This is a daily blog of our adventures throughout Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris! 

A Taste of Dutch Tradition 🇳🇱🧀🌬️

Today felt like stepping into a postcard as we traveled back in time at Zaanse Schans, a charming windmill village straight out of a fairytale. With wooden clogs on display, grazing sheep, and iconic windmills turning in the breeze, it was impossible not to be enchanted.

We dove into the fascinating history of the Dutch milling industry, even climbing to the top of a working windmill for a breathtaking view of the countryside. Then came the cheese—so much cheese! We learned how it’s made, from curd to rind, and sampled more varieties than we could count (yes, we each found our favorite).

Our journey continued to the picturesque fishing village of Volendam, where colorful boats bobbed in the harbor and traditional Dutch houses lined the waterfront. There, we bravely tried pickled herring—a local delicacy that had some of us surprised, others delighted, and all of us laughing.

With wind in our hair and cheese in our bellies, it was a beautiful, authentic Dutch day we won’t soon forget.

Bonjour, Paris! 🇫🇷✨

Our Parisian adventure began with a visit to the charming neighborhood of Montmartre—a hilltop haven of art, history, and cobblestone streets. As we climbed our way up to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the city slowly unfolded beneath us in a breathtaking view.

We wandered through the lively artist square, where painters and sketch artists brought the streets to life. With music playing and the scent of crepes in the air, it truly felt like the Paris of our dreams. From street art to souvenirs, Montmartre gave us the perfect first taste of the magic this city has to offer.

Day one: magnifique! 💫🗼🎨

Paris, Day 3: Strokes, Scents & Masterpieces 🎨🌸🖼️

Our last day in Paris was a celebration of art, beauty, and creativity!

We started the morning with a peaceful and inspiring watercolor painting lesson, where we let our imaginations flow and captured little pieces of Paris on paper. With soft colors and scenic views, it was the perfect way to reflect on our adventures and make something truly our own.

Next, we visited the elegant Fragonard Perfume Factory, where we learned the secrets behind the world of French fragrance. Surrounded by luxurious scents and beautiful bottles, we explored how perfumes are made and even tested our own sense of smell. Let’s just say—we left smelling amazing!

To end our time in the City of Light, we headed to the legendary Louvre Museum. From the mysterious smile of the Mona Lisa to awe-inspiring ancient sculptures and world-famous masterpieces, it was the perfect grand finale to our Paris journey.

Paris, you’ve been a dream! 🇫🇷💫🖌️

The Journey Home: Delays, Determination & a Sweet Surprise ✈️🌹

And just like that, our unforgettable adventure came to an end.

On our final day, we packed up our memories (and souvenirs!) and began the long journey back home. With such a large group, we were split onto two different planes—and while one group made it back smoothly, the other experienced a significant delay that tested everyone’s patience and energy.

But even in the face of exhaustion and unexpected setbacks, our students showed incredible resilience. They kept their spirits high, supported one another, and reminded us what it means to travel not just as tourists—but as a team.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t be more emotional, we were treated to the sweetest moment: Mrs. Emery’s husband was waiting at the airport with a bouquet of roses, ready to celebrate their anniversary. It was a beautiful reminder that love and support travel just as far as we do.

Though we returned tired, we came back full of memories, laughter, and stories that will last a lifetime. DragonsFly 2023—you were truly something special. 💙🛫🌍