A Synapsis of The Trip

The trip began very hectic. We sat on the ground, in a plane at Detroit metro for an hour and half because the airline had forgotten to refuel the jet. After this delay we made the first hop to Shannon, Ireland. We sat on their airfield for two hours after a fuel delay and an ATC (air traffic control) delay in Paris, but we did arrive, tired and worn. We were rushed to the hotel after a timely delay obtaining our baggage.

Upon arrival at the Hotel Nikko de Paris, we were given no more then twenty minutes to put our stuff in our rooms and be back downstairs to begin tours. This was an eyes only tour seen from a bus where we were fortunate enough to pass through the red light district. As fast as we were rushed onto the bus, we were rushed off and into dinner where we came to realize the exorbitant amount of money we would be spending on food in Paris. We finished the day with a mass at one of the highest points in Paris, Sacre Couer.

We spent the next few days on tours that included: Notre Dame, The Lourve, Chartes, Palace of Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Champs-Elysee, The Opera and Opera District.

Wednesday marked the beginning of the World Youth Day cadacism events, with Thursday being the official opening to World Youth Day. On Thursday afternoon the Pope entered into the Paris area to do the opening events at Champ d' Mars under the Eiffel Tower. The powers that be planned for 300,000 people and ended up with 500,000 plus. We met people from the more than 140 countries across the globe. We decided to create a banner for all the people we met to sign. The material was courtesy of the Hotel Nikko de Paris. We needed a large piece of material so we... borrowed the sheet off the bed.

Friday we were given a free day by Bill to do any more last minute touring and shopping needed. Bill Miles, Christina DiBartolomeo, Nick Klimanski and myself, Andrew Kulpa. Attempted to tour the U.S. Embassy, but we were denied because, as they said, "We don't give tours, there are too many wacco's out there." So we continued on to Notre Dame where we happened upon the Pope's first mass ever at Notre Dame. He was doing bedification (making someone a saint.) We were fortunate to have Pope John Paul drive about fifteen feet in front of where we were standing.

Saturday morning we began the day with the, "Chain Around Paris." This was a form of rallying the troops. Nick Klimanski began by running through the street trying to get the wave stated, at which he was fairly successful. That afternoon we began the hike to the Longchamp Racecourse. This is where Pope John Paul II would give his World Youth Day Mass.

After a close to six-mile walk complimented by cheers, song and sweltering heat, we arrived. We set up our camp and prepared for a long night.

Nick Klimanski and Andrew Kulpa braved to food lines only to obtain completely frozen chicken, melted pudding and warm water. This was the last straw. After this horrendous meal, Nick and I geared up and headed on a separate pilgrimage to the holy land of McDonalds. Fortunately, we returned successful. Again, they only planned for a crowd of 300,000 because this is all the people the racetrack was supposed to be able to hold, but they were wrong again. There ended up being more then a million people there partying, praying and waiting for the Pope.

As morning rolled around Christina DiBartolomeo, Nick Klimanski, Lindsay Kulpa and I were the only members of the group who chose to stay for the mass. The others hiked back to the hotel. The mass was outrageous. Not only did we hear and see the Pope speak, but we also took host and had our rosaries and medallions blessed.

We then followed in the rest of the groups' footsteps for the hike back to the hotel where we again saw the pope in the Pope-mobile from a mere fifteen feet away. As we reached the hotel we were struck by a mirage... no even matter than a mirage, reality. A Pizza Hut, open and serving, fresh, hot food. We could not help, but stop and provide this establishment with business. We finally did arrive at the hotel though where numerous members of the Michigan Youth Groups met us with a warm heartfelt greeting and congratulations.