Friday, June 28, 2013

Paris 2

Last day..... super busy, lots of walking in Le Louvre. I personally really enjoyed my visit. We went up Le Sacré Cœur (well, some were too tired to make it to the top), went back to the hotel, and finish the trip with a last visit to the Eiffel Tower (2nd story), and a last diner with groups of friends and parents (about 9 or 10, can't count anymore!).
See you tomorrow, don't forget to keep room for me, and maybe Kat in one of the cars going to Eugene!  Thanks

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Paris!!

Hello families,
a very quick note.... we made it to Paris, our schedule is quite busy. We found all the parents so far, and they are a great help herding the group through the busy streets of Paris. There is a lot of walking (and moaning), climbing (the tower of Notre-Dame). We started our day with Orsay (hardly any lines as we were early), finished out day looking at the Eiffel tower brightly lit up. Tomorrow, we will start with le Louvre and will plan the day as we go; the weather is supposed to be grey and wet.

We will see you soon, the internet is a bit slow, and it takes a lot of time to upload pictures.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Monday and Tuesday

Hello families,
Yesterday, I wasn't able to log on, but will try to catch up today. We left Montpon at 8:30 on Monday, and there were many tears. Some kids bounded well, and might become good friends. Yet some others, were happy to move on. I, personally, had a great time with my French colleagues, and will be happy to keep in touch.
We had our first stop at Futuroscope. We were lucky with the weather and mostly with the fact that hardly anyone was there (a Monday, and school still in session). Kids had fun, although they might have thought it was a French version of Disneyland, and in this case, might have been a bit disappointed. In any case, it was pleasant.
We then drove to Chenonceaux, and I had the best visit every in this castle. We got there kind of late (6ish), and the we had the castle pretty much to ourselves. The light was perfect, as the sun was beginning to set. As always, some kids took a long time visiting all parts, while other ran through it all, but it was a very nice way to end the day.
We drove to the little hotel, and had dinner just across.
Lights were out at 11:00 (at least mine!).

Today, we left at 8:30 to drive to Amboise were we had a 60 minute guided visit. It was very nice. Some kids had a hard time waking up, but overall, they were very good listeners. The guide had a few interesting anecdotes about queens and kings that lived there.

After we bought our picnic (that took some time!), we drove a short way to Chaumond-sur-loire to eat and visit unique gardens. I wish we had more time, as there were a lot of cool things to see, but we had to go to our next stop : Versailles!

We first went to the hotel where we found Dany as planned. We dropped our suitcase, and drove again for 15 minutes to go to Versailles. We walked across the gardens to get to our restaurant; la Flottille. The walk was quite pleasant, as again, the temperature was perfect, and it was not crowed at all. The castle was closed for the day, and we had about 2 hours before the gardens closed. The meal was alright (nice setting, but food was very ordinary), and the walk back to the bus was great (light, weather, quietness). Dani and I found our gate closed (we didn't realized we were that far from the group), and we had to run to the last open gate that was quite more a way from where the bus was parked. But we made it back, and got to the hotel at around 9:30. Although kids should be quite tired (I know I am), they are currently singing their favorite tunes in their room (time to go tell them to be quiet!!!).

Tomorrow, the castle, and more gardens, and then Paris!

Sunday, June 23, 2013

La Boum!

Saturday night was party time...... French kids danced 'til 1:00 am! There were slow times, and fast time, but never chaotic times. All behaved quite well. Sunday I along with Kat and our hosts went to visit a few more castles and outstanding places. I assume most kids had slower day to rest and pack. I'll see them this morning, and we will continue our adventures going north.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd

Hello families,
Yesterday we had quite a long day. After a short bus ride, we went to visit two artisans who are making paper all by hand, and all with natural fibers (cotton, linen, "ortie" (need to look this word up). The man makes paper, and print, his wife to the etchings. We also visited two small villages with wonderful buildings, and raided the small boulangerie-pâtisserie.

We then had lunch in Bergerac, and after a short visit, we walked to the crew station. There we all went to the Dordogne, Joey managed to go IN the Dordogne (a fairly large river). Kids formed crews of 5 (4 rowers and a coxswain). All crews managed to go up and down the river, and make a few turns. Our teachers were National champions!

Kids waited quite some time for families to come to get them, ice-cream and crêpes were in order.

I'll see the students tonight for the big party, then they will spend their last day with the correspondents. We will continue our trip on Monday.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

France, Wednesday 19 + Thursday 20th

Hello families,
Our group, along with their correspondents and a few more, took the bus early (8:00), and we drove about 2:30 hours (due to traffic) to Arcachon - a little town, South of Bordeaux. We took a boat ride in the basin of Arcachon. It is a large bay opened to the see by a short opening, a famous type of oyster is cultivated here : huître d'Arcachon. The weather was quite grey, but by the time we got back to Arcachon, the sun was definitely wining the battle. We drove to la Dune du Pyla, had our picnic (provided by the families), and started the long climb up the dune: 110 m high, a few kilometers long.
Once we reached the top, we ran down ocean side to jump in the Atlantic. A few forgot their swimsuit but, nevertheless, they jumped in the water (way less cold than the Pacific; even I swam). The sun was with us, and all in all it was very pleasant.
After playing in the water, we had to climb back up, ran down the other side, clean up a bit, and board the bus. We made in back at 6:30, families were there and kids went home.
The teachers took Kat and I to a nice little restaurant, this is life!

Today, Thursday, is the second day at school. I took a French class with some of our students + a history class in the afternoon. I saw most of our kids throughout the day. Some took a few English classes, other science classes. Some dissected mice! I finished the day in the gym, where they played handball. A few of our boys were quite good, and were cheered by the French students (girls, mostly).
Although none will have spent many hours in a French school, they will have an authentic glimpse of what it is like to be in a French school. Our correspondents will take next week an exit exam BEPC, a bit like our OAKS, except that it is on more topics. Next year they will go to different high schools depending on what they  plan on doing career wise. In short, French kids are asked to grow up a bit faster.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

France, Tuesday 18th

Hello families,
Today is very wet, wet, wet, but kids are spending the day with their correspondents at school. Some took French classes, math, English, and witnessed the way French teachers discipline their students. Half of them went to a short play staged by students (after school program). They are now able to compare and contrast school performance. Probably the highlight of the school day will be the cafeteria (see pictures). Kids seem to all be in high spirits, and many teachers have praised their French. Apparently some even demonstrated math problems in French to the class, while others gave English lessons.
Tonight we have our big welcome party at school, with singing, and of course, a big spread of food.
It is too bad that the sun is not part of the trip, we should still have a few days of grey and rain, but the sun should be back by the end of the week.

Evening......
Teachers, parents and students welcomed us officially tonight. Parents brought food, and drinks, a musical group entertained us (guitar, piano, flute, violin, singers). Teachers encouraged students (French and Americans) to sing along a few selected songs (lyrics were provided). Although most songs were in English, French kids were by far the most enthusiasts. Our kids were game for the most part, few were not the most considered and acted quite silly (need to take note of it, and revise my preparatory talk: respect). Kat was a star; her regular attendance to karaoke bars paid off!  

Monday, June 17, 2013

France day 4

Hello families,
Our group went to Lascaux II caves today (replica of a 17000 years old cave). It took 11 years to create a perfect copy of this cave (closed to all in order to preserve the paintings). Most kids were quite attentive to the guided tour (in French), I am sure most learned quite a few things. We then were lead into a prehistorical painting workshop and kids did their best to imitate their ancestors using similar tools and techniques (see pictures).
After a copious picnic (5 courses, that included cheese), we went to a medieval castle. Some kids raced through the whole thing, other took their time looking at details, yet other got lost in the maze of small, steep and obscure staircases. But we all made it back on time to the bus.
The weather was hot and humid today, it is supposed to be wet tomorrow, but we will have our day at the school.
Everyone seems to be doing fine.

Friday, June 14, 2013

France day 1 & 2

  Saturday 15th:
We visited the Tapestry of Bayeux and the cathedral. I think the kids were impressed. Some asked me if it was Catholic, just to show you how foreign these kind of churches are to them. The tapestry was quite nice, and I was proud that several remembered the famous battle that it depicted, and we studied last year: the battle of Hasting.
After a 2 hour bus ride we went to Le Mont Saint Michel. A curious small islandish place when the tide is high. Some of the construction started in 700  and it continued to the 14th century, in short quite old. Kids were/are great. They went up and down the one small street, some went through the abbey, and on the walls (protective walls). They bought their lunches, and were all on time at the meeting place (the one drawbridge that lets you in the "city".
Three got a little car sick when we drove all the way to Montpon, but they all said they were fine when we got off the bus at 11 p.m. to meet the French families. Everyone seemed quite happy to meet again. We were welcomed with strawberries du Périgord (region), and cookies.
Tomorrow they will all rest, although kids didn't look too tired (on the bus, they were singing along the radio that mainly plays American songs). I will see them on Monday (when we go visit the Lascaux grotto + Castelnaud castle), but parents have the phone numbers of the teachers, so if there was anything, I'll be alerted right away.
So, so far so good.  everyone is eating, and in good spirits, I am not cranky at all, so that is a very good sign!

Friday 14th:
We made it to Charles de Gaulle without a glitch.  Those who needed to exchange money did so at the airport, those who needed to withdraw money were able to do so. We found our driver, and made it to Normandy in about 3 hours. Excited chatting gave way to snoozing after an hour, and most were able to rest a bit on the comfortable bus. The American cemetery was very informative and moving. Hannah remembered that her grand-father was one of the soldiers that landed on Omaha beach (but one of those who made it back to the US, fortunately). Kids looked for and found names of Oregon's soldiers. I am glad that I was finally able to take a group of students to this great and humbly site.
We then made it to Bayeux, our first hotel. Not great standard, but good, and most said they slept well.  Diner was alright, not great, but I am sure families will cook them great meals. Breakfast was good, and everyone ate well.....


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Itinerary

2013 French Trip
Thursday June 13 – Saturday June 29

Flight information for the group
MEET AT THE Eugene AIRPORT AT 11:00 am
Leaving from Eugene: at 1:00pm – Delta 4680
Arrival at Salt Lake City at 3:45 / departure at 5:05 – Delta 89
Arrival CDG, Paris Airport, Friday 14th at 11:15am

Return for the group
Leaving Paris CDG airport: Saturday, June 29 at 10:40am – Delta 88
Arrival Portland Airport at 3:54pm - Delta, flight 4691
Parents will organize pick-up - Don't forget me!


Contacts:
Catherine Wiebe home : 541 344 1275
Cell: 011 33 7 88 27 42 64 / From France: 07 88 27 42 64
Blog: catherinewiebe.blogspot.com / French trip 2013
French teachers from June 15th to June 23rd
Laurent Dethesut: 011 33 6 72 92 31 63
Collège Edmond Rostand: 011 33 5 53 80 31 37
Avenue de l’Europe – 24700 Montpon - France
Your correspondent: _______________________________________________
Hotels – We should arrive in most hotels at around 6 p.m. + leave at around 8 am
Night of the 14th – Hotel Premier Classe Bayeux: 011 33 2 31 10 13 30
Night of the 24th – Hotel Quick Palace Tours: 011 33 2 47 88 04 05
Night of the 25th – Hotel ibis budget Versailles / St Cyr: 011 33 8 92 68 30 98
Nights of the 26-28th – Hotel Eiffel – 6 rue du gros caillou Paris: 011 33 1 45 51 51 51

Trip’s schedule
Friday 14th
         Arrival at the airport at 11:15 – We meet with our bus driver and we drive to Colleville-sur-mer, Normandy’s most famous American Cemetery (http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php) - The drive is about 3 hour long. We will have a light lunch on the way (sandwiches / fruits). We will have about 2 hours to walk through the cemetery and visit the small yet informative museum.
         We will drive to Bayeux (20 minutes) to find our first hotel + eat a warm meal (students selected their menu / actually we had to select 1 menu for all, my bad. I sent the most popular request: Quiche Lorraine / Poulet rôti + frites + poêlée de légumes + fondant au chocolat). I'll request other options if someone doesn't like eggs, bacon, meat or chocolat.
We will stay 1 night only. Students are encouraged to relax and sleep. They should not try to contact families nor to chat late into the night as we will have an early departure the next morning. Suitcases need to stay packed. Students need to be dressed and ready to eat breakfast before 8:00 – We need to leave the hotel before 8:45
Saturday 15th
Leave the hotel at 8:45 and walk to the Bayeux Tapestry museum. A small museum where we will see up close the oldest “comic strip” in the world. 
         10:30 walk back to the bus and drive to Mont St Michel (1 hour and 30 minutes drive) – We will eat lunch (sandwich + fruits) and spend about 2 hours visiting this interesting place set in the sea.
         2:30 – Depart to drive to Montpon (about 6 hour drive with a stop for the driver). Students can sleep, read, play cards, eat snacks, listen to music.
         10:30 – Expected arrival at Montpon where families will pick up students and teachers.
Sunday 16th
         Stay with the family.
Monday 17th       
Meet at school at 8:30. Field trip to the Prehistoric Museum and to the Lascaux caves (90 minute drive) + visit to a XIVth century castle. Picnic is prepared by the school. We come back at 5:00 and go back with host families.
Tuesday 18th      
         Meet at school. Spend the day at school, take a few classes, eat lunch at the cafeteria. At 3:00 p.m. the American consul comes to school for a mini lecture. At 5:00 the mayor of the town comes to welcome us (reception), the new all eat at the cafeteria. Diner put together by parents. (this is when we will sing)
Wednesday 19th      
         Meet at school before 8:00. Field trip to the beach with French students. La dune du Pyla – Climb the highest dune of Europe http://www.ladunedupilat.com . Visit of Bassin d’Arcachon + shopping in Arcachon. Back in Montpon around 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 20th
Meet at school. Spend the day at school, take a few classes, eat lunch at the cafeteria.
Friday 21st      
         Meet at school at 8:30 – Fieldtrip with French students to a paper factory (handmade). Afternoon visit of Bergerac (Cyrano) + boating on la Dordogne (river). Festival of music in the evening with families
Saturday 22nd + Sunday 23rd:
Stay with families. Saturday big school evening party
Monday 24th      
         8:00 - Goodbyes – We take the bus for Futuroscope (a 2 hour and an half trip) 4 hours of fun at the futuroscope! Extreme thrills, images in giant-screen format, breathtaking shows, interactive adventures. Lunch on site. www.futuroscope.com
         3:30 – leave for Chenonceaux, Castle on the Loire Valley (1 hour long trip). We will visit the castle for about 2 hours. www.chenonceau.com
         7:00 – leave for Tours, our hotel (30 minutes away) – Diner at Le Poivron Rouge (restaurant across from the hotel).
         9:00 – Go to the hotel and get ready to rest / sleep – We will stay 1 night only, keep your bags packed and you room clean. We need to leave early the next day to be at Amboise by 8:45 (30 minutes away)
Tuesday 25th
            Wake-up call at 7:00 to be ready to leave before 8:15 for Amboise, home of king François 1er and also burial place of Leonardo Da Vince.
         9 to 10 - commented visit of the castle + 30 minutes of exploration
         11:00 – leave for Chaumont-sur-Loire – Picnic in the Festival of Gardens http://www.domaine-chaumont.fr/en_festival_festival - Visit of the gardens
         2:30 – Leave for Versailles - (2 hours and 30 minute drive)
5:00 - Stop at the hotel / short rest – We find Dani Emerick - Go to Versailles to visit Les jardins du châteaux – Diner at 7 p.m. à La Flotille http://www.laflottille.fr/index_fr.htm
9:30 – Back to the hotel - Keep your bags packed and you room clean. We need to leave early the next day to be at Versailles by 8:45 (10 minutes away)
Wednesday 26th      
         8:30 – leave for Versailles le château – 2-hour visit.
         11:30 – leave for Paris > Esplanade de la Défense (picnic) – Visit of La Défense; a unique place that includes avant-garde architecture + great green spaces.
         1:30 – Bus gives us a small tour in Paris: Avenue Royale > le Louvre > les Invalides > La Tour Eiffel > hotel : 6 rue du gros caillou – Paris 75007 - http://www.hotel-eiffel.com
         2:30 – Check in Paris Hotel – Walk to Musée Rodin (visit of statues in garden) + Invalides (Napoleaon’s tomb) – Walk to Eiffel Tower > climb to the top > go on a small cruise on the Seine.
         7:30 – Find a restaurant or picnic at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower.
Thursday 27th
            7:30 – Breakfast – Be ready to go at 8:30 – Walk to Musée d’Orsay (2 hours and 30 minutes visit) –
         11:30 – Walk to Jardins du Luxembourg (picnic) > walk to Notre-Dame through Quartiers Latin > walk to les Halles (Beaubourg / Park) > Ice cream pause.
         4:00 – Take the Metro (ligne 14) to Bercy + enjoy the Park de Bercy + view of Grande Bibliothèque Nationale.
         7:00 – Find a restaurant – Quartier Latin?
Friday 28th
7:30 – Breakfast – be ready to go at 8:30 – Walk to Musée du Louvre (2 hours and 30 minutes visit) – Lunch at the Louvre
Walk through Les Tuileries to place de la Concorde > Take the Métro to Montmartre . Climb to the top, visit the Basilique St Pierre > enjoy the view > Go Place Montmartre to see painters.
5:00 - Take the Metro to Les Champs Elysées, stroll up and down and check out l’Arc de Triomphe.
7:00 - Eat at Pizza Vésuvio (top of Champs Elysées). Return to the hotel for a last visit to the Eiffel Tower + Pack.
Saturday 29th
7:30 – leave the hotel to be at the airport by 8:30



Saturday, June 8, 2013

Re-trip information

Saturday 8th:
Check : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5J8wzpTzrk to learn Toi plus moi.
Check : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jQFHM5ieqP6Y_BpQTqWLmHvqhH4r7ZBL6YEWnF2mSiE/edit?usp=sharing - to compose / edit 2 stanzas + learning a French song.

Kyra suggested Home from Phillip Phillips - It is kind of a slow song, I am not sure how it sounds without music.


Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Ou ou…. La, la, la

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home