French Host Families

Elizabeth's host family at Versaille

Over the weekend, host families took SA students to Versaille, the Louvre, the Palais de Tokyo, the wax museum and out to restaurants. The kids were having such a good time that they didn't want to leave on our last day! I'm sure they'll go back to France and host a French student. It was a memorable experience for all.

Lune & Maeve

Liev's host family.

Last Day in Paris!

Place des Voges

Le Marais

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La Geode

The last pain au chocolat on our last commute.

Avik plays piano to the masses in Gare St. Lazare.

                                                Last day already! See you tomorrow in SF!

                                                      La place des Vosges dans le Marais

                                                           La statue de Louis XIII

                                                         
                                                             Les Galeries Lafayettes
                                                      Shopping for the last afternoon

Art workshop with Aurore de la Morinerie in her studio (http://www.auroredelamorinerie.com/) and Opera singing history lesson with Jacques L'oiseleur des Longchamps (http://compagnieloiseleur.wix.com/loiseleurbaryton)
                                  AMAZING! I hope they will tell you about this opportunity.

Click below to hear a few seconds of Jacques' singing!

                                           
                                         

                                              Ladurée this afternoon for more macaroons!

               
                                                  Shopping time on the Champs-Elysées

Art & Music

Drawing a cat in Aurore's style.

 Today we spent the entire morning at my friend, Aurore's studio and home. I've known her for 30 years. Yikes, that's a long time.  Have a look at her work here: http://auroredelamorinerie.com/

Aurore has been doing fashion illustration for the past 30 years or so for brands like Hermes, Chanel, Printemps, Azedine Alaia, Agnes B and other French perfume brands. Her work is sold in galleries throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Japan. She is a master of ink paintings and etchings.

The students did two exercises with her. The first was drawing a cat in her style. The second was a Rorschach test.

Details in the artist studio.

Everyone tried drawing a cat.

Aurore and her son Simon.

Jacques singing.

When I met Jacques, 30 years ago he was a professional model making money to pay for his voice lessons. Jacques performs all over France and in Italy and once performed in the US. Most recently he paid homage to the victims of the terrorist attacks at Place de La Republique along with 40 of his friends- a very moving experience.

Jacques gives Ryan a brief voice lesson.

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Jacques in the early 90's standing by a painting I did of him as Aquarius.

Avik discusses technique with the professional pianist.

The pianist and my two friends, Jacques and Aurore.

Having tea at La Doree