Fulbright orientation in Paris

This past week I went to Paris for meetings and informational sessions relating to the French educational system and the approach to language learning in general. We observed French teachers, something that is very difficult to arrange. The organizers explained that is was difficult to find teachers who would agree to having us, particularly so early in the school year. They have been working with this particular Collège (middle school/junior high) and Lycée (high school) for several years and they are welcoming and used to the whole idea. It was quite eye opening and great to have a sense of what French students are used to experiencing in class.

Our time there included one day with the Fulbright Scholars spending time in France as well as a lavish reciption welcoming us all to France. One night the teachers were invited to experience dinner served by high school students training to work in restaurants.
Here's the link:
High school (Lycée Professionelle) with restaurant program

Burt finally meets our new friends

So Burt finally made it back for ten days and had a chance to meet everybody. Up until now he really couldn't relate to what was going on in our world with all these new people. There was only one free weekend and we ended up with a great crowd at the house. Since I'm not know as an extraordinary hostess, I was comforted by the laid back ritual of our gatherings with friends. Everybody brings something and we share. We probably could have made some more food, but we're figuring it out...

This is Richard who should really be in Hollywood. It's incredible.

 Boys playing games in the street behind the house

 Nate took this one of Corto

Can anyone beat Thierry? Our ping pong tournament....