From Cheltenham to Tours has been a giant stepping-stone for this small person.
The content is now, not only more complex, but in a language I am not used to studying in as intensively. However, with every bump and curve, you know it’ll all be worth it in the end. It is exam period, I am being tested on everything I have learnt for the past term/ semester (as they call it in France).
I have been able to enjoy a few Christmas festivities as they have come around this month.
Across the channel
Being in France has got me to explore new cultures as well as discover my own heritage. For example, being a person that is fond of church, I got to meet some wonderful Americans who host a Thanksgiving dinner every year. A time where they give thanks to everything good that has come to them, it is also a time for sharing, which is what I believe the Christmas period is all about.
‘La place Jean Jaures’
This weekend was the beginning of the Christmas market and you could feel the magic coming alive at this time of year. From crystallised jewellery, woolly hats and scarves, coloured lights/ lamps to warm hot chocolates, crêpes, waffles, chestnuts and mulled wine. As you walk through the market, you reach the heart of the town, called ‘la place Jean Jaures’. Here you find a number of small and large Christmas trees, surrounded by ginger bread men and one large snowy bear, all covered in tinsel and lights which brighten up the town at night.
The lights and tinsel take you up the high street and at the end of it, there is a wonderful Ferris wheel and an ice rink. Even in the winter, you can still enjoy fun activities (so long as you make sure you have your coat!)
Edufun’s festive season’s treat
As I enjoyed the festivities across the channel, Edufun also had an exciting end of year event: Opera and Koto experience. All those who attended took a moment to learn and enjoy the traditions and cultures from Japan and Italy. Guests were fascinated by the Japanese national string instrument The Koto played by Sakie Plunkett who mesmerized the guests with a piece of traditional music that was created about 350 years ago. Soprano was sung by Mifuji Kirstin Clark in Italian and Japanese accompanied by pianist Peter Homer. Edufun Christmas treat included traditional costumes, English and Japanese foods.
Written by Lula Chapman Hureau
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