Paul, left, enjoys his first American burger (the "Burning Love Burger") at a local Red Robin restaurant. It looks like he likes it, and so do his American friend Jon and host sister Devyn. He had just celebrated his 17th birthday, so the staff serenaded him!
Paul tries out the American way of eating corn, not usually done in France.
Host dad Ray helps Paul with a card game, Apples to Apples.
A traditional American ice cream treat,
the banana split. (Why don't we call it
a split banana?)
Hershey Farm Restaurant.
"Amos" also stands outside the restaurant.
It looks like Paul would like to be Amish, too.
On August 11, Paul's host mother Carrie sent more photos and this narrative:
"Today we took Paul to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Paul, Taryn, Devyn and I had a great time. Even we big kids love the close encounters with the animals.
"Paul saw lots of animals that he never saw before, loved the safari ride and the petting zoo, and even ventured into the Reptile House, despite his fear of snakes! Brave young man!
"On the ride home, we stopped at 3B Ice Cream. Paul ordered his favorite -- banana split -- and was pleased that it was only $5.00. He said it was two times bigger than he gets in France and only half the price!"
"Paul saw lots of animals that he never saw before, loved the safari ride and the petting zoo, and even ventured into the Reptile House, despite his fear of snakes! Brave young man!
"On the ride home, we stopped at 3B Ice Cream. Paul ordered his favorite -- banana split -- and was pleased that it was only $5.00. He said it was two times bigger than he gets in France and only half the price!"
Paul and Devyn meet Mr. Billy Goat.
Paul and his host sisters Taryn and Devyn
watch the giant tortoise taking a stroll.
the banana split. (Why don't we call it
a split banana?)
On September 12, after Paul had returned to France, his host mother sent these pictures and told us about the last part of Paul's visit.
"Paul loved his trip to Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown. He thought the caves and the underground formations were impressive. Hershey Chocolate World was our next stop, and he liked the tour and looking through the shops. When he arrived in the U.S., we had a basket of Hershey treats awaiting him, and he is crazy for the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup!
Cave dwellers?
Ready to board the ride through Chocolate World.
"Paul was impressed by the Capitol building in Harrisburg. Of particular interest was the grand staircase, which is fashioned after the Opera House in Paris. Next came a trip to the State Museum to find the Mastodon skeleton that was discovered in a bog in Pennsylvania. Also, we toured uptown Harrisburg where my husband Ray grew up, including a quick stop at Italian Lake!
Climbing the steps to the Pennsylvania State Capitol,
built in 1906 in Harrisburg.
Next door to the Capitol, the State Museum of Pennsylvania
houses this amazing pre-historic mastadon.
Italian Lake is a beautiful pubic park in uptown Harrisburg.
"Paul really enjoyed the atmosphere at Root's Market in Manheim. I am not sure what he liked better -- the huge outdoor flea market or the chocolate whoopie pies filled with raspberry crème. We enjoyed a huge buffet style lunch at the Hershey Farm Restaurant, so Paul got to try lots of local foods -- apple butter, shoofly pie, chicken pot pie. We also took a ride on the Strasburg Railroad and visited the train museum."
Even the rain did not dampen Paul's enthusiasm
for "Pennsylvania Dutch" whoopie pies at
Root's Market in Manheim, Lancaster County.
The flea market and shops were also attractive.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg
has a world-class collection of antique trains.
Right next door is the Strasburg Railroad, where
you can ride to Paradise.
It looks like Paul ordered everything on the menu
at the Hershey Farm Restaurant near Strasburg.
Paul and his "sisters" climb aboard the kind of
buggy our Amish friends drive. This one is atHershey Farm Restaurant.
"Paul insisted that we visit places in Philadelphia that would be new to us, too…so we went to the Reading Terminal Market where they ate crêpes. Walked to Chinatown. And technically met the Philly Phanatic!
The friends had crêpes at the Reading Terminal Market.
Hey, it's the Philly Phanatic!
Visiting Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed.
Thumbs up for Philly!
Welcome to Chinatown, Paul and friends.
"But no trip to Philly is complete without a trip to South Street. Paul loved shopping for a pair of American skinny jeans….he insisted on wearing them out of the store. And there is no stopping a boy and his cheese steak!
Skinny jeans for the French guy.
A real Philly cheese steak...worth the trip to America.
"Paul's first adventure in our travel trailer went very well, especially after he got over his apprehension of 'living like a gypsy.' Campfires, smores, and apple mountain pies were his favorite….it helped, too, that the campground had a hot tub! We were camping near Atlantic City.
American dad Ray gets the fire going for marshmallows.
Time for some relaxation in the camp's hot tub.
Hitting the boardwalk in Atlantic City.
Devyn, Jon, and Paul at Caesar's.
Mmmmm. Smores! What better camping treat?
"We visited the Atlantic City Aquarium that included a 'touch tank'…but found that Paul is a bit hesitant when it comes to creatures that are slimy or resemble snakes! No trip to the Atlantic City boardwalk is complete without a trip to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.
"Aargh, maties!"
Come on, Paul, stick your hand in there!
Believe it...or not!
"It is amazing the amount of fun three teenagers can have with cheap pairs of rubber teeth! We decided to check out the casinos one night -- they were incredible -- so much to do and eat! The kids went to see the new Harry Potter movie on the IMAX and checked out the shops and restaurants. Paul could not pass a Starbucks without stopping for a cup of coffee!"
Duh, ain't we purty?
"Mr. Trump is expecting us."
Paul has a need for Starbucks coffee.
