Holly, Jackie L, Katie B and Gussie discuss theories of art while taking artistic photos of Aix

Dear Everyone,

It's now the Wednesday of our last full week in France - sad, but true. This week has already gone by pretty quickly, and I'm scared that the rest of it is going to pass by even more so. We have a group of French teens coming to visit us tomorrow and then we'll be returning the favor by hanging out with them at their camp on Saturday - should be a good chance to use all that French we've been learning.

The picturesque view from under the aqueduct where we swam the afternoon away

Chandler, Jamie and Jackie wait on the Pont du Gare

As you know, we spent Saturday in Marseille. Sunday, however, was spent working our way towards Avignon. Avignon was a beautiful city, though I think the highlight of the day for most people was the Roman aqueduct - pont du Gare - that we visited along the way. We got some much needed swimming time in before spending the rest of the day exploring Avignon.

Angela and Dominique pose for a picture with the aqueduct in the background

Andrew, Joe, Chris and Sam pose with Amine for a casual, J-Crew-esque shot

This week in the afternoon we've learned how to make crêpes with Amélie, brushed up on our French slang with Vidya, gone to the cinéma, taken photos of some of Aix's monuments, and even discussed some of the current racial issues in France by viewing the film La Haine with Amine.

Andrew preps the haricots verts for cooking group

Abbey looking less than impressed about mopping up after her cooking group members

The cooking groups started off the week with a recipe that Teddy gave to us: Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp. Tuesday night was the slightly difficult "zucchini boats" and tonight we remade an oldie, but a goody - Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes and Chicken. Sadly, tomorrow night will be the last time that we cook together in groups. So long family "Discothèque Voilà!" - any of you are welcome to dine at my Pittsburgh residence any day.

Tara, Shannon and Holly show pride - though perhaps a little undeserved - in their accidental discovery of "potato fondue" (it tasted like glue)

Kristina pondering life's mysteries while waiting for Fred to give instructions about the day's events

I absolutely love everything in France!! I am having the time of my life… adorable cafes, great shopping, amazing people. I have found my new home ☺. Aix is perfect—better than I ever could have imagined. I am not looking forward to leaving, but I know I will be back!! I will miss hours of breakfasts and going to three cafes per day. It is an amazing experience that I will never forget. ROOM 310. COOOOOKIESSSSSS!!!!! -Angela

I love Aix en Provence! The town is so nice and I love all the cafes and shops. Aix is the best place to live!!! I made such close friends and I never want to leave them. I will miss Aix so much. I love going to breakfast and walking through the outdoor markets with my friends. Aix en Provence is the most amazing town!!! I LOVE ROOM 310!!! - Julie

Aix is such a cute town with lots to do. I love all the markets and cafes. I am improving my French so much just by interacting with the locals. I will miss Aix so much and am not ready to leave! It has been such a great experience, improving my French and making so many new friends. - Caroline

Aix is the best place in the whole world! I never want to leave. This was the best decision of my life, everyone and everything in the program is great. I love my roomies, 310 baby! And dinner group in 505 is the best too. Love you dinner fam! Tiffany, say h-o-t s-a-u-c-e. - Katie B.

Room 301 smells delicious. PS- mom, I got a tattoo. - Kristina

I LOVE AIX EN PROVENCE! Everything about this trip has been amazing. I’ve learned so much in my class with AMINEEEE and I feel much more comfortable with my conversational French. Cooking is so fun, except the cleanup ☺ My friends are the BESSTTTTT (yeauuuh room 310) Breakfasts, shopping, cafes and pétanque… I never want to leave France! - Maeve

I love everything about Aix! I have had such a great time and have made such great friends. I’m learning so much about the culture and I hope that my French is improving. This summer has been one of the best and I will remember this forever. - Sarah P.

Aix was such a great experience! I love everything in this town (cafes, breakfast, ice cream, markets and of course the nice staff …)! I’m glad that I had the opportunity to learn so much about the French culture but also about the American one!
I’ll never forget this summer and all the good friends that I’ve made! Although some of them are a bit crazy! ;) - Katharina

Aix is the best place ever ! I like talking outloud and saying things I shouldn’t say outloud and vidya is the best ! I love going to fnac and playing the werewolf game but not in fnac and people in courtyards and when Katharina make us grilled cheeses even when she is scared of Americans and today I cleaned my room sooo much and it smells like disgusting + air freshner +mold +basil I also love to drop basil off window sills and “clean” it up…with Jaqueline. - Gussie