Feb. 21, 2019
I spent a weekend in the South of France two weeks ago. This trip was one I signed up for through IES, which meant everything was planned for me, easy pezzy!
First stop: Memorial de Rivesaltes
This was a military camp and at some time periods a containment camp for certain population groups. I’m going to be honest, I did not learn very much about this place while there because it was entirely in French. But the history seemed interesting, and the photos were fascinating. I did listen to one audio part that happened to be in English and it was a personal recount of a childcare worker at the camp during the times it used as a Nazi Controlled Transit camp. She explained that sometimes parents would give up their kids from the beginning knowing the terrible fate coming, and others would stay attached until the last second. I would have like to learned a lot more if I could. But it was valuable just being in the presence of the camp.
This memorial is just outside Perpignan about 2.5 hours from Barcelona.
Second stop: Narbonne
Here we had some free time to walk around and then a scheduled group lunch. This was supposedly typical French food. I had Carbonara, yes the one with the egg cracked on top. Once I got past the initial raw egg that I had to whip into my pasta dish, it was alright. Not bad, just not my thing maybe.
Another bus ride took us to Fontfroide Abbey in the Mountains. This monastery was absolutely beautiful. You know, I never thought I would be visiting so many monasteries while abroad, but they are absolutely beautiful places with such interesting stories of the monks who lived there.
Third stop: Carcassonne
By the time we arrived here it was evening time, and the castle was all lit up. Probably the biggest positive about going on an IES organized trip is that we get to stay in a pretty nice hotel for our weekend. Nice beds and showers, AND a view like this…
Oh also all the main meals were covered. The hotel restaurant fed us for dinner both nights and the dishes were interesting and good! On night one we had a salad with this giant cheese ball on top (literally never seen so much cheese in one place before), duck and veggies, then chocolate cake for dessert.
That night pretty much everyone on the trip ended up going out to this one Irish pub bar in the town. Good beer and good company!
Next day we were able to visit Chateaux de Lastours, a grouping of castles originally built in the 11thcentury. We were told no information about this excursion ahead of time other than it was a “short walk” up to the castles. Well, there was nothing short or walk about this. It was a completely uphill hike for like an hour. With the coat I was wearing and beautiful weather we lucked out with, I was sweating by the time we reached the top. Totally worth it in every way. It was gorgeous. The castles, surrounding valleys, and tall pointy trees (personally one of my favorite things) was all just so perfect. Our tour guide was fabulous and so patient with our group!
After that whole morning adventure outside the city, we returned to Carcassonne to visit the medieval walled old city. I was excited for this because about 4 years ago, junior year in high school, I visited the old town of Carcassonne on my AP:European history class trip to Europe. I remember it being one of my favorite places ever, so I was interested to see if it was the same.
Before and after pictures! 2015 and 2019.
I was able to tour the actual defense castle this time. To my remembering it was not open last time I visited. We took an audio tour inside the castle, and when finished I explored the walls and streets of the Medieval town. Met back up with some girls for a quick sit and then split off again to watch the sunset over the city.
This was the first time that I really decided to split off from my friends to do something that I had been wanting to do. Instead of shopping the little stores, I wanted to walk the buildings and around the walls. It sounds so simple, but a few things to note. 1. I’m very much a people person and often do not choose to spend time alone, doing exactly what I want. I’d rather just stay with the group instead. 2. Being here it’s harder to break off from a group. You are constantly surrounded by people and there’s even this pressure to stay with your group, do the things that everyone else is doing and not miss out. At first I was sad to be walking around exploring alone, more so because last time here I was with some of my high school best friends who I am still very close to. I was so far from them now and for the first time going off on my own since coming to Europe. But as I walked more, I realized that I was happy with my choice, and it made me feel good that I was accomplishing what I wanted to be doing. Also, I think Carcassonne might be one of my favorite places in the world, the second time there pretty much solidified it.
I cheated a little bit during this alone time, and while the sun was setting down on the city I facetimed my two best friends to share with them my view and thoughts! I liked that.
The hotel made us dinner again, spent some time hanging out with the group and fell asleep real fast after that full day!
Fourth Stop: Perpignan
The last day we spent in Perpignan another medium size city in the Southern France region, not too far from the Spain boarder. Here we toured the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Majorca is actually a Spanish island not far off the coast but the ruling king at the time wanted to build his Palace on the main land so settled into this Palace in Perpignan. The architecture was grand. A nice stop.
After walking some in the city and lunch, the bus ride back to Barcelona was a good nap.
About 40 kids were on this trip and it ended up being a lot of fun to meet more people in my program who were all super nice, fun and down to explore! I think it was good to go on this trip through IES while still in the first half of my time here because I was able to meet more people similar to me. I recommend anyone to partake in at least some of the activities and trips that their program provides because you never know who you might meet!
(Despite the fact that February is almost over, I still open up word and type January every time. I feel like I’ve been here a long time but not long enough that it should be the end of February already!!! AHH)
Amanda Oelke 