We started the day by arriving at RDU airport around 3:30 p.m. this allowed us to have time before our flight at 6:10 p.m. We ended up needing this time since a ticket issue was experienced, we made it through security and boarded the direct flight to Paris. This flight brought us some introduction into France through the provided dinner and breakfasts. When we arrived at Charles de Gaulle, we were greeted by decorations and some airport upgrades in preparation for the Olympics. Next, we took a charter bus to Tour, on which we stopped at a different style of rest stop compared to the U.S., including a gas station and EV chargers around a mini shopping mall for a variety of food options for our lunch. On the second leg of our bus trip to Tour most of the students went to sleep since most of us were unable to sleep on the flight. When we arrived in Tour, we were greeted by the exchange students in a center square or park within their downtown. With my exchange partner we rode the bus to his house then spent the afternoon, walking his dog, playing some games, cooking my first French meal in France, and ending the night with a card game. Overall, the first two days of travel were exhausting but well worth it for the adventures to come.
Sounds exhausting and fun!