Week-end en famille

The Poly French trip is scheduled so that we don't meet up as a group for our only full weekend in Paris. Instead, we are expected to do individual things with our host family. This means every student had a totally unique experience in Paris, at least for the weekend. In many ways this is a good thing, as it gives us a lot of freedom with how we spend our time.  Yesterday, my correspondent and I went to a laser tag place to make reservations with some other Americans and their correspondents. Once we were finished, I went to the Champs Elysées.  After visiting the Champs Elysées we went back to the laser tag place where a couple of Americans were waiting for us. There were 6 poly students total, enough to form a team against the French kids. We ended up beating them and everyone had a great time. Today isn't over yet, but so far I've climbed the Eiffel Tower, which was very interesting despite the long wait. Overall this weekend has been very fun and I am glad that I was able to see my friends.---Andy

My host family has been nothing but extremely generous and welcoming.  Meeting the parents at the airport for the first time, it was clear they were very excited and would be great hosts.  Every morning, my correspondent and I walk to school, a 15 minute journey, and talk in French about various things. After school, we either go to a park to play soccer or invite other French-American correspondent pairs to our house.  It is the most fun when there is a large group of us hanging out.  For dinner, if we're not at a friend's house, we usually have tabouli, tomatoes and mozzarella, a spiced carrot dish, melon wrapped in jambon cru, and a desert of fresh fruit.  Their eldest daughter, currently studying cuisine, recently arrived, so we are eating well.  My host family is constantly trying to make my trip even more enjoyable, whether it's taking me to watch a street basketball tournament in the Place de la Concorde or organizing plans with friends.  Their hospitality has made for a great trip so far.---Peter