On April 11, 24 Lunenburg High School students and five adults embarked on an unforgettable journey through France and Spain. Customized by French teacher Mrs. Beardmore and Spanish teacher Mrs. Hillman, the itinerary started in Paris and ended in Madrid.  

    Two recurrent themes throughout the trip were the artistic and historical connections between France and Spain from the monuments left by the ancient Romans to the return of Picasso’s Guernica to Spain from the MOMA in New York. The group toured Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the evening.

    “The Eiffel Tower [was] the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Tommy Kendrick.

    After a short venture on the TGV, France’s high speed train, the group arrived in Avignon and sang the famous song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.”  

    Students got to experience “le Mistral”, the French name for the strong wind that blows in the south of France and they were able to enjoy Roman monuments in NÎmes, and, Arles, where Picasso frequented the bullfight and Van Gogh spent a year completing some of his most famous paintings.

     
    From there, the group headed to Barcelona, where the connections between France and Spain continued. The architecture of Antonio Gaudí ‘s Sagrada Familia was astonishing when compared to the Gothic architecture students saw in France. While there, one group of students opted to visit the Picasso Museum while others visited the Boquería, one of Europe’s best fresh food markets.  

    Afterward, in Zaragoza, the group visited the site of more Roman ruins, Bilbao, home of the Guggenheim Museum, and San Sebastián, a seaside resort. The most moving moment for many was the visit to the actual town of Guernica, Spain, where the Nazis bombed innocent civilians on market day on April 24, 1937. An oak tree survived the bombing, a symbol for the modern day town that now houses a peace museum. Picasso painted his masterpiece “Guernica” to call the world’s attention to the atrocities committed that day.

    The trip ended with a visit to Madrid where the students were able to see many of these painting with their own eyes. As the tour guide Franz, observed, “The students lived the painting.”  

    “I love how we had the chance to explore both the countryside and famous cities of Spain and France!” said Julia Song.

    It was, "An awesome experience and I will be returning in the future for sure!" said Natalie Hansel.

    The students and group leaders want to thank the School Committee and Superintendent Loxi-Jo Calmes for supporting educational travel in the school district. It is an invaluable experience to all.