Fete du Handball

Josh received an award for his sportive skills

We had Handball day yesterday, and our  boys (mixed with French teams) dominated. Josh was defintely the star, but Jordan, Griffin, Walker, Miles and Connor did well too. Dustin slept throughout the games in spite of the during the noise. He has a hard time with the French time (but today he seems much better). Kirk, Gabi and Kiara cheered their friends from the stands. Barbara and I were recruited for the teachers/students game, we did our best, but were definitely not as good as our students.

Today French students had "La remise des prix" (awards for all kinds of reasons). Our boys' performance in handball was rewarded, and Josh was called to the stage to collect the reward.

Castelnaud

Machines de guerres du Moyen Age

After Lascaux we jump a few centuries to visit a "modern" castle of the XIVth century! We learn about warfare. Some arms such as the one on the right needed  up to 80 men to activate. Of course, moving it during the war was out of question. To change its aim, one had to change how much weight you threw at your ennemi.

Chateau ennemi d'en face

Photo de  groupe dans la cour du chateau

Les chevaliers d'Amérique

Sir Kiara and her Squire Gabi!

Lascaux.....



No these are  not  Cavemen. However they are as good artists.

 Before visiting the real Lascaux Caves, we tried our best to imitate the local technics of the times: fur, earth pigments, silex, etc....

Next, we went to prehistorical site, Lascaux, and saw 17000 year old paintings. The guide was helpful and pointed out interesting facts about the site.

French students surprised us with a visit of a Medieval Castle - Chateau de Castelnaud. (it was hot, and our crew looked quite tired, hope they managed to glanced at it along the way). We finished the day by a great meal.

Franco-American mammoth!

Manon et Gabi created a nice prehistorical deer.

Welcome

Students received a wonderful welcome by the students and the American Consul of Bordeaux who came just for us! Amuse-gueules, foie gras, petits fours, quiches and other delicacies where in order. French students sang songs, music was played. It was very festive and we all rallied although many were very tired. French students challenged our students with arm wrestling contests (we need to be better prepared next time!)

Diaporama: La Réception à Montpon + Bras forts de Montpon

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Bordeaux, almost there!

A sleepy Gaby meets Manon

 French correspondents and parents were waiting for us at the train station of Bordeaux. Boys had to say hi to their correspondents French way (two kisses on the cheeks). Definitely some awkward moment. After making sure everyone had a ride, groups split and drove to Montpon (about 1 hour). Students would wake up at 7 or so to take their respective bus to school the next morning.

Diaporama: Le Voyage

Waiting for the train........

We made it safely to Paris, Laurent was at the airport to meet us where we waited some more for a 4 hours train ride. We ate sandwiches and pastries. Boys played football on the platform, I wonder where they found the energy! However, as you see in later pictures, the train ride was most quiet.

20 + hours of traveling is taking a toll on the crew. All slept during the 4 hour train ride.We can vouch that French trains are comfy!

Diaporama: Le Voyage

Traveling

The group Eugene Airport

After a bumpy flight to Seattle, the entire crew split for lunch. First drill, to regroup at a given time: 100% success (meaning we still have 10 kids!) Yeah!

Diaporama: Le Voyage