Post-Trip Reflection

It has now been 26 days since I arrived back in the states at JFK airport.  As expected, I had an amazing time in Europe with much thanks to the wonderful staff we had leading the way.  Chris, our instructor, Emily, our leader, and Hannah, our photographer, did unbelievable jobs explaining to us the significance of our destinations in the creation of  Western Civilization, keeping our schedules fun-filled and action-packed, and keeping photographic evidence of our trip.  They made sure that we had the best time; and, for myself, the best times were our trip to the Vatican City, the Acropolis, the Uffizi, and the Arch di Triomphe.  Chris did an excellent job of teaching us all about the history of various monuments and sites while we stood directly under them.  Constantly on the move, we were given the opportunity to learn about a multitude of locations while engrossing ourselves in the respective cultures at the same time.  Not only did we travel to four separate, major destinations, but we also took day-trips to Mycenae, Pompeii, Siena, Pisa, and Versailles.  Overall, I can say that there was nothing else that I would have rather done this summer!

Habui tempus magnum!
I had a great time!    

My Time in Paris

In Paris, the first thing that our group did was to go to Sainte Chapelle, a church commissioned by King Louis IX in 1239.  The church has become world-renown for its extensive collection of relics and stain glass interior.  The stain glass in this Capetian church depicts significant stories in the church's construction, as well as tales from the New Testament.

After Sainte Chapelle, we ate crepes at Sacre Coeur, and toured the famous church there.

The following day, we visited Notre Dame, which stands as one of Paris' first gothic churches.  Located directly in the center of Paris, Notre Dame is a sight to behold.  Our group climbed to the very top, and enjoyed a stunning view of the entire city and the Eiffel Tower.

That evening, we had a picnic at the Eiffel Tower.   The Eiffel Tower lit up at night was beautiful.

Next, it was time to tour the Museum d'Orsay.  The Museum d'Orsay had originally been a train station where soldiers returning from the war effort in World War II would stop, but had since been converted into a museum featuring some of the finest impressionist works today.  My favorite piece was Chrysanthemums by Claude Monet.  There also was a fine collection of Salon furniture.

Chrysanthemums by Claude Monet

Salon Furniture

After Museum d'Orsay, we all went to Napoleon's tomb.  While Napoleon did die on the island of St. Helena, his body was moved to his current resting location in his grand tomb.

The nest day, we took a day trip to the Palace of Versailles.  The Palace of Versailles was built by Louis XIV to serve as a private manor and vacation home for his nobles.  The so-called "Sun King" entertained the nobles, and, in return, received their unconditional support in practically all political endeavors.  At Versailles, we took a tour of the palace, as well as row boated across the pond in Louis XIV's remarkable backyard which was decorated with beautiful gardens. 

Louis XIV

The following day, we went to the Louvre Museum.  The Louvre Museum was so large and contained so much art that it seemed almost unfair to the other museums.  Among the highlights were Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, the Winged Nike of Samothrace, the Mona Lisa, and Hammurabi's Code.

Nike

Hammurabi's Code

Lady Liberty

Mona Lisa

On the last day, we visited the Museum Roden where the famous Thinker is on display.

Finally, after our farewell dinner at Pompidou, it was time to go.  My four incredible weeks abroad had come to its final conclusion.  Europe:

"Veni, vidi, vici."

I came, I saw, I conquered.