Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Chartres & Paris, France Day 6 & 7 of Katie's European Trip

Monday & Tuesday, June 14/15, 2010

Monday: Katie called us on Monday late afternoon (Paris evening time) to let us know how her day went today (very brief phone call). She said today was the day that the U.S. delegates met the French teens. She said it was a bit uncomfortable in the beginning because she felt like they were staring at her and her clothes. I didn't get too much information about this visit.

Tuesday: (Have not spoken to Katie yet) Katie left Chartres and headed toward Paris. Today they visited Montmartre-a hill which is 130 meters high, giving its name to the surrounding district, in the north of Paris. Many artists had studios or worked around the community of Montmartre such as Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. Montmartre is also the setting for several hit films.

Katie visited this historic area which was a haven for artist and writers before WWI. She was able to marvel at the white Basilique du Sacre Coeur, which is the 2nd highest point in Paris.
Katie also got to take part in an educational meeting at the "Atelier d'Art Lepic" artist Henri Landier and discover his artwork. This is his galery-studio where he continues his creation, and that yearly exhibitions are organized. She got to learn from his assistant about art history and other famous artist. Wow!

After going to see the designated places they were able to break out in small groups to discover the area's other treasures. I'm hoping they stayed clear of the 'red light' district but it would have been cool to see Moulin Rouge!
Tonight they boarded their train for the overnight train ride from Paris to Venice, Italy: 12h 30 min total duration. She is sharing a room on the train with 5 other girls. There are 6 beds in her room...think bunk beds with an additional bed on top...interesting.

When she wakes up on Wednesday she will be in the city made up of 118 islands, 180 canals, and 450 bridges...Venice, Italy (or most people call is Vicenza....I had no idea).




No comments: