West Virginia University in Vendée, France
WVU-V!
Riding the Storm
17 juin 2011
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Our day starts out well, the groups are
putting the finishing touches on their vodcasts. This week's
general topic is health, and each group has carefully selected a topic.
Here, hard at work in the hallway, group Mélusine is working on a report on French people's expectations with food. |
| Here, Aliénor is working on their project, a study of the use of homeopathic medicine. |
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Clemenceau is not working (they are just posing for the picture), as they have already completed and uploaded their project on the healthcare system in France! Though without a single competitive bone in his body, Dr. Mike's heart swells with pride... |
| The Lastingkoffs are working on their own project, about shopping at Lonchamps, Hermes or other retailers (they have a very open mind). |
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A few of us (not I, not I) arrived this morning already wearing a swimsuit, with the plan of going to the beach after class. Grave error! We are about 100 miles south of the eye of this storm, the wind blowing so hard that it is almost impossible to walk in the streets that are perpendicular to the boardwalk. Note how high the tide is, there is no sand on which to spread your beach towel--not really a problem as it would be blown away regardless... |
| Not everyone thinks of this storm as a wasted Friday afternoon though. The plancheurs grab their board and head for the waves. |
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The surfers are amazing to watch, as they jump in the air, catch the wind and land safely on the water. The coast guards are very busy watching the boats trying to make it to port, as well as the surfers... |
| When you live on the coast, one of the key-phrases you need to master is "Je pense que ça va se lever" (I think the weather is letting up a bit), cocking your head to the side and knowingly looking towards the Chaume. Every time the tide goes down, the weather changes, so you will be right at some point! Look at the sun shining now. |
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Although the sky is still leaden, the sun casts a beautiful light on the town and the sand as the water begin to receed. |
