Page 28 - Priorities #68-Summer 2017

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While in three amazing cities of Europe, our Priory students had vivid language and cultural connections through which they were engaged to appreciate the new cultures, and put in practice their language skills in both Spanish and French. In Toledo, stu- dents witnessed one of the most impressive synagogues, a sym- bol of tolerance and respect for all three religions practiced in the city. Toledo is a medieval city with very interesting architecture, a majestic Cathedral and the House of El Greco. Our Spanish students analyzed his paintings.
In Madrid, the students saw impressive Easter processions, interacted with Spaniards during lunch times, had a Flamenco lesson, and attended a professional Flamenco event in the eve- ning. In addition they visited the main sights such as Prado, Pla- za Mayor, La Puerta del Sol, and the Reina Sofía Museum where Picasso’s paintings are exhibited. Of course, we had to include a visit to the Real Madrid stadium. Our students could not hide their emotions to be there.
In France, the students learned how to play Petanque in Luxembourg Garden, and after, they went through the Cha- teaux of Versailles, the Louvre, and all the monuments in Paris. They also toured the grounds on a bike ride. Students loved this, as it gave them a completely different perspective of Ver- sailles. In Paris, during our free time, we took the metro and got off in places such as Avenue of Champs Élysées, La Concorde and Champs de Mars.
We came to the Luxembourg Gardens and learned how to play “La Petanque.” We were all very competitive and it was very fun. And then we came to Versailles where we toured the gar- dens and were biking, and taking pictures. “It was the most amazing day!”
We got appreciation of Versailles and its magnificent gardens. This was not a tourist experience. It was a different type of journey since we were interacting with the locals, ordering food for ourselves, and living experiences that locals would on a regular basis.
- Konnor Von Emster ‘17
TRAVEL