Day 6- From Castles to Cops!!!

Today we went and visited Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg (castle). The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century. Over the years it has seen many owners and was excavated and refurbished in the early 1900s. I cannot explain how huge the castle was. Hopefully the pictures will do it justice.

After the castle, we visited a small village called Kayserburg. It was the village that our own Charles P. Murray helped to liberate and won the Medal of Honor while doing so. We met with the mayor's assistants and had snacks and drinks to celebrate the occasion.

Finally, the teachers went out to celebrate the birthdays of our own Ms. Kidwell and our French host Ms. Engels. All was well until I walked Mrs. Weaver to her car and then was questioned and searched by the French police. You guys have no idea how tight security is here in Strasbourg. The city shut down tonight at 8 and will not reopen until Saturday at 8pm. I certainly hope Mr. Obama feels safe!!! We will be going to see him tomorrow at 9:00 and here him speak at roughly 1:45. Please stay tuned to CNN and watch for us!!!

Day 5- When the Dust settles...the teachers still WIN!!!

Today was a very relaxed day for us. We met at the school to have athletic competitions. We were under the impression yesterday, that it was going to be the French students vs. the Americans. Today, however, we found out that it would be mixed teams in the the volleyball and climbing events. The students had a blast with the exception of one French-American team....THE TEACHERS!!! The teachers literally SCHOOLED the competition in volley ball, beating their opponents by embarrasing scores of 50-3, 48-7, and 39-6. The teachers were distruat though at the medal ceremonies (T-shirts and other gifts), when they recieved no awards and more importantly no mention of their dominance. Mr. Hager was content and informed his collegues that the kids would remember the beating they recieved from their teachers far longer than any t-shirt or hat could possibly last!!!!!!!! :)

Day Four- Merci God for Pharmacae!!!

Well let me first off say that I apologize for the shortness of yesterday's blog. I was full on sick again after a day of touring the school and city. I was in the same condition heading into 5:00 pm today, when I found a pharmacae. Luckily the lady was able to speak English and gave me some sinus decongestant. I am feeling better than I have since that moment. Today had three parts:

1. We went to a museum that focused on Strasbourg's constant state of change from French to German. The museum was laid out in a very interesting format. You got to see a timeline of the French/German struggle and then walk through a tour of what France was like during WWII. Talk about living history, I know the kids really enjoyed it.

2. Next we went to Struthof Concentration camp in France. I cannot explain the total feeling of somberness that comes over you to know that you are standing in a place where thousands of innocent lives were lost. The kids were very respectful and wrote reflections of their experiences. I've always considered those times to be humanity's darkest.

3. We attended a reception for our students at the school and exchanged gifts. The French teachers really liked the flag that we made them. After the students left we were guests for the school's administration and staff at a beautiful dinner. The food was incredible and a good time was had by.

Now let's all pray that Mr. Hager's new meds will allow him some much needed sleep.

Tre Dying

Today we toured the school and the city of Strasbourg. We also toured the cathedreal of Notre Dame (Strasbourg's Version). My health failed me yet again today, but hopefully I will get to feeling better.

France Day Two

I used today as a day to catch up with sleep!!! I had previously slept for maybe four of the last 60 hours (due to being sick), but now I am feeling better!!! We had lunch today of fresh sliced veggies dipped in a special sauce, salad, red-wine beef stew, and potatos. The meal was wonderful as the French put a lot of effort into their cooking. No frozen dinners or Oddles of Noodles here! Lunch is also the main meal of the day here.

The weather today was partly cloudy and about 60. We have a lovely forecast of sun and 60s-70s for the upcoming week. I can't remember if I mentioned in my last blog, but the French "Sprang Forward" last night so now we are six hours ahead of NC.

I will be watching the Heels tonight @ 11 pm. I do have cbs sportsline which allows me to watch the game in real time. Anyways, we start our adventures with our students tomorrow and we are all very excited about that. I posted some pics of Caroline's place so you can all see where I'm staying.

Day One

We made it to France. The kids seem excited, but we are all tired. I grabbed a quick nap then went to eat with our French host teachers. I am so glad that I have the ability to watch the NCAA Tournament also!!! Caroline has wirless internet!!! GO HEELS!!!

Bon Voyage!!!

Well, the day is finally here. We leave for France. I have come down with a virus, but I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I would PROBABLY make it??? He said worse case scenario was that my head might explode!!! Stay tuned for daily updates and pics from our adventure!!!