HELLO!!! I honestly have no clue why I just did that. (Maybe that's because I needed to say hi.)
Anyways, today I went to a castle that's basically in my backyard! Well, not exactly back, more of my side yard! Now I know I've wrote about this castle in the past, but as some of you may know, I didn't go inside of it. Let me just tell you, this experience, brought me to thinking about some of the brave solders who decided to take part in the deadly battle that was in this castle.
When I first set foot int the castle, I noticed that it was very small. Hmm. It doesn't look small from the outside. I asked our tour guide how one hundred solders fit into this tiny lobby-like room. He told me (in french) that people were smaller back in the 1500's. Afterwards, he took us to, THE DUNGEON!!!!!!!!! He let us look around, and then he started walking away. We quickly scrambled to catch up with him. He then brought us to one of the bedrooms of the soldiers. I noticed that there was a bathtub-like bowl. I asked my dad why that was in the bedroom instead of the restroom. "A tube that catches the rain from outside is attached to this," He replied. "That was what they drank from. Then, the leftovers went down this pipe, and into this underground well for storage." I then asked him why they needed to store water. "Because if there was a drought, they wouldn't run out of water. The Italians were outside the castle waiting for them to come out. But they've already had enough water to last years!" He explained. The kitchen even had enough food to last years!
Our last stop was the roof. I was amazed by the spectacular view of the harbor, and the city of Nice and the Villefranche Sur-Mer. The roof was made out of indestructible bricks! Not even a cannonball would shatter those bricks! That's why the the soldiers inside were safe. There were some cannons going straight through the wall so that they could fire at the Italians. I took a long look at the wall. I then noticed that the wall underneath it, was not brick. I went over to our tour guide and asked hime what the other wall was made of. "The wall is made out of layers of bricks, cement, and sand. This makes it completely indestructible! And it also results in 15 feet thick wall structure!" He replied in french. "Why is the top layer in brick though?" I questioned him. "It's to reinforce the structure from enemies that might attack the soldiers." So that's why!
So now, I have increased your knowledge about this castle I have been to many times before, and now, you can decide wether you could live in a castle for 5 years straight! Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Picture this… It’s 540 A.D., you live in Ravenna Italy, and the town you live is crawling with barbarians. However, a new emperor from the East comes to bring stability. 1,400 years ago, a church established by the Justinian Empire still remains there to this day! I went to that church today! This is my story. (Sorry I am a few days late on posting my blogL)
I inhaled the air in the large church as I took a step foreword into its dark chamber. My jaw about hit the ground as I saw the ginormous size of the room! One thing I noticed is that the ceiling was covered with pictures, but I also saw that the pictures had gaps in between each color change. I asked my dad what the gaps were, and he said that it was a mosaic picture. Then, I walked away as if I knew what mosaic meant. A few minutes after staring up at Jesus and the cross, I strolled up to my mom, and asked her what a mosaic was. She told me that mosaic is a picture, design, or pattern that has a couple of different color materials, such as tiles, or glass for example each about the size of a fingernail. That’s what the gaps were! I was amazed by the perimeter of the ceiling! How was it possible for the people 1,400 years ago, to make a mosaic picture this big?
After we left the church, we decided to visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. I couldn’t take it in that little room! It was so small, and stuffed with people, I couldn’t breath! That figures that the church is one of the biggest rooms I’ve ever seen, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia right next to it, was one of the smallest things I’ve ever seen! Anyhow, what I did notice when I was in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, is that all the windows, were covered with a thin layer with marble. Red marble! That’s why the room was half red! I knew there was a picture of something underneath the window, but someone’s head was in the way, so I couldn’t see. It was pretty dark in there, and I could see something made out of concrete. “Wait, that almost looks like a- OH NO!!! IT IS!!!! IT’S A TOMBSTONE!!!!” I screamed in my head. “D-D-DAD.” I stammered. “W-W-Why are there tombstones in here?” “Because there are some very important people in those tombs.” I gasped. I got out of there as fast as I could to see about 50 more unburied tombstones outside! And guess what? ONE OF THEM WAS OPEN!!!! Do I dare? I thought to myself. Yes! Do it to prove to yourself that you are brave! I tiptoed up to the tomb, and peeked over the edge. I expected to see bones, but I saw moss, and weeds instead. I was relived. I thought that I would see a real dead body!
So now you know some of the history about the old church, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. So you’d better hurry, the tombstones are waiting for you!
COMMENT CORNER:
KATIE: hi i miss u and i was always wondering how perfume was made so thank u sooooooooooo much love,katie p.s. i miss u sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much.
MY RESPONSE: HI KAT!!!!!!!!!!!! (my computer said "kat" is wrong. i don't think it speaks "kid") lol!!!!!!!!!! i miss you a lot!!!!!!!!! And can't wait to see you!!!!!!!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Perfume Factory?
Did I actually go to one of the first perfume factories ever made? I think so! Today, I will tell you about my amazing day at the perfume factory!
Okay, one thing is, never use too much perfume. Why? Because perfume has aluminum in it, and too much aluminum can be poisonous. You might be thinking, Perfume has aluminum foil in it?! Well if you thought that, you thought wrong! The kind of aluminum I'm talking about, is a special kind of aluminum, found in the center of the earth! Now you may be wondering, Well, if aluminum is so bad for you, then why to perfume makers put it in the perfume? Sorry to break this to you, but they unfortunately don't have a choice. :( I'm still confused!! You may be complaining to yourself. You ask a lot of questions! (That's not a bad thing!) Anyways, the answer to why these good smelling liquid creators don't have a choose, is because aluminum grows in the ground, (like I said before) And it isn't too far from the surface, so when plants grow, guess what grows up inside the stem? When the perfume makers pick the flowers to use in the perfume, they are also picking the aluminum which is also in the flowers buds!
An old method of making perfume, takes us back all the way in to the 1900s! Fasten your seat belts! We are going back in time!!! (Back in time noises)
Now this method of making perfume, is very odd! You take this glass plate that you can get from any local store, and then you get some animal fat, (Don't ask me where to get that!) heat up the fat, then place on the plate, next take about ten flowers, and mold into the fat. Leave that to set for about two years. (Seriously!!!)
Our next method is still used today! Now look at this big bin that is about 9 feet tall, and the exact same one next to it! One of these bins have a big net inside it from one end to the other. Why? Because the flowers go on that net! Then, underneath that net, FIRE!!! You heat the flowers, and the smell of them, goes through that big tube at the top of each bin, and then, once in the other bin, (which has water inside it instead of fire and a net) the smell soaks into the water, and becomes perfume!
Unfortunately, our journey back in time has to end. Please buckle your seat belts to retune home. (VROOOOOMM)
Okay, I am glad you enjoyed our little journey! I hope you can join us next time! (Sorry for no pictures!)
COMMENT CORNER
Mrs Brink- Wow! Maddy, you are one lucky girl to be learning in two different places. I would love to see a picture of your house there. It sounds like you are doing well. When will you be back in the states? How was your sister's wedding??? I bet it was pretty!!!!! Have you been very busy? Tell me about your visit with Nora and her family..:) We miss you!!!
My Response- Hi Mrs. Brink!!! I'll put some pictures of my house on on my next blog! I couldn't
this time because I couldn't find the cord to connect my camera to the computer! I will be probably be back a bit earlier than expected, on account of my dad's work, he is having some major problems, and some meetings that he can't miss. My sister's wedding was beautiful!!! I loved my dress, even if it was too short! I have been very busy, and everyday, I have a list of new activities planned! Nora was a blast, and a very polite friend to have over! We loved having them over! It was a charm!!! We miss all of you, and i plan to return to Willis to say "Hello" sometime soon!
Okay, one thing is, never use too much perfume. Why? Because perfume has aluminum in it, and too much aluminum can be poisonous. You might be thinking, Perfume has aluminum foil in it?! Well if you thought that, you thought wrong! The kind of aluminum I'm talking about, is a special kind of aluminum, found in the center of the earth! Now you may be wondering, Well, if aluminum is so bad for you, then why to perfume makers put it in the perfume? Sorry to break this to you, but they unfortunately don't have a choice. :( I'm still confused!! You may be complaining to yourself. You ask a lot of questions! (That's not a bad thing!) Anyways, the answer to why these good smelling liquid creators don't have a choose, is because aluminum grows in the ground, (like I said before) And it isn't too far from the surface, so when plants grow, guess what grows up inside the stem? When the perfume makers pick the flowers to use in the perfume, they are also picking the aluminum which is also in the flowers buds!
An old method of making perfume, takes us back all the way in to the 1900s! Fasten your seat belts! We are going back in time!!! (Back in time noises)
Now this method of making perfume, is very odd! You take this glass plate that you can get from any local store, and then you get some animal fat, (Don't ask me where to get that!) heat up the fat, then place on the plate, next take about ten flowers, and mold into the fat. Leave that to set for about two years. (Seriously!!!)
Our next method is still used today! Now look at this big bin that is about 9 feet tall, and the exact same one next to it! One of these bins have a big net inside it from one end to the other. Why? Because the flowers go on that net! Then, underneath that net, FIRE!!! You heat the flowers, and the smell of them, goes through that big tube at the top of each bin, and then, once in the other bin, (which has water inside it instead of fire and a net) the smell soaks into the water, and becomes perfume!
Unfortunately, our journey back in time has to end. Please buckle your seat belts to retune home. (VROOOOOMM)
Okay, I am glad you enjoyed our little journey! I hope you can join us next time! (Sorry for no pictures!)
COMMENT CORNER
Mrs Brink- Wow! Maddy, you are one lucky girl to be learning in two different places. I would love to see a picture of your house there. It sounds like you are doing well. When will you be back in the states? How was your sister's wedding??? I bet it was pretty!!!!! Have you been very busy? Tell me about your visit with Nora and her family..:) We miss you!!!
My Response- Hi Mrs. Brink!!! I'll put some pictures of my house on on my next blog! I couldn't
this time because I couldn't find the cord to connect my camera to the computer! I will be probably be back a bit earlier than expected, on account of my dad's work, he is having some major problems, and some meetings that he can't miss. My sister's wedding was beautiful!!! I loved my dress, even if it was too short! I have been very busy, and everyday, I have a list of new activities planned! Nora was a blast, and a very polite friend to have over! We loved having them over! It was a charm!!! We miss all of you, and i plan to return to Willis to say "Hello" sometime soon!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
This week I started school, and it wasn't that bad! Initially, I was dreading my first week.
Since I only have a half day everyday, I sometime go to lunch in Nice, with my friend Sabine. (See her goofy face below?)
By the 3rd day of school, the homework started to rise up like a witch's brew about to overflow. And with that overflowing brew, my schedule began to change. On fridays, instead of Art, Math, and English, I now have Spanish, Math, and French, and on Mondays, instead of Math, Technology, and English, I now have French, English, French! Most of the people in France worry about learning English, but I'm worrying about French and Spanish! Schedule changes and internet blackouts are typical French obstacles.....But life must go on!
The bottom line is that I made it through the first week and now I feel as if I can conquer all things...at least as far as I know!
When I saw the big red school bus coming, I prayed for it to just hit me so I wouldn't have to go. But unfortunately, it was only a few feet away from the curb. :( I held my breath, and tried to fight back painful tears which stung my eyes. My mom and dad kissed me goodbye as the bus pulled up to the stop. I twirled my hair on my finger, and walked through the isle, and hoped I'd see some of my old friends from last year. I sighed. I didn't know anybody. I took a seat in the back of the bus, and it slowly moved foreword. I watched my parents until they became little itty bitty specks. What if I don't know anybody? I thought to myself. As if I don't stick out enough going only 3hours a day! Yes, you heard me, 3 hours of school. When everyone goes to lunch, I go home, so when everyone is leaving the room to go lunch, I am leaving with my backpack. Everyone stares, and points at me, but I don't know why.
The first time I stepped into my school building, I thought, Oh my god! I can't do this! You just lost it Maddy! But I knew that I had to be strong. So I walked up the stairs, knowing no one, until, I walked into room 14G (my classroom) and what a surprise! I knew just about everyone there! My friends greeted me with joy, and I told them all about the bus, and not seeing them, and how I had wanted to get hit by it! And they said how they had felt the exact same way with their busses! They had said they were taking the bus, just not which bus! Who knew? My day didn't go as bad as I thought it would!
Since I only have a half day everyday, I sometime go to lunch in Nice, with my friend Sabine. (See her goofy face below?)
By the 3rd day of school, the homework started to rise up like a witch's brew about to overflow. And with that overflowing brew, my schedule began to change. On fridays, instead of Art, Math, and English, I now have Spanish, Math, and French, and on Mondays, instead of Math, Technology, and English, I now have French, English, French! Most of the people in France worry about learning English, but I'm worrying about French and Spanish! Schedule changes and internet blackouts are typical French obstacles.....But life must go on!
The bottom line is that I made it through the first week and now I feel as if I can conquer all things...at least as far as I know!
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| Me and my dog at the "local castle" behind my house! I finally got some time off of school to hike up into the mountains! |
Sunday, September 11, 2011
My celebration of starting college!
I screamed and laughed as I jumped off the rocky cliff, about 15 feet above the sea. Everyone who had done this high dive had said it would be a super fun jump! I trusted them, and soon enough, experienced it for myself! Whoa whoa whoa, I think I've gone too far ahead of myself! Let me just begin by saying, that this is my 7th day here in Ville-Franche, France, and tomorrow I start "college"!
College is what they call the middle school here...awkward.... Anyways, school here is much different than school back home where you guys are, for one thing, it's all in french. There are so many differences that I can't even fit them on this page! So you get the point, it will be a really hard day for me tomorrow, and so my parents promised to take me to the beach today! :) So that's what leads to the cliff diving! When we got on the train, we noticed that it was packed! We couldn't even get a seat. We had to stand half of the way there, and fortunately we got a seat half way to the beach! The beach we were going to is called Cap D' Ail. (The L is silent)
College is what they call the middle school here...awkward.... Anyways, school here is much different than school back home where you guys are, for one thing, it's all in french. There are so many differences that I can't even fit them on this page! So you get the point, it will be a really hard day for me tomorrow, and so my parents promised to take me to the beach today! :) So that's what leads to the cliff diving! When we got on the train, we noticed that it was packed! We couldn't even get a seat. We had to stand half of the way there, and fortunately we got a seat half way to the beach! The beach we were going to is called Cap D' Ail. (The L is silent)
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| Cap D' Ail Train Station |
Cap D' Ail is one of my favorite beaches in France because of the clearness of the water, the fine restaurants, and the breathtaking beauty! The area is extremely popular and my dad reserved a spot for us the day before so that we could lounge and swim. After lunch, we decided to take a 4 mile swim, out to a cave to go cliff diving! I was so exited, I just couldn't help running straight into the water! I knew that it would take a little while to get everyone into the water, so I gave them five minutes before
I bulleted off towards the rocky cave walls. It took us about 1 hour to swim all the way there. (Blame it on the beautiful scenery underwater, we just couldn't help exploring the ocean beauty!) But when we got about half way into the deep cave, I realized that the water had turned black. I went to my dad to ask him why it had changed colors. He told me that it was because we were above a HUGE black rock! I thought that was pretty amazing, so I was no longer worried about it. I kept swimming until I found a rock on top of the black one, I stood on top of that one, and gazed at the stunning cave. We stayed there for about ten minutes, before we started swimming out farther to cliff dive. When I saw the size of the cliff, I got really dizzy. No way I can jump this! I thought. But my family had already made a line behind me. So that meant no turning back! My dad was down at the bottom giving me directions. "Okay! I want you to Jump as far out as you can! DO NOT jump close to the rocks!" His words scared me! What if I jumped to close to the rocks? What if I tripped and was laughed at as I dangled from the sharp boulders? There was only one way to find out what would happen.
I bulleted off towards the rocky cave walls. It took us about 1 hour to swim all the way there. (Blame it on the beautiful scenery underwater, we just couldn't help exploring the ocean beauty!) But when we got about half way into the deep cave, I realized that the water had turned black. I went to my dad to ask him why it had changed colors. He told me that it was because we were above a HUGE black rock! I thought that was pretty amazing, so I was no longer worried about it. I kept swimming until I found a rock on top of the black one, I stood on top of that one, and gazed at the stunning cave. We stayed there for about ten minutes, before we started swimming out farther to cliff dive. When I saw the size of the cliff, I got really dizzy. No way I can jump this! I thought. But my family had already made a line behind me. So that meant no turning back! My dad was down at the bottom giving me directions. "Okay! I want you to Jump as far out as you can! DO NOT jump close to the rocks!" His words scared me! What if I jumped to close to the rocks? What if I tripped and was laughed at as I dangled from the sharp boulders? There was only one way to find out what would happen.
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| The cliff we dove from :) |
I decided that it was all worth it in the end and took the plunge! Not too long after a long swim back, we had to head back to shore.
The walk home from the train station was so long, that I jumped straight into the pool when I got home! It's not very often that I get to go to the beach in Cap D' Ail, so it was a perfect way to celebrate starting college! The pictures below show some of the fun times we had today! Au revoir!
The walk home from the train station was so long, that I jumped straight into the pool when I got home! It's not very often that I get to go to the beach in Cap D' Ail, so it was a perfect way to celebrate starting college! The pictures below show some of the fun times we had today! Au revoir!
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Castle In My Back Yard
Blog #8
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin and 5th Grade Class:
One of the neatest things about living at my house in France is that there is a real castle in my back yard. Yes, one that is super old, with a real drawbridge and a huge moat. It is called The Citadel and I can see it every time I look out my living room window.
Our town of Villefranche Sur Mer is really old. It was a fishing village back over 2000 years ago when the Greeks were around but we were officially founded by Charles II in 1295 because pirates were attacking the town. Then in 1557, when we were part of Italy, the Duke of Savoy built the Citadel to protect our town from the Turkish army. It is beautiful castle and it is almost "on" the water and to this day it looks like it still owns the town.
It is so cool to look at this nearly 453 year old castle. It has a moat around it which is so deep that now it has been turned into a parking lot. It even has a working draw bridge that you can walk over. The fortress is now used for the mayor's office and inside has 5 museums that you can visit. And in the summer it has an open air theatre where we watch movies.
My favorite part is the top of the moat since it has the best view of the town. It even has real cannons up there. (I can just imagine what it must have looked like with 50 feet of water inside) Soldiers once walked where I am walking now centuries ago. And for you movie fans, this is also where James Bond had an awesome motorcycle chase scene in "Never Say Never Again."
I hope some day I can take you all on a tour of our castle. I also am finishing my last blog for the year.
Thank-you so much for reading along with me for the past 2 months and thanks so much for all your awesome comments. See you next week in person.
Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
Thanks again for this weeks great comments. It is so cool that my present and past teachers never let me down. I can't thank you enough for keeping me close.
Mrs. Tomlin: It is so cool you have family from Germany. There is a rumor going around that they are even more formal than we are. That is crazy that they have only celebrated Halloween for about 5 years. At least they have started now but I am happy I don't have to sing to get my candy. :-)
Thanks agin Mrs. Tomlin for staying with me every week. I have been a bit homesick and you have really helped. See you next week!!
Katie: Hi Kat. I loved being on Facebook with you last night. Plus it was great talking on the phone. It sounded like you were right down the street just like at home. It would be great if you and your family could come and visit us sometime. I know you would love it here.
Mrs. Santello: I will definitely show you my Italian Silly Bands when I get back. They are called Shocky Bands here and are a bit different than the U.S. ones. But no, there is none of the Leaning Tower of Pisa but here is a picture of it because my parents were there last week. Thanks so much for staying in contact with me. You are such a special person. See you next week.
Mrs. Brink. Hi Mrs. Brink. I do have some great stories for all of you. Today when I was writing my blog I was really home sick. I really miss all of you so much. I am doing my home work every week but I can't wait to come home and do it with you. Thanks so much for writing each week. It was so great to meet your son. See you next week. Can't wait.
-Maddy
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin and 5th Grade Class:
One of the neatest things about living at my house in France is that there is a real castle in my back yard. Yes, one that is super old, with a real drawbridge and a huge moat. It is called The Citadel and I can see it every time I look out my living room window.
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| Our Castle On The Sea |
Our town of Villefranche Sur Mer is really old. It was a fishing village back over 2000 years ago when the Greeks were around but we were officially founded by Charles II in 1295 because pirates were attacking the town. Then in 1557, when we were part of Italy, the Duke of Savoy built the Citadel to protect our town from the Turkish army. It is beautiful castle and it is almost "on" the water and to this day it looks like it still owns the town.
 |
| The Castle's View of The Sea |
It is so cool to look at this nearly 453 year old castle. It has a moat around it which is so deep that now it has been turned into a parking lot. It even has a working draw bridge that you can walk over. The fortress is now used for the mayor's office and inside has 5 museums that you can visit. And in the summer it has an open air theatre where we watch movies.
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| The Real Drawbridge |
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| Me On Top Of The Moat |
My favorite part is the top of the moat since it has the best view of the town. It even has real cannons up there. (I can just imagine what it must have looked like with 50 feet of water inside) Soldiers once walked where I am walking now centuries ago. And for you movie fans, this is also where James Bond had an awesome motorcycle chase scene in "Never Say Never Again."
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| The Moat Is Now A Parking Lot |
I hope some day I can take you all on a tour of our castle. I also am finishing my last blog for the year.
Thank-you so much for reading along with me for the past 2 months and thanks so much for all your awesome comments. See you next week in person.
Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
Thanks again for this weeks great comments. It is so cool that my present and past teachers never let me down. I can't thank you enough for keeping me close.
Mrs. Tomlin: It is so cool you have family from Germany. There is a rumor going around that they are even more formal than we are. That is crazy that they have only celebrated Halloween for about 5 years. At least they have started now but I am happy I don't have to sing to get my candy. :-)
Thanks agin Mrs. Tomlin for staying with me every week. I have been a bit homesick and you have really helped. See you next week!!
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| Our School Halloween Play |
Katie: Hi Kat. I loved being on Facebook with you last night. Plus it was great talking on the phone. It sounded like you were right down the street just like at home. It would be great if you and your family could come and visit us sometime. I know you would love it here.
Mrs. Santello: I will definitely show you my Italian Silly Bands when I get back. They are called Shocky Bands here and are a bit different than the U.S. ones. But no, there is none of the Leaning Tower of Pisa but here is a picture of it because my parents were there last week. Thanks so much for staying in contact with me. You are such a special person. See you next week.
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| My Mom and Dad at The Leaning Tower of Pisa |
Mrs. Brink. Hi Mrs. Brink. I do have some great stories for all of you. Today when I was writing my blog I was really home sick. I really miss all of you so much. I am doing my home work every week but I can't wait to come home and do it with you. Thanks so much for writing each week. It was so great to meet your son. See you next week. Can't wait.
-Maddy
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Personal Blog (A Little About My Life Here In France)
Blog #7
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin, and 5th Grade Class:
Hi Guys, Maddy here in France for my 7th week.
Every year I try to post a personal blog about some of my daily things I do here in France. And as some of you know I haven't done this in a while so here I go. (Hopefully it's not too boring)
#1 Silly Bands
It's official. I now have 700 Silly Bands. It's funny but they are just becoming popular here. You can't even buy them yet in France so my mom and dad found them when they went to Italy. (Which is only a 26 minute train ride from our house. Pretty neat to go to Italy for lunch) I will try to bring some Italien SB's back for all of you when I get home. I tried to put them all on my wrist for this picture but they cut off my circulation.
#2 My School Life
Did you know that schools here just teach the basic subjects? No specials such as art and music and gym. Since we have off all day on Wednesday that is when most of the kids have the time for the things they like. (Not for me though, because I have to spend all day Wednesday doing Mrs. Brink's homework) They don't even have equipment on the playground for recess. But we did practice some gymnastics yesterday It was great fun and a big surprise for everyone!
We also have a class clown named Mendrick. He sits just in front of the window and plays a really mean prank on our teacher. And she doesn't even know it. He takes his clear ruler and since he is by the window, he makes the sun shine through his ruler and then makes it glare all over the room....even on the teacher's back when she is not looking. It is really too mean for me.
3# You Tube
I have been making a lot of movies here and my You Tube account is getting more and more popular because I am here in France. The most popular video is when my friend Manon and I are swimming in our piscine (swimming pool). It is sort of silly but if you want to see them you can go to You Tube and check out my site which is wowrandonmaddy.
#4 My French Friends
I have made a lot of very nice friends here in France. Most of them do not speak any English so it is sometimes hard to play the same way we play in Florida. One of my friends is named Emma and she came over to my house yesterday. She is really cute and has brown eyes and brown hair. Here is her picture.
Most of the time we either swim, make movies or play in our vineyard because I have a secret club house down in the grapes. I will surely miss all of them since I don't get to see them for 8 months.
#5 Halloween
You might not believe this but here in France they are just beginning to celebrate Halloween. I guess I never knew it was just an Amercian holiday. They don't even go Trick or Treating. I feel so bad for them. Not because I love candy so much, but it is so fun to get dressed up in our costumes and get together as friends. One funny thing is that are actually having a Halloween play this year at school. And I got the LEAD role!!!!
(I think that's because I got down on all fours and begged the teacher) It is called "The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything." We are all dressing up and performing it in front of our parents and the entire school. Here is the information.
I hope these stories and pictures help you to find out more about my what my life is like here in France.
It is really pretty cool and I would love you to all come and visit.
Next weeek will be my last blog on a Castle in My Front Yard. Yes a real middle age castle.
And then I am HOME!!!!!!! Can't wait.
Blog to you later. Ha Ha.
Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
You guys are crazy? 18 comments. If I get 10 or more comments next week you will have the record number of any comments I have ever had.
Amazing.
Thanks so much for the time you have taken to write.
I really LOVE reading them and it keeps me close to all of you.
Katie: First again Kat. You must be very ready for my blog. I think I am going to be a devil for Halloween. And you don't look like either of your dogs. You are way too cute. Thanks so much Kat.
See you in 13 days.
Mrs. Brink: Yes they do treat their dogs like kings and queens. And yes I think that Francisco and I might have some things in common. But I don't think I would be good at teaching French.
I miss you so much too. See you in 2 weeks!!!!
Olivia: Hey Livi: Ha ha. Soooooooo LOL Z! Actually I do take breaks picking the grapes and someone else takes my clippers. Sometimes I miss you so much I think I won't be back for a long time but really it is only 13 days. So back before you know it! LOL Z=D
Peyton: Do you really look like your dog Aspen? I would love to see a picture. I should have bought a dog that looks like me but on the other hand I love my dog. Maybe you and I can bring our dogs to school at Willis one day?
Maggie: Hi Maggie. The man and his dog does look alike. Almost like identical twins. Yuck. And yes it was a nightmare about Princess Grace. She was such a wonderful person.
Christopher: A Spanish speaking penguin? Now that would be a trick! I actually took that picture of the man and his dog myself. My mom showed me the guy so I took out my camera and got the snapshot.
Michelle: Yes I liked that picture too. I actually took the picture myself. The second I saw him I burst out laughing and I almost missed the shot. Can't wait to see you too.
Nora: Yes I laughed so hard when I saw it in person. Do you know that a lot of French Poodles here actually look like the French girls here? And yes the bread is super good here. It is one of the things I miss the most about France when I am in Florida. See you soon Nora.
Tori: Hey Tori! I hope Mrs. Brink doesn't change our seats. It should be fun sitting next to all of you. Sweet. And I am so jealous of you and the party you are having. I am sure you all deserved it for all your hard work. Hopefully we can get another one soon.
Sarah: Hi Sarah. Great to hear from you again. Yes the man and his dog are strangely similar. Sort of freaky. The ice cream here is really good so maybe they were going there. We have a place for ice cream called Fenochios which has 100 flavors! Really.
Vince: Hi Vince. I do like that picture too. I am actually having the best year ever here but I am also the most home sick too. I can't wait to see you in 13 days. Happy Halloween.
Xavier: Hey Xavier. Did you know I just had lunch with my friend here and his name is also Xavier? Pretty cool. (But they pronounce it here VERY different even though it is spelled the same) And no, the food is still horrible. I can't wait to have lunch in the Willis lunchroom.
Cara: Hi Cara. School is OK but I wish I was having the party with all of you. I really do miss you too Cara. Plus I am sure your cookie cake will be awesome! Save me a piece please!!!!
Adrian: Hi Adrian. Actually I hope I don't look like my dogs and I don't think I want to. Maybe when I am older as they both have white hair. And yes I did climb the Eiffel Tower. The view was amazing. Paris is such a cool city. I am sure you will think so too.
Sydney: Hi Sydney. I really wish you could come here too. Actually I can only bring my dog to the outside of the school but they don't really like them in the class. But all the shops for sure. It is really fun at restaurants because they get their own dish of water. See you soon.
Kyle: Hi Kyle: Yes its really not a law that you have to look like your dogs but it seems so true here. Did you know that when I was younger I got to swim and ride some dolphins? They are my favorite animal. My dad said we get to go to Busch Gardens when I get back to ride some roller-coasters but I am a little scared. But I will do it anyway because I don't want anyone to think I am a whimp! See you soon Kyle.
Michael: I will be back for Halloween night but not for the party. :-( That makes me very sad.. Pixie sounds cool. Be sure to take pictures of your Sumo costume as I would love to see it. Take care Michael.
Kylee: Hi Kylee: Yes it is true that banks don't have money. Maybe a little but most of them don't. People use teller machines to get cash and even to get into a bank you have to go in one at a time through a double guarded glass door. I think the French are a bit scared of robbers. I miss you so much too. 13 days!
Thanks again for the awesome comments.
Next week is my last blog so see you then.
Maddy from France
Out
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin, and 5th Grade Class:
Hi Guys, Maddy here in France for my 7th week.
Every year I try to post a personal blog about some of my daily things I do here in France. And as some of you know I haven't done this in a while so here I go. (Hopefully it's not too boring)
#1 Silly Bands
It's official. I now have 700 Silly Bands. It's funny but they are just becoming popular here. You can't even buy them yet in France so my mom and dad found them when they went to Italy. (Which is only a 26 minute train ride from our house. Pretty neat to go to Italy for lunch) I will try to bring some Italien SB's back for all of you when I get home. I tried to put them all on my wrist for this picture but they cut off my circulation.
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| Over 700 Silly Bands |
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| The Bands are Killing My Arm |
#2 My School Life
Did you know that schools here just teach the basic subjects? No specials such as art and music and gym. Since we have off all day on Wednesday that is when most of the kids have the time for the things they like. (Not for me though, because I have to spend all day Wednesday doing Mrs. Brink's homework) They don't even have equipment on the playground for recess. But we did practice some gymnastics yesterday It was great fun and a big surprise for everyone!
We also have a class clown named Mendrick. He sits just in front of the window and plays a really mean prank on our teacher. And she doesn't even know it. He takes his clear ruler and since he is by the window, he makes the sun shine through his ruler and then makes it glare all over the room....even on the teacher's back when she is not looking. It is really too mean for me.
3# You Tube
I have been making a lot of movies here and my You Tube account is getting more and more popular because I am here in France. The most popular video is when my friend Manon and I are swimming in our piscine (swimming pool). It is sort of silly but if you want to see them you can go to You Tube and check out my site which is wowrandonmaddy.
#4 My French Friends
I have made a lot of very nice friends here in France. Most of them do not speak any English so it is sometimes hard to play the same way we play in Florida. One of my friends is named Emma and she came over to my house yesterday. She is really cute and has brown eyes and brown hair. Here is her picture.
Most of the time we either swim, make movies or play in our vineyard because I have a secret club house down in the grapes. I will surely miss all of them since I don't get to see them for 8 months.
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| Emma and Me by our Pool |
#5 Halloween
You might not believe this but here in France they are just beginning to celebrate Halloween. I guess I never knew it was just an Amercian holiday. They don't even go Trick or Treating. I feel so bad for them. Not because I love candy so much, but it is so fun to get dressed up in our costumes and get together as friends. One funny thing is that are actually having a Halloween play this year at school. And I got the LEAD role!!!!
(I think that's because I got down on all fours and begged the teacher) It is called "The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything." We are all dressing up and performing it in front of our parents and the entire school. Here is the information.
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| My Halloween Party Invitation |
I hope these stories and pictures help you to find out more about my what my life is like here in France.
It is really pretty cool and I would love you to all come and visit.
Next weeek will be my last blog on a Castle in My Front Yard. Yes a real middle age castle.
And then I am HOME!!!!!!! Can't wait.
Blog to you later. Ha Ha.
Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
You guys are crazy? 18 comments. If I get 10 or more comments next week you will have the record number of any comments I have ever had.
Amazing.
Thanks so much for the time you have taken to write.
I really LOVE reading them and it keeps me close to all of you.
Katie: First again Kat. You must be very ready for my blog. I think I am going to be a devil for Halloween. And you don't look like either of your dogs. You are way too cute. Thanks so much Kat.
See you in 13 days.
Mrs. Brink: Yes they do treat their dogs like kings and queens. And yes I think that Francisco and I might have some things in common. But I don't think I would be good at teaching French.
I miss you so much too. See you in 2 weeks!!!!
Olivia: Hey Livi: Ha ha. Soooooooo LOL Z! Actually I do take breaks picking the grapes and someone else takes my clippers. Sometimes I miss you so much I think I won't be back for a long time but really it is only 13 days. So back before you know it! LOL Z=D
Peyton: Do you really look like your dog Aspen? I would love to see a picture. I should have bought a dog that looks like me but on the other hand I love my dog. Maybe you and I can bring our dogs to school at Willis one day?
Maggie: Hi Maggie. The man and his dog does look alike. Almost like identical twins. Yuck. And yes it was a nightmare about Princess Grace. She was such a wonderful person.
Christopher: A Spanish speaking penguin? Now that would be a trick! I actually took that picture of the man and his dog myself. My mom showed me the guy so I took out my camera and got the snapshot.
Michelle: Yes I liked that picture too. I actually took the picture myself. The second I saw him I burst out laughing and I almost missed the shot. Can't wait to see you too.
Nora: Yes I laughed so hard when I saw it in person. Do you know that a lot of French Poodles here actually look like the French girls here? And yes the bread is super good here. It is one of the things I miss the most about France when I am in Florida. See you soon Nora.
Tori: Hey Tori! I hope Mrs. Brink doesn't change our seats. It should be fun sitting next to all of you. Sweet. And I am so jealous of you and the party you are having. I am sure you all deserved it for all your hard work. Hopefully we can get another one soon.
Sarah: Hi Sarah. Great to hear from you again. Yes the man and his dog are strangely similar. Sort of freaky. The ice cream here is really good so maybe they were going there. We have a place for ice cream called Fenochios which has 100 flavors! Really.
Vince: Hi Vince. I do like that picture too. I am actually having the best year ever here but I am also the most home sick too. I can't wait to see you in 13 days. Happy Halloween.
Xavier: Hey Xavier. Did you know I just had lunch with my friend here and his name is also Xavier? Pretty cool. (But they pronounce it here VERY different even though it is spelled the same) And no, the food is still horrible. I can't wait to have lunch in the Willis lunchroom.
Cara: Hi Cara. School is OK but I wish I was having the party with all of you. I really do miss you too Cara. Plus I am sure your cookie cake will be awesome! Save me a piece please!!!!
Adrian: Hi Adrian. Actually I hope I don't look like my dogs and I don't think I want to. Maybe when I am older as they both have white hair. And yes I did climb the Eiffel Tower. The view was amazing. Paris is such a cool city. I am sure you will think so too.
Sydney: Hi Sydney. I really wish you could come here too. Actually I can only bring my dog to the outside of the school but they don't really like them in the class. But all the shops for sure. It is really fun at restaurants because they get their own dish of water. See you soon.
Kyle: Hi Kyle: Yes its really not a law that you have to look like your dogs but it seems so true here. Did you know that when I was younger I got to swim and ride some dolphins? They are my favorite animal. My dad said we get to go to Busch Gardens when I get back to ride some roller-coasters but I am a little scared. But I will do it anyway because I don't want anyone to think I am a whimp! See you soon Kyle.
Michael: I will be back for Halloween night but not for the party. :-( That makes me very sad.. Pixie sounds cool. Be sure to take pictures of your Sumo costume as I would love to see it. Take care Michael.
Kylee: Hi Kylee: Yes it is true that banks don't have money. Maybe a little but most of them don't. People use teller machines to get cash and even to get into a bank you have to go in one at a time through a double guarded glass door. I think the French are a bit scared of robbers. I miss you so much too. 13 days!
Thanks again for the awesome comments.
Next week is my last blog so see you then.
Maddy from France
Out
Sunday, October 10, 2010
You Would Not Believe Some Of The Laws In France
Blog #6
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin and 5th Grade Class:
Maddy here in France again with some of the strangest laws I have ever heard of. As I mentioned last week, there are so many weird ones I might not be able to remember all of them but I'll try to give you a few.
Law #1: There has to be a boulangerie (bakery) open every day of the year in every village. Really. The French people have to have their fresh bread every day. So every bakery has to talk with the other bakeries to plan day's off and vacations. Can you imagine a law like this in the States where McDonalds has to talk with Burger King to make sure we can get a cheeseburger every day? Weird.
Law #2: The radio stations have to play at least 50% French music every hour. I guess the French love American music so much that they have to make sure they play French songs on the radio. It is so funny to hear my friends sing American songs in English when they have no idea what the words mean. I just have to laugh.
Law #3: Dogs can go ANYWHERE! Yes its true but it is kind of a fun law. I love taking my dogs to restaurants, shopping and even to school. They even get served their water first at restaurants even before humans get their drinks. Really.
Law #4: Everyone here has the right to go on strike....and they do. It has happened 3 times since we have been here this trip. All the bus drivers, trains, airplanes, police, teachers and more jobs all at the same time. The entire country shuts down. And they are planning another one next week on the 15th. Sounds good about the teachers so maybe we could get a day off, but my teachers never strike. My bad luck.
Law #5: You want to hear a funny law? Banks are not allowed to have money. Really. If you want to cash a check or get money from your account you have to go to le Poste (the Post Office). When my Dad needs some money, he has to send a fax to the banks 3 days in advance so they can order money. At least the post office still handles the mail but it takes a lot of time as the lines are always really long.
Law #6: Everyone has the right to the coastline. Ever since the French Revolution, it is illegal to block the coast from the public. It is sort of a cool law because the coast is great and even if there is a restaurant on the water, there has to be a path for the public even if it right through the tables.
Law #7: All dog owners must look like their dogs. :-) Well, that's not really a law but it sure seems like it could be. Haven't you noticed how many people really look like their dogs?
There are so many more but you will have to come visit here and see them for yourself. So, I hope you enjoyed reading about all the crazy laws. I surely liked writing about them.
See you next week.
-Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
Thank-you for all the comments you left last week. 18 comments is a record!! It really helps me be a lot less lonely here and I love to write each of you back. But please, I need you to write your name on the comments or I can't tell who wrote them. But for all of you that I can't personally thank, I sure appreciate them anyways.
Mrs. Tomlin: Well I am not exactly the school hero but you sure are my hero for being the first to write a comment almost every week. Thanks a million. And yes the zucchinis get so huge here. I know you don't like vegetables a lot, but they really taste different here so I think you might like them more. We do have a gardener that takes care of our grapes and our vegetables when we are in Florida. Thanks again for writing!
Olivia: Yes I would be excited about it but they haven't started serving the new food yet. And they serve so much fish with terrible sauces. Yuck!!! Thanks for all the comments even if you did send them more than once. It did make me laugh.
Christopher: Trust me, that is not STEAK! If I could guess it might have been over cooked fish or something but I wasn't going near it to try it.
Mrs. Brink: Hello Mrs. Brink. Thanks so much for writing. I really miss you. I think that tomatoes are fruits because they have seeds in them. And I would love to help with Mr. Stenger when you need it but I probably can't do much. But I'll surely try if you ask.
Peyton: Hi Peyton. I really miss you too. Less than 3 weeks now and I will be home. You have fun too but save some fun for me. See you soon.
Kyle: Hi Kyle. Computers still not in huh? LOL! Miss you too.
Adrian: LOL. Gagging is definitely not fun. I have made some new friends here. I just met a girl from England and her name is Emily. You would really like her. Hard to say which I like better between France and Florida because they are both great. Thanks for writing.
Mrs. Santello :O) Yes the zucchini are big but I really don't like them. I love it when my Dad makes lamb chops here as the lamb in France is awesome! Thanks as always for writing Mrs S. I love your comments!
Katie: What do you mean a new bunny? Maybe we can both get one when I get back. I can't wait to go trick or treating and no I don't have a costume yet either but I will probably find something in my closet. Miss you too Kat.
Tori: Hi Tori. I am happy my desk is still there and right next to yours. I can't wait to come back too!
Hopefully Mrs. Brink lets us sit next to each other when I am home. See you soon.
Michael: What do you mean you can't get the pics? No fair. By the way, what is Pixie?
Thanks again for all of your comments and don;'t forget to write your name!!
-Maddy
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin and 5th Grade Class:
Maddy here in France again with some of the strangest laws I have ever heard of. As I mentioned last week, there are so many weird ones I might not be able to remember all of them but I'll try to give you a few.
Law #1: There has to be a boulangerie (bakery) open every day of the year in every village. Really. The French people have to have their fresh bread every day. So every bakery has to talk with the other bakeries to plan day's off and vacations. Can you imagine a law like this in the States where McDonalds has to talk with Burger King to make sure we can get a cheeseburger every day? Weird.
 |
| Great Bakeries Here |
Law #2: The radio stations have to play at least 50% French music every hour. I guess the French love American music so much that they have to make sure they play French songs on the radio. It is so funny to hear my friends sing American songs in English when they have no idea what the words mean. I just have to laugh.
Law #3: Dogs can go ANYWHERE! Yes its true but it is kind of a fun law. I love taking my dogs to restaurants, shopping and even to school. They even get served their water first at restaurants even before humans get their drinks. Really.
Law #4: Everyone here has the right to go on strike....and they do. It has happened 3 times since we have been here this trip. All the bus drivers, trains, airplanes, police, teachers and more jobs all at the same time. The entire country shuts down. And they are planning another one next week on the 15th. Sounds good about the teachers so maybe we could get a day off, but my teachers never strike. My bad luck.
Law #5: You want to hear a funny law? Banks are not allowed to have money. Really. If you want to cash a check or get money from your account you have to go to le Poste (the Post Office). When my Dad needs some money, he has to send a fax to the banks 3 days in advance so they can order money. At least the post office still handles the mail but it takes a lot of time as the lines are always really long.
 |
| Our Poste |
Law #6: Everyone has the right to the coastline. Ever since the French Revolution, it is illegal to block the coast from the public. It is sort of a cool law because the coast is great and even if there is a restaurant on the water, there has to be a path for the public even if it right through the tables.
 |
| The Path On The Coast By Our House |
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| My Mom And Me Hiking On The Path |
Law #7: All dog owners must look like their dogs. :-) Well, that's not really a law but it sure seems like it could be. Haven't you noticed how many people really look like their dogs?
 |
| Come On! This Dog Definitely Looks Like His Owner |
There are so many more but you will have to come visit here and see them for yourself. So, I hope you enjoyed reading about all the crazy laws. I surely liked writing about them.
See you next week.
-Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
Thank-you for all the comments you left last week. 18 comments is a record!! It really helps me be a lot less lonely here and I love to write each of you back. But please, I need you to write your name on the comments or I can't tell who wrote them. But for all of you that I can't personally thank, I sure appreciate them anyways.
Mrs. Tomlin: Well I am not exactly the school hero but you sure are my hero for being the first to write a comment almost every week. Thanks a million. And yes the zucchinis get so huge here. I know you don't like vegetables a lot, but they really taste different here so I think you might like them more. We do have a gardener that takes care of our grapes and our vegetables when we are in Florida. Thanks again for writing!
Olivia: Yes I would be excited about it but they haven't started serving the new food yet. And they serve so much fish with terrible sauces. Yuck!!! Thanks for all the comments even if you did send them more than once. It did make me laugh.
Christopher: Trust me, that is not STEAK! If I could guess it might have been over cooked fish or something but I wasn't going near it to try it.
Mrs. Brink: Hello Mrs. Brink. Thanks so much for writing. I really miss you. I think that tomatoes are fruits because they have seeds in them. And I would love to help with Mr. Stenger when you need it but I probably can't do much. But I'll surely try if you ask.
Peyton: Hi Peyton. I really miss you too. Less than 3 weeks now and I will be home. You have fun too but save some fun for me. See you soon.
Kyle: Hi Kyle. Computers still not in huh? LOL! Miss you too.
Adrian: LOL. Gagging is definitely not fun. I have made some new friends here. I just met a girl from England and her name is Emily. You would really like her. Hard to say which I like better between France and Florida because they are both great. Thanks for writing.
Mrs. Santello :O) Yes the zucchini are big but I really don't like them. I love it when my Dad makes lamb chops here as the lamb in France is awesome! Thanks as always for writing Mrs S. I love your comments!
Katie: What do you mean a new bunny? Maybe we can both get one when I get back. I can't wait to go trick or treating and no I don't have a costume yet either but I will probably find something in my closet. Miss you too Kat.
Tori: Hi Tori. I am happy my desk is still there and right next to yours. I can't wait to come back too!
Hopefully Mrs. Brink lets us sit next to each other when I am home. See you soon.
Michael: What do you mean you can't get the pics? No fair. By the way, what is Pixie?
Thanks again for all of your comments and don;'t forget to write your name!!
-Maddy
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Extra, Extra News Flash From France
Blog # 5
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin, and 5th Grade Class:
Hello Everyone:
Well you will not believe this but someone important must have been reading my blog! For those of you loyal readers, you will remember 2 weeks ago I wrote to all of you about the horrible food at the cantine (lunch room) at my school. Well my blog must have reached the President of France! Look at the headline in this week's paper. La Fin de la mal-Bouffe: which means "The End of The Bad Food. "
Can you belive it? That means that the food at school was so bad it had to be changed. And it wasn't just me! Now all of us kids are going to eat better meals. And they are also being made with better fruits and vegetables. Funny thing is that is what I have been telling them for years.
Many of you know that we have an enormous garden at our house here in France. And we have been growing a lot of our own great fresh food for years. Here are a few pictures for you of some of the things we grow. Some of the vegetables are as big as I am! One of my favorite things to do when I get home from school is go down to the garden and come back with a big basket of fruits and vegetables that my mom and dad cook with for dinner. We grow all sorts of things such as watermelons, cantelopes, raspberries, zuchinni, eggplant, green beans, peppers, artichokes, avocadoes, almonds, oranges, lemons, and all kinds of spices (and of course grapes too.) But my favorite are the bananas but they are still green as they are not ripe until January.
OK enough of the food talk as I am getting hungry. Stay tunes next week when I will be writing a really neat blog about all the crazy and unusual laws we have here in France that we don't have in the U.S.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading and thanks so much for sending all your comments. I really miss all of you and that helps a lot. Really........
Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
Katie: Hi Kat. I really miss you too. I am sorry I keep missing you when I call. It is 6 hours different here and most nights I am in bed when you get home from school. I'll keep trying. Love ya.
Mrs. Tomlin: I really love your comments Mrs. Tonlin. I can't wait until Monday morning as I know you will be writing . It makes my Mondays go better. It was great being with Justin. He is a really cool guy. Plus, I can't believe you were so close to our home here when you were in France. Maybe when you come next year we can go both places together? :-)
Mrs. Santello: You are so nice to write. You know it is because of you that I write these blogs every week. And it is great that you still read them after all those years Plus, you even remember Grace Kelly. Cool!
The Munsons: I can't wait to see you too. By the time you read this you might already be on the plane. Thanks for bringing my pancake mix. I need a good breakfast some days to get through the day with the bad food at school. See you Tuesday!!!
Mrs. Herrera: Hi Mrs. Herrera. It is great hearing from you. I know you would love Monaco so I will be your personal guide when you come. :-) Thanks for writing as it really made me happy to see your comment.
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin, and 5th Grade Class:
Hello Everyone:
Well you will not believe this but someone important must have been reading my blog! For those of you loyal readers, you will remember 2 weeks ago I wrote to all of you about the horrible food at the cantine (lunch room) at my school. Well my blog must have reached the President of France! Look at the headline in this week's paper. La Fin de la mal-Bouffe: which means "The End of The Bad Food. "
 |
| Front Page Of Our Newspaper |
Many of you know that we have an enormous garden at our house here in France. And we have been growing a lot of our own great fresh food for years. Here are a few pictures for you of some of the things we grow. Some of the vegetables are as big as I am! One of my favorite things to do when I get home from school is go down to the garden and come back with a big basket of fruits and vegetables that my mom and dad cook with for dinner. We grow all sorts of things such as watermelons, cantelopes, raspberries, zuchinni, eggplant, green beans, peppers, artichokes, avocadoes, almonds, oranges, lemons, and all kinds of spices (and of course grapes too.) But my favorite are the bananas but they are still green as they are not ripe until January.
 |
| Big Basket When I was Younger |
 |
| These Giant Zuchinnis Made My Mom Happy |
 |
| A Sample Of Our Vegetables |
That's all for now. Thanks for reading and thanks so much for sending all your comments. I really miss all of you and that helps a lot. Really........
Maddy out.
Comment Corner:
Katie: Hi Kat. I really miss you too. I am sorry I keep missing you when I call. It is 6 hours different here and most nights I am in bed when you get home from school. I'll keep trying. Love ya.
Mrs. Tomlin: I really love your comments Mrs. Tonlin. I can't wait until Monday morning as I know you will be writing . It makes my Mondays go better. It was great being with Justin. He is a really cool guy. Plus, I can't believe you were so close to our home here when you were in France. Maybe when you come next year we can go both places together? :-)
Mrs. Santello: You are so nice to write. You know it is because of you that I write these blogs every week. And it is great that you still read them after all those years Plus, you even remember Grace Kelly. Cool!
The Munsons: I can't wait to see you too. By the time you read this you might already be on the plane. Thanks for bringing my pancake mix. I need a good breakfast some days to get through the day with the bad food at school. See you Tuesday!!!
Mrs. Herrera: Hi Mrs. Herrera. It is great hearing from you. I know you would love Monaco so I will be your personal guide when you come. :-) Thanks for writing as it really made me happy to see your comment.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monaco: The Smallest Country in the World and a Fairy Tale Story
Blog #4
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin and Class:
Do you know the name of the smallest country in the world? Have you ever heard of Prince Rainer? How about Princess Grace Kelly? Well whether you have or haven't I am going to tell you their story.
The smallest country in the world is just 16 minutes from our villa and is called Monaco. It is the longest reining monarchy in the world. (That means they have had the same family of kings or princes since the late 1200's. They even have a real cool changing of the guard in front of their palace every day) And for those of you who don't like to pay taxes it is a tax free country. Yes, no income taxes at all because there is a beautiful casino there that makes a bunch of money.
Grace Kelly was a beautiful American actress who married handsome Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 in a fairy tale wedding at their 235 room castle in Monaco. So she became the most beautiful princess in the world.
Princess Grace and Prince Rainier had three children, Prince Albert, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie. She was a fabulous movie star and played in many great movies.
But on September 13, 1982 Princess Grace and Princess Stephanie were driving just minutes from our house and had a horrible car crash. Grace had a stroke while she was driving and lost control of her car. Her car plunged off a cliff that we can see from our terrace at our house. It is very steep. It was a miracle that Stephanie was able to survive with only a few injuries but Grace was stuck in the car when it finally stopped rolling down the cliff. She died the next day in the hospital. Everyone was very sad as it was tragic.
Monaco and it's biggest city Monte Carlo is one of my favorite places to visit here. In fact, I was there last night because Mrs. Brink's son Justin came there on a huge private yacht and he came to our house for dinner. So I got to stay up late and take him back to his boat. It was really cool.
I hope you liked the story of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace Kelly. If you want to hear more history of France, just let me know in your comments because I still have 4 more blogs to go.
So for now, Maddy out.
Talk to you next week.
-Maddy
Comment Corner:
WOW!! You all went nuclear. 18 Comments!! Awesome.
Plus it was great talking to all of you this week at school I really miss you all so much.
Katie: Can't wait to see you too Kat. You wouldn't believe the stuff they served today. It smelled HORRIBLE! All I ate today for lunch was 4 pieces of bread.
Mrs. Ross: Yes luckily my parents are good cooks as that is the only thing keeping me alive. Ha Ha.
I am so happy we get to work together again after school when I get home. My mom said maybe even 2 nights a week. Can't wait Mrs. Ross.
Mrs. Tomlin: Not a great way to go on a diet but you would probably love the food in France. Just not at my school. By the way I am loving doing the graph of the temperatures you suggested. It is really neat!
Mrs.Santello :0) You have a great memory. When I was younger they did let me go home for lunch every day. That was paradise. But not anymore. I could bring my lunch I guess, but no one does so I would look sort of odd and they would make fun of me. And there are a lot of landmarks from that period around our house but we don't really study history much here. It is weird with a capital "W".
Christopher: Thanks so much for the comment. I would love it if you commented every week. I am making friends here for sure but I am still having trouble understanding everything they say. Have a good time too.
Maggie: I miss you too. Thanks for writing. The weather here is good but not as hot as in Florida and definitely not as humid. And yes we get boat loads of homework. My favorite thing about being here in France is that it is really a lot different than the U.S. I'll write a blog later next month about some of the funniest differences so when you and your mom come visit us you will be prepared. Miss you too.
Kylee: Yes I have been to Paris a couple of time; the first time when I was 6 months old. And yes the Eiffel Tour is really cool. I actually climbed to the top once. I will bring some pictures and show you. I do drink some of the wine here but I like dad's Cognac better. But don't tell him. :-) And yes the schools are really different here and they teach in a totally different way. Much more strict too.
Maddie A.K.A.W. Ha Ha too funny Maddie. Yes there was a wedding here last year but it was between Lilliane my Guinnea Pig and Sugar the Rabbit that just died. And yes luckily they have the best water in the world here or I would die of thirst.
Kyle: Hi Kyle. Really I am as lucky as you because I am doing all the work you are doing and my work here too. Mrs. Brink sends me all the assignments and yes I also took that aweful test. There are street performers in Nice but not many here but there are some homeless hobos in the street.
Mrs. Brink: It was so great speaking with you and our class. Plus Justin is the BEST!! And yes my mom gave him several big hugs from you. About mushrooms. You might like the ones in Florida but trust me, the ones here are disgusting. I wil be happy to give French lessons to the class when we get back. For fun here I have been loving You Tube. Miss you so much Mrs. Brink.
Laura: Hi Laura: What do you mean crazy? You must be talking about here in France. LOL. Believe me it is very hard speaking French all the time. I really don't know which place I like better because they are really different. All I know is that I miss you and our classmates. Thanks for writing and keep me posted on those science experiments.
Xavier: Hey Xavier! Of course I remember you. I am having a great time but I miss EVERYONE in Florida. I have been inside and climbed the Eiffel Tower. The view is amazing from the top. I really don't like my school much but I do have some friends. And that is the craziest question ever: no my teachers don't have mustaches.
Sydney: Hi Sydney. Actually I think it would be a great idea to write a book on France. Maybe you could come over here and help me? (If your family agrees of course) See you too Sydney.
Erick: Hi Erick: Yes you are right, I do hate the food. Haha!! The Eiffel Tower is really big and looks just like it does in pictures. It is really fun to climb and I think that is what you would like best.
Tori: Tori! Now answer this.....why on earth would I forget you?You know what, I feel the same thing about you; it is just not the same without you. Miss you bunches and thanks so much for writing. Can't wait to see you too back at school.
Thanks again all of you for the great comments.
More to come next week!!!!!
-Maddy
Dear Mrs. Brink, Mrs. Tomlin and Class:
Do you know the name of the smallest country in the world? Have you ever heard of Prince Rainer? How about Princess Grace Kelly? Well whether you have or haven't I am going to tell you their story.
The smallest country in the world is just 16 minutes from our villa and is called Monaco. It is the longest reining monarchy in the world. (That means they have had the same family of kings or princes since the late 1200's. They even have a real cool changing of the guard in front of their palace every day) And for those of you who don't like to pay taxes it is a tax free country. Yes, no income taxes at all because there is a beautiful casino there that makes a bunch of money.
Grace Kelly was a beautiful American actress who married handsome Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 in a fairy tale wedding at their 235 room castle in Monaco. So she became the most beautiful princess in the world.
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| Princess Grace and Prince Rainier at Their Wedding |
Princess Grace and Prince Rainier had three children, Prince Albert, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie. She was a fabulous movie star and played in many great movies.
But on September 13, 1982 Princess Grace and Princess Stephanie were driving just minutes from our house and had a horrible car crash. Grace had a stroke while she was driving and lost control of her car. Her car plunged off a cliff that we can see from our terrace at our house. It is very steep. It was a miracle that Stephanie was able to survive with only a few injuries but Grace was stuck in the car when it finally stopped rolling down the cliff. She died the next day in the hospital. Everyone was very sad as it was tragic.
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| Here is the Cliff |
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| This Is The Monument Where She Went Off The Cliff |
Monaco and it's biggest city Monte Carlo is one of my favorite places to visit here. In fact, I was there last night because Mrs. Brink's son Justin came there on a huge private yacht and he came to our house for dinner. So I got to stay up late and take him back to his boat. It was really cool.
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| Justin and Me in Monaco (See the Casino In The Backround) |
I hope you liked the story of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace Kelly. If you want to hear more history of France, just let me know in your comments because I still have 4 more blogs to go.
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| The Prince's Castle |
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| The Magnificant Casino In Monte Carlo |
So for now, Maddy out.
Talk to you next week.
-Maddy
Comment Corner:
WOW!! You all went nuclear. 18 Comments!! Awesome.
Plus it was great talking to all of you this week at school I really miss you all so much.
Katie: Can't wait to see you too Kat. You wouldn't believe the stuff they served today. It smelled HORRIBLE! All I ate today for lunch was 4 pieces of bread.
Mrs. Ross: Yes luckily my parents are good cooks as that is the only thing keeping me alive. Ha Ha.
I am so happy we get to work together again after school when I get home. My mom said maybe even 2 nights a week. Can't wait Mrs. Ross.
Mrs. Tomlin: Not a great way to go on a diet but you would probably love the food in France. Just not at my school. By the way I am loving doing the graph of the temperatures you suggested. It is really neat!
Mrs.Santello :0) You have a great memory. When I was younger they did let me go home for lunch every day. That was paradise. But not anymore. I could bring my lunch I guess, but no one does so I would look sort of odd and they would make fun of me. And there are a lot of landmarks from that period around our house but we don't really study history much here. It is weird with a capital "W".
Christopher: Thanks so much for the comment. I would love it if you commented every week. I am making friends here for sure but I am still having trouble understanding everything they say. Have a good time too.
Maggie: I miss you too. Thanks for writing. The weather here is good but not as hot as in Florida and definitely not as humid. And yes we get boat loads of homework. My favorite thing about being here in France is that it is really a lot different than the U.S. I'll write a blog later next month about some of the funniest differences so when you and your mom come visit us you will be prepared. Miss you too.
Kylee: Yes I have been to Paris a couple of time; the first time when I was 6 months old. And yes the Eiffel Tour is really cool. I actually climbed to the top once. I will bring some pictures and show you. I do drink some of the wine here but I like dad's Cognac better. But don't tell him. :-) And yes the schools are really different here and they teach in a totally different way. Much more strict too.
Maddie A.K.A.W. Ha Ha too funny Maddie. Yes there was a wedding here last year but it was between Lilliane my Guinnea Pig and Sugar the Rabbit that just died. And yes luckily they have the best water in the world here or I would die of thirst.
Kyle: Hi Kyle. Really I am as lucky as you because I am doing all the work you are doing and my work here too. Mrs. Brink sends me all the assignments and yes I also took that aweful test. There are street performers in Nice but not many here but there are some homeless hobos in the street.
Mrs. Brink: It was so great speaking with you and our class. Plus Justin is the BEST!! And yes my mom gave him several big hugs from you. About mushrooms. You might like the ones in Florida but trust me, the ones here are disgusting. I wil be happy to give French lessons to the class when we get back. For fun here I have been loving You Tube. Miss you so much Mrs. Brink.
Laura: Hi Laura: What do you mean crazy? You must be talking about here in France. LOL. Believe me it is very hard speaking French all the time. I really don't know which place I like better because they are really different. All I know is that I miss you and our classmates. Thanks for writing and keep me posted on those science experiments.
Xavier: Hey Xavier! Of course I remember you. I am having a great time but I miss EVERYONE in Florida. I have been inside and climbed the Eiffel Tower. The view is amazing from the top. I really don't like my school much but I do have some friends. And that is the craziest question ever: no my teachers don't have mustaches.
Sydney: Hi Sydney. Actually I think it would be a great idea to write a book on France. Maybe you could come over here and help me? (If your family agrees of course) See you too Sydney.
Erick: Hi Erick: Yes you are right, I do hate the food. Haha!! The Eiffel Tower is really big and looks just like it does in pictures. It is really fun to climb and I think that is what you would like best.
Tori: Tori! Now answer this.....why on earth would I forget you?You know what, I feel the same thing about you; it is just not the same without you. Miss you bunches and thanks so much for writing. Can't wait to see you too back at school.
Thanks again all of you for the great comments.
More to come next week!!!!!
-Maddy
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