Sunday,
May 23 1999 : End of the First Week
The students
have been reading these web reports on the professor's tiny notebook
computer. They are of course eager to see themselves, and have
evidently been satisfied with the descriptions as well as the
photographs in the reports thus far. We have continued our pace
of daily morning classes and conversation groups, and look forward
to a quiet weekend with the host families. The photo at right
below shows a couple of French host "brothers" posing
more or less gracefully prior to the Town Hall reception that
was held for the group on Friday afternoon...
  
The group was
received by the municipality in the reception salon of
the town hall, which is a 19th-century mansion in the heart of
town. This year, the town council voted to give us the royal
treatment, serving us dozens of fresh petits fours (tiny
quiches, for the most part) as well as Kir Royale, which is a
cocktail made from dry sparkling white wine and blackcurrant
liqueur. Orange juice was also provided for abstainers and children.
 
Vice-Mayor Schmidt
welcomed us in the name of the municipality, and recalled the
long history that we now share with Faverges : archeological
digs by students from Akron and Kent in 1985 and 86, and eleven
study programs through The University of Akron since 1987. The
group of students, teacher, and host families listened earnestly
as Mr Schmidt spoke of the ties of friendship that unite all
those who spend time together and share the things that they
love.
 
After the Vice-Mayor's
speech, additional remarks were made by Prof. Jeantet, thanking
the Favergiens for their warm welcome and continued support;
the town provides our group with free classroom facilities and
helps to sponsor some of the AFA's activities. AFA (Association
Faverges-Akron) President Yvette Millot also addressed the group
and thanked the town council for its generous support.
 
Following the
speeches, the students and families were keen to sample the petits
fours and the Kir. All agreed that these were very nice things
indeed, and the supplies rapidly dwindled as the reception wore
on. The local press covered the event, and we hope to see an
article and photo in Le Dauphiné Libéré
in the next few days.
 
Sunday, the weather
began to clear. The two photos above were taken just outside
of Faverges, and show the beautiful countryside of the Combe
d'Annecy (the glacial valley within which Annecy, the lake, and
Faverges are located). Several students went on outings with
their families, and prepared for one more day of rest before
we resume our normal and hectic pace. Classes resume Tuesday;
Wednesday afternoon we will tour the area with a guide from the
museum; Thursday we may do another field trip, if the weather
is good; Friday afternoon we are scheduled to attend a village
fair where bread will be kneaded and then baked in the communal
oven, in the traditional way. This event is used to raise funds
for school field trips and is a good opportunity to meet locals
and learn about ancestral customs common to all Europeans.
The next
report will most likely be posted on Wednesday evening.
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