Monday, August 13, 2018

Preparing for Year 4 of the 10 Year Plan

Year 3 here in D.C. has been wonderful--full of friends, adventures and rewarding experiences.  

Even though Year 3 is still in full swing (four months left), we have started thinking about Year 4 in Paris.

So, Susan signed herself and Greg up for French language lessons.  Here in D.C., many different places offer French language instruction.  One of the best is Alliance Française.

Susan already speaks French because she studied it in school and lived in France for a year during college. So, her placement test indicated she should take courses at the 500 level--the top level.  The class she selected is called Actualités (or News) and involves reading current news stories in French and then discussing them during class where only French is spoken.  At the last class, Susan read and spoke about the great French chef Joël Robuchon who died recently.  Robuchon's life is noteworthy because his restaurants earned more Michelin stars than any other chef.  Oh la la!  

Greg's French skills are not as good as Susan's.  He knows about French fries, but that's about it.  So, Greg was placed in the beginners' class and is learning quickly.  After just one month, most of the class is conducted in French, with very little English spoken.  With luck, by the time Greg arrives in Paris to begin Year 4, Greg will be able to say "Je voudrais des pommes frites, s'il vous plait."  (I would like some French fries, please.)

The Alliance Française school (pictured below) is located in a large townhouse in D.C.'s Kalorama neighborhood.  

Une hottie inconnu (some random hottie) on the steps of Alliance Francaise
If you read too much U.S. political news, then you know that the Kalorama neighborhood is the home of the Obama's and Kushner's, not to mention some other well-heeled folks (like Uncle Jeff).   In fact, the former President's house is just two blocks away from the school and very well-guarded.  

P.S.  If you have trouble counting in French, like Greg does, then click here.

No comments: