This morning we conducted exchange with French students from Pierre School, Marseilles City. In the afternoon we toured the world renowned Yves Castle.
Arriving at Pierre School, we initially presented a series of cultural gifts to school and some private gifts to the principal of Pierre School. As we know, it is a custom to present gifts when people officially meet in France.
The curriculum of French students differs from ours in that our French counterparts choose their courses autonomously and have classes from Monday to Friday. However, school does not regulate the opening and closing time, which means that students are supposed to arrive at class on time if they have lessons. Otherwise, they can leave for home halfway and continue to go back to class when they have lessons again.
Landscape and scenery in Marseilles are extremely beautiful beyond words. What’s more amazing are the Yves Island and the landscape along the way. Here are the pictures for you, although you may not truly appreciate through the pictures!
Yves Castle is located on Yves Island which lies on the Mediterranean 1.5 kilometers from Marseilles. It only takes people 20 minutes by boat from Marseilles Vieux Port to Yves Island. There is a desolate limestone island across the sea. On the cliff is a standing castle of medieval style. Three gun turrets of different heights project on the corners of the castle. Moreover, in the west side of the island is a lighthouse of more than ten meters high, which echoes the old castle at a distance.
On the way back, we walked to Pierre School. Parents from the home-stay families were already waiting at the school canteen. Principals from the Junior and Senior High Schools of Marseilles held a brief welcome ceremony for us and sent us presents as well. Afterwards, students were sent back to their host families one by one. We asked students what they felt after a night’s sleep in the home-stay family and they all expressed positive feelings. Furthermore, from our contact with French parents, we could all feel their enthusiasm and responsibility!
What’s mentioned above was today’s trip sharing. Considering that I attended the activities myself and had to keep my cell phone in sufficient charge, I could not take notes without delay like before.
It was 4 A.M. Paris time and complete darkness outside. On the other hand, it was 11 A.M. Beijing time and everyone should be busy now!
To conclude, the weather in Marseilles was pleasant with fresh air and incredible scenery. Everything was fine!