Reims Cathedral

Book of Marvels

When Christianity was brought to France, an amazing cathedral was created, in the town of Reims. This cathedral was unlike any other that you have ever seen, colored glass reflected light off the walls, and beautiful statues of angels and saints decorated the glittering halls. Even a beautiful statue of the country’s heroine, Joan of Arc stands before the cathedral, which is covered in beautiful architecture. Would you like to see this marvelous cathedral? Of course you do! Let’s go! On our way across the Atlantic, I tell you of the Reims cathedral’s history. This wonderful cathedral was bombed by the Germans, and now, only a few of the original towers remain. Crumbling walls blocked the passages, and arms of saints and wings of angels have been knocked off their owners. Most of the statues, if not all, have been replaced. Yet, the originals were much more lovely and delicate than the replacements. Even though the Reims cathedral has been scared for life, it stands nobly, along with many others of it’s kind. As we walk down the road which leads to the Reims Cathedral, we are prepared for an amazing sight, however, when we reach the cathedral itself, we are awestruck by it’s beauty and strength. The strong walls of the cathedral are decorated by lovely, delicate architecture. Standing in front of it we can see how horrid war and fighting really is. And, we can respect and honor God, for the beauty of this amazing building is all directed towards Him.

Mount Saint Michael

Book of Marvels

On the northern coast of France, there lies a small, lovely, island. On this island, there stands a tall hillock, which holds one of the most beautiful abbeys in the world. This hillock, is Mount Saint Michael, it holds the Saint Michael monastery. Many years ago, Mount Saint Michael was attached to the shore. How can this be? You may ask. Well, one peaceful day, while the monks were going about their business, they heard a loud, ear shattering, roar. The monks ran to the window, and peered out, to see what could be happening. A earthquake was separating Mount Saint Michael from the rest of France! Luckily, the earthquake did no harm to the abbey, and I am sure that the monks praised God for the safety he had granted them. Let us go and see this amazing abbey. As we reach the island, an amazing sight awaits us, more beautiful, in it’s day, then any other monastery, Mount Saint Michael stands, wrapped in glory, and peace. From the quaint houses, bordering the shore, to the tall, proud, abbey, which towers above, Mount Saint Michael places itself high in our hearts. Being a monastery that had lots of money, Mount Saint Michael was naturally attacked many times, One of its most interesting stories was when an English commander bribed four monks into pulling up 20 of his men in a basket, that was attached to ropes, another monk saw what was going on, and killed the two men who were bringing up the soldiers, but continued to haul up the men. However, when each man was brought up, he would be killed, And that is the way one monk defeated twenty English soldiers, in one night.

Carcassonne

Book of Marvels

Have you ever dreamed what it would be like to live in the Medieval Ages? I have, and I think that it would be a very exiting life. In a little town called Carcassonne, in southern France, Medieval lifestyle reached its peak. Brave knights, beautiful damsels, they all lived in Carcassonne! For about three hundred years, the Visigoths held it. Then, the Saracens took hold of it for about fifty more years. However, in the 1280’s, France officially claimed Carcassonne for themselves. Would you like to go and see this amazing medieval town? Let’s go! As we approach Carcassonne, we can see two strong, tall walls, crowned with fifty turrets for the knights and defenders of the castle to keep watch on. Also, in the walls there are little holes for the knights to pour arrows, stones, and boiling pitch through, at their enemy. We enter the castle through the open drawbridge and portcullis. Where are the guards, waiting to question us at the doors? We walk through the lonely streets that no one but ghosts walk through, now. Where are the merry townspeople, waiting to meet us with glad cheer? They are all gone, for after the cannon was invented, Carcassonne’s mighty walls did no good. Most of the people in the city escaped to the valley below, and lived there. Now as we walk through the lonely streets, that once were filled with so much splendor, our minds run wild, and we can see how this old, falling-apart city could once have been the most fought for, envied, town of all times.       

The Rock of Gibraltar

Book of Marvels

The rock of Gibraltar is a beautiful, fourteen- hundred foot high mountain, which rests right next to Spain. However, ever since 1704, England has occupied this famous landmark. The Greeks and Romans of old, were afraid that if they sailed past the rock, they would fall off the earth. However, the Saracens, who lived in Africa, were not afraid of anything. In the year 711, they sailed over to the great mountain, and claimed it as their own. But as I told you earlier, the English, in 1704, took the rock for their own. Would you like to come and see the great, proud, amazing monument? Of course you do! Let’s go! As we sail past the indigo- blue waters, and arrive at the skirt of land, an amazing sight beholds us. The Mountain towers above us, urging us to come and reach it’s summit. We start to hike up the steep mountain trail. On our way up, we can see people and houses below: swimming, playing, and living their life to the fullest. However, the greatest of sights, awaits us patiently at the top. After the steep hike up the rocky slope, we reach the summit of this amazing mountain. We can almost touch the, rich, deep-blue sky. From the top, we can see the Atlantic ocean, the Mediterranean sea, Spain- with it’s beautiful snow capped mountains, and Africa- home of the Saracens, who where the first to take hold of this strong, proud, rock. How has this amazing marvel been kept in the hands of the English so long? Well, deep inside the heart of the mountain are hundreds of guns, the newest and most dangerous, which the English aren’t afraid to use. They will do anything to defend their beloved treasure, which all the world envies.

Spring Recital 2013  

P.S. The lady in the background is my piano teacher, Mrs Meinershagen. 

The Incas

Book of Marvels

Dear Priestesses,

You do not know me, but I am a friend, an Inca citizen. I was in Machu Picchu, Peru, when the Spaniards attacked, and saw you flee. I have no idea why the Spaniards took over, but there is a rumor that all they wanted was our gold. I am amazed at the Spaniard’s greed of gold. Why, they seemed amazed that we use it commonly! The metal is widely used here because we have so much of it. Priestesses, the reason I call is to tell you that Machu Picchu, our city of granite that equals the Aztecs in greatness, is in great danger, the Spaniards are in war mode, they are killing everyone, you left just in time! However, I doubt if you will remain hidden for long. Why if the Spaniards were able to find the trail, you would be ruined! So, I advise you to be on the lookout, and take great care of yourselves. I am too, fleeing the country. Sadly, I do not think that I will be able to make my escape, for I have started quite late. Right now I look back on Machu Picchu, our city of gold gleams in the sunset, the shining granite reflects the light, making it even brighter, a golden light on our mountain. Praise the sun-god! Let him grant me a safe journey! But here, I must end, for I see the Spaniards following closely. Travel safely, and may the sun-god always be with you!

Until we meet again,

A Loving Friend