As of now our flight is on time (we have to be ready to leave at 6:45). I look forward to seeing the parents at the airport tomorrow!!
Bonne nuit!
Notre groupe 2014
Nous partons en 18 jours!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Oh là là! So cool! So French!
Ce n'est PAS possible! It's not possible that this is our last night in France. Today Meg's wish was granted at we walked to the subway in the rain. Mais pas de problème, no problem. It was a good morning visit the LOUVRE. We spent the afternoon in Montmartre visiting Sacre Couer and the Place du Tertre (art everywhere). We had our final dinner together (Joyeux Anniversaire Gracie!) near our hotel. Lots of picture sharing, laughing, and also one flying escargot ( it's a long story!). After the dinner, we just didn't want to let go of Paris, so we walked together for awhile and found ourselves gazing at Notre Dame (not to far from our hotel). While looking at the pictures on my camera it struck me that Notre Dame is where it all began for us this week! However, the students that were at Notre Dame last Friday are not the same as the students that I shared dinner with tonight. I am so proud of all that they have accomplished during this trip. Speaking of pictures- so sorry that it didn't work to post more pictures to the blog. I will have lots more to add and I will soon create a a page online where we can all share our favorite pictures.
Friday, March 21, 2014
PARIS
Bonsoir!
We had another fantastic day exploring Paris today! Voilà a summary of our time in Paris yesterday and today.
Thursday: 2 hour bus tour all around Paris by Dominique (soooooo French)!, check in at our hotel (vraiment très chic), lunch at Café Soufflot (beaucoup de croques Monsieurs and 1 steak tartare!), subway to the Champs-Élysées for strolling and shopping, subway to the Eiffel Tower (we went up as the sun was setting and now know why Paris is called the city of lights), then home via a crêpe stand for a late night snack (citron et nutella banane, s'il vous plaît).
Friday: Train to Versailles, visit of the château (wow!), walk through the gardens (merci Kolby for reading us the interesting facts from the guidebook on the way!), tour of the Grand Trianon (private residence of Marie Antoinette), quick lunch at Class'croute (France's version of Subway is much better), train back to Paris to the Invalides to visit the Military Museum and the tomb of Napoleon, then on to the Seine river for a cruise on the Bateaux Mouches (great views), then back to our neighborhood (the Latin Quarter) for dinner at Safran (first time many had tried Indian food), then back to our hotel.
Tomorrow is our last real day.... So many emotions (and tired feet). We are missing our French families but also our American families. We have taken hundreds of pictures and I can't wait for the students to share this experience with their families and friends. I should tell you that some of the students have threatened to throw their passports in the Seine so they don't have to return home :). I might join them if it weren't for my boys and husband at home (miss them beaucoup)!
A bientôt!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Photos!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Au revoir, Orléans!
Bonjour!
We returned to school this morning for more classes en français. Today all experienced lunch à la cantine (in the cafeteria). Perhaps they knew we were coming because one of the entree choices was a hamburger with fried potatoes. However; several in the group opted for the fish with cream sauce and rice. There were also many choices of different salads, yougurts, fresh fruit, bread, cheese, and of course desserts. No one went hungry! We crossed the bridge over the Loire river to spend the afternoon in Orléans centre-ville (downtown). We took lots of photos, did a little shopping; and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We went inside of the Cathedral St. Croix, which I was told is actually bigger than Notre Dame! I think the students are in awe of the history here and old things actually are... moi aussi!
Tonight some of the students were going to restaurants and some were dining with their families at home. I was invited to dine with Rachel and her host family as she lives just down the street. What a treat as her host mom prepared some very yummy French specialties. I don't have time to describe them all tonight but I will say that the dinner included foie gras, fish eggs, and duck. Rachel tried everything!
Tomorrow we meet at the train station early to return to Paris. We have a packed day tomorrow and the forecast is sunny and upper sixties so we are going to climb a certain famous tower... There is WiFi at the hotel and I will be able to upload some pictures finally (although I suspect the students have already done so...oui? A demain!!!
We returned to school this morning for more classes en français. Today all experienced lunch à la cantine (in the cafeteria). Perhaps they knew we were coming because one of the entree choices was a hamburger with fried potatoes. However; several in the group opted for the fish with cream sauce and rice. There were also many choices of different salads, yougurts, fresh fruit, bread, cheese, and of course desserts. No one went hungry! We crossed the bridge over the Loire river to spend the afternoon in Orléans centre-ville (downtown). We took lots of photos, did a little shopping; and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We went inside of the Cathedral St. Croix, which I was told is actually bigger than Notre Dame! I think the students are in awe of the history here and old things actually are... moi aussi!
Tonight some of the students were going to restaurants and some were dining with their families at home. I was invited to dine with Rachel and her host family as she lives just down the street. What a treat as her host mom prepared some very yummy French specialties. I don't have time to describe them all tonight but I will say that the dinner included foie gras, fish eggs, and duck. Rachel tried everything!
Tomorrow we meet at the train station early to return to Paris. We have a packed day tomorrow and the forecast is sunny and upper sixties so we are going to climb a certain famous tower... There is WiFi at the hotel and I will be able to upload some pictures finally (although I suspect the students have already done so...oui? A demain!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Un Jour à l'école (A day at school)
Bonjour!
Today we stepped into the shoes of a French high school student. Some of us walked to school, some rode a bike, some took the tram, and some were dropped off in a car. School begins at 8am for some students, but not until 9 for others. The schedule is different each day of the week. Students have 15 minutes of "recreation" in the morning and the afternnoon, and most have 1-2 hours for lunch. The day ends as late as "18 heures", or 6pm for most. It's a long day!
We followed the schedule of our French host brother or sister. Some of the classes we saw today were: German, English, French, Chinese, Math (Statistics), and Chemistry. The English classes were especially interesting as the teacher invited the students to introduce themselves and allowed time for questions from the French students. I was able to observe several classes as well. It was fun to see the students passing in the hallways between classes!
Tomorrow the students will see more classes in the morning and we will eat lunch together à la cantine (cafeteria). In the afternoon we will take our last walk in downtown Orleans to do some shopping and see the statue dedicated to Joan of Arc as well as the Cathedral St. Croix. Students will have their last meal with their families tomorrow eveing and then pack their suitcase for our early Thursday morning train to Paris!
A demain!!!
Today we stepped into the shoes of a French high school student. Some of us walked to school, some rode a bike, some took the tram, and some were dropped off in a car. School begins at 8am for some students, but not until 9 for others. The schedule is different each day of the week. Students have 15 minutes of "recreation" in the morning and the afternnoon, and most have 1-2 hours for lunch. The day ends as late as "18 heures", or 6pm for most. It's a long day!
We followed the schedule of our French host brother or sister. Some of the classes we saw today were: German, English, French, Chinese, Math (Statistics), and Chemistry. The English classes were especially interesting as the teacher invited the students to introduce themselves and allowed time for questions from the French students. I was able to observe several classes as well. It was fun to see the students passing in the hallways between classes!
Tomorrow the students will see more classes in the morning and we will eat lunch together à la cantine (cafeteria). In the afternoon we will take our last walk in downtown Orleans to do some shopping and see the statue dedicated to Joan of Arc as well as the Cathedral St. Croix. Students will have their last meal with their families tomorrow eveing and then pack their suitcase for our early Thursday morning train to Paris!
A demain!!!
Monday, March 17, 2014
Les Chateaux!
Bonjour! This morning the group reunited after our weekend with the families. It was wonderful to see everyone so well-rested! Our chauffeur for the day met picked meet us at the high school (Lycée St. Charles), and we were off to see the Chateau de Chenonceau in the morning; a picnic near the Chateau d' Amboise, with the finale at Chambord. Check out the links at the bottom of the blog for a glimpse! I so wish I had a way to connect my Ipad to upload photos...hopefully at our hotel on Thursday. The best part of the day for me was listening to the students exchange all of their stories about their weekends- I am so proud of them all. Tomorrow we have a full day at school!
On the bus I asked each student to write a "tweet" sized message to share with you.
@Ashley-J'adore France! My comprehension has improved so much in just 4 days, and I'm having a bonne journée!
@Meg- Bonjour Maman and Papa: France is beautiful-it's just as cool as I expected. I'm having a great time! See you Sunday!
@Rachel-France is beautiful qnd I know I am going to be reluctant to leave France. It's a great experience but I miss my bed!
@Kacey-Bonjour! I am loving France as much as I had anticipated; It still seems unreal that I am here. I honestly don't know if I can leave:) But I will. See you soon-à bientot!
@Sydney- Bonjour Maman! France is very beautiful. I am not allowing myself to get homesick. I never want to leave but I will- see you Sunday!
@Kolby-The food is good. The language is good. The people are good. I am being good. Paris was good. Versailles will be good. It's been good. France is awesome! Je finis.
@Ben-France has been great so far; Hopefully this week seems long. A bientot!
@Gracie- Bonjour Maman et Papa! France is everything I expected and more. My family is wonderful. Miss you guys. See you Sunday!
On the bus I asked each student to write a "tweet" sized message to share with you.
@Ashley-J'adore France! My comprehension has improved so much in just 4 days, and I'm having a bonne journée!
@Meg- Bonjour Maman and Papa: France is beautiful-it's just as cool as I expected. I'm having a great time! See you Sunday!
@Rachel-France is beautiful qnd I know I am going to be reluctant to leave France. It's a great experience but I miss my bed!
@Kacey-Bonjour! I am loving France as much as I had anticipated; It still seems unreal that I am here. I honestly don't know if I can leave:) But I will. See you soon-à bientot!
@Sydney- Bonjour Maman! France is very beautiful. I am not allowing myself to get homesick. I never want to leave but I will- see you Sunday!
@Kolby-The food is good. The language is good. The people are good. I am being good. Paris was good. Versailles will be good. It's been good. France is awesome! Je finis.
@Ben-France has been great so far; Hopefully this week seems long. A bientot!
@Gracie- Bonjour Maman et Papa! France is everything I expected and more. My family is wonderful. Miss you guys. See you Sunday!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Un gout de Paris / A Taste of Paris
Bonjour!
Our flights went perfectly-no delays and smooth check-in. We arrived in Paris to a foggy day, but the temperature felt tropical after the winter in Iowa. We were met at the airport by Michel, a L & F agent, who guided us to our bus. We drove through Paris rush hour traffic (watch out for the motorcycles that go in between the cars!). As the fog lifted, so did our spirits as we realized that we were in FRANCE.
First stop was the Gare d'Austerlitz, where we discovered that the signs weren't always helpful...but no worries because we speak this language! We found a very helpful SNCF agent who guided us to the consignes automatiques (luggage lockers). Then we were off to explore the 4e an 5e arrondissements of Paris. After a quick stop for refreshments (orangina, bien sur), we wandered through the Jardin des Plantes (who knew there was a zoo in Paris?), gushed over groups of French preschool children on field trips walking 2 by 2 with their petit backpacks. Then we found ourselves on the quai of the Seine as the clouds lifted. It was sunny but hazy because of the ALERTE de Pollution. There is reduced speed limit in effect and public transportation is free because of it! Hopefully it will improve before we climb the Eiffel Tower later this week... We followed the river to Notre Dame and studied the gothic architecture inside and out. The sun shining through the stained glass windows was beyond beautiful. Per my request, but the group was ready to comply, we took a break inside and sat for awhile to take it all in. We happened to catch a performance of a rehearsal of a choral- it was so peaceful. We continued on to the Memorial de la Déportation, dedicated to the 200,000 French victims of the Nazi concentration camps. Then we crossed to the island Ile St. Louis. Lots of window shopping until we found the right creperie for lunch. Everyone ordered in French! We couldn't resist sampling some of the world famous Berthillon ice cream (chocolat, s'il vous plait!). Miam miam!!!
At this point we were really feeling the fatigue but we kept going- what an amazing group- no complaining. I am also very proud to have received compliments from from two different French people about how nice my group was (in the airplane and at the train station). We checked out the bouquinistes (book sellers) along the Seine, hung out in the Quartier Latin and enjoyed the free outdoor music at the Shakespeare &Compqny bookstore, then strolled on the Boulevard St: Michel all the way to the Jardin du Luxembourg. From there we took our first subway (free) back to the train station. We were happy to retrieve our luggage and we waited for our train to Orléans to meet our French families. Most everyone slept on the hour long train ride, which was far more comfotable than the 8 hour plane ride. The families were waiting for us- they are all so nice!!! I can't wait to hear qll the stories about thier weekends with their French families.
I do not have wifi access for my Ipad, but as soon as I do I will post pictures. Yesterday, I was lucky to run into Gracie, Sydney, and Ashley at a cafe in Orléans, and Ben with his family on the way to a boat cruise. They looked well rested! I know that Kolby was going to the rugby game of his French brother yesterday. Rachel's family is just down the street from me and I will hopefully see her later today. I have also heard great things about the families of Meg and Kacey. This is a really wonderful city. I will do my best to post updates. Tomorrow I will see everyone for our day visiting the castles of the Loire River.
A bientot!!! Mme Rezek
Our flights went perfectly-no delays and smooth check-in. We arrived in Paris to a foggy day, but the temperature felt tropical after the winter in Iowa. We were met at the airport by Michel, a L & F agent, who guided us to our bus. We drove through Paris rush hour traffic (watch out for the motorcycles that go in between the cars!). As the fog lifted, so did our spirits as we realized that we were in FRANCE.
First stop was the Gare d'Austerlitz, where we discovered that the signs weren't always helpful...but no worries because we speak this language! We found a very helpful SNCF agent who guided us to the consignes automatiques (luggage lockers). Then we were off to explore the 4e an 5e arrondissements of Paris. After a quick stop for refreshments (orangina, bien sur), we wandered through the Jardin des Plantes (who knew there was a zoo in Paris?), gushed over groups of French preschool children on field trips walking 2 by 2 with their petit backpacks. Then we found ourselves on the quai of the Seine as the clouds lifted. It was sunny but hazy because of the ALERTE de Pollution. There is reduced speed limit in effect and public transportation is free because of it! Hopefully it will improve before we climb the Eiffel Tower later this week... We followed the river to Notre Dame and studied the gothic architecture inside and out. The sun shining through the stained glass windows was beyond beautiful. Per my request, but the group was ready to comply, we took a break inside and sat for awhile to take it all in. We happened to catch a performance of a rehearsal of a choral- it was so peaceful. We continued on to the Memorial de la Déportation, dedicated to the 200,000 French victims of the Nazi concentration camps. Then we crossed to the island Ile St. Louis. Lots of window shopping until we found the right creperie for lunch. Everyone ordered in French! We couldn't resist sampling some of the world famous Berthillon ice cream (chocolat, s'il vous plait!). Miam miam!!!
At this point we were really feeling the fatigue but we kept going- what an amazing group- no complaining. I am also very proud to have received compliments from from two different French people about how nice my group was (in the airplane and at the train station). We checked out the bouquinistes (book sellers) along the Seine, hung out in the Quartier Latin and enjoyed the free outdoor music at the Shakespeare &Compqny bookstore, then strolled on the Boulevard St: Michel all the way to the Jardin du Luxembourg. From there we took our first subway (free) back to the train station. We were happy to retrieve our luggage and we waited for our train to Orléans to meet our French families. Most everyone slept on the hour long train ride, which was far more comfotable than the 8 hour plane ride. The families were waiting for us- they are all so nice!!! I can't wait to hear qll the stories about thier weekends with their French families.
I do not have wifi access for my Ipad, but as soon as I do I will post pictures. Yesterday, I was lucky to run into Gracie, Sydney, and Ashley at a cafe in Orléans, and Ben with his family on the way to a boat cruise. They looked well rested! I know that Kolby was going to the rugby game of his French brother yesterday. Rachel's family is just down the street from me and I will hopefully see her later today. I have also heard great things about the families of Meg and Kacey. This is a really wonderful city. I will do my best to post updates. Tomorrow I will see everyone for our day visiting the castles of the Loire River.
A bientot!!! Mme Rezek
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