Goodbye Vannes, hello Paris

So, today was the day students said au revoir to their French families and boarded the TGV to Paris.  It was a quick goodbye, since the trains in France wait for no one - just ask John Harnsberger!  Students had a chance to sleep, and some even got some work done!

After a wonderful welcome in Brittany, it was time to explore the capital.  We dropped off our bags in the hotel and students had time to explore the neighborhood, including the Cour Saint Emilion full of boutiques and cafés.  Then the tour began.  We got a brief view of the Champs Élysées then it was
back on the metro to the bateau mouches - the boat ride down the Seine where students loads of photos of the famous sites.

After that, we all went to the top of the Eiffel Tower even Kat who is not too fond of heights.  Students got loads of selfies from the top.

After that, we had dinner at an Italian restaurant before returning to the hotel to settle in for night.  Tomorrow it's another packed day of sites.

Mont Saint Michel + Soirée

Today was a busy day.  We boarded the coach to head to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy.  As with many days here, it was a bit chilly in the morning but then we had a beautifully sunny day to enjoy this 1000+ year old landmark.  We ascended to the top where the Abbey is located to start our tour.  Aided by audio guides, students were able to take their time walking around the Abbey, home to Benedictine monks and a destination for many pilgrims as well as tourist
s like us.  Then, students stopped to enjoy their picnic lunches from their French families.  Then there was more free time to enjoy the ramparts, the shopping and cafés.

We then left for Saint Malo, a charming walled back in Brittany.  Students had free time to wander this seaside town.  Some shopped, stopped at cafés or walked the ramparts.

Then it was back on the bus for the soirée organized but the principal, Mme LeGrand, M. El-Amiri and the parents who all brought something to eat for this potluck dinner at the school.  We received many compliments about how much the French families have enjoyed having the American students stay with them.  Then it was time to go home to pack bags since it's an early departure tomorrow for Paris.  Hopefully there is wi-fi at the hotel so I can continue to post updates.

Here is a link to an article that appeared in the local paper today about our visit to the town hall yesterday: http://www.letelegramme.fr/morbihan/vannes/l-image-du-jour-17-04-2014-10128764.php
That was one of two newspapers that reported on our visit!

Tour of Vannes

Today was the day to tour the downtown part of Vannes.  Mr. El-Amiri, the French teacher who organized our outings, introduced students to Christine Joucla, a former English teacher at the high school who gave us a guided tour of Vannes.  We started at the Porte St. Vincent - the door by the port through which you enter the oldest part of the town.  She gave us a detailed history of the town and its role in French and Britton history.  She passed out a questionnaire for students to answer as they toured the town.  She was very impressed by the students and how well they paid attention during her tour.  After the tour, students had an hour of free time to meander through the town and do some shopping in the market and shops.

Then, we met up for lunch at the Vieux Port Crêperie.  Students had a choice among four savory crêpes, or galettes as they are known in Brittany (which specializes in crêpes). Many got the local specialty of ham, cheese and egg on a buckwheat galette followed by a chocolate crepe and vanilla ice cream.

After lunch, we were greeted at the town hall.  We had our picture taken and were interviewed by two local newspapers about our experience here.  Then, we were welcomed by the deputy mayor who spoke about the necessity of these types of exchange experiences and their role in creating international understanding.  She also hoped that students would came back to Vannes in the future with their families.  A recent college grad serving as the deputy youth mayor also explained how young people are the future and these international exchanges facilitate international relations.  The deputy mayor asked students about their impressions of Vannes and she was delighted to get a few responses in French from Sophie and Malcolm.  After a short video about Vannes, they presented us with refreshments and souvenirs from Vannes.

Finally, their correspondants picked them up for a free afternoon to enjoy the beautiful weather and see some last sights since tomorrow is the last full day and they are fully booked.