Our day began at 5:45 am. We had to eat breakfast and walk to the train station about 2 blocks away with our luggage. We arrived early and the delegation entertained waiting passengers with an impromtu Cha Cha Slide performance. We boarded the bullet train at 8:12 and relaxed for 2 hours as we rode through the countryside of France.

We were greeted at the station by Jean-Louis and Sylvia (English teachers at the school) and then walked to the school itself about 5 blocks away. So far everyone's luggage is holding up well. If a wheel breaks off, we are in big trouble because everything is cobblestones and pavers. We were served pastries and drinks as the host families arrived one by one. It was fun to watch faces light up as they recognized each other from Skype and pictures on email. Lydia's family arrived and apologized that their emails did not get through. They will check the address tonight.

Andrew's host brother is very tall as opposed to Garrett's who is really short! The French families have been told to refrain from kissing the students on both cheeks since that was not our custom, but Garrett's host mother must have forgotten because she planted a big kiss on both cheeks!

Speaking of customs, apparently there is much information out there. For instance, the French do not have wine at every meal and children are never permitted to drink wine. Also, they assured us that they shower way more than once a month!

After a group picture, the families dispersed to begin their visit. The adults toured the school and went to lunch with the Headmaster and the English teachers. The school building itself dates back to the late 1700's. It is comprised of 6-8 major buildings all in the area. It is one of the largest private schools in the area. It has over 2000 students enrolled from preschool through high school. By the way, the French have a different system for determining what grade you are in. There is a test given when you are 15 and you need to decide then where your interest lies for your future (sciences, literature, or ...don't remember the third). High school is called college and college is called university!

We will all hook up again on Monday morning at school. I feel confident that the students are in good hands! Activities are planned. I can't wait to hear all about it! I'll end this entry by adding several pictures showing the initial meeting of the host families.

Mrs. Sieve