Day 5: Bruges
Bonjour!!!!!!
First I must compliment all of you who rose to the challenge of sharing your comments. A+ to you or tres magnifique!
Last night was so much fun after we returned to the chateau. Kids were all over the place. A large group of 12 year olds from the uk had arrived and were playing games out on the lawn. then we lined up on the steps of the chateau for our picture. Our kids wanted to sing our first movement of the swing medley for them….no keyboard, just a cappella. I told them not a good idea and I wouldn’t take responsibility for the outcome…..they did fine and the little kids loved them.
Sitting in the wi fi lounge was great when our kids were chiming in on what to add to the blog while snarfing down magnum bars!!!! Bonding at its finest.
Curfew last night was 10:30 pm with the direction of GO TO BED. This morning we had a review lesson on what GO TO BED means! If they were in bed and asleep by 11:00 and up by 7:30 am. Then last night should have been a nice long night of sleep. If they didn’t then c’est Dommage…
Our next five days are going to be very busy. Very filled. But I’m sure very memorable. Moms and dads, you must know that this trip is something that these students and adults will never forget. Grandmas and grandpas we thank you, too!
The bus rides are time to recharge their batteries. It’s amazing that within five minutes at least five people are asleep! Typically Neil Gartner is the first one! However, today he is Mr Personality on bus 1 since he chose to go to bed early last night…little did he know but the rest of the adult chaperones who have STAMINA serenaded him with You are My Sunshine! (Have i mentioned how wonderful this group of parents is! Parents, your children are in great hands!)
Antonella shared with us that yesterday was her name day. She was so generous with the chaperones last evening. A brief bonding moment for us all. You would have loved the GROUP HUG prior to all of us turning in the for the night. YES, a GROUP HUG!
We are on the search for a toilette stop. This group, while 90 in number, does a great job of getting in and getting out. but of course they also stimulate the economy with orangina, gummy bears, and whatever else they cannot live without.
So excited for the upcoming performances. I’m sure that each one will be very different. You would love seeing the kids in their formal attire. THEY LOOK SO CLASSY! Moms of sons…..be prepared to take their shirts to the dry cleaners so that they are in great shape/smell for the Welcome Home concert! THANKS! Ladies will need to wash their dresses. No dryer, just hang them to dry.
Sitting here on the bus looking at the beautiful countryside of France. For those of you who have never been, I would definitely put it on your list. Again, the butter is out of this world.
Thanks again for chiming in on the comments. If you want a message sent to your child, don’t hesitate to post. We will share it with them.
I knew I just needed to ask……you came through! 
Bus is pulling off. Later…
Gartner
Back on the bus. That was an interesting rest stop…..ask about the toilette seats….. I’ll try to attach the picture of the Esso shopping extravaganza! I’m sure they LOVED us!
You should see how lovely all of our participants look. I’m so proud of them!
Two hours to our seaside village lunch. I’m having high hopes of mussels! Will let you know!
Back on the bus. Did not find mussels. Saw the English Channel. Lovely day at the beach. Not very crowded but not very staffed either. Some of us were smart and did take away….some of us were not and got stuck in a line for over 40 minutes while they were making our panini and frites very slowly….they were very good, however. Ask the kids about lemon fanta! It’s great but cannot be purchased in the US. Who knows….we have magnum bars now maybe we will get fanta! Listening to Mr. Kreiner read off room numbers for our Bruges hotel. Basically its a stand up comedy routine. Gotta love him! Will find mussels before we leave and Belgian chocolate and frites that are really good! Once we get to the hotel we will drop our bags and head out for a walking tour and then dinner. We have not starved, that’s for sure!
Will try to add many pictures!!!!!!!!
arrived in Bruges and will share tomorrow on our bus ride to brussels. Had a little impromptu singing on the square tonight. Wonderful. You will see video and pics i promise.
Until tomorrow,
G
25 Comments
This is a big hug and hello to my sweetest Grandaughter in the world–Kelsey King
Am thrilled for4 her to be with you-how very lucky
Gartner – I am LOVING keeping up with all my buddies through these posts. Thank you so much! Bruges looks so gorgeous, wish I was there! I send my love, and again, I hope you are all happy, healthy, and safe. Good luck, and have fun!
Thanks for the daily updates! Sounds like fun is being had by all. The pictures you posted today were great! I see Carly wasn’t being shy. Enjoy the rest of the trip!!
Don, Stacey and Jessica,
Although not enjoying the sites you are seeing, having a good time at the lake. Unlike the trip with G we are on Torch Lake time! Have a great time and good luck with the rest of the performances.
Leonides…this is a chocolate I recommend. I used to be in Brussels often for work…you can’t go wrong with Leonides!
Glad to hear everyone is having a great time and making fun memories. The Levy Family is enjoying reading the blog and seeing the beautiful pictures you are taking the time to post. We are happy to see Griffin and SCSS members in great hands and spirits. Continue having a safe and healthy trip. Looking forward to hear more updates! The week will be over before you know it!
Love,
The Levy’s
I’ve been so excited to see all of your updates! Sounds like all the kids are having a great time!! Good luck in the performances! Hopefully someone is getting good videos and pictures of the performances!
Loved the video! You guys rock! I can’t figure out why I’m always so hungry after I read Gartner’s post. hmm. Must – Find – Chocolate.
Heading across the pond myself today. Keep having fun and making memories.
Hello! Long time reader, first time comment-er!
I am loving reading your updates every morning! Can’t wait to see more pics and hear more stories! Also, I had “fanta limón” in España! Delicious! Enjoy every minute!
Love to Mon and Dad and everyone!
Kelly Kreiner
You should be a blogger always! Love your accounts. Say Hey to Seretha and that stand up comic, Mr. Kreiner, for us!
Love reading about your terrific adventures and amazing cuisine. Please give a hug to my niece, Kelsey Green. Can’t wait to hear you all sing in person!
Love Love Love the photos! Hi Kels! Good to see you all dressed up:) Belgium sounds terrific and so welcoming. Hope the concert goes well today.
Don’t forget to have a Belgian waffle made by a street vendor in Bruges and Brussels. Can’t wait to receive new up-dates daily, and photos too,amazing can I come next time? Hey G visit the fish street in Brussels for great moules (mussels in US), light show at the grand place, ok I’m on my way
Hello, please remind Shaina I enjoy semi-sweet chocolate. Thank you.
Hi everyone! I love reading this blog. And, that is saying a lot, because I’ve never followed one before. Have to laugh though, because I am beginning to think I should brush up on the history that is “coming alive” for you all – BEFORE I see my niece (Elizabeth Rosenberg) next week!
Quite the commentary! Love your word pictures which allow me to travel vacariously with you each morning.
Tell Mr. Gartner that I see he’s in his comfort zone with a “son” under each arm! Tomorrow, I expect a picture of YOU!!
Hi Elizabeth – We are following your trip – what a thrill for you and us – You are our star – we are so proud -
We Love You Grandma & Paw paw
Glad everyone is having a good time! Miss being there with you! Please tell everyone I said HI! Oh by the way I lost my voice after I left the airport on thursday, just now starting to be able to talk again!
kisses,
Caro
How is the group at counting off??
Hi Gartner & Gang,
Thanks for the posts and especially the group pictures — Europe sounds great! Also, thanks for the amazing opportunity for our kids (and spouses). Kathy now says “she was born to travel”, but please don’t let her stay in Europe. Stephanie, eat a waffle (or 2) for me in Belgium! Have fun.
Love the pictures!! And i love hearing stories!
Send everyone my love and that I miss you all! So glad you guys are seeing everything
Are the people nice and welcoming?
What a great update–and so nice to see pictures! Gabe’s aunts are also following the blog and enjoying the vicarious travel. Thanks for creating such a wonderful opportunity and taking such good care of my kid!
Sounds like you guys are having an AMAZING trip, as usual – wish I could have come along as a chaperone!! Can’t wait for that welcome home concert
Jessica,Stacey& Don Stuart,
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time.Can’t wait to hear what you enjoyed the most.I’m sure your concerts are the talk of the continent.Most excitement here.I caught a 4 lb. bass off the dock last night.Hope you can bring a cd or video of a concert to the lake this summer.Blessings on your journey….Aunt Dorothy
Sending the Huge family a big hug from Aunt Melinda and Grandpa! We are following and enjoying your adventures! All is well in Columbus!