Wednesday, May 28 2003
	Tuesday, morning classes as usual. In the afternoon, however, we went to visit the local Staubli factory, source of employment for much of the citizenry of Faverges and its environs. The Staubli company, which dates back to the 19th century, now has its single largest manufacturing facility in Faverges, and is the world leader in textile dobbies as well as a leading producer of high-technology connectors (which can be found in the French TGV trains and Ariane rockets, among other uses) and the leading-edge Unimation robots.
	Our guide, Mr. Guichard, explained the technology of weaving (above) and the role of Staubli in textile production. (Staubli covers some 60% of the world market). After showing us an antique and several modern looms, he led us through the enormous factory, through the three areas which produce the three distinct lines of Staubli products. We met a couple of the host dads as we walked through the 600,000 square foot facility. The students were quite pleased with this peek into the industrial world, and were especially proud to have understood all of Mr. Guichard's carefully phrased explanations, entirely in French.
	Wednesday was market day again; with the return of good weather, we delayed the start of the first class so that students could walk around and negotiate the purchase of necessities for the upcoming Paris trip. We met a number of friendly faces and were greeted warmly wherever we went. Quite a a different story from the upcoming G8 meeting that will be taking place in Evian, only about an hour's drive away, and which we shall be scrupulously avoiding by traveling instead to Paris...
	At left, Ken and Colette shop for sunglasses; Ken went for the 'Matrix' look, while Colette found a very sensible wraparound pair. The photo at right shows Luke, Bethany and Dustin looking at wallets and coin purses. Luke's t-shirt was the envy of all, though it is doubtful a market will develop locally for shirts with that specifically Akron-oriented wording.
	The main attraction of the market is the abundance of fresh, ripe vegetables, tastier than anything we normally eat in the States... everybody is really getting healthy.
	As we do every Wednesday, we gathered for lunch at Yvette's. Everyone is seen raising a glass of leechee berry - flavored kir at the start of the meal. The sun was warm, spirits were high, and the food as usual was delicious. Only one student (who shall remain nameless) was deprived of dessert for the crime of speaking English at the dinner table! After salad and an outstanding lasagna, it was especially impressive to see Bethany and Rachelle attacking one of the goopiest, stinkiest cheeses we have yet had, and then taking seconds.
	Our thanks go once again to the Mother of all mothers, Yvette Millot. She has organized so many things since our arrival, including the three Wednesday meals so far, the fund-raising dinner last Saturday, even as she works to prepare her son Sebastien's wedding on June 7th! The students are well aware of Yvette's tireless efforts and are preparing something special of their own for her... and since she doesn't know English or consult these web reports, we expect the surprise to be complete.
	By the way, these reports are getting some 180 page hits per day, which is both awesome and puzzling. We're all wondering who all is reading these reports, so be sure to send us a hello!
	We finally made it into the local press. Articles were published in the two principal regional newspapers, and were clearly written by the same reporter. Two birds one stone... Click to view the article that appeared in L'ESSOR SAVOYARD Click to view the article that appeared in Le DAUPHINÉ LIBÉRÉ
	One student suggested that we post a shout-out list from the program participants, so here goes: from Colette: Love you Chris and the whole family; Hello Dorothy! (& hi to all my friends) from Bethany: Hugs & Kisses to my friends and family! from Dustin: mmmmmm French cheese ! Hi fam! from Luke: Hey, everyone. I'm still eating well, not to worry. Talk to you soon. from Joe: Ewwww. . . the aftermath of Dustin & Bethany eating French cheese from Rachelle: I crave cheese from Dan: hello friends & family, see you in London from Julie: love you and miss you, Josh, Mom, Dad, Phil, Jiffy, friends + family ... happy birthday, Matthew!
	Thursday morning the group heads for Paris. We leave Faverges at 7am to go to Annecy; our train leaves Annecy shortly after 8am and arrives in Paris before noon. We will deposit our bags at the hotel (Hôtel Mistral in the 14th arrondissement) and visit the city starting Thursday afternoon. Our main sightseeing day will be Friday, with more free time given to the students on both Saturday and Sunday. If an internet connection is possible, a report about the Paris trip may be posted as early as Saturday or Sunday.
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