European Trip Diary Spring Break 2014
Day 1 April 17, 2014 Start of Tour Time has come. Our day started by meeting with Ms. Rayas and St. John Bosco s students at LAX at 1:00 P.M. We were all very happy but at the same time anxious because we were going to different countries. We were ready for Paris and Spain. We cannot actually wait until we get there to see and enjoy all sights and see all those beautiful places. But before leaving we prayed to have a safe trip, then it was time to say good bye to our family!! We head to TSA body checks. And our journey began!!! At LAX We just couldn t believe it that this day had finally arrived. The lines at the TSA were long at the mean time; we were taking pictures and talking to people. A nice friendly lady approached us to ask us if we were from St. Paul High School. Sure we said YES!!! Mrs. Barbara Barker from class of 65 was very excited to see students from St. Paul traveling to Europe. As soonest she found out, she started taking us pictures to post them on Facebook. She told us that all her friends would enjoy seeing the pictures. Mrs. Barker told us that she was going to France, Italy and Spain. It was exciting meeting an alumni at LAX! She wished us a happy and safe trip.
Day 2 April 18, 2014 Bonjour Paris After 11 hours flight, we finally landed in Paris France. Even when the whole procedure of clearing customs and immigration was a bit tedious, we met Antonio, our Explorica Tour Director. He took us to the hotel where we could only drop our luggage as we had to hit the city in order to start eight hour walking tour. We immediately set out for the Louvre Museum. One of, if not the most visited museums in the entire world. The Louvre, one of the largest and richest in the world. We were all anxious because we wanted to see the Giaconda or Mona Lisa by the greatest Leonardo Da Vinci. She was there surrounded by hundreds of us with the same interest of seeing her intriguing smile. My friends and I desperately tried to weave our way through an hour room packed with people to take a selfy with the painting. And so I did!!
After taking our selfies we decided to do some souvenir shopping. We cannot leave the museum without buying souvenirs. Then we headed to off to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a truly magnificent work of Gothic architecture worth almost 200 years of labor. On the way, we passed a bridge known of lover s paradise. Cou- ples from all around the world come to lock locks onto the bridge to signify their Finally, after walking for time for dinner. We had Quarter. We had bread, and two scoops of a ice cream. After dinner, we walked love. several hours it was dinner by the Latin chicken, with fries very strong, unique again to the Seine River for a Cruise. We were very tired because we had no sleep saw the Eiffel Tower we any more. We could not but as soonest we did not feel tired believe we re there. We took pictures and pictures. We had to run several times because we stayed behind taking pictures. We finally got to the river; it was very cold enough to freeze our faces off. We all sat at the top deck to enjoy the beautiful view. We pass thought all the most important monuments in Paris. Then an hour later we got to experience the Eiffel Tower light up. It was amazing seeing it what we see on TV. Finally, the day got to an end. We were tired and sleepy; we sat through 14 stops on the metro and made it back to our hotel. Karen Shen Class of 2014
Day 3 April 19, 2014 Paris--Madrid Today was our second day in Paris and it was exciting. It was a really long day in France. First, we all felt extremely tired and sleepy when we woke up, since we were not used to the time change yet. After a lovely French breakfast we checked out of the hotel (Which did not have shower curtains, very unusual for us) and we went to the bus to start our sightseeing tour of Paris. Catherine, our local tour guide was going to be with us the entire day. While on the bus we saw lot of famous landmarks, such as the Arc de Trophem, the Luxor Obelisk, and The wall for Peace Monument. The historical facts behind all of the buildings, gardens, and monuments were interesting and I am very glad I got to learn about all of them. The weather in Paris was colder than we re used to. After words we headed to the Palace of Versailles. On the ride I was able to enjoy a view of the forest surrounding the road we were driving on. When we got to the palace, it was extremely crowded. Pass the crowd we could see the long golden gate of the palace. Once inside, we walked through the rooms, some were named after Roman Gods. Catherine gave us artifacts and facts of daily living in the palace. Each room was filled with elaborate furniture and beautiful paintings hung on the wall or painted on the ceilings. The hall of Mirrors was as lavish as it s said to be. All of the artwork is impressive now and must have been ever more impressive few years ago. Afterwards, we have some time to walk around and visit the Royal Gardens. They were lined with statues. I had a great time posting with some of them. The vastness of the Palace and gardens showed just how wealthy and powerful the monarchy was. After we headed to the warn bus ride back to Paris. Once there we had 2 ½ hours of free time which I used to enjoy French food, such as escargot, macaroons, and a crepe. Everything was very tasty. We all meet at the old Opera House. Then we all headed to the airport to catch our
plane to head to Madrid Spain. Once we got to the plain I was so exhausted and I fell asleep on the flight. Despite my apprehension towards turbulence we landed safe and sound in Madrid and I m very much looking forward to learn about Spanish culture. It was 11:30 P.M we got to the Hotel in Madrid. After a very long day, both Ms. Rayas decided to take us for a walk. At first we did not wanted to go because of a long day we had. But after we saw all young people, kids and adults walking, we thought why not. So, we went, we were eating ice cream at might night. We were not used to this but it was fun to experience and see how all Spaniards enjoy the night. Children were laughing and having fun with their parents. The young people were singing while walking on the streets. They seem to enjoy the night life. Madrid is called the cat city, because people sleep during the day they go at night. Jareni Polanco Class of 2014
Day 4 April 20, 2014 Hola Madrid Today is our second day in Madrid. We feel nice to have woken up a little later than yesterday now we look with more energy stored in order to face a new, fascinating day. Our day began with breakfast (of course). While everyone was finishing breakfast Antonio was making sure that everything was going to be running smoothly today because we had a long day to go. He was checking reservations and making sure the bus driver will be on time and of course checking that we will not be late as well. At 8:00 A.M Amor the local guide arrived to the hotel and at 8:30, we were all ready to start our tour to Segovia. We had a seventy-five minute drive to Segovia and while we were still Juanjo the bus driving was leaving Madrid, Amor was giving us a sightseeing tour. Juanjo our new driver took us to the city of Segovia in the region of Castilla y Leon, across the mountains North of Madrid. We went on the usual walking tour of this ancient city, reached the emblematic Alcazar, fortress and toured it. The castle was preserved to this day from medieval times. We saw a real stone castle and the metal armor
knights were inside. Almost everything was original and incredibly detail. We also saw the medieval version of the IPad according to our tour guide. The stain glass windows were just impressive as the view from the top of the castle. We walked around the medieval town of Segovia until we reached the center where all the stores were. Then we went to the end where the aqueduct is located. On our way we had the opportunity to see a procession: the music, the flower petals being thrown from a balcony by the nuns. It was an experience I will never forget. Once we got the bottom, we saw the aqueduct; it looked like a very tall and thin bridge with lots of arches. I learned that most of the water is under ground and that archers start smaller towards the beginning of the aqueduct and progressively grow larger down the way. Once Amor finish explaining everything she gave us time to eat then to head to El Escorial. In El Escorial we visit a monastery. The monastery was very simple but held the most extravagant and lusciously detailed church. We also went to the pantheon where the royal family is burried. Upon entering the first chapel area where the royal were, my first thought was that this was like the Hunted mansion. It seemed surreal to me. After a very long day visiting Segovia and El Escorial is time to go back to Madrid. We had few minutes to get rest and get some fuel before we got to Madrid. Once we got to Madrid we walked from the Hotel to the restaurant to have dinner. We ate and then Ms. Rayas gave us time to go shopping. As the night came to an end, I was glad that I could now get my full 8 hours of sleep because I am still exhausted from the days before. I will wake up the next morning feeling rejuvenated and confident that I am starting to get the hand of traveling on buses and walking down the streets and finally knowing the area around the hotel. Alexandra Montes de Oca Class of 2014
Day 5 April 21, 2014 Madrid Landmarks Today was our fourth and last day in Madrid. We got to sleep in a bit more than usually and it felt amazing since it has been a long and super few days. Sad because it was a raining morning and we couldn t get out off the bus to visit some of the places. Our first stop was at the old train station Atocha. It was a very old building but they added a new section to it but still keeping the old structure. It had this strange and exotic indoor garden. Antonio our tour director gave us few minutes to go around and take pictures. Then we stopped at the Real Madrid Stadium. Even though I am not at all a soccer fun, seen the stadium was really cool!! Then we headed to the bull fighting ring, which was totally awesome!!! Amor and the driver gave us a sight seen tour we headed to the Royal Palace. It was by far my favorite thing we have done in Spain. It was just so unbelievably seeing such beautiful ceilings, paintings amazed me. We also went to the Prado Museum which was also very exciting. We got to see the famous painting from Velazquez Las Meninas. Inside there were a lot of people painting paintings that have already been painted. It blew my mind because the talents God has blessed them with are absolutely astounding. Finally, we had to meet back with Antonio and with the rest of the students. After we all got together we all walked together to the hotel. Ms. Rayas told Antonio to give us and 60 minutes to go around the hotels and shop. Of course, every time they say we have free time to shop we will enjoy the time. Sometimes we just think of shopping. I guess it was not Ms. Rayas favorite to hear that. Then we had to be back again with Ms. Rayas and Antonio. It was time to have dinner. Our last dinner in Madrid. We had the opportunity to taste tapas. They were delicious. We had like 5 different choices to taste. During dinner we celebrate a birthday of Jovanelly, Louis and Isaiah. They had cake and candles and we all sang Happy Birthday. Our tour directors Antonio kept on doing this cool magic trick with a lighter and were all pretty much amazed. I am so happy to be here. Alexa Ray Bernal Class of 2015
Day 6 April 22, 2014 Madrid Granada It s here time to say Good bye to Madrid after being here for three days!!! We enjoyed so much staying at the Hostal Persal because we were surrounded with so many stores to shop! Now it is time to head to Granada! We were happy as well to drive to south Andalucía. Antonio keeps talking about it and getting us to like it and love it. Before we reach to Andalucía, we made a stop in Aranjuez Royal Palace. It was beautiful, huge glass chandeliers in each room. It really doesn t get better than that. This Palace reminds me of the Royal Palace in Madrid and the Versailles Castle. This was the summer palace for the Borbons Family. After we visit all the luxury and glamour rooms we took a walk on the gardens. Those gardens were beautiful. We were taking so many pictures, group pictures and selfies. Yeah, we wanted everyone to see where we were. It was time to leave the Palace and continue on the road. After few hours driving we found a rest place to have lunch. Some of us decided to have lunch others only bought snacks. We got back to continue to Andalucía in direction to Granada. During this time we had the opportunity to bond with the St. John Bosco students. We had fun having funny conversations.
Finally, we arrive to Granada. We arrived to the hotel Luna de Granada. It was a very luxury hotel but far from everything. We could not go shopping at all. We drop our luggage and went for a walk around Granada. No one on the trip had visited including both Ms. Rayas. The atmosphere in Granada is completely different from Paris and Madrid. The city is so calm others. off to explore and respectful to Before we went the city Centre. Antonio took us to have the best ice cream in town. The ice cream was delicious. Then we head to the city Centre, we looked and we would see gypsies was time to go everywhere. It back to the hotel and have dinner. Once we arrived everyone rushed to their rooms to prepare for the fun evening. Antonio had set up our first Flamenco show in Granada. Hands down the best experience on this trip I ve had so far. One of the best looking dancers out there even asked to go out and dance with him in front of everyone. Definitely made my day!!!! But of course, me being a horrible dancer, I did horrible onstage. After, were guided to a perfect scenery of Alhambra, which were going to go sightseeing tomorrow. So far, Granada has been the best for me!!! Jayleen Valadez Class 2015
Day 7 April 23, 2014 Granada Seville Today started out much better than the others. Not only because we had more time to sleep but because we woke up in a five-star hotel in Granada. After having a delicious breakfast, everyone rushed to the rooms to get their luggage down to the lobby. After putting our heavy bags in the bus, our long bus ride to Seville began. Our first stop was to enormous palace in Alhambra. Our funny tour director Francisco told us everything he knew about the rooms and the objects located inside them. This experience was amazing and breathtaking. After we got on the bus for a two hour drive, we stopped to get them lunch; many of us went to the nearest ATM to get some money. We spent our lunch time trying to get money for our next event, which was taking a tour of a bull fighting ring. After learning how brutal the Spanish people were to the bulls, we got on the bus and drove for two more hours. During the bus ride we spoke to the St. John Bosco boys and bonded with them after joking around and laughing for two hours we arrived at a little shopping center we bought many snacks for our long ride. Ashley Martinez Class 2015
Day 8 April 24, 2014 Seville Today started like every other day. First a wakeup call to get up then we get ready, come down to the lobby to have some breakfast. Then at 9 o'clock we all walked to the bus where we met Angeles our tour guide. We all went on a sightseeing tour in Seville. We saw the Giralda Tower, and the gravesite of Columbus. Then we made a quick visit to the Seville Cathedral. There we saw the beautiful view we climb to the top and took many pictures. We went back to the bus and we headed to Seville city walk which was the Barrio de Santa Cruz. There we were able to see many people s houses there was a little break we had fresh lemonade then we went to the cathedral and some many things. We were able to go all the way to the top and saw a beautiful view. Then we went to like the middle of the city where we had lunch. After lunch we got on a cruise with some very beautiful sites. After the boat ride we came back close to the hotel where we had two hours of free time. We all then came back to get dressed up warm flamenco evening. It was a beautiful show which was an hour long. We took pictures of the dancers and had a great time. After our show we came back to the hotel and had a great dinner. Jovanelly Martinez Class 2014
Day 9 April 25, 2014 Cordoba-Malaga Essentially our last full day in Europe, today went surprisingly very smooth and relaxed. In the morning after the nice and simple breakfast we left the Monte Carlo for the southernmost part of Spain. We took a really calming three hour ride with a one hour break in the middle and ended up in Córdoba. This is where the day really began with a tour of another magnificently elegant Cathedral the "Mosque Cathedral". This building was incredibly Grandioso and the architecture was interestingly unique. It was a huge cross between ancient Muslim design and early century Christian Catholic renovation. Needless to say it was a very beautiful sight to see especially from the view from the flower Street. Afterwards we got two hours to eat and shop around the streets. This was definitely the best part of the day for me. I spent the two hours going in and out of the shops. All that aside shopping time came to a close and we took another cozy drive to Malaga and arrived at the hotel San Fermin. We were then able to do whatever we wanted I decided to spend my free time relaxing my room after a quick game of billiards with my friends. We then I'll head down for dinner at the buffet and essentially tried every single platter they offered. Following that wonderful meal we played many games with our friends and we headed out to walk around. We all decided to end our dating by jumping into a freezing pool in our clothes. This was definitely a great way of ending this wonderful trip. This whole trip has without a doubt been one of the great experiences of our lives we thank you Ms. Rayas for organizing the trip and watching over us. God bless. Alexander Amaya Class of 2014