ideas for us too.

Remember you can answer the questions as a comment, twitter, or via my email laurafrey61@hotmail.com

Day 5 Contest & Hotel Sneak Peek

So on day 5 we'll be leaving London.  So first I'll give you a sneak peak to our London hotel.

 

 

Answer the questions.  Today's prize will be crepes! 

We will travel from London to Paris via the Eurostar Chunnel.   Go to the website:
1.  How long is the train ride from London to Paris?
2.  To which station will we arrive in Paris?

I do not know what our departure time will be so I'm not sure what activities we will be doing that day.  We will also lose an hour in the time change between London and Paris.  Maybe for dinner we will have flammekueche

 

3.  What is flammekueche?

Hopefully that evening we may be able to travel up the Eiffel Tower and take a boat ride along the river Seine. 

Eiffel Tower 

 

4.  What is the height of the Eiffel Tower?
5.  What is the Eiffel Tower made of?
6.  Who designed the Eiffel Tower?
7.  How many steps from the ground to the platform level?
8.  How many elevators are there?
9.  How much does it cost to go up in the Eiffel Tower?
10.  How old is the Eiffel Tower?
11.  How many lights are on the Eiffel Tower?

River Seine 

 

12.  How can you figure out left bank from right bank?
13.  How many bridges cross the river?
14.  What is the oldest bridge?
15.  What is a section of the pedestrian bank designated as?  Why?

Hopefully after exploring these two attractions we can stop for a late night snack of crepes. If you win, I'll buy yours!!

Day 4 Contest and Overall Trip Info

So now that our dates are confirmed, let me give you a little run-down of our twelve days.

Saturday - Fly from Detroit to London
Sunday - Arrive in London and walking tour
Monday - Sightseeing bus tour of London & Windsor Castle
Tuesday - Free day in London
Wednesday - Eurostar train to Paris, free time in Paris
Thursday - Bus tour of Paris & either afternoon at Versailles or free time in Paris
Friday - Walking tour of Paris, visit the Louvre and Notre Dame, and night train to Madrid
Saturday - Sightseeing tour of Madrid, walking tour of Madrid, visit to the Prado & Royal Palace
Sunday - Day trip to Toledo and free time in Madrid
Monday - AVE train to Barcelona and walking tour of Barcelona
Tuesday - Bus tour of Barcelona, visit to Parque Guell & Sagrada Familia, free time in Barcelona
Wednesday - Return home

So let's return to our quizzes.  Today is an easy one.  Day 4 is our free day in London.  Good news is other than breakfast and dinner we will be able to plan what we want as a group, bad news is anything we do we will have to pay for out of our spending money (including transportation)  We will be able to split into smaller groups for some of the day as well, if necessary.  I know you are all interested in some shopping, but we have all day to fit in some other activities as well.  We won't decide till we are there.  Chances are our tour director will have some ideas too or we may see something on our first 2 days in London.  Here is a compiled list of activities we could do.  Please check them out and let me know your top 3 interests.  First student to respond with a list wins metro fare for the day.

 Abbey Road - Tube fare (Just pay to get there; it's free!)
http://www.abbeyroad.com/crossing


 Churchill War Rooms - $25
http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms


Harry Potter Studio Tour - $45
http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/


Jack the Ripper Tour - $14
http://www.jacktheripperwalk.com/index2.html


London Eye - $25-$30
http://www.londoneye.com/

Regent's Park

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park

 

 

Shakespeare's Globe Theater - Tour $20

Henry IV (Performance) - $20-$50

http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/

 

 

St. James Park

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park

 

 

Tate Modern - free

http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

 

 

Tea - Prices vary

http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/activities/food-and-drink/restaurant/afternoon-tea

 

 

Tower of London - $30-$35

http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

 

 

 

 

Victoria & Albert Museum - $15

http://www.vam.ac.uk/

 

 

These were all recommendations from my friends.  Check out these websites too for additional ideas.

http://golondon.about.com/od/londonwithchildren/tp/Things-To-Do-In-London-With-Teenagers.htm

http://family.go.com/travel/things-to-do/england/london/for-teens/

http://www.travelmuse.com/articles/london/7-london-sights-for-teens

  

GO!

 

 

 

 

Winner Contest #3!

Ciara is our winner for contest #3! Look for Contest #4 coming soon!

Dia TRES; Londres!

Today's quiz winner will be treated to a English scone!

Day 3 will include sightseeing in London and an excursion to Windsor Castle.  We will probably start our day with a driving tour of London at 9:00am (probably NOT on a double decker bus)  We should make a photo stop at St. Paul's Cathedral.

St Paul's, with its world-famous dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral's awe-inspiring interior, and uncover fascinating stories about its history.  http://www.stpauls.co.uk/

St. Paul's Cathedral

1.  When was the first church built on this site?

2.  How many churches have been built on this site?

3.  When was the current church completed?

4.  Whose funeral was in this church in 1965?

5.  Who was married in this church in 1981?

We will finish our tour at the Changing of the Guard.

 

Changing of the Guard

6.  Where does the changing of the guard take place?

7.  At what time?

 

 

We will then travel to Windsor and have some free time for lunch.  We will then have a guided tour of Windsor castle and St. George's chapel and self guided visit to Queen Mary's Dolls' house and State Apartments.

Use a map website:

8.  How long will the drive be from London to Windsor?

Go to the website for the quote below.

9.  Where might you like to eat lunch?  What American restaurant can you find?

I thought it might be fun to eat at the Crooked House, but with more searching did not find good reviews.  I guess I'll keep looking.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. http://www.windsor.gov.uk/

 

Windsor Castle & State Apartments (check out the video of the beautiful place we'll see)

10.  Who lives at Windsor Castle?

The castle is used for various occasions and ceremonies.  St. George's Hall is where banquets are held.

11.  How many people can be seated at the single State Banquet table?

12.  What is the name of the chapel at Windsor Castle?

We will also see Queen Mary's Dolls' House. 

Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the largest, most beautiful, and most famous dolls’ house in the world.  http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/queenmarysdollshouse/house.html

 

13.  Who created this masterpiece?

14.  When was it made?

15.  To what scale was it made?

16.  What did you find interesting about it?

We should also have some free time for souvenir shopping before heading back to London for dinner.  While I did not find a required dress code for St. Paul's and St. George's, this would probably be a good day for the girls to not wear shorts, just in case.

1st person with correct answers wins a scone!   How do you answer?

#1 - Comments on the blog are best!

#2 - email me

#3 - If you are really computer disabled :)  turn your answers in at school, but chances are someone will be quicker than you.

 

 

Contest 2: Londres!

So we've flown all night and we've finally arrived in London.  What to expect?  We will have little to no time to freshen up and start touring.  We will be tired, but we've got to just get going and sleep well later.  Our tour director will take us to central London by public transport and lead us on a walking tour of the area.  Here is what we may see.  Learn a little about these places.  The winner of this quiz will receive some caffeine to keep you going (refresco o café, your choice)

 1.  It is very likely we will take the London Underground (subway) to get from our hotel to central London.  What is another name for the London Underground?

Click here to visit the Big Ben website!

2.  Most people refer to the clock tower at Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) as Big Ben, but what does Big Ben actually refer to and what is the actual name of the tower?  

3.  When did Big Ben turn 150 years old?

4.  How tall is the tower (meters or stories)?

5.  What is the diameter of the clock?

6.  How much does the bell weigh?  What note does it make when struck?  How is it struck?

Westminster Abby (check Worship and History)  (quotes are from the website)

7.  Westminster Abbey is "neither a cathedral nor a parish church" so what is it?

8.  What are important royal events that take place here?

9.  Was Prince William married here?   Was his mother, Princess Diana?

10.  Artistically speaking, "the great pavement in front of the High Altar of Westminster Abbey is a unique and remarkable object."  What is it called?  Describe its design.

 

Trafalgar Square

11.  What guards Nelson's column?

12.  Should you climb in the fountains?

13.  Should you feed the pigeons?

14.  How do you get to the bathrooms on the west side of the square (ie what is a "lift")?

 

Piccadilly Circus

 

15.  What is Piccadilly Circus compared to in the US?

16.  What does the name Piccadilly Circus come from?

17.  What does the memorial fountain in the middle honor?

 

Convent Garden

18.  What is it known for?

19.  What can you see here in the piazza?

20.  Why is it called Convent Garden?

After our walking tour, we will have dinner and either walk some more (I'd like to see Piccadilly Circus at night) or return to our hotel for a good nights rest.  On Day 3 we will enjoy more of London!

 

 

 

London!

Our first stop along our trip route in Europe is LONDON! Watch the video below to get a good idea of what London will be like, and look for another contest coming up about the city next week! If we could see the Queen, that would be unforgettable!

RECUERDAN: Our trip meeting is WEDNESDAY the 13th of February right after school! Bring your luggage if you have an idea what you're planning to bring!