5/29/17
We all began our journey to France by checking in, saying goodbye to our parents, and walking into the customs line. After entering the main shopping area at the terminal and finding our gate, we had a 45 minute break where we could look at the stores, buy food, or sleep. Most of us opted to buy food for the plane since we were warned about plane food quality. After choosing from multiple restaurants, we waited excitedly until they finally called our zone. While boarding the plane eagerly, we talked to our fellow classmates as well as the german class that was seated near us. We all chatted about how excited we were to see our exchange correspondents and what we were looking forward to see in the different countries we were visiting. When the plane began to move along the runway we all looked outside of the windows to watch the ground slowly grow smaller. The flight was slight bumpy at first, but a half hour after the plane took off it started to smooth out again. Once the lights turned off we decided between our two options: sleep or watch movies. Many chose to binge watch their favorite tv series or movie that was provided on the plane. Eventually, all of our efforts to stay awake was for nothing since soon after we ate our dinners we began to fall asleep anyways.
5/30/17
Waking up in a different country is one of the most amazing feelings. The light switched on the plane and an announcement was made that we would be landing in about 20 minutes in Paris. We all packed out stuff and listened to the french speakers around us quietly begin to talk as they began to get excited about returning as well. After collecting our luggage from the baggage claim we walked outside to our bus. We continued to climb onto the bus, sleeping if needed, until we stopped briefly to get food. Then when we got back on the bus and drove all the way to tours. When we first saw the french architecture, beautiful gardens, and cobble stone streets in tours we all collectively gasped. It was so beautiful!!! Finally we parked the bus and impatiently dragged our bags behind us as we walked to the school where our correspondents were waiting. The reunion was absolutely perfect. Hugs, laughing, and introduction ensued when all of our students temporarily left class to say hello. Almost directly afterwards we walked a couple blocks away to tour a historical church. Its was amazingly beautiful; the stained glass windows and the intricate stone carvings was even more impressive when we saw how tall the cathedral was. Afterwards we returned to our exchanges and either went home or continued to explore the city with them. It was an amazing first day!