Happy Holidays!

Are you looking for ways to kill time over the holiday break? Well, look no further! I have finally added a list of movies (see sidebar to the right) that feature one of our three destinations. The majority of the films are set in Paris...there are not many that feature Amsterdam or Bruges. But, those that do are very entertaining! The purpose of these movies is to give you a little bit of a preview of the landscape and get you even more psyched for our trip.

If you want a summary of the movies listed, just click on the link and it will take you to IMDB where you can read summaries and see cast lists. Also, if ratings are a concern for you or your parents (some of the movies are rated R), you can scroll toward the bottom and they usually will offer an overview of why it is rated what it is. If you are unsure, please ask as I have seen the majority of the movies listed.

I know Anne Frank is of interest to many people and many of you have read her diary, which will be very helpful when we visit the Anne Frank Huis. When it comes to Anne Frank, there are several movie adaptations of her diary available. I have seen them all and listed what I consider to be the best one. If you're a WWII buff, are interested in the Dutch Resistance, or just like to be on the edge of your seat, then I highly recommend Black Book. 

The only movie on the list that takes place in Bruges is, aptly titled, In Bruges. You will probably recognize several of the actors in this dark comedy. Of course, The Monuments Men has a couple of scenes in Bruges, and is of special interest because we will be seeing Michelangelo's Madonna and Child that is featured in the film. 

When it comes to movies Paris, there is a little something for everyone. You can also check out my blog where I discuss my three favorite films about Paris. 

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. And when you are welcoming in 2015 at midnight on January 1st, know it is going to be a great year. After all, this is the year you go to Europe!

One Year and Counting

31,536,000 seconds. 525,600 minutes. 8,760 hours. 365 days. 12 months. 1 year. It might sound like a lot - especially when you're waiting for something completely amazing. But in one year from today, we will be leaving for our next trip to Europe!  Yes, in one year, we will bid au revoir to our loved ones, hop on a charter bus to JFK Airport, and take off across the Atlantic to begin the adventure of a lifetime.

I am extra excited for this trip as I have never been to two of the three places we are going. That means we will discover Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Bruges (Belgium) together! I recently took a graduate class about Anne Frank and so I am very much looking forward to visiting the Anne Frank House. When the time gets closer, I will devote a blog to especially to her. In light of the recent movie The Monuments Men, I am also quite thrilled to see Michelangelo's Madonna and Child at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges.  And I suppose it goes without saying that I am ecstatic to return to Paris! It has been a year since I have visited the City of Light, and I look forward to sharing the things I love most about my favorite city with you all! 

Periodically over the next year, I will post some thoughts, links, suggestions of books or articles to read and movies to watch to prepare for our trip. The movies I list may or may not be historically accurate.  The point is mostly to give you a glimpse of the places we are going across different time periods. And if you come across anything you think we might all enjoy, please post it (or email it to Mr. Switala or me and I'll make sure it gets posted). 

Last but not least, I would recommend that you become a follower of this blog or sign up for emails so that you don't miss anything. I would also recommend that your parents sign up - when we are in Europe, this is a great way for them to keep in touch with what you are doing as I post nearly every day that we are away.