A warm reception in Europe

Though the streets in many parts of Europe are narrow, a number of students from NRHEG widened their cultural experiences on a recent trip to that continent.

 

NRHEG social studies teacher Theresa Buendorf organized a trip through EF Tours, and 24 total people joined as they traveled across England, France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, and Germany. The group had been anticipating this ten-day trip for almost two years before leaving on June 21.

 

Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport outside London, the group met their tour guide, Sara, and also got a quick lesson in how the British sometimes pronounce words differently, as Sara informed them she wouldn't normally answer to the American pronunciation of her name, but that it should be spoken as if it were said Saw-rah. During the trip, there were many learning moments as students took lifts instead of elevators and ate chips instead of fries. The folks from Minnesota also combined with groups from Houston and Dallas for the remainder of the trip.

 

While they were walking around London, the crew got to see history happening as they strolled near 10 Downing Street just as the British Prime Minister was resigning; everyone could see the large crowd for the press conference. In addition to walking and seeing such sights as St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben, they also had a bus tour with a local guide to give them the backstory of many of the historical places. During the evening hours, many of the travelers rode the London Eye, seeing the city from a great height.

 

The tour group took the Eurostar train to Paris and arrived just in time for all-time high temperatures. The two days in Paris had highs of 108 and 104 degrees, but the Minnesotans dealt with the heat with great aplomb (and lots of water). There were many highlights to see in Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

 

They also got to take part in an art class where all the participants attempted to replicate one of Claude Monet's famous "Water Lilies" paintings. Everyone had a good time, and they were able to bring home their creations. Luckily, the studio was air conditioned!

 

The second day in France also included a trip to Versailles to see the palace where Louis XIV and other royalty held court. The gardens out back were exquisite, but the group was lucky to get through the tour before the site closed down due to the extreme temperatures. Much gelato and ice cream was consumed during the hot parts of each day! Upon returning to Paris, the evening was spent on a cruise down the Seine River.

 

The group traveled by bus to Zurich, Switzerland, and spent time in the Lucerne region. As the heat followed them, the tour group fought it off on a beautiful morning as they rode up to the top of Mount Pilatus. The views were indescribable as many of the group hiked up stairways to the very top of the mountain. 

 

They could see Lake Lucerne and, after descending, got a cruise on that gorgeous lake, gazing upon the clear, crisp water. Upon arriving in the city of Lucerne, they spent time walking around during a music festival, with bands playing all across the city. There was a famous lion monument to see along with many ancient churches.

 

Before leaving Switzerland, everyone got a tour of the Lindt chocolate factory, with an audio tour of the history and making of chocolate. There were also stations to taste different types of chocolate and to take samples of various Lindt flavors. Nobody went away hungry from that location!

 

Before arriving in Germany, the group stopped in the tiny country of Lichtenstein for lunch and some exploration of one of the few countries that still relies on a monarchy to make decisions. Some students even climbed up to get a view of the castle before getting back on the road to arrive in Munich.

 

A trip to the Dachau concentration camp was a heavy experience for many. There was a museum with artifacts from both the prisoners and the Nazis who held them. People could walk through the barracks and see the crematorium where so many prisoners lost their lives. It was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis and an important historical site.

 

A tour of Munich showed many historical buildings, even where Arnold Schwarzenegger stayed when he was a young bodybuilder. Munich also had many large churches, and visitors could visit a traditional beer hall that served incredible German cuisine. In fact, across the entire trip, students were exposed to food that originated from each country.

 

Arriving back in Minnesota on June 30, the group was exhausted but had now broadened their knowledge of world cultures beyond the small widths of those narrow streets their bus careened down.

 

In addition to Theresa Buendorf and chaperones Kari Buendorf and Mark Domeier, others going on the trip included Clara Buendorf, Eva Buendorf, Julieann Wobbrock, Kylie Olson, Ivy O'Rourke, Olivia Bungum, Kia Buendorf, Danica Boyes, Amerlia Duryee, Krymzen Rose, Annabelle Waknitz, Sierra Fish, Hope Mikesell, Michelle Domeier, Dorothy Brouwers, Jordan Brouwers, Jocelyn Heyer, Hudson Chrz, Shan Hanson, Aiden Merritt, and Devlin McWilliams.