I just love how the students in my classes in France said, "Voila!" as we used the 7gypsies Binderie punch in each of the classes. It just take something that's pretty cool and elevates it to magical! I think it also sums up my feelings about my whole experience with my classes in Paris. The event was held at a facility called Parc Floral in Vincennes, just outside Paris. Our hotel was not too far away by car but a bit of a hike (and even more of a hike if you get lost... that's a whole other story!)
The event is actually a vendor/convention type event that had a lot of really good vendors... it reminded me of the way the conventions used to be "in the old days" in the US when conventions had really good shopping. The students could sign up for as many classes and whichever classes they wanted to. I couldn't have done it without my wonderful interpreter Cecile! She was amazing... She translated my directions and Powerpoints and my stories and all. What a great help she was! She better be there next year!!!
The students could not have been sweeter! They were so patient with me and my lame attempts at saying a few things in French. I can't wait to see them again! I only have a few pictures because my husband took the camera home with him to go to Brandon's graduation. I was left with my cell phone camera... you can imagine how hard it was to not have a camera handy!
There's some more pictures in the photo album on the left. One of my favorite things about teaching at an event like this is getting to spend time with the other teachers (Donna Downey, Teresa Collins, and Carolyn Peeler.) We had a great time going to dinner (thank God Carolyn speaks French) and even riding in the van over to teach.
This is my French boyfriend... well, actually the cute waiter at our restaurant! Dave approved! :)
oh great summary ! I'll go and have a look at the photo album ! That was such a great human experience for me and I'll think seriously about going back or not (and be YOUR translator and no one else's !!! *wink*). xoxo
Posted by: Smellykat / Cecile | May 08, 2010 at 09:27 AM
Debby all your travel photos look amazing! What a wonderful life you lead! It's so fun to see the photos and feel like we're all with you. I dream of visiting Europe. :)
Posted by: Angela C | May 08, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Hello Debby
i'm so suprised when someone told me "you are on debby's website"
so i came to check and its true
2nd picture of the students (1st row, the one in the middle)
thanks to you
for this amazing class that you gave us !!!!
i hope to see you next year !!
Posted by: Caroline LOUVET | May 09, 2010 at 12:31 PM
French people are not just beautiful people. They're also charming and sweet. :)
Posted by: medieval dresses | May 10, 2010 at 10:37 AM
It's a French word that translates to "here" in English. It's usually used as a slang term to say "ta da" sort of expression if you know what I mean by that. Also usually pronounced wrong by Americans for some reason, they like to say it like "wala."
"Voila" is used to call attention to or express satisfaction over something. EX: "Then you add onions and tomatoes to it, voila!, you have a delicious pizza."
Posted by: Maternity nursing clothing | May 10, 2010 at 06:58 PM