So, consider it a partial glimpse into our day as we left Montdidier, met up with our friends from Southmoore and Moore High in Amiens, and then left Amiens to head into Normandy and finally settle at our home for the next three days in Bayeux.
This advertisement for Ben & Jerry's ice cream seemed particularly well-placed when Madame Robillard came across it the night before we left. It reads: "Before going, a farewell serving?" (Let's be honest, Ben & Jerry's is the best thing for anyone going through a difficult experience.)
As Madame Robillard packed her bags on Sunday morning, her host-cat Merlin (a.k.a. Pim-Pim) helped from the window sill where he could watch the rain and manage the suitcases. Such a sweet kitty! And the rain seemed so appropriate for the mood and the farewells.
We met up at the train station in Montdidier to take the train to Amiens. In this picture (above) are two of the teachers (Madame Robillard on the left and Madame Soucaze to the right of center), the students, and their host families. In the picture below, are the students with their host brothers and sisters. Thank you for your hospitality! Please come see us soon! We can't wait for the sharing and the fun to begin again!
The students put their feet together: May our paths cross again soon!
Jacob in the train, holding back tears, and the Pierre family outside the train with other hosts families waving to us as the train pulled away.
Carly's tears of sadness mixed with smiles of gratitude as the train pulled away.
Allison gives us the thumbs up sign to let us know that we will be okay as we look to the adventures ahead.
This is what we looked like as we changed from exchange students in to tourists. We were sad to go, but so happy to have made great friends and fond memories. More adventures lie ahead!
As soon as we arrived in Amiens, we went out for lunch at one of the only restaurants open on a Sunday near the train station: A Turkish restaurant, of course! We ate kebabs and debriefed about our time in Montdidier. (Notice all our luggage lined up in the distance. We kept a very watchful eye!)
Caroline's family had given her a bag full of snacks and treats. Inside the Kinder egg was a toy that Caroline worked very hard to put together. She is so proud! (These eggs and their toy surprises are banned in America --- go figure!)
In Amiens, we met up with the rest of the Moore students and Madame Worster, who all had their own tearful good-byes with their families. Here above is Madame Dangreville with her son Maël who is penpals with one of the young Canadians Madame Robillard tutors back in Oklahoma.
Merci Madame Dangreville pour tout ce que tu as fait pour nous offrir un séjour inoubliable à Montdidier et en Picardie!
Hamming it up in one of the train stations where we had to transfer trains on our way to Bayeux, France. You know what happens when you stand too close to the tracks and a train comes roaring by faster than a speeding bullet? You fear for your life!
We made it to Bayeux without any problems (although many items were left on trains, none of them were of much importance). It was a good train riding experience for the kids and a hectic time of managing baggage and seating, but we made it!
As soon as we got settled at our hotel, we set out in Bayeux to go get dinner. This is such a beautiful and old Normandy town! The streets are quaint and history is everywhere!
Genasee on one of the streets near the cathedral in Bayeux.
Michaela and Genasee were proud to have finally found a Protestant church in France! The "Reformed Church of France" is known in our history books as the place of worship of the Huguenots.
Valeria put her own Catholic pride on display in front of the south portico of the cathedral of Bayeux. The stonework above the portico tells the story of Thomas Becket whose life story you can read at this link. Make note: His family was from Normandy.)
Right outside our hotel is a small movie theatre. Their showing Hangover 3, but since the French couldn't understand that title, they had to translate it into French. So, of course, they settled on Very Bad Trip 3 --- a point we all find hilarious. Our trip has been the Very Great Trip so far!
