It really doesn't do it justice to try an fit all of my time in the South of France into one blog post, but at the pace I'm going, I'll be home before you hear about it otherwise!
I have been able to visit with all of the student visitors from Bordeaux University that came during my time with the Overland Park Fire Department.
Emilie (2008) did a wonderful job of coordinating everyone on somewhat short notice for my arrival and accommodation for much of my stay. A big thank-you and hugs to her, as well as congratulations for finishing her University program and passing her test!
Here she is on the day we spent together taking in the sights of Bordeaux; setting an example of enjoying the French aire!
My next stop was a visit with Aurelie (Olathe 2008) to stay with her family in La Teste France near the sea. Here we are pictured preparing to hike up the famous 'Dune du Pyla', Europe's largest sand dune! We were able to bike to the Dune in 20 minutes from her house and just on the other side is a breathtaking view of the Atlantic ocean to the South and to the North, the bay of Arcachon. Another congrats is in order to Aurelie and her family on the marriage of her brother Michael as well as an early Happy Birthday to Aurelie!
I had a short stop-over with Manon (2009) and her family at their home in Merignac near Brodeaux. We went into the city center to observe the Bastille Day festivities and watch some fireworks!
I enjoyed a lovely drive through French pine forests with Elodie. There is still much evidence of the huge storm that came through earlier this year and took down many of the pine trees that are a large part of the economy here. She explained to me that there is now a great fear of fire with all of the downed trees drying out and in fact since I have been here there were fires set in the forest and already 6 Spanish fire fighters have died in the battle. Please keep them in your prayers.
We drove on to Julien's (2007) home for a celebration very similar to what takes place in Pamplona Spain surrounding the running of the bulls. I walked into this somewhat blindly, but everyone was great to get me up to speed quickly! Elodie's parents lived very nearby so we went there one afternoon and evening to celebrate her birthday! Everyone was in a spirited mood and I had great fun as well as some really good conversation as everyone was eager to practice their English with me and I was happy to try to improve my French!
Elodie was kind enough to host me the day of our return and then for the following week I stayed at the Jansens home with Manon and her family.
I had a lot of fun going on bike rides with her sisters, meeting with friends of the family over home-made French meals, visiting her fire station, meeting Remy, the English teacher for the students of the Bordeaux program, touring wine country and learning about St. Emilion, taking a trip to the other side of the Bay for an afternoon at the beach, climbing and swinging through the tree tops at an adventure course with Manon and her youngest sister Clemence, and going to a special show depicting the Battle of Castillion.
I am so greatful to all of my host families for their incredible hospitality, for introducing me to new and wonderful things, for being so patient with my limited ability to speak French, and for sharing their homes and their lives with me, making memories I will always cherish. Bisous!
My TEFL friend Kate was the perfect person for me to travel with. I believe this may have been our second of four stops for tea on this particular leg of the cross-country road trip.
