This spring break, after a year of preparations, Ms. Tate, Mrs. Zangre, and 23 CSHS continental colts set out on a journey of a lifetime. They explored the wonders of England, France, Switzerland, and Germany.
Last school year Ms. Tate had a wish to travel throughout Europe with her fellow Colts. In no time a trip crossing London, Paris, and the Alps was being advertised all around campus. Flyers were found in classrooms, hallways, and even inside bathroom stalls.
After eleven months and several pre-trip meetings departure day came by. However, it came with an anxious start. On Thursday, March 20th, the day before departure, London’s Heathrow Airport suffered a power outage making the airport shut down for the day and having to cancel all flights to London. This led to worries about the trip being canceled.
Luckily the Continental Colts were scheduled to arrive in London after the airport was set to re-open, giving them a sigh of relief. Without any issues, the Continental Colts set out for London on Friday night. The eight–hour flight was filled with excitement and very little sleep.
On Saturday at 11:00 am, the Continental Colts arrived in London ready to explore. They met their tour director Mike and set off to the city. Once in the city, Ms. Tate’s trust was tested as the travelers were given time to explore London’s Borough Market in separate small groups.
There the travelers were able to find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bakeries to choose from. It was a foodie’s heaven. Afterward, everyone met to head out to the London Eye- London’s biggest Ferris wheel. From there, we were able to see stunning views of the city.
To close off the first day in Europe travelers had a traditional London meal: Pie and Mash. Its taste was not compatible with most, but it was a learning experience for all.
During day two of London travelers were taken on a guided tour of London. They saw famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Elizabeth Tower (known as ‘Big Ben’), the tower bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
After the tour, travelers learned how to navigate through the Underground (London’s subway system) and set off in small groups to explore the city by themselves. Some choose to go to one of London’s free museums such as the British Museum and the Museum of Natural History, others choose to shop, and some choose to do both. It was safe to say that everyone had a blast.
Ending off day two in London travelers indulged in Thai cuisine for dinner. The meal was quite basic, leaving most of the travelers satisfied.
On day three travelers had an early start to their day as they traveled on the Eurostar train to Paris. The train took them from London crossing the English Channel underwater over to Paris.
Once in Paris the travelers spared no time and headed straight to the Louvre Museum. The Louvre is the museum with the famous glass pyramid and where the famous Mona Lisa painting is kept.
Travelers were given the day to explore the large museum and its surrounding gardens. Many were excited to be able to walk away with pictures of them and the Mona Lisa.
To end off the first day in Paris travelers were able to taste a very Parisian dinner called: flammkuchen. The dish resembled a flatbread pizza without tomato sauce and left the travelers with happy stomachs.
On day two in Paris travelers received a guided tour of the city where they were able to catch a glimpse of Parisian landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Later that day the travelers set off once again in small groups to explore the city individually.
After a whole lot of Paris shopping, the travelers navigated their way through the Metropolitan (Paris’ subway system) to get to dinner. Travelers explored new Parisian flavors with sauteed beef and potatoes. Overall, it was an interesting meal but received no complaints.
Day five was a long day for the travelers as they set out on a seven-hour journey from Paris to Lucerne, Switzerland. Apart from all the sightseeing, conversations, and sleeping, not much was done on the way to Switzerland.
Today’s dinner was just as relaxing as the day itself. Travelers ate curry with rice and salad. It was a very exotic meal for some, but no one had a big issue with it.
On the second day in Switzerland, travelers were able to explore the town of Lucerne and indulge in a more relaxed culture than that of Paris and London. Later they embarked on a cruise across Lake Lucerne, taking them to their next stop: the bottom of the Alps.
From there, the travelers took a small train up to the top of 5,900-foot Mt. Rigi. There they were able to play in the snow with each other and experience the cold mountain weather.
After coming down and back to Lucerne, travelers acquired more free time to explore before an exquisite dinner. On the menu for Switzerland Day, two was a penne pasta topped with tomato sauce and vegetables; a basic, yet savory meal.
The next day travelers said goodbye to Switzerland and headed out for Munich, Germany. However, on the way, travelers were surprised to find they would be visiting two more countries than they had anticipated.
Travelers were able to explore Vaduz in the microstate of Liechtenstein. Travelers were left fascinated with this small country and glad they had a chance to explore some of it.
Afterwards, they crossed into Austria where they were able to take a group photo commemorating their visit to the country.
Not long after they arrived in Munich. After a short stroll around the city dinner was waiting for them at a large seven-floor mall. After exploring the vast mall for a while, travelers experienced a Bavarian-style buffet packed with savory food. The group also got to sing Happy Birthday to one of their fellow travelers who turned eighteen that day, a core memory of the trip for sure.
Day two in Germany was unlike any of the previous days. The morning started with a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site outside of Munich. It was a very quiet and thought-provoking morning for the travelers as they went back in time to see the horrors of World War Two.
The day progressively became lighter as the travelers went into the city and explored the rich German culture in the center of Munich. Afterward, they sat down for their last dinner of the trip. They indulged in a very German meal: schnitzel. To many this cultural meal was indeed a chef’s kiss. It was a perfect way to end such a fun trip.
Sadly, the next day travelers had to say goodbye to Europe as they embarked from Germany to Paris and back home. It was a nice touch to catch of glimpse of France one last time before returning home.
Through all the walking, laughing, and bonding the travelers were able to connect and make new friendships all thanks to Ms. Tate and her team of chaperones. If you feel you missed out on such a fun trip catch Ms. Tate’s trip to Italy next spring break; it will be just as a blast as this trip.
