Hello all! Haley here. I’ve been hearing from the students that you all are avid readers of our blog and we’re all so excited that you are checking in with our adventures! Remind your kiddos that if they take any cool pictures, they can send them to me and i’ll post them on here!
Our first day of classes went magnificently. The students got their first tastes of the city, while getting to know each other a bit more. We have so many passionate french speakers, art & architecture fans, visionary photographers, talented painters, and avid fashion lovers on our trip! Our residence is buzzing with creativity and knowledge (and bellies full of crepes).
Classes typically go from 9am to 3pm, with a leisurely lunch break in the middle. After students arrive home from class, they have some time to freshen up and then head back out for afternoon activity, followed by a group meeting. We use our meetings to check back in with one another. We begin with a ritual started by program director Ben Karl: who can hold the longest “Om.” A little healthy competition AND meditation, all in one! Then we have our daily shout outs where both students and leaders commend someone for an act of kindness or deed they did that day. Evening meeting is a great time to regroup and join back together with the whole crew, after our jam-packed days. After community meeting we split up once again into individual evening activities and dinner.
Last night folks went to the Bastille with Betsy & Maggie to try Moules Frites (mussels & fries), some students went with Michael and Audrey to explore the Latin Quarter, and others came with Gabe and I to Montmartre to see Sacre Couer and gorgeous views of the city (and eat ice cream and crepes, of course).
Here are some photos from yesterday!
Our whole group during community meeting in the courtyard!
Michael’s Drawing and Painting class at Sacre Coeur.
Storey with local artist graffiti during History of Fashion class. Taken by teacher Audrey.
French language was asked (in french!) to dog-sit this pup during their lunch break. Taken by Zoe!
the beautiful Seine river, captured by Zoe.
Emerson climbing the steps to Sacre Coeur. Taken by teacher Michael
yoga class taught by me (Haley!) in Place Des Vosges and my little yoginis Emma, Molly, Katie, Maia, and Sophia (plus a Frenchman who needed some inner zen, too).
Students hangin’ at Sacre Coeur!
Leaders Ben and Michael with students at Notre Dame!
Kate, Mira, Alex, Caroline and Will at beautiful Notre Dame!
Dani and Sophia in Monmartre, siting on the steps leading to Sacre Coeur.
leader Haley with Max, Brendan, Sophia, Emerson, Storey, Emma, Molly and Dani on the steps to Sacre Coeur, with beautiful views of Paris in the background.
So many photos!!! Check in tomorrow for Day 3 of our Pre-College adventure.
Your dutiful blogger,
Haley J