Week-end à Paris

 Melody: After we stopped to bid farewell to Samantha, we headed to Sont Malo. We were given the freedom to wander around for a few hours, and it was such an incredible experience. Even a simple transaction with the cashier was interesting when she asked me where I was from. Now, we are  saying goodbye to to the “small town France” as we sit in the bus headed to Paris, where we will stay with the French correspondents that stayed with us in California. I am really nervous because of the political chaos, but I am hoping that the protests won’t deter our plans. Regardless, I am really excited to spend time with the Parisiens and get a glimpse into their lifestyles after having heard so much about it.

The group at Saint Malo

I have really enjoyed the past two days touring around the North-West coast of France, and there have been so many highlights for me. Starting with Bayeux, which was such an incredible town with the most gorgeous Cathedral that had beautiful towers and stained glass, as well as the Bayeux tapestry which was such an incredible experience to be able to see in person. I love history, so seeing something so old tell such a clear story about what was happening nearly 1000 years ago right where we were standing was so special for me. Next, we toured around many WWII memorials and sites which were beautiful and sorrowful, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to visit them, something I’d never done before. We had a very nice stay in a small beach town last night, and have visited St Malo as well on the way to Paris, which was a very fun and relaxing shopping, walking, and touring break. (Coco)

                                                         Meeting up with our Victor Duruy families

These past few days have been both fun and insightful. In Bayeux, I loved absorbing the small town atmosphere while also learning about the old Cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. I also love learning about the incredible Bayeux tapestry and thinking about all of the work required to produce and save it. After leaving Bayeux, we visited many world war two memorials which were beautiful and provided insight on the true impacts of the war which are often overlooked in the United States. For example, we were able to see some lasting bomb holes which made me realize how much could change in one second during the war as the holes were greater than I was. Next we had a calming stay in a small beach town, and I even got to talk to the chef of the restaurant about local food which was very fun and insightful as it is very different from American food. Yesterday, we got to visit Mont-Saint-Michel which was impeccable even as the wind blew and the rain fell hard. I was amazed by the stone pathways and of course the beautiful abbey at the top of the island. Today, we visited St. Malo which has been my personal favorite part of the trip. I loved having tow free hours to just explore and eat wonderful food such as eclairs and baguette sandwiches. Overall, I have loved the past few days, and I can not wait to see what the next days bring. (Maja) 

Reunited again!

It is Monday morning and the school day began with a strike and closure.  Some kids got into class on time while others had the morning to check out Paris with their correspondants! We're experiencing an authentic French experience and updating the plan as changes arise.  Tomorrow is a general strike, so we will not be going to national museums.  Fortunately our reservation to the Louvre is today!!