Today was absolutely incredible. We had an early start and went to Valentine and Marine's school (the two girls who came to visit a couple days ago). It was their last day of school, so we went on a hike with them through their village and the countryside to an area that is known for its ocher.
Arriving at the school.
For the non-French speakers, "école" means "school."
For those of you who have been to my house, the wee stained glass window we have in our living room is of St. Roch.
We arrive at the école!
Marine and Valentine on the playground.
These kids were like monkeys!
Inside their classroom.
The a adjoining classroom, where the younger students have class.
Back with the older kids, they were showing us the origami they knew, so we made them some paper airplanes. I showed off the only origami I can do -- a flower -- and Avery made a crane.
Nasir avec Marine et Valentine.
All ready to go on our adventure!
Pauline (the blonde) walked with me the entire trip, and it was incredible talking to her -- I've never spoken so much French in one sitting before! And her pronunciation was superb -- clear, articulate, no mumbling whatsoever. When we came across a word I didn't know we would pantomime until one of us realized what the other was trying to say, and then there were many, "Ah oui!"s and "Je voix maintenant, bien sûr!"s.
Emma and Valentine were instant friends.
We passed a field of wheat and Pauline opened up the head of one of the stalks (I researched wheat to see exactly what the parts were called) and had me eat the kernel within. She said a lot of French cereals have wheat kernels mixed in.
Pauline!
The gentlemen hold up the rope so we can pass through.
We passed by this farm and Pauline and her friends started teaching me the words for all the animals on it.
This sparked a conversation of our pets, and I explained my dog, Rusty's, namesake. I pointed to a metal staircase which had rusted and explained how Rusty was the same colour as the rust, hence his name.
They were asking me all sorts of questions, it was adorable! Who was my favourite band, did I like candy (uh, duh!), what did I study at school, did I like France (again, duh!), did I live in New York (nope), what was the name of the town I was from, if I'll come back here one day after the trip is over. In turn, I asked them if they knew Kinder Eggs, and immediately their eyes lit up. Yes, of course they did! They loved Kinder Eggs! I told them, me too. :)
We came across a spring and Pauline said we could drink from it, but not too much or we might get mal à la vente (stomachache).
We paused for the schoolteacher to explain the formation of the rocks we were going to that make ochre and the kids lined up on a gate to listen.
Les garçons.
The first sign of the red-rocks!
Voilà! Tucked away among the trees.
I told Geoffrey to "strike a pose!"
The view from the top.
Climbing down the other side.
One of the kids makes art out of the sand.
The view from the bottom, on the other side.
While the rest of us meandered down to the valley, Nasir and some others climbed all the way to the top.
Nasir comes back to us!
White hands from climbing around the sand!
"Une cascade" was one of the words Pauline taught me! It means "waterfall."
We arrive at la cascade!
The kids were all sticking their heads under the water, so we joined in.
Pauline takes her turn.
That water was COLD.
Mes petites amies française! Pauline told me I sounded American when I spoke. I laughed.
The kids were using the sand to create war-paint on their cheeks and foreheads, so Emma joined in.
Chandri tries to explain a high-five to Pauline.
She doesn't get it.
Saying our goodbyes.
Toute la classe!
Worn. Out.
It was the COOLEST experience I've ever had, talking with these kids. I mean, we were out with them for quite a long time, and it kept hitting me throughout the trek: I'm speaking in French and they can understand me! And I can understand them! It was wonderful.
When we were ready to leave, Pauline came running up to me and asked if we wanted to be penpals, and if I could give her my address.
HOW AWESOME IS THAT.
Pauline, don't let me down. I'm counting on you sending me a letter so we can be super special awesome penpals! :D
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