Paul Moore: France

France: Biking in Brittany(Jun 26-Jul 25) - Paul Moore

This past summer thanks to the contributions of the Wilson family, I was able to have the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only was I excited to experience a completely different but begin to speak a language I had practiced for two years now. I became more excited the closer we came to landing. As we landed in Paris, I hit the ground running. I was already attempting to use my French. Not only was amazed with the beauty of Paris but the fact it was incredible to walk everywhere and every little building caught my interest. If we ever got lost, I would be the one to walk up to a random person and ask for directions. Although it was tough to understand the language at times, I persevered. Also many French people were very helpful and patient if you were attempting to speak their language. I spent five days in Paris enjoying the sites. I saw sites such as the Louvre and the Arc de Triumph. After my five days in Paris, I was able to experience other beautiful parts of France. I was able to ride the TGV which is a very rapid train to my destination of Nantes. Nantes is in west France just south of Rennes. Here I met and stayed with my host family. For 17 days, I spent time with my family and really started to up the ante of my language skills. I received a great understanding of a French household. The greatest difference is that for every meal, I had three courses which was never a bad thing. French food was incredible. I became really connected with my family which made it a sad moment I had to leave. But, I continued my journey throughout France with a final week of biking throughout Brittany. I continued to experience a different French culture aside from Parisian. I was able to get a wonderful workout but also see fascinating views on the northern coast of France. Our French tour guides were also helpful to help practice the language and get further understand on the culture. They became my best friends. I met many people throughout the trip who I hope can become lifelong friends. Again, I am very thankful for the experience of a lifetime and one that is life changing.

This is the Gallery Lafayette in Paris. Every designer brand you can think exists here. My group mate and I were able to walk around inside on three separate days just to see all of the two buildings with 10 floors a piece.

Michelle, Chaz, and I went to an ice cream shop named Berthillion. Although I hate ice cream in the states, I loved it here. As soon as I finished my first scoop, I ran back to get another although we were in the middle of a scavenger hunt.

After three days in Paris, I visited Versailles. The palace was beautiful but the most amazing part was the beauty and the immense size of the garden. I was able to watch a fountain show during my attendance.

While traveling through Paris, My group and I stumbled upon a small park styled after a gladiator arena. Here I met a man named David. He taught me to play Petanque which is very similar to bocce ball. We also conversed in French and so I was able to learn where he was from and why he is in Paris now. He gave me a cochonnet as a souvenir. It is a small wooden ball which you aim to get as close as possible to.

In the city of Nantes, there was a place called Machine d’Ile (The Machine Island). I was able to ride a giant carousel as pictured here. I rode a fish which would rise up to three meters during the ride. 

Here are my host siblings. There is Marrine on top who was 11 and Gael who was 14. I will always love them and remember them as family.

This is a photo from my journey throughout Brittany. We biked along the coast and constantly saw great views of the coast. This is me with the coast in the background. Biking was cool because I was able to absorb more of the French culture by constantly traveling to a new location in France everyday.

This dish is called tartar de saumon. This is one of the most delicious hors d’oeuvre I had. It is raw salmon sprinkled with different ingredients topped with lemon sauce.

This is me with our two bike guides. Sebastian is on the left and Jerome on the right. Not only did they help teach me the language but they were my friends. We joked around as if they were teenagers too. They were two incredible and genuine guys.

Again I want to thank the Wilsons from the bottom of my heart. This is the best experience any one could ever have at such a young age. Also I want to thank EIL because the best way to learn a language is to be immersed in the culture.