DAY 1 – DISCOVERING A NEW CULTURE

We left Hereford bright and early at 6:30 in the morning with a delicious packed breakfast. After taking the mini-bus to Birmingham, we flew to Lyon on what was, for some, a first ever voyage on an aeroplane. Ears un-popped by polos, we arrived in safely in Lyon. All thanks go to the staff of both Birmingham and Lyon airports who gave first class assistance to our group from beginning to end. Special attention was paid to tactile demonstrations of the life jackets for students with no vision.

We were met at the airport by Victor and M.Satti, who drove us back to CSRP. Having travelled over lunch time, we were starving and went straight to the local Casino to stock on supplies then enjoyed a picnic in the sun in the park. Next we settled into our accommodation with help with orientation and mobility from Richard Cook. Students were delighted with the accommodation. Next we were formally welcomed to the college with a 'pot d'acceuil' where were able to meet staff and students and enjoy some new foods including smoked salmon. Students exchanged greetings and learnt the phrase 'se debrouiller' (to get by!) in action. Some found it a challenge to listen to lots of French speaking at the same time - we are looking forward to getting our ears tuned in. We went on to eat tea with French students in the cantine, followed by a wonderful evening of French and English singing.

The highlight of Charlotte's day was shopping for the picnic and buying 'mushroom crisps'! and our night time get together over camomile tea in the student common room, chewing over the day and talking about the cultural differences between France and England with French students also saying in halls.

Claire Lewin and Charlotte Hack

It was nice to meet lots and lots of French people as I have never been to a foreign college before. The meal at the refectory was nice and the singing was a lovely welcome. The halls of residence were nice – it was nice to share a room. My first impressions of the college were good; I think they are a lot stricter than back at home.

Charlotte Lamparter

I love the food and I have enjoyed meeting up with people, although it was quite hard as I wasn’t sure what to say to them as I don’t speak that much French.

Joshua Burns

   It was really nice to arrive in France in Lyon, I got to meet Elizabeth again who I had met on the last trip. The singing the students did was incredible as they were singing in English. The hall of residence was less modern than ours and there were a lot of steps! It has been very useful speaking to the French students between the two trips as I have been able to pick up a lot of French when we communicated by Skype and Facebook.

Patrick Dunn

I enjoyed the first day in Lyon and I enjoyed meeting some of the students. My first impressions were that it was a good college because everyone was so friendly. The halls of residence were pretty good and different to ours. In CSRP you have to share rooms but in our halls of residence you have your own room. The routine is different as at RNC there is no set time to be quiet and in your rooms whereas at Cite Scolaire you have to be quiet after 10:30.

Keiran