london with the lycee

So last weekend was spent in London with the school. The trip, while exhausting, went very well. I think everyone had a good time. We spent the first day in Greenwich visiting a few museums there including the Royal Observatory. I even took that opportunity to stand in both the East and West at one time.

The second day, we took a tour on the River Thames before walking by Parliament, Downing Street, and the like. After a filling lunch at Pizza Hut (yes, you read that right), we had some free time in Covent Garden. I found a nice pair of shoes for the summer which were immediately coveted by all the students as I was the only one who found what they all wanted. I assured them that we would go to a store that had these shoes the next day (we did). We ended the day at the British Museum. I have been to London four times now and the British three times, and it's always for the same display. Needless to say, I was bored out of my mind. I noticed some of the students felt the same way, so I stoically offered to take a small group to another "exhibit" (the students knew that translated to "sit down somewhere"). The other teachers agreed, so I left followed by a few students. Apparently, word got around. By the time I arrived at the destination point, I had 18 of the 25 students with me.

The last day, we made a trip to the grocery store (yay Cadbury chocolate!) then off to the Natural History Museum. Another place I have been three times. Joy. I stayed amused by talking with the students. In the afternoon, we did some very unorganized shopping before heading back to France.

It was a good trip. I had some minor annoyances usually caused by the other teachers. Sometimes, common sense things just don't occur to them. The students were sweet though. A few of them made an effort to speak to me in English, and even the so-called "tough" guys were sweeties on the trip. They remarked on how sad it would be that I wouldn't be going with them next year. Aww! And Claude, poor Claude. He's going to be so lost. He always went the wrong way (followed by the students and other teachers) until I called him in the right direction. It's so like him.

The past few days here have been nice. I made some Rice Krispies Treats per A.'s request, and they have been a huge hit of course. Then today, I went to watch the students and surveillants play soccer. It was entertaining. C. is just plain horrible so that was funny, and Francois was a surprising little fire ball.

Last week, I ran into Consuelo (a Spanish teacher at the other lycee) and her husband, and we had a nice long conversation together. They're so awesome. He's directing a play that's being put on tonight, so I'm going to go to that. Should be good.

I also officially have less than two weeks left in Chauny. Sad.