Blogs from Lorraine, France, Europe - page 7

Ben said for today's adventure we needed to wear old clothes, so I got dressed in Ben's old pants, Lorraine's old T-shirt, jacket and shoes and off Ben and I went to this secret surprise Ben had waiting for me. The girls wanted to stay at home with Lorraine and I felt a bit relieved as I wasn't too sure just how safe this surprise was that Ben had in store for me. The roads were horribly slippery and many times the old car skidded in the ice. It was pretty scary!! We finally reached our destination in a restricted army area. STRICTLY NO ENTRY!!! so we parked in the woods and walked! We then reached this huge fortification. Now I was excited but also a bit scared as I did not know what to expect. ... read more

This morning after breakfast, Ben suggested we take a tour of Metz. The girls opted to stay at Anthony's place as they were very cold, so it was just Ben, me and another CS friend of Ben. Our first stop was a church. We parked the car and walked - the weather was awful. It was snowing and there was an icy wind blowing. Good thing the girls decided not to come with. After the church, we visited the most magical christmas markets. Even though I was frozen solid, I loved meandering through the christmas markets. We went back to Anthony's house, picked up Isa and the girls and then the long drive back to Verdun where the girls helped Lorraine to decorate the christmas tree and Ben made us pasta and chicken for lunch. After ... read more

All Saints Day was an experience and a half. We went to my host aunt's house and had a huuuuuge lunch/brunch there. It was not only the feast of All Saints, but the birthday of my host aunt. My host uncle had me try 3 different kinds of wine and say which one was my favorite. I preferred the red wine :). We ate so much food, but no, there was no cake or loud singing. We did give presents, however, and my present was a box of Jelly Bellies, which is my all-time favorite candy. I also realized that they only sell it in the US. My host aunt was very happy :) I went to an IKEA factory with my bestest exchange friend Laura and we passed a wonderful day there. She wanted to ... read more

After having arrived in Verdun, France...we immediately had a four course lunch at Le Picotin. Wonderful food: Bienvenue a la France. Next, we toured the Battlefields of Verdun; the American equivalent being Gettysburg. The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle in recorded history lasting 11 months! Due to the military strategy of the day, the French and the German operated with trench warfare in WWI and thus the goal was instead of to advance and conquer, was to maintain and bleed the other army dry. Whoever decided enough had died would surrender. The Germans thought that the French would surrender the outdated and understocked fort of Verdun somewhat easily...but for the French, Verdun had become a national image of unity, of France, and to be defended at all cost. France won the battle...after 400,000 Frenchmen ... read more

Day 3 en France After my restless night I woke up around 9 to get ready and eat since I had to be at the bank at 11. I left a little after 10 thinking it would take me longer to get there and sadly it took about 10 minutes. So with some time to kill I wandered around the shopping square in Longwy. I went to a magazine shop where they sold newspapers, magazines, cards and other items. After wandering around the store for awhile looking at all of the dvds and books in french titles that were originally american blockbusters I came across some calendars. Yesterday I realized I should probably have a wall calendar of some sort. Here were my options: Men 2010....yup, pictures of men. Michael Jackson King of Pop (and there ... read more