Voyage à Reims

Today was quite a fun day! We went on an excursion to Reims, which is also known as the champagne valley. We left Paris around 9:15 and made the 2 hour drive, by bus, to the city of Reim.

French countryside 

Cute little houses

Upon arrival, we went to the Pommery champagne cellar, where we were given a very interesting tour of the cellars! We learned all about the creating, aging, and production process of champagne. It was very interesting to learn about and to be in the actual cellars, where they have to keep it a certain temperature, light and humidity year around. After the hour tour, we returned to daylight to conclude our tour with a very nice champagne tasting. The wine was absolutely delicious!

Stairs down to the cellar

How they label the specific type of champagne

Oldest champagne they own

Fun art decoration

After the wonderful champagne cellars, we dropped by the gothic cathedral and were free to get some lunch. Then, for our final stop, we were off to see the most amazing sight of the excursion. We went to a local high school classroom, where President Eisenhower had set up his headquarters in WWII, after the Allies had occupied France. It was here that the leaders of the Allies and Axis powers met to sign the official document of surrender by Axis powers, thus ending World War II. The room had been preserved exactly as it was the day the Allies were victorious. What an AMAZING part of history to see.

Entrance door to the museum/high school which says above "It is here that on May 7 1945 was signed the act that put an end to the Second World War in Europe"

The flags at the entrance of the Allies

A picture of what the room originally looked like on May 7, 1945

The room today 

With all of its maps intact

The table and chairs with labels where each head leader sat

We then enjoyed the drive home with a beautiful sunset and everyone taking a light nap on the bus. Natalie and I arrived back to our apartment to check on Ashley, who had gotten sick so she stayed home to rest. We made dinner, then off for another beautiful yet chilling run. Was a longer one tonight, but well worth it, as the Eiffel Tower's light is always breathtaking to run with in sight.

It's getting colder and colder here. All the water on the sidewalks and roads is now ice. The lakes we passed on the drive today were all frozen over. They're expecting snow this weekend, most likely on Sunday, and I'm bracing myself for the weather! Good thing I brought my hunter boots, which should do the trick at keeping my toes warm!

French word for the day: "Flocon de neige" which means "snowflake"

Lots of love from the city of love,
Me