Day 2

We met the students at the Gare Evry Courcouronnes at 8:30am. They had all survived their first night with their French families. We shared our first night stories as we took the train into Paris. Isabel and Aimee were talking about their 6 year old brother who was so hyper - ready to get to know his American sisters. (It’s the same family that Kristian and Ian had last year where that same 6 year old cried when they left). The students said they enjoyed the french food and really liked staying with a family. The other GREAT part of staying with a family is that most students were asleep by 10pm or latest 11pm. They were able to get rest before day numero 2.

So we headed to Ile St Louis and Ile de la Cite. On our way we walked by the Town Hall of Paris - where they have an ice rink there in the winter. It was beautiful out - sunny, clear - a gorgeous day to walk around Paris. We continued to the Iles - where we sampled some famous Berthillon ice cream. The students remembered Mme Ambrose raving about that since 7th grade. We walked around Notre Dame area and then took a break of lunch. On the lunch break - some of the students went back to ice rink to skate - others explored the bookstores near the Latin Quarter - others enjoyed the French cafe or crepes. In the afternoon we headed to Hotel des Invalides where we saw Napoleons tomb and went to the Army Museum - where they have a war museum which chronicles wars in France since the 1900 through WW2. They have everything from uniforms to posters used during the wartime.

Then we headed back to the Latin Quarter for some more exploring time. And then back home to Lisses. We did a LOT of walking - the students were exhausted by the time we got on the train. But it was a great 2nd day in Paris. Time seems to be flying by!

Morgano and I just had a 4 hours conversation with our French Mom about France - the US - we discussed politics, immigrants, schools - basically all the taboo topics you probably aren’t supposed to talk about - over of course an amazing meal!

Time for some sleep!!

Tomorrow we go to the Musee D’Orsay, the Select Choir concert at 11am at Notre Dame. the Opera House and then a little Galeries LaFayette shopping time.

In Front of the Hotel de Ville