Sarah B, Katie B, Holly, Shannon, Abbey, Tara and Vidya pose for a picture on the beach while we wait for the Bastille Day fireworks to start.

Hello Everyone,

As if one day on the Mediterranean wasn't enough, we spent Monday - Bastille Day - in Cassis. The weather was beautiful, the water was...well..."refreshing" at best. But we were able to survive this strenuous day by making frequent trips to the numerous ice-cream vendors, candy stands, and finally with a delicious dinner at Le Clos des Aromes. After that we took our time meandering through the streets until we finally settled on the beach to wait for the fireworks.

The beach at Cassis right before sunset

Tuesday and Wednesday have flown by. Most people - okay, everyone - opted for free time on Tuesday afternoon, but on Wednesday afternoon everyone participated in the cultural activities or either making French fudge with Vidya, playing pétanque with Fred (in prep for next week's Abbey Road Pétanque Tournament of Champions - or so I've begun to call it), or learning a quick history of French poetry with Amine. Tonight's menu of Herb Omelets and Salad with warm brie cheese was successful, but last night's dinner of Cordon Bleu with a goat cheese and walnut salad and garlic green beans on the side was certainly the preference of my cooking group - which has only recently adopted the name "Discothèque Voilà".

But enough of my voice. Besides filling you in on the day-to-day happenings here in Aix, I'm going to try to include student comments each update...starting today with Shannon, Sarah B, and Tara.

This has been an absolutely amazing experience that has just flown by. Time just doesn’t really seem to exist here all I know is that it is going by so fast it’s unbelievable. A completely unique, wonderful way to spend my summer… every moment has been one to remember and I’m so glad that I got this chance to be here, right now. -Shannon

I am really enjoying myself here. This is an unbelievable experience and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of French and the amazing culture, here in Aix. The staff is awesome and I have made so many life-long friendships. This is by far the best summer ever! -Sarah B.

Being here in Aix is fantastic! I feel as though I have learned so much and have absorbed a lot of the fascinating French culture. Each day here, the staff caters to our needs and make sure that we all learn as much as possible. Not only has my French improved, but I have also made many new friends that I know I will keep forever. Thank you Abbey Road for making this trip as amazing as it is! -Tara

One last picture of the beach at Cassis