Thursday was 4th of July and we began the day wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July or as we did "Bonne fête nationale!" Today was also the day that students did the second self-evaluation to analyze the progress they've made and to figure out strengths and weaknesses. Post this, it was time for classes. However, the school was testing their fire alarm systems so we went old school and held classes out in the open under the shade of trees! I have to admit that this was a fun break from the routine :)
For lunch, we were surprised with a lot of yummy options at the school canteen. We had hamburgers, fries, bacon, andouille sausage and we also had some good salad, fruit and dessert options. Post lunch, we had one hour study period following which the students were given time to practice their individual / group performances for the farewell show. Time really flies during the program because we didn't realize that the show is next Friday, July 12. With one week to go, the students really took great initiative towards their performances. They choreographed and practiced their group dance, solo-ists practiced their songs in another room and some students practiced their small group dance in a third classroom. Overall, a productive day spent very well !
In the evening, we had a 4th of July potluck dinner / picnic in a troglodyte cave at the town hall of Distré. This region of the Loire valley is famous for its troglodyte stones and caves. These natural stones are excellent for hot summer temperatures because they remain cool.
All host families and students came with their picnics and we had a really good time together. We got to eat a variety of foods prepared by the generous host families. We were also joined by the mayors of Saumur, Distré and St. Hillaire-St.Florent, who provide tremendous support to the IUHPFL program. The students also sang the French and American national anthems for the families and the mayors.
Here are a few photos from the lovely evening we had. Stay tuned for the last post of the week where we played a regional sport called "Boule de fort".
Ciao!
For lunch, we were surprised with a lot of yummy options at the school canteen. We had hamburgers, fries, bacon, andouille sausage and we also had some good salad, fruit and dessert options. Post lunch, we had one hour study period following which the students were given time to practice their individual / group performances for the farewell show. Time really flies during the program because we didn't realize that the show is next Friday, July 12. With one week to go, the students really took great initiative towards their performances. They choreographed and practiced their group dance, solo-ists practiced their songs in another room and some students practiced their small group dance in a third classroom. Overall, a productive day spent very well !
In the evening, we had a 4th of July potluck dinner / picnic in a troglodyte cave at the town hall of Distré. This region of the Loire valley is famous for its troglodyte stones and caves. These natural stones are excellent for hot summer temperatures because they remain cool.
All host families and students came with their picnics and we had a really good time together. We got to eat a variety of foods prepared by the generous host families. We were also joined by the mayors of Saumur, Distré and St. Hillaire-St.Florent, who provide tremendous support to the IUHPFL program. The students also sang the French and American national anthems for the families and the mayors.
Here are a few photos from the lovely evening we had. Stay tuned for the last post of the week where we played a regional sport called "Boule de fort".
Ciao!
