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Sigrún Erna Geirsdóttir's avatar

Sounds lovely :) this stagiare is very interesting! How long are the kids en stage? Are they in college ou lycee?

Valerie Rivera's avatar

They are in lycee, but I’ll have to do a bit more research on how long — originally I thought it was 5 weeks (not always daily) but it seems like there’s some variety on how it is structured. I’ll get back to you though, because it’s a great question!

Sigrún Erna Geirsdóttir's avatar

Thank you! I'm a teacher myself so always interested in learning how others have their school system :) also my daughter will be in lycee next year! We are moving to France for a year :)

Valerie Rivera's avatar

What a formative experience that will be!

Sigrún Erna Geirsdóttir's avatar

Yes, we look very much forward to it. A bit of trepidation too on her part of course! A huge challenge this! :)

Kathy Janiec's avatar

Cranes, puppies and forsythia blossoms, looks like a nice start to spring!

Valerie Rivera's avatar

And it’s going to feel more like summer today - in the high 20s!

Kathy Janiec's avatar

Next to Angers, we should get that Easter monday, which is kinda nice because most people are off for the day.

Cherilyn Parsons's avatar

What gorgeous writing, and I loved hearing about the expat life in your town. I moved to Paris from Berkeley nearly three years ago (I founded and led a large international literary festival there), and I've been been thinking about eventually moving elsewhere in France. But I'm not sure where. I've been longing to visit Montaigne's tower, which I see is quite near you, so perhaps I'll make it to your lovely town to check it out! Merci!

Valerie Rivera's avatar

Thanks, Cherilyn! When you get the itch to try someplace new, it really can be tough to narrow down your spot. There’s so much to see and appreciate!

Definitely let me know if you find yourself out this way. I’m long overdue on visiting Montaigne’s tower, believe it or not!

Betty Carlson's avatar

What a lovely piece, Valerie. I really like how you go beyond usual themes, for example mentioning "stagiaire season" and the Easter fair. I've never heard much about the latter, but I suppose everything depends on the town, and perhaps the region.

Valerie Rivera's avatar

Thanks, Betty! I think that’s the best part of writing about these seasonal observations. I get to touch briefly on some of the more random experiences, things I probably wouldn’t devote a whole post to. :)