Hello dedicated blog readers! Haley here, writing to you this morning after having survived the hottest day in Paris in FIFTEEN years. That’s right, yesterday’s temperature soared above 100 degrees fahrenheit. It was pretty darn hot.

So what are we doing about it? In a heatwave, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. We’re stopping every chance we get to buy or refill water bottles. The tap water in Paris is extremely potable, and there are plenty of water fountains all over the city. Air Conditioning is not as common in Europe, so as a group we are having to adjust to that cultural difference. However, we have purchased high power fans for every room, and are using all the tricks up our sleeves to stay cool (damp towels, ventilating with windows and doors, etc.) All teachers have been brainstorming the coolest (in all senses of the word) places in Paris to have class. Escapes to the museums, air-conditioned cafes, movie theaters, and shady parks are all on the agenda for this week.

For leaders and students alike, this uncomfortable weather can certainly make us grumpy and a little homesick. As our bodies continue to acclimate to a new group setting and city, it is a lot to also adjust to the weather. We are doing our very best to stay positive despite the temperature. Rest assured that we are keeping an open dialogue with our team about how to navigate being in a new place when the going gets tough. We leaders have been thrown for a loop with this unexpected heatwave, but we also really believe that it is often surprises like these that shape our ability to stay flexible and positive even in difficult situations. Personally, I am remembering a Putney trip I did in Peru when I was 15 where I got very sick. I was so miserable and homesick, but my leaders, fellow students, and members of the local village banded together to help me feel better. I often reminisce on the kindness I was bestowed that summer and to this day it remains a life-changing experience I cannot forget. We as leaders promise to champion all of your darling ones and together we will battle this heat!

Now that’s enough about the weather! Despite our climate curveball, our crew still managed to have an incredible day in Paris. Drawing and Painting teamed up with Art and Architecture and cooled off at the Louvre, while History of Fashion and French Language and Culture took on the Champs-Élysées (A Kanye West sighting was made!). Betsy’s photo class went to a photography museum called Maison European De la Photographie.

After class, students were given some time to chill out at the residence or explore the Mirais. After that we split off into dinner groups before joining together again to go on a Bateau-Mouche ride – a tour of Paris given on a beautiful boat along the Seine! It was a perfect way to end the day, with a gorgeous sunset over the Eiffel Tower and a cool breeze as we traveled down the Seine. After dinner we made necessary gelato pitstops and then headed off to bed.

As I write to you this morning I will note a WONDERFUL breeze coming through the window, and though the temperature is still high – it is most definitely cooler than yesterday. There is hope!

Below are pictures from yesterday, and some other photos students have sent me from prior days of the trip!

Once again, thanks so much for reading! Check back in tomorrow for more adventures and a recap of our 4th day in Paris. A bientôt!

Your dutiful blogger,

Haley J