Jay Thomas: France

1. Introduction

      After meeting the fifteen other americans (including the two leaders) in the New York Airport, our group spent five days in Paris for orientation. We bonded while relaxing at cafe's and going to the many tourist attractions. By the end of the fifth day, our group was very close. We then headed south to the small town of Poulx and split up to stay with our host families. Every other day the americans would get together for a group activity whether it was a pic-nic or a canoe trip. While in Poulx I made many french friends as well as forming stronger bonds with the other americans. I was sad to leave Poulx, but we had to continue with the program. We set out for the Camargue. The Camargue is an area in the south of france in which horses and bulls are bread. We herded bulls and went for long bike rides. After three days in the Camargue, we went back to Paris for our final day. We spent our last day in Paris shopping and bonding with our friends. It was really hard to leave them, but I know I will see most of them again one day.

2. My friends

While in France, I made many friends, american and french, who I shared many memorable and amazing experiences with. I will never forget the people who I met in France. From walking around Paris, to relaxing at a cafe, to chilling in the pool, to attending the Fete de Poulx (Party of Poulx), I thoroughly enjoyed every moment with my friends. Although I was looking forward to going to France, I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. My friends were like my family. We continue to talk every day and we will never forget each other. I have been invited back to France in december, and I will be going back to France for Winter Break. Not only will I be visiting my french friends, but I also have plans to visit my american friends in the upcoming months. I know that the friendships that I made in France will last forever.

My friends and I enjoying a wonderful picnic

Learning french dances by the pool

Learning how to play petanque after dinner

3. The Fete de Poulx

       The Fete de Poulx was a three day long party that happened during my two weeks in Poulx. Everyday, bulls would be let loose throughout the town. Barriers were put up to contain them, but when the bulls were let loose, men would run in and taunt the bulls. Sometimes they would try to stop the bull by pulling it to the ground, but this was very dangerous. Everyday, after the bulls, there was a midday party. Then everyone would go home for lunch and come back for more bulls. After the second round of bulls there would be a huge party that would go on late into the night. The fete de poulx was my favorite event in france.

Morning Bulls

Midday Foam Party

Nighttime Bulls

Nighttime Party

4. My home stay

        My home stay was amazing! Many of the people in my group had a negative attitude towards their home stays and were miserable; however, I was open minded and enjoyed every opportunity that I got to spend my host family. I tried new foods and embraced my family’s lifestyle. My host parents, Andre and Huguette, both had high ranking in the french government, and Andre was running for mayor of Poulx. Their children are grown up and do not live with them anymore; instead of complaining that my host family did not have any children my age, I hung out with the kids who lived nearby. The second week, Andre and Huguette’s grandchildren, eight year old twins, came to stay with me. They were really fun and always wanted me to play with them. I was “The American.” I was sad when I had to leave my host family, but told them that my home was always open to them if they wanted to visit the US. All in all, my host family made my two weeks in Poulx the best two weeks of my life.

On a walk by a Poat du Gard with my host family.

Bedtime for the twins

5. My Second Family

The Vigouroux became my second family while in the south of France. Most days I would go to the Vigouroux’s house to swim and hang out with the family. They had 3 children, Jonathan, Romain, and Cindy, as well as another american student named My. During my days with the Vigouroux, we swam in the pool, played petanque, and went to parties. They are some of the kindest people that I have ever met. The Vigouroux went out of their way to make sure that I was happy. They continuously asked if they could do anything for me, they fed me delicious meals, and they picked me up when I was lost or locked out of my house. I will never forget the time we spent walking around the town, making cake pops, and taking thousands of pictures to remember our experiences. My time with the Vigouroux was the best part of my trip.

Lunch with the Vigouroux

The last party with my My and Cindy

Lunch with Cindy

6. My French Improved

       My french improved tremendously while I was in France. At first, I was scared to mess up while talking with my host family because they were very important people who I did not want to disappoint; however, after a few days of hanging out with french teenagers, I was confident in my ability to engage in more meaningful conversations with my host family. It was easier to talk with people my age because I didn’t care if I messed up, and I knew that they would help me when I messed up. Cindy Vigouroux and her cousin, Kelly, would correct every mistake I made, which usually had to do with pronouncing the letter “r.” By the end of the trip, I was thinking in french. Now, when I speak in french, I don’t have to translate it into french before I speak, it just comes out as easily as english (with a more limited vocabulary of course). I beleive that while my trip to France will improve my french grade and my ability to speak french, it has already  done so much more. I have a broader perspective on life which could change the direction in which I choose to go with my life. I thank everyone who made my trip possible, because it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Dinnertime in Poulx

Shopping day in Poulx

      I want to thank the Wilson family for making this trip possible for me. The trip inspired me to continue to learn as much about the french language and culture as I can. The trip really changed my life. I can not put it into words how grateful I really am. I also want to thank Mr. Paolicchi and Mr. Gaither for setting up all of the meeting and arranging everything with EIL. This would not have been possible without them. And finally I would like to thank Mr. West for being such an amazing french teacher and making it possible for me to communicate with everyone who I met in France.