Thursday, Episode 0: Paris!

In the rain!  We arrived at the hotel and are just heading out to Montmartre. More later on!

Wednesday, Episode 3: Farewell, for now...

Emilie de Rodat really gave us a wonderful send-off; an evening of tapas, lots of laughs and (I think) no broken hearts. Bon. We've got such an amazing group of students, on both the French and American sides!

Wednesday, Episode 2: Cité de l'Espace

After lunch, we went to do a little science at "Space City!"  This is an indoor/outdoor museum with a history of discovery in space and a view towards the future. 

Alex, posing as a rocket. 

Kiana, about to finally succeed in blowing up the balloon (a little).

One of three training models of the Mir space station. 

Wednesday, Episode 1: All's Well that Ends with Physics.

We got to spend this morning attending classes with our hosts, and a number of our students were in "Physique-Chimie."  What's more, they largely understood the lesson about the conservation of energy!

I am so proud. 

Tuesday, Episode 3: Back to Toulouse.

Tuesday, Episode 2: Carcassone.

This afternoon we toured the beautiful medieval city on a hill, complete with two city walls with ramparts and its own castle. The students seem to be having a fantastic time!

Day... Tuesday, Episode 1: American Reunion.

Everyone was so happy when we met at the school this morning!  I heard stories of... Lots of food... Visiting the countryside... Playing games... Seeing the sea... Lots of food... We have a very smiley group of kids on the bus to Carcassone!

Day 3, Evening Party!

Easter Sunday was spent with our hosts, but many students (and the teachers later on) gathered for a party in the evening. We (the teachers) are all SO impressed and happy. The students have integrated so well and seem to like each other so much!  I fear it may be a tearful parting, but undoubtedly a joyous reunion to follow!

Day 2, Episode 2: Chateau d'Eau

Saturday afternoon we visited the old water tower, which used river water to drive pumps. The pumps took water that was filtered through a nearby meadow and pumped it up into the tower, where it was connected (gravity driven) to 90 fountains around the city, bringing fresh water to the population. We walked into the central square and then parted ways; the students with their correspondents, the teachers with theirs. 

Day 1ish, Episode 4: Joyeuse Reunion.

Made it to Toulouse and were warmly received by our gracious hosts!

Day 2, Episode 1: L'Hotel d'Assézat et une pique-nique.

After a restful evening with our hosts, we met at the Hotel D'Assézat; a mansion built on the fortunes of a special blue dye from the region. Inside, we were given a tour of the art now housed there, (paintings from the 16th century up through Impressionism and the early 20th century).

A lovely day really lent itself to a picnic on the banks of the Garonne!

Trouble.

Easy and smooth flight with some beautiful views!  I saw a lot of movies playing but think there was some sleeping, too. Daniel saved the day when Dr. Cui's neck pillow was found to have a breach in its structural integrity (i.e. It exploded) - he happened to have duct tape in his carry-on!  Bien fait, Daniel!  

First a sunset over northern Canada...

...and then a sunrise over Scotland!

I think the weather is cloudy in England. Who'd have thought it?

And now to not sleep through the final boarding call for our flight to Toulouse....

Day 1, Episode 2: Through Security.

There was some confusion (about 20 minutes worth) as to whether "Vashtitienne" was in fact the same young lady as "Vashti Tienne."  (FYI it is). But we all made it, and Jean Marteau has wasted no time making friends with a group from Holy Names on their way to Martinique. I wonder if we made the correct choice as to francophone regions - I hear they have sunny beaches there! :)

But the group is excited and ready to be off in about an hour!

Day 1, Episode 1. " A New Blog."

Google Sites isn't editable from my phone, and It will be much simpler to write blogs from my phone. SO, this is the blog that I'll be editing!