First Excursion: Cap d'Erquy, Cap Fréhel, and Fort-la-Latte

Bonjour à tous,

It's time for a little update! On Friday (June 15th) we had the pleasure of visit 3 really neat places.

The first place was the Cap d'Erquy. Although it was a bit of a hike, it was well worth the effort.

Group photo!

If you're interested in reading a little more about the Cap d'Erquy, you can follow this link to the tourism website: http://www.erquy-tourisme.com/gb-cap-d-erquy-bretagne.php

The next stop of the trip was the Cap Fréhel. The main attraction of this area, aside from the beautiful landscape, was the large functioning lighthouse. More info can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap_Fr%C3%A9hel

The lighthouse (called un phare in French)

Interesting stone piles along the path

Strong winds and umbrellas don't mix well

After our trip to Cap Fréhel, we jumped on the road again and headed off to Fort-la-Latte, a fortified castle first built in the 13th century. More info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort-la-Latte

Gargantua's finger

Reba, experiencing life as a medieval prisoner

The castle

Everyone listening intently as Ryan and Amber talk
about the history of the castle

The drawbridge

Group photo!

Another one!

Part of the dungeon

After our time at Fort-la-Latte, we headed back to St. Brieuc to get some well-deserved rest. Overall, I think the trip was a huge success and all of the stagiaire seemed to enjoy seeing a bit more of Brittany, despite the mini-showers and wind.

Next week Thursday/Friday is our excursion to Normandy, where we'll see many exciting things. So, be sure to look out for the next update!

Bonne journée,

Jamie

Tour of Saint-Brieuc

Hello all,

Yesterday, we had the joy of going on a little tour of the old city. Although I do not have much to say, I figured I would upload a couple pictures for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Tomorrow is our trip to Erquy and Fort-la-Latte, so I will be sure to update afterward.

Bonne soirée !

Jamie

Actual update: Travel day and first-day orientation

Bonsoir à tous,

I apologize for the lack of an actual update, but due to some spotty internet and fatigue, I was unable to post a decent update.

So, the day we all left. All in all, the departure went very smoothly. After 11 of the stagiaires and myself made it from Indy to Chicago, we met up with Larry and then awaited the arrival of the other 21 stagiaires before making our way through security and preparing ourselves for the long flight ahead. While waiting, we had the opportunity to chat with some native French speakers who were also on their way to Paris, and even take a group shot.

After our long flight, we hopped on the bus and headed out to Saint-Brieuc, which, although long, ended up not being as long as we thought. Nevertheless, everyone managed to catch some shut-eye. (Sleepy photos below!)

Once at Saint-Brieuc, the students grabbed their luggage and we all eagerly awaited the arrival of the host families.

Le car

After their host families arrived, the stagiaires spent the weekend with them, catching up on sleep and participating in different activities that I'm sure your stagiaire will be excited to tell you all about.

Following the weekend off, the stagiaires and the instructors all met up again today to go through another orientation in order to reacquaint themselves with one another and the program. During the orientation, we did fun activities, such as 2 truths and 1 lie, 2 successes so fair and 1 challenge, etc. We also passed the time with the "human knot" challenge. Below are several images concerning this particular activity. Aside from the activities, we also had some time to discuss how well everyone is adjusting to la vie française and how things were going with the host families. (From what they've told me and the other instructors, they are all very excited and pleased with their placements!)

They also had some time to play a game called "Ninja", which I had never heard of, but is apparently all the rage.

This pretty much concludes the update for now. I'll be sure to update periodically.

Bonne journée,

Jamie

p.s. We'll be heading out on our first excursion this Friday, so I will be sure to post a new entry either Friday night or sometime on Saturday.

Arrival update

Bonsoir à tous, I apologize for the delay in the update, but I wanted it to be known that everyone made it safely to Saint-Brieuc and all of the stagiaires are with their respective host families. Jamie

Un petit rappel...

Bonjour tout le monde !

Recently, Larry sent out an email via our group email address (iuhpflstbrieuc2012@gmail.com) to remind everyone of the luggage constraints for our flight with AirFrance. Below is a recap of that same information:

• You can have one (1) free checked bag that can weigh up to 23kg (50.7lb)
• You are allowed two types of carry-ons that CANNOT exceed a COMBINED weight of 12kg (26.5lb)
• 1 standard baggage item that cannot exceed the following dimensions: 55cm(l)x35cm(w)x25cm(h)
• 1 accessory item (handbag, computer, etc.)

If you wish to see this information yourself, below are two links to the AirFrance website that give this information and also mention liquid allowances, etc.

Hand baggage (carry-on):

http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/pratique/preparer_bagage_cabine_airfrance.htm

(choose Intercontinental and then Voyageur/Economy)

Checked baggage:

http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/pratique/bagage_franchise_airfrance.htm

(choose Between Europe and the United States and then Voyageur)

*Larry also mentioned the importance of respecting these regulations, as any changes that have to be made must be done outside of the check-in line, which can be both frustrating and time consuming. Therefore, urge your stagiaire to be sure that their luggage respects all of the aforementioned guidelines.*

Finally, I will most likely be arriving at the Indianapolis airport around 10ish and will have a list of stagiaires to look out for. If, however, you do not see me, please do not wait to check-in and go through security. (We don't want to risk any late check-ins!) Once we get to Chicago, the stagiaires departing from Indy and I will meet up with Larry and the others, and our journey will officially begin! :)

Thank you very much for your help in making sure our departure is as smooth as possible and see you all next week!! :)

Bonne journée à tous,

Jamie

p.s. Please do not hesitate to send us an email if you have any questions!