Saturday, May 3

The longest day!  We gained back our 6 hours from the time change so our day lasted 30 hours rather than 24.  The morning was for packing or last minute activities.  We met at the bus at 1:00 PM and spent 15 minutes on goodbyes.  Lots of bisous, hugging, crying, and words of gratitude.  The bus ride to the airport was quiet and once in the airport, we experienced the expected chaos of a big group all checking in at once.  Only one over-sized bag that we were charged for as we spent some time sharing the heavy things into the lighter suitcases.  Back in Boston, we sat on the tarmac for an hour as we waited for our gate to be liberated, so we missed the bus and had to take the later one.  We were happy but exhausted when we saw our families in Concord at midnight!!  

Here is the video of the entire trip, coming in at just over 18 minutes!  Get your tissues ready!

French Exchange 2025 video

Friday, May 2

Today was our last day at school!  We had class from 8:15 to 12:15, lunch, and then Mme Hue took us on a walk to the local museum, la Fabrique des Savoirs.  She told us about the history of Elbeuf and about the textile industry that has been here for hundreds of years.  The royal sheets were made in Elbeuf in the 16th century!  We then visited the part of the museum dedicated to textiles and saw the evolution of the machines used for making cloth.  We had a little time to explore the museum with our smaller groups, and then we went to Carrefour market, a grocery store, to get drinks and snacks on the way back.  Another sweltering day so we were all thirsty and we tried our best to walk on the shady side of the street when possible.  

The courtyard at recess starts to fill up.

We will miss our lovely classroom windows!

One of the rooms inside the teacher's manor.

Biology class.

At the museum. 

Waiting for everyone to check out at the supermarket. 

Bella with her daily dose of shrimp.  

Back at school, students met up with their hosts for some free time at home or in the park before our goodbye pot luck dinner at school.  We met back in the school at 7:00 PM and set up the dinner in the cafeteria.  There was so much food!  We moved most of the tables outside to the courtyard because it was so nice outside.  It was a great time to meet all of the parents and siblings and to chat about the experience with everyone. 

Brenden was reunited with Pierre!  Two years ago Brenden hosted Pierre at his home when he came to stay in Belmont.  Pierre brought him some early birthday presents.  

Two of the 6th grade classes made posters about the American students that they interviewed.  Here is their work displayed in the cafeteria at the goodbye party.

The evening ended with a beautiful sky for our last night in France.