Week 4 - part 1

It has been an incredibly busy week 4. The French use the word “chargée” to describe this sort of week. It couldn’t be more apt.

The students are still working hard on their classes. They did tongue twisters in communications, the subjunctive in grammar, caligrams in literature, and in cluture, we began to talk about Paris. https://youtu.be/OvtTMt1oNV4

The weather in Brest turned warm and sunny again this week, so we did sports outdoors again. For outdoor sports, we go to a park by the Medieval château. It high above the port with breezes, shade trees and an amazing view.

Tuesday was the Fourth of July. It’s just another work day in France, of course. But the French stage a July 4 ceremony for us at the American Monument, a monument to the Americans who died to liberate France in the First World War. There was a posting of both American and French colors. Sidney and Sam, along with French navy and army veterans, presented floral wreaths. And our students sang both the Star Spangled Banner and the Marseillaise (the French national anthem) acapella. https://youtu.be/bEpIeFR_vL8

They were fabulous!

The sous-prefect (a high military official) invited the students and teachers to his home overlooking the port for a reception. He was incredibly gracious. He welcomed the students to Brest and spoke of the long and special relationship between France and the US. And the best thing according to the kids was that Max, the sous-prefect’s dog attended the reception.

Then it was on to a reception with the host families before heading home for a late dinner.

The students who did the photo class went on a “photo safari” to “capture” amazing images. I hope to post those later this week.

Thursday evening was la Danse Bretonne, the traditional dancing of Brittany. Our onsite coordinator Jean-Paul and a host mom, Fabienne, were our dance instructors. They started us off slowly, but the dances became more intense. It really is a workout. You have to count your steps, mind your hand movements, make sure to switch when you should, with whom you should. And all of this happens at a very quick pace. (The video is long, but very fun: https://youtu.be/axiwymhO2sg)

At the end of the evening, everyone was hot, sweaty, worn out and completely thrilled. They had so much fun! Some family members participate as do the teachers (except me and my bad knee). It is just a great time.

This is our team is Brest: Loïc, Évie, Jean-Paul (on-site
coordinator), Lindsey, Marie-José (on-site coordinator),
and Michael

Teachers and students alike
received a formal invitation to a
July 4 reception at the home of the
Sous-Préfect.

Katelyn puts her mojo on Nick during the pétanque match.

Not sure this qualifies as a sport.

Hadley: "Darn, I missed!"
Sophia: "I didn't!"

Way to go!

On the attack!

We love you too, Nichole!

Sydney and Sam deliver the floral wreath on July 4.

The students sang beautifully!

The American Memorial.

Greetings from the Sous-Préfect, the Sous-Amiral and
a representative of the mayor.

Nicole with her French siblings.

Only Mari could get photo-bombed by a French
veteran.

At the Sous-Préfect's reception.

He's got a great view from his terrace.

Seriously...

A non-selfie selfie.

This was an actual selfie.

"I suppose you're wondering why we called you here..." 

Patriotic in two languages!

The Sous-Préfect has a very nice living room...

And an imposing front door.

Ash with one of her French sisters.

Sydney and Valentine

Are girls just born knowing how to do this?

Nichole and Kelsey on the photo safari.

Searching for images at the port.

What's this nose thing?

Loïc and Mari do the nose thing...

This doesn't look like dancing...

What the heck is going on?

"I love your nails!" again, not dancing...

Jean-Paul and Fabienne begin the lesson.

This is Breton dancing!

They are really good dancers and put on a nice display.

It appears that some couples are taking it more seriously than others...

Look for Part 2 of our Week 4 experiences on Monday!