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Abby presented 'My Incredible Year' living in the north of France. She has been home about 3 weeks. She left for France August 29, 2017 with no French language skills. She now considers herself pretty much fluent. She lived in Cambria France, in the north, a generally well to do town. She went to a Catholic school, only about 400 students. Her district had about 30 exchange students. She was the only Canadian until January. Her 1st host family was not good. They kept to themselves, did not socialize with her. Only together at meals. And she didn't know the language. But Rotary was good and got her moved to another family. During her year, she has the travel bug. She wants to travel. She shared with us her many excursions and trips starting with Mont St. Michelle where she finally met some other Canadian exchange students. This trip was a Rotary orientation event. She visited: Dordogne in the south of France. She says the same drug store can be found in every town in France. Casteleno - a town on a ridge overlooking a river. Paris She noted a lot of the northern part of France was newer, being rebuilt after the 1st World War, compared to many older buildings that still exist in the south of France, less affected by the war. Cologne in Germany - they go all out at the Christmas markets Austria - where she went skiing for the first time. Wiped out pretty good on about the 3rd day. She even went down a black diamond hill but found red diamond best for her. Kinders are a big deal there. She visited Paris with her dad in March. There was a hint about the importance of proper foot wear when touring. She had to tape her feet with duct tape at one point due to blisters. Friends were a big part of making the year a success, especially exchange students. The Euro Tour was great, about 50 kids. They visited: Strasburgh Munich Prague - her favourite city, it stole her heart Venizia - easy to get lost here but no traffic, all boats Vienna - very clean Milan Chamonix - very cool, went inside a glacier Versailles les jardins Also a couple trips to Vimy. She found this monument humbling, and the interactive displays were very good. It is huge. Her Challenges included; 1st host family, school, sexism and racism she found in France, and the language until things started to click after about 4 months. At school she was put in with younger kids who she found socially not her equal (boy drama). School was very strict and long days (8am to 5pm). Kids would be stressed out about school, and little social. Schedules all the time, and often confusing. There was a gate keeper who may or may not let you leave the grounds say for lunch with friends. There was no extra curricular events at school. The younger girls were not athletic and boys like sticks. School food was sometimes good and other times not so. French food in general was very good, a favourite is melted cheese on potatoes. She learned to be self reliant and more confident. Before coming home she traveled to 5 countries in 2 days. She Thanked Rotary for the opportunity. She said, Without the darkness, there are no stars. R Dan thanked Abby.
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