Some parting thoughts

It's Sunday evening, and it's hard to believe spring break is over. Looking back, I can't believe all that we fit in during our visit to France- Paris, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, a ride on the TGV, family stays, the market, school, and shops in Rennes, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Josselin and the Forest, the WWII memorial in Caen, Normandy beaches and American Cemetery, the Louvre, dinner on the Champs-Elysees, and a ride on the Seine on a bateau-mouche. I still think I left some things out.... ;)

I feel very blessed to have traveled with such an amazing group of students and teachers! We had a lot of laughs (and a few tears) along the way, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Mme Parr told me about something her French friend, Janine, noticed- when Janine sees a group of American students, they stand out because they are laughing and smiling! She thought that it was very different from a typical group of French students, which are normally more reserved and aloof. There were times with the group where I thought "Yikes, let's try not to stand out so much!" but at the same time, they truly were enjoying themselves and their smiles were contagious. I'd much rather be with a group that was having fun and not ashamed to show it :)

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to the parents and families of students- thank you for encouraging them to travel and take this opportunity to experience the French culture and language. Also, thank you for raising them to be so polite and considerate! I can't tell you how many times I had students ask if they could help me, or how I or the baby were doing with all of the hikes, etc. Everyone was very kind and helpful, and it is much appreciated. It was hard to say goodbye at the airport, and I hope to keep up with this bunch as they travel more and continue with their French studies.

If you are interested in becoming an author on the blog, please send me an email at budiona@gmail.com or budiona@stillwater.k12.mn.us. This way, you can add your own pictures and posts to share YOUR experience from this trip. These pictures are public, so you can also click, drag, and save them for your own use as well.

Thanks again, and please keep in touch!!!!!

Sincerely,

Amy Budion