European Adventures

Megan Gill, a second year Daisy from Morgan Hill, CA in Troop 61353.  This Traveling Girl Scout when to Paris, France and Ghent, Belgium.

The Adventures of Gigi the American Girl Scout

~ Ghent, Belguim and Paris France ~

The Traveling Girl Scout named Gigi visited Paris, France,  and Ghent, Belgium.  Gigi “discovered” new cultures, languages, and many historical facts on her trip.

While in France, Gigi immediately “connected” with her French heritage.  Gigi tried her best to speak French to show respect for the local people.  She enjoyed the local cuisine which was filled with all kinds of treats that were new to her.  In addition, Gigi spent the greater part of her days in Paris immersing herself in the Parisian’s rich history.  She visited many well-known churches (Norte Dame, Saint-Chapelle, and Sacre-Coeur Basilica).  She visited the Louvre Museum and enjoyed viewing the works (painting, sculptures, and artifacts) of many fine French artisans.  For fun, she climbed up to the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel tower.  Many tourists took the elevators to the top of the monuments, but not Gigi.  Gigi chose to “take action” to save the environment by saving energy so she climbed the stairs of these wonderful monuments in order to take in the many majestic views of Paris.  Gigi also walked by the Moulin Rouge and took a picture in front of its deep-red windmill.  Gigi supports the user of 3wind power as an alternative source of energy.  She also visited Chateau de Versailles, which is the very ornate caste which served as the home of the kings of France from 1661-1789 (Louis XIV – Louis XVI).  While visiting the castle and with saving the environment as her mission, Gigi picked up and disposed of many pieces of garbage she found in the beautiful Versailles gardens.

After spending five glorious days in Paris, Gigi boarded a train to Ghent, Belgium.  You will never guess who boarded the train at one of the stops along the way.  Gigi was so surprised and very excited to see a fellow Girl Scout Troop. She did not want to disturb them so she quietly and respectfully took a picture of them.  Gigi wanted a picture to remind her that Girl Scout is a worldwide organization focused on empowering girls to respectfully lead the world in positive change.  Once in Ghent, Gigi visited a medieval castle called Gravensteen, which was built in 1180. She went on a boat ride up and down the Lys River and enjoyed the many historical and beautiful views traveling through the canals.  In addition, she visited three churches: Saint-Jacobs, Saint-Nicolas, and Saint Michaels.  She found each church to be rich in history and very unique in architecture both inside and out.  After a full day of sightseeing, a little bit of shopping (including purchases of Belgium chocolate), and three scrumptious meals, Gigi called it a night.  She concluded her trip with a nutritious breakfast, a train ride to Brussels, Belgium, and a couple flights home.  Gigi had a wonderful and educational trip that she will remember always.