Monday, October 31, 2011: So it begins...

On this most hallowed of days, Halloween, the France Winterim group joins together in harmony to speak of the glory in store. The days of French mingling approach rapidly as people scurry to round up their luggage and finish all business that begs completion. Cheer and joy greet the eyes of all who witness this gathering of merry folk. They congregate in Mademoiselle Blackburn's room, ready to discuss the future as excitement mounts. The slides flash across the screen, displaying colorful photos of la France in all her majesty. The day moves rather like an escargot, as if the hours will never come to an end; however, even as the students stumble through a surprisingly rousing game of handball and head to lunch, they do so with a jubilant twinkle in their eyes. Research comes slowly to the students; nevertheless, they steadily march on, their joy undisturbed by the sluggish nature of their work. Nothing is amiss though. Even as they write, more lies in wait for these young whippersnappers: French lessons, as well as the rest of their time on campus. All the same, the coming days beckon.