Incredible that the trip is over. It seemed to go by so fast and yet we did so much. While we were there it felt like we were there forever (and I don't mean that in a bad way).
Wednesday morning we said good bye to our french families in the parking lot where we first met them. Some french families even cried when saying good bye they enjoyed the AHS students so much - no joke. I was too slow to get a picture - but seeing Kristian kiss his little French brother good bye was just priceless.
STUDENTS : on the family note - please make sure you email me a copy of your host family pictures at daigneak@ardsleyschools.org and forward me any food pictures so I can put them up in the classroom.
We headed into the city to all go to one cafe together for the last meal in Paris. And then we had some extra time to hit any last stores - some went to the Monoprix for some French mustard and food.
Alex Hunter - I hope you are feeling better - poor thing was so ill that morning - but we did get experience the french pharmacy. She gets the last gold star of the trip - really she looked like death warmed over and she just plugged through, got on the plane and upon arrival at JFK had some color in her face again.
It is going to be weird for me not to see the 21 students this morning - won't have the sound of the voices, laughter and stories to listen to - I said this on the bus but I want to say it again: you were the BEST anyone could have ever asked for - truly such a great group. Everyone got along, never complained - went with the flow of things and just were amazing. It is the most rewarding experience I have ever had seeing these students who I have known since 9th grade - to see them use their French - in Paris! Being a teacher you are lucky enough to be a small part of their lives, see them grow up into such great young adults and I am thankful that I got to be a part of this trip :)
Thanks for Mr Barnett for being my co-chaperone - we got to eat some great French food!
SO merci beaucoup - get some rest .... and see you Monday. Ian "oui out"
Last day pictures: Last Day photos
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Last FULL day in Paris
We had a little bit later of a start today - but ended up getting into Paris around 10am-ish. We started at the Bastille. Some of the students got some plastic forks from a vendor so they could mimic storming the bastille but he didn't know that really now it's at the center of a traffic circle so that was not a possibility.
We walked down the Marais - the oldest district in Paris - and cut through the Hotel Sully. It used to be a family mansion but now is some sort of museum. We took our group shot there and continued on our way to the Place des Vosges. A beautiful boxed in park with amazing apartments - one of which was inhabited by Victor Hugo. I took some video footage from the Place des Vosges and some students said hello to their families. Also Jared has a message for his Mom.
We continued walking through to the Jewish district of Paris - stopped in and got a pastry snack - you know because when in Paris and you walk by on - you do need to stop in and get an eclair or some French Challah bread, right?
We passed by the modern art museum - the Centre Pompidou and then continued on walking to Chatelet to go to the indoor shopping area called Les Halles. Students got last minute gifts and were able to eat their lunches.
After lunch, we went over to the Musee D'Orsay for our guided tour. Here and at the Louvre - they had a separate school entrance and a cubby area for our jackets which was nice. Unfortunately they are renovating the upper floors of the museum - so a limited amount of the impressionist paintings are available to see. Everything was on the main floor - which is too bad because it's one of my favorite museums. But the guide was great and the students were well behaved. They are definitely tired though :)
After the museum we went over the the Place de la Concorde. There is a funny "cactus" story to go along with the Concorde. When we were at Sacre Coeur - you couldn't really see the Eiffel Tower bc it was foggy and bc it was blocked by a couple buildings..and Fabien said that when it's so cold out - they put the tower away. Now most students knew he was joking but there was one who didn't get it. So along those lines Jared decided to tell some of the girls that the green/copper lanterns (that looked like cactus) was a recent gift from John McCain....to try and see who would fall for it. He asked me to back him up on it - so I did ...and it went on for a while - but eventually the gig was up. Ah, the last full day in Paris jokes......
That is why two of the girls are pictured next to the "cactus".
Then it was back to Lisses. Mr Barnett and I went to a belgium mussels place for dinner with Fabien - and that is the end of our last full day here.
The forecast here says rain .... and perhaps some freezing rain - although it is not supposed to be cold enough to freeze. But we should be ok given that our flight takes off at 4pm here.
We plan on trying to see Saint Chappelle - that was the place that we couldn't see two days ago bc of the weather - it turns out it's bc the space is not heated and it was -5 degrees in the room - it was also closed today. We are going to try and see it tomorrow morning if it's warm enough. If not - the students voted on going to a cafe in the Latin Quarter for our last activity all as one group. And then we head to the airport at noon.
You can check air france's web page for delays of the flight if there are any. I will call in the event of a LONG delay - let's say more than 2 hours. Otherwise - students can call parents once we land at JFK.
We should arrive around 7pm - getting us to Ardsley around 9pm or earlier.
This is the last blog from Paris - I will post one more once I am home with any last day pictures or thoughts.
There are two links: one for our video and one for pictures
photos: Day 5 photos link
Video link: Day 5 video
See everyone in Ardsley soon :)
Day 4 video
there are no messages on this video - it's kind of silly - but it does include a clip of Fabien.
click on the link below and it will take a while to load....
Day 4 Video
click on the link below and it will take a while to load....
Day 4 Video
Monday, February 15, 2010
Paris Day 4
We met with students at the train station and headed into the city. We got off at Chatelet and walked along the Seine to the Louvre. Still very cold today - or at least at 9am it was very cold. But the students have learned and now come with hats, scarves and gloves!
We met up with our guide - who was hard to understand in English and so she switched to French. The students did a great job at listening attentively and learning about the most famous parts of the Louvre. I also helped and did a little side translation ... otherwise Mr Barnett would have been lost and for those students who wanted to listen in English.
I did see the Mona Lisa - I just didn't push my way in to take a picture - for Day 4 pictures. We had our bagged lunches in the louvre cafeteria and also some students bought some more food.....like the one and only Big Mac!
After the Louvre we walked to the Saint Chapelle for a guided visit. But because of the weather (cold?) it was closed for today....even Fabien didn't understand why. Ah, the French and their random closings - you have to love it. We stopped and sent some post cards, exchanged some more money and headed to Notre Dame.
At Notre Dame we got a little group shot crazy and had to have every sort of variation possible - we got the full group, seniors, the boys with Barnett and Fabien, all the levels of French classes that came on the trip, Cross country - because Rena was my captain last year and Alex is the captain this coming year. We went inside to see the amazing stained glassed windows, lit a candle for some loved ones and were planning on walking up to the top of the towers..... but helas - closed too. This however did make sense - there was ice on the stairs.
We headed to the back of Notre Dame to see the famous flying buttresses and also to visit the Holocaust memorial that is right next to the Seine. I had never gone at a time it was open and was able to take some photos.
we crossed one of the bridges to the Ile de la Cite .... to get some of the famous Berthilion ice cream that Mme Ambrose had talked to the students about since 7th grade french class. Also stopped in a boulangerie for a cheese sandwich, pain au chocolat and of course the staple of the trip : macarons!
Then we walked back over 2 bridges to the Latin Quarter where the students had some time to shop, get some more food .... sensing a food theme here. But they were exhausted so it was good that they had some down time to enjoy a hot chocolat. Wait until you see some of their food pictures .... amazing.
And then it was back to Lisses. Our train was canceled so we had to literally RUN to catch a train ... that of course we missed by 20 seconds - so we had to walk 2-3 floors up for the next train.
But all is fine - students are safely with their french families...and as always they have just been GREAT.
Click on the Day 4 photos to view today's pictures :)
Day 4 Photos
We met up with our guide - who was hard to understand in English and so she switched to French. The students did a great job at listening attentively and learning about the most famous parts of the Louvre. I also helped and did a little side translation ... otherwise Mr Barnett would have been lost and for those students who wanted to listen in English.
I did see the Mona Lisa - I just didn't push my way in to take a picture - for Day 4 pictures. We had our bagged lunches in the louvre cafeteria and also some students bought some more food.....like the one and only Big Mac!
After the Louvre we walked to the Saint Chapelle for a guided visit. But because of the weather (cold?) it was closed for today....even Fabien didn't understand why. Ah, the French and their random closings - you have to love it. We stopped and sent some post cards, exchanged some more money and headed to Notre Dame.
At Notre Dame we got a little group shot crazy and had to have every sort of variation possible - we got the full group, seniors, the boys with Barnett and Fabien, all the levels of French classes that came on the trip, Cross country - because Rena was my captain last year and Alex is the captain this coming year. We went inside to see the amazing stained glassed windows, lit a candle for some loved ones and were planning on walking up to the top of the towers..... but helas - closed too. This however did make sense - there was ice on the stairs.
We headed to the back of Notre Dame to see the famous flying buttresses and also to visit the Holocaust memorial that is right next to the Seine. I had never gone at a time it was open and was able to take some photos.
we crossed one of the bridges to the Ile de la Cite .... to get some of the famous Berthilion ice cream that Mme Ambrose had talked to the students about since 7th grade french class. Also stopped in a boulangerie for a cheese sandwich, pain au chocolat and of course the staple of the trip : macarons!
Then we walked back over 2 bridges to the Latin Quarter where the students had some time to shop, get some more food .... sensing a food theme here. But they were exhausted so it was good that they had some down time to enjoy a hot chocolat. Wait until you see some of their food pictures .... amazing.
And then it was back to Lisses. Our train was canceled so we had to literally RUN to catch a train ... that of course we missed by 20 seconds - so we had to walk 2-3 floors up for the next train.
But all is fine - students are safely with their french families...and as always they have just been GREAT.
Click on the Day 4 photos to view today's pictures :)
Day 4 Photos
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Paris Day 3
Today we met at the parking lot to take the coach bus to Versailles. Once again the students came in the morning with stories of the previous nights with their french families. Jared and Devin's family joined Ian and Kristian - the families have kids the same age. The boys played video games with the french family guys .... Jared said that he started calling the younger brother random vocab words like : you are a bird... and the 10 year old would say that he was a cow .....and it went on and on for a while. Needless to say - they were getting along great!
Audrey and Nica's family took them back into Paris to see the city by night - something for me to try and figure out for the next time. It is the city of lights - but every night we are not in the city. Kayla and Elyssa's family played some board games. Thomas and Will's family fed them a million crepes - the guys didn't want to offend the family by saying they were full so they just kept on eating! (I told them it was ok to say they were full). .....I know I am missing some of the family reports - but in general the students come back in the mornings and they are happy to see their Ardsley friends and share about their french families.
SO - we took the bus to Versailles. We had a tour guide who instead of showing us the part that is open to the public - she took us to the private King's apartments that are NOT open to the public. The rooms are smaller than the public apartment but they were more ornate .. everything was white and gold as you will see from the pictures. Then they took us to this opera theater that was built in Versailles by Louis the 15th for the marriage of Marie Antoinette to Louis 16th. It was built in 21 months - so it looks like marble but is in fact all wood. After that we walked through the public part of Versailles....saw the hall of mirrors. I video taped the students at Versailles - they have messages for home and Nica shared with me a great story about the hall of mirrors that I recorded ....I just have to load it onto the site .... so hopefully in addition to photos tonight I will also have the videos too.
After Versailles - the students ate their packed lunches on the bus - trading snacks with each other .. we headed to Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur area of Paris. We walked up to the church and then the students had free time to eat some more - and get some souvenirs. We took the train back home to their families and that was it!
It was cold again today - but not nearly as bad as yesterday- at least the sun was out today.
Dan and I went out with our tour guide Fabien and with M and Mme Petit - they are the couple that arranges the host families here. And once again they went on and on about how good our group was :)
Tomorrow is the Louvre, Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter.
I did pass along message to Julia about the phone .... hopefully she got that to work tonight.
Day 3 Pictures
Audrey and Nica's family took them back into Paris to see the city by night - something for me to try and figure out for the next time. It is the city of lights - but every night we are not in the city. Kayla and Elyssa's family played some board games. Thomas and Will's family fed them a million crepes - the guys didn't want to offend the family by saying they were full so they just kept on eating! (I told them it was ok to say they were full). .....I know I am missing some of the family reports - but in general the students come back in the mornings and they are happy to see their Ardsley friends and share about their french families.
SO - we took the bus to Versailles. We had a tour guide who instead of showing us the part that is open to the public - she took us to the private King's apartments that are NOT open to the public. The rooms are smaller than the public apartment but they were more ornate .. everything was white and gold as you will see from the pictures. Then they took us to this opera theater that was built in Versailles by Louis the 15th for the marriage of Marie Antoinette to Louis 16th. It was built in 21 months - so it looks like marble but is in fact all wood. After that we walked through the public part of Versailles....saw the hall of mirrors. I video taped the students at Versailles - they have messages for home and Nica shared with me a great story about the hall of mirrors that I recorded ....I just have to load it onto the site .... so hopefully in addition to photos tonight I will also have the videos too.
After Versailles - the students ate their packed lunches on the bus - trading snacks with each other .. we headed to Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur area of Paris. We walked up to the church and then the students had free time to eat some more - and get some souvenirs. We took the train back home to their families and that was it!
It was cold again today - but not nearly as bad as yesterday- at least the sun was out today.
Dan and I went out with our tour guide Fabien and with M and Mme Petit - they are the couple that arranges the host families here. And once again they went on and on about how good our group was :)
Tomorrow is the Louvre, Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter.
I did pass along message to Julia about the phone .... hopefully she got that to work tonight.
Day 3 Pictures
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Paris Day 2
Dan, Fabien (our tour guide) and I got picked up to meet the students at 8:30am. I was so curious to hear how the first host family night went for them. They all arrived with different stories about who their families were and how they were able to communicate with them. Most of the families don't speak any English - which I think had some of them a little apprehensive.
They all did a great job. They enjoyed their meals with their new families and then passed out quickly. I think every student was asleep by 10pm! The families are used to hosting students from all over the world. I was talking to the woman who organizes the families here and she says that they have groups that come from England, Holland, Australia, Mexico - from all over. And the families are used to hosting different students. And some of the families are friends - so for example tonight the parents of Jared and Devin were going to the house with Kristian and Ian to have dinner. The french families appreciated their gifts that were brought from the US - Alex Hunter said that their family flipped over the Starbucks mugs. Most of the students had their own rooms - some their own floor with their own bathroom.
And yet again I had another "moment" as a French teacher. Fabien told me that two french moms - at different times came over to him to say how our AHS students level of French speaking was really at a higher level than they usually get. That the students were not just saying Bonjour, Merci and Au revoir - that they were understanding everything and contributing to the conversations.
So - we left Lisses by the french version of the metro north - the RER and went to the Hotel des Invalides. It was at first a hospital for war veterans and a place where they would work. I think Fabien said at one time they have 4000 living there. Eventually it was turned into a museum and it's here where the tomb of Napoleon is located. We visited the tomb - and on the way to the war museum there happened to be some sort of military ceremony going on in the courtyard. We watched that for a while and then proceeded to go through the war museum. It was WAY TOO cold to watch the whole ceremony. It was -2 all day and snowing today. We stopped in a cafe - and the students ate a little of the packed lunches .... I didn't know the families were going to give them packed lunches but they did. So they all had their little bags with baguette sandwiches, chips and other muchies.
We took the metro over to the Opera area of Paris. we had about an hour to wonder around - so groups went and got a cafe or hot chocolate. Then we met up with Fanny - our guide for our tour of the Opera House. I had never been inside - it was absolutely gorgeous. Just a very ornate and beautiful space. Made you want to dress up and go see an opera or ballet. And the story of Garnier who built the Opera House was fascinating too. He apparently was the first architect to "sign" a building. He put his name and the dates of when it was built on the circle in the ceiling in the entry way.
They let us sit inside the opera house part - in the plush red seats covered in gold as Fanny talked to us about the season pass holders and the "loueurs" - the ones who just went for one show. She also told us about the ceiling of the Opera that was painted by Chagall. I think it was in the 60s where they wanted to change the image of the opera house and get younger people interested in the opera. So they added a 2nd ceiling over the original one. Chagall didn't want to tear down the original one but did agree to add another layer to it. Of course the French hated it - or some did and some loved it. But now it's loved by most.
After the tour - we split into smaller groups to visit the famous Galeries Lafayette - where students got some souvenirs, some chocolate - some clothes. Then it was back on the RER to go home.
It was long day of walking and touring but again the students were GREAT. They listen whenever Fabien or Fanny talked to them about the sites - for Fanny a bunch were asking questions of the Opera House. They don't complain about anything! Just really a great experience.
We arrived back in Lisses around 7pm - and that was the end of Day 2. I have posted a link to Day 2 pictures in the next entry for you to enjoy.
A message for Mr and Mrs Selig - Julia said that it didn't matter - but she couldn't get her phone to work. She was planning on using someone's calling card tonight to let you know - but thought I would let you know too.
In terms of meeting up with the students - it's been fine. They are all on time- always with groups of 4 and two of those have Barnett or myself with them. The french families drop them off every morning and pick them up every night.
Day 3: we got to Versailles and Montmartre.
They all did a great job. They enjoyed their meals with their new families and then passed out quickly. I think every student was asleep by 10pm! The families are used to hosting students from all over the world. I was talking to the woman who organizes the families here and she says that they have groups that come from England, Holland, Australia, Mexico - from all over. And the families are used to hosting different students. And some of the families are friends - so for example tonight the parents of Jared and Devin were going to the house with Kristian and Ian to have dinner. The french families appreciated their gifts that were brought from the US - Alex Hunter said that their family flipped over the Starbucks mugs. Most of the students had their own rooms - some their own floor with their own bathroom.
And yet again I had another "moment" as a French teacher. Fabien told me that two french moms - at different times came over to him to say how our AHS students level of French speaking was really at a higher level than they usually get. That the students were not just saying Bonjour, Merci and Au revoir - that they were understanding everything and contributing to the conversations.
So - we left Lisses by the french version of the metro north - the RER and went to the Hotel des Invalides. It was at first a hospital for war veterans and a place where they would work. I think Fabien said at one time they have 4000 living there. Eventually it was turned into a museum and it's here where the tomb of Napoleon is located. We visited the tomb - and on the way to the war museum there happened to be some sort of military ceremony going on in the courtyard. We watched that for a while and then proceeded to go through the war museum. It was WAY TOO cold to watch the whole ceremony. It was -2 all day and snowing today. We stopped in a cafe - and the students ate a little of the packed lunches .... I didn't know the families were going to give them packed lunches but they did. So they all had their little bags with baguette sandwiches, chips and other muchies.
We took the metro over to the Opera area of Paris. we had about an hour to wonder around - so groups went and got a cafe or hot chocolate. Then we met up with Fanny - our guide for our tour of the Opera House. I had never been inside - it was absolutely gorgeous. Just a very ornate and beautiful space. Made you want to dress up and go see an opera or ballet. And the story of Garnier who built the Opera House was fascinating too. He apparently was the first architect to "sign" a building. He put his name and the dates of when it was built on the circle in the ceiling in the entry way.
They let us sit inside the opera house part - in the plush red seats covered in gold as Fanny talked to us about the season pass holders and the "loueurs" - the ones who just went for one show. She also told us about the ceiling of the Opera that was painted by Chagall. I think it was in the 60s where they wanted to change the image of the opera house and get younger people interested in the opera. So they added a 2nd ceiling over the original one. Chagall didn't want to tear down the original one but did agree to add another layer to it. Of course the French hated it - or some did and some loved it. But now it's loved by most.
After the tour - we split into smaller groups to visit the famous Galeries Lafayette - where students got some souvenirs, some chocolate - some clothes. Then it was back on the RER to go home.
It was long day of walking and touring but again the students were GREAT. They listen whenever Fabien or Fanny talked to them about the sites - for Fanny a bunch were asking questions of the Opera House. They don't complain about anything! Just really a great experience.
We arrived back in Lisses around 7pm - and that was the end of Day 2. I have posted a link to Day 2 pictures in the next entry for you to enjoy.
A message for Mr and Mrs Selig - Julia said that it didn't matter - but she couldn't get her phone to work. She was planning on using someone's calling card tonight to let you know - but thought I would let you know too.
In terms of meeting up with the students - it's been fine. They are all on time- always with groups of 4 and two of those have Barnett or myself with them. The french families drop them off every morning and pick them up every night.
Day 3: we got to Versailles and Montmartre.
Day 2 Photos
Just loaded all the photos ..... click here to see them. Am running out to dinner - will blog when return but wanted to upload the day 2 pictures.
Paris Day 2 Photos
Paris Day 2 Photos
Friday, February 12, 2010
Paris 2010 Day #1?
I included the question mark - because it feels like more than just one day that we just experienced! But we made it and with NO problems.
We left the HS around 2:30pm and got to JFK around 4pm. I arrranged for a bus from Top Class Limo and just said bring whatever can carry 23 people and they brought this "party bus" :). The students wanted to play a "get to know you game" - so we all introduced ourselves with our full name and with what food we were most looking forward to eating in Paris. Answers varied from "croissants" to" croque monsieur" to "anything that is put in front of me".
We were at our gate at 4:30pm waiting for our 7:05pm fliight that didn't take off until 8:30pm. We had 6 hours and 40 minutes to get through on the flight. The students were SO excited that most couldn't sleep - they ended up watching their mini TVs that were in front of every seat with TV and movies on demand. They also had a chat room function for passengers on the flight .. and were chatting with each other quietly. Some did sleep - most maybe for about 30 minutes total. I knew then we were in for a meltdown at some point today.
I was so impressed when I overheard a flight attendant talking to another passenger who was commenting on how quiet the American teenagers were - the flight attendant confirmed that and said that generally we were much more calm then the French or Italians might be. Who knew?
I also had a "moment" when I heard Jared Winston talking to the people sitting next to him in French explaining what his trip was about, what he has been learning in French class. It was a 20 minute conversation completely in French - and very impressive. (Jared was awarded the first trips gold star for that one).
We get to Paris and meet up with our tour guide Fabien. We load the bus and drive to the Arc de Triomphe. Take some photos, walk up the 284 stairs to the top and see a beautiful but foggy Paris. The famous Champs Elysees is in front of them! I have to say the students were SO excited to see Paris and be in Paris.
But we are hungry. We get some lunch on the Champs Elysees - some groups learn the order a carafe d'eau and not water otherwise you pay 10$ for the water - and head to the Seine for our Bateau Mouche Tour. A glass boat gives a basic tour of the city. Fabien said this was when the students would fall asleep. To that point I had been amazed that we were all standing. It was 8am US time on Friday .... no sleep and walking around Paris.
Well, sure enough some sleep occurred on the boat ... have to admit I did a little too - the boat was rocking and it's was and heated inside. Be sure to click on the link for DAY 1 pictures and you will see what I mean.
After the boat tour it was time to go up the Eiffel Tour. Unfortunately due to the cold the cables that ran up to the 3rd/top floor were frozen and we wouldn't be able to go all the way up. They tried to scrap the ice off to let the elevator go up - but I think it was best that we didn't. It was about 2 degrees C all day.
We did enjoy the views from the 2nd floor though.
Finally it was time to head to Lisses to meet the french families! It took us about 45 minutes by bus to get there ...and then each family arrived and took their students home for dinner. This was where a little of the meltdown happened - they were exhausted, hungry again and a bit nervous to meet their French families. But I have to say - they were (even during the mini meltdown) AMAZING! Just great all day - such troopers and willing and ready to live life a la francaise!
The students every day will be driven to and from the train station where we meet up with them everyday by their host parents. (Originally they were going to take the bus 1-2 miles to get to our meeting place) but for some reason that was changed in our favor.
Tomorrow we meet at 8:30am to take the RER commuter train into Paris for a day of Hotel Invalides, the Opera House and some shopping at Galeries LaFayette.
Feel free to post a comment for your student and I will pass the word along. Students were able to get telephone cards today.
Day 1 photos
We left the HS around 2:30pm and got to JFK around 4pm. I arrranged for a bus from Top Class Limo and just said bring whatever can carry 23 people and they brought this "party bus" :). The students wanted to play a "get to know you game" - so we all introduced ourselves with our full name and with what food we were most looking forward to eating in Paris. Answers varied from "croissants" to" croque monsieur" to "anything that is put in front of me".
We were at our gate at 4:30pm waiting for our 7:05pm fliight that didn't take off until 8:30pm. We had 6 hours and 40 minutes to get through on the flight. The students were SO excited that most couldn't sleep - they ended up watching their mini TVs that were in front of every seat with TV and movies on demand. They also had a chat room function for passengers on the flight .. and were chatting with each other quietly. Some did sleep - most maybe for about 30 minutes total. I knew then we were in for a meltdown at some point today.
I was so impressed when I overheard a flight attendant talking to another passenger who was commenting on how quiet the American teenagers were - the flight attendant confirmed that and said that generally we were much more calm then the French or Italians might be. Who knew?
I also had a "moment" when I heard Jared Winston talking to the people sitting next to him in French explaining what his trip was about, what he has been learning in French class. It was a 20 minute conversation completely in French - and very impressive. (Jared was awarded the first trips gold star for that one).
We get to Paris and meet up with our tour guide Fabien. We load the bus and drive to the Arc de Triomphe. Take some photos, walk up the 284 stairs to the top and see a beautiful but foggy Paris. The famous Champs Elysees is in front of them! I have to say the students were SO excited to see Paris and be in Paris.
But we are hungry. We get some lunch on the Champs Elysees - some groups learn the order a carafe d'eau and not water otherwise you pay 10$ for the water - and head to the Seine for our Bateau Mouche Tour. A glass boat gives a basic tour of the city. Fabien said this was when the students would fall asleep. To that point I had been amazed that we were all standing. It was 8am US time on Friday .... no sleep and walking around Paris.
Well, sure enough some sleep occurred on the boat ... have to admit I did a little too - the boat was rocking and it's was and heated inside. Be sure to click on the link for DAY 1 pictures and you will see what I mean.
After the boat tour it was time to go up the Eiffel Tour. Unfortunately due to the cold the cables that ran up to the 3rd/top floor were frozen and we wouldn't be able to go all the way up. They tried to scrap the ice off to let the elevator go up - but I think it was best that we didn't. It was about 2 degrees C all day.
We did enjoy the views from the 2nd floor though.
Finally it was time to head to Lisses to meet the french families! It took us about 45 minutes by bus to get there ...and then each family arrived and took their students home for dinner. This was where a little of the meltdown happened - they were exhausted, hungry again and a bit nervous to meet their French families. But I have to say - they were (even during the mini meltdown) AMAZING! Just great all day - such troopers and willing and ready to live life a la francaise!
The students every day will be driven to and from the train station where we meet up with them everyday by their host parents. (Originally they were going to take the bus 1-2 miles to get to our meeting place) but for some reason that was changed in our favor.
Tomorrow we meet at 8:30am to take the RER commuter train into Paris for a day of Hotel Invalides, the Opera House and some shopping at Galeries LaFayette.
Feel free to post a comment for your student and I will pass the word along. Students were able to get telephone cards today.
Day 1 photos
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