MURDER OF THE CRAWFISH

One does not go to France to become vegan. I, a former meat-lover, certainly didn't intend to do that. After our first couple fabulous days in Paris, full of bonding, museum-visiting, and chocolate-eating, I was fully ready for French cuisine. Then in Pierrelatte, where we completed the homestay portion of the program, we discovered scores of street markets with fruit, cheese, and friendly vendors. We worked on our French, learned how to get along (and sometimes not always get along) with our homestay families, and spent time together, beating the heat by swimming at beautiful lakes and even the Mediterranean. We spent the World Cup finale and Bastille day in Pierrelatte, where we encountered fireworks, street fairs, and much excitement in this rural town. Some of us had more fun with our homestay families, and some of us had a lot more down time (I was one of those students); if you get a family that doesn't love going out, try to get invited to your friends' houses, and you'll have a lot more fun (that's what I did!).
Next, we went to Lyon, which was my favorite part of the program. We learned how to cook and spent plenty of time exploring the city and getting to know one another--and, unfortunately, some crawfish we were made to kill in boiling water. That experience led me to become vegetarian, then vegan; I had plenty of delicious dining options in Paris, with which I fell in love when we returned for two days of free time (and gourmet dining). Overall, a great way of getting to know people from a different background--there were kids from all over the country--and a great way of getting fat. TIP: work out every day.