A new french model.......

What do you think?   The new Miranda Kerr????

Vendredi - French Fashion Show

Today we went to the Alliance Française to see a typical French school cafeteria.  We had ‘mouton, puree et les flagons’.  What’s that?  We had some lamb, potato mash and beans.  Absolutely delicious with apple tart for dessert!!  Then we went for a walk through the St Germain area before seeing a live French fashion show for the new winter collection. 

Jeudi - The day after visiting London

We didn’t wake until 11am!!!  After ‘brunch’ we went to do laundry and then went for a little walk around our area.  We had a late lunch/dinner at 3pm…. Watch the movie to see what we typically eat for our lunches.

ENGLAND

Today we got up early to go to ENGLAND!!  Isn’t it amazing to be able to travel to another country in just 2 hours!!  We went through customs which is much stricter than France and then boarded the Eurostar.  We arrived in London at 9am and got some tickets to go on a bus tour.  We were guided through the streets with commentary and all really enjoyed all the sights.  We got to Buckingham Palace in time for the Changing Of The Guards ceremony.  It was long and very crowded.  It was certainly an great spectacle to see.  After we went to a typical English restaurant for lunch.  And our “wee” Amy (that’s English for little) had some yummy hot chips.

After lunch, we went to see Harrods.  WOW!  It got dark very early so by 3pm we felt like it was 6.  We went on the bus tour for a bit more and got off to walk to see the BIG BEN.  Then a short boat cruise before we headed back to the train station to go back to Paris.  We got home at midnight, all very tired and needing lots of sleep.

Lundi - Louvre et Angelina

We had a big sleep-in this morning.   When we were ready, we went to the Louvre.  The Mona-Lisa was very popular and is now cased in a new glass cabinet/wall.  We also saw other areas including the Egyptian area where there was a mummy.   After the Louvre, we walked to the Tuillerie gardens.  Just opposite there is the famous restaurant ‘Angelina’.  We went in for afternoon tea.  OH MY it was DIVINE!!! The most unreal hot chocolate ever and the cakes were so rich we all struggled to finish them.  We really recommend this restaurant.  Coco Chanel has been there and many top models frequent there for lunch. 

Did you know this about the Mona Lisa?

1.     She was stolen in 1911 by an employe of the louvre who believed she should be returned to Italy and displayed in a museum there.  After 2 years, he decided to sell it to Italy but was sent to prison,.  However, he only stayed in jail for 6 months as he was hailed for his patriotism.

2.     In 1956 a man threw a rock at the painting which resulted in a small patch of damage to her left elbow.  This was restored.

3.     The Mona Lisa used to be housed in a square glass cabinet but in 2009, a Russian woman who did not get French citizenship, threw a mug at the glass which in turn, shattered.  This is why it is now in a new glass enclosure.

4.     The Mona Lisa is actually not the correct spelling it is Monna Lisa, which means My Lady in Italian.

Dimanche - Versailles

We went to Versailles today.  The palace was massive and the construction was absolutely amazing.  We loved the design of every room and in particular, Marie Antoinette’s bed!  The gardens were gorgeous and well maintained.  After a long 3 hours at the palace, we headed off to the Science centre.  We all enjoyed the different areas and especially the new and upcoming designs of products that have been invented.  At 7pm we came home EXHAUSTED.  It was such an action packed day but really enjoyable.

We got up late today.  We were all very tired from a big week.  We headed out to the Champs Elysee to walk up the street and see the Arc de Triomphe and go to the top.  The view from the top was magnificent.  Did you know that the Arc de Triomphe is also known as ‘La Place d’Etoile” which means that it is the place of the star as there are 8 streets coming off the roundabout.  Unfortunately we did not see any accidents but because it was such a clear day we saw many other museums and well-known places in Paris.  After, we saw the Christmas markets and had a YUMMY gauffre!!!  And we also tasted something else……Check out the movie.

Vendredi - Grevin Wax Museum

Last day of school :(       We (Victoria, Georgia & Tori) actually really loved doing the French course and learnt so much.  Definitly recommend it to anyone who is really keen to improve their French!!

Afterschool, we went to the Grevin Wax museum.  We saw many famous faces made into wax statues.  Check out the movie – 

Le Marais - Jeudi

In the afternoon, it was such a beautiful day that we decided to go and visit the Marais area.  This area is well known for the streets with beautiful shops and unique items.  We found ‘Berthillon’ the most well-renound place for the best sorbet and ice-cream in Paris.  Of course, we had to have some!!!  Watch the video!!

After a couple of hours shopping, we headed home for some of my famous ‘Pot au Feu’ – Vegetable Soup

Barbie - Mercredi

Today, Barbie was coming to Galleries Lafayette.  So we went to see her but were a little disappointed.  She wasn’t wearing pink!!!!!!  We all had a photo with the ‘French Barbie’ then off to do some typical French shopping.  It was very busy in the shop probably because outside was snowing like crazy and the streets were quite slushy from the snow.

Bastille - Mardi

Afterschool today, we went to Bastille.  There was a kids amusement park on but many of the rides were closed due to the snow.  We had some fun on a few of the activities then went for a walk down the streets.  We saw Victor Hugo’s house (a famous French writer) and had some yummy bakery treats – which are very difficult to resist in France!  At 7pm we had a light dinner in a café and met Caroline, a French Teacher assistant who will be coming to the Junior School in February next year.

Lundi - Rien a fait

Well, we needed a rest today!  After school we just went to the local Monoprix to buy some lollies and food for a few days.  It was fun just looking at all the different products.

Champs-Elysee – Dimanche

This morning we woke up very late (11am).  So we had a “brunch” then headed off to visit the Musée D’Orsay.  We admired all the paintings and sculptures especially the famous paintings of Monet.  After, we were on our way to see Musée Rodin but saw the Concorde and decided we would go and see it.  We had a ride on the largest Ferris wheel in France and saw the magnificent view.  We then walked along the Champs-Elysee to see the Christmas markets and then did a bit of shopping – as you do!  The lights in the street when stunning.  We were even in time for the daily ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate the unknown soldiers from the First World War.   

DISNEYLAND – Samedi

We woke up early today to go to DISNEYLAND!!!  When we arrived, we didn’t realise it would be so cold – as in so cold that it snowed!

We went on so many rides such as ‘It’s a Small World’, ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ and the favourite ‘Space Mountain’.  Amy loved the Dumbo ride and we all had a “whirling” good time on the teacup ride. Ha Ha!

For dinner, we had a Mickey Lunchbox meal and bought a few souvenirs before leaving at closing time at 10pm.  We got home at 11pm, had a light snack of brioche and NUTELLA then off to bed.

Notre Dame – Vendredi

Last school day for the week!  We had a bit of a bad luck afternoon today.  We headed off to see the fashion show at Galleries Lafayette but we couldn’t get in this week.  So, we went to see a Mama Mia production but the electronic equipment malfunctioned.  On to plan C which was to go ice skating at Hotel de Ville.  BUT yet again, not our day as the ice skating wasn’t set up just yet.  No problem, we went over to see Notre Dame, one of the most historic churches in the world.  It was very moving and we lit a candle for our loved ones.

We saw the lights of the river Seine and then came home for dinner and 'Buche de Noel' a traditional French Christmas cake, which is usually eaten during Christmas time.

Les Vitrines de Gallaries Lafayette - Jeudi

After school, we went to Opéra and saw the Christmas display windows.  There were bears and doll marionettes (puppets) singing and dancing to various songs.  They were very well done and fantastic to see.  Whilst walking home, we stopped in to a few of our favourite French clothing shops; Zara, Promod, Mango and then came home for some dinner.

‘Virgin Megastore’ et le magasin de jouets - Mercredi

After school today, we went to see the Virgin Megastore which has the greatest arrangement of books, CD’s and DVD’s.  Then we went to see a big toy store which was like an arcade with different sections for toys.  Have a look at the window displays.  Absolutely amazing!!  It also started lightly snowing!!!!!!!!  When we got back to the apartment, we enjoyed playing in the new snow.

Faire du lessive - Mardi

After school today we needed to do some washing.  So off to the laundromat.  Whilst we waited for the clothes to wash, we went to ‘le marchand’ to buy some fruit and vegetables.  Mmmmm we got raspberries, clemintines and ‘kaki’ which is persimmon.  

À L’école - Lundi

We all went to school today.  Victoria, Georgia and Tori had ‘un petit test’ and then went off to their individual classes.  Poor Georgia was the only one to get homework.  After some lunch in the apartment, we all headed off for a bit of retail therapy and a look around.  Mais il fait vraiment froid aujord’hui!!! 

Visting Santa

Some of the delicious food we have tried!!!