Barons Invade Europe

By Brie Roche Lilliott, Staff Writer

On July 14, a group of 24 Baron students and three English teachers prepared themselves for a twelve-day trip to England, France, and Spain.

After a ten-hour flight, the group of jet-lagged students made their way to London, England. For the next three days, they explored many of London\’s renowned sites including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abby.

The group also visited Oxford University and the well-known market town, Stratford-upon-Avon. They were able to roam the prestigious campus as well as visit the home of William Shakespeare.

The Barons\’ next stop was Paris, France. They left London through the Chunnel, the underground train running between the two countries. Once in Paris, the students were lucky enough to take the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tour and a special boat tour of Parisian sights by night.

“The [boat] tour was very fun. Though, it was very cold, we didn\’t notice much because the sights were so distracting – in a good way. The worst part about Paris was that we actually had to pay to use the bathroom, it was ridiculous!” says senior Jessica Herman.

Among many other favored tourist sites, the tourists saw Notre Dame, Arc du Triumph, the Louvre, and the Champs d\’Elysses. Another day was spent at the palace of Versailles, and a smaller area outside of Paris known as Monte-Martre.

Perhaps the most exciting form of transportation was the overnight train from Paris to Madrid, Spain, a first experience for the entire group. The train made its stop in Madrid, where the students immediately began a tour of the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor, through the hot and crowded streets.

After visiting the hilltop city of Toledo, many students also participated in an optional evening of flamenco dancing, Tapas, and enjoyed a live Mariachi band. Other possible activities during the students\’ free time were touring museums and the Sofia Reina, shopping, and dining at endless restaurants and cafes.

The group arrived at their final stop in Barcelona, Spain, after a quick plane flight. Gaudi Park, the Royal Family (“Unfinished Cathedral”), and a bus tour were among some of the activities the teachers and students alike had the benefit of seeing first hand.

“Spain was the most spirited, free country we visited. The best part was going to the beach and relaxing in the Mediterranean,” comments senior Andrew Neal.

Everyone enjoyed the days of free time they were given in Barcelona to relax and immerse themselves in Spanish culture. While many female students preferred shopping the main boulevard, Las Ramblas, and the small boutiques and alleys surrounding it, others headed straight for the sunny beaches of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. A couple students also explored the Picasso museum, or tasted various foods from the local street vendors.

As their trip concluded, the exhausted group of 28 reflected over the highlights of the trip, the sights they witnessed, and the cultures they experienced. Many students completed their first overseas trip, while others found themselves among people speaking a completely foreign language. They rode the Underground, ate exotic foods, and most importantly, broke out of their shells in order to take advantage of obtain the full experience of twelve surreal days and nights in Europe.

“It was the most amazing experience of my life. I had so much fun and it\’s a trip I\’ll never forget,” exclaims senior Sydnee Wickstrom