A Day of Remembrance

We spent a very interesting day in Normandy, immersed in the history of World War II as we visited the American Cemetary, the Landing Beaches and the Mémorial de la Paix in Caen. The much-publicized solar eclipse turned out to be rather anti-climactic since it was very overcast, but we meticulously followed all the safety instructions, keeping the students on the bus with the curtains closed.

Rennes - Nantes, 0 - 0

The temperature was frigid, but it didn't stop us from enjoying a terrific soccer game between Rennes and their rivals from the city of Nantes, just 90 minutes away. We had great seats, so although the score was 0 - 0, we saw plenty of action. The students had lots of fun cheering on Rennes: "Allez les rouges!".


Check out more great pictures on Madame ELoré's blog:

http://cdi.saintmichelliffre.org/

You can see some great pictures she took at the amazing outdoor and indoor "Marché des Lices" this morning. We bumped into several students with their families as they wandered through the rows of markets stands, piled high with wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables, interesting cuts of meat (?!?!?!), oysters, crabs, dozens of varieties of fish, cheeses, sausages, breads, pastries and more.

The countdown is on for our return to Chicago. I can't believe that we have to pack our bags tomorrow. Time certainly flies when you are having fun :)

"Oysters and thousands of stairs...oh my!"

Today our students felt more at home with the whipping wind and chilly weather on our excursion to Cancale & Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

On the first stop the kids learned all about the oyster. They witnessed first hand the washing as well as the packaging process and then were able to taste the end result. All of our students were very brave and tried the oysters!

This is the view of the shoreline. That is not water your are seeing but mud. During low tide, the workers walk out into the mud to tend to the oysters because soon high tide will come and submerge them. 

The oysters are kept in these mesh bags, which help keep them safe from predators.

The oysters all prepared for the students to try. 

Below are some pictures of students trying the oysters for the first time. 

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The second stop was to the beautiful island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel. During this trip the students and teachers walked all the way up to the medieval monastery. The architecture was beautiful and the views were breath taking. 

The students walking into the main walls of the city. 

The view from the first flight of stairs!

The students are walking up one of the many staircases that lead up to the monastery. 

It was very exhausting as you can see!

More stairs for the students to climb. 

All of the kids in front of the altar of the church. 

Evan in the "small" fireplace. 

He invited more friends to join him! 

The boys enjoying the views from the monastery , which overlooks the sea. 

Our students hard at work listening to the history of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, while touring the many rooms of the monastery.