Day 12 by David

Today (Friday, June 8th) began with a late morning with no activities scheduled. After a long week of workshops, board games, Renaissance dancing, castles, movies, and more, most of us were glad to take the opportunity to sleep in. My day began at around 11:00, when I enjoyed a breakfast of bread and orange juice with my exchange partner (Etienne). After our 12:00 picnic was cancelled, we weren’t required to be anywhere until 1:45, so we ate lunch at home as well before taking the bus. When we arrived at the ropes course park at 1:45, we began by buckling in our harnesses with assistance from the staff. After everybody was properly fitted, we learned how to attach ourselves to the ropes equipment in a training zip line. We were all equipped with both a regular carabiner and a specialized one for zip lining. Any zip line in the facility could be accessed by clipping the ordinary one on top of the specialized one. After everybody had completed the training exercise and successfully attached and detached themselves, we were set free and were given information on what was and wasn’t available to us. Most of it was available immediately, but some courses (distinguished with a “black” or “violet” label) were only available later in the day after practice and experience. Each course took about 30-50 minutes. They all contained different obstacles and challenges that required balance, strength, dexterity, and determination to overcome. Personally, I had time to complete 3 courses before we had to leave. We took the bus home and now are resting before going to a party