Bonjour!

Bonjour from Paris!!! We left London via the Chunnel yesterday and arrived in France in no time. Here are some highlights from the last few days—

#1— The number one reason for tears on the trip thus far is camera problems. We have had three children hysterical for camera purposes. Note to all children- everyone will be posting their pictures on Facebook. GET OVER IT.
#2—Best example of confronting problems, identifying solutions, and moving forward must go to the girl who lost her credit card, called the company overseas, cancelled it, and activated her backup card all behind Harvey’s back. If she hadn’t been significantly late while losing said credit card at Harrod’s, Harvey would love her more.
#3—Bus driver update. Here in France we have been blessed with Christoph. He has had no road rage on any of our trips, however, there were no examples of bus driver solidarity. Maybe this doesn’t extend to mainland Europe? More details to follow.
#4—The other male chaperone, Brent, is doing a great job speaking French. Why is this a highlight? I am sure JMU would be happy to know that he succeeded in intermediate French after using certain outside resources (aka Google Translate) to place out of beginner French. C’est bon!!
#5—Our tour guide’s name is Paola. There is so much to say about Paola that it is hard to confine it to any bullet points. Let me share with you some quotes that you should say to yourself in a fake Italian accent until we get home and do the Paola impression for you:
-“Eet will be easy peasy lemon squeezy!”
-“Socks are my weakness!” (She literally wore toeless silver fishnet socks that went in between her big toe and had no heel. Think thongs for feet.)
-“Hahrvey, I do not care if they drink, they just should not get silly.”
-“Hahrvey! You sew?? We can exchange patterns!!”
#6—We were at some gardens in the city center yesterday and determined that the Danchise-Topping construction company should submit a bid to spruce that place up!!

And here are some awards—
The “Wii Fit Award”—To Karen for the effed up way she had to balance on one leg in the tiny stall shower in London. Balance this!
The “Best Stereotype Award”—To the French soccer announcers who spent the entire game tonight saying “Oooohhhhh la la la la la la!” and “Ay yi yi yi yi yi!”
The “Ass Kicker of the Year Award”—To Clare for ripping into the guest tour guide (also named Claire) after the tour guide wanted to send all of the under 18 children through Versailles without a chaperone. Clare gets extra credit for a smackdown!!!!
The “F-tard Award”—To the parents of a student for eating at McDonalds five minutes after arriving in Paris.
The “I see London, I see France Award”—to SK for falling while getting a picture taken at the Eiffel Tower and had her skirt fly up over her head.
Hydration Station— To Karen for drinking a 1.5 liter bottle of water, Perrier, and 5 glasses of water at the dinner table. Let us keep in mind that Karen has not peed yet!
The Becky Groves Memorial Meal in Paris—Baguette du Fromage (it was fabulous).
The Delphi Heat Index—
-We actually had a pleasant first day in Paris but one of our mothers was having hot flashes so she gets the Internal Delphi Heat Index Award.
-Today’s would have to be the top level of the train back from Versailles.
The Internal Heat Regulation Awards—
-Chocolate to help the hot flashes.
-The shade outside Notre Dame that gave Clare goosebumps in 90 degree weather.

P.S. We were treated to quite possibly the most fabulous meal of the trip tonight. We had Tunisian couscous that was served family style. The 2 best parts were—1) Paola giving detailed instructions on how to eat couscous 24 hours in advance, and 2) The GIGANTIC plate of 6 chicken legs and thighs(we are talking half chickens here people) that came out to a table with mostly vegetarians. Harvey and Brent ate like kings!