How to say VROOOM! in French? If the topic today were onomatopoeia, then we'd surely have that one nailed by the end of this post. But there are two other pressing matters to figure out today:
1) How to say "Be my Valentine" in French? and
2) Who, in the States or in England, can host my French friend's 17-year-old? And/or can anyone recommend a fun USA camp for 16- or 17-year-olds? (Is 16 or 17 too old for camp?). Skip to the end of this letter and let me know!
Coup de Foudre (koo-deuh-foo-drh)
: love at first sight (from the original definition: a thunderbolt)
: A sudden unexpected event, especially an emotional one (Wikipedia)
Beautifully renovated and decorated home in the Luberon. 4 bedrooms and a study with a sofa bed, each with ensuite (full) bath. This villa comfortably sleeps 7-9 adults.
Sound File: (note: our Francophone speaker is away so you are stuck with me, a French accent-challenged Arizonan. Listen at your own risk!) Download MP3 or Wave file
Quand j'ai vu Jean-Marc pour la première fois, c'était le coup de foudre!
When I saw Jean-Marc for the first time it was love at first sight!
If you have been reading this journal for a few years, then you are familiar with our growing list of LOVE TERMS. Click here for a list of terms of endearment and other related Valentine's Terms.
When I saw this 2 CV at the docks the other day, c'était le coup de foudre! It was love at first sight.
"Oh no! Don't drive off!" I shouted, as the man in the striped cap walked into my camera's viewfinder and got into his classic car. I lowered my Smartphone and waved my arms, urging him to wait.
"May I take the photo with you in it?"
A bright and toothy smile was the unexpected reward for venturing to ask a stranger for his picture!
Alain is his name. Notice his toothy gap. Do you remember the charming French term for that? We learned it in the story Not a Cougar, A Wife Hen, where the young salesman flashed his "happiness teeth," or les dents de bonheur, and hearts went pitter-patter.
By the way, the backdrop in the very first photo is the bay of La Ciotat, west of Marseilles. And here, in the foreground we have jonquilles (daffodils), coquelicots (poppies), and palmiers (palm trees)–Nature's perfect frame for this classic car photo.
And who can blame those leaves for reaching out and tickling this adorable Citroën? Dried and about to wither away, these "cougars" of the plant kingdom can still appreciate the ever youthful deux chevaux.
Vroooom! Au revoir, Alain–et la deux chevaux d'Alain! Goodbye Allan and Allan's "two horse" car. A+ (à plus) or see ya later!
Two places to stay in postcard pretty France:
“La Trouvaille”–a true find in Provence! Affordable vacation rental in this beautiful old stone house in the charming village of Sablet.
New rental in Provence! La Baume des Pelerins, in Sablet–spacious, comfortable the perfect place to return to after a busy day’s sightseeing, bicycling or hiking.
Moving on now to our second question of the day: Would you like to host a French student? Or could you recommend good summer camp in the USA?
My friend Isabelle called the other day, wondering if I knew of anyone in the States (or in England) who would be interested in hosting her son for three or four weeks this August.
I told Isa that I could relate to her quest–as I am also looking for an enriching summer activity for my 16-year-old, who would love to improve her English! (In our case, we are looking for a summer camp in which Jackie would be surrounded by American kids her own age.)
The goal is to keep these kids busy, away from the TV, and immersed in English. So if you are an active family who loves to get out and do things, leave a message in the comments box and I'll forward your address to Isa (or maybe steal it for myself!)
Both Jackie and Thomas love sports. Jackie enjoys tennis, horse riding, and fashion (it would be wonderful to find her an internship or a connection in the field!). Thomas skies, surfs, hikes, and loves to hang out in his hometown of Marseilles with friends his own age.
Isabelle spoke about the possibility of an exchange (her child visits you, your child visits Marseilles) but that would mean 6-8 weeks together, in total–something that might test a teenager's patience, don't you think? So if having a French student at your place is in itself an enriching experience and exchange, and if you have a child around the same age, 17, please get back with Isabelle–in the comments section–and I will make sure she sees your note.
And, for Jackie, don't forget to recommend USA camps in the comments section, too. I really appreciate it! Note: an overnight summer camp in Colorado would be ideal! Then Jackie would visit family in Denver 🙂
Thanks for using the comments box, only, as this will help me to locate your note! And thank so much for your interest in helping!
In other nouvelles…
After planting lavender it will soon be time to plant the first grapevines–rows and rows, like an audience of goodfellows. Encore, Chief Grape!
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Good morning, I love in boston but my coworker’s son is a director of a camp just outside of boulder Colorado. If you want more information I could send you the link. The only glitch might be the age. I am not sure if she would be to old.
Message me and let me know if that is something that may interest you.
Take care!
Deedee
Good morning, I love in boston but my coworker’s son is a director of a camp just outside of boulder Colorado. If you want more information I could send you the link. The only glitch might be the age. I am not sure if she would be to old.
Message me and let me know if that is something that may interest you.
Take care!
Deedee
Kristin, I’d love to be able to suggest a summer camp but Jackie’s age may be a bit of an issue if she only intends to be a camper. By the time my kid’s were 14 or 15 they were working at the camps they’d attended as campers for several years previously. My son started camp at age 6 and my daughter started at age 8. Maybe Jackie could apply for admission as a “leader-in-training” (LIT) or a “counselor-in-training” (CIT). She could have the camp experience while training for a higher position next summer. Who knows – being a “foreigner” may even give her an advantage. Good luck!
Kristin, I’d love to be able to suggest a summer camp but Jackie’s age may be a bit of an issue if she only intends to be a camper. By the time my kid’s were 14 or 15 they were working at the camps they’d attended as campers for several years previously. My son started camp at age 6 and my daughter started at age 8. Maybe Jackie could apply for admission as a “leader-in-training” (LIT) or a “counselor-in-training” (CIT). She could have the camp experience while training for a higher position next summer. Who knows – being a “foreigner” may even give her an advantage. Good luck!
May I recommend Maine Teen Camp at teencamp.com, a camp that is for teens and obviously in the beautiful state of Maine.
May I recommend Maine Teen Camp at teencamp.com, a camp that is for teens and obviously in the beautiful state of Maine.
Oh, une Deu-deuch ! Such a lovely vintage car ! Sooo French!!! If you happen to see a green one, make a wish, they are said to bring luck !
Oh, une Deu-deuch ! Such a lovely vintage car ! Sooo French!!! If you happen to see a green one, make a wish, they are said to bring luck !
Alabama will sound like a crazy place for a camp, but they DO have mountains.
The age may be a bit of a problem except for CIT, etc. I dunno, but Camp Mac has been run by the McBride family since the late 1940’s.
And though small it has kept up with the times, offers many, many activities and yet has still remained a very wholesome place.
My children went there, and now my granddaughter has gone and can’t wait to get back. The website is very informative. You will note that they still have flag raising and vespers…the young children (I don’t know about older ones) are not allowed electronics or phones…just something like a Nano w/o internet service,
Blah, blah…….
Think Jackie should learn the Southern accent, it complements French…..www.campmac.com. Take a look! You’ll be surprised.
xo from GA.
Alabama will sound like a crazy place for a camp, but they DO have mountains.
The age may be a bit of a problem except for CIT, etc. I dunno, but Camp Mac has been run by the McBride family since the late 1940’s.
And though small it has kept up with the times, offers many, many activities and yet has still remained a very wholesome place.
My children went there, and now my granddaughter has gone and can’t wait to get back. The website is very informative. You will note that they still have flag raising and vespers…the young children (I don’t know about older ones) are not allowed electronics or phones…just something like a Nano w/o internet service,
Blah, blah…….
Think Jackie should learn the Southern accent, it complements French…..www.campmac.com. Take a look! You’ll be surprised.
xo from GA.
I can’t suggest a particular camp but I had a wonderful summer in my late teens working at YMCA of the Rockies. It is a job and they expect you to say all summer. There were a few foreign students on staff with us, and it was a great experience in a beautiful place!
I can’t suggest a particular camp but I had a wonderful summer in my late teens working at YMCA of the Rockies. It is a job and they expect you to say all summer. There were a few foreign students on staff with us, and it was a great experience in a beautiful place!
For Isabelle – I would love to host her son in August. My children are older – in their 30’s – but I have 16 nephews and nieces to meet. I live in Easton, Pennsylvania and have hosted other summer exchange students. Last year the program they attended lost its coordinator and unexpectedly moved somewhere else in Pa
For Isabelle – I would love to host her son in August. My children are older – in their 30’s – but I have 16 nephews and nieces to meet. I live in Easton, Pennsylvania and have hosted other summer exchange students. Last year the program they attended lost its coordinator and unexpectedly moved somewhere else in Pa
The girls attend a camp about an hour from our house and they love it! I looked online and they do have a teen camp as well and Jackie could stay with us before and after camp. Great way for her to see Chicago too! I have a few friends who live nearby with teenage girls and I know Ollie and Izzie would love to have Jackie here. Website is http://www.campedwards.org.
The girls attend a camp about an hour from our house and they love it! I looked online and they do have a teen camp as well and Jackie could stay with us before and after camp. Great way for her to see Chicago too! I have a few friends who live nearby with teenage girls and I know Ollie and Izzie would love to have Jackie here. Website is http://www.campedwards.org.
Love the Blog post, Kristen. I have passed your request along to the local Alliance and also to Nicole, who is the châtelaine of Balleure and used to run an exchange program for high school students.
Love the Blog post, Kristen. I have passed your request along to the local Alliance and also to Nicole, who is the châtelaine of Balleure and used to run an exchange program for high school students.
In English speaking Canada there are a network of “Pioneer” camps. Pioneer Pacific on Thetis Island off Vancouver Island; Pioneer Ranch Camp and Pioneer Lodge in Alberta; Lake of the Woods Pioneer Camp; Pioneer Ontario…
I do believe they have programs from 6 to 17 at various times of July and August.
In English speaking Canada there are a network of “Pioneer” camps. Pioneer Pacific on Thetis Island off Vancouver Island; Pioneer Ranch Camp and Pioneer Lodge in Alberta; Lake of the Woods Pioneer Camp; Pioneer Ontario…
I do believe they have programs from 6 to 17 at various times of July and August.
We live in Miami, Florida and although are youngest son is now in his mid 20’s, he used to attend the ‘People to People Student Ambassador’ program. Check it out! Lots of fun opportunities with that group!
Hope this helps!
We live in Miami, Florida and although are youngest son is now in his mid 20’s, he used to attend the ‘People to People Student Ambassador’ program. Check it out! Lots of fun opportunities with that group!
Hope this helps!
Buck’s Rock in Mew Milford CT. It’s a creative and performing arts camp. All three of my kids went there for many many years. All of the usual offerings, painting, ceramics, sculpture, music, theater, dance, a nice pool, an unbelievable woodworking shop and even glassblowing.
http://www.abararanch.com/ fabulous ranch in Wyoming – horseback, fishing, hiking. I’m thinking she is way too old for camp Mac! My daughter loved it for two summers when she was 7 and 8 years old. Good luck!
Buck’s Rock in Mew Milford CT. It’s a creative and performing arts camp. All three of my kids went there for many many years. All of the usual offerings, painting, ceramics, sculpture, music, theater, dance, a nice pool, an unbelievable woodworking shop and even glassblowing.
http://www.abararanch.com/ fabulous ranch in Wyoming – horseback, fishing, hiking. I’m thinking she is way too old for camp Mac! My daughter loved it for two summers when she was 7 and 8 years old. Good luck!
Hey Kristin, it’s your favorite critic who has been very quiet for over a year (fighting another bout of the big C) but all is good now. There is a camp in Northern California (airport is Sacramento then 2 hour bus ride into the mountains)called the JH Ranch that has every activity known to man including horseback riding and white water rafting. If you call the Director, you can ask them if Jackie could go as a staffer, then it would be free except for airfare. It’s a non denominational Christian camp but not stuffy or judgemental. website is JHranch.com.
Hey Kristin, it’s your favorite critic who has been very quiet for over a year (fighting another bout of the big C) but all is good now. There is a camp in Northern California (airport is Sacramento then 2 hour bus ride into the mountains)called the JH Ranch that has every activity known to man including horseback riding and white water rafting. If you call the Director, you can ask them if Jackie could go as a staffer, then it would be free except for airfare. It’s a non denominational Christian camp but not stuffy or judgemental. website is JHranch.com.
I think Jackie may be a little old for a traditional American camp. You might consider an academic camp at a university. Search a university’s website under summer programs for teens. This would be better because the kids will all be new and therefore open and willing to make new friends ( also great for her resume). At a traditional camp the kids will have attended together for many years by that age and be too cliquey. I met Jackie this past summer, she’ll remember my daughter Colette 🙂 . Maybe she can FB Colette and discuss this with her. Good luck, I know how challenging this age group is to keep safe, happy and productive during the summer months.
I think Jackie may be a little old for a traditional American camp. You might consider an academic camp at a university. Search a university’s website under summer programs for teens. This would be better because the kids will all be new and therefore open and willing to make new friends ( also great for her resume). At a traditional camp the kids will have attended together for many years by that age and be too cliquey. I met Jackie this past summer, she’ll remember my daughter Colette 🙂 . Maybe she can FB Colette and discuss this with her. Good luck, I know how challenging this age group is to keep safe, happy and productive during the summer months.
I can definitely suggest Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp in northern California not far from Lake Tahoe. Their staff is an international mix and I often see the campers at our local lakes, etc. having the time of their lives. Many campers go until they are 18. There is paddleboarding,horseback riding, rock climbing, archery,backpacing, white water rafting and many others.
She’s not too old for this camp!
I can definitely suggest Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp in northern California not far from Lake Tahoe. Their staff is an international mix and I often see the campers at our local lakes, etc. having the time of their lives. Many campers go until they are 18. There is paddleboarding,horseback riding, rock climbing, archery,backpacing, white water rafting and many others.
She’s not too old for this camp!
Oops the website didn’t print!
http://www.highsierracamp.com/testimonials.htm
Oops the website didn’t print!
http://www.highsierracamp.com/testimonials.htm
What a cute car!!! thanks for the pictures of it and its owner. Good luck with the camps, etc. I do not have any experience with that. Sorry I cannot help. Have a great day.
What a cute car!!! thanks for the pictures of it and its owner. Good luck with the camps, etc. I do not have any experience with that. Sorry I cannot help. Have a great day.
I have a friend near here who is an English teacher and her husband is a professor at Purdue University. They host foreign students every year in their home. I’ve shared this on Facebook too.
I have a friend near here who is an English teacher and her husband is a professor at Purdue University. They host foreign students every year in their home. I’ve shared this on Facebook too.
Diane, great idea about the academic camp at a university.
Thank you all for these responses and ideas!
Diane, great idea about the academic camp at a university.
Thank you all for these responses and ideas!
I’m so jealous of those beautiful flowers and obviously mild weather….it’s snowing like crazy right now in NY/NJ and I was even crazier to come to work. Thank you for a breath of fresh, Southern French air…
I’m so jealous of those beautiful flowers and obviously mild weather….it’s snowing like crazy right now in NY/NJ and I was even crazier to come to work. Thank you for a breath of fresh, Southern French air…
Kirstin, we live in the mountains near Cripple Creek, Florissant, Woodland Park, Colorado (mailing address is Florissant). I don’t know about summer camps, but I have a friend who volunteers at a stable and could hook her up with working with horses that way. There is also tennis locally, which my husband plays. Our home is rather remote and we plan a 1 week vacation in NY in August, but would otherwise be home. There is hiking around here, about 2 hours from Denver. There is also a wolf sanctuary where she could perhaps volunteer, stuff like that, if interested? For fashion around here – think denim and “old west”. Unfortunately, there are no kids her age in our remote woodland home, and my husband and I are in our early 60s, but active. Leslie
Kirstin, we live in the mountains near Cripple Creek, Florissant, Woodland Park, Colorado (mailing address is Florissant). I don’t know about summer camps, but I have a friend who volunteers at a stable and could hook her up with working with horses that way. There is also tennis locally, which my husband plays. Our home is rather remote and we plan a 1 week vacation in NY in August, but would otherwise be home. There is hiking around here, about 2 hours from Denver. There is also a wolf sanctuary where she could perhaps volunteer, stuff like that, if interested? For fashion around here – think denim and “old west”. Unfortunately, there are no kids her age in our remote woodland home, and my husband and I are in our early 60s, but active. Leslie
Hi Kristin,
Our daughter went to Sanborn Western Camps and she loved it. It’s outside of Colorado Springs in Colorado. www. sanbornwesterncamps.com
Many girls love Cheley, near Estes Park. http://www.cheley.com.
Meredith Callahan
Boulder, CO
Hi Kristin,
Our daughter went to Sanborn Western Camps and she loved it. It’s outside of Colorado Springs in Colorado. www. sanbornwesterncamps.com
Many girls love Cheley, near Estes Park. http://www.cheley.com.
Meredith Callahan
Boulder, CO
Hi Kristin,
My nieces and nephews have gone to Colvig Silver Camp in Colorado every summer since they were 10. Kids attend up thru 18. Their dad, my brother in law, went there every summer when he was growing up. The kids love it. Lots of bonding and fun making new friends as well as outdoor hiking, camping, etc. The camp isn’t far from the Durango area. My kids always were involved in lots of camping with Boy Scouts so we didn’t opt to send ours there. Hope that helps!
Love,
Gail (Gaelle in Mesa, AZ)
Hi Kristin,
My nieces and nephews have gone to Colvig Silver Camp in Colorado every summer since they were 10. Kids attend up thru 18. Their dad, my brother in law, went there every summer when he was growing up. The kids love it. Lots of bonding and fun making new friends as well as outdoor hiking, camping, etc. The camp isn’t far from the Durango area. My kids always were involved in lots of camping with Boy Scouts so we didn’t opt to send ours there. Hope that helps!
Love,
Gail (Gaelle in Mesa, AZ)
If looking for an English speaking country, why not consider Canada too?
Also consider applying as a Rotary exchange student – great experience!
If looking for an English speaking country, why not consider Canada too?
Also consider applying as a Rotary exchange student – great experience!