Today was another long day of walking. After taking the train from Geneva to Lausanne, we dropped our luggage off at the hotel and walked down the hill to Lac Lemans. Lausanne is a beautiful city from which you can see Lac Lemans and mountains on all sides. We spent the last part of the morning and the early afternoon at the Olympic Museum. It was a very interesting visit. They had souvenirs from many of the modern Olympic Games. There was an exhibit on the founding of the Olympic movement, and several short films.
From the Olympic museum we started our long walk up the hill to the Cathedral and the old part of town, but not before exploring part of one of the beautiful parks along Lac Lemans. Most of the kids chose to enjoy at least one BOULE DE GLACE. After looking around for a while, we started off for the old part of town, the so-called Vieille Ville. Half way up the hill, we convinced that it was a better idea to take the bus. At 30 degrees C in the shade, the hills get old fast. The bus we took brought us most of the way up the hill. We walked the rest of the way to the Cathedral, a beautiful example of gothic architecture with modern stained glass windows featuring scenes from the reformation and stories and themes from the bible. We even climbed the tower. At the top, we were greeted with the ringing of the bells and a breathtaking views of the city of Lausanne.
After a brief pause to explore Lausanne, we regrouped for dinner. Dinner was at a nice little restaurant that featured local foods. We had a nice green salad, cheese fondue and a slice of cinnamon and strawberry ice cream.
M. Swanson
Today was the end of the family stays and the beginning of the last leg of our journey. I was proud to hear the reports of how well our students did during the family stay. Every family that I spoke with told me about how well things worked, how much each student used French, how much fun they had. These families all spoke of future rendez-vous, either in Europe of in the States. When it was time to leave, as M. Saunoi and I had predicted, there was a lot of crying. It was evident to me that our students had put in the effort we had requested, had worked hard and were enjoying the benefits of their hard work. The vast majority of the students agreed that this had been the best part of the trip. Fantastic. Many agreed that the family stay could have been longer. It was awesome. I am very proud of each and every one of them.
M. Swanson
Before becoming a concentration camp Le Struthof, as the French call it, had been a ski resort. The drive up the mountain was gorgeous. The sky was blue. The sun was shining. The view became more and more beautiful as we climbed. We passed streams cutting through the forest. From time to time we could see freshly trimmed trees ready for processing stacked along the narrow road. We would talk about the prowess of the chauffeur and his ability to keep driving as another bus would be meet us at the hairpin turn, or discuss weather or not we would try biking on the road. As we approached the top we drove by a quarry, identified by a new sign on an old building. I remembered the first time that I had come to Struthof. In the early 90's, Struthof was presented alternately as a work camp and a camp for political prisoners. I remembered reading about what had happened at the quarry.
A couple of years ago, Radio France presented updated information on its website and invited people to share their perceptions and understanding of Struthof. When we arrived at the camp, we would learn just how much the understanding of what happened at the camp had changed. Approximately 55 000 people were imprisoned at the camp during the war. Approximately 22 000 of those people never returned.
Before leaving the hotel that morning, Mme Johnson and I reminded the students that we would be visiting the camp. Just one quick reminder to dress appropriately and to behave respectfully was all it took. I have been very pleased by the way our students have behaved and how well they have represented our school and country during the first week of our trip. Here, at Struthof, I was again very pleased. What a great group we have.
M. Swanson
Once we left Colmar, we had a three to four hour bus ride ahead of us. We spent the first thirty minutes talking about the family stay. We talked about some of the rules of politesse, the importance of using as much French as possible and when to use the formal and informal forms of address. The students had great questions: When should we give the gifts? What are the families going to do to find us in the group? What if my family is not there? What if they don't understand me? I remember how nervous I was before the beginning of all of my family-stays. The MPA students were also nervous, but something incredible happened as we got closer to the drop-off point. The nervousness changed to excitement. I've never seen anything like it. This was just one more example of just how good this group is.
M. Swanson
We slept in a bit this morning. Breakfast was at 8:00 and half of the group made it. A few had to grab a croissant on our way to the Louvre. M Saunoi led us through Paris passing by Les Halles and l'église St. Eustache. We saw the wonderful Pyramide du Louvre designed by I. M. Pei. On our guided tour we learned that he redesigned the entrance to handle 4 million visitors per year. Last year there were 8.5 million visitors and the President of the Louvre is working towards reaching 12 million visitors per year. We can vouch for the fact that it was crowded.
The afternoon was in smaller groups. One group returned to Notre Dame and climbed the towers. They were lucky to experience up close the ringing of the bells.
Another group visited several museums and also made a quick stop at the Adidas shop to pick up French soccer uniforms.
The third group was shopping with me. We went to the Galleries Lafayette and the Champs Elysées.
Tomorrow - Versailles
M. Swanson
This was the first visit to the Opéra Garnier for many of us, and it was an excellent tour. One of the seniors on the trip told me how surprised she was that she got into the details of the tour. Opéra Garnier is beautiful and worth seeing. Ask your child about the details inside: the second stage, the kinds of marble used (over thirty), the details in every area, how Garnier put himself and his wife into the Opéra.
After going to the Opéra, we broke up into three groups for lunch. We followed lunch with an open bus tour of part of the city.
More later, it's after 1:00 am here.
M. Swanson
We have arrived at our hotel. Everyone is doing well. The flights were long but good.
For the rest of day one:
Bateaux mouches
Quartier Latin
Diner
Pictures to follow.
M. Swanson
Hello,
Can you believe the day we have been anticipating is almost here?
As you take care of last minute details, please consult the pre-departure checklist. A reminder to pack light, but don't forget important things like your passports, money, medication, sunscreen, gift for host family, etc!
Please meet the group at 7:30 am in front of the Continental Airlines ticketing area this Friday, June 13th. I have all our e-tickets.
We are really looking forward to this trip!
Madame Johnson
Bonjour,
Please plan on attending our French trip meeting this Friday during lunch.
As always, we'll be meeting in M. Swanson's room!
Agenda:
1. Safety!
2. Family stay continued...
Merci,
Madame Johnson
Greetings,
In a little over a month we will be boarding a plane and heading off on our
big adventure to France and Switzerland! We would like to extend an
invitation to students, parents and guardians to attend a pre-departure
meeting on Wednesday May 21, 2008 at 6 pm in the Recital Hall. This meeting
is mandatory for students. We will cover many important details and
reminders regarding the trip.
We look forward to seeing you on the 21st!
Sincerely,
Evy Johnson
We are going to run the meeting twice. Today for those of you who won't be
here tomorrow, and tomorrow for those of you who have other obligations
today.
Agenda:
1. Flight, hotel, group lists to hand out
2. Preparation for trip
3. Spending money
4. Packing!
5. Letters to families, gifts, things to expect during your family stay...
Merci,
Madame Johnson
June 13th is almost here...
We would like to thank you for turning in passport photos, program expectation sheets and the final payments for the trip. *
Hopefully you have all have had an opportunity to contact your Swiss or French family. If not, please do so as soon as possible.
Please plan on attending a France trip meeting next Friday during lunch in M. Swanson's room! Please wear your France t-shirts!
Merci,
Madame Johnson
*Only a few forms, photos and payments are missing. Please turn them in ASAP!
Please plan on attending the beginning of the French meeting. You will be dismissed to go to the Junior meeting.
Merci,
M. Swanson
M. Swanson and I would like to meet with you this Thursday during lunch. We have received the list of host families and have information for each of you regarding your Swiss/French family.
Agenda:
1. Individual sheets for each of you with information regarding your host family.
2. Please read the Family Stay section of the Student Guidebook. It is important to review this thoroughly.
3. Letters: You need to write to your family as soon as you get the information.
4. School lunch and transport: A reminder to prepare to possibly pay for school lunch and school bus (lunch about $5-6 ; bus around $2-3) if school is in session during the stay.
5. Each family is unique!!!Just as American families are all different, so are host families. Some may be in houses, some in apartments. Some will be in the city, others in the country. Most will have teenagers; a few may have only small children or none. Girls may be hosted by boys and vice versa. In June, older students will be hosted by younger students who are not taking exams. Some host families will be active; others may follow their daily routine. The common denominator is the desire to host. Each experience is unique and special. One can learn from all ages!
6. Tips: How to avoid claims of "boredom" It is the student's responsibility, not only the host family's, to make the experience interesting. The family-stay time is intended to give students a glimpse of daily life; this time will be less buys than the other portion of the program. Some families will take you around town or around the area on weekends; others will simply allow you the rare privilege of living as they do for this very short time.
7. Your are expected to abide by both the L& F Program Expectations and MPA's regulations.
8. Misc.
Thank you,
Madame Johnson
Due to the assembly schedule today, we are postponing the meeting. We are
going to meet next Friday during lunch in M. Swanson's room.
Reminder: final payment is due April 15th.
Have a great weekend!
Madame Johnson
Before you leave on break, please make sure you have turned in the following:
•$16 for t-shirt (cash or check made out to MPA)
• March payment (please let me know if you have mailed it )
•Signed program expectations sheet
•Photocopy of passport
Have a safe and wonderful break!
Madame Johnson
Good morning!
A reminder (if you have not already done so) to turn in passport copies and
signed program expectations sheets this week. I will also be collecting $16
for the t-shirts. You may bring in cash or make a check out to MPA.
Please continue to check out of France2008 blog for up to date information!
I believe the itinerary is now available...
http://blogs.moundsparkacademy.org/france2008/
Best of luck on final exams! Let's plan on meeting Friday, April 5th during
lunch in M. Swanson's room!
Merci,
Madame Johnson
Click on the link to download the latest version of our itinerary.2008it.doc
You will be hearing from Language & Friendship in the very near future about the finalized itinerary and final payments.
Please bring in $16 for the trip t-shirts tomorrow. You may bring cash or make a check out to MPA.
Also, several of you still need to turn in a photocopy of your passport and the signed program expectations sheet.
We are waiting to hear back from Julie and L&F about final payments. Hopefully, we'll have news tomorrow!
Merci!
Madame Johnson
Can we meet tomorrow during lunch? We are going to be on assembly schedule
this Friday, therefore a meeting is out of the question. Please be prompt!
Merci,
Madame Johnson
----
Room 118 -- 11:05 -- Thursday
Greetings!
We have begun our preparation meetings with your children for the trip to France in just a few short months! During these meetings we will be covering a number of topics including:
•Program expectations
•Group travel: roles and routines
•Packing and money
•Itinerary info and planning
•Successful family stay
•Getting around
•Hotel and restaurant behavior
•Group logistics
•Sites, cities, events
•Safety
•Communicating with home
•Managing free time
•American Ambassador
•Language commitment
By now your child should have turned in a signed copy (by parent and child) of the program expectations sheet as well as a photocopy of their passport.
Julie Dunlop, our Language and Friendship coordinator will be contacting you shortly with the final payments. I believe we are going to break up the final payments into two due dates: March 15 and April 15.
Please check our France2008 Blog. We are updating this blog frequently with new information. We will also be using this blog to keep you posted when we are in France and Switzerland. I am including the link. France 2008 is also located on the A-Z page on the new MPA website.
Thank you,
Evy Johnson
Thank you to all who were able to attend the meeting today. It is really important that you make every effort to attend these meetings. Please let me know if you are unable to attend. We meet in M. Swanson's room across the hall from the cafeteria. Our next meeting is Friday, March 7th.
Important info and reminders:
A. If you have not given your shirt size to M. Saunoi, please do so as soon as possible. The shirts will cost $16. Please bring your checks to either M. Saunoi or Mme Johnson made out to MPA.
B. Please turn in your signed program expectation forms and a copy of your passport to Mme Johnson as soon as possible.
C. A number of you have not heard from your families. Please do not be concerned!!! You'll be hearing from them soon!
D. If any of you are interested in hosting a student from France or Switzerland this summer, please speak with Mme Johnson.
E. We need to meet next Friday at 11:05. We are going to discuss program expectations and begin the prep work for the trip!
F. Reminder that the final payment for the trip will be due March 15.
Address for L&F is:
Language & Friendship, Inc
8009 34th Avenue South
Suite 880
Bloomington, MN 55425
Tel: (952) 841- 9898
Merci,
Madame Johnson
Good morning!
Please turn in your program expectation sheets and copies of your passport photos. Hopefully by now, you have all turned in your payments due Feb. 1st.
Many thanks,
Madame Johnson
Here is a quick message from M. Saunoi:
A reminder to students to indicate to M. Saunoi the size you want for
the t-shirt. We don't know yet how much the t-shirt will be but you should
Expect to pay about $20.
Bonjour!
First of all, thank you to you folks who have turned in your payment, trip
expectations form and copy of your passport. Please remember that the
deadline for these items is this Friday (February 1st).
On another note, we are making France 2008 t-shirts for the trip. More
info on prices, styles and sizes to come.
Our flights are now booked and it looks as if we are flying on Continental
Airlines via Houston to Paris, and returning via Newark from Geneva.
Some of you have already heard from your families in Geneva. Very cool!
For those of you have not yet received a letter or an e-mail, do not worry!
You'll be hearing from your Swiss family soon!
Don't forget to stop by my room with your deposits, trip expectation forms
and copies of your passports, or just to say "hi".
Many thanks in advance,
Madame Johnson
Remember that we are meeting today at 11:05 in Monsieur Swanson's room (118 - across from the cafeteria). Be sure to bring your lunch and your computer or something to take notes with.
Agenda:
- $800 payment due by February 1
- Photocopy of passport due by February 1
- Program trip expectations signed by student and parent due February 1
- Questions
- View a film about Switzerland
Bonjour!
Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend!
A reminder that the next payment of $800 is due February 1st. In order to
enable Language and Friendship to meet their financial commitments to
airlines, hotels, bus companies, etc., it is essential that the payment
deadlines be respected. Language and Friendship is very appreciative of
prompt receipt of payments.
We would also like to meet in M. Swanson's room this Friday to continue our
preparation for the trip in June. Please grab your lunches and join us in
his room as soon as possible this Friday during lunch.
Merci,
Madame Johnson
The next payment of $800 is due on the 15th. Please send payments directly to Language and Friendship.
Language and Friendsip
8009 34th Avenue South
Suite 880
Bloomington, MN 55425
I wanted to remind you that the second payment for the trip was due October 15. If you have not yet made your second payment, contact Mme Johnson ASAP.
Future payment dates:
$800 - December 15
$800 - February 1
balance due - March 15
Bonjour!
Hope you are all doing well and off to a good start of the school year. I
wanted to remind you that the second payment for the trip is due October 15,
which is coming up.
You may turn in your checks to any of the French teachers.
Merci!
Madame Johnson
Future payment dates:
$800 - December 15
$800 - February 1
balance due - March 15
Follow these links to get application materials and other information for our trip to France and Switzerland in 2008.
Request for change in flight plans (The deadline for making changes will be January 31, 2008 - subject to change - contact Language and Friendship for details)
IMPORTANT! Final program price will be determined by number of participants and inclusions requested by group. Prices are based on conditions, projected airfares and exchange rates as of spring 2007, and are subject to change due to circumstances beyond the control of Language & Friendship, Inc.
ELIGIBILITY: By the time of departure (June, 2008) students must have completed, or almost completed, 2 or more years of French study; must maintain good academic standing; and must be in excellent health. Teacher/leaders may have additional requirements.
If you have questions, please contact Mme Johnson or one of the other French teachers.
