Below is a recap of our end-of-the-week activities.
THURSDAY
Today was our first free day. Fortunately, the weather was nice enough for interested students to enjoy the beach.
FRIDAY
After class, the students and I took bus number 6 to the Musée du Chocolat in Biarritz. We learned about how Biarritz became the gateway city for importing chocolate throughout France in the 17th century. We were forced to eat a variety of chocolate, and drink real chocolat chaud (not the powdered Swiss Miss to which many of us are accustomed) throughout our guided visit. No one was harmed in the process.
After viewing a short film on the trans-Atlantic history of chocolate, as well as looking at some amazing chocolate sculptures, our visite culminated in the chocolaterie, where we filled our sacs à dos with goodies.
SATURDAY
What a day, What a day!
We arrived at at Cambo at 9:45, where we marvelled at Edmond Rostand's (the reknowned author of Cyrano Debergerac) gardens, dubbed the petit Versailles. We then took a guided tour of his manoir, consisting of 40+ rooms, including a sauna, library, servants' quarters(he had several), dressing room, and plush gardens. This year, they've opened up another room to the public, so we got to view Rose's (Rostand's wife's) living and bathing quarters.
Following the museum, we ate lunch in Rostand's gardens. We took a few photos, and had a surprise visit from a peacock while we ate. We left the museum around noon and headed to the Pyrenees, La Rhune to be exact. Our guide Philippe was there to greet us and gave us the option of hiking La Rhune, or taking the charming little train up. We hiked 900 meters (over 2900 feet) to the summit. A fun fact about La Rhune is that you're in France until you reach the top.
Endurance awards go out to Gray, Gwen, Savannah, and Stephan for their ascent/descent by foot. Rob gets a Medal of Honor for encouraging us (namely me) to stick with it. He also gave useful hiking tips. Finally, since there are no words to describe this experience other than to say "si se puede," Katrin, Kathy, and me get the award for embracing the challenge.
SUNDAY
On the seventh day, we all needed to rest. Many of us enjoyed a day at the beach, in addition to the Fête de la Musique, which is taking place all over France and in much of Europe.
Pictures to come. Post a comment if you're following our blog.
À Suivre...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
One Week Already???
My how time flies! I can't believe it's already been one week since we've landed en France.
TUESDAY
We had a scavenger hunt in Biarritz, which got delayed due to the rain. Fortunately, the students made it safely to the Poste de Secours; our designated meeting point. Once it ended, we went window shopping and for some ice cream in the Place Clemenceau.
WEDNESDAY
After class, we took the bus to Bayonne. We headed straight for the Office du Tourisme, so that students could pick up maps and literature on things to see and do there. We had a visite guidéé at the Musée Basque, which was previously the home of the Daguerette family. Our guided tour was quite informative, leaving us feeling more knowledgeable on Basque daily life, religion, and architecture. Ask your child why a typical Basque home is red and white and s/he will enlighten you. Some students lingered around Bayonne to explore and shop. This was their first time to make their way home to Anglet, and they succeeded in light of some minor challenges.
Today is a journée de repos, so weather permitting, the students can enjoy a day at the beach.
A+.
TUESDAY
We had a scavenger hunt in Biarritz, which got delayed due to the rain. Fortunately, the students made it safely to the Poste de Secours; our designated meeting point. Once it ended, we went window shopping and for some ice cream in the Place Clemenceau.
WEDNESDAY
After class, we took the bus to Bayonne. We headed straight for the Office du Tourisme, so that students could pick up maps and literature on things to see and do there. We had a visite guidéé at the Musée Basque, which was previously the home of the Daguerette family. Our guided tour was quite informative, leaving us feeling more knowledgeable on Basque daily life, religion, and architecture. Ask your child why a typical Basque home is red and white and s/he will enlighten you. Some students lingered around Bayonne to explore and shop. This was their first time to make their way home to Anglet, and they succeeded in light of some minor challenges.
Today is a journée de repos, so weather permitting, the students can enjoy a day at the beach.
A+.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ça y est!
A WORD OF CAUTION: EN FRANCE THEY USE THE AZERTY KEYBOARD. PLEASE EXCUSE ANY TYPOS.
We have arrived in Biarritz!
Below is a recap of our travels thus far:
THURSDAY/FRIDAY
After several hours of delay due to inclement weather (more than 6 for some of us), we arrived in Paris Friday afternoon. We made it just in time for Josh, notre guide dynamique to give us a tour of the environs. He took us to Sainte Chapelle, the Palais de Justice, and Notre Dame to start. It was rather fascinating because Josh's perspective is that of an artist, architect, and historian. For instance, we learned that most of the red brick architecture found in Paris was a result of Henry IV's Edict of Nantes.
Our energy started to wane due to jetlag, so we stopped to re-charge with une coupe de glace at Berthillon; arguably the world's best ice cream. We ended the day with a stroll on the Pont Neuf to the Institut de France (more specifically, the Academie Francaise), where all decisions concerning the French lexicon are made. Next, we marvelled at the Louvre, Pyramide, and les arcs. Our first day en France culminated with dinner in Montparnasse, followed by a group de-briefing.
SATURDAY
We had a typical French breakfast consisting of pain, jambon, fromage and several cups of café. Upon finishing, we strolled over to the marché de Montparnasse. We were serenaded by an accordionist as we passed through the array of cheeses, meets, fish, délices, clothing, shoes, and accessories. Some students' stomachs turned at the sight of tongue, brain, and other items they wouldn't dare try. We later walked to the Cimitière de Montparnasse and the Catacombes - Josh previously warned us that death would be our theme du jour. We didn't spend too much time feeling morbid, however, since we had lunch in the verdant Luxembourg gardens. Following lunch we hiked to Sacré Coeur. This part of the tour was somewhat frenetic, given the crowds. Heureusement, Josh knows all of the raccourcis, or shortcuts, so we avoided them when we could. After seeing the Moulin de la Gallette and the Moulin Rouge, we said our goodbyes to him at Pigalle. We ended the day with dinner in Montparnasse and a boat cruise on a bateau mouche. We went to sleep early, so we could make our morning train.
SUNDAY
Prior to taking the train, we had one last breakfast, along with another group de-briefing in Montparnasse. During the 5-hour ride, Stephan showed me how to do Sudoku. Although he had the brown belt edition, he's at least a second degree black belt. Our families were there to meet us in Biarritz promptly at 3:30. After the first two nights here, the students have adjusted to their familles d'acceuil as well as to la vie basquaise. I must say that I'm quite impressed with how cohesive they are; they are inclusive and considerate of one another. Furthermore, they're punctual. May they continue to be so!
More to come later. Yesterday, we took time to explore Biarritz and Anglet, in addition to going over logistics and transportation. Today the students will participate in a scavenger hunt to test their knowledge of the French language, Basque culture, and geography. May the best group win!
We have arrived in Biarritz!
Below is a recap of our travels thus far:
THURSDAY/FRIDAY
After several hours of delay due to inclement weather (more than 6 for some of us), we arrived in Paris Friday afternoon. We made it just in time for Josh, notre guide dynamique to give us a tour of the environs. He took us to Sainte Chapelle, the Palais de Justice, and Notre Dame to start. It was rather fascinating because Josh's perspective is that of an artist, architect, and historian. For instance, we learned that most of the red brick architecture found in Paris was a result of Henry IV's Edict of Nantes.
Our energy started to wane due to jetlag, so we stopped to re-charge with une coupe de glace at Berthillon; arguably the world's best ice cream. We ended the day with a stroll on the Pont Neuf to the Institut de France (more specifically, the Academie Francaise), where all decisions concerning the French lexicon are made. Next, we marvelled at the Louvre, Pyramide, and les arcs. Our first day en France culminated with dinner in Montparnasse, followed by a group de-briefing.
SATURDAY
We had a typical French breakfast consisting of pain, jambon, fromage and several cups of café. Upon finishing, we strolled over to the marché de Montparnasse. We were serenaded by an accordionist as we passed through the array of cheeses, meets, fish, délices, clothing, shoes, and accessories. Some students' stomachs turned at the sight of tongue, brain, and other items they wouldn't dare try. We later walked to the Cimitière de Montparnasse and the Catacombes - Josh previously warned us that death would be our theme du jour. We didn't spend too much time feeling morbid, however, since we had lunch in the verdant Luxembourg gardens. Following lunch we hiked to Sacré Coeur. This part of the tour was somewhat frenetic, given the crowds. Heureusement, Josh knows all of the raccourcis, or shortcuts, so we avoided them when we could. After seeing the Moulin de la Gallette and the Moulin Rouge, we said our goodbyes to him at Pigalle. We ended the day with dinner in Montparnasse and a boat cruise on a bateau mouche. We went to sleep early, so we could make our morning train.
SUNDAY
Prior to taking the train, we had one last breakfast, along with another group de-briefing in Montparnasse. During the 5-hour ride, Stephan showed me how to do Sudoku. Although he had the brown belt edition, he's at least a second degree black belt. Our families were there to meet us in Biarritz promptly at 3:30. After the first two nights here, the students have adjusted to their familles d'acceuil as well as to la vie basquaise. I must say that I'm quite impressed with how cohesive they are; they are inclusive and considerate of one another. Furthermore, they're punctual. May they continue to be so!
More to come later. Yesterday, we took time to explore Biarritz and Anglet, in addition to going over logistics and transportation. Today the students will participate in a scavenger hunt to test their knowledge of the French language, Basque culture, and geography. May the best group win!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
