Parting Words - Au revoir la belle France

I asked the students each to provide me with a comment about their experience in France. Here is what they wrote:

Joni - Being in France has been amazing and unbelievable. At first I couldn't believe that I was here for 2 weeks. Two weeks seemed like a whole year at first! Then I couldn't believe Paris! It was huge, it was amazing and the buildings were magnificently ancient! Now I can't believe that tomorrow I will be back in Iowa with my English-speaking family and friends. Thanks to everyone - it was unbelievable!

Jyothi - I can't even express how amazing this experience has been...I've learned so much about life in France and I wouldn't trade this opportunity for anything...not even a Chanel purse from avenue Champs-Elysees or a basketful of baguettes and, boy, were those baguettes good!

Sarah - "Is this heaven? Are you an angel?"
"No, this is Paris, and I'm a French person."
Thus began my spring break in France. My two weeks of stilettos, ascots, and boulangeries. An artistic mantra, Paris has shaped my body (thanks, croissants), mind, and soul. Too much of a good thing can make you sick, but not when pertaining to France.

Niki - I have enjoyed everything about this trip, from playing cards with my host family to class excursions to Paris. This experience has been amazing! Meeting new people and experiencing the French life first hand is something! Thanks, Dad and James, for letting me come! :) Not to mention the chocolate was to die for.

Ally - The day I arrived, France swept me off my feet with its promises of chocolate and great fashion. Each day was a new adventure I embarked upon, and around every corner was something new. This has been the chance of a lifetime.

Winky - My stay in France was better than I thought it would be! I got to see many ancient castles and museums including Versailles and the Louvre. I shopped on the Champs-Elysees and took a Bateau Mouche down the Seine. Not only that, but I got to spend a day in Disneyland Resort Paris! However, the best part of my 2 week stay was making friends and staying with an amazing French family who invited me back to France this summer. I learned so much more French and I'm so excited to return to Iowa and tell my family about it.

Leah - Being in France is pretty much the coolest thing, ever! It has been great to meet so many new friends, and learn about such an interesting culture while improving my French...though I'm still excited to see my mom when we get home!

Alyssa - This has been an experience I probably will never have again. Experiencing this fast-paced yet relaxing area has been a much needed break, however intellectually challenging!

Devon - France is the wind beneath my wings. The days are filled with friends, laughter, and nutella. C'est la vie! (mdr)

Tad - I learned that all the people around the world are the same. The only difference is the language and the place.

Alex - The strangest part about being in France was seeing everyday normal people, and then hearing them open their mouths and not speak English.

Raquel - (It appears that I have not received her comment yet - to come upon our return!)

Mme Z - I am so proud of this group and their efforts to enjoy and learn on this trip. Merci to all of them. Also, a great big thank you to Mme Moscovitz for all of her work on this side as our coordinator. Our stay would not have happened without her.

Here we come - see you in Cedar Rapids around 5:30 on Wednesday evening! If anyone has room for Mme Z in their car, she is looking for a ride to CF!

Horse Arena Visit

The group gathered this afternoon to visit the famous horse racing arena in the town where our school is, Enghien-les-Bains. It is a very impressive complex resembling the 'Kentucky Derby' style horseracing scene. They are currently preparing for a race that will take place in two days. After our tour we stopped in a cafe for a cold beverage and crepes.

Tomorrow we will spend our last day in France in downtown Enghien, with a nice lunch and time to pick up our last souvenirs.

Friday's Paris Excursion - Louvre and Arc de Triomphe

Friday the group went to the amazing and gargantuan Louvre museum. We first did the tour of the 'biggies', including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Then students split into smaller groups according to preference to see more of what interested them. Some viewed Egyptian art, others Italian paintings, and others Greek sculpture. They were more interested in the art than my typical group. What smart kids!

After our museum visit and a little souvenir shopping, we headed to the widest street in France, the Champs-Elysees. There we climbed the 284 steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. In my opinion this is the most beautiful view of Paris. The students were bedazzled by the view and many commented that this moment was their favorite one of the trip so far. Following our climb, the students had a bit of free time to stroll the Champs, a street on which the fanciest and most expensive designer stores are found.

Thursday at school many of the students were asked to participate in classes by the teachers. I heard specific positive stories about Devon and Sarah. We are leaving a positive mark on the students at this school, and this is because our students are so positive, flexible, and curious to learn.

This weekend the students are in their families. We will meet again Monday as a group.

Beautiful Day at Versailles

Tuesday we took three trains from our northern suburb to the southwest to visit Versailles Palace,where many members of the French royal family lived, most notably Louis XIV. We bought some beautiful sandwiches,quiches,and pastry from a traditional bakery (see pic) and had a picnic on the steps of the Versailles gardens. We also visited Mary Antoinette's private homes on the Versailles property. It was a picture perfect day with a blue sky,lots of sun,and temperatures in the 50s.

Today the students have class in the morning only,which is typical for Wednesdays in France. Then they will likely have outings with their students and families.

Versailles Departure

We are meeting in a few minutes to take three trains to Versailles!

First Excursion in center of Paris

Today we had a fabulous time visiting Paris. It was the first day that we had sunny weather and it must have been around 50 degrees. We took a boat ride on the Seine, which allowed us to see many monuments. Then we went to the Latin Quarter, where we had lunch and free time to shop. I believe that all students came home with a bag! The group was great at following directions and being safe. They were speedy on the metro (subway) and we had a very smooth day. All day students told tales of their family stays. A supervisor at the school mentioned how impressed she was that they make a great effort to stay in French so that they make this trip a rich learning experience. I am very proud of them! Tomorrow, on to Versailles!

Randomly bumping into a student in Paris

Crossing the Boulevard St. Germain in the Latin Quarter Saturday afternoon, I bumped into Ally and her host family on the crosswalk! We chatted for a few minutes and then they were off to stroll the Champs-Elysées. I did sneak in a quick photo by the nearest métro stop. See below.

P.S. On a boring logistical note,I am having trouble getting on my UNI email. Please write to me on my personal email eez@cfu.net if you need to write to me or call my French cell phone.