The blog has been assigned to Gail and I to maintain while the team visits with their host families, so bear with us. To continue the tradition, food: Breakfast at the hotel, and on the bus by 9:15am (a late morning for us). We witnessed the crazy Parisian traffic adding almost an hour to our drive, three accidents, none involving us thank goodness, our capable driver Lucian kept us safe. Once beyond city limits, beautiful rolling grain fields and small French villages off in the distance. We did get pictures! We made our lunch stop in Reims to visit another Notre Dame cathedral. This one was the site of French king coronation for over 800 years. We were able to witness restortation in progress. After a quick lunch at a boulanger with sandwiches to go (Hannah even ordered in French! Panini Poulet!) Back on the bus for the continuation of the journey to Luxembourg.
We traveled through the Champaign region of France then onto Belgium and much steeper hills and forest. We traversed small roads for about an hour before arriving in Luxembourg. Along the way we saw Belgian Blue cattle along with many Holsteins, Ayrshires, Limousins, Charlois, and Holstein/Belgian Blue crosses. Bruce informed us that most if not all Belgian Blues have C-section births since they have weak hearts. We arrived in Ettelbruck to celebrate the 125th year anniversary of the founding of the Agricultural College. The Grand Duc made an appearance (he is the President/King of Luxembourg). The reception was held in the instructional greenhouse where we could enjoy viewing the final exams of the students in the floral and horticulture programs. Our Luxembourg coordinator, JP, took us on a tour of the campus including the ag shop and machinery repair, the classroom, and a lecture hall.
The reception was a perfect opportunity for the host families to meet up with the individual students. Anxious nervous faces on both parts were quickly overcome by smiles and warm greetings and common language(English) as well as photographs. All the adults boarded a very empty coach and headed to Luxembourg City for a group dinner to visit amongst ourselves.
We also learned today that the Connecticut FFA coach, was coached in college at UConn by our very own Jeff Semler :-)
We will explore Luxembourg City and meet up with the kids at a small judging contest and BBQ tomorrow evening. We'll keep you posted
Kiera and Gail
4 comments:
That crazy kind of traffic was the same when I traveled to Paris with the French class in high school. Our French Teacher failed to get herseld across the street in time for the light change and got mowed down by a moped! She had one foot on the sidewalk, but still had the other on the street when the light changed. She ended up in the hospital for several hours so they could figure out the damange....a broken nose & broken ribs. We missed a tour of a perfume factory during her exam. What a painful plane ride home that poor lady had. They are a different kind of people, aren't they!!
Thanks for letting us know that the worried looks turned into smiles, for all parties, with tonight's host family stay.
Renee
I see no mention of a "creamery" or "dairy" on the Luxembourg campus. Perhaps a hint in French might spur them on. I feel sorry for those cows with weak hearts. Isn't breeding them asking for trouble? Je suis desolee. If you think the Parisian traffic is bad, try crossing the streets in Rome, or come to think of it,London.I once was trapped on one of those islands at Marble Arch - at rush hour. It took me a good 20 minutes to navigate my way to the other side. No one stopped for me either, although there was quite a honking of horns.Turista!! Hi, Gaily!
Gail and Kiera - Great job on the blog and for the additional pictures!!! Are you tired of teenagers yet????
Can't wait to see you on Tuesday!!!
i will bet on an exciting ride home from Newark
Hannah: After reading about the crazy traffic - I was thinking about how proud I am of you for not getting run over by anyone - One broken leg is enough for a life time.
Derek: Are you okay? Two weeks with this bunch of women will be the greatest test of your life. I see you are still smiling!!!
Amy: I loved your kilts!! You and Laurel did look very cute!!! I keep watching for Rusty to come up our lane - he's probably very lonely - or getting quite comfortable being a single man again!!
Laurel: I loved your pink outfit in London photos - Dad was very pleased with the scenic photos I showed him last night.
Laurel and Amy: No pictures of you two making silly faces in front of historical landmarks - must be on your own cameras !!!
Do I need a larger vehicle to bring home all the stuff you have purchased?
Post a Comment