Today we spent our day in Paris- travelling to the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saint Chappelle.

Our tour guide took us to the Louvre – home of the famous Mona Lisa, and this kept the art lovers entertained for three hours. We saw Venus De Milo which was the only Greek statue that was originally made in marble instead of bronze. The mini Sphinx, the Winged Victory statue and the Coronation of Napoleon impressed us all. We walked through the apartments of Napoleon the Third and saw fancy furniture and intricate chandeliers but perhaps everyone’s favourite was Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa; although a little smaller than everyone expected, we all fought our way to the front of a massive crowd for a photo. It was interesting to learn that the Louvre housed no landscape paintings as the paintings of that time were only considered important if they had a respectable or religious figure in them.

After the Louvre, we went for lunch and some souvenir shopping before heading to Notre Dame – the church remembered from The Hunchback of Notre Dame minus Quasimodo. Outside, our guide Valerie showed us the zero point of Paris which is the point from where all French towns are measured from. A few of us spun on the point for good luck (Mr V spun multiple times) and headed inside. The church has been constructed in typical Gothic style, with cross vaulted ceilings and buttresses holding the intricate stained glass windows together. There were two large rose windows that cast colour onto the floor when the sun shone through – one was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the other to Jesus Christ. While we were there a mass was being conducted and all around the edges there were small candles lit by visitors to the church.

The Saint Chappelle was our next stop, we went and had a look inside and it was amazing especially when the sun shined through the stained glass windows, and this allowed us to get many great photos and we learned a lot about church architecture.

Before we went to dinner we had about 2hours to explore the town centre.  Zac  found a music store and spent a fair amount of money there and  a few of us also found a KFC so we ate there just to get a taste of Tumut. Then we went to dinner and ate something many of us thought we would never eat. We ate snails some of us were not a big fan and didn’t like them but some were the opposite for e.g. Nick Gray ate 21 of them.

And that was about it for that day. Now we are all off to bed to get ready for our last day in Paris tomorrow.

Blog by: Maddie Harris and Zach burgess

Miss you all <3

20/04/2012 PARIS

20/04/2012

PARIS!!!!!

Dear T-town followers,

Today was yet another beginning of the numerous chapters of our 2012 Europe journey.

We started the day with a tasty breakfast, met our guide for the day, left the motel and headed for the metro!

Walking the streets of Paris, we stumbled across the Eiffel tower, standing 324 metres high. We were all amazed as to how big it was and how much it lived up to our expectations. Reaching level 3, which is ultimately the top of the Eiffel tower, was definitely a highlight for most, considering the number of photo opportunities we encountered and the excitement of just being where we were!

After the Eiffel tower, we took the train to the Arc de triomphe! The mezzanine, at the top of the monument was reached by climbing 284 steps! This was great because it highlighted a part of Frances history as it was created by Napoleon to welcome back the troops from battle. The unknown soldier that is buried underneath this arch was quite moving and added to the experience.

Venturing down the Champs Elysees, we were able to view the luxury car dealerships, the various limousines, and dine in the plethora of restaurants catering for all students needs. After this we had a short amount of time to look through the various shops that Paris has to offer.

We then tackled the metro in order to make our way back to our motel, whereby some washed clothes and/ or chilled after our big adventure in Frances capital.

We ended the day feasting on salad, duck and chocolate mousse cake… an early night in order to prepare ourselves for the Louvre, Notre dame and saint Chappelle. Tomorrow we hope to catch up with the hunch back at Notre dame J

A big shout out to Ruthy and Marg… We hope you’re alright after the big earthquake!
Enjoying our time over here but miss you both lots! You guys are the best… keen to see you both!!! <3

Au revoir from Paris J

Grace and Annalise

XOXO Europe gossip girls

At The Tower

Thursday 20^th April 9

After a beautiful Swiss breakfast we boarded a bus and headed back to Geneva to visit the CERN ( European Centre of Nuclear Research ). We arrived at the CERN at nine o’clock in the morning and walked the administration building where we met our tour guide whose name was Nathalie. Nathalie first took us to a conference room where she told us what we would be doing on our tour and showed us a video telling us a bit about the history of the CERN, some basic physics and what exactly the CERN does. After our conference we were split into groups and took a shuttle bus to the other side of the complex and walked around to take a look some of the machines and explored the different buildings they use including the ‘grid’ section which holds all the computer data for the different units at CERN.

Nathalie talked to us about the Large Hadron Collider (also known as the LHC). The LHC is 27km long ring shaped tunnel situated 100meters below ground to protect it from the harsh Switzerland elements. This depth also means that a large amount of Geneva and its surrounds is not taken up by the massive machine. The LHC is used to accelerate two beams of particles in opposite directions to around  99.9% the speed of light. The LHC smashes the beams together in special chambers which catch the debris shower of new particles created by the collision for the physicists to study. The LHC was built for the physicists to try and recreate the conditions one hundredth of a millisecond after the big bang which created the primidial particles of which everything else evolved from as these particles faded and we destroyed not long after the Big Bang.

After our tour through the workshops and having a geeze at the first built particle accelerators built in the 1950’s which are still in use today. For lunch we were shown to one of the restaurants located at the CERN. Lunch was amazing it had a variety of just about everything so no one would miss out. We learned that CERN in itself is basically a little town with an infirmary (which Maddie used as she was sick today) as well as three buildings that are hotels for the employers and visitors to the CERN, they also have cafeterias and different offices for near any need you can think of. I found CERN to be extremely interesting and educational and as I listened to what Nathalie said I found myself wishing I was a physics student and that I wanted a career in that field.

With the education over we spent some time exploring some of the CERN’s grounds as we waited for our bus to return and take us back to the Geneva train station from which we would later depart for Paris. After fifteen minutes or so on the bus we found ourselves with a fair bit of free time on our hands upon arrival. Taking shifts to guard the bags we all found time to do some shopping and experience some local foods and stores that we don’t get to see at home. After this relaxing afternoon recharging and resupplying we boarded the high-speed TGV train and got ready for our three hour trip to Paris.

    By Matthew and Eliza W

                                                     Our tour of the CERN

Mr. V

Wednesday 19th April

Today we left sunny Venice via boat and it was nice to see everyone coped with the boat ride.  It was a shame to leave, as Venice eclipsed us all with her gondola rides, beautiful shops and music. During our one hour stop in Milan some of the boys enjoyed playing guitar to fill in time and Mr. Rand showed off with his obvious guitar and singing skills. We boarded another train saying ciao to Italy and bonjour to Switzerland. The train ride was magnificent, as we all spent hours taking in the beauty and grandeur of the Swiss Alps. The temperature dropped significantly and the tips of the mountains looked like ice cream cones all dusted with fresh white snow. Some of us suddenly realised that our bags were getting heavier, as we have all collected some keepsakes and souvenirs to take home to our families.

Once we arrived in Geneva we had a minor change of plans and suddenly found ourselves back on a train towards Lausanne.  This didn’t bother us, as we got to see more countryside and Mr. V assured us his expert knowledge of the area would ensure a smooth transition for us all.

After a refreshing walk we soon found our accommodation and we were greeted warmly by the manager. We all turned in, in preparation for another early start tomorrow and a visit to the CERN – can’t wait to see the atom smasher. Hello to everyone at home!

By Emma Sturt. J

Ellie, Annalise and Emma

Hayley, Sarah and Maddie

Our view of the Alps

In Venice!

After an early wake up and a quick breakfast we boarded a bus bound for Venice. After a three hour bus trip we arrived at the docks in search for our ferry transfer to our hostel on the island of Giudecca. Some excited whilst others a tad uneasy about the boat trip across.

Arriving at lunch time we headed straight to a guided tour of the Doges Palace, a spectacular building lined with 24 carat gold on the ceilings. This historical building was home to the Doges and also acted as a centre of politics in early Venetian society. The rooms decorated with canvases for wall to wall were fascinating for the art students to view.

From there we passed over the ‘Bridge of Sighs’, named so because it was the last view of the outside world for prisoners who made their way to their prison cells to be guillotined.

Venice was definitely interesting for most people as it is so picturesque and presented amazement as the ‘sinking’ city astounded many. The San Marco Basilica, also lined with 24 carat gold and decorated with mosaics had an awkwardly uneven floor as the building sank and sagged.

The highlight of the day for most consisted of the glass blowing display at the ‘Vecchia Murano’ Glass Factory where we saw a vase created from molten glass right in front of our eyes in under five minutes. The gorgeous array of colours and amazing shapes and figures created and displayed presented a good opportunity to grab a few pressies, although prices were a tad scary, such as the two million dollar life-size ornate horse.

From there we all had an opportunity to relax and unwind as we were treated to a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals; some students being sung to whilst others received a dense history of the city.

Returning, all very tired, for dinner we had a lovely meal and were treated to some cake for Adam’s 18^th Birthday before taking a walk through the area for our final night in Italy. Some students chose to attend a concert of classical music by Vivaldi. Back at the hostel all were weary and went to bed, ready for the early start in the morning to catch a train to Geneva.

Just a little shout out to Lynne Withers to let her know that her ‘baby boy’ had a great Birthday and knows that she would have struggled today but he loves her very much! XO

And a quick shout to Lesley and Steven, having a great trip and have bought lots of stuff. Xoxo

By the fabulous Birthday boy Adam and… Blake.

                                                   The main square of Venice

The Bridge of Sighs

Monday 16.4.11 - Pisa

Today we travelled by train to the city of Pisa, to visit the Piazza de Miracoli which is home to the leaning bell tower, the cathedral and baptistery (which are all on a lean, in a different direction) and the graveyard (which is the only part of the square which is not on a lean). We all climbed the tower, even those of us who are not so keen on heights, but the view at the top was worth it. The tower has nearly 300 stairs and when you walk up it you can feel the lean of the tower. Sometimes you would feel like you were walking downwards when actually you were walking up the tower and vice versa. After climbing the tower in two separate groups we went on a short tour of the square and the surrounding buildings. Most people did the tourist thing and take photos of themselves holding up the tower. 80% of the tower was made from marble, and the inside was a large spiral staircase which got steeper towards the top. It was relieving to finally make it to the top and catch some fresh air, the view was spectacular and we were able to see a football field, farmland and mountains in the distance.

After our tour, we were able to enjoy lunch at the local cafes and explore the markets in the square. There were a lot of different things to see. By the afternoon it was raining, so we were fortunate that the sun was out while we were climbing the tower.

At the end of our time in Pisa, we had to rush to make the train in enough time, everyone did well and we made it to the station with a few minutes to spare. Luckily the train was late, which was in our favour. The train took us back to Florence, where we were given more time to do some shopping, most of us girls went mad on clothes and some boys even brought musical instruments.

To finish off our interesting day, we sat down at our restaurant for dinner, it was nice to finally sit down and relax for a little while. Dinner had its up and downs with a different sort of potato bake to what most of us are used to, (it turned out to be Polenta) but the dessert, which was panacotta was one of the best so far.

We then said our final goodbyes to the Florence CBD. Many of us were a little sad to be leaving, however I think many of us will be visiting again in the future!

Emily’s favourite part of today was seeing the leaning bell tower in real life and not just in photos, and also having the best pesto gnocchi ever.

Brad’s favourite part of today was being able to climb up the tower and see the view of the city from the top.


Some of the group on top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Dinner at Boccadama, Florence

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Piazza de Miracoli

Hayley and Sophie climbing The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Mr Reece chilling at Pisa

Sunday in Florence

Sunday 15.4.12

Florence

We all woke up very excited to explore Florence. The motel (Hotel Raffaello) breakfast provided us with yummy eggs, bacon, cheese, fruit, cereal and pastries to fuel us for the day ahead. We did some much needed laundry before taking off on the bus, heading for Florence CBD. All 32 of us are becoming extremely comfortable using public transport, with two people being mistaken for locals!

Our wonderful guide, Francesca, meet us at 10am in front of the impressive Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore for our tour of the Science Museum. Town was a little more crowded than usual with the completion of a marathon taking place in the centre of Florence. Francesca had our attention from the beginning, explaining the rise and fall of Galileo Galilei and the role the church played in this. The Museum held amazing and original inventions, objects and information in regards to Gailileo’s lifetime achievements. The study of the galaxy, star signs, time, optics, pregnancy, warfare …….. the list is endless and was almost unbelievable. He was an amazing man, who was before his time in regards to the way the world works and we live our everyday lives. Some of the more memorable pieces in the Museum were the telescopes, the progression of the thermometer, an ancient defibrillator, fan, medicine, clocks …..again, the list is endless. Not to forget the preserved fingers and tooth belonging to Gailileo.

After the museum, we headed to lunch. Mr V lead the way to a favourite restaurant of his where he claimed the lasagne was to die for. It didn’t disappoint, with all students rolling out the restaurant door full of yummy garlic bread, bruschetta, pizza, salad, ravioli, spaghetti and of course, lasagne.

This afternoon took us to the Academy of Fine Arts, the home of Michelangelo’s famous David and unfinished statues. Words cannot describe the feelings of the group in regards to what we saw. To start we learnt about the unfished statues. These were constructed by Michelangelo at the end of his life. They were great to see, demonstrating the work and techniques used to create the amazing statues we have seen over the last week. Then, finally, it was our time to meet David. He is amazing!!! To create this masterpiece with a single block of marble is almost unimaginable. His hands and feet were noticeably larger than the rest of his body. We also learnt that Michelangelo was 26 when he started David and it took him 3 years to complete amongst other things. The last thing we viewed before leaving the academy was the famous family tree painting, with its golden background depicting Jesus’ family and the events that shaped his (and the worlds) life.

Our afternoon was left for exploring/shopping. And oh did we shop. Our group is starting to deck themselves out in beautiful leather jackets, new shoes and scarves. Thoroughly enjoying the similarities and differences of Florence and Rome, such as the cleanliness, the sometimes cheap prices, haggling for a bargain, gelato. After a solid 2 hrs of exploring /shopping we had definitely injected some funds into the Florence economy.

Looking forward to dinner, we all meet at the steps of Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore. Tonight was extremely popular serving chunky vegetable soup, osso bucco and biscotti. Again we followed dinner with a gelato detour, sneakily becoming a tradition for the group.

Students and teachers are falling in love with Florence! Off to Pisa tomorrow for a day trip. I’m sure another amazing day awaits us. All Students are travelling along famously, taking in all the new info and supporting each other.

By Stace Clark

                           Adam, Soph and Brian checking out some of the amazing telescopes.

                                         Eating up a storm at lunchtime, downtown Florence.

                                                             Stace Clark meeting Galileo.

                                                            Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore

                                                                     Galileo's finger!