My Top Eight Favourite European Foods Or Drinks

While we were in Europe, I got to try so many new foods. I had eight absolute favourites and very good reasons.



1: Gelato; because it has so many flavours and you can find everywhere in Italy.

2: Hot chocolate; because it is practically melted chocolate with a little bit of milk in it. Also it is really yummy.

3: Escargot; because they are not very salty and they have garlic butter on them, which makes them extra healthy.

4: Macaroons; because the cookie is crunchy but the middle isn't, and that makes the perfect combination for a snack.

5: European Mustard; the mustard in Europe is actually spicy so it makes everything extra good.

6: Chocolate croissant; inside, the chocolate makes it taste just as if you have died and gone to heaven.

7: Penne with red sauce; the mixture of tomato and sort of plain but not really makes an awesome lunch time meal.

8: Chocolate Mousse; the difference between Canadian and French is more creamy?

As you can see I tried a lot of different foods that I wish we had in Canada, but boy oh boy, I can't wait to have Tim Hortons!

C.L.K.

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Saint-Abin,Montrouge,France

My New Boots

Yesterday when we were still in Roma, we went into a store to look for a dress or skirt for my grandma, but came out with something completely different.

The store we went into, was very chic, and had lots of dresses, skirts and boots. I had been looking for a pair of boots for a while now, and yet I wasn't the one who spotted the boot.

The boots are medium height and have a fold down top. There are no heels on the bottom what so ever, and I was so glad! The middle of the boot on the inside, have a zipper that only goes up about halfway. The back of the boot has an elastic on it so that it isn't too tight or too loose and fits me perfectly.



I was really happy when they actually fit me because I knew that I was going to have a hard time finding boots but thankfully, I found some.

If we hadn't gone into that store, we never would've seen my boots and I wouldn't have the best boots ever.

A special thanks to my mom and grandma for helping me find the best boots for me!!

C.L.K

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Avenue Aristide Briand,Montrouge,France

Villa Borghese Pic Nic Lunch

This afternoon we went to Villa Borghese. The villa is where the Borghese family lived. The Borghese family was just like royalty. The villa is very beautiful, with lots of fruit trees, flowers, statues, and fountains.
On the way through a path we saw a bunch of carts. They had enough seats for nine people and pedals for six of the seats. I discovered that they had steering wheels for turning. One family that we saw had eight people, but not everyone was pedalling at the same sped so it looked as though they were going to crash. A few minutes later we saw them pushing the cart out of a ditch, which they had managed to get stuck in.
We started to get hungry and went to a cafe. It was called Pic Nic and had lots of snacky things to eat.

My grandma and mom got hamburgers, and Jocelyn and I got hotdogs with fries. When we looked around, we realized that the fries were actually deep fried potato chips. When our food came, I was over joyed to see that the hotdogs were actual hotdogs with actual hotdog buns!
See, usually when you ask for a hotdog, you get a sausage on a baguette. So obviously, when I saw the actual bun I almost stood up and danced.
When we were done eating, we payed and went to a fountain. The scenery around the fountain was gorgeous but the actual water in the pond was disgusting. There was garbage and sticks floating in it and it was a murky yellow. I drew a few pictures of Willow while we were there because I wasn't inspired by the fountain.
The villa was amazing and I would definitely go back and do more exploring, but sadly I can't until I'm older, because we are flying to Paris tomorrow at seven in the morning!
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via del Pie' di Marmo,Rome,Italy

Location:Via Beato Angelico,Rome,Italy

Our New Apartment

There is a lady waiting outside
with keys jingling in her hand by her side
she says hello
opens the door
and begins the tour of the house.
There are three stairs leading to the main floor
a small kitchen
with a fridge
sink
stove and microwave.
A table a dishes cabinet and the chairs.
The couch is red with white and red pillows
soft to a small degree.
The bedroom is large with a quilt and duvet
and a cabinet for all our stuff.
The bathroom is awesome
with a bath and toilet
we brought our own soap but
there was a sponge and a sink
for washing your hands
and that is all of the rooms.
The walls are all white
with some beautiful pictures
of scenery in golden frames.
The windows are large the floors are shiny
and the carpet has squiggly lines all over.
I love our apartment
and all of the stuff inside.



C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via del Pie' di Marmo,Rome,Italy

Saying Goodbye

The past week has been one of the best weeks of my life. Two days ago I had to say goodbye to the group of people that has become my second family. Two days ago was our last day traveling as a family. All forty five of us were sad to leave but we had to.
On the last day, we went out for dinner. The dinner was amazing and the food was delicious. Throughout the entire meal people were joking around, telling stories, and eating. My table was pulling a prank on a bunch of people. We had an extendable fork and we went around reaching over shoulders and stealing food. It was hilarious! Anne threw a piece of bread at Lisa, who threw it at me, and I put it in Anne's hair. So that was the start of our bread fight. Then the musicians came out.
Everyone was singing and clapping along! On the way home, Vincenzo started a disco party on the bus with lights music and candy.
The last ten minutes of the night were the most depressing. In the lobby we were all coming off the bus and all saying our goodbyes. There were tears, hugs, email exchanges, and more hugs.
It was definitely hard realizing that we were never going to be this close to a group people again. They had become some of my greatest friends yet, and I will never forget them.

C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via del Pie' di Marmo,Rome,Italy

Location:Via del Pie' di Marmo,Rome,Italy

Cleopatra In The Present

Yesterday we got to go to a Cleopatra exhibition! I was so excited because I knew that there would be lots of fun things to draw and write about.
I drew nine pictures of various statues, jewelry, mosaic, and paintings. The first picture I drew was of an ibis. Ibis is a water dwelling bird and is associated with the Egyptian god Thoth. Thoth brought the spirits of the dead to the underworld where they could be judged by Osiris, the deity of the dead.
My two absolute favourite pieces in the whole exhibit, were Cleopatra's ring, and the Eye Of Horus which was broken off a statue.




Cleopatra's ring, was about the size of an egg. The middle is a polished ruby with a carving of Cleopatra on it. The rim is gold with small coloured stones going all around it. This intrigued me because I actually got to look at something that a queen wore. Also I wondered if she bought it herself or if it was given to her, and if given to her who gave it?
The Eye Of Horus was broken off of a statue in a temple to Horus. It is about the about the size of a watch face. The stone that it is made of was a rare blue stone used only for important statues or carvings. The actual pupil is very dark and almost brooding, while the lashes are lighter, like a lake. The eyebrow is black with a little bit of a blue tint, and the rest of the eye is just a light blue.



I have to say, that was one of the best museums that I have been to, and believe that is a lot. The pieces are from all over the world, Paris, Egypt, Rome and lots more places. I found out that Cleopatra was a guest in the house of Julius Caesar just weeks before he was stabbed.
The museum was lots of fun!
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Our apartment in Italy

SAFTEY for sicknesses

For two days I have hade a:
Stuffy nose
Achy bones
Fever
Extra cold hands
Terrible head ache
Yellow skin


Now does that sound like SAFETY to you? I am traveling in Europe, and I am having a great time except for one thing . I am scared I'm going to get sick even worse. I know what I am going to do about it. I am drinking tea, taking pills, and blowing my nose lots. When we get back to familiar Paris, I am going to go outside and just stand there. It is so familiar that I might feel better.
I'm having a superb time!
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via Tevere,Osmannoro,Italy

Bus Ride To Venice

Today we got up super early, hopped onto our awesome bus, and drove away from Rome. Where were we going? Venice!!! Yes the city with streets made of water! The amazing gondolas! I am having a new experience with our bus tour.

The time span of driving time was 8 hours, we took three breaks, and then got off at a harbour. On the bus ride from Florence to Venice, I was bored and decided I wanted to draw. The lady beside me was sleeping so I drew her. When we got off the bus for a coffee break, I showed her and that became the beginning of my friendship with Mia and her husband Rex.



On the gondola me, my mom, grandma, Jocelyn, Mia, and Rex, were all a group. I took lots of pictures of Mia and Rex, but I also told them about my life. We talked for a long time, and then took lots and lots of pictures. When we got off, one group was really far behind, and we almost left with out them.

We had an awesome time and I can't wait for tomorrow when we go to the island with the glass factory.
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via Riviera del Brenta,Fiesso d'Artico,Italy

Location:Via Riviera del Brenta,Fiesso d'Artico,Italy

Gelato Greatness

Gelato
Gelato
You are unique
You are ice cream
With fresh ingredients
Not processed
A healthier treat
So many flavours
Pistachio
Lemon
Cream Carmel
Strawberry
Chocolate
Nutella
Mint Chocolate Chip
and then Tiramisu
You melt in my mouth
turn into flavoured lava
A perfect taste
A special gaze
From a person like me who loves you
You come with toppings
Whipped Cream
Chocolate sticks
Fruit
Maraschino Cherries are the best
and compared to the rest
With Lemon gelato
A maraschino cherry
You tower above them all
Desserts cower in your shadow
Macaroons are jealous
Oh how I love you
I love you so much.

C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via della Pineta Sacchetti,Rome,Italy

First Day in Rome

On Saturday, we flew out to Rome. The plane we flew with was not as big as the one from Toronto to Paris but it was big enough that we were wowed. As we were going up, I thought to my self that Paris is just like Toronto. They both are capital cities, they both have a huge tower that is the major landmark of the city, and I can now say that I have been to both of them.

When we got off the plane, I got a bit mad. The baggage took about 45 minutes to get to the terminal and then another 45 minutes until I actually got my bag. While I was waiting, a boy who looked my age came and asked me if I had seen a pink suitcase with flowers and hearts on it. I hadn't so I told him and he just stayed and looked with me. His name was Rixon and he and his sister and dad were going on a bus tour but not ours.










About an hour later we got to our hotel, and just flew onto the beds. We went to a restaurant for dinner then got to go to bed early. So far so good!!

C.L.K.

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Via della Pineta Sacchetti,Rome,Italy

Macaroon Delight

Today we went to the bakery
after a long time at the park.
My mommy asked me a question
and if I answered it right I would win
a macaroon fresh from the bakery
I answered her wrong
wrong
wrong
and then finally
I got it
I giggled with joy
jumped to my feet
and said
"Yay! Yay! Macaroons for me!"
I stood at the shelf
pondered and wiggled.
Finally I decided
"Pink macaroons, or the flavour of raspberry.
I smiled and shook
as mommy paid
and jumped when she brought them to me.
I bit down into joy
sat in a throne
looked down from the heavens and then tasted more
The jelly burt in my mouth
a firework of dancing flavour
a light in the darkness of my mouth.
I was happy
overjoyed
to be living this dream
of macaroons
dancing
around my head
as I slowly left the shop.

For those of you who wondered: Macaroons in France, are almost like two cookies with cream in between the cookies. But the flavour of the is a fruit or ice-creamish flavour. They are delicious!
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Feydeau,Paris,France

My Sketching Surprise

On Wednesday, we went to the Louvre again. This time we were there for an art lesson! Our teachers name was Pauline, and she was super nice. There were five other people in our group. We learned how to draw perspective, shade, brightness, and texture.



I was really surprised at the level of art I was drawing. One of the other ladies asked if she could see my book, and she said that my art was really great!





My favourite drawing was one of a branch and also a drawing of a bracelet, which was on a Mesopotamian king.




C.L.K.

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Feydeau,Paris,France

Moulin Rouge

Marvellous costumes
Oh so many dancers
Un-believable songs and shows
Laughing audience
Incredibly amazing scenery
No way I could do any of that
Rearing snakes and their master
Oh my gosh that was amazing
Un-real moves and grooves
Great night and show
Everyone wanted to see it again
Moulin Rouge had so many costumes, lights, dancers, and hilarious dances that I was actually crying! I wish I could go back.
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Feydeau,Paris,France

Jardin Amis

Aujourd'hui, nous avons aller a le Jardin de Luxembourg. Le musee etait ferme, mais le couer de recreation, etait ouvert. A lecouer de recrreation il etait deux fille, et moi et jocelyn demande si nous porraiat jouer avec leur.


Plus tard nous avez vu Teddy notre ami. Le cinqe d'ontre ont jouer tag pour deux heur et nous avions un bon heure.
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Feydeau,Paris,France

My Impressions of the Orsay Museum

My Impressions of the Orsay Museum
The Musée d'Orsay is about French art from the 1800's. It used to be a steam train station, but it was too short for the modern trains so it was eventually transformed into a museum.
Most of the paintings here are impressionist - small, visible brush strokes, light changes, regular subjects, and captured movement. Painters and sculptors include Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Eduardo Manet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, Pompon, Sisilly, and Rodin. Overall, it was a very interesting museum because there were so many unique pieces of art. I really like the paintings of landscape and also people doing every day things.
We were so lucky because we had museum passes. This allowed us to skip through the huge line and get in right away. There was an extra big lines because the first Sunday of each month (i.e. today) is free to the public, plus the museum is closed tomorrow, and there is a new exhibit about the view of Masculin in Art. This new exhibit collected the artistic view of men.

My favourite piece of art there was Les bleu Danseurs by Edgar Degas. There are three girls in blue leotards and tutus in the foreground. In the background there are three older girls in yellow leotards and tutus. The painting is so vivid that I can actually see the girls warming up for their show in the frame of the painting. The girls are likely part of the corps de ballet. This might be their first show based on how nervous they look in the painting. The foremost girl looks as though she is doubting her own positioning. They are about to go on stage.
The Orsay Museum was a very inspiring place. It inspired me to draw more scenery and people.

C.L.K.

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Musée de Orsay, Paris, France

Mon Adventure Français

Bonjour, aujourd'hui, ma mere, ma grand mere, ma souer, et moi sommes allés a Montemartre. La chapelle Sacre Coeur est tres belle. Le grande corridors avec le fenetre sont brilliant et colore.

Ma mere achtons bottes a la magasins a la Montemartre. J'aime les bottes et j'espere que je peu porte les.

Le marche etait longe mais nous sont bon. A la marche nous achtons le gateau. J'aime mon gateau Rocher.
Au revoir.
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Feydeau,Paris,France

What I would Do If I was Locked In The Haussmen Grand Magasins

Today we got to go to a huge clothing and accessories store called Haussmen Grand Magasins. I wondered what I would do if I got locked in for the night. I think that I would: Find a bunch of different outfits, and do a fashion show on my own, on video. Then I would try on every single piece of clothing with make- up from the first floor, a different set every time. I would make a bunch of wacky outfits and switch the mannequins around.






I would have a great time fooling around in there.

C.L.K.

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Ballet At The Opera

Last night we went to see a ballet. We saw Dame du la Camelia at the Opera Garnier, and not only that but we also got to sit in a balcony! The ballet is about a girl named Margarit who is sick with an un-curable disease, and she is a courtesan. She falls in love with a man named Armond, and he takes her out to his home in the country. His father, a rich duke, tells her that because she is sick she will ruin his life, so she leaves him and goes back to being a courtesan. She dies of her disease years later and that is the end of the show.
I absolutely loved the show. My favourite part is when she visits him in the country, because it was such a lively scene that it was just beautiful.



C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Open-top Bus Tour

This morning, when we left home, we headed for the Opera. We were supposed to meet our bus there to go on a tour but we couldn't find the bus stop. We walked all the way around then saw the office and a bus. We ran and just managed to catch it before it pulled away.



We got to go see the Louvre, Notre Dame Arc de Triumphe, Pointe Neuf, Eiffel Tower, and a few other places on the route. After we hopped off, we got to ride a boat along the Seine, and also we played a bunch of games with our hands.

We got off the boat at the Eiffel Tower and ran to catch our bus again to get a ride back to the Opera, which is a ten minute walk from our apartment. It worked out fine and we got home.

C.L.K.

(P.S. I still miss my one true home, Manitowaning.)

~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Our apartment

Fitness Testing Along The Seine

On Sunday, as we were walking, Jocie and I saw a fair. We asked my mom if we could down and take a look, and she said yes. We went down and there were so many fun activities! There was tightrope walking, stilts, acrobatics, monkey-bars, and... physical fitness test. I actually could not believe that there was fitness tests. I asked my mom if I go do it and she said I could but Jocelyn had to come to. I was fine with that so we went. At the test we asked if anyone spoke english and a girl came to help us. She helped us fill out some forms and took us to some teenage boys who could also speak English. My instructor was Paul, and he was really nice and surprised that I run at school. I did thirty six laps of a small track in three minutes!



He went through nine different exercises with me and I had a lot of fun. I'm pretty sure that he is the best exercise instructor I will ever have. ( Sorry Mr. Mailloux.) These were the stations: endurance running, hop-scotch, planks, sprinting, five balance poses, flexibility, push ups, and finally coordination.
My results were not what I expected. My special ability was speed( I thought it would be endurance), and the worst one was coordination. Every thing else was in the middle, so I guess that means I am an evenly spaced out person. YAY!!!
So my first ever day out in the city was pretty good.
C.L.K.
~ Posted midst our newest adventure ~

Location:Rue Feydeau,Paris,France