The student in this entry has asked in 2012 that his identity be hidden for Internet security reasons. We are using his initials instead.
LEC student E.A. has come all the way from Palaiseau, France, just southwest of Paris, to spend three weeks with a host family near Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
Host mother Carrie describes the adventure so far:
"We are having a great time with him!
"We took him to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, and he enjoyed the safari ride. He could not believe the elk that came right up to his face for a cracker. He also loved the buffalo burger that we had at lunch.
"We took him to my friend's 50th birthday party. He had a wonderful time charming all the ladies with his accent and dancing with the little kids and Devyn. He learned the Chicken Dance and the Electric Slide. He is so much fun; we all love him.
"He also took a river boat ride on the Susquehanna River with us. And E. showed Devyn his skills at miniature golf, although she beat him by four points.
"We met up with the other two French students and their host families at a Harrisburg Senators baseball game. E., Antoine, and Vincent were so much fun. They all got into the spirit of American baseball with the cheering and dancing in the stands (especially E.—he loves to dance)."
And later, Carrie added more news...
"Another full and fun day with E. in the U.S. Monday we traveled to Philadelphia and saw the symbol of American freedom, the Liberty Bell. We toured Independence Hall, where our Declaration of Independence was signed and got to see two additional rooms in the building that have not been viewed by the public for a few years.
"Then we were off for lunch at the City Tavern, a wonderful restaurant that serves delicious foods. E. got me to try the schnitzel, as he said it was a favorite of his. You will have to ask him about the wonderful molasses and pecan biscuits that were a recipe from Thomas Jefferson.
"We walked to the seaport of Philadelphia, and got to tour a submarine (E. had a story he shared from his grand-father's experiences on a submarine) and we also went through an old ship called the [Spanish- American War-era cruiser] Olympia. We went to the Seaport Museum and saw a movie in "4 D.” You could actually feel the breezes from the sea!"Next we were off to South Street, a shopping district in Philadelphia. E. bought himself a nice pair of Ralph Loren sneakers for $30. He thought that was a great deal.
"Before we left Philadelphia, we stopped and got E. a genuine Philadelphia cheese steak sandwich....because you cannot visit Philly without one!
"Tomorrow we are taking E. to a huge farmer's market and to see and learn about the Amish people of Pennsylvania. He had already seen an Amish family the day we visited Lake Tobias Wildlife Park and was very interested in their simple way of life."
E. says, "Bonjour" to the ostrich at
the wildlife park.
An elk loves the cracker E. offers.
Carrie and E. in the rotunda of
the State Capitol. The stairs are
patterned after those in the
old Paris Opera.
E. visits the Supreme Court
Chamber in the State Capitol.
His host parents join E. on the Pride of the
Susquehanna riverboat.
Host sister Devyn whoops the
Frenchman in mini golf.
All three French students met up at the Harrisburg
Senators baseball game on City Island.
Vincent Rolea wears the red and white stripes; E. has on
the blue and white stripes; and Antoine Bardonnet is second from right.
E. tries his hand at steering the ship
at Philadelphia's seaport.
