Many of our chaperones decided to get started early and spend as much time as possible visiting attractions in Paris. All the groups spent either the morning or afternoon at the Louvre Museum walking through the amazing collection of art. The 
Louvre has the greatest collection and most prestigious works of art in the world. After consuming our breakfast, my group went shopping at the Galleries Lafayette, a huge department store, ten stories tall. Later, we walked the streets near the department store and found some nice items in local stores and shops. 
We found a Starbucks and decided to take a small break for some tea, coffee and snacks. We took a picture in front of the Hard Rock Cafe Paris which returned to later for dinner this same evening. My group chose to have some American food and music on their last night in Paris. Did I mention the loud music at the Hard Rock Cafe?Many other chaperone groups went to other attractions in Paris including one group that traveled to Disneyland Paris for the day. If any of the chaperone's have pictures to share on this website, I would be happy to create and album for their group, or family here. Just let me know. Since chaperone groups went in many different directions at different times, I can only imagine how many pictures and stories are out there.
We had lunch at a nice Chinese cafe on the 6th floor of the Galleries Lafayette and then took the Metro to the Louvre Museum. We were amazed on the size of the building and the huge underground facilities that connect the old to the new.
Under the Louvre was a shopping center and Paris' only food court. After walking in mainly the Italian Art exhibits and visiting the Mona Lisa, we decided to have Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. We had a very entertaining waiter who took a liking to our group, even though the restaurant was packed to capacity. We celebrated 
Zach Johnson's 18th Birthday with a surprise candle on top of a "Sinful" Sundae as the waiter sang Happy Birthday. We let our group hang out at the Hard Rock and enjoy the music and atmosphere.We took the Metro back to the hotel. Seems we are are getting pretty good navigating the Metro after several days. We got some packing done tonight to prepare for our departure in the morning. We have two groups departing. One at 5:00 am and the other at 9:30 am. (See Flight Information for the groups arrival time at LAX.) Since we are traveling west, the travel time will be longer, but due to the time change, we will arrive the same day as we depart. We will still travel from Paris to London, switch planes, and take a direct flight from London to LAX.
A very fun day of shopping, walking, and visiting the Louvre Museum. I believe you will find that the students had a great experience here in Paris and will bring home many stories, pictures, and memories that will last a lifetime. I think our group became closer as time progressed and we got to create new friendships along the way.Bed check is complete and it's now off to bed, with and early wake-up to ensure the first group is up and ready to depart. On behalf of all the students, parents, chaperones and Mr. Shuler, thank you for your support on this trip. We miss you and we will see you very soon!
*** Just a few personal pictures of my chaperone group, Zach's Birthday, and the Louvre. Chaperone's, parents and students, if you have pictures or videos that you would like posted on this website, please email them to me at: rasmit@verizon.net or burn them to a CD and give to my son, Sean Smit, at the High School. I want this to be a group experience and the more content, the better the documentation of our first international tour. Thank you.
Rob Smit
We had a great New Year holiday together with you, with the link of the website.
Have a pleasant trip back home.