Our theme this year at Blythe is "Around the World in 180 days!"  Montague the Bear will give clues each morning from a French or Spanish country.  Students will try to guess which country Montague is visiting that week, and will drop their answers in a special box in the Media Center.  A winner will be drawn each Friday.

Monday, September 21, 2009 - While Montague was visiting this country; he went to visit one of the most recognizable structures in the world.  It is a triangular tower made of iron built on the Champ de Mars. When the tower was completed in 1889 for a World’s Fair, it was the world's tallest tower at 1,063 feet. After trekking 1652 steps to the top, Montague felt the wind in his hair and looked out over this beautiful city. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - Montague visited a famous painter’s house and garden which is called Giverny.  While exploring its many pathways enclosed by hedges, Montague found himself crossing over a small pond on a Japanese Bridge.  As he looked down into the water, the many water lilies and harmonious colors and shapes of the reflections bouncing off the water made him want to become a painter.  He was inspired!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 – While walking in a little seaside village, Montague met a famous artist who was in a wheel chair.  He held a pair of scissors.  There was paper cut outs in various shapes strewn about the floor.  The artist told him that when his paper cut outs were put together on canvas, they told a story.  Some of the stories were about dagger throwers, white elephants, and many sea creatures.  He let Montague cut out some paper and make his own collage.

Thursday, September 24, 2009 - Montague visited a famous museum while in this country.  The museum began as a fortress built in the 12th century and the building was extended many times to form the present. In 1989, a new entrance was created by the architect I.M. Pei.  There was much controversy!  The new entrance looks like a huge glass pyramid!  Many people thought that this glass pyramid looked out of place in front of the classical museum.  Montague thought the entrance was really cool!!  When Montague was touring the museum, he rounded a corner and there enclosed in a glass case behind red velvet ropes he spied the most famous portrait in the entire world, the “Mona Lisa”.  She was much smaller that he realized and had lots of cracks in her face!!

Friday, September 25, 2009 - Montague was touring the ElysĂ©e Palace, which is this country’s version of the White House.  While looking for the bathroom, he got lost and ended up walking into a meeting between Barack Obama and Nicholas Sarkozy!!  He was politely invited in for tea!!  While they were discussing world events, Sarkozy’s beautiful wife, who used to be a famous model, came in to take Montague on a private tour of the Palace.  She showed him the flag of this country which is also red, white, and blue!!