Rachel

The advantage of having a professor like Carol Smucker is a full, all-inclusive tour of the Château de Rohan, complete with complimentary brioche and Coca-Cola.  In the midst of some hardcore studying, the exploration of the castle, to which we came every day for class, was a much-needed and much-appreciated break.  On Tuesday we were led through the sections of the château that exist today: the museum of firefighters, a primary school, a theatre, and the roof, for a panoramic view of Saverne. 

A few mystery men, three to be exact, left a red long-stemmed rose on each female student’s place in the classroom.  The sentiment was greatly appreciated, as many of my fellow students had voiced their struggle with being overseas on Valentine’s Day.  Thus far I have a great impression of Valentine’s Day in France.

So here we stand.  As we prepare ourselves, little by little, for our departure from Saverne to Strasbourg, we soak up as much language and culture as possible.  But our French families have prepared us well.