My summer in Saint Laurent du Var was amazing! I had a huge family and we all ate together and spent so much time together it has been really difficult to return and not be around them like I was. The program always kept us going which was really fun but I really appreciated the nights we spent at home relaxing with our family. Now being back and starting school I see the remarkable improvement I am language ability. My understanding feels almost perfect and I feel like I can express all of my thoughts with confidence.

            One huge benefit of this program is that when I return to France I will have a whole area known like the back of my hand. I already miss the Patisseries and the fruit markets, the view of the Mediterranean Sea every morning I hope will never leave my mind. We spent so much time at the beach that I felt as if I was going through withdrawal when I got back to my land locked state of Utah.

            And the thing I am most grateful to Abbey Road for is the friendships they have provided me with. Besides the bond with my homestay family, my classmates, and teacher Mary, I feel like I have another HUGE family who will be in my life for a very long time.

ITALY

San Remo Italia!!! Yesterday  was my first time in Italy and I was in absolute awe. We wandered around the town and then spent the rest of the day at the beach lounging and swimming in the perfect water and admiring the view.  We also spent some time watching a friendly football (soccer) match. As a big soccer fan I was ecstatic and could not get enough of the game. Now I want to spend more time in Italy! Delaney

Dancing

Last night we went Dancing at Club Nautique. It was a fun filled night, we listened to music and danced the night away in a mixture of St. Laurent students and The Nice group.  One of the Nice group leaders who the French version of American Idol and we were graced with a performance. Overall, a very nice evening.

Dinner Time

One of the best parts of this whole experience is living with a family. As would be expected class is typically very similar to school, what with the constant urge to escape and venture off somewhere but one thing that the students can always be excited for is dinner with the family. I personally live with a very large family who are hosting five other abbey roads students besides myself. Our dinner are very boisterous and filled to the brim with entertainment, and to top it all off it appears that all the members of our French family are excellent cooks. So the evenings we are at home we are always graced with a delicious new meal.  I can't wait to see what we have next time! Delaney

Ville Franche

Yesterday we went spent the "apres-midi" in Ville Franche. The town overall was very interesting for a history buff like myself and I really wanted to share the learning experience with my dad who is a World War Two fanatic.  We students we told that this town has been used for centuries as and important naval base for multiple countries, including the United States during the second world war.  But besides the rich and lustrous history we also had the chance to go snorkeling in a cove just off the main beach. This was my first time snorkeling and I am surprised anyone could get me out of the water when it was time to leave. Swimming amongst the fish and what not was so exciting. I can't wait to go back! Delaney

Castle Ruins

Yesterday we went to Nice. It was my first time and I was very surprised. We spent the day mostly with free time and I went antiquing with one of the other girls, Shannon, she was searching for a miniature chair and we both conversed with the antique store owners which was a really rewarding. Conversing with shopkeepers I think is one of the most valuable learning experiences.
Later in the day I went to the ruins of a medieval castle. Combined with the fascinating history the view was absolutely breath taking. It over look the port and all the classic house opposite the castle.

Samedi dans Cannes

Saturday was awesome. We spent the day in Cannes, we were allowed to have most of the day free, which I took as "feel free to spend the day at the beach" however there were also amazing shopping opportunities. 

The day at the beach was interesting because Shannon, another girl in the program and I had a chance to speak with some locals on the beach, they are always surprised Americans can speak French at all! 

Delaney

I Should Live Here

Today we went to Saint Paul de Vence. It was an artsy village on top of a mountain, which attracts its tourist through the beauty of the village as well as a modern art museum. Despite being a big supporter of the arts,  I realized that this is why I usually go the art museums with my older sister (she explaining all the blobby looking things). But what really brought me to adoration of Saint Paul de Vence was the village I was completely taken aback by the astounding beauty when I got my first glimpse of it perched up on the hill. The view stretched out all the way to the sea and when I finally enter the village it was reminiscent of a trip back in time.

While we were in the village I visited several art stores and as I have a particular ability to become completely entranced by small beautifully done paintings I definitely walked away with a few pieces of art for my family back home. 

And as we were about to leave Sam, Claudia and I bought possibly the best ice cream on earth. It was over all a very productive day.

Delaney

I'm in France

I can't believe I am here. It is so much better than I expected. My first class was so interesting. My groups meets in the old village and it seriously looks to be out of a classic French picture book. 

We had a scavenger hunt the first day of class and the objects of desire were:

1. The hours of the supermarché (supermarket)

2. The cost of a café au lait 

3. The cost of a stamp 

4.???

We went here to get coffee, where we all sat and chilled for a while to wait, I learned café au lait is DA BOMB!

Delaney

Hey this is a video introduction about the reasons I am excite for this summer adventure which I posted Facebook. At some point this summer I will attempt to do a video log in French. But until then English will have to do.
Delaney

Getting PUMPED!!

Today I am getting PUMPED for this summer abroad adventure. For years (five to be exact) I have been dreaming of going to France and spending time there immersing myself in the culture, you could say it has been a bit of a dream for me. Now I am just twenty days away from this extravaganza of learning and fun and I am totally consumed with excitement.When I look up St. Laurent the beauty it extenuates is breath taking, and I over all just have a plethora of positive feelings about this summer.
 I am super excited to meet all the other students (and stop Facebook stalking them). Everyone seems really enthusiastic and willing to learn which I believe will make the time in France so much more enriching for all of us. I also am really looking forward to meeting my homestay family because I think it will be really interesting to live with another family from a different culture.
I will keep you all posted as the Summer progresses
Delaney