April 23/2011

Yesterday was our second day in Lourdes. Most of us woke up at around 8 a.m. to meet everyone downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast we were allowed some free time to explore Lourdes and even do a bit of shopping. It was interesting to see the many shops and sights in Lourdes and we all looked around to find the perfect souvenirs. Soon after, we met as a group and walked to a church to find a picture of Marie Rivier (however we were unable to find it) We then walked to an outdoor . stations of the cross where we all read together about each station. At the 14th station we all sang the song LOOK AT THE CROSS
After another hour of free time we walked to a theatre to watch a fast passed film on the live of Bernadette. In the evening and after supper we all attended a lively Easter Vigil at the church of the youth: there was singing (and some even danced). We watched the baptism of Bryanna Anderson. After the mass we all went to the second floor of the cafe that overlooked the river to eat and celebrate before going to bed. We had an awesome second night.

April 24-2011
Today was a sunnier day in Lourdes, many of us tried to tan. After breakfast and some free time we went to the place of Bernadettes birth. It was very interesting to see everything we have learned about come to life. We then had more free time and explored even more of Lourdes where some even got lost. After lunch we went by bus to the caves of Berthran. This was really cool to see and the animated tour guide made it even more fun. Those who stayed behind explored the castle of Lourdes and found this very interesting as well.
After supper we all formed a procession to the Grotto and lit a big candle and said a decade of the rosary to pray for Janessas aunt Debbie Who could not come on this trip. The other people on the grounds where partaking in a candle procession and paying the entire rosary.

April 25-2011
Today we left Lourdes to the intense dismay of everyone who enjoys their sleep. After a busride to just pass Toulouse we were all very impressed to the busstop where we took a bathroom break. Then we continued on to the ancient Roman city of Carcassone. Lots of midival weapons, colourful cloth and delicious food in there. The group also sang LOOK AT THE CROSS at the basilica in the city- an apparently we were pretty good. Everyone must have been distracted by the stained glass. It makes you stop and stare....
We finally made it to Viviers after an extremely long busride just to wait for the people in charge to show up. The rooms are lovely and if you had a room facing the courtyard you could see the statue on top of the tree covered hills. We had a good meal with wine. Overall we were tired but had an amazing time.



April 26-2011
After breakfast we undertook a scenic ride through the Provance to the village of Montpezat to visit the church and birthplace of Mother Rivier. We then strengthened ourselves with a snack bought at the local store and climbed the mountain between Montpezat and the next village Thueys. Fast runners were Nicole Amonson and Rebecca Jalbert who managed to arrive at the top in 20 min. The rest followed close behind.
After catching our breath and taking in the wonderful view of the valley we descended in the village on a rocky path. We were rewarded with a fantastic lunch at the house of the sisters of presentation that we ate in the garden under a prospering cherry tree.
We meet the bus again and went home for supper and a good nights sleep.

April 27-2011
After breakfast we took off to the City of Bourg Saint Andeol for a visit of the local open market. We all more or less found some good bargains and enjoyed the tour of the convent after the sister served us HAMBURGERS AND FRITES for lunch. It was very interesting to see how Mother Rivier managed to structure the life of the sisters and children in her care.
We sang for the sisters in the infirmary and a special friend of Sister Mary. This was very moving for some of us....
After coming back to Viviers and having supper we toured the cathedral of Viviers and saw the 5 amazing tapestry hanging on the walls of the church.

April 28-2011
We got up early in the morning for a looong bus ride to get from Viviers to Nice. Besides the wonderful landscape and a visit in the perfumery in Grasse, where we had the chance to purchase the newest fragrance and learn about the complicated process of factoring perfume, this day was rather eventless. We meet our Insight vacations Tour guide in Nice, had dinner and went to bed.

April 29-2011

Early morning departure from Nice on our way to Monaco. The scenic drive was beautiful and one that pictures could never describe. In Monaco we walked in the old town to the Cathedral and the Exotic Gardens on to the Oceanographic Museum. After this we had free time for lunch and some quick shopping. Some of us were able to see parts of the changing of the guard in front of the palace on Place du Chateau. Then we were back on the road again following alongside the Mediteranian “amazing” on our way to Pisa to get our photos of holding up the tower. After a bit more shopping we were once again on the road on the way to Florence. Once in Florence we had supper back to our rooms to bed because early morning tomorrow.

Saturday, April 30, 2011
After breakfast we got on the bus to go the Accademia to visit the magnificent masterpiece of Michelangelo, the David. We viewed the Duomo, central square, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce. Shopping for leather goods, gold etc. Was enjoyed by all. We then walked back to the hotel to get ready for supper.

Sunday May 1,2011

Early morning again, on our way to Assisi. We arrived at Santa Maria degli Angeli which is the site of the first Fransciscan Monastery and namesake of Los Angeles. We then took the bus up to the Old Town of Assisi. We went to mass in the Basillica of San Francesco. We then had free time to shop and tour the town. We had a guided tour of the town later in the day including the Basilica of Saint Clare. For 600 years the town has had competitions between the old town and the new town of drumming, dancing, archery. We were able to listen to the drumming competition for a while. This competition is not meant for tourists but only for the local people so we were lucky to have seen this. We then walked to the bus and made our way back to the hotel for supper and an early bedtime because on to Rome tomorrow.