2024 Forest Ridge France Cultural Journey

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May 4

Today, we gathered in the Jardin Albert 1st for the orientation before leaving. After that, we headed to the Musée du Palais Lascaris to see the delicately made instruments. We saw the origins of harps, pianos, violins, clarinets, and other wind instruments. We went to the flower market after seeing the artworks from centuries ago. We bought fresh fruit, juice, and hand-made souvenirs from the market. After the market shopping, we went to a toy store and got some delicate stuff animals and mini furniture for animals there. After that, we went to Lafayette for some local French brand jewelries. We headed to another jewelry store near the musée. And then, we went to the beach with gelato to enjoy the afternoon sunshine and the waves. We then went back to the hotel for a short break. We had a group dinner at 7 to gather for our last meal in Nice. Finally, we went back to the hotel to have a few hours of sleep before leaving for the airport.
By Luna

May 3

Today we drive to marseille to take a 2 hour boat tour in the Mediterranean sea. a few of us went swimming in the freezing cold water. after our boat tour we had free time to get lunch along the port. then we went on a walking tour to the notre dame de la garde basilica. after seeing the incredible views from the top of the hill we drove all the way back to nice where we had free time to eat dinner and watch the sunset on the beach.
By Ava

May 2

Today we took the bus to Saint Paul Monastery where we toured the hospital where Vincent Van Gogh was instituted. It was an amazing experience to witness where he lived and where he completed many of his famous pieces of art. After the tour, we went to the old town of Saint Remy. There, we had free time to explore and get some lunch and gelato! After that, we traveled back to Aix where we had free time for the rest of the day to eat dinner and relax.

By Kassidy

May 1

Today, we woke up and left the hotel at 10am to travel to Arles. While there, we explored the city, including its many tributes to Vincent Van Gogh, as he stayed in a mental institute there. Afterwards, we got back on our bus to travel to Camargue, where we rode its famous white horses along the beach. After horseback riding, we drove back to Aix-en-Provence, where we had free time and then fell asleep.

By Aliya

April 30

Bonjour! today we packed up for Aix en provance and rode the bus rode to our new hotel, after checking in we walked around the town to take a look at some shops and stores and get a feel of the area. Then we had some free time and and an option to go to an art museum to see some popular art pieces. We then met up for group dinner at a restaurant and stopped at the supermarché for dessert!
By Korinne

April 29

Today we took a bus and then a train to Monaco. Once we arrived in Monaco we split off into groups and had 4 hours of free time to explore! One group went to the Oceanic Aquarium and the other got food and walked around. After our free time, we all met up and were given a tour of 3 of the districts of Monaco. We took a boat to old town Monaco where we visited the palace and took a tour. After that, we had more free time to explore old town and shop for souvenirs. We then took the train back to Nice and split off into groups to finish our day with yummy dinners and browsing the city. À demain!
By Kassidy

April 28

Today we went ate breakfast at the hotel and left at 9:00 AM to take a 1 hour tour around Nice. Then, we went to the flower market to begin our lunch break. After lunch, we went on a tour bus which we took to Ville Franche. We got gelato and looked at the water before returning. After that we took a tour train around the city. Finally, we had a break for dinner where we went to eat, and then went back to the hotel to go to bed.

April 27

Today we ate breakfast at the hotel and left at 9:00 AM to take a 1 hour tour around Nice. Then, we went to the flower market to begin our lunch break. After lunch, we went on a tour bus which we took to Ville Franche. We got gelato and looked at the water before returning. After that we took a tour train around the city. Finally, we had a break for dinner where we went to eat, and then went back to the hotel to go to bed.
By Ellia

April 26

Today afternoon after school, we hopped on the school bus to get to the Sea-Tac Airport. Our first flight was busy, we waited in the line for check-in for a long time. The security check went smoothly, and we got on the train to our first gate. We had some free time to buy snacks, and we assembled at 6:30 pm to prepare for boarding. This fly lasted a little less than 9 hours, some of us slept, and others enjoyed watching movies, and eating snacks. After we landed, we were in suppose to transfer to London Heathrow Airport, and the time was very tight. The security at the British Airways was really strict on the liquid items. Fortunately, we made it on-time for boarding. This was a two hour flight, everyone was looking forward to our new journey. We finally arrived at our destination, Nice! We went through the costumes quickly, and picked up our baggages. Then, we met our tour guide, Harriet, who was really nice and welcoming. We rode in two groups from the airport to our hotel. The hotel room is clean, and has a beautiful view. After we settled down, we had our first orientation meeting, Harriet explained our expectations and the trip for tomorrow. Next, we went to a fancy restaurant, Casa Nissa, we waited for a long time but the dishes were delicious, and we enjoyed hearing the performer singing. Our day ends here, and everyone went back to their room. Tomorrow, we are meeting at 9 am, we’re really looking forward to our next memory.

Helen

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